Mireille Musso: “I would like to establish an exchange between young people”

Mireille Musso, the French Ambassador in Minsk, tells the European Radio for Belarus about the stereotypes of Belarus, political freedoms and music. She likes songs with a deep sense. Find out more...

What were your first impressions about this country? Which stereotypes did you have about Belarus before arrival here?

It is still premature to talk about any impressions. The most wonderful thing is Minsk in snow.

Regarding the stereotypes, I don’t know whether this is a stereotype or the truth, but I heard that the Belarusians are very nice and hospitable people. On the other hand, I was officially briefed that the freedom of speech and associations was not respected in Belarus. But I hope very much that favorable changes are soon to take place in this country.

Ambassador Musso, did your predecessor Mr. Chmelevsky give you any advices?

Naturally, I talked a lot with my predecessor. He is actually my long-time friend and he has given me a lot of advices. But I would like to base my work on my own impressions. So I am waiting for my impressions to take shape, and I will be able to have my own views.

What did Lukashenka tell you during the presentation of your credentials?

He hopes that France will be a driving force in developing the relations between Belarus and the European Union. I told Mr. President that we, just like the other countries of the European Union, were ready to participate in the meaningful dialogue with Belarus.

However, the dialogue and our participation in this dialogue depend on the movement of the Belarusian state towards democracy and on the respect to democratic values, the freedom of the media and the absence of political prisoners.

We would like to observe at least a slight movement of this country towards democracy, any signs or steps by Belarus in this direction. Belarus said last year during a visit by the European Troika that it would make those steps. We are waiting for those steps to take place.

Even when political cooperation is stranded, the French Embassy has always been known for its projects in the field of culture. Which plans do you have in this regard?

I would not like to limit my work only with bringing the French artistes to Belarus. I would like to foster an exchange between the young people and to develop cooperation between universities.

What did you take along from France to Belarus?

I have brought my books, music CDs and photographs. That’s it!

Thank you very much for the interview. Finally, please tell us about your most favorite CDs for the listeners of the European Radio for Belarus.

I love classical music and opera. It is a pity that the Belarus’s Opera has been closed for repairs. But I still hope I will have a chance to visit it. I also like the Greek music, because I lived for a long time in Greece and I like this culture very much. I also like the Spanish and the Russian music. I like jazz, too.

Of course, I like the French chansons, especially the ones that carry a sense and good lyrics like in the songs by Edith Piaff, Charles Aznavoir, Jacques Brel, Chimene Badi. She is a new young singer; her songs have good lyrics. It is good that there are still such songs in France.

ERB’s FIILE

Prior to her assignment in Belarus, Mireille Musso served at the central office of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She served as the French Ambassador to Georgia, an attaché on culture, science and cooperation and the director of the French Institute in Athens. Musso also served as the second councilor of the France’s Permanent Commission in the North Atlantic Council in Brussels, the second secretary of the French Embassy in Vienna and at other diplomatic assignments.

Ambassador Musso speaks French, Russian, English, German and Greek. She has university diplomas in philology, political science, defense and Oriental languages. Besides, she has a national award for services to the country and a medal from the Honorary Legion