Minsk hopes that Europe recognizes the new parliament “regardless of anything"

So far one can judge about the content of these conversations only based on fragmentary news agencies reports. The full texts of these important materials are conventionally published a few days later usually.

However, it is curious, what is the primary focus of the governmental state agencies in this regard.

BELTA, the state news agency, put in its headline a quote of the Head of State that Belarus has always sought to forge good relations with Europe. Second thought: "the economy is pushing Belarus to implement open multi-dimensional policies." Finally, as reported by Interfax-West, Alexander Lukashenko expressed the interest in the recognition by the Western countries of the parliamentary elections to be held on September 28 and that they would be compliable with the international standards.

PR is what it is. Analysts noted long time ago, that the Belarusian leadership exported at least two PR approaches. One is with regard to Russia, the second is in relations with the West. As recently as September 9^th, at a press conference with Russian journalists the leader of the country said that "regardless of how many kisses we sent to the West, they, the Westerners, will never understand us”.

However then he appealed to be understood. "... We want you to look at us, to see and to recognize our elections", said Mr. Lukashenko in simple words.

Actually, ironically, the issue was brought up by Russia, which is being regularly sworn with love by the Belarusian authorities. The Kremlin understood very well that, under the brand name "brotherly integration”, its partner is regularly thriving for economic preferences only. And they drew their conclusions.

The “ Union State” turned into a clinch. Moscow took a course towards pragmatic bilateral economic relations. The price of gas in 2009 could reach, according to announcements by Gazprom and Ambassador Surikov, at least 200 US Dollars. And in case the price would be cheaper, it would not be because of the “beautiful eyes”. They demand a unified air defense system (with command posts in Russia, of course), the recognition of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the support in the asymmetric response to the deployment of the U.S. missile defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland. Finally, they call to open the gate for a “unified currency” and to the Russian capital so that it could purchase the best assets of a small country.

It is clear that after reaching the economic heights, Moscow would quickly replace the local nomenclature and the political helm. Therefore the Belarusian authorities, regardless of all the stark differences with the opposition, have no other choice but to stand against the Kremlin till the last moment. That is where Belarus might look for a reliable European backup instead of the Iron Curtain, to which Russia is pushing forward.

All these Shakespearean passions are hiding behind a coated diplomatic phrase that “the economy is pushing Belarus...” and then on the text.

However, apparently Minsk is not ready to give up easily. In an interview with journalists of "The Financial Times” and the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” the Belarusian official leader made it clear that he was not expecting to see many political opponents in the new parliament. Here it is, the phrase with the subtext: "Unfortunately, this Parliament will not be like ones in Europe. However this will be the People's Parliament, elected by the people."

Well, indeed, what can you do if the people do not want to see more than two or three opponents in the House of Representatives? That's what the summaries of the Belarusian authorities may look like after the elections.

In general, the authorities are counting on that the dilemma between the political pragmatism and the commitment to liberal values of the West at this stage will be decided in favor of pragmatism. At least some European politicians are already preparing for this stage, arguing for the "new approach" based on a desire to pull Belarus out from under the Kremlin’s cap by all means.

In the mean time, local democrats are left to recall the works of a comedian who said that if there are two evils one might chose from, it is already not so bad.