Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-10-27-Speech-3-115"
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"en.20041027.8.3-115"2
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".
Mr President, recent events in Belarus have mainly been observed in terms of the elections taking place in the country. In the shadow of these elections, however, a referendum was held, aimed at amending the constitution and making it possible for Mr Lukashenko to remain in power in Belarus for the rest of his life. President Lukashenko prevented observers from monitoring this referendum, which was of enormous significance for him. It was therefore held without any kind of external checks. Its significance was due to the increased difficulty of rigging the results. In order for the referendum to be legally valid it was necessary not only for there to be a high turn-out, but also for over half of those entitled to vote to do so in favour of the proposals. According to independent investigations carried out by Gallup, these requirements were not met. There is therefore ample reason for neither this referendum nor Mr Lukashenko’s right to run for re-election to the post of president to be recognised, even though no independent observers were present.
With regard to the European Union’s policy, I believe it is worth noting that there is only a comparatively small chance of any sanctions imposed actually having an effect. Belarus is fast heading towards self-isolation, and is turning into a country that entirely disregards the influence of other countries. In view of this, the economic effect of such measures can also be only slight, and the impact of the promised aid and ‘Cooperation with Belarus’ programme will doubtless remain very limited too, as President Lukashenko regards them as a poisoned chalice. If this is the case, what else can be done? The most essential action required, as already mentioned in this House, is the building of civil society. This must be achieved not only through measures in Belarus itself, which could prove difficult, but by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by modern technology, including radio and television. The latter could convey certain values and attitudes to Belarus, even if the transmitters are located outside Belarus’ borders, as would be the case under the proposals put forward by the United States. Incidentally, and finally, it might be a good idea for EU actions of this kind to be synchronised and coordinated in some way with the US actions set out in recent decisions by Congress and the President. I thank you."@en1
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