The United States has called on Belarus government and opposition to accept the offer of OSCE Chief-in-Office Edi Rama and Swedish Minister of Foregin Affairs Ann Linde to mediate the crisis with all stakeholders in the country.
In a statement by the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompe on Thursday, the US noted that the August 9 elections in Belarus were neither free nor fair.
“We urge the government of Belarus to accept the OSCE chairmanship’s offer to facilitate dialogue and engage all stakeholders,” Pompeo stated.
He supported peaceful protests in Belarus, and strongly condemned the violence against protesters and journalists, the arrest of opposition candidates and peaceful protesters, the blockage of Belarus’ internet service, and the abuse of detainees.
Pompeo called for the immediate release of those unjustly detained.
On Wednesday, the EU also supported Rama and Linde’s offer to mediate the Belarusian crisis. Sweden will take over the OSCE Chairmanship from Albania in January 2021.
