German and Belarusian ambassadors gave press conference together
1- 21.11.2007, 8:29
Ambassador of Germany to Belarus Gebhardt Weiss took part in a press conference on opening the Minsk Forum X – “Belarus is a European nation in process of changes: identity and cooperation in the spheres of policy, economy and society.” Belarusian ambassador to Germany Uladzimer Skvartsou took part in such a conference for the first time.
The forum is beginning on November, 22 in the Minsk International Education Center. Before the press conference German ambassador Gebhardt Weiss answers the question of Radio Svaboda.
Answering the question, whether Germany will support the US sanctions imposed against Belarusian concern Belneftekhim, German ambassador to Belarus Gebhardt Weiss said:
“There wasn’t an official reaction of Berlin on these sanctions yet. Of course we will analyse the situation. At some degree we share the motives of Washington that gave the impulse to the sanctions.
If sanctions in this concrete phase of development can be an efficient instrument, we will think. The policy of Germany is connected with the problem of fruitful dialog with Belarus.”
Mr. Weiss emphasised that it’s important to remember the more fruitful dialog between western partners and Belarus is possible.
On the question if there are any changes in the German policy towards Belarus, the ambassador said:
“The tactics and strategy of the EU and Germany is clear. Of course, we have common goals concerning the future of Belarus as a member of the European democratic society.”
What concerns expedients (it’s my opinion), we need to carry out amore balanced policy. We need to use forms of dialog and cooperation.”
Do 12 proposals of the EU to Belarus remain actual for Germany, including the requirement to release Belarusian political prisoners?
“It would be very intelligently, if Belarusian authorities heard and answered this requirement. My opinion is that policy can’t be regarded as rational, if there are certain barriers for normalisation of the relation.”
Spokesman of the Berlin foundation Science and Policy, head of the Minsk Forum Rainer Lindner, German ambassador to Belarus Gebhardt Weiss, Belarusian ambassador to Germany Uladzimer Skvartsou took part in the press conference on the Minsk Forum. Belarusian ambassador participated in such conference for the first time.
Issues of stopping repressions against the opposition and release of the political prisoners weren’t discussed at the press conference.
