Philip H. Gordon: “I made clear to the Belarusian Government that only steps toward democratic reform and respect for human rights could…”

it is in the core U.S. national interest to sustain the democracies that we have promoted for 20 years and who are now our partners.

We have been disappointed. We waited for some time for last October's elections... but the political leaders have failed to reach an agreement.

The international community must speak with one voice to support the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus, and we are committed to doing our part.

I don't think that's a habit the United States should want to develop.