| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC January 2, 2003 Taken Question from January 2, 2003 Daily Press Briefing Decision to Reestablish an Office in Belarus for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
Question: What is the U.S. reaction to the decision by Belarusian authorities to allow return to Belarus of a mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe? Will this have any effect on our ban on visas for high-ranking Belarus officials? Answer: We welcome the decision to reestablish in Minsk an office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). It is an important first step towards reestablishing a constructive relationship between Belarus and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. We hope that this restored presence in Minsk is a sign of Belarus' willingness to respect its international commitments as well the government's desire to preserve and respect human rights within the country. However, real progress depends on cooperation on the ground that respects the role and mandate of the Organization’s mission. That includes practical steps clearing the way for international staff to begin work in Minsk in the very near future. Once we are assured that the Organization's office is in place and functioning smoothly (including performing its normal human rights activities), we will consult with our European partners and consider rescinding the restrictions on visas to high-ranking Belarusian governmental officials that the U.S. and 14 members of the EU announced last month.
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