Secret meetings of minister Martynau in Germany

As it has become known, the official Minsk gave an unofficial sign to Berlin and Brussels. According to representatives of the German political elite, the recent meeting of foreign minister of Belarus Syarhei Martynau with representatives of the German Foreign Office can be regarded “as a sign of Belarus’s readiness to have a dialog with the European Union.”

The Belarusian minister came to Berlin negotiations from Munich after the 44th International Conference on Security Policy (9 – 10 February).

Though high-ranked representatives of foreign political institutions of Germany and Belarus participated in the negotiations, there is no official information about Martynau’s visit to Berlin. Both on the parts of Germany and Belarus. A source in the German Foreign Office just confirmed the fact of meeting on condition of anonymity.

Alexander Rahr, expert of the German Council on Foreign Relations didn’t say much to Radio Svaboda. “I can only say there was a meeting with a group of German Parliament members and highest representatives of the German Foreign Office. The talk was open on each part, the discussion on rapprochement between the EU and Belarus was carried out in hard tone, though the parties expressed their opinions sincerely,” the German politician said.

Elisabeth Schroedter, Green Party member of the Bundestag and the European Parliament, explained poorness of information by close character of the meeting. “According to the current European rules, contacts between the EU and Belarus, especially with the people who support the regime and are responsible for the present political situation, don’t exist officially at the highest level. But these contacts do take place. There are unofficial meetings of official persons, which are not covered by press,” the deputy assured.

According to the German sources, “these meeting mean more than just exchange of known arguments.”

Uta Zapf, Social Democratic Party member of the Bundestag and head of the OSCE Belarusian working group, gave a more profound comment on Mr. Martynau’s visit to Berlin.

Speaking on the recent session of the Bundestag, she said “participation of minister Martynau in the Conference of Security Policy and further negotiations in Berlin have given a sign of Belarus’s readiness for a dialog with Europe... Martynau said: “It takes two to tango.” Yes, indeed. But what is now happening between the European countries and Belarus looks more like cha-cha-cha or hopping.” (Laughing).

According to Ms. Zapf, Belarus is likely to analyse its problems. In view of the current situation with Russian energy supplies the country “has economic intersect in strengthening the relations with Europe.”

“But only democratic reforms in this country can form real grounds for cooperation with Europe, for rising living standards and end of isolation,” the German social democrat emphasised.

As Uta Zapf thinks, “Germany, as the EU, wants to give a helping hand to Belarus. The Bundestag’s initiative of reducing visa fees is a sort of a tile in this mosaic process. It is a main apply for a dialog, invitation to a dance, such as tango.”

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs doesn’t comment on the meeting. Its spokesman Andrei Papou stressed again at the latest briefing Minsk was ready to establish pragmatic relations with Europe. “The European Union is one of our main trade and economic partners. It is our neighbour that is given for us by God, as one says.”