Martynay about human rights: There are no universal recipes

Belarusian Foreign Minister in an interview to Der Standard (Austria) stated that “different societies exist, different customs and traditions”.

Syarhei Martynau answered to questions of Der Standard in the framework of the 46th Munich Security Conference. The text of the interview in Russian is published by “Salidarnast” newspaper.

- What conclusions could be drawn from the conflict over oil customs duties and oil price with your closest partner, Russia?

- Some conclusions have been drawn already. We should apply even more energies in order to ensure security of energy supply in country. We will soon have a nuclear reactor, we are making investments in hydroenergetics, coal energetics and renewable energy resources. The countries which are on the opposite side of the cross-country pipeline should draw conclusions as well: Belarus is a very reliable transit partner. During very difficult talks we never entertained a possibility to use transit gas pipeline for our aims. Europeans should understand that and acknowledge.

- How far are you ready to go to meet the European Union in political reforms, in order to become closer in trade relations and use advantages of the Neighbourhood policy?

- We shouldn’t confuse market reforms and political reforms. These are the two different things. We are ready to be present in the market of Europe. And I hope that politics won’t be an obstacle for us in that. But as for your question, we are already in the political dialogue with the European Union. And besides, you should understand that the real political situation in Belarus is much, much better than it is presented by mass media. There are stereotypic perceptions and intellectual inertness, which do not coincide with the reality of Belarus. Our society should certainly continue to develop. But we are not doing that hastily and not in connection with requirements of the EU.

- You have heard the words of Foreign Minister of Germany Guido Westerwelle that demands to Iran to respect human rights cannot be considered interference with the internal affairs of the country. Do you agree with that?

- Rights and dignity of a person should be respected. It concerns all. But there are no universal recipes for that. There are different societies, different customs and traditions. And they should be respected too. It should be understood. We are paying more and more attention to the issue of respect to human dignity in our country.

- The EU has extended sanctions against Belarus. It mainly concerns visits of high-ranking representatives of the government. But now you are here. How could you explain this situation?

- It is a rather strange situation for the both sides. There is no point in extending sanctions and then suspending them. The final result would be just negative, people in Belarus would view that negatively. These are not partner relations. For the period of 15 years people could go to Poland and Lithuania without visas. What has happened today? A new wall in Europe appeared.

- Europe recently celebrated 20th anniversary of the fall of the Wall and the end of communism. But Belarus remains a special case. What is your vision of Belarus in 20 years?

- Our expectations are determined by geography. Belarus lies between two influential centres – the EU and Russia. To survive between the two giants is never easy. Firstly, we would like to survive, secondly, to flourish, and thirdly – have excellent relations with the both sides. We are not candidates to the EU, we won’t move together with Russia. We are to stay a sovereign state between the two giants. We want to be an important detail in this huge machine – the European continent.