Stanislau Shushkevich: “It’s a pity that Europe has descended”

The former Head of the Supreme Council of Belarus condemns Minsk visit of EU’s High Representative Javier Solana and his meeting with dictator Lukashenka.

I didn’t understand why Solana had come. Is it because Europe doesn’t know where to go? They have one approach to us, than another and another… This rushing about is unacceptable. If Europe focuses on promises and believes Lukashenka, it’s a pity that they have descended to this level,” Stanislau Shushkevich told in an interview to Euramost.org.

The former Head of the Supreme Council of Belarus said there was no progress in human rights in Belarus.

“Is it a progress?” Stanislau Shushkevich said. “Aleksandr Kazulin was lawlessly thrown into prison and then released. Now 5 young people will be imprisoned, and the trade will begin again? They will be released and Europe will come to kiss us again. But one can’t forget what was before. Let Europe first coordinate its position with the United States. I don’t understand when one says that the Belarusian opposition should unite. Why don’t Europe and the USA unite? So, you see, there is no common position.”

The politician also said that the main condition Europe should make to the Belarusian authorities was free and democratic elections.

“Some democrats have become infantile. They make great plans, huge projects… They are a thing in itself, so to say. In my view, the best project is when Europe makes a step forward and says: “We won’t play with you unless you compose normal electoral laws in accordance with the European standards.” By the way, the united opposition made this proposal, it is written thoroughly. But if further the election commissions do not represent members of democratic parties and opposition, there will be nothing to talk about. The authorities will draw proper numbers and nobody will count votes. So these games must be stopped! Stop believing promises, let’s wait for actions. But there are no actions of the government.”

Shushkevich commented on Lukashenka’s remarks at a meeting with Solana, where Lukashenka said Europe and Belarus should have a dialogue without mediators.

“Well, let Solana kiss with our president. It is an absolutely undemocratic move. I don’t think Europe will agree on this interpretation of the issue,” the politician said.

The former head of Belarus expressed his view on the so called public consultative councils under Lukashenka’s administration.

“I don’t know what game they a re playing now, but as for me, Europe enforces amorality,” Stanislau Shushkevich states. “I will never be amoral. As a classic said, it is better to die on your feet than live on your knees. When people are invited to consultative councils, and it’s unknown what these councils will do and what are their powers, so what kind of game is it? There is a show of democratic procedures, but there are is real action.”