Poland would like to improve relations with its eastern neighbour, but the observance of human rights by the Belarusian authorities is a key element for fostering the dialogue, Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz said in an interview with Belsat.
Minister Czaputowicz arrived in Minsk and took part in the Munich Security Conference Core Group meeting.
“I believe that the Polish-Belarusian relations are being normalized. But we are mindful of human rights. This morning I have had a meeting with opposition MPs, Alena Anisim and Hanna Kanapatskaya. We were talking about human rights issues. They said there was no end of work to be done in this field by the Belarusian authorities. I’d like to say I’ve heard a lot of good things about Belsat TV, since the channel keeps informing of all human rights violations and broadcasting in Belarusian. I am pleased that the TV station enjoys a good reputation.”
Nations, not politicians, need normalization
“Definitely, we would like to get our relations with Belarus back on track and develop them so that Belarusians could visit Poland and Poles could come here and get to know wonderful Belarusian culture. And we will be pursuing this aim bit by bit. On the other hand, we are aware of the geopolitical situation. Foreign Minister Makey has made it clear that the relations with Russia are very close, which determines Belarus’ foreign policy. For our part, we will do everything to support the sovereignty and national identity of Belarus, but we will keep a close eye on observing human rights, political freedom, which is an essential prerequisite for normalizing our relations.”
West’s change of heart?
“It is hard to say whether the EU has shifted its stance on Belarus. But its contribution to holding meetings on the situation in Ukraine might have made a difference; the Minsk Agreements were signed here. We see that Belarus is eager to play a certain role here, to have a symbolic influence on the foreign policy, not to stay in the background, but show some independence. These are positive signs. On the other hand, Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s speech was typical. He criticized Poland’s plans to ask USA for expanded military presence. According to him, this would pose some threat. But I realize that he was just doing his part. But nevertheless, we want to talk, to be transparent about our actions, including those in NATO, so that hostility between the two countries could be eased. I hold it as a certain step; this conference itself also contributes to the normalization of relations and reducing international tension. The fact that the conference was organized by a German foundation proves that Western European countries do feel the need to start a conversation, a dialogue. And I will not criticize the initiative. We should talk.”
