D.Kramer: Attacks on opposition to deprive West of illusion of Lukashenka’s change

The head of “Freedom House” David Kramer who used to be the deputy U.S. Secretary of State has given an interview to the Russian service of “America’s Voice”. He discussed the situation in Belarus. Mr. Kramer claimed that he was not shocked or surprised at the fact that Lukashenka’s regime had used violence against its people because it had happened many times before. People have forgotten the events of 2006, 2000 and 1999 when several people disappeared. Lukashenka will do everything to preserve power, claims Mr. Kramer. David Kramer hopes that the attacks on the opposition and journalists will help some European and American politicians get rid of the vain illusion that Lukashenka has changed. The liberalization before the election was only a shop front. The real Lukashenka is seen in the brutal dispersal of the meeting on December 19, thinks the head of “Freedom House”.

Speaking about the way to influence the Belarusian leader and make him release the opposition representatives jailed after the action, David Kramer noted that “spot sanctions” were the most effective. However, it will take some time. They brought results in 2006 and 2008. For example, the Belarusian authorities agreed to conduct negotiations with America after sanctions had been imposed on “Belnaftahim”. The language of sanctions is the only language Lukashenka can speak.

At the same time, the West should stop being worried about Lukashenka getting closer to Russia. It should watch how he treats the Belarusian people.