The international community really underestimates the problem in Belarus. For most politicians in the Euro-Atlantic region, the problem is not on their agenda. They see it as no more than a local problem that does not cross the Belarus border. That is a misconception. Belarus is a real laboratory experimenting with the ideology, or rather the authoritarianism, that we call “Lukashism”. “Lukashism” is a mix of communism, fascism and Latin-American populism. Today, it is Belarus' key export. It must be recognized that the regime is very popular in the post-Soviet states. Russia and other post-Soviet states are following Belarus' example. This is a dangerous trend to which the west pays insufficient attention.
What is happening in Belarus? For a number of years, Belarus has been in a state of real cold civil war. A group of heavyweights, the Lukashenko clan, controls affairs in Belarus using the power of the state. They destroy any political alternative. This neo-Soviet state, for that is what it is, [Editorial note: inaudible] all civil rights. The state, in the form of the Lukashenko clan, holds the monopoly over political, economic and social rights.
A social contract does not exist in Belarus. Neither does the rule of law. Justice comes from Lukashenko. That is why [Editorial note: inaudible] an independent judiciary. Belorussians have no say in running the state. Power is always in the hands of the same person. Lukashenko's authoritarian regime has been in existence for some time. Lukashenko effectively bans any political challenge. Opposition members cannot be elected without approval locally and from the state.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am ashamed to say that Belarus is Europe's last dictatorship. I know that Belarus and its people deserve better. We have a right to democracy based on European standards and values. The Belarus issue must be resolved in Belarus. No one can solve our problems for us. No one from Lithuania or from Canada can come and build a democracy for us. It is our country and our responsibility. Thank you very much.