Embassy Events 2005

State Department spokesperson Richard Boucher: The U.S. “stands behind the Belarusian people.”

The State Department says the accusations by the government of Belarus against a Polish diplomat “appear to fit a pattern of false claims that the United States and other Western countries are attempting to destabilize Belarus.”

The State Department issued a brief statement May 19 in response to a question taken during the regular State Department briefing May 18 concerning the expulsion of the Polish diplomat by Belarus.

According to the Web site of the Embassy of Poland in Washington, Belarus has decided to expel Marek Bucko, counselor at the Polish Embassy in Minsk. He was given one month to leave Belarus.

The following is the State Department statement:

Question: It has been reported that Belarus officials expelled a Polish diplomat? What is the U.S. reaction?

Spokesperson Richard Boucher: We would refer you to the Polish government for information on the details of this case. We would note that the Belarusian authorities' accusations against this Polish diplomat appear to fit a pattern of false claims that the United States and other Western countries are attempting to destabilize Belarus. The United States encourages and promotes democracy in Belarus and stands behind the Belarusian people in their quest for freedom.