Shushkevich: Everything Is To Seat In Belarus If There Are Normal Elections

Stanislau Shushkevich supported the opinion of 78% of the Russians on the introduction of visa regime with Belarus.

The first head of independent Belarus stated that in his interview to the Russian business news agency.

Shushkevich said that the intent to introduce a visa regime between Belarus and Russia was connected with the activities of Aliaksandr Lukashenka. "Yes, indeed, how much can you take this obscurantist?" –the former head of the country said.

"The scheme is very simple – the Russian leadership allowed Lukashenka to do anything at all. He behaved outrageously, and they "fed" him up, politically supported, and justified the electoral fraud. And they got their come-uppance, because Lukashenka "passed all the bounds up to obscurantism." And why did they "feed him up"? Because it is easier to deal with Lukashenka, than with a normal parliament, normal government, with a normal state," – Stanislav Shushkevich said.

The former head of Belarus says that Russia is trying to rectify the current situation. According to him, there are many ways to "put Lukashenka down."

"To make him (Lukashenka) pay for gas, for oil up to par. Political support for the regime is evident, and it weakens the economy of Belarus. Belarusians have become beggars "thanks" to Lukashenka, and they can work, earn and provide for their life. They are better educated and more disciplined than their nearest neighbors. And it should be used.

Lukashenka has never done anything useful, so he sets everyone for relationships. We must put an end to the political support. If there are normal elections in Belarus, everything here will seat in. And no one will spoil friendly relations with Russia," – Shushkevich said.

He added that Belarusians have a positive attitude to Russia. And there are practically no Russophobes in the country.

"There are practically no Russophobes in Belarus. Most Belarusians love and respect citizens of the Russian Federation, especially the Russian ones. Therefore it is necessary to use it. It’s enough to play nice with illegitimate president," – ex-chairman of the Belarusian parliament said.

For the record, previously on Thursday, VTsIOM published the polling data, according to which 78% of Russians support the introduction of the visa regime between Russia and Belarus. At the same time 40% of respondents named the Republic a friendly state, and 35% – a trade and economic partner. About 4% of the population consider Minsk a political rival and competitor, 3% – a probable opponent.