Vaclav Havel: «Courage is only way to success»

Aliaksandr Milinkevich received Hanno R.Ellenbogen Award at the forum 2000 that takes place annually under the patronage of former Czech president Vaclav Havel. Vaclav Havel came to the ceremony and gave an interview to Radio Svaboda in which among others he voiced his protest against the arrests of the European March organizers.

- Mr. Havel, you are supporting the actions of the Belarusian opposition and cultural elite. On the European March’s eve what do you think of such forms of protest?

- There are very different forms and methods of how to express one’s position, and as the situation in Belarus has caused such a form of protest, naturally, you should use it. Participation in such demonstrations is ambiguous. The people are detained and so on. But courage is the only way to success.

- Recently the positions of the president in Russia have become stronger, Moscow is carrying out the special informational policy towards the countries that have got beyond Russia’s control. In your opinion, how will the Russian policy towards Belarus develop?

- I don’t believe Belarus could be integrated by Russia. Naturally, Russia will strengthen its influence there.