Belarusians not afraid of NATO

• 7.04.2008, 13:02

Weekly informational analytical programme “Nedelya” on the state TV channel STV-RenTV demonstrated curious figures yesterday. Having announced a TV polls on the question “Are you afraid of NATO?”, the hosts received an answer: no, we are not afraid. This answer was given in spite of anti-NATO rhetoric of the Belarusian authorities and this programme.

Interactive polls on the theme “Are you afraid of NATO?” was organised in the programme (from 7.30 to 8.30pm). Viewers could vote on the issue on hot line.

Hosts made aggressive statements against NATO and demonstrated anti-NATO items during the programme. However, the results of the polls are the next: 45.8 per cent of viewers said they were afraid of NATO, 52.2 per cent said they were not afraid.

So, anti-West hysteria, expanded in official Belarusian media over the last time, didn’t take affect. Belarusians want to live in the European Union and don’t see any threats from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.