Karel Schwarzenberg: Elections are test for official Minsk
- 16.11.2010, 12:23
On November 15 a meeting of the presidential candidate Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu and Minister of Foreign Affaires of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg took place in Prague.
The topics for discussion were the future of Belarus, the pre-election atmosphere in the country, possible trends of events depending on the plan of the elections. Besides, during the meeting they discussed uniting of the two strongest Lukashenka’s challengers, Andrei Sannikov and Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu.
During the meeting Karel Schwarzenberg said:
- We have always been unfailingly supporting democratic process in Belarus and those who were engines for these processes. Such a position is maintained today as well, and is to be kept in the future. At the same time, we find it important to continue the dialogue with official Belarus.
Speaking about the results of the meeting, Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu noted:
- First of all, we have summed up the results of the campaign of signatures collection. It was relatively free. It is of fundamental importance for constructive continuation of the dialogue Belarus-the EU. But we have attracted attention of the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic to the difference between the “facade” of the official Minsk and in its “backyard”. One should not be tempted by the promises handed round by Alyaksandr Lukashenka to Western diplomats. These words mean only imitation of activities in the direction welcomed by the EU and the US. And it is very important not to mistake imitation for real headway.
For instance, the main problem, the monopoly of the authorities for vote count, has remained unchanged. In this situation we cannot speak about a real expression of will of citizens. One more election fraud is becoming real.
There is no question of further democratization of the country in this context.
As said by Karel Schwarzenberg, the EU is closely monitoring the proceedings in the civil and political sector of Belarus. And the election is the main test for the further decisions of the Czech Republic and the EU in general.
- Being the leaders in this campaign, we are doing everything for the victory, -- Nyaklyaeu underlined. – An agreement on close cooperation with Sannikov has become an important achievement. I hope that it would become an example for other participants of the presidential race as well.
These hopes were shared by Mr. Schwarzenberg:
- It is very important for the oppositional forces to unite. We welcome and support uniting of the candidates.