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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 31, 1999

Belarus: Arrest of Opposition Leader Mikhail Chigir

On March 30, 1999, Belarusian authorities detained Mikhail Chigir, Belarus' ex-prime minister and now a prominent leader of the opposition to the authoritarian regime of President Lukashenko. The arrest of Mr. Chigir in the context of increased intimidation of opposition supporters in recent weeks appears designed to stifle independent thought and action in Belarus.

The United States is deeply concerned over these developments in Belarus. We again call on Belarus to adhere to its international commitments, including respect for freedom of expression, OSCE principles and other internationally recognized rights. It is also particularly important that the authorities in Belarus engage in a dialogue with the opposition toward resolving the constitutional impasse following the illegal 1996 referendum.

We call for an immediate release of Mr. Chigir and for the Belarusian authorities' engagement in a constructive and equitable dialogue with the opposition and other elements of society advocating democracy and human rights to improve the political situation in the country for the benefit of all its citizens.

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