BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

05/12/2007

Belarusian President Rejects Western Criticism

In a December 2 interview with the Spanish newspaper "El Pais," President Lukashenka described the EU's calls for democratization in Belarus as "ridiculous." "We have as much democracy as in Germany and France," Lukashenka said. "We have never had to use either tear gas or water cannons, which is the norm for you. So where are human rights really observed?" he continued. "We are accused of cracking down on media outlets, [but] nearly all opposition newspapers can be bought at kiosks, including the one at the Presidential Administration," he added. When the interviewer noted that the news kiosk at the president's offices does not offer opposition papers, Lukashenka said that "the system of [newspaper] distribution and subscription is an economic one. Let them [independent newspapers] arrange for this. One has to pay for this." Lukashenka also accused Western governments of providing the Belarusian opposition with "millions of dollars." "They do not work, they drive luxurious cars and live in exquisite palaces," he added. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/12/3-cee/cee-051207.asp