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Presidential Administration head criticizes isolation of Belarus, pledges media changes

The head of the Presidential Administration has criticized the isolation of Belarus by the West and promised "positive steps" on the part of the country's authorities in the media market.

"Belarus, an integral part of Europe, has been absolutely undeservingly facing economic and political pressure for many years, becoming a source for the production of sinister and fantastic thrillers," the head, Uladzimir Makey, said at the opening of the 11th Minsk Forum on Thursday.

Mr. Makey called for an "unbiased look" at Belarus.

"Hardly anyone will deny that Belarus is making a significant contribution into the security of Europe thanks to it sustainable social and economic growth, concord in society, well-balanced and peaceful foreign policy course," he said.

For the first time a head of the Presidential Administration accepted the invitation of the Minsk-based German embassy to take part in the annual forum.

Mr. Makey repeated the authorities' mantra that they were ready for sincere dialogue with the European Union based on equality and mutual respect.

He expressed the opinion that it made no sense for the West to continue the isolation of Belarus, describing the past years of the isolation as lost.

He said that Belarus and the European Union had now a "unique opportunity" to improve relations. "Processes that seemed to be highly unlikely three years ago are possible now. Perhaps, something what seems to be unlikely today will become possible tomorrow. Who knows?" he said.

He denied that there had been political prisoners in the country. Those regarded by some as such had been convicted on criminal charges, he stressed. "Law is equal for everyone," he said. "A different thing is that it can run counter to democratic reality that is needed. Then, it should be changed."

This past September, the European Union suspended for six months its travel sanctions against top Belarusian officials, primarily in response to the release of political dissidents seen by the country's opposition and the West as political prisoners. The EU said that it was expecting further steps from the Belarusian government.

Mr. Makey pledged positive moves in the media market and recalled that proposals for the improvement of environment for small businesses would soon be tabled to Alyaksandr Lukashenka. "Nobody is or will be pursuing the goal of eradicating enterprise," he said.

The official said that economic matters were a key priority for Belarus in relations with the EU, expressing confidence that the Belarusians "are able to make a significant contribution to the development of common Europe."

He criticized Brussels for high Schengen visa fees that apply to Belarusian nationals as well.

Mr. Makey assured the gathering that the authorities of Belarus were paying heed to criticism to "remedy flaws and constantly improve the political and economic system."
"We, Europeans, share one history and humanitarian values. But the so-called western democracy cannot be copied at once. Every country has its own traditions and every people have their own national ethical and psychological peculiarities," he said. //BelaPAN