Opinions & Interviews

The meeting between EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko creates certain preconditions for the normalization of the relations between the EU and Belarus, political scientist Alexander Shpakovsky, the director of the information and educational institution "Relevant Concept", said in an interview with BelTA.

According to the expert, the meeting in Minsk will not relieve Belarus, of course, from biased assessments from the European Union, biased recommendations and criticism. "But the mere fact that the head of the European external action service willingly engages in a dialogue with the Belarusian head of state creates a positive background and certain conditions for the further normalization of relations between the European Union and Belarus,” said Alexander Shpakovsky.

He believes that the meeting involving Catherine Ashton signals that the EU national governments can and should negotiate with Belarus.

"The very fact that the summit of this format and level is hosted by Minsk attests to the significance of Belarus’ geopolitical role by the international community," said Alexander Shpakovsky. The meeting is also recognition of the correctness of Belarus’ position on the Ukrainian crisis, he added.