Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08VILNIUS281
2008-04-24 13:58:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Vilnius
Cable title:
SEVERINETS CONCERNED FOR BELARUSIAN SOVEREIGNTY
how-toVZCZCXRO7022 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHBW RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHVL #0281 1151358 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 241358Z APR 08 FM AMEMBASSY VILNIUS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2216 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 0216 RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS VILNIUS 000281
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY MINSK SENDS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO
SUBJECT: SEVERINETS CONCERNED FOR BELARUSIAN SOVEREIGNTY
UNCLAS VILNIUS 000281
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY MINSK SENDS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO
SUBJECT: SEVERINETS CONCERNED FOR BELARUSIAN SOVEREIGNTY
1. (SBU) Charge and A/POL/ECON Chief met with Belarusian Christian
Democracy Co-Chair and former political prisoner Pavel Severinets
April 23 to discuss U.S. policy and plans for the future.
Severinets expressed concern that the sovereignty of Belarus is
under growing threat from Russia, and wished to confirm the USG's
support for democracy in Belarus. He stated that his party would
continue to fight against what he sees as the growing influence of
the Kremlin over Belarus and any further moves to strengthen the
Union State.
2. (SBU) Severinets implied that some members of the democratic
coalition, notably the Belarusian Party of Communists, had many
contacts in Russia. He added that Lukashenko "always consults with
Moscow on any issues concerning relations with the United States or
Europe." Any moves by Lukashenko against the U.S. or the EU, he
said, are designed specifically to bring Belarus closer into the
Kremlin's fold and to strengthen Moscow's position.
3. (SBU) Charge told Severinets that the Embassy was following the
issue of Russian interest in Belarus' economy closely, and confirmed
that the USG's position regarding Belarus has not changed: the
United States supports the sovereignty and independence of Belarus,
will continue to promote democracy, human rights and free market
reforms, and will respect whatever decisions are made freely and
democratically by the Belarusian people. Severinets expressed
gratitude for Charge's assurances.
MOORE
CLOUD
SIPDIS
AMEMBASSY MINSK SENDS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO
SUBJECT: SEVERINETS CONCERNED FOR BELARUSIAN SOVEREIGNTY
1. (SBU) Charge and A/POL/ECON Chief met with Belarusian Christian
Democracy Co-Chair and former political prisoner Pavel Severinets
April 23 to discuss U.S. policy and plans for the future.
Severinets expressed concern that the sovereignty of Belarus is
under growing threat from Russia, and wished to confirm the USG's
support for democracy in Belarus. He stated that his party would
continue to fight against what he sees as the growing influence of
the Kremlin over Belarus and any further moves to strengthen the
Union State.
2. (SBU) Severinets implied that some members of the democratic
coalition, notably the Belarusian Party of Communists, had many
contacts in Russia. He added that Lukashenko "always consults with
Moscow on any issues concerning relations with the United States or
Europe." Any moves by Lukashenko against the U.S. or the EU, he
said, are designed specifically to bring Belarus closer into the
Kremlin's fold and to strengthen Moscow's position.
3. (SBU) Charge told Severinets that the Embassy was following the
issue of Russian interest in Belarus' economy closely, and confirmed
that the USG's position regarding Belarus has not changed: the
United States supports the sovereignty and independence of Belarus,
will continue to promote democracy, human rights and free market
reforms, and will respect whatever decisions are made freely and
democratically by the Belarusian people. Severinets expressed
gratitude for Charge's assurances.
MOORE
CLOUD