Alternative to Russia should be offered to Lukashenka – Ukrainian political scientist
Despite the absence of a diplomatic representative of Ukraine, Minsk remains the main meeting place in the solution of the conflict in Donbas. What should Belarus’s policy towards Ukraine be like? And vice versa – what policy should Ukraine pursue towards Belarus? Belsat TV has interviewed Ukrainian political scientist Sergei Taran.
Did Ukraine expect Belarusi to express such stance on Crimea at the EaP summit? And how it may affect the future relations between the two countries?
Sergei Taran: The position was a bit unexpected, but still predicted. We fully realize that Russia is exerting unprecedented pressure on its neighbors, including Belarus. Belarus fails to recognize that Crimea is Russian; Russia wants it at least not to say that Crimea was annexed. In fact, Belarus is the only country that remains on the orbit of Russian interests. <…> Belarus is the only ally of Russia and, therefore, it is essential for the latter that Belarus should take such a position. But I do not think it’s a strategic choice of the Belarusian leadership, since, Ukraine remains as one of a few partners for Belarus. In addition, the format of the Minsk talks is a chance to get out of the diplomatic isolation in which Belarus has been, and no doubt, Ukraine is its first ally here.
Should Kyiv develop any specific policy towards Belarus taking into account its alliance with Russia, and the fact that the Minsk talks still remain the main platform?
Sergei Taran: Ukraine’s policy towards Belarus, should be special and similar to that of Poland towards Ukraine during the presidency of Leonid Kuchma. Then Kuchma was involved into the scandal that erupted after the disappearance of journalist Gongadze. And Ukraine found itself in diplomatic isolation. And Russia was happy, because Ukraine there was no choice except for being in the wake of Russia’s policy. And Poland created a diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and the rest of the world. For Ukraine, it turned out to be very useful, because Kuchma had a choice after the Orange Revolution – he could either go one way, towards Europe, or choose an authoritarian way and swing round to Russia. This special cooperation with Poland was a very important process which contributed to the democratization of Ukraine, because Kuchma did not feel isolated from the rest of the world, Poland played the key role in the process. In relation to Lukashenka Ukraine should be armed with the same policy. There might be problems with the violation of human rights and democracy in Belarus, but Lukashenka should be given a choice.
<…> By the way, Russia would like Ukraine to treat Belarus harshly: in this case Russia woulg gain full control over Belarus and Lukashenka. We should not let it happen as Belarus is in a very strategic situation. If Lukashenko has such a choice, he will be able to maneuver at a critical moment, as Kuchma did in his time.
Is the case of Ambassador Yezhel importany for the two countries? Ukraine withdrew him, but Belarus allegedly refused to extradite him? Why hasn’t Ukraine appointed a new candidate for this position yet?
Sergei Taran: Belarus is an important partner of Ukraine, a neighboring country, special relations should be developed. But, unfortunately, it cannot be a strategic partner as long the situation with democracy is disastrous. But I believe that the unpleasant situation with Yezhel will be solved very quickly and another envoy will be appointed soon. I think a Ukrainian political heavyweight will be a new ambassador to Belarus.
Read more: Yanukovych’s Defense Minister aka Envoy Yezhel hiding in Belarus from Ukraine’s prosecutors: Justice for all?
