Andrei Kazakevich: European structures will make no concessions to Belarus

Release of political prisoners is symbolic; however, it will signalize that the Belarusan authorities are ready for the dialog with the EU.

In the last two weeks official Minsk has called the EU for dialog. Thus, Uladzimir Makei, Belarusian Foreign Minister, at the Third Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius said Belarus was ready to start negotiations with the EU on Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements. In exchange for the abolition of the EU sanctions.

On December 16 similar statement was made by Aliaksandr Lukashenka. While accepting the credentials of new foreign ambassadors in Minsk, he said Belarus is ready to take any steps to normalize Belarus-EU relations, emphasizing that “the ball is in your court”.

Do these statements bear any significance or is it only diplomatic etiquette? Andrei Kazakevich, the director of the Institute for Policy Studies Palіtychnaya Sphera (Political Sphere) in the talk with the EuroBelarus Information Service shared his thoughts about it.

- “We areready to take any steps to normalize Belarus-EU relations”, stated Aliaksandr Lukashenka, when accepting the credentials of new foreign ambassadors in Minsk. Is it worth to search for specific sense in his words?

- It should be noted that over the last six months a number of statements that are considered to be a demonstration of Belarus’ readiness to mend fences with the EU were made. They can be viewed as positive; however, normalization of relations with the EU is held back by details. Even if there is political will, cooperation cannot develop with all the existing problems.

- Speaking about the EU, Lukashenka stressed that “the ball is in your court”. Meanwhile the EU waits when Belarus releases its political prisoners. Who will finally “hit the ball” then?

- I’m in favor of the EU’s position: to start normal dialog, Belarusan authorities have to resolve the issue with the political prisoners. The release of political prisoners is not connected with big financial or political expenditures; and that is why the EU insists on this step, which can become the starting point in normalization of relations.

Belarusan authorities are well aware of this procedure, as the same was happening in 2008-2009, before the thaw of 2010.

- Lukashenka persistently calls for the EU to give up its demands and develop economic relations instead. What does he count at?

- I believe it to be normal for the negotiation process, as the official Minsk would like to get rid of the political component. And the only way to get rid of it is to repeat this thesis time after time.

However, Belarusan authorities will have to consider the political component, whether they want it or not. Release of political prisoners is symbolic; however, it will signalize that the Belarusan authorities are ready for the dialog with the EU.