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On Interview by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
Sergei Martynov to BBC World
On March 17,
2006 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Sergei Martynov shared some of
his views with the BBC World during the interview, broadcasting by the
company from Minsk.
Commenting on
continued criticisms on Belarus from the United States Sergei Martynov noted
the following.
Quote:
"I believe
these criticisms are not fair. Obviously, we are a society in transition,
the society in flex. Fifteen years ago we were a part of the former Soviet
Union. But, of course, there is no such thing in this country as tyranny and
dictatorship."
Unquote.
Commenting on
political opponents declarations that Belarus is police state where there is
no freedom of the media Sergei Martynov stressed the following.
Quote:
"Well, this is
not a fair picture of Belarus today. To put things right let me say this.
According to our Constitution we have a strong presidency. The presidency
which has important powers. But we are not the only country in Europe which
has such. France is basically the same. So, it is not about dictatorship and
authoritarianism. Yes, there is a strong power in Belarus. The authorities
exercise a strong power. They provide law and order."
Unquote.
Commenting on a
danger of so called "colored revolutions" happening in Belarus, Sergei
Martynov underlined the following.
Quote:
"People in this
country appreciate what the Government does to them, not only in words, but
in deeds. So there is no reason for whatever kinds of revolutions in this
country."
Unquote.
Commenting on
the West efforts to destabilize the situation in the country by funding the
political opposition in Belarus Sergei Martynov noted the following.
Quote:
"Well, one
thing is for sure, there is an effort on the part of the West to become an
important player in internal political processes in Belarus. And, this is
not only an interest and an effort, but this is also the money which is
funneled in this country from outside sources in the West to support, of
course, not to the Government. Washington and Brussels favor particular
candidates in the presidential race in Belarus. And they not only favor they
also openly say so. And this is, of course, interference in internal
processes of different country. This should not happen in the civilized
Europe."
Unquote.
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