“To authorize an annual strategic dialogue to return democratic rule to Belarus, and for other purposes.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section authorizes the Secretary of State to facilitate an annual strategic dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement to (1) consider efforts needed to return to democratic rule in Belarus, including support for free and fair elections; (2) support the day-to-day functions of the Belarusian democratic movement, which represents the legitimate aspirations of the Belarusian people; (3) ensure Belarusians living outside Belarus have adequate access to essential services; (4) respond to the political, economic, and security impacts of events in Belarus and Russia on neighboring countries; (5) ensure accountability, including through sanctions, for the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka for human rights abuses and support for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine; (6) facilitate the release of political prisoners and other wrongfully detained individuals in Belarus, including journalists; and (7) support Belarusian language and cultural programs, including independent media and civil society efforts to restore democracy and democratic institutions.