Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 31 October (BelTA) – At the opening of the Munich Security Conference Core Group Meeting in Minsk on 31 October, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko voiced his views on democracy and human rights, BelTA has learned.

“They tell us that Europe would like Belarus to remain sovereign. Some of our western partners are enthusiastic about Minsk’ position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Crimea and the Donbass. However, when it comes to practical cooperation, they say we have issues with human rights,” the head of state said.

He recalled that the mature European democracy needed centuries to take shape, while they want Belarus and other post-Soviet states to make a breakthrough within several decades. “If we do it in fits and starts, through coercion, the result will not be sustainable. Therefore, we opt for evolution, not revolution,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian head of state noted that the post-Soviet countries are no longer sure that the West that pushes for its democracy so hard, will be able to preserve it in its own realm. “Let us see what will happen with democracy in Western Europe. Progressive Germans have not appreciated Angela Merkel's role in modern history and are trying to sideline her. Look what is happening in your states, in the West. But you still continue to preach about some kind of democracy not even trying to understand what is happening here, in the post-Soviet territory: Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other republics,” the head of state noted.

“I often say that you will soon come to us to learn our democracy, because it is based on stability and normal lives of people,” the Belarusian leader said.

“Girls in schools should not be afraid to wear skirts. Otherwise, what kind of democracy can you talk about,” the head of state cited an example.

“Where are the human rights of those executed in Norway (seven or eight dozen people)? Where are the human rights of their families and friends? Meanwhile he [Anders Breivik] is doing his time in a three-room ‘apartment’ and still demands some rights and privileges,” the president said.

“We may once come to this, but not today. Not because I do not understand this. Our peoples do not understand this. There is a need to be more patient and focus on those issues that must be addressed in the name of true democracy,” Alexander Lukashenko said.