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Dear Mr. President,

On June 13th of this year, you extended an executive order seizing the U.S. assets of the leaders of the country of Belarus. To those who are not familiar with the real situation in Belarus this order may appear rational. This is exactly where the problem lies because the measures the U.S. government has taken address the problem only on a superficial level. In the end, this course of action will bring harm to the interests of America. This decision sends a clear signal that America does not wish to improve relations with Belarus even today. The situation in the world is such that America is in need of friends as never before – especially of those who respect her and share her values. Belarus is one such country. It is a country located in the center of Europe, a country that lost every fourth citizen during the Nazi genocide in World War Two. Unfortunately, America is losing a reliable friend in Belarus as a result of personal ambitions of former State Department leaders and an insufficient familiarity of our government officials with the actual situation. Many would say that the problems in the relationship arose because the State Department and other government organizations viewed the tactics used by President Lukashenko’s administration as unacceptable. Yes, Lukashenko is no angel. But, there are no angel presidents, for there is no heaven on Earth. Still, Lukashenko was elected by the majority of people of Belarus. I was present for Belarusian elections twice and traveled across the entire country as an independent observer. I can say with my hand on the Bible – or any other sacred text – that Lukashenko was chosen by the majority of the population of Belarus. His foes and enemies attempt to create an image of a dictator, but this perception, again, does not correspond to the true situation. Yes, he tries not to allow any opposition to lead propaganda campaigns. This Lukashenko does because in his opinion (and in the opinions of many political experts) these opposition groups do not have any realistic ideas for improving the economic and social situation in the country. There is currently a hybrid of state economics and private-sector economics in Belarus. The President himself tries to improve life in Belarus as much as he can, constantly caring for the elderly, the children, and the poorer regions of the country. Improving the social situation in the country is one of Lukashenko’s main goals in domestic policy. Lukashenko does have his vices – monarchist proclivities, superfluous ardor, rashness, and an uncompromising commandeering style characteristic of his conversations with business leaders. But we need to give him due credit because he is a wonderful caretaker who wants to help the people. Lukashenko cannot stand corruption: officials who take bribes and embezzle government funds are put on trial. Belarus threatens no one with its foreign policy; it maintains friendly relations with its neighbors while peacefully building its own country. Yes, the country’s leaders committed serious mistakes – Belarus sold Russian weapons. It happened when Belarus was left without access to credit; even America deprived it of any financial assistance and moral support. It was precisely at that time that our State Department refused to show any diplomatic flexibility and in an arrogant manner interrupted Belarus’ attempts to conduct negotiations. The State Department frequently showed interest in the information provided by opposition groups in Belarus. As a result, America made decisions that are not beneficial on a governmental level. I am convinced that a frank and open dialogue is needed with the President of Belarus – it will, no doubt, give quick positive results for both sides.

Please forgive me Mr. President, but your decision of June 13th does not improve America’s relations with Belarus. All the more so because most of the people on the list have long left their posts – the President of Belarus ordered their resignation a long time ago. I firmly believe America would be able to make better gains by espousing a peaceful approach to Belarus. It is necessary for our diplomats to manifest a special kind of wisdom in the context of today’s events in the world. Mr. Lukashenko once told me: “We are a small country. We are not Russia; we do not have oil or mineral deposits. From both the West and Russia, we were forced to follow Russia’s path. But this path leads to the domination of oligarchs, to the proliferation of mafia and racketeering. This is a path of blood. We could not have survived like that and would have perished as a nation; at best, we would have been under Russia’s total control. Therefore, we have chosen our own path, a path which is not easy, but one that is honest before the world and God. This is because we think about our children’s future; it is sad that many do not understand this.” Mr. President, the United States of America supports regimes that have considerably more human rights violations, where people are much more indifferent to the plight of others, where people die from hunger and diseases. Everything is much better in Belarus. The poor country lives modestly, and the quality of life is slowly improving. It would improve even more if America would help it. This is not being done at the moment. Someone wants to punish Lukashenko but is punishing the Belarusian people instead. We want to punish the proud Lukashenko, but in so doing voluntarily agree to lose a good friend and partner. Where is our wisdom and flexibility, Mr. President?

A common sense person familiar with the current situation in the world would surely note the importance of America’s bettering its relations with Belarus and getting a reliable friend and a partner in the middle of Europe. If you are familiar with the current relations between Belarus and Russia, you will instantly understand the importance of my proposal.

President Clinton and his wife once talked with President Lukashenko at the United Nations. They understood each other and had full intentions to make America and Belarus friends. But for various reasons a few individuals were not in the spirit to follow suit. But now, Mr. President, the time has arrived to mediate the situation rapidly and effectively, and you are aware of the reason why. The overall situation in our world is frightening – the world is possibly on the verge of a catastrophe. My life philosophy is simple: Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow may never come, and we have only Today. I ask God that these words would touch your soul.

I am acquainted with Secretary Clinton and believe in her political wisdom and credibility; I believe that she can help change the situation in relation to Belarus. Many politicians adhere to the principles of marketable foreign policy: our friends may change but our interests remain the same. I propose for all to accept a new concept: our interests may change, but our friends remain. If we are able to act in this manner, life on earth will continue.

The best option, Mr. President, would be for you to take the initiative and personally meet with President Lukashenko. I firmly believe that this meeting would lead to a harmonious relationship between America and Belarus. This will be an excellent step in view of your desires to keep the world free from military catastrophes and political degradation.

Ten million Belarusians are waiting for you!

With deep respect –

Mikhail Morgulis,

President of

Spiritual Diplomacy Foundation,

Member of Academy of Spiritual Unity

of the people of the World

Florida, USA