Secreta told what Western diplomats say in private

Western diplomats in informal communication agree with the position of the Belarusian side, but at the meetings of the OSCE adhere to the set political line. This was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Igor Secreta in an interview with Berliner Zeitung, BelTA reports.

The open and honest dialogue that underpinned the work of the CSCE, the predecessor of the OSCE, has now given way to the exchange of national statements.

“As a member of many meetings of this organization, I regret to note that today its work and discussions are often confined to the exchange of national statements. My Western colleagues behave quite differently when we talk face to face during coffee breaks, the deputy minister said.

According to Secrets, in personal conversations, colleagues explain their public position by the need to follow the instructions received.

They say, ‘You know, I’ve been given a certain line, I have to play my part. But, in fact, I agree with what you say. I say to them, ‘Say that!’ Say that you have questions – let’s discuss, find a solution or formulate an agreed position that can be transferred to our capitals.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus stressed that, in his opinion, there is no more open, honest and highly professional discussion at the OSCE platform.

Photo: BELTA