Petras Auštrevičius: The EU Sanctions Can Contain Lukashenka

When will the "red light" be on for the regime?

MEP for Lithuania, Permanent Rapporteur of the European Parliament on Belarus, Petras Auštrevičius told about this in an interview with Charter97.org.

- Mr Auštrevičius, how closely does the European Parliament observe the election campaign in Belarus and what conclusions can be drawn?

- I should say that at the moment MEPs pay enough attention to the situation in Belarus. We both monitor the ongoing election campaign and assess the situation in the country. Some European institutions mention the prospects for the development of relations with Belarus. However, we have to assess whether basic human rights are respected in this country.

I feel that there is interest in your country; there is an active group of people who observe and understand well the situation in Belarus. Therefore, I see no lack of interest in Belarus at the moment.

- You have addressed the vice-president of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and asked him to respond to the events in Belarus. You also suggested imposing sanctions against the Belarusian authorities. Why did you initiate such a decision?

- Speaking frankly, the events over the past month show that Lukashenka's regime ignores even minor normalization of relations with the opposition, the observance of normal procedures for the nomination of candidates. I do not mention the persecution of these people and the so-called personal characteristics he gives them. It is an affront to human dignity.

I have a feeling that this is just the beginning. We can expect even greater pressure on opposition activists and leaders. Therefore, I believe that my appeal is not anticipated. We proposed to start discussing the possibility of imposing sanctions. I think it would be a good instrument to curb unnecessary and repressive actions of Lukashenka. So I do hope that it was heard and taken quite seriously.

We will observe the process. I can say this is not our last letter. As I said, the monitoring of the situation in Belarus has intensified.

- The EU urged the Belarusian authorities to immediately release blogger Siarhei Tsikhanouski. However, we see pressure on another potential candidate - Viktar Babariko. Will Brussels respond?

- This situation provides an opportunity to discuss sanctions. I can see a systematic approach and activation in the actions of the Lukashenka regime. Therefore, I share your opinion that repression can also affect Babariko. Today, Lukashenka has no strong points. He feels no confidence in his victory scoring 6:0. That's why the pressure will increase. European politicians, who do not respond to our warnings, only contribute to the development of such a scenario in Belarus and the commission of political crimes there.

Therefore, I do hope that the European Union will not have to react post facto and say "it happened; we will stick to realpolitik and cooperate with Lukashenka". In my opinion, the EU will lose its face in the eye of Belarus.

I believe that the Belarusian society is already quite tolerant of the actions of European politicians at certain moments. Therefore, I hope all the leaders we have addressed will realize the gravity of the situation.

- Today activists of the European Belarus civil campaign and other opposition leaders are behind bars. At the same time, the Ministry of Information expressed the desire to have full control over the media. Can one say that the election campaign is held with great violations and there is a reason to consider the upcoming elections illegitimate?

- In my opinion, we can already talk about hundreds of violations during this election campaign. Silence on the part of the European Union may become a "green light" for further crack-down by the Belarusian authorities.

- Is there a 'red line' that bears a tough reaction of the EU if Belarus neglects it?

- Observing the situation, I can say that it may be crossed by August 9. I follow the actions of the EU and am critical of its idleness and silence during this election campaign. However, I believe a tough reaction can be expected during the violations at the so-called elections. The self-deception and political naivety of the European Union plays into Lukashenka's hands.

- Can the red light be on for Lukashenka before August 9?

- I see several possibilities. We stay in contact with representatives of the opposition, who have been telling us about the situation in Belarus for many years. However, we would like to hear the voice of public organizations, especially at the regional level. Therefore, everything depends on the Belarusians and the loud voice of society.

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