Italy's Ambassador: Berlusconi is unlikely to visit Belarus now

The Italian Embassy in Belarus has organized a reception dedicated to the Republic Day on Thursday. The reception took place in one of the sports clubs in the outskirts of Minsk. Representatives of almost all embassies, accredited in Belarus, politicians and civil activists came to greet the Italian diplomats.

The official part was very short. Ambassador Arnaldo Abeti held a short speech, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Aliaksandr Huryanau said a few words in response.

 Arnaldo Abeti answered Euroradio's questions during the non-official part of the event.

Euroradio: Some time ago, Aliaksandr Lukashenka threatened to exile ambassadors of some EU countries from Belarus. Did you take this threat personally? For example, for non-participation in a floral tribute on May 9?

Arnaldo Abeti: Ambassadors did not participate in the May 9 floral tribute because they had not been invited. At least, this concerns a certain part of the diplomatic corpus. As for the statements of Mr. Lukashenko, I'll refrain from commenting thereof, taking into consideration his position. In every case, when certain actions are taken after his statements, he will be the one to bear responsibility, not anyone else.

Euroradio: There was information several days ago that Italy's PM Silvio Berlusconi might pay a visit to Belarus. The information was refuted, but is such a visit possible in the near future?

Arnaldo Abeti: This information appeared due to Berlusconi's lawyer's mistake. He mentioned Belarus instead or Romania, Bucharest. As for the possibility of such a visit, I would refrain from making prognosis. However, I don't think it is likely to happen in the near future. We need to remember that Italy in any case a member and a founder of the European Union.

Euroradio: Does Italy support the position of some EU countries with regard to expanding sanctions against Belarus, being a founder and a member of the European Union?

Arnaldo Abeti: Italy takes a very clear position. I facilitated it in some sense. I am convinced that certain decisions are necessary but the doors to dialogue should always remain open. Therefore, Italy will try to avoid everything that might interfere with the possible dialogue to the very end. The decisions which are taken in Brussels are the decisions of the EU's central level. Therefore, Italian leaders will bear responsibility when they take certain decisions at certain moments, depending on the situation.

Euroradio: You started working in Belarus not very long ago - do you take the events which have occurred recently and are still taking place here, close to your heart?

Arnaldo Abeti: Being a diplomat, I am supposed to refrain from declaring opinions on certain topics. However there is one thing I've always said and will repeat further on - I feel very close to Belarus and its people. 

Euroradio: You have to meet with Belarusian officials, representatives of the Government, from time to time. I know that you are trying to establish more close relations between our countries. How do our officials response to such attempts? What prevents our countries from cooperation?

Arnaldo Abeti: I have paid some visits of politeness to different representatives of the Belarusian government. During them, I've always said, very clearly, that I would like to act in the way to improve the quality of our relations. They are not bad anyway. But I cannot do it just be myself. The principle response to my words has always been positive. It is clear that other decisions are taken sometimes, which do not depend on my vis-a-vis. Very often, these decisions diminish the willingness to improve the relations which would have the tendency for salvation or soonest development.

Photo by: Zmicier Lukashuk