2005 press releases

U.S. Embassy Response to Disinformation About Humanitarian Assistance to the Turov Regional Hospital (October 14, 2005)

Belarusian state television aired a misleading, cynical and inaccurate report on Tuesday, October 11th concerning a donation by the U.S. European Command to the Turov Regional Hospital in Gomel region.

Earlier this year, the U.S. European Command's Humanitarian Assistance Program provided grants and donations to renovate the Turov Regional Hospital's rehabilitation center. The hospital had applied for the donation and all the equipment and designs for the project were chosen by the hospital authorities based on the needs of the local population. The hospital authorities graciously invited Ambassador Krol to visit the hospital and participate in dedicating the new center with local officials and present additional donations on behalf of the American people. Ambassador Krol met with hospital employees, local officials and citizens of Turov and the Zhitovichi region who expressed to him their personal and sincere appreciation for this joint humanitarian effort, which was undertaken in full accordance with existing Belarusian law and in close cooperation with the hospital authorities.

Through this and other similar donations, the United States demonstrates its sincere desire and willingness to establish personal contacts and assist in meeting concrete humanitarian needs when and where possible in Belarus. These donations are not only welcomed by the recipients but are requested by many Belarusian communities.

This Belarusian state television report and other misleading, inaccurate, and tendentious information Belarusian state media has been presenting about the United States attempt to create a negative image of the United States and discredit the constructive partnerships and friendships that have been nurtured and developed over many years between the American and Belarusian peoples. But their real effect is to discredit and disgrace the authors and purveyors of this disinformation. Such reports cannot destroy the strong ties of friendship between the American and Belarusian peoples. Despite this disinformation campaign, the United States remains a steadfast friend and partner, committed to building strong ties with the honorable, decent and heroic Belarusian people as they seek to build a strong, independent, democratic, prosperous Belarus.