[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 43 (Monday, October 25, 2004)]
[Pages 2502-2503]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 2503]]

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 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.