Breakthrough in media front
- Ales Antipenka, www.baj.by
- 3.02.2009, 10:36
The euphoria that has seized some representatives of the “democratic camp” in connection with creation of “civil councils” by the presidential administration, makes one feel somewhat awkward.
Besides, none of the persons invited is indisposed to join. I am not saying that it is undesirable to join. But I would like to know: what for? It looks as if for a dialogue.
But it is interesting to know, at what official level has it been announced that the regime wants a dialogue with the civil society or political opposition? It hasn’t been announced anywhere. The regime is simply creating councils with unclear functions and authority. And the more unclear and vague these functions are, the more winning position is of those who create these councils. Besides, positive PR effect is undisputed, but no obligations and responsibility follow.
By the way, what conditions have the invited laid down? As far as I know, only Mr Trusau demanded to take minutes of the meeting in Belarusian. The “seriousness” of the demand causes smile.
And there was seemingly a new success. “Trusau met with Zimouski”. And Zimouski promised something. By the way, do the invited [democrats] have consolidated position on anything? Should Mrs Litvina meet with Zimouski now? And again, what is the value of those promises? Are they written down and documented?
The last question is not superfluous. Not so long ago Mr Zimouski was sneering: “It’s high time for luminaries of the national Belarusian literature and art… to start creation of an illustrated literary work called “The Thaw”. And the regime would return the favour by allowing to hold an exhibition of Belarusian national “Abstractionists and fags” ©, and we would spread that on air with pleasure”.
The phrase, as one can see, contains not only undisguised insult, but vividly demonstrates according to what “principles” the regime grants admission to state-run media.
So maybe the invited personalities really should have a consolidated position and lay down a number of conditions for starting a full-fledged dialogue? Among them, there could be an issue of removing from his position the current chairman of the Belarusian state TV and Radio Company, for instance. Then the dialogue would gain real weight and dramatic nature. But the way it is now, it’s nothing but “vanity of vanities” as Ecclesiastes said, and attempts to catch the wind.