2004 press releases

Embassy Statement on TV Broadcasts (October 13, 2004)

The Embassy of the United States wishes to comment on the series of programs appearing recently on Belarusian state television purporting to report negatively on the behavior of American Embassy personnel serving in Belarus. In particular the Embassy rejects accusations aired on such programs as "Center of Attention" claiming American diplomatic personnel have engaged in disreputable, illegal or subversive activities in Belarus.

It is clear the object of these tendentious programs is to create a false and negative image of the United States for the purposes of inciting the people of Belarus against the United States, its people and its policies. The United States welcomes criticism and frank dialogue, but innuendo and attacks on the integrity of American diplomatic personnel are reprehensible. The United States Embassy is committed to fostering strong, friendly ties between our countries. Embassy personnel have and will always conduct themselves with professional self-respect and in accordance with the laws of the United States and Belarus.