The current situation in
Belarus in the area of so-called third
sector, civil and non-governmental organizations and foreign educational centres
is rather complicated. Also prior to the Parliamentary elections the situation
is becoming more tense. The Head of the Regional Representation of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in
Ukraine and Belarus, doctor Stefan Hrobot, expressed his views regarding
cooperation and improvement of a dialogue between the Belarusian authorities
and non-governmental organizations.
“I believe the state should create such
framework conditions, where the state, the government and the civil society
could have a dialogue of equal and fully pledged partners, they should
communicate with each other. It is necessary to create favourable conditions
for such a dialogue so that
Europe and
Belarus could communicate with one another
without barriers and fears. The first steps were already undertaken, though
very cautious, towards such dialogue and from our side we shall support further
steps. However it also means that the state and the government should not
control such contacts and should not guide people into dialogues but create
favourable conditions to make the latter possible. We shall be eager to set up
these precise framework conditions so that the civil society, trade unions,
women organizations, the Media and other players could take part in such
dialogue and improve contacts between them.
It is an obsolete situation when
there is an island in the centre of
Europe, a small island that is not taking part in the dialogue.
This island is
Belarus. We would like to make
Belarus understand what
Europe thinks due to the fact that
Belarus is a part of
Europe. We would like to let it know that
Belarus has chances in
Europe. The Friedrich Ebert Foundation is
working hard on these issues in order to show
Belarus what Europeans think about this
country and the vise versa, to outline the existing problems of
Belarus to Europeans. We would like to play
a role of a bridge in order to assist the both sides. We underline that there
are certain values, such as democracy and civil society. I think that in
Germany and in
Europe people realize that it is necessary
to look for new approaches to cooperation with
Belarus. Whether the full scale cooperation
is possible at all between us it would depend on whether we are understood in
Belarus.
When we feel that our efforts are
understood, it would be easier for us to improve the cooperation. In the
reverse situation, when we encounter barriers and feel that we are not
understood, it would be a negative sign for
Europe.
Many people in
Europe are watching closely this process.
I am sure there are many sensible people in
Belarus, who realize the importance of this
cooperation and make attempts to influence such dialogue. The following several
weeks will show whether that is the case in reality.
Firstly, it is extremely important
that the civil sector and the civil society continue to be present in the country,
can work and develop. Secondly, it is crucial that the Belarusian authorities realize
the importance of the existence of the third sector per se, that it falls
within the interests of the state and is for its benefit, serving as an
indicator of democracy in the country. In the meantime, we can not influence
the situation we may only express our thoughts in this regard. In no way we
should interfere with the internal affairs of
Belarus. We may only hope for better
understanding from the side if the Belarusian officials. That is what we work
for”.
Ludmila Korsak
