Hans-Georg Wieck: “I’ll come only to free Belarus”

• 25.06.2009, 11:57

Hans-Georg Wieck, the former head of the OSCE mission in Minsk, is denied a Belarusian visa.

Hans-Georg Wieck knows the Belarusian situation well. He was a head of the OSCE mission to Belarus for four years. The diplomat left Minsk in 2001. He has faced problems with entering Belarus, though he is a leader of the German organization “Human Rights in Belarus”. The politician answered the questions of Radio Racyja.

– Mr Wieck, you had worked for four years in Belarus. Do you have any relations with our country today?

– I am concerned over the future of Belarus. I hope your country wil choose the right direction of development. The Eastern Partnership programme can be a bridge to the right choice.

– Do you feel in Germany that west’s attitude towards Belarus has changed? is it possible to speak about improving Germany’s relation to Belarus or about a possible meeting of the two countries’ leaderships?

– There must be more official meetings within the frames of the Eastern Partnership programme. It is very important for the civil society of Belarus to take part in the process. Though it is unlikely to happen as the democratic forces are not represented in the “parliament”.

– How would you comment on the fact Belarus hasn’t received the special guest status in PACE?

– It’s evident that much needs to be done for democratization in Belarus, but the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will consider whether to restore an observer status of Belarus. The document under consideration notes the status should be given because the opposition should have a possibility to take part in PACE sessions.

– Do you plan to visit Belarus?

– I was denied a visa. Perhaps, I will come only to free Belarus.