A Historic Day For Us-Belarus Relations

September 14 is a day marked by several notable events in the histories of the USA and Belarus. In the USA, it is the day President McKinley died from infection due to gunshot wounds in 1901. In Belarus, September marks the month the country gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

US-Belarus relations began in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union

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

The United States had been supportive of the independence movements in Eastern Europe, but its policy was largely reactive, with President George H.W. Bush choosing to let events unfold organically, careful not to worsen Gorbachev's position. Gorbachev's decision to allow multi-party elections and create a presidency for the Soviet Union began a slow process of democratisation that eventually destabilised Communist control and contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Following the unsuccessful August 1991 coup against Gorbachev, Belarus declared its independence from the Soviet Union on 25 August 1991. The United States recognised this independence on 25 December 1991, when President Bush announced the decision in an address to the nation. This marked the official start of US-Belarus relations.

The American Embassy in Minsk was established on 31 January 1992, with John Ford as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. In 1993, the embassy of Belarus was opened in Washington. Prime Minister of Belarus Vyacheslav Kebich received visiting US Secretary of State Warren Christopher on 26 October 1993, promising new presidential elections.

The US has imposed sanctions on Belarus for human rights violations

The US has a history of imposing sanctions on Belarus for human rights violations, dating back to the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, which Belarus believed interfered with its internal affairs. In 2006, the US introduced sanctions against Belarusian individuals and companies for undermining democratic processes, committing human rights abuses, and engaging in public corruption. These sanctions included freezing assets and prohibiting transactions with the designated persons and entities.

In 2020, the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, urged the Belarusian government to actively engage with Belarusian society through the Coordination Council, which was established in response to the disputed presidential election that year. The US supported international efforts to investigate electoral irregularities, human rights abuses, and the subsequent crackdown on protests.

In addition to the US, other countries and organizations have also imposed sanctions on Belarus. The European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, and several Baltic states have implemented sanctions targeting Belarusian officials, freezing their assets, and imposing travel bans. These sanctions were imposed in response to the violent persecution of protesters, arbitrary detentions, torture, and other human rights violations committed by the Belarusian authorities.

The US and its allies have also taken actions beyond sanctions to hold Belarus accountable. They have applied powerful sanctions on Russia's financial institutions and targeted the financial networks and assets of Russian and Belarusian elites. Additionally, they have restricted imports and exports to and from Belarus, further isolating the country economically.

The US has a history of troubled relations with Belarus, which began in 1991 upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The relationship has been marked by accusations of human rights violations, interference in internal affairs, and disagreements over elections and political prisoners. The US has encouraged Belarus to conclude agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and increase privatization to create a favorable business and investment climate. However, the development of American direct private investment in Belarus has been relatively slow due to the uncertain pace of reform.

The US and its allies have restricted Russian and Belarusian imports and exports

The US and its allies have imposed stringent export controls and restrictions on imports and exports to and from Russia and Belarus. These measures are in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, enabled by Belarus, and the human rights abuses and violations committed by both countries. The US has also targeted the financial networks and assets of Russian and Belarusian elites, including President Putin and members of his security council.

The US and its allies have taken steps to restrict Russian and Belarusian imports and exports, with the US Department of Commerce playing a key role in expanding these restrictions. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has imposed highly restrictive controls on the export and re-export of commodities, software, and technologies to Russia and Belarus, which are vital to sustaining their military capabilities. These controls include stringent license requirements on items such as composite materials, medical products, hydraulic fluids, pumps, valves, and machine tools.

The US and its allies have also targeted the financial networks of both countries, applying powerful sanctions on Russia's largest financial institutions and its sovereign wealth fund. They have made it difficult for Russia to secure funding for its war, choking off imports of key technologies, and targeting the assets of Russian and Belarusian elites. These actions have had a significant impact on the economies of both Russia and Belarus.

In addition to economic measures, the US and its allies are pursuing justice and accountability for war crimes and other atrocities committed in Ukraine. They are supporting various mechanisms, including the work of War Crimes Units under the Ukrainian Prosecutor General and international investigative efforts, to document and promote accountability for human rights abuses.

The US and its allies' actions are intended to hold Russia and Belarus accountable for their aggression and to undercut their strategic ambitions on the world stage.

The US has suspended its embassy in Belarus

On February 28, 2022, the US suspended operations at its embassy in Minsk, Belarus, citing security and safety concerns due to the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine. This decision was made to ensure the safety and security of US citizens, including US government personnel and their dependents serving around the world. The US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, stated that the US will continue its commitment to advancing democracy and human rights in Belarus and supporting the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free and independent future.

The suspension of the US embassy in Belarus comes amidst strained relations between the two countries. The US has accused Belarus of violating human rights and interfering in its internal affairs. In 2006, the US and the European Union imposed travel restrictions and financial sanctions on Belarus after a presidential election that was neither free nor fair. Belarus, in turn, expelled the US ambassador in 2008 and reduced the number of US diplomats in the country.

Despite the suspension of embassy operations, the US government has expressed its continued commitment to engaging with the Belarusian people and supporting their democratic aspirations. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission for Belarus is one example of this ongoing engagement. However, the US has also taken additional measures, such as imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on Belarusian officials and individuals involved in human rights abuses and corruption.

The US Embassy in Minsk has played a significant role in fostering relations between the two countries since its establishment in 1992. The embassy has been a key channel for diplomatic engagement and the promotion of US interests in Belarus. With the suspension of operations, the US has had to adjust its diplomatic approach towards Belarus, relying on alternative means of communication and engagement.

The future of US-Belarus relations remains uncertain. The US has emphasized its commitment to supporting democracy and human rights in Belarus, but the two countries continue to have differing views and tensions over various issues. It is yet to be seen if and when the US will resume embassy operations in Belarus and what steps will be taken to improve bilateral relations.

The US has denounced Belarus for forcing Ryanair Flight 4978 to land

On May 23, 2021, the US denounced Belarus for forcing Ryanair Flight 4978, travelling from Athens, Greece, to Vilnius, Lithuania, to land in Minsk, Belarus. The Belarusian government claimed that there was a Hamas bombing attempt on the flight and that they had received an email threatening that a bomb would be detonated over Vilnius if their demands were not met. However, the US, along with several other countries and organisations, condemned this act as a violation of international law and an infringement of basic human rights.

The US denounced Belarus's actions as a blatant act of transnational repression, with the purpose of arresting and detaining opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich. Pratasevich was placed under house arrest in Belarus and continues to be used as a prop in the country's propaganda efforts. His companion, Sofiya Sapega, was sentenced to six years in prison based on politically-motivated charges.

The US also highlighted Belarus's violation of international aviation law and the endangerment of the lives of innocent passengers on board. They called on Belarus to release all political prisoners, including Pratasevich and Sapega, to stop its repression of the pro-democracy movement, and to allow for free and fair elections.

The incident involving Ryanair Flight 4978 is not the first time that the US has criticised Belarus for human rights violations and interference in its internal affairs. In 2004, the Belarus Democracy Act was passed by the US Congress, which Belarus believes interferes with its internal affairs. Additionally, the US has previously imposed sanctions on Belarus for "undermining Belarus' democratic processes, committing human rights abuses, and engaging in public corruption."

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