Andrei Sannikov: «First and foremost, the West must not give up the principles of democracy and human rights» :: Charter'97 :: News

“Lukashenka has buried himself as the Russia’s ally!” headlines of the neighboring state are crying. What is there under the new image of the president of Belarus? The «Deutsche Welle» asked this question to the Belarusian experts.

Official representative of Belarus in the European structures Syargei Gaidukevich is sure that present Lukashenka’s actions are the only chance for Belarus to survive as a sovereign state.

“In this case Lukashenka has been demonstrating the adequacy of the present situation. And if the Russian party behaves like that then how has the Belarusian elite to behave? To stand in line to the Kremlin? No! There is the state with its sovereignty. What is not clear here? What is not obvious? The Republic of Belarus is not going to become the 70th region of Russia”.

However, Stanislau Shushkevich is certain:

“Russia won’t let to be deceived. Russia will make him know his place .It is hardly probable that the West will help him quarrel with Russia. That is why his assumption is rural, farmer-like and generally weak. Moreover, here are all grounds for the West not to trust him as he has deceived the West thousand times. For example, let us consider the Istanbul declaration, which he signed and promised to follow. “

Yuri Khaschavatsky, author of the “Ordinary president” documentary, sees no reason for changing his film’s title:

“He has remained the same. I am not surprised with his present behavior. He is in his element. Now he is trying to deceive them either: now he will be constructing the union with Europe for another 10 years. “

Leader of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka has noticed certain symptoms in the latest speeches of the Belarusian president.

“Lukashenka is at a loss. He has not put his thoughts in order, yet, and he understands by intuition that he has to adjust the strategy, but he has no completed strategy .He is loosing his former friends but he has not found new ones.”

Coordinator of the Charter’97 civil initiative and former diplomat Andrei Sannikov recommends the West not to get flattered:

“This is an attempt of an easy maneuver. And I can prove that by Lukashenka’s quotation” you must acknowledge me and that is all.” First and foremost, the West must not give up the principles of democracy and human rights. This is the only standpoint for the West to talk to Lukashenka. The talks are possible but only on firm conditions.”

Minsk analysts paid attention to the new image of head of the state constructed in his interview to the Die Welt. Many of them recalled that a couple of months ago the social program of improving the Lukashenka’s image in the West was worked out at the Belarusian president administration. And they planed to start particularly with Germany.

Policymaker Anatol Lyabedzka mentioned:

“We have not yet completely comprehended the Lukashenka’s policy, but we are well familiar with this actor who is ready to play for any audience. Previously Alyaksadr Rigoravitch was eager to make the Germans like him by paying complement to Hitler in the German newspaper “Handelsblatt’. Today the situation has slightly changed.”