A Questionable Friendship: Us And Belarus Relations

The United States and Belarus have had a complex and often strained relationship since the US recognized Belarusian independence in 1991. The two countries established diplomatic relations and opened embassies in their respective capitals in the early 1990s, but the relationship has been marked by periods of tension and criticism. The US has accused Belarus of human rights violations and election fraud, leading to sanctions and travel restrictions, while Belarus has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs. Despite efforts to improve relations, such as high-level visits and the exchange of ambassadors, the two countries continue to have differences, particularly over political and human rights issues.

The US recognised Belarus' independence in 1991

Interstate relations between the United States and Belarus began in 1991, upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union, of which Belarus had been a part. On December 25, 1991, the United States recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and on December 28, Belarus and the US established diplomatic relations.

The US recognition of Belarus' independence came after a tumultuous period in the latter's history. Belarus had been occupied by the Russian Empire since the end of the 18th century, and was briefly declared a National Republic in 1918 before being forcibly absorbed by the Bolsheviks into what became the Soviet Union. During World War One, Belarusian territories were occupied by German forces until 1918, and the country was then occupied by Nazi Germany before being retaken by Stalin's Russia in 1944. Belarus remained under Soviet control until declaring its sovereignty on July 27, 1990, and independence from the Soviet Union on August 25, 1991.

The US recognition of Belarus' independence was announced by President George H.W. Bush in an address to the nation regarding the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations were established on the same day, with the US Embassy in Minsk opening on January 31, 1992. The first US Ambassador to Belarus, David H. Swartz, officially assumed his post on August 25, 1992—the first anniversary of Belarusian independence.

In the years since the US recognition of Belarus' independence, relations between the two countries have been strained by accusations of human rights violations and interference in internal affairs. In 2008, Belarus recalled its ambassador from Washington and expelled the US Ambassador from Minsk. In 2020, the US imposed additional sanctions and visa restrictions on various actors implicated in a disputed presidential election and related crackdowns on civil society. Despite this, there have been recent efforts to improve relations, with National Security Advisor John Bolton meeting with President Lukashenko in Minsk in 2019, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visiting in 2020.

The US imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2008

The United States and Belarus have had a tumultuous relationship since the former recognised the latter's independence in 1991. The US has long accused Belarus of violating human rights, while Belarus has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs. In 2008, the US tightened sanctions on Belarus due to worsening human rights abuses. This led to Belarus expelling the US ambassador and 30 out of 35 US diplomats from the country.

The sanctions were imposed in response to human rights abuses committed by the Belarusian government, specifically targeting individuals and entities involved in undermining democratic processes, committing human rights abuses, and engaging in public corruption. These sanctions were authorised by the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, which allowed the US to freeze assets and prohibit transactions for those on the sanctions list.

The 2008 sanctions were a response to a pattern of human rights abuses and democratic backsliding in Belarus. Following a presidential election in 2006 that was neither free nor fair, the US had already implemented travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions on nine state-owned entities and 16 individuals, including President Alexander Lukashenko. However, the situation continued to deteriorate, with the Belarusian government further consolidating its authoritarian control and repressing opposition.

The 2008 sanctions targeted a broader range of individuals and entities, reflecting the worsening situation in Belarus. The US also took steps to isolate the Belarusian government diplomatically, reducing the number of diplomats allowed in the country. This action sent a strong signal that the US was committed to holding the Belarusian government accountable for its actions and standing with the Belarusian people in their struggle for democracy and respect for human rights.

The US has maintained its commitment to supporting the Belarusian people throughout the years of a challenging relationship with the Belarusian authorities. US assistance to Belarus has focused on promoting democratic principles, respect for human rights, and capacity-building for civil society organisations. Since 1992, the US government has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance, including COVID-related aid.

The US has accused Belarus of violating human rights

The US recognised the independence of Belarus in 1991, and the two countries established diplomatic relations. However, the relationship has since soured due to accusations of human rights violations by the US.

In 2008, Belarus recalled its ambassador from Washington and expelled the US ambassador, along with 30 out of 35 US diplomats, in response to tightened US sanctions due to worsening human rights abuses.

