The current situation in Belarus in the area of so-called third sector, civil and non-governmental organizations and foreign educational centres is rather complicated. Also prior to the Parliamentary elections the situation is becoming more tense. The Head of the Regional Representation of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Ukraine and Belarus, doctor Stefan Hrobot, expressed his views regarding cooperation and improvement of a dialogue between the Belarusian authorities and non-governmental organizations.

“I believe the state should create such framework conditions, where the state, the government and the civil society could have a dialogue of equal and fully pledged partners, they should communicate with each other. It is necessary to create favourable conditions for such a dialogue so that Europe and Belarus could communicate with one another without barriers and fears. The first steps were already undertaken, though very cautious, towards such dialogue and from our side we shall support further steps. However it also means that the state and the government should not control such contacts and should not guide people into dialogues but create favourable conditions to make the latter possible. We shall be eager to set up these precise framework conditions so that the civil society, trade unions, women organizations, the Media and other players could take part in such dialogue and improve contacts between them.

It is an obsolete situation when there is an island in the centre of Europe, a small island that is not taking part in the dialogue. This island is Belarus. We would like to make Belarus understand what Europe thinks due to the fact that Belarus is a part of Europe. We would like to let it know that Belarus has chances in Europe. The Friedrich Ebert Foundation is working hard on these issues in order to show Belarus what Europeans think about this country and the vise versa, to outline the existing problems of Belarus to Europeans. We would like to play a role of a bridge in order to assist the both sides. We underline that there are certain values, such as democracy and civil society. I think that in Germany and in Europe people realize that it is necessary to look for new approaches to cooperation with Belarus. Whether the full scale cooperation is possible at all between us it would depend on whether we are understood in Belarus.

When we feel that our efforts are understood, it would be easier for us to improve the cooperation. In the reverse situation, when we encounter barriers and feel that we are not understood, it would be a negative sign for Europe.

Many people in Europe are watching closely this process. I am sure there are many sensible people in Belarus, who realize the importance of this cooperation and make attempts to influence such dialogue. The following several weeks will show whether that is the case in reality.

Firstly, it is extremely important that the civil sector and the civil society continue to be present in the country, can work and develop. Secondly, it is crucial that the Belarusian authorities realize the importance of the existence of the third sector per se, that it falls within the interests of the state and is for its benefit, serving as an indicator of democracy in the country. In the meantime, we can not influence the situation we may only express our thoughts in this regard. In no way we should interfere with the internal affairs of Belarus. We may only hope for better understanding from the side if the Belarusian officials. That is what we work for”.

Ludmila Korsak