BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

United States Reacts to Belarus Expulsion of Polish Diplomat

Response to taken question from May 18 State Department briefing

19 May 2005 -- 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 taken question 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.

Following is the State Department statement:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
May 19, 2005

Question Taken at May 18, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

BELARUS EXPULSION OF POLISH DIPLOMAT

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

Answer: 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.

(end text)

Source:

http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/m-news+article+storyid-10586-PHPSESSID-54cb9f0f597902593bd2a5c05f96f5a6.html