Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-09-14-Speech-2-036"
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"en.20040914.3.2-036"2
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"Mr President, since 1 May of this year, Belarus shares its borders with the European Union. It is a well-known fact that this geographical closeness does not exactly run parallel to political like-mindedness. A week ago to the day, the Belarusian President Lukashenko highlighted this chasm by issuing a decree to legitimise and consolidate his authoritarian presidency via the ballot box even after 2006. In just over one month, on 17 October, this constitutional change could be a
. This predictable development does nothing to simplify relations between Brussels and Minsk. Since Belarus constitutes an important passage for energy and other supplies of goods from Russia to EU Member States, Lukashenko and his repressive regime are in a strong position. Incidentally, over the years, it has appeared immune to direct international efforts towards gradual democratisation and reform. Lukashenko's undeniable ambition to stay in power will, if anything, reinforce this trend in time to come. What impact can the European institutions have in Belarus? Indeed, is not the present leaders’ self-imposed political isolation from the West complete?
Despite this, we do not need to leave Belarusian society at the mercy of Lukashenko’s unbridled thirst for power. This undoubtedly difficult path is pointed out in a German study published this summer. Change in Belarus can only be successful in the medium term by promoting that country’s own initiatives from the bottom up. There is indeed a glimmer of light here, because despite the grave circumstances of the past few years, to date, some 2 500 registered civil organisations have managed to hold their own. This was definitely made easier by long-term contact with foreign partners. With hundreds of initiatives, Germany is in the lead here. How does the Commission view this way out of the political impasse between the European Union and Belarus? It is certainly a long-term effort involving many risks. What is inspiring, though, is the honourable object, the general well-being of the Belarussian population, with the active involvement of civil society and, if possible, both local and regional authorities. I would like to ask the Commission once again whether it considers this a viable option and if so, what practical action it intends to initiate."@en1
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