Belarus Incident with U.S. Diplomat

Belarus Incident with U.S. Diplomat

Question: Regarding the detention of the U.S. diplomat in Gomel on August 23, 2005, did the Belarusians give any reasons for detaining the U.S. diplomat in the city of Gomel? If so, what reasons? What was the U.S. response?

Answer: Police entered a routine meeting this U.S. diplomat was having with representatives of non-governmental organizations. They refused to permit the diplomat to leave for forty minutes, without offering any clear explanation, except for an alleged need to check his identification.

We have made our concerns about this incident known to Belarusian officials both in Minsk and in Washington. Belarusian officials indicated they will look into the matter and provide us more information, but they have not yet given a full explanation.

We continue to press the Government of Belarus to respect civil society and to uphold its international commitments to human rights.

2005/808, Released on August 25, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC August 24, 2005 Question Taken at the August 24, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

more at Belarus or Gomel and Eastern Europe or Department of State and State Department