Lukashenka’s Administration accuses EU of organizing revolution
- 4.11.2010, 9:11
The head of the administration of the Belarusian dictator said the regime was not going to fulfill any conditions of the European Union.
Any pressure on Belarus both from the East and the West will be absolutely counterproductive, head of Lukashneka’s Administration Uladzimir Makei said opening the XIII Minsk Forum on November 3, BelaPAN informs.
Makei stressed Belarus would continue democratization and reform processes.
“The priority of the tasks will be an independent decision of the people of Belarus. I regret that hardened mentality elements based on isolation, sanctions, and even revolutions haven’t been eliminated in Belarus–EU relations yet,” the head of Lukashenka’s Administration said.
Mekei added that Belarus was often reproached for “the lack of democracy and the noticed regress in the relations with the EU”. “These rebukes do not have any grounds. If we study the dynamics of our relations, we can see that there have been a lot of changes for the last two years in comparison with the previous 12 years of sanctions and isolation,” he said.
Belarus has the right to expect the European Union to take more concrete steps, in particular lifting sanctions, liberalization of economic relations, and simplification of visa procedures, the head of Lukashenka’s administration thinks.
Makei gave an interview to Radio Svaboda, in which he commented on an offer of Polish and German foreign ministers to give a €3bn aid if the elections were democratic.
“We do not need billions for the billions’ sake, and investments for the investments’ sake. We do not need money if it is given on political conditions,” he said.
Ronald Pofalla, the Chief of Staff of the German Chancellery and a Federal Minister for Special Affairs, said the European Union was ready for large-scale relations with Belarus.
Federal Minister for Special Affairs, also noted that suspension of sanctions on the Belarusian officials was “a bill for future that hasn’t been paid yet”. He turned attention to the unsolved problem of the death penalty abolition in Belarus, which raises concern of the EU.
Speaking about the upcoming election in Belarus, Pofalla emphasized: “It will be a touchstone of how Belarus will meet the EU’s expectations.”
“A significant core of democratic elections is changing power. This lies in the nature of democracy, however hard it may be for any party to step down from power,” Pofalla noted.
The German politician set an example of for German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who hadn’t been reelected after his 16-year rule.
“I do not my words to be misinterpreted. Resignation and change of power are always painful, but this is an integral part of democracy,” he said.
Pofalla also mentioned the death of Aleh Byabenin, the founder and director of charter97.org website, and expressed a hope that the OSCE experts, which had been invited by the Belarusian authorities, would contribute to solving the case.