• Unlawful or arbitrary killings by security forces
• Torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by security forces
• Harsh and life-threatening prison conditions
• Arbitrary arrest and detention
• Politically motivated reprisals against individuals in another country
• Serious problems with the independence of the judiciary
• Arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy
• Punishment of family members for alleged offenses by a relative
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media
• Serious restrictions on internet freedom
• Substantial interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association
• Inability of citizens to change their government peacefully through free and fair elections
• Serious and unreasonable restrictions on political participation
• Serious government corruption
• Serious government restrictions on or harassment of domestic and international human rights organizations
• Lack of investigation of and accountability for gender-based violence, including domestic and intimate partner violence
• Trafficking in persons
• Crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex persons
• Outlawing of independent trade unions and significant restrictions on workers' freedom of association

The US has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on various actors implicated in human rights abuses in Belarus, and has provided assistance to promote democratic principles, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms in the country.

Belarus has forced the closure of US offices

The United States and Belarus have had a tumultuous relationship since the US recognized Belarusian independence in 1991. The US has accused Belarus of violating human rights, while Belarus has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs. In 2008, Belarus expelled the US ambassador along with 30 out of 35 US diplomats. In 2020, the US imposed additional sanctions and visa restrictions on various actors implicated in a disputed election and the related crackdown on civil society.

In October 2021, Belarus forced the closure of the US Embassy's Public Diplomacy and USAID offices, as well as the American Center in Minsk. This move was seen as an attempt to "severely disrupt US development assistance and public diplomacy" in the country. The Belarusian authorities informed the US Embassy of new measures designed to impede its functioning by forcing the closure of these offices and terminating the employment of more than 20 Belarusian staff members.

Samantha Power, the US Agency for International Development administrator, said that the move demonstrated the Belarusian authorities' "callous disregard of the interests of the Belarusian people." The US Envoy for Belarus, Julie Fisher, described the decision as a reflection of the authorities' "deep insecurities about the role of diplomacy, people-to-people ties, and independent civil society." She added that the US would remain committed to helping advance democracy and human rights in Belarus and supporting the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free and independent future.

The US government's development assistance and civil society programs have benefited Belarus since the 1990s. US funds have supported entrepreneurship, business development, civil society, independent media, and families living in radiation-affected areas, among other initiatives. Despite the closure of these offices, the US has stated that it will continue its efforts to support health, education, and economic improvement in Belarus.

The forced closure of the US Embassy's offices by Belarus is just one example of the ongoing tensions between the two countries. The US has maintained its commitment to the Belarusian people, even as relations with the Belarusian authorities have been challenging.

The US has provided COVID-19 relief to Belarus

The United States and Belarus have had a rocky relationship since the US recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus in 1991. The US has accused Belarus of violating human rights, while Belarus has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs. In 2008, Belarus expelled the US ambassador, and in 2020, the US imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on various actors in response to the repression and human rights abuses in Belarus.

Despite the tense relationship, the US has provided COVID-19 relief to Belarus. Since the pandemic began, the US government has provided over $2 million in COVID-related assistance. This assistance is in addition to the over $1 billion in foreign assistance that the US has provided to Belarus since 1992. The US assistance to Belarus focuses on promoting democratic principles, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including supporting independent media and capacity-building for civil society organisations.

The US COVID-19 relief to Belarus is part of a broader effort to support the Belarusian people, whose lives have been impacted by the Chernobyl nuclear accident and the lack of a market economy and democratic values. The US has also facilitated multiple programs for citizen, academic, and professional exchanges to foster understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

The US is not alone in providing COVID-19 relief to Belarus. The Global Fund, working to fight HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, has provided financial assistance to 11 countries, including Belarus, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Fund encourages countries to take prompt action to mitigate the potential negative consequences of COVID-19 on existing programs supported by their grants, such as health worker protection, communication with affected communities, and supply chain coordination.

While the US has provided COVID-19 relief to Belarus, the Belarusian government has been criticised for its handling of the pandemic. The Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, denied the danger posed by the virus and rejected the need for lockdown measures. This inaction has had dire consequences, with a significant increase in confirmed cases and deaths.

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