Gejdenson noted that it was in the United States' interest to ensure a speedy return to democracy in Belarus. Furthermore, Belarus occupies a strategic position in Europe, bordering NATO-member Poland in the West, Ukraine in the South, Lithuania in the North, and Russia in the East. Gejdenson stressed the importance of providing support to those who continue to suffer under the illegitimate rule of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Among other provisions, H. Con. 304 calls on the U.S. Administration to report to the Congress on the state of human rights, the democratic process, free elections, independence of the media and economic liberalization in Belarus.
Political opponents are either exiled, imprisoned or made to disappear.
Gejdenson's resolution condemns the politically-motivated arrests of dissidents and urges their immediate release. In addition, the legislation denounces the disappearance of key opposition leaders and calls for a thorough investigation of these cases. Gejdenson also voiced concern over Lukashenka's refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition parties in Belarus. Lukashenka has used the tactics of delay and obfuscation in disregarding the OSCE-mediated dialogue process. Gejdenson's resolution calls on President Clinton to ensure U.S. support for independent media, human rights and civil society and to strengthen U.S. contacts with the Belarusian opposition and the free flow of information to Belarus.