OSCE diplomat calls for positive relations with Minsk

      The head of the OSCE Office in Minsk has called for the need to “develop positive relations with Belarus,” saying that “tense relations with any European country run counter to the interests of our organization.” In an interview with BelaPAN, Mr. Schmidt expressed objections to calls for “fundamental, drastic changes” in Belarus, saying that “this means demanding the political regime’s change.”

“Such demands provoke tough resistance on the part of the authorities. And under the current Belarusian conditions, these demands are impossible to fulfill, which means that they contradict the interests of all those who are interested in the development of relations between the West and Belarus and in paving the way to evolutionary changes, for instance economic reforms that are needed in periods of transition and crises,” he said.

Mr. Schmidt noted that there were many politicians in Belarus who backed closer ties with the West, which he said realizes the need to drop the “ineffective policy of isolation that we pursued for 12 years.”

“There are countries that criticize such a pragmatic approach,” he added. “But our office finds it important, and representatives of a number of European countries share this point of view, that Belarus should be involved in Europe-wide processes, including the Eastern Partnership program.”

The diplomat said that the OSCE followed the development of relations between Belarus and Russia “with great interest” and analyzed the dependence of the Belarusian economy on Russia.

“We think it is important that Belarus now has more opportunities for a more balanced policy. The main problem, I believe, is that under the present-day conditions it is hard for you to restructure the manufacturing sector. Significant financial resources are needed for this and it is not that easy to get access to them amid the financial crisis,” he said.

At the same time, he added, international institutions are ready to lend money to Belarus and reduce its dependence on Russian loans.

“Our office hopes that the Minsk office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will be given broader functions soon and it will become an even more beneficial partner for your country,” Mr. Schmidt said.

The OSCE representative stressed that the West was interested to help Belarus reform its economy.

“Any loans will be spent and the time will come for them to be paid off. We want your economy to be able as soon as possible to repay old debts and make do without new ones,” he said.

Mr. Schmidt stressed that the European Union “by no means wants the bankruptcy of your country.” “We are interested in a stable, efficient Belarusian economy, in a stable, open, democratic government, in your citizens’ well-being,” he said.