Kolesnikava: Where did you get that I am against pressure?

Former political prisoner Maria Kolesnikava says she has never opposed sanctions. She also announced that she is creating an organization with a diplomatic focus in Germany. Kolesnikava spoke about this in an interview with Zmitser Lukashuk on "Euroradio".

A significant part of the conversation was dedicated to the letter from political prisoners, which she signed. The letter calls on Western politicians to use all available means to free people: diplomatic channels, negotiation formats, pressure and incentives, public and closed work.

Lukashuk asked if this contradicted her earlier position: that she is, in principle, against pressure, but now she has signed a letter where pressure is mentioned.

"Can I ask you, where did you get that I am against pressure? Did I ever say that?" Kolesnikava replied.

The journalist clarified: many, after reading the letter, believe that it calls for lifting sanctions in advance, including military ones.

"It seems to me that people know how to read between the lines. But I do not have such an ability. What I read, that's what I see. I sign under every word written there," she said.

Kolesnikava believes that the work of diplomacy is precisely to use both pressure and dialogue. As an example, she cited her own fate:

"I was released because at some point sanctions were imposed, and then they started working with them, something was lifted. And a large number of people, more than five hundred, were released thanks to negotiations. One does not work without the other."

"If you find a quote where I say I am against sanctions, I would be interested to hear it," she added.

Later, Lukashuk asked to state specifically what kind of pressure on the regime Kolesnikava supports.

"Pressure has existed for six years in different directions. I don't think I can accurately assess what is more effective and what is less. But I can definitely assess what of it is bad for Belarusians themselves," Kolesnikava said. She did not specify which measures she meant.

In her opinion, if pressure can become a reason for negotiations and compromises, it should be used. And to the warning that Lukashenka might deceive, she replies that sanctions can always be returned. Lukashuk countered that European sanctions are not so easily reinstated.

"I understand that perfectly well, but I am not the person who makes the decision whether they are imposed or lifted," Kolesnikava replied.

Kolesnikava now lives in Berlin. She spoke about her plans when explaining why she did not join the Coordination Council. In addition to recovering her health and music, her time is occupied by a new project: "I am creating an organization in Germany that will deal with various areas, including diplomatic ones."

To the question whether it is the "Office of Maria Kolesnikava," she answered negatively. According to her, the organization will have three directions. She named two: cultural diplomacy and "diplomacy, or strategic dialogue." She did not disclose the third direction, the name of the organization, or the launch time.

"But this is in no way an office or anything else," Kolesnikava emphasized.

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