Family Forum / Parenting / Adoption / August 2008

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NOT_GOING_HOME?SITE=OKTUL&SECTION=HOME&TE
MPLATE=DEFAULT

Belarusian girl won't leave US after exchange ends

By JULIANA BARBASSA
Associated Press Writer
Aug 22,

PETALUMA, Calif. (AP) -- In the Zapata family photos, it's hard to
separate Tanya Kazyra from the other children. They're shown hugging
in portraits, smiling in Christmas cards, playing together.

The 16-year-old from Belarus has spent nine summers in this wine
country town as part of an exchange program for children from regions
affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. But now she's refusing to
leave, causing a rift in diplomatic circles and prompting her native
country to halt its exchange and adoption programs to the U.S.

"This is my family," Tanya says, and the Zapatas agree.

"She's called us mom and dad since she was eight years old," said
Debra Zapata.

At age 16, Tanya's too old to continue in the program. And she says
the life waiting for her at home is grim. A court order removed her
from her parents' care as an infant, and she was raised by a
grandmother, who shielded her from her father's violence and drug
abuse, she said.

"There, my life is too hard," Tanya said, explaining that she's
received her grandmother's blessing to do whatever she felt was best.
"I love my country, and I love my grandma. But life is not really
good. I have a family here."

Tanya's decision to outstay the program's Aug. 5 end initially led to
accusations of kidnapping, with police visiting the Zapata residence
to make sure the girl wasn't being held against her will. Her visa
expires in December, and she's requested an extension by immigration
authorities.

This is the first time an exchange participant has refused to return
home, but it has led to the government suspending the trips, said Oleg
Kravchenko, charge d'affaires at the Belarus Embassy in Washington.

"As a party responsible for these kids, we do not find ourselves in
position to let them go here anymore," he said.

An envoy of the Belarus ministry of foreign affairs flew to Petaluma
to speak with Tanya, while Belarusian representatives say they're
talking with the State Department, seeking the girl's prompt return
and a guarantee that this won't happen again.

State Department officials say they can't discuss the details of this
case but confirmed they're in discussion with the government of
Belarus regarding one of its exchange programs.

Relations between the two countries were already frayed by U.S.
sanctions and tensions over detainees described by Americans as
political prisoners. Both sides recalled their ambassadors in March.

No resolution emerged from meetings this week, and as negotiations
continue, pressure mounts on the Zapatas and Tanya. Other families who
have hosted children over the years are afraid they won't have another
chance to see kids they've grown to love.

Up to 2,000 children from regions still suffering from the fallout of
the Chernobyl disaster get health, dental and vision care as well as a
carefree summer through programs such as this every year since 1991,
said Cecelia Calhoun, Belarus liaison for the Children of Chernobyl
United States Alliance.

"Thousands and thousands have benefited from this," said Calhoun.
"It's all very unfortunate."

The Zapatas and their lawyer note the decision to halt the program
came from the Belarusian government. Thousands of American children go
abroad, and foreigners come as part of exchange programs, and on
occasion, some don't return on schedule, said the Zapata's attorney,
Christopher Kerosky.

"It happens, and it never leads to a diplomatic crisis," he said.
"Isn't this excessive? Why is the government overreacting like this?"

He said blaming it on Tanya puts unfair pressure on the teenager,
whose life in the industrial town of Borisov has been rough and
relieved by monthly phone calls from the Zapatas and the knowledge of
summers far away in Petaluma.

Debra Zapata knows the Belarusian government is pushing hard, but the
nurse and mother of three says she's not wavering either.

"Tanya is part of our family, and we'll help with anything, no matter
how hard it is," she said.