Andrei Sannikov At Forum In Halifax: Fighting Tyranny Is Global Concern

The European Belarus leader has drawn the attention of world politicians to the situation in our country.

Leader of the European Belarus civil campaign, presidential candidate in the 2010 elections Andrei Sannikov has taken part in the Forum on International Security in Halifax (Canada).

The Charter97.org website asked the politician to give details about the forum's work.

- Please tell us more about the format of this forum. What issues were discussed at the forum?

- This is the traditional forum on international security, which is held for the 11th time. It is distinguished by a large number of heads of military agencies from the United States, Canada and Europe.

One of the founders of this forum is Senator John McCain, who believes that a democratic community is necessary not only to protect the United States' interests, but also to support and protect those who fight for their dignity and freedom against dictatorships.

Topical issues related to international security are discussed at the forum. As a rule, each forum has a dominant theme. This year's theme was China - as a serious global threat, both economic and political - and as a factor of negative impact on various regions of the world.

A special feature of the Halifax forum is the presence of a high-level delegation from the U.S.: senators and representatives of the White House administration.

- Who of the high-ranking politicians did you meet and talk to about the situation in Belarus?

- The Halifax Forum offers the opportunity to communicate in an informal atmosphere without any preliminary agreements.

This time we managed to talk about the situation in Belarus with a number of politicians. It is worth noting the new adviser on national security of the U.S. President Robert O'Brien, spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department Morgan Ortagus, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Jim Risch.

These are the politicians with whom I have discussed specific issues of the situation in Belarus and the U.S. position.

In addition, there were well-known analysts, journalists, members of parliament and public figures at the forum. It can be noted that the dramatic episode of the resignation of U.S. Navy Minister Richard Spencer in connection with his conflict with President Donald Trump over the "Navy SEAL" developed right before our eyes.

Such dramatic situations sometimes arise in this forum, and this once again emphasizes that the forum is at the heart of world politics - and this is reflected in its discussions.

- What specific topics related to Belarus have you condemned with high-ranking American politicians?

- There were two topics.

One was negative: these are the so-called recent "elections". I said that attempts to "rehabilitate" dictatorships do not work in any way. In any case, they lead only to the opposite consequences: a dictator (not only Lukashenka, but anybody, anywhere in the world), when he is gently "cultivated", starts to get insolent. The "elections" held in Belarus have shown that the authorities started to behave in a Hamish way precisely because they are sure of their complete impunity, which was inspired by the West's latest attempts to make friends with them.

The second theme was positive and inspiring: the reburial of Kalinouski's remains in Vilnius. I talked about it with all my interlocutors - that this is a historic event, which shows that the real Belarus is alive, that it is in Europe, and that such a free Belarus under the national flag is our future. All our friends, neighbours, partners and the entire international community should remember this. And the real face of Belarus was presented in Vilnius, which for some reason even those who call themselves our friends try to ignore.

- Have these topics found an echo in your interlocutors?

- Sure. Moreover, the State Department has made an adequate statement that the U.S. is seriously concerned about the way the "elections" were held in Belarus.

It is obvious that the Belarusian authorities have once again punished themselves. But it would be desirable to draw some conclusions from such arrogant behavior - and we talked about it.

- Who else, besides the U.S. representatives, did you meet and talk to at the forum?

- I would like to note that a representative delegation of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense was present there. Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk made a very good impression on everyone - both in public discussions and at closed meetings. He is a modern politician who speaks English fluently and professionally defends the interests of his country.

At the dinner dedicated to Ukraine, I once again stressed the importance of Ukrainian success for Belarus. Protecting the democratic principles of Ukraine's development in the European direction will be the greatest help for the independence and democratization of Belarus.

The forum was attended by opposition leaders from Tibet, in particular President of Tibet in exile Lobsang Sangay, Uighur leaders (President of the Uighur World Congress Dolkun Isa), leaders of protests in Hong Kong represented by the head of the international committee of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong Emily Lau, who received the John McCain Prize on behalf of the people of Hong Kong, opposition leaders from Venezuela. And we talked to them all about the situation in our countries.

There are people there who face tyranny, repression and dictatorship on a daily basis - there is a kind of brotherhood: we understand and support each other very well in the discussions. And there is no need to explain to any of us that the fight against tyranny is not the task of individual countries, individual peoples. It is a global task, and only solidarity can lead to success in all our countries.

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