Belarus hardly to remain like Cuba for 40 years
Is Europe not afraid to be decieved by Lukashenka when it "feeds" Belarus with good intentions? Michael Emmerson, an expert on EU external relations with former Soviet republics, comments on this at the request of the European Radio for Belarus. What do they think in Europe now? Why are you more open now?
— The whole business has relaxed. The European Union is willing to have contacts with diplomats, initiatives and instruments that could help ease the situation in Belarus. Of course, it is extremely difficult to do anything in Belarus. If you are a NGO, it is very hard.
In your opinion, what new interesting factors have emerged?
— It is worth mentioning new members of the European community: Lithuania and Poland that as neighbors are interested in Belarus affairs. I believe that the movement of the youth and students between Belarus and Lithuania is very important. This, possibly, signals future changes.
Did Georgia war influence on the EU's interest in Belarus?
— I think that Europe's stance towards hardline and despotic behaviors of Russia towards its neighbors has become stronger. In this regard, there has been more interest in cooperation with Belarus. But, of course, Europe tries to send careful signals not to be deceived by Lukashenka who pretends that he is making a step forward but can simply want to grab some useful advantages in exchange for nothing.
Is Lukashenka deceiving Europe? What does EU think about it?
— I'd say we have entered a period when Belarus could make serious steps forward. Belarus and Lukashenka are seriously disappointed by Russia's last year pressure in the energy sector. In addition, Belarus now has a common border with the European Union: this means an important movement of people, especially youngsters between Belarus and Lithuania. It means that Belarus will hardly remain Cuba for 40 years. That's why I think we need to watch and try to "feed" Belarus with people who have good intentions. Possibly then, there will be some dynamics... at a certain point of time.
Photo: blog.kievukraine.info
— The whole business has relaxed. The European Union is willing to have contacts with diplomats, initiatives and instruments that could help ease the situation in Belarus. Of course, it is extremely difficult to do anything in Belarus. If you are a NGO, it is very hard.
In your opinion, what new interesting factors have emerged?
— It is worth mentioning new members of the European community: Lithuania and Poland that as neighbors are interested in Belarus affairs. I believe that the movement of the youth and students between Belarus and Lithuania is very important. This, possibly, signals future changes.
Did Georgia war influence on the EU's interest in Belarus?
— I think that Europe's stance towards hardline and despotic behaviors of Russia towards its neighbors has become stronger. In this regard, there has been more interest in cooperation with Belarus. But, of course, Europe tries to send careful signals not to be deceived by Lukashenka who pretends that he is making a step forward but can simply want to grab some useful advantages in exchange for nothing.
Is Lukashenka deceiving Europe? What does EU think about it?
— I'd say we have entered a period when Belarus could make serious steps forward. Belarus and Lukashenka are seriously disappointed by Russia's last year pressure in the energy sector. In addition, Belarus now has a common border with the European Union: this means an important movement of people, especially youngsters between Belarus and Lithuania. It means that Belarus will hardly remain Cuba for 40 years. That's why I think we need to watch and try to "feed" Belarus with people who have good intentions. Possibly then, there will be some dynamics... at a certain point of time.
Photo: blog.kievukraine.info
