His ancestors participated in the uprising against the tzar regime in 1863. He lectured at universities in Belarus, Algeria, France and the USA. He has worked for extragovernmental organizations since the 1990s, in 1990-1996 he was a vice-mayor of Hrodna. In 2001 he was a chief of staff of Siamion Domash, in 2005 he was chosen by the United Democratic Forces of Belarus as the joint candidate of the opposition for the President of Belarus. In the presidential election held in 2006 he ended up second with 6.1% of the vote. The current authoritative President Alexander Lukashenko won 83% of the vote.

What is your evaluation of the election outcome?Do you consider the election campaign successful despite the official results?

We have not won the election, but the authorities have not won it either. In order to secure the figures necessary for another “graceful” victory, they exerted great pressure on people. Propaganda, vilification of the opposition on State TV and in the newspaper. Arresting opposing activists under ridiculous pretences, accusation of terrorist preparations, warning, that anyone who appears on the square, can be proclaimed a terrorist, which can lead to a death sentence. All this has politicized the society. It might seem strange, but a considerable part of the Belarusians has divested of fear. I consider this to be the main victory of the opposition in the election.

What is the difference between the 2006 election and the presidential election in 2001? Is there a difference between the Belarusians in 2001 and in 2006?

Beyond any doubt. At present we can say that the call for changes caused by the election campaign has not ceased. Dozens of local protest actions take place almost every day all around the country. There was no such thing in 2001. Civil initiative arises, the people, who ceased to believe in the possibility of a change in the country, have become active again. Once again – the Belarus in 2006 is a society of much more free, informed and politicized people. That is a great success.

Dozens, sometimes even hundreds of people daily became imprisoned during the election. Are you expecting further increase of repressions?

The regime has run out of the possibilities of civilized communication with the ones who are of a different opinion on the development of the country already a long time ago. Nowadays, the defamation of people, a club and a prison cell are the arguments of the authorities. A way like this leads only to increasing repression. In my opinion, the authorities are aware that intensifying persecution will lead to activization of mass protests.

Do you find it possible to establish a dialogue with present authorities and (or) directly with President Lukashenko?

As for the development of the country, independence of Belarus, freedom and democracy, I cannot see any obstacles to negotiations with the authorities. The primary and important condition is releasing all the political detainees. The problem is that for Lukashenko such negotiations mean a loss of power. Therefore he will hardly agree to negotiations.

What will be the opposition`s next moves?

Up to the present we have managed to keep the opposition`s integrity. That is a crucial matter. Independently on political opinions, everybody understands that our main objective – to put Belarus back on democratic track – can be accomplished only if we are unified.

What should be the EU policy towards the government in Minsk and towards Belarus opposition? Do you think that toughening of the sanctions already resolved can shake the present authorities?

Lately I have been flustered by the position of the EU towards Belarus. We can hear the voices calling for the necessity of holding a dialogue with Belarusian regime. I am not against the dialogue. But also in that case the regime has to make concessions. First, I mean releasing the political detainees. That can be done easily. However, if the dialogue starts without some concessions on the side of Lukashenko, it will be a blow not only to the results of democratic powers in Belarus, but also to the image of Europe. As for the sanctions, I have always openly railed against proceeding with individual sanctions against the state officials, who implemented repressions against Belarusians and forged the election.

Despite the official declarations of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the State Duma, critical voices aginst the policy supporting Lukashenko`s regime raise in Russia as well. To what extent can Russia help the democratization of Belarus?

Russia ought to be interested in democratic Belarus in order to establish truly friendly, good relations as neighbours. They should be based on mutual advantage, not on blackmailing. At present we can only feel sorry that Russia supported the regime in Belarus and thus preferred temporary advantages instead of perspective future relations with democratic Belarus.

Will Belarus be able to cope with the expected increase of the gas prices requested by Russian Gazprom? Are you afraid that this could mean the end of Belarusian sovereignty?

The price increase is an actual problem for Belarus. The regime has made a reprehensible mistake when it has not taken advantage of low gas prices in order to strenghten the economy and to lower the energy dependence. At present we are on the verge of a situation when the regime will start selling prosperous enterprises in order to maintain their power. The possibility that the gas prices change, and political processses related to the possibility, endanger the independence of Belarus. That is a fact. At present, the topic of the day is the matter of the independence of my country.

What will be the most important changes necessary to be executed after Lukashenko leaves his presidential post?

It is too early to speak about that. However, these will be hard times. We will have to implement reformations in the country and the precious time for them passes too fast.

What should be the priorities for the democratic Belarus foreign policy? Is there a consensus among the opposing parties in this matter?

The geopolitical position of Belarus, its situation between the West and the East does not allow any other way than good relations with all the neighbours. We have a chance to become a trustful bridge between the EU and Russia. I do not mean an open yard, but a reliable bridge.

What is the character of the relations between Belarus and Russia?

Belarus has to be and to remain an independent, a sovereign state. We talk about this openly in Russia as well. I speak up for civilized and friendly relations based on principles of good neighbourhood. Our relations are of mutually advantageous character. Both nations will only profit from that.

After the election, you said that your estimation for Lukashenko to stay in power was two years. What is the source of your optimism?

It is based on what we have managed up to the present – a great number of people have dared to say “NO!” to the regime and to Lukashenko. The number of the people will increase quickly. Belarusians have started to value freedom, independence and democracy. This is exactly what fills me with belief.

Juraj Marušiak in cooperation with Hospodárske noviny