Mikuláš Dzurinda: In no case should sanctions against Lukashenka be softened

A former prime minister of Slovakia is shocked by holding the Belarusian-Lithuanian Forum.

Mikuláš Dzurinda said it in an interview with charter97.org.

A big Belarusian-Lithuanian economic forum was held in Lithuania recently. Prime ministers of Lithuania and Belarus Butkevičius and Miasnikovich took part in the event. Participants discussed closer economic ties between the countries, in particular, the increase in the amount of transit of Belarusian potassium and oil products through Lithuania. Do you think it is legitimisation of the Lukashenka regime in the West, though political prisoners are still in jails and the EU sanctions are in force?

I was very surprised. I can say I was even shocked by the news. I firmly oppose these actions. It is normal when neighbouring states cooperate in various areas, including foreign trade. Unfortunately, Belarus is not a normal democratic state. The regime is totalitarian, without a doubt. I think I won't be mistaken if I say there is a ban on contacts with Lukashenka. I am surprised by and deeply disappointed with the approach demonstrated by Lithuania. I think not only I, but also the people engaged in foreign policy and diplomacy reacted in the same way, because it doesn't help to get rid of Lukashenka's regime and bring freedom to the people of Belarus.

We know from our experience that repression become tougher in Belarus as the position of the Lukashenka regime softens. Don't you think certain European politicians give a license for repression by their actions?

I understand it perfectly. That's why I say that I am shocked, because I have my own experience – the experience of former Czechoslovakia. Basing on this experience, I can only stress that in no case should sanctions be softened. They must be strengthened, because Lukashenka doesn't implement any obligations. No compromises are possible with this regime, at least until freedom fighters are released.