Sannikov: “Dialogue” will give Lukashenka a blank cheque for 8 years

A discussion “Prospects for Belarus: Bringing down the Last Dictatorship in Europe” was held in the UK parliament.

Andrei Sannikov, a former political prisoner, leader of European Belarus civil campaign and 2010 presidential candidate, held a meeting in the UK parliament on April 16, the Day of Belarusian Solidarity. The event was organised by the Henry Jackson Society and was conducted by John Whittingdale, a member of the House of Commons.  

“After obtaining the country's independence, the starting potential of Belarus was not worse than that of other countries, which later became the EU members. In the early 1990s, Belarus laid the solid foundation for participating in international relations as a full reliable and predictable partner. Belarus greatly contributed to strengthening the international security. Serious steps to rapprochement with Europe were made, important agreements with the EU were signed and an application for joining the Council of Europe was submitted. All of this ended with Lukashenka's coming to power. Due to his policy, Belarus remains the only European country, which is not a member of the Council of Europe,” Andrei Sannikov said.

The politician said the reasons for such a long rule of Lukashenka:

“As for reasons for the longevity of his dictatorship, the fact that neither we in Belarus nor the international community realised the danger of the regime and and showed a proper and timely reaction to its crimes can be mentioned among major causes. There were many crimes: we can recall the unprecedented beating of members of the Supreme Council, suspension of implementing treaties on disarmament and nuclear safety, killing of a two-men balloon crew and so on,” the European Belarus leader said.

According to the former political prisoner, there are no doubts today about the character of the Lukashenka dictatorship. The regime requires a proper attitude.

“Europe should not forget the history of its mistakes relating to appeasement of dictators. In no case should the dictatorship be encouraged to commit new crimes. Europe has all opportunities to achieve the release of political prisoners to work out a strategy that should really influence the situation in Belarus. The dictatorial regime of Lukashenka is applying unprecedented pressure on the opposition, the  independent media, journalists, human rights activists and the entire society. Lukashenka is unable to have a dialogue, let alone agree on cooperation and a dialogue inside the country – the only thing worth discussing.

Today's talks about the dialogue hide a very dangerous scenario. In real case, the matter is that Lukashenka will receive a mandate for 8 more years, because any legitimisation will allow him to receive resources to keep his power, hold another pseudo-election in 2015 further removing his opponents and civil activists,” he stated.

Europe may give much to launch changes in Belarus, Sannikov believes.

“Europe just needs to follow the principles, on which the united Europe was founded. Sanctions are needed first of all to release the political prisoners. They should be a part of the European strategy on Belarus. In the current situation, assistance to the independent media, human rights defenders and the democratic movement should be rendered. Supporting Ales Bialiatski's nomination for the Nobel Piece Prize would be significant help. In this regard, I call on members of the British Parliament to submit Bialiatski's nomination to the Nobel Committee,” the politician said.

The former presidential candidate answered questions from the audience about the situation in Belarus, possible development prospects and the role of Europe and the UK in the relations with our country.