Statement on Interpol Regional Meeting in Belarus

We regret Interpol’s decision to hold its 35^th regional meeting in Minsk this week. Amid the international community’s solidarity in condemning the human rights violations perpetrated by the regime in Belarus, the United States refused to attend the May 17-18 meeting, and we applaud the European Union nations that chose not to be represented. The international community should stand together in support of those fighting for democracy in Belarus and not undermine those efforts by engaging in "business-as-usual" kinds of events such as Interpol’s meeting this week.

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