Euronews gave air time to Europe’s last dictator

The presenter of the TV channel reminded that Alyaksandr Lukashenka is considered “the last dictator of Europe”. For a long time Belarus’ relations with the West were strained, mostly because of Lukashenka’s harsh regime. He was even called the last dictator of Europe. Today one of political long-livers of the post-Soviet space talks about changes, however, mending relations with Europe, he does not give up the union with Russia, said the voice of the TV presenter.

Lukashenka’s answers sounded odious as usual. For instance, to the question about crackdown on freedom of expression in Belarus he answered:

“You know, there is already dialogue on these issues. As for the media, I don’t believe in banning the press. The people are free to read, they know their president. They have had 13 years to make up their mind about their president. We have transparent and accurate laws drafted to meet, and comply with, European standards, countries like France, Germany and England. We didn’t make anything up. And when they criticize us, we show them where the provisions of the Constitution came from. So what’s the point of your criticisms?”

As we have informed, distribution of only two independent newspapers with microscopic print run is authorized in the country today. Dozens of newspapers are closed, and the rest 13 newspapers cannot be distributed under subscription and via kiosks of “Belsayuzdruk” state-run retailer network.

Lukashenka has also admitted that he hadn’t been invited to the Prague summit yet.

“As for Prague, I don’t think it really matters who goes to Prague: whether I do or somebody else does. We haven’t given it any thought yet, nor have we received an invitation,” he said.

As for the “parliamentary elections” held last autumn and recognized as not free and not democratic by the OSCE, the dictator stated:

“With regards to elections, we conducted the elections in Belarus the way Europe showed us. They came here from the European Union, the OSCE and told us: “You know, there’s something wrong with this, please do it this way”. We told them: “All right, let it be this way”. What sort of country can keep elections going in breach of its own laws?! None. We have breached the law but fitted it into the concepts of the European Union.”

Lukashenka has also commented Russia’s plans on constructing pipelines bypassing Belarus.

“Secondly, regarding transit, the most convenient and shortest route is Belarus. Even through Ukraine transit is much more expensive. Not to mention the “Nord Stream”. That is an unprofitable project. But that is up to Russia.”

As for recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia’s independence by Belarus he said:

“With respect to Abkhazia and Ossetia, I have repeatedly said that we have our own position on that issue – and we defy any pressure, either from Europe or Russia. We have an elected parliament, it will discuss the issue, a proposition will be tabled within our legislation, and we will solve the issue. But that has never been linked to these credits.

During the latest negotiations, we suggested to the Russians that they start taking steps immediately towards turning the Russian rouble into a fully-fledged regional currency. We urged them to give us a loan to ensure that we could, initially, pay for our energy supplies with that money. So we have good relations, and we pride ourselves on the good relations we have with Russia…”

Source