It is in interests of Belarusian authorities that opposition’s European March passes off smoothly, German ambassador says
18:27, — Politics
It is in the interests of the Belarusian authorities that the opposition’s October 14 European March for Freedom passes off smoothly, Gebhardt Weiss, the German ambassador to Belarus, said in an interview with BelaPAN. “Self-control on the part of both the demonstrators and those who will ensure public order would clearly show that the observance of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is important for both sides,” the ambassador said.
He noted that while accepting his credentials on July 23, Alyaksandr Lukashenka spoke about the need to overcome distrust between Belarus and Western countries. “If Minsk wants to prove that its actions correspond with its statements, it currently has very important specific opportunities for this,” Dr. Weiss stressed. “Such a move will be met with understanding in all European capitals.”
If the march takes place and passes off smoothly, there will be grounds to expect a positive reaction from neighboring counties, Europe and the United States, which is very important for overcoming mutual distrust, he said. “That is why it is of no less importance for the authorities than for the opposition that the demonstration is held in a calm and civilized manner,” he added.
The full text of the interview will be posted in the Viewer section of BelaPAN’s Web site next week.
