Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE127299
2009-12-11 21:47:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:
BELARUS: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ALLEGED DEATH
how-toVZCZCXRO4218 PP RUEHSK DE RUEHC #7299 3452147 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 112147Z DEC 09 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO RUEHKV/AMEMBASSY KYIV PRIORITY 2827 RUEHVL/AMEMBASSY VILNIUS PRIORITY 3024 RUEHSK/AMEMBASSY MINSK 1122 INFO RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 5942
UNCLAS STATE 127299
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ALLEGED DEATH
THREATS TO JOURNALIST IRINA KHALIP
REF: EMAIL OF 12/9/09
UNCLAS STATE 127299
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ALLEGED DEATH
THREATS TO JOURNALIST IRINA KHALIP
REF: EMAIL OF 12/9/09
1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 3
and 4.
2. (SBU) Background: Department was contacted on December 9,
regarding alleged death threats journalist Irina Khalip
received after publication of an article about the Emmanuel
Zeltser case in "Novaya Gazeta" (Details sent via email to
Department). According to Khalip, she received three threats
by email, phone and cable. Khalip's safety and ability to
perform her job as a journalist freely in Belarus are at risk.
3. (SBU) CDA is instructed to draw from points below in
approaching appropriate GOB officials as soon as possible to
express our concerns over these alleged threats. Please
reach out to your EU colleagues to see if they would be
interested in making a parallel approach.
Begin points:
-- We have heard of recent threats to journalist Irina Khalip
and we are concerned about these threats. We can not confirm
these threats, but media freedom is an issue of great concern
to us, as we have discussed our bilateral exchanges.
Journalists should be able to practice their profession
without intimidation.
-- As we seek to improve relations with Belarus, and as
Belarus seeks to improve its relations with Europe, such
alleged activities are not helpful to your efforts.
-- We call on you to help insure her safety and allow all
journalists to operate unhindered in Belarus.
-- We urge you to re-start movement along the path of reform
begun late last year and address the international
community's areas of concern, including but not limited to
media freedom.
End points.
4. (U) Post is requested to inform the Department of any
response. The Department's point of contact is EUR/UMB
Belarus Desk Officer Alexandra Shema.
5. (U) The Department appreciates Post's assistance.
CLINTON
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ALLEGED DEATH
THREATS TO JOURNALIST IRINA KHALIP
REF: EMAIL OF 12/9/09
1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 3
and 4.
2. (SBU) Background: Department was contacted on December 9,
regarding alleged death threats journalist Irina Khalip
received after publication of an article about the Emmanuel
Zeltser case in "Novaya Gazeta" (Details sent via email to
Department). According to Khalip, she received three threats
by email, phone and cable. Khalip's safety and ability to
perform her job as a journalist freely in Belarus are at risk.
3. (SBU) CDA is instructed to draw from points below in
approaching appropriate GOB officials as soon as possible to
express our concerns over these alleged threats. Please
reach out to your EU colleagues to see if they would be
interested in making a parallel approach.
Begin points:
-- We have heard of recent threats to journalist Irina Khalip
and we are concerned about these threats. We can not confirm
these threats, but media freedom is an issue of great concern
to us, as we have discussed our bilateral exchanges.
Journalists should be able to practice their profession
without intimidation.
-- As we seek to improve relations with Belarus, and as
Belarus seeks to improve its relations with Europe, such
alleged activities are not helpful to your efforts.
-- We call on you to help insure her safety and allow all
journalists to operate unhindered in Belarus.
-- We urge you to re-start movement along the path of reform
begun late last year and address the international
community's areas of concern, including but not limited to
media freedom.
End points.
4. (U) Post is requested to inform the Department of any
response. The Department's point of contact is EUR/UMB
Belarus Desk Officer Alexandra Shema.
5. (U) The Department appreciates Post's assistance.
CLINTON