Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


US Vows Continued Support for Freedom in Belarus

RFE/RL's Belarus Service

   U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun says Washington and its
   European partners will continue to press Belarusian authorities to free
   political prisoners, end violence against protesters, and allow
   citizens to choose their government through a free and fair election.

   Speaking in an interview with RFE/RL by telephone on September 1
   following a European tour that brought him to Lithuania, Russia,
   Ukraine, and Austria last week, Biegun also warned that a Russian
   military intervention in Belarus would have a "very negative" impact on
   Moscow's ties with the United States and European countries.

   "You, the people of Belarus, have reminded us how important democracy
   and freedom are. We are in awe of the courage that you have shown, and
   we wish you the very best," he said, vowing that the United States and
   its international partners "will work as closely as possible to ensure
   that you have the right to select your own government through a free
   and fair election under independent observation that is guaranteed to
   you by the Belarusian Constitution and by relevant international
   documents."

   "Please know that you have the support of the world as you advance your
   goals toward that end."

   WATCH: VOA Interview with Belarus opposition leader

.