Ivonka Survilla: Authorities are afraid because they apprehend changes

President of the Belarusian National Republic Ivonka Survilla can’t visit the Motherland due to the policy of Lukashenka’s regime.
“Nasha Niva” newspaper managed to meet with Ms Survilla in Warsaw during the conference “Generational Change? Or Belarusian Differences in Aims, Strategy and Values.”
– How do you take the events in Belarus from abroad? Do you have any hopes something can change in the country?
– I am in the same situation as all Belarusians. I have an impression, a feeling that something will change in the country. It’s obvious for me the authorities are afraid a lot. They are afraid of the activity of the Belarusians. The things they can’t understand are happening. A small thing – a young man comes to street with a flag and a banner, he is arrested and has a trial. It is made demonstratively in order more people not to take to streets. It seems the authorities know something that we don’t know, or apprehend something. I think the time will come when even our tolerant people wil say “enough.”
– What can the BNR Council do and what is it doing to improve bring the changes in our country closer?
– Firstly, we can be faith and hope for the Belarusians. It is the fact we still exist and struggle for independence and freedom goes on. But Belarus will liberate itself. We wont’ liberate it. It is a task of the Belarusian people. What else can we do? We can make friends for Belarus in the world. It is very important. In order our country has someone to count on after liberation. In my view, the world didn’t render enough help for Belarus in 1990ies. When Belarus will be ready for liberation, it is necessary the world will be able to join our aspirations.
– In your view, is future transforming of the Republic of Belarus into the Belarusian National Republic possible?
– We have preserved a beautiful and pure name of the Belarusian National Republic. What was done in 1918 and later was positive. So I wouldn’t be surprised by such developments. However, it depends on the will of the Belarusian people.
– Under what condition can the BNR Council devolve its power on the home Belarusian government?
– It would be our greatest happiness. We will devolve power only when we are sure Belarus will never lose its independence.
– You say Belarus can still face the loss of independence. How should the BNR Council and the Belarusian people behave in this situation?
– As I have already said, the BNR Council should make friends for Belarus in the world that can never admit any “unions” with Russia. Such a “union” is our greatest danger, because it may be a usual annexation of Belarus. It was once said by Putin, he wants Belarus to be a province of Russia. It is important inform all citizens of Belarus, Belarus won’t be able to survive in this “union.”
– Do you able to visit Belarus now?
– I am not able, unfortunately. I have no opportunities. I look forward to the time when I will be able to come to Belarus and have a place there.

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