We demand release and full rehabilitation of political prisoners

Polish Fotreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has given an exclusive interview to charter97.org webiste.

Radoslaw Sikorski has met with the editor-in-chief of charter97.org Natallya Radzina, though he is very busy in connectrion with the election campaign in Poland. «Everything for Belarus,» he said in the beginning of the interview.

- In its policy Europe has always been expressing interest in democratization of Belarus. However it is obvious that all the previous strategies have not worked. What could be done by the EU today to stop lawlessness in the centre of Europe, to your mind?

I would call in question the statement that the previous policy has not worked. It is one and the same policy, the policy of conditions. There were no political prisoners in Belarus before the presidential election, and the opposition convinced us that the conditions of holding the campaign in the country are a little bit better than in the past. Thus the talks with the Belarusian leadership on what we could do together emerged. It was Belarus that changed its policy, rigging the presidential election results and imprisoning Lukashenka's oponents. We use simple principles: greater for greater and smaller for smaller. This has not changed. If political prisoners are released, I will be among the first ones who is to persuade the European Union to restart the dialogue.

Will after the political prisoners' release the European Union immediately perceive Lukashenka as a legally elected leader ofthe state and talk to him in this way, as it happened before?

The system that has been shaped after the Westphalian peace provides that we recognize states, not governments. And it means that no matter how governments are elected, we should continue diplomacy work. We maintain diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, the North Korea and Cuba.

I remind however that we demand not only release of political prisoners, but their complete exoneration, so that they would be able to take part in the political life. I think it is logical in the context of what the Belarusian authorities are saying about a round table discussion. It is that comforting that this Polish idea is considered, but we remind that the round table should not be held with prisoners, but with free people.

It's true, Poland has a wonderful experience of holding a round table. But in Belarus all attempts of holding a dialogue of the opposition with the government failed. What Lukashenka and Jaruzelski have in common, and what is the difference?

General Jaruzelski was a product of the Soviet system, and he deserved well of the Soviet Union. Not only thanks to the invasion to Czechoslovakia, not only because of the workers' execution in 1970, when he was the Defense Minister, but primarily because of imposing martial law, which delieverd the Soviet army from the necessity to invade the country. Jaruzelski was decorated with the Order of Lenin with diamonds for that.

Today General Jaruzelski is at a hospital, and he has been visited by Lech Walesa. General Jaruzelski has personal bodyguards, who are guaranteed to him under the law. He enjoys privileges of a former president. Free Poland has appreciated the fact that in a crucial moment he foresaw the collapse of the Communism and helped the country to transit from the dictatorship to democracy without bloodshed.

This experience should inspire dictators of other countries. We know what happens with those who hold onto their plositions till the end. They end like Mubarak before the trial, Ben Ali in exile or Saddam Hussein, on the gallows.

You are the person who knows the price of Lukashenka's word. To your mind, could his promises be trusted, and could the dictator be reformed?

During the meetingwith me and German Foreign Minister Lukashenka declared that the presidential election would be held fairly. Meanwhile, I have not met a single person yet who believes that he had won 80% of votes.

This time we are to be twice as watchful as far as his promises are concerned. Now he is to prove to us he is right.

Today European officials state that one of the political conditions for Belarusian authorities is to hold free election. When we start to clear up, it turns up that first parliamentary, and then presidential election are meant. Does it mean that Europe is ready to close eyes to the electoral fraud of the 2010? As earlier calls were made to hold a new presidential election.

As far as I know, the parliamentary election is conditioned by the Constitution of Belarus. If Belarus wants European aid, it should be interested in their democratic nature and maximal integrity.

While you are waiting for reforms from the regime, Lukashenka is gaining time. He stays in power for 5 more years. Is Europe able to have a strong strategy and its methodical implementation?

I think that the parliament elected in a free election could be a serious step forward. I think that it is the only guarantee that the European funds, which could be recieved by Belarus, would not be wasted in vain.

Now we are thinking about a system-level aid to Belarus, I am personally an adherent of a generous aid, as we are concerned with the future of 10 millions of Europeans. But the control of the parliament over the reforms process, over the use of these means is the minimum which is demanded by us.

Don't you have a sense of frustration as long as Lukashenka in concerned? The last dictator have been cunningly misleading the whole world for 17 years.

We are wishing well to Belarus. Poland and Europe will make every endeavour for your country to become democratic and prosperous as soon as possible. And our role in that has a supportive nature. The Belarsuain authorities and society are to decide for themselves whic way they want to take. Sovereignty is also a possibility to make own mistakes.