Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Florence 25 May 2000

Statement by H.E. Prof. Dr. Ural Latypov Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Secretary General, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, For the first time in Europe's long history the continent today is free from real threat of military aggression. But it is, unfortunately, not totally free from challenges to its security, the main ones emanating from ethnic conflicts as well as those caused by religious or political extremism. In view of this, the agenda of today's session is very timely. Belarus proceeds from the premise that the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council is potentially capable of playing a multi-faceted and effective role in preventing conflicts and managing crises. What is important is that the EAPC, embracing countries at different stages of socio-economic and democratic development, offers its members with an opportunity to be heard. The list of hotbeds of conflict on the continent is well known. It is quite natural that the focus of today's meeting is on the situation in Kosovo. We all understand that the stake there is very high - either the problems of the region are fairly and justly solved or they become a persisting trouble spot, seriously hampering the healthy development of the European family of nations. Belarus is sincerely interested in the just settlement of the conflict. Although our Constitution does not envisage sending military forces abroad, we are ready to enhance our contribution into non-military components of the settlement. Unfortunately, the majority of "frozen" (but not settled) conflicts exist on the territory of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Belarus, which hosts the CIS headquarters in Minsk, is striving to actively contribute to the peaceful settlement of these conflicts. As you know, the Minsk Group is working to achieve solution of the conflict in Nagorny Karabakh. CIS countries are becoming more active in repealing threats to their security. This concerns, first of all, the danger of terrorism, which always goes hand in hand with all sorts of conflicts. Yesterday at their summit in Minsk the Presidents of the six member states of the CIS Collective Security Treaty have taken serious decisions to more effectively meet new security challenges, including those posed by terrorism. Belarus considers non-proliferation and arms control as one of the most important elements of conflict prevention, and strictly observes all its obligations in this area. My country has recently joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group, ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and is about to ratify the CFE Adaptation Agreement. Recognizing the importance of collective efforts to prevent conflicts, it is necessary to underline the paramount significance of a responsible attitude of each individual country. The European security problems would be much easier to solve if every country behaved itself in a way that would avoid creating political, social, ethnic, humanitarian or religious crisis. From this point of view I wish to underline once again that Belarus was, is and will continue to be a net contributor to European security. A multinational and multi-confessional country Belarus has avoided religious and ethnic strife. The reason is quite simple; there is no single fact of discrimination of the basis of language, ethnicity or religious belief in my country. Belarus is a country open for cooperation. Located at the European crossroads, my country is completely transparent for the movement of information and people. The Belarusians, especially the younger generation, identify themselves as a genuine part of the European family of nations. Parliamentary elections to be held this autumn will become the most important step in the democratic development of the country. Measures, undertaken in cooperation with the OSCE Advisory and Monitoring Group, such as broad political dialogue, the widening access of alternative views to the electronic media, the adoption of a more democratic electoral legislation, as well as other measures create atmosphere for free and fair vote. The meeting of President Lukasenko with the representatives of all political parties and groups of the country will take place in the nearest days. Based on its results the Head of state will submit to the Parliament democratic amendments to the Electoral Code. So that everyone could be sure that the elections are free and fair we invite international observers and will provide all the necessary conditions for their effective work. Belarus is following an evolutionary path of development of both democratic and market institutions avoiding decisions, which could endanger its domestic stability or economic situation. I think turmoil in my country does not correspond to the interests of neither Belarusians, nor Europeans. Mr. Chairman, A few words about the Belarus - NATO relations. Bordering on the Alliance, we are very much interested in seeing our Western frontier not turning into a line of tension. There is no lack of goodwill on the Belarusian side. To ensure mutual confidence we will fully utilize the potential of PfP. We have signed and presented to the NATO Secretariat our Individual Partnership Program for 2000-2001. Once approved by the North Atlantic Council, the Program will be scrupulously implemented. The fact that NATO has become our immediate neighbor does not, to be frank, produce much enthusiasm among the Selarusian society. Our suggestions on how to eliminate concerns of the Belarusian people are well known in Brussels. I mean the desirability of a bilateral Belarus-NATO document. Arrogance of big nations is not the best adviser in this situation. It is not a wise policy to neglect the existence of Belarus, sandwiched between NATO and Russia. My country is ready for fair and equal cooperation and expects the same attitude from our partners. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.