Milinkevich: “If we have dictatorship, that does not mean country should be isolated”

The leader of “For Freedom” movement comments on the visit of governmental group of Belarus to France.

For the first time since 1996 a delegation of Belarusian government went to Paris. As noted by Radio Svaboda, the visit has empathically economic character. It is planned for 4 days.

Among the delegation are: Vice Premiere of the Government Uladzimir Syamashka, deputy Foreign Minister Valery Varanetski, deputy Ministers of Economy, Finance, Energy, Agriculture, representatives of Belarusian business circles.

As said by Inna Vasileuskaya, Counsellor of Belarusian embassy, on January 19 the delegation met with Claude Gueant, Secretary General at the Elysee Palace (head of Sarkozy’s administration)., on January 20 – deputies of the Parliament of France, members of the group for ties with Belarus.

Meetings in the Foreign Ministry of France, the Economy Ministry, Industry Ministry are planned, as well as with directors of French banks BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, and major companies. A joint business-forum in the headquarters of MEDEF (Movement of the French Enterprises) is expected, told Counsellor of Belarusian embassy in France.

“It is an interesting visit basically,” Inna Vasileuskaya said. “It includes many meetings. Its main part is economy certainly. But the meetings held yesterday have political meaning. These were high-level meetings”.

As said by Inna Vasileuskaya, intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the sphere of culture, science and education, an agreement between the Belarusian Union of Entrepreneurs and the MEDEF are being prepared, as well as some agreements between enterprises.

The leader of “For Freedom” movement Alyaksandr Milinkevich commented on the visit of the Belarusian government delegation. As said by him, the time for leaders of France and Belarus to meet hasn’t come yet.

“I think such meetings could happen in case of progress in human rights and democratization in Belarus. Unfortunately, changes in Belarus are superficial today, it is noted by everyone. So such meetings are impossible so far, as I think,” Milinkevich said.

As for invitation for the Belarusian governmental delegation to Paris, Milinkevich evaluates this fact positively. As said by him, the Belarusian dictatorship shouldn’t be isolated.

“Undoubtedly, I think it is a support for Belarus, it is to interests of our people. If we have an authoritarian regime, or as some call it, a dictatorship, that does not mean the country should be isolated. Economic cooperation is very important during the crisis,” Milinkevich said.

“For Freedom” movement leader believes that France will go beyond economic contacts with Belarus, but intends to influence democratization of the country.