Ex-Ambassador Eriksson Tells About Belarus: There Is No Opposition, There Are Dissidents

Former Swedish ambassador to Belarus Stefan Eriksson told at Stockholm’s forum People and Defence that one of the reasons for his expel from Belarus became his active position, BelaPAN says.

“During my seven years’ working in Belarus I managed to establish a definite stance and cause a definite annoyance by relations with people who were intended to be marginalized by Belarusian authorities. These contacts I consider the priority,” Stefan Eriksson told.

The ex-ambassador also noted that the official Minsk disliked Sweden’s clearly marked stance on democracy and human rights both at the level of Belarus–Sweden bilateral relations and at the level of the EU. Sweden is among the most active supporters of Belarus not only in the development of eco-friendly technologies local governing, but also in the sphere of human rights and freedom of speech.

However, Stefan Ericsson does not suppose the teddy bear incident to be the determining factor of the Belarus–Sweden diplomatic row.

“This [incident] definitely did not improve the image of Sweden. But the discontent of Belarusian authorities had been growing for a long time and, finally, it exploded. The positive moment is that media attention was dragged to Belarus.”

Stefan Ericsson commenting on the situation in Belarus noted that political prisoners and government’s total control over the citizens still remained one of the major issues.

Mr. Eriksson paid special attention to the issues of Belarusian language in the country. He told some had reproached him for careful studying Belarusian. He also mentioned obstacles to publish the works that arise before Belarusian-language authors.

According to ex-ambassador Eriksson, there is no true opposition in Belarus. “Opposition cannot exist and be politically active in such authoritarian conditions that exist in Belarus. Such politicians must be called dissidents, who they actually are.”

Stefan Eriksson mentioned that it would be incorrect to say about complete suspension of Sweden embassy’s activity in Belarus. “We discuss the diplomatic relations with our Belarusian colleagues, but it is too early to talk about the way the matters will develop.”

When asked about the current status, Stefan Eriksson said he continued — though not as an ambassador — working on Belarusian issues in Stockholm, particularly with the issues of democratic transition.

The ex-ambassador also commented on Belarus–Sweden economic relations.

“One of the things I was accused of in August, 2012, was my hindering the trade connections between Sweden and Belarus, keeping IKEA away from Belarusian market. Such accusations should not be taken seriously. The 2011 exports totaled 1.2bln kronas, imports — 1.1bln kronas. The volumes of trade grow slowly but constantly.”

“Even if it happened, let us call it diplomatic crisis, it affects short-term perspective. In long-term perspective, I worked to enhance the development of good relations between our countries.

The regime’s reaction is one thing. But I believe I managed to tell most Belarusians what Sweden stands up for, what Sweden wants is the eagerness to cooperate. This will become the priority in the end,” Stefan Ericsson told when asked about his major achievement of 7-year stay in Belarus.

The diplomatic row between Sweden and Belarus occurred when Belarusian authorities on August 1 refused to extend accreditation for Stefan Eriksson. He was charged with subversive activity.

Swedish authorities decided not to accept the new Belarus’ ambassador to Sweden and recommended two Belarusian diplomats to leave Stockholm in response.

On August 8, Belarus recalled all its diplomats from Sweden and also recommended Sweden to withdraw its diplomatic mission from Minsk by August 30.

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