Andrei Sannikov: Russia interested in “dialogue” between dictator and EU

Russia wants the West to back the Belarusian dictatorship.

Der Standard (Austria) spoke about human rights in Belarus to Andrei Sannikov, a candidate in the 2010 presidential elections who has been living in London since October 2012.

The Belarusian opposition politician said:

“Anyone who has ever been thrown into Belarusian prison cannot forget this experience. I was forced to leave the country. Believe me, it was a very difficult decision for me...”

“Lukashenka lost the election... The peaceful rally on 19 December 2010 increased the dictator's fear. He couldn't keep his power if liberalisation had been continued. He chose the path of repression.”

“Lukashneka has been showing for the 19th year that democratisation and liberalisation are absolutely not possible. The EU has enough tools on different levels to influence the situation in Belarus. The EU has significantly expanded during Lukashenka's reign. We have been on the EU eastern border since 2004. Trade has become more active. Belarus receives more European investments. Don't tell me the EU has no instruments,” Sannikov said.

“Lukashenka makes everything to gain more control over the police, security services and the army... The EU imposed sanctions after the mass arrests in December 2010. It was so until early 2012. The EU then hinted that the Union was interested in closer relations with Belarus. Meantime, Lukashenka didn't showed he was ready for positive signals. The situation of human rights continued to worsen. And in this conditions the EU offered hand to the dictator? I mean, where's logic there?” the Belarusian opposition member said.

“Positive steps aimed directly at the people of Belarus should be taken. I strongly support the facilitation of visa requirements by the EU and giving more opportunities to young Belarusians for education and travel. Relatives and families of political prisoners as well as independent media must receive support. A stick and carrot policy can be continued, but in a slightly different way: stick for the dictator, help for the people of Belarus, opposition, civil society and independent press”.

“In my opinion, Russia is interested in the 'dialogue' between the EU and the dictator, because it doesn't want to be the only one to bear indirect economic expenses on the dictatorship. The dictatorship is very expensive for Russia,” Sannikov supposes.