Vintsuk Vyachorka: Europe does not have illusions about reformation of dictator any more

• 25.06.2009, 11:49

The deputy chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front party believes that Alyaksandr Lukashenka is not going to get rid of his dependence on Russia.

After meetings with opposition and civil society activists, with Alyaksandr Lukashenka and Foreign Minister Syarhei Martynau, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, stated that Belarus has great prospects both in the framework of the Eastern partnership program and European Neighbourhood policy.

Meanwhile, Benita Ferrero-Waldner stated that according to the leadership of the European Union, the progress in the area of democratization has stopped in Belarus. She reminded that in March this year Europeans suspended sanctions against Belarusian officials, but in December Foreign Ministers of 27 countries of the European Union are to decide again, whether to extend suspension of sanctions or to impose them again. The European Commissioner stated that the European Union is formulating terms of cooperation between the Belarusian authorities and the EU now. The key of them are amendments to the electoral code, freedom of expression, freedom of associations, freedom of the individual and freedom of assembly.

The deputy chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front party Vintsuk Vyachorka has commented the visit of the European Commissioner to Belarus to the Euramost.org.

- At the meeting with the leaders of the democratic forces the Commissioner formulated the approach to the situation,-- Vintsuk Vyachorka said. -- And what is very important, it was an unbiased approach. It was stated that political prisoners were released, but only part of them. Two newspapers are allowed to be sold in the state system of distribution, but 13 are not. New forms of repressions have appeared. And it was said clearly that Europe can provide a considerable aid to Belarus (especially to Belarus in its present situation), but for that authorities of Belarus should make convincing steps in the direction of return to democracy. And in this respect I welcome these clear stipulations, as for some time there was an impression that advances are made for Lukashenka in hope for his recovery of sight, reformation, ability to dare for changes for the sake of the country’s interests, which would undermine the authoritarian, dictatorial model. And now there are no such illusions.

- A Moscow-based Kommersant newspaper with a reference to its sources has informed that during the talks Mrs Ferrero-Waldner allegedly stated that Europe could offer Belarus large credits, however, Belarus should guarantee privatization of the key enterprises by Western investors…

- I do not think that the European Commissioner would act as a lobbyist of some concrete groups and interests. Many Belarusian enterprises need first of all reconstruction. And it means increase of monopoly dependence on the Russian market. And Europe would like to hope that Belarus with its geographical and strategic position being a predictable country with irreversible democratic changes. That’s the most important thing, more important that some untimely interest of some neighbouring countries. They want to be present at the Belarusian market. But in order to be present at the market, one should have some guarantees.

- Have the European Commissioner expressed her attitude to the Belarusian opposition?

- One of the important topics of our conversation was the sense of the word “dialogue”. Does it mean exchange of smiles between Brussels and Minsk, or an understanding inside Belarus should be present? Only this could bring some changes and guarantees of our independence. As said by her, the democratic forces should be indispensable participants of all processes and dialogues which are taking place. This also concerns talks on changes in the electoral law, and consultations on human rights… Besides, the European Commissioner has asked a concrete question to us on public councils created by the presidential administration, and we explained: these are decorative structures. Let’s hope that setting up these councils won’t be called as one of the positive changes.

- To your mind, does Europe believe in sincere aspiration of the Belarusian authorities to become integrated in the European family?

- I think that no one has illusions about the motives of the Belarusian regime. Firstly, the regime needs as much money as possible and as soon as possible. Secondly, it needs to increase one’s significance in the talks with Russia. And to my mind, the visit of the European Commissioner would be used by 200% in this respect.

- Does it mean that maneuvering between Russia and Europe continues?

- I wouldn’t call it maneuvering. Dependence on Russia, ties with Russia and benefits from Russia are by an order more than from Europe. And Alyaksandr Lukashenka is unlikely to change his fundamental nature. Moreover, to become a European country means to live according to European rules. And nothing of the kind is observed in our country so far.