Roman Bezsmerty: I was too delicate speaking about events in Belarus

A former ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus summarizes results of his work.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych dismissed Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus Roman Bezsmertny on Friday. The ambassador will be best remembered for criticism of official Minsk: in particular, he said that “Belarusians did not have elections”. Bezsmertny tells Komemrsant about reasons for dismissal and future plans.

You has worked as ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus for a little over a year. In your opinion, what did cause your dismissal?

This is the right of the president to appoint an ambassador and to dismiss him. It would be incorrect to analyze this decision. Of course, people who read the law on diplomatic service can wonder why I did not work four years as an ambassador, as it should be. Some European ambassadors have already asked me. The only thing I can say is that I was an outsider in the team of the new authorities. They will never forgive me the events in 2004.

Do you think a reason for dismissal was harsh criticism of the Belarusian authorities? Perhaps, you should have been less emotional in your public speeches?

Frankly speaking, I have an impression that I was too delicate speaking about the events in the Republic of Belarus. I think Kyiv understood in the beginning that Bezsmertny would not attend inauguration of the dictator, so I did not attend it… You know, I have made mistakes in my political life not to hit my head against the goalpost again.

Is it true that former deputy prime minister Viktor Tikhonov will be appointed next ambassador?

I have the same information confirmed by the sources I fully trust.

What consequences for Ukraine can a change of public position of our ambassador in Minsk have?

Ukraine should not behave like an ostrich when it comes to human rights. It is evident for the world community: if you do not want to defend European values in Belarus, then you are themselves ready to violate them. None economic profits can be exchanged for these values. By the way, I don’t imagine how Viktor Yanukpvych could have become president if his predecessor, Viktor Yushchenko, had treated his opponents like Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

You don’t seem to continue your diplomatic service career, do you?

I doubt if it is possible. The last year showed that I cannot mask my emotions with words. To be honest, I was prepared for dismissal since my first day in Minsk. I understood it would happen sooner or later. But I’d like to add: if someone thinks I will say good bye to the Republic of Belarus after leaving my post as ambassador, he is grossly mistaken.

Do you plan to return to politics?

I know for sure that one can hardly push me out of politics, but I cannot talk about specific plans – they are unclear so far. I am still a member of Our Ukraine party. The only thing I do not want today is running for Rada. Neither on majoritarian basis, nor on the basis of party-list representation.