[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H9215-H9216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1230
            REESTABLISHING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH BELARUS

  (Mr. ROHRABACHER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
calling for reestablishing full diplomatic relations between the United 
States and the nation of Belarus with the focus of exchanging 
ambassadors between our countries. This resolution recognizes that the 
Government of Belarus has reached out to the West and has improved 
political conditions in their own country.
  For example, the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe 
monitored the recent Presidential election in Belarus and noted the 
progress made in establishing a more democratic and open system.
  Another example of Belarus' positive action is that it played a 
significant role in bringing about a cease-fire in Ukraine. It did this 
by hosting immense diplomatic talks between all

[[Page H9216]]

parties to the conflict. This was a major contribution toward restoring 
peace to that region.
  Furthermore, on October 22 of this year, Belarus released all of its 
very few political prisoners.
  In response, the European Union and the United States have 
temporarily lifted economic sanctions. Hopefully, that temporary 
suspension of economic sanctions will become permanent as Belarus 
continues to improve its standing.
  Exchanging ambassadors, as my resolution calls for, is a major step 
forward in the right direction. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this resolution, which I will submit to the Congress right 
now.

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