Sweden: Greater opportunities to operate in Belarus

"When the Embassy is in place we will have greater opportunities to operate in Belarus," says Stefan Eriksson, who today was appointed new Ambassador in Belarus.

And he knows what he is talking about. As sole diplomat employee, he has been representing Sweden in this country for three years. Stefan Eriksson Stefan Eriksson, Sweden's future Ambassador in Minsk

And he will soon have help. When the new embassy opens he will be helped by three staff members posted from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and one person from Sida. He is looking forward to the increased resources.

"We must broaden our own network of contacts with all parts of Belarusian society but also help Swedish organisations and authorities to find the right partners. We already have a highly appreciated cultural exchange with Belarus and I hope that we will expand that cooperation".

The Swedish Section Office in Minsk has tried to keep the Swedish flag flying, and with limited resources has nevertheless been able to mark a Swedish presence in Belarus.

Opening an embassy in Minsk is a challenge that will require time, according to Stefan Eriksson. But he expects that it will be able to start up at the end of the year in the new premises. For the time being the Embassy will be temporarily housed in the Section Office premises.

The human rights situation in Belarus has deteriorated in recent years which has led to increased isolation for the country. Diplomatic endeavours are not always simple.

"You have to be here a long time to understand the mechanisms that steer people's behaviour behind the façade. The isolation can sometimes feel oppressive," says Stefan Eriksson.

"At the same time my task is of course also to maintain a dialogue with the Belarusian authorities. To be sure, we have different opinions on some questions, but nevertheless there are areas where it is important to conduct a dialogue."

view original source