BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

09/10/2008

Belarus: the EU must dangle a big carrot from a big stick

Conservative foreign affairs spokesman gives cautious response to Lukashenko's overtures

Brussels, 9th October 2008 -- The European Union should recognise and respond to apparent efforts by Belarus president Aleksandr Lukashenko to court the West, Conservative foreign affairs spokesman Charles Tannock MEP has said in a debate in the European Parliament.

Dr Tannock said that the recent parliamentary elections, which resulted in Lukshaneko's supporters winning every seat, had done little to assuage EU concerns about political repression in Belarus.

However, Dr Tannock said that the recent release of political prisoners by Lukashenko hinted at moves to explore better relations with the EU, although he pointed out that such a move could also be an attempt to create more leverage with the Kremlin.

The MEP welcomed the EU's decision to exceptionally lift travel restrictions to allow the Belarus foreign minister to visit Luxembourg to engage in dialogue with EU counterparts.

He said the EU could offer many incentives to Belarus to change, not least the prospect of stronger economic ties to alleviate widespread poverty caused by a stagnant economy.

Dr Tannock said:

"It doesn't make sense to have the last European dictator on our doorstep.

"We should always seek to challenge and engage with Belarus. The recent release of political prisoners therefore presents us with an opportunity.

"Whether Lukashenko's move constitutes an overture to the West remains to be seen, but we should be ready to respond with our own incentives to recognise and reward Belarus.

"We should not discount the possibility that Lukashenko is testing the Kremlin, which has hitherto been vital to his stranglehold on power.

"If this is indeed the case the EU should not be afraid to wield the carrot as well as the stick.

"Nevertheless, Belarus remains a country where human rights are routinely disregarded, political dissent is not tolerated and a free press is a distant dream.

"Once we have started dangling the carrot, we should also make sure we still have the stick in the other hand."

Source:

http://www.conservativeeurope.com/news/877/belarus-the-eu-must-dangle-a-big-carrot-from-a-big-stick.aspx

Google
 


Partners:
Face.by Social Network
Face.by