Vaclav Havel: “It would be good if dictatorship in Belarus collapsed”

• 3.04.2009, 12:06

Former president of the Czech Republic and one of the founders of Charter’77 movement expects democratic changed from Belarus.

As Vaclav Havel told Radio Svaboda, he wants dictatorship in Belarus to collapse and democracy be established.

– How do you see the today’s level of relations between Europe and the North Atlantic Alliance represented by the United States?

– I think the relations under Obama’s rule would be better than those in Bush era. Judging by what I see and hear, it seems to me that Europe is more open to Obama. He realizes the importance of Europe and the fact that the mutual ties would be better that in times of the previous US president.

– You are likely to meet Barack Obama during his visit to the Czech Republic. What would you like to tell him?

– I’d possibly talk with him on how it is difficult when you are put so high hopes on. Later, you’ll find out that the real things are different, this feeling will be growing and you’ll meet disappointment. I can say it from my own experience.

– Try to imagine what will the North Atlantic Alliance like in ten years? Will NATO be stronger, more effective in operations, more joint, more popular?

– I don’t know how it will be developing. I can just say which direction would be positive for it. I think it would be good if dictatorship in Belarus collapsed and the turmoil in Ukraine ended, and these countries join the Alliance. I also wish the Alliance would have good partner relations with all parts of the world; a new defensive formation in the Caucasus region, somewhere in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, appeared for these countries could mutually guarantee their security. It would be wonderful. It would be wonderful if the Alliance hadn’t to use force, but it’s impossible, unfortunately.