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Belarus demonstrators declare, “Yes to law! No to decree!” as they protest an arbitrary presidential decree. (© AP Images)

U.S. Envoy Works To Nurture Civil Society in Belarus

Personal presence and the personal touch can be extremely powerful tools in nurturing democracy and civil society, as Karen Stewart, the U.S. ambassador to Belarus, has demonstrated. Her skills in supporting democratic activists laboring under the repressive regime of Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko wins Stewart recognition from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who bestows on her the first Diplomacy for Freedom Award in a special ceremony at the Department of State. (complete text)

Russian Action on "Frozen Conflicts" Can Save Key Security Pact

The United States is committed to helping Russia take necessary steps toward resolving "frozen conflicts" in Georgia and Moldova and thus defusing the Kremlin’s threat to suspend the Conventional Forces Europe Treaty, one of history’s most successful arms control agreements, a top State official tells Congress. (complete text)

Top Russian Businesswomen Trade Tips with U.S. Pros

A group of 10 successful Russian businesswomen is meeting with U.S. counterparts and officials in Washington, Baltimore and New York to learn how to develop their businesses further, thanks to a program sponsored by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In Russia, there are few programs designed to support businesswomen, despite the fact that women-owned businesses are growing faster than those owned by men, program participant Elena Fedyashina says. (complete text)

SPECIAL FEATURE Rice and Abbas