U.S. sanctions are "adequate response" to the repression that followed the presidential elections in Belarus. This was stated by Michael McFaul, an American adviser to Barack Obama on Homeland Security and Senior Director for Russia and Eurasia of the U.S. National Security Council. "These sanctions were initiated by the U.S.. I want to be clear: we did not follow the Europeans. They introduced their own sanctions, while we — our own," he said.
«We are deeply convinced that this was an adequate response to the horrific massacre that occurred during the presidential elections in Belarus,» said the U.S. presidential adviser in an interview with «Voice of America.»
According to Michael McFaul, the sanctions against Belarus were imposed in the framework of the «broad strategy to promote universal values throughout the world.» «For two years in power, the U.S. administration of Obama has made 50 to 60 formal complaints of violations of the principles of democracy and human rights in Russia,» said Obama’s advisor. We see this as part of our policy of engagement. Interactions are not only pleasant words and statements. Sometimes the interaction requires an honest discussion of current events, violations of the principles of democracy and human rights,» said Michael McFaul.
«People are important to understand that we have a broad strategy to promote universal values throughout the world, including Russia, to keep on supporting processes of democratization, rule of law, human rights’ protection. In my opinion, what is particularly important is the concept of indirect contacts with civil society of other countries, the interaction with them, support of their activities, promotion of linkages with our civil society. This is an innovative solution of the administration of President Obama — what we call the contacts of equals,» said the White House.
Thus, said Michael McFaul, they communicate not only with official representatives, but also with their colleagues and peers in the U.S. that address the same problems.
