Milinkevich comments on his talks in Prague on sidelines of Eastern Partnership (video)
Watch Install flash playerFormer presidential candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich told reporters in Minsk on May 8 about his talks in Prague on the sidelines of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership launch summit.
Mr. Milinkevich, leader of the Movement for Freedom, stayed in the Czech capital city together with Stanislaw Shushkevich, leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada who was Belarus’ formal head of state between 1991 and 1994; Zyanon Paznyak, the émigré leader of the Conservative Christian Party; Ivonka Survilla, head of the Rada (government in exile) of the Belarusian National Republic; and former presidential candidate Alyaksandr Kazulin.
“Our group mainly placed emphasis on problems of culture and the language, and spoke about human rights activities and independent media outlets,” Mr. Milinkevich said.
“Each Eastern Partnership participant may put forward its proposals and projects,” he said. “The Belarusian official delegation to the summit had its own proposals, although they were not considered at that stage. For our part, we suggested in the first instance that it is very important that civil society, opposition political parties and the leaders of non-governmental organizations be involved in the Partnership, and that independent media outlets have big influence on decision-making regarding areas of activities in this new policy of the European Union and participation in specific projects.”
According to Mr. Milinkevich, all politicians whom he met in Europe suggested putting forward specific proposals and projects. “Everyone asks: What should be done to improve the situation in Belarus?” he said.
Mr. Milinkevich noted that his views are closer to those of Zyanon Paznyak than those of some leaders of the United Pro-democratic Forces.
Certain Belarusian opposition politicians suggest “isolating Belarus and imposing visa and other restrictions,” he said. “But during our meeting in Prague, Zyanon Paznyak said that this should not be done, as this would affect the Belarusians’ intention to get integrated into Europe.”
Mr. Milinkevich suggested that opposition politicians should differently assess different actions of the government. “One should not criticize each decision of the government,” he said.
“If the government signs the Eastern Partnership program, we should sincerely say that this is a good step for integration into Europe,” he said. “If it jails Awtukhovich and his associates, we have to say something about this.”
Mr. Milinkevich noted that one “should not cherish illusions with regard to the government.” “The government itself won’t democratize Belarus, but it will have to do this under the pressure of the European Union, the opposition and internal economic problems,” he said.
Mr. Milinkevich also said he felt regret that Alyaksandr Lukashenka had not attended the Eastern Partnership launch summit. “But given his insufficient moves toward the democratization of Belarus, Lukashenka had not deserved that,” he said. “He probably realized that himself.”
“I would like Belarus to be represented at the highest level at Eastern Partnership summits,” Mr. Milinkevich said.
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