Oil and gas conflict between Lukashenka and Putin reminds schizophrenia

That was the evaluation of the relations of Belarus and Russia in the sphere of oil and gas by the former Foreign Minister of Estonia, a member of the European Parliament Kristina Ojuland.

The former Estonian Foreign Minister, MEP (the Estonian Reform Party), a member of the EP Commission on Human Rights, Kristina Ojuland is known by its adherence to democratic changes in Belarus. An interview with the politician was published at “New Europe” website.

Touching upon the issue of the relations between the official Minsk and Europe, the deputy of the European Parliament who had been denied Belarusian visa by Belarusian authorities many times, stated:

“In this case we are talking about international commitments of Belarus which had been voluntarily undertaken by the Belarusian authorities. Nobody is going to dictate anything or teach anybody.

Speaking about recent changes in Belarus, they are extremely important primarily for improving competitiveness of the country in the world markets. Undoubtedly, it is the major problem Belarus is facing now.

But it should be noted that at the moment there is little progress in democratization of the society and in human rights sphere. It seems for us from Europe that the authorities’ fear of those processes is obviously exaggerated.

The same concerns the fear of Kristina Ojuland. Ojuland’s visit to Minsk is unlikely to cause any natural disasters like tornado, tsunami or something else. To my mind, it is normal when a dialogue is held between people having different views. But it seems to look different to Belarusian authorities”.

Estimating the fact that the Belarusian “parliament” still hasn’t been returned the Special Guest status in the Council of Europe, Kristina Ojuland stated:

“The Special Guest status requires from the country to comply with certain demands. There is no desire of Europe to drive Belarus in isolation. Minsk simply should seek to meet these requirements. A dialogue is needed, and it in the interests of the Belarusian nation,” the MEP said.

As for the conflict of Russia and Belarus around Russian oil deliveries, the politician noted: “The oil and gas conflict between Lukashenka and Putin reminds schizophrenia. The people have announced construction of a “union state”, but they do not want to establish normal relations, including relations in the sphere of energy. The conflict is inevitable in such a situation certainly.

First they should have a close look at their desires. They should decide whether they need a “union state” at all,” the deputy said.