Embassy of the United States, Minsk

LocationBelarus Minsk, Belarus
AddressUlitsa Starovilenskaya 46, Minsk, Belarus
Coordinates53°54′47″N 27°33′32″E / 53.91306°N 27.55889°E / 53.91306; 27.55889
Websitehttps://by.usembassy.gov

The Embassy of the United States in Minsk is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in Belarus.

History

The United States recognized the independence of Belarus on December 25, 1991, and subsequently established diplomatic relations. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk, Belarus, was officially opened on January 31, 1992.[1][2] The first Ambassador to Belarus, David H. Swartz, took up his post on August 25, 1992.[1] Over the years, several ambassadors have served, with Ambassador Karen B. Stewart serving from 2006 until March 12, 2008, when she was recalled following a threat of expulsion by Belarusian authorities.[2] The embassy staff was also significantly reduced during this period.

Belarus has been governed by President Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, during which time U.S.-Belarusian relations have been limited, particularly following the 2006 presidential election that was not recognized as free or fair by international standards. In 2008, worsening human rights abuses led to the tightening of U.S. sanctions and the subsequent expulsion of the U.S. ambassador and the reduction of diplomatic staff.[3]

On February 28, 2022, four days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk suspended operations.[3][4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Policy History". by.usembassy.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  2. 1 2 "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Belarus". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  3. 1 2 "U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus". diplomacy.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  4. ↑ "US shuts Belarus embassy, approves evacuation from Moscow embassy". February 28, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
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