Resident Program Director, Vilnius @IRIGlobal. International affairs professional focused on development, trade, foreign policy, diplomacy. Opinions are my own.
I congratulate the Coordination Council @rada_vision on the first session of its 4th convocation, elected as a representative body of our democratic movement.
I also congratulate Artsiom Brukhan on his election as Speaker. I wish him and all members wisdom, resilience and strength as we work together for a free, democratic and European Belarus.
Congratulations to the people of Armenia🇦🇲 on a successful National election, which @IRIglobal was honored to observe.
Read the findings of our election observation mission to #Armenia here:
https://t.co/hETIG9wz4V
Our international election observation mission to Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections 🇦🇲 released its preliminary statement.
Despite extensive foreign influence efforts, including vote-buying & false narratives promoting pro-Russian narratives, Armenian voters resisted this pressure & made their voices heard at the ballot box. 🗳️
Voting was generally calm and orderly, with strong civic engagement. IRI observers found no systemic irregularities that compromised the integrity of voting or counting.
If implemented, the delegation’s recommendations could help strengthen electoral integrity, peaceful participation, & public confidence in future electoral processes. Read the full statement: https://t.co/Pz6T6JPjrz
The Election Commission has approved the final results of the elections to the 4th Convocation of the Coordination Council.
We thank everyone who voted & everyone who, despite unprecedented cyberattacks by the regime, made this voting process possible
The results are as follows⬇️
Remembering my great-uncle, Anton Dietzen, on Memorial Day. He fought with the U.S. Army's 2nd Armored Division, "Hell on Wheels," and was killed in action on November 17, 1944. He is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. https://t.co/7RZFoPOJOy
At the 3rd Congress on Political Prisoners in #Belarus, Belarusian Democratic Forces' Leader Sviatlana @Tsihanouskaya, Lithuanian @LRSeimas MP @VCmilyte & Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski called for further efforts to release all imprisoned #WithoutJustCause in Belarus
I cast my vote in the Coordination Council election.
It took longer because the regime is attacking the voting system. But that only proves how important these elections are.
Despite pressure and attempts to obstruct the process, Belarusians continue to make their voices heard.
From May 11–17, Belarusians will elect the next Coordination Council, a platform to shape our country’s future.
Those who chose to run did so knowing the pressure, threats, and risks involved. That deserves deep respect.
This vote is about the Belarus we choose to build.
The campaign for the Coordination Council — our proto-parliament — has begun.
9 lists, 174 candidates, including youth, veterans, and former political prisoners.
Voting will take place May 11–17.
Despite regime threats, Belarusians continue to choose a democratic future.
Great to have lunch with @jamiemfly , CEO of @freedomhouse.
Especially grateful to his team in 🇱🇹, under @VJurkonis leadership, for their dedicated work helping ex political prisoners rebuild their lives after release. Continued support for trusted partners like FH is essential.
Honored to attend the flag raising ceremony of the white-red-white flag, a symbol of freedom for the Belarusian democracy movement at the @LRSeimas with 🇱🇹Speaker Olekas, 🇵🇱Senate Deputy Marshal @kaminskimichal & Leader of the Belarusian Democratic Forces Sviatlana @Tsihanouskaya
Good meeting with @IRIglobal President @DCTwining and Director @stephennix in Washington DC last week.
Discussed strategic priorities to advance freedom, democracy, and security in our region.
Grateful for the solid cooperation with @MarkDietzen and IRI’s office in Vilnius.
With over three decades of cooperation between @IRIglobal and @LithuaniaMFA, #Lithuania 🇱🇹 Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs @AudraPlepyte discussed the next chapter with our @MarkDietzen. Strong partnerships in #Eurasia mean greater security and prosperity for 🇺🇸 & 🇱🇹.
#Moldova's recent elections provide important lessons for #Armenia as it prepares for its 2026 parliamentary elections. At the #NarvaSecuritySummit, IRI's @MarkDietzen shared how strengthening democracy in #Eurasia means greater security and prosperity for the U.S.
Ahead of #Armenia’s🇦🇲2026 parliamentary elections, @IRIglobal’s @MarkDietzen discussed how democracy is shaping Armenians’ vision for the future at a @KASonline event
Congratulations to @IRIglobal's Senior Director for Europe and Eurasia @stephennix for being awarded the Ordinul Onoarei, Order of Honor, from President @sandumaiamd for his tireless efforts to advance democracy in #Moldova. This is among Moldova's highest distinctions.
Moldova’s President @sandumaiamd honored @IRIglobal’s @stephennix with the Moldova Medal of Honor for his work to advance democracy in the country 🇲🇩. The recognition was presented by Speaker @Igor_Grosu_md and Foreign Minister @MihaiPopsoi
1/ Our own Steve Nix joined @TVPWorld_com@mariekatokmiec to discuss Georgia’s 🇬🇪 recent municipal elections, Moldova’s 🇲🇩 parliamentary vote, and what both mean for the wider region.
Watch here: https://t.co/53Yks97MZF