I believe that Russia is very anxious most of all for security on its border. It has long-standing cultural, economic and historical ties with Belarus and is anxious to keep it within its sphere of interest. With respect to the role that Russia plays in this situation, we take a lot of guidance from civil society and opposition leaders. As Ms. Tikhanovskaya indicated, it is her firm hope that Russia will play a positive role in promoting dialogue. She even offered for Russia to help in offering assistance.
We, Canada, are very keen that Russia play a role. We disagree with Russia that Lukashenko should continue to be in power. He has lost his legitimacy. The holding of the elections and the repression after the elections have excluded him from any right to continue in power. We have a strongly different view from that of Russia's with regard to his continuing to be in power, along with those in his regime.