Vacant Belarus Ambassador Post: Why The Delay?

The US Ambassador to Belarus has been vacant since 2008, when Ambassador Karen Stewart was recalled for consultations. This was due to the US imposing sanctions on Belarus following a presidential election in 2006 that violated international norms and was neither free nor fair. Since then, US-Belarusian relations have been strained, with the US imposing further sanctions on Belarus in 2008 due to worsening human rights abuses. In response, Belarus expelled the US ambassador and 30 out of 35 US diplomats. Since 2023, Peter Kaufman has served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the US Mission to Belarus, responsible for representing the United States in the country and conducting its foreign policy.

The US has not had an ambassador in Belarus since 2008

The US recognised Belarusian independence in 1991, and an embassy was established in Minsk in 1992. Since then, there have been several US ambassadors to Belarus, including David H. Swartz (1992-1994), Daniel V. Speckhard (1997-2000), Michael G. Kozak (2000-2003), and George Krol (2003-2006). However, relations between the two countries have been strained due to concerns over Belarus's commitment to democracy and human rights.

In 2006, a presidential election in Belarus was deemed to have violated international norms and was neither free nor fair. As a result, the US and the European Union implemented travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions on several Belarusian individuals and entities, including President Lukashenko. The situation further deteriorated in 2008 when the US tightened these sanctions due to worsening human rights abuses in the country.

In response to the expulsion of its ambassador and diplomats, the US has not had an official representative in Belarus since 2008. However, the US has maintained its commitment to the Belarusian people, providing assistance and support to advance democracy, human rights, and a market economy in the country. The US Embassy in Minsk continued to operate until February 28, 2022, when it suspended its operations. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic representation, the US remains engaged with Belarus and continues to work towards improving relations between the two countries.

The US and Belarus have had poor relations since 1994

The US has also imposed sanctions on Belarus over the years, citing election fraud, police crackdowns, and human rights abuses. For instance, in 2005, the US tightened sanctions on Belarus due to worsening human rights abuses. More recently, in 2022, the US suspended operations at its embassy in Minsk, citing Belarus's failure to make progress on human rights and democracy issues.

Despite the strained relationship, there have been some attempts at improving relations. In 2015, Lukashenko released all of Belarus's political prisoners, leading the US to provide limited sanctions relief. Additionally, since sanctions relief began, Belarus has taken some steps to improve democracy and human rights. The US has stated that increased bilateral engagement depends on Belarus making further progress in these areas.

The US Embassy in Belarus is currently led by Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Peter Kaufman, who assumed the role in June 2023. Kaufman is responsible for representing the United States in Belarus and conducting US foreign policy, as well as overseeing embassy personnel. While there is no accredited US Ambassador in Minsk, the US remains committed to advancing democracy, human rights, and engagement between the two countries.

The US has imposed sanctions on Belarus for human rights abuses

The US-Belarus relationship has been tense since Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The United States recognised Belarus on December 26, 1991, and established an embassy in the capital, Minsk, on January 31, 1992. However, relations have been at a low level under the authoritarian rule of President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994.

In 2006, the United States imposed economic sanctions on two enterprises of the Belarusian state petrochemical corporation Belneftekhim due to reports of human rights abuses. This action led Belarus to recall its ambassador from Washington and demand the departure of the US envoy from Minsk. The US further tightened sanctions in 2008 due to worsening human rights abuses in Belarus, prompting the expulsion of Ambassador Karen Stewart and 30 out of 35 US diplomats.

Since the 2020 disputed presidential election in Belarus, which resulted in widespread protests and a harsh government crackdown, the US has continued to impose sanctions on President Lukashenko and his allies, citing election fraud and police brutality. The US government remains committed to advancing democracy and human rights in Belarus and supporting the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free and independent future.

In June 2023, Peter Kaufman assumed the role of Chargé d’Affaires ad interim for the US Mission to Belarus. In this capacity, he represents the United States in the absence of an accredited ambassador and conducts US foreign policy while overseeing embassy personnel. Despite the suspension of the US Embassy's operations in Minsk in February 2022, the State Department continues to provide information on its outreach and engagement efforts on its website.

Belarus has accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs

Since 1994, Belarus has been run by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. Under his rule, US-Belarusian relations have remained at a low level. After the 2006 Belarusian presidential election, which violated international norms, the US and the European Union implemented travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions on individuals and entities.

The US has also encouraged Belarus to improve democracy and human rights, and to promote a market economy. The US Embassy in Minsk suspended its operations in February 2022, following intelligence that Belarus was preparing to invade Ukraine with Russia.

In addition to the US, Russia has also warned the US and the European Union against imposing sanctions on Belarus and interfering in its internal affairs.

Belarus has a history of restricting freedom of expression, association, and assembly. The government has forcibly closed hundreds of civil society organizations, NGOs, and independent labor unions. It has also restricted academic freedom and cultural events, and dismissed workers in cultural institutions for their support of the pro-democracy movement.

The Belarusian government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and political repression. It has also been accused of restricting internet freedom, blocking or filtering websites, and monitoring online communications.

The US has introduced sanctions against individuals and companies in Belarus for undermining democratic processes, committing human rights abuses, and engaging in public corruption. These sanctions have targeted President Lukashenko, his close associates, and various government officials and entities.

The US embassy in Minsk suspended operations in February 2022

The US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus, suspended operations on February 28, 2022. This decision was made in response to the Russian military's unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine, which raised security and safety concerns for US citizens, including government personnel and their dependents serving around the world. The Department of State emphasised that it continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates worldwide, prioritising the safety and security of US citizens.

The suspension of operations at the US Embassy in Minsk occurred concurrently with the authorisation of the voluntary departure of non-emergency employees and their family members from the US Embassy in Moscow, Russia. This action further emphasised the US government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel and citizens in the region during the escalating conflict.

The US Embassy in Minsk has been a vital component of US-Belarusian relations. However, these relations have been strained since 1994 under the rule of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. In 2006, a presidential election in Belarus violated international norms of freedom and fairness, leading the United States and the European Union to impose travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions. In response, Belarus expelled the US ambassador in 2008, and this position has remained vacant ever since.

Despite the suspension of operations, the US government remains committed to advancing democracy and human rights in Belarus. Special Envoy Ambassador Fisher affirmed that the United States will continue to support the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free and independent future. The State Department continues to provide information on outreach and engagement efforts on the Embassy website, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to improving relations and supporting the Belarusian people.

The US Embassy in Minsk played a crucial role in fostering bilateral relations between the two countries. However, the absence of an accredited US ambassador since 2008 has likely contributed to the strained relationship. The suspension of operations in 2022 further impacted the ability to conduct diplomatic engagements from within Belarus. Nonetheless, the US government maintains its dedication to supporting the Belarusian people and improving bilateral relations through alternative means.

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