Yuri Khaschevatsky: I’m tired of laughing

The famous film director believes that the Swedish ambassador Stefan Eriksson should become an honorary citizen of Belarus.

Yuri Khaschevatsky commented on expulsion of the Swedish ambassador from Belarus to charter97.org.

"Stefan Eriksson was expelled from Belarus right after the Belarusian language, metaphorically speaking. Metaphorically, this way you can explain this scandal. For what was Stefan Eriksson good or bad? He was good for Belarusians, who linked their lives with freedom. Here in Belarus Stefan was and is its clearest example and guide to it. All charges of BT and "Sovetskaya Belorussia" that he is a spy just cause a smile. I'm tired of laughing"- says filmmaker.

"But the authorities do not lie, they just do not understand how one can anyway. They do not realize that the people who live in freedom are not spies. Stefan Eriksson was in Belarus as a good guide in the mountains. He lifted people higher. No wonder he was mentioned as the ambassador, who lives on the Roof", - shared Yuri Khaschevatsky.

"The Swedish ambassador, as far as I know, does not speak Russian, but only Belarusian. Therefore, it is clear that the authorities, who don’t speak Belarusian language, could not talk to him. Stefan Eriksson was an eyesore for them, the most hated of all the diplomats in Belarus", - said the director of movie "The Square" and "ordinary elections".

"When we're saying real-politique, Stefan Eriksson didn’t have anything in common to this term. In Belarus he worked and lived in good conscience and belief. And god gives him health for it. A time will come when he will be recognized as an honorary citizen of Belarus at all times. A monument will be made for this man, who helped us mentally, helped us to lift ourselves", - said Yuri Khaschevatsky.

The film director believes that the EU had to response a long time ago.

"The retaliatory measures should have applied 10 years ago. They should apply a rigid attitude to the authorities and cease all speculations with them. There can be no agreements, they will deceive anyway. And hope for liberalization is not a mistake (it was a mistake a few years ago) but already a crime", - said Yuri Khaschevatsky.

"Here is an example with Belarusian solvents and diluents. Did you thought that the trade is impossible without the counteragents in the EU? And the EU knew it was a scam. And how quiet the European Union behaves itself. Their business is involved in a thieves’ scheme, and they are silent. Or take that Austrian officer who was sentenced to five years in prison. Contacts with these authorities corrupt very strong. When we talk about sanctions, we must convince the EU that it is not so much for us, but for them to protect themselves from bandits and thieves. This is a very important moment", - said the film director.

Yuri Khaschevatsky believes that the authorities in Belarus to Europe need a tough talk.

"I believe that if our government is unable to comply with international norms of civilized diplomacy, it should be taught. Do you invite a cad to your home? You don’t. Similarly, European officials have to understand that it is wrong to deal with such people. We must teach them", - said the director.

"And more. During the last period of the dictatorship and sanctions from the EU, Belarusian exports to Europe have been doubled. This is the reward for tortures, suppression of protests and harassment of dissidents? Enough to encourage this, it should be treated very tough", - said Yuri Khaschevatsky.