Frau Merkel Noticed Dictatorship in Belarus and Ukraine and Nothing of the Kind in Kazakhstan and Russia

The federal chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel expressed serious concern about situation in Belarus and also in Ukraine. As Die Presse reports, she used such words as "dictatorship" and "repressions".

Acting in the Bundestag, Merkel paid attention to contrast between situation in Germany (where, as she noted, people live freely) and situation in some European countries. “In Ukraine and in Belarus people still suffer from dictatorship and repressions,” — she said.

Let's note that the European politicians criticizing the president of this country Alexander Lukashenko for violation of principles of democracy and human rights for already long time use the word "dictatorship" in relation to Belarus. Criticism in relation to Ukraine and its president Victor Yanukovych from the part of EU was softer until recently.

Verdict to the ex-prime minister of Ukraine Yulia Timoshenko who after coming to power of her political opponents (Yanukovych and his Party of Regions) was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment (she is condemned on charge of excess of powers) caused discontent of the European Union in 2011. The European politicians reproached official Kiev that the case has political background. Signing of the agreement on association of Ukraine with EU was in particular broken on this background.

At the end of April it became known that in the federal government of Germany they consider possibility of refusal to attend matches of the final part of Euro-2012 which will pass in Ukraine. The press secretary of the government confirmed that every visit of the chancellor to Ukraine would depend on Timoshenko's destiny and situation with human rights in this country.

The minister of ecology of Germany Norbert Röttgen, in his turn, openly called the German politicians to boycott Euro-2012 matches in Ukraine (in protest of Yulia Timoshenko’s imprisonment). Some other German politicians acted with similar appeal. Among other Röttgen declared that “it is impossible to allow the Ukrainian mode to use Euro-2012 for improvement of its dictatorial image”.

Cooling of the relations between Ukraine and the European Union has already led to cancelation of a summit of the European leaders which should pass in Yalta in the middle of May. The majority of guests refused to go to the meeting (thus some of them directly connected refusal with situation round Timoshenko). In such circumstances the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that the summit is postponed for indefinite term.

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From editorial board: Well, clear thing, there’s dictatorship in Belarus and Ukraine, while in Russia and Kazakhstan, as far as it’s possible to understand – triumph of democracy? It is necessary to understand that where there’s oil, gas and minerals - modes are though imperfect, but firmly going the way of democratization. While where there’s nothing substantial to take, there’s, of course, dictatorship.

Thus Mubarak in Egypt was dictator as there’s nothing in Egypt except tourism and dates. While there’s democracy in Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.

Nothing could be said about Belarus, batka, of course, is "democrat": all are full and those who refuses three meals a day – are being bambooed and sent to prison. It has been taking place for already 18 years and batka has strong health. But nevertheless Lukashenko killed nobody (almost). While the democrat and protector of personal freedom Elbosa Nazarbayev last year organized execution with tortures. However Angela Merkel for some reason told nothing about undemocratic character of Kazakh "elections" where the party "Nour Otan" gathered about 90 percent literally in a month after executions. Frau Merkel also told nothing about repressions in relation to opposition. But she signed with Nazarbayev wonderful contract on supply of rare-earth metals for the German industry and even appeared on a memorable photo with the democrat Elbosa.

Or here you are Yanukovych - certainly, he isn't right that he sent Timoshenko, Lutsenko and some other citizens to prison. But nevertheless elections pass in Ukraine and each time the president is new. There’s also no ruling party in the Supreme Rada. Nothing’s heard about dictatorship – may be it will be established once, later. For a while in comparison with Russia - full freedom and democracy.

In Russia Putin occupied presidential post for next 6 years, in fact, for the fourth term and totally to the following elections he will stay there already as Brezhnev or Lukashenko. Well, it can’t be in any way compared to Ukraine. There is freedom of assembly in Ukraine - in Russia OMON beats the protesters and then chases people on boulevards. Maidan is possible in Ukraine - in Russia it’s impossible. Opposition in Ukraine doesn't disappear from TV and newspapers. In Russia... Well, you know. FORUM.msk by the way is based in Ukraine – no one touches us there, though we call hard names. While we were kicked out from free and democratic Russia already in 2007.

Yes, it is very bad to beat prisoners. But unless they are beaten only in Ukraine? In Belarus - no? Or may be in Russia? Well, we have video showing how it could be done in Kazakhstan. As to me personally, neither in Belarus, nor in Ukraine I was disturbed by anybody, while here, in homeland - last December I was severely beaten by already recertified police officers, moreover they repeated tutorially: "You, son of a bitch, don’t like Putin?" Then in free and independent court beaten and exhausted person was fined - for resistance to legal requirements of the police officer. Well, the policeman demanded that I liked Putin, while I failed to like him.

I, of course, understand that it’s a habit of the German chancellors – to look where it is necessary. And not to look to the direction which is forbidden. Then upon termination of work as the chancellor it is possible to pass to work in the good Russian company of raw profile. Chancellor Kohl then as a result of friendship found himself on trial. Chancellor Schröder has different destiny for a while. Chancellor Merkel works now as the chancellor and her future is foggy. Obviously for enlightenment of this future it is necessary to train selectivity of sight...

Аnatoly Baranov, editor-in-chief of FORUM.msk

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