Pavel Latushka: No agreements should be allowed without our participation. We are stakeholders. We have earned this right, and we will defend it
- Admin of the NAM
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Watch the full interview of Pavel Latushka with Deutsche Welle Belarus in the video.
"First, the regime must begin a dialogue with society, with democratic forces. Only then can we speak of any agreements between Brussels and Minsk," stated the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the NAM, Pavel Latushka, in an interview with the German broadcaster "Deutsche Welle Belarus" during a visit to Berlin.
"Lukashenko only understands the language of force, and he reacts only when there is genuine pressure that personally affects him, his ego, and, certainly, the economy. The fact that hundreds of political prisoners have been released recently is largely the result of the sanctions resource that has been accumulated over the years... Pressure in itself is necessary, and it is already working. I am convinced that it is primarily what will influence the release of subsequent groups of political prisoners."
Regarding possible negotiations between the EU and the Lukashenko regime, Pavel Latushka noted:
"Lukashenko has made deals before, and in exchange, the European Union moved toward softening its policy and lifting sanctions in return for a degree of liberalization. But Lukashenko has always unilaterally violated these agreements. This has happened at least five times in the history of his regime's existence. It is impossible to trust him. He is a person who will deceive once again. Therefore, Belarusian society must be included in this process: civil structures and democratic forces, who will act as a guarantor that this time Lukashenko will not succeed in deceiving the EU."
"We propose a two-track strategy. On one hand, we understand and highly value what the US is doing. They are securing the release of people, saving lives. This is the most important task for us. It is vital that the US continues this communication, releases all political prisoners, and achieves an end to the repressions. Meanwhile, the European Union, in response to Lukashenko's intentions regarding the normalization of relations, must set conditions. First, the regime must start a dialogue with society and democratic forces. Only then can we speak about any agreements between Brussels and Minsk. No agreements should be allowed without our participation. We are a stakeholder. We have earned this right, and we will defend it," emphasized Pavel Latushka.
During the interview, Pavel Latushka also noted the importance of Germany and leading EU countries supporting the idea of a national dialogue in Belarus through the instrument of a "round table" to exit the deep internal political crisis. He highlighted that there are positive examples of using such an instrument in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and other countries.
"It is impossible to simply copy a situation and transfer it to today's reality. But if such a lobbyist — a powerful state like Germany — proposes such an approach, or if you will, a condition, for the Lukashenko regime, it will be very difficult for the regime to refuse," noted Pavel Latushka.
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