Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 515, the "Belarus Democracy Reauthorization of 2011.'' In recent years the Belarusian government, lead by Alexander Lukashenko, has engaged in atrocious human rights violations against opposition leaders and journalists. I believe that it is time that the United States call for an end of these practices and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 515.

Seven years ago the "Belarus Democracy Act of 2004'' was passed into law as a measure to help promote the values of democracy, human rights, and to end the violations of fundamental freedoms in the Republic of Belarus. Since this time, the Belarusian dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, has continued to harass and persecute pro-democracy political dissenters and regularly engages in human rights violations against his people. The "Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2011'' calls for Lukashenko to cease all persecution and urges the Belarusian government to work to promote the conditions required for integration of Belarus into the European family of democracies.

This legislation carries a larger significance as it is coming to a vote on the eve of a poignant time in Belarus's involvement within the global community. The International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) 2014 World Ice Hockey Championship has recently been awarded to Belarus and will be hosted in Minsk resulting in fanfare and praise. It is my belief that the IIHF should suspend this great honor until the iron grip of Lukashenko's police state is lifted and all political prisoners are released. The United States Senate unanimously, passed a resolution in April of 2011 expressing the dire need for a moratorium on the 2014 World Ice Hockey Championships in Belarus until justice has been brought to Lukashenko's victims.

It is with sincere urgency that I ask my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 515, "Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2011.'' We must continue the strong tradition of promoting democratic values around the world and let Alexander Lukashenko know that his behavior will not be condoned or tolerated by the United States of America.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source