Obama Administration is Commited to Putting Pressure on Belarus Authories
The first move of Obama administration towards Belarus seems to be in line with the U.S. policy of putting pressure on Belarus for violations of human rights and democratic principles. Below is the notice communicated by the Office of the Press Secretary of the White House:
NOTICE
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CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO THE
ACTIONS AND POLICIES OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT
OF BELARUS AND OTHER PERSONS THAT UNDERMINE DEMOCRATIC
PROCESSES OR INSTITUTIONS IN BELARUS
On June 16, 2006, by Executive Order 13405, the President declared a national emergency and ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Belarus, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706). The President took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Belarus and other persons that have undermined democratic processes or institutions; committed human rights abuses related to political repression, including detentions and disappearances; and engaged in public corruption, including by diverting or misusing Belarusian public assets or by misusing public authority.
Despite some positive developments in the past year, including the release of internationally recognized political prisoners, the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Belarus and other persons continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Accordingly, the national emergency declared on June 16, 2006, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond June 16, 2009. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13405.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
June 12, 2009.
Victims of Communism Memorial: Wreath Laying Ceremony and Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom Ceremony
WASHINGTON — Wreath Laying Ceremony and Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom Ceremony will take place at the Victims of Communism Memorial on June 16, 2009.
A delegation of Belarusian diaspora representing Belarusian-American Association and We Remember Foundation will attend the events and lay flowers to commemorate tens of millions of victims.
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