MINSK, 13 September (BelTA) – The future and the past of Belarus are objectively and at all levels linked with Russia and it is impossible to break these bonds, Israeli statesman, diplomat, expert in the field of military and political issues Yakov Kedmi told BelTA on the sidelines of the international conference “Impact of Global Economic Challenges on Social and Labor Rights” which is underway in Minsk on 13-14 September.
According to the foreign expert, Belarus now needs to quickly decide how its future will look like 10, 20, 30 years from now. “The society is unlikely to offer a consolidated position on it, but Belarusian political elites that are in the nascence now are able to determine what path Belarus will take. This path depends on the way they understand what Belarus and its people need,” Yakov Kedmi said. According to him, everything depends on how they see the national interests of the state.
It is also necessary to take into account objective circumstances and factors. The first one of them is whether Belarus can be an absolutely independent state. “Almost no country can be it. It's impossible. Yet, the alliance with which state will give Belarus the greatest development impetus today? If we look at this matter objectively, from historical, political, economic and cultural points of view, Belarus' interests, its past and future are connected with Russia,” Yakov Kedmi is sure.
The political games Belarus was dragged into clearly demonstrate that there are countries that want to take advantage of Russia's position, the expert added. Some seek to earn some privileges or handouts from their masters, others want to have a piece of Belarus. “But I do not think that they will be able to cause serious damage to Belarus. Belarusians are a capable, talented nation. During the times of the USSR, Belarus had the highest ratio of science-intensive defense enterprises. Belarus has preserved this heritage, unlike many other countries,” Yakov Kedmi said.
The forum was initiated by the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus. The idea was supported by the government and the employers' association.
The conference is attended by leading experts in the field of international law, representatives of the government, the judiciary, academia, political scientists, foreign ambassadors, heads of international trade union associations, and direct representatives of those businesses affected by the sanctions. During the two days of the conference they will discuss initiatives to maintain stability in the world and promote human rights. Plans are in place to work out a resolution to be sent to the EU, the ILO and the UN.
