[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[October 20, 2004]
[Pages 2630-2631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004
October 20, 2004

    The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, which I signed into law earlier 
today, will help the cause of freedom in Belarus. This bipartisan 
legislation demonstrates America's deep concern over events in Belarus 
and a commitment to sustain those Belarusians who must labor in the 
shadows to return freedom to their country.
    At a time when freedom is advancing around the world, Aleksandr 
Lukashenka and his Government are 
turning Belarus into a regime of repression in the heart of Europe, its 
Government isolated from its neighbors and its people isolated from each 
other. We will work with our allies and partners to assist those seeking 
to return Belarus to its rightful place among

[[Page 2631]]

the Euro-Atlantic community of democracies. There is no place in a 
Europe whole and free for a regime of this kind.
    On October 17, Mr. Lukashenka 
claimed victory for referendum results that swept away constitutional 
limits on his term in office. The referendum campaign and concurrent 
Parliamentary elections were conducted in a climate of abuse and fear. 
OSCE and other observers have determined that this victory was achieved 
by fraudulent means.
    These actions are the latest in a series of measures designed to 
stifle independent voices within Belarus. Since 2001, Belarusian 
authorities have systematically repressed independent media, trade 
unions, civic organizations, and religious congregations. The 
Lukashenka regime has repeatedly 
responded to the peaceful expression of opposition with beatings, 
arrests and, in a number of cases, the disappearance of opposition 
leaders.
    The Belarus Democracy Act will help us support those within Belarus 
who are working toward democracy. We welcome this legislation as a means 
to bolster friends of freedom and to nurture the growth of democratic 
values, habits, and institutions within Belarus. The fate of Belarus 
will rest not with a dictator, but with the students, trade unionists, 
civic and religious leaders, journalists, and all citizens of Belarus 
claiming freedom for their nation.

Note: H.R. 854, approved October 20, was assigned Public Law No. 108-
347.