Opinions & Interviews

Confidence in ability of Belarusian people to make choices without outside ‘well-wishers’ expressed

Anatoly Glaz. An archive photo

MINSK, 14 July (BelTA) – The Belarusian nation will make its own choices without hints from outside “well-wishers”. Neither the European Union nor any other party will determine progress of the election process in Belarus, BelTA learned from Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Information and Digital Diplomacy Office, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The official said: “Belarus may not be a country of ideal democracy yet but it definitely has been a sovereign state for many years. This is why it seems odd to us when a representative of the European Union, which declares support of our independence all the time, starts acting like an external manager all of a sudden, starts identifying guilty and innocent parties and dictating what and how Belarus’ leadership should do while threatening us with sanctions. Judging from my own experience, I can say that such mentors tend to promptly forget about their lessons when they have to restore law and order in their own countries.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman reminded that just like all the other sovereign countries Belarus organizes elections for its own sake. “The Belarusian nation will make its own choices without hints from outside ‘well-wishers’. Neither the European Union nor any other party will determine progress of the election process in our country,” Anatoly Glaz said. “We are open (and we prove it in practice) to an equitable and mutually respectful dialogue with our European partners. And such a dialogue goes on and produces positive results for each side as well as direct effects for citizens of Belarus and the European Union. But it doesn’t mean we will tolerate pressure on our court system, law enforcement system, and election system or threats regardless of their origin.”

Speaking about the invitation of international observers, Anatoly Glaz said: “Belarus is well aware of its commitments within the framework of the OSCE. We are discussing it with the OSCE, not with the European Union’s representative in Belarus. And we will make the decision on inviting observers at an appropriate time considering the development of the epidemic situation in the country and the region as a whole.”

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