Germany has simple demands for Alexander Lukashenko, but nothing to offer him. This was stated by the member of the Bundestag and Minister of State of the German Foreign Ministry, Tobias Lindner.
“The demands on Lukashenko are very clear: the release of all political prisoners, the admission of the opposition to political activities, the opportunity to freely express opinions within the country, as well as free democratic elections.” – he said in an interview with one of the German media.
At the same time, Lindner noted that it is difficult for him to imagine the possibility of negotiations.
“If Lukashenko wants to find a way out of the situation, it is actually very simple: he must release the political prisoners. “I don’t know what price can be offered in negotiations to someone who has actually taken his own citizens hostage.” – the politician emphasized.
He also recalled that Berlin “reduced political contacts with Lukashenko after the last so-called elections, but we still have an embassy in Minsk, so it is not that there are no communication channels.”
“And if Lukashenko was willing to get closer to the West – and I speak deliberately in the subjunctive mood – then he could start releasing political prisoners. But the opposite is happening: we see that repressions in Belarus are intensifying and that its connections with Vladimir Putin they get stronger. We do not see that he wants in any way to calm the situation or contribute step by step to improving relations… I think we should look at the situation seriously. Lukashenko does not give signs or steps that indicate that he wants to de-escalate the situation. So why should we suddenly sit down with him at the negotiating table? And the question is also what can it offer? So far I don’t see that he has anything to offer and we must understand that sitting at the same table with him means recognizing his legitimacy. “This is a very high political price and I see no reason why we should pay it.” – said.
Let us remember that Germany, like most EU countries, does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate head of Belarus. Furthermore, Berlin strongly supports the Belarusian opposition and accuses Minsk of helping Russia in Ukraine. In turn, the Belarusian authorities have repeatedly asked Germany to come to the negotiating table.
