I think that within the system of power in Belarus, at all levels, there are people who understand the message coming from Europe and who are prepared to respond positively to it. It is unwise to sever all contacts with the Belarusian authorities as such, as if the system of power was a single and compact block. If we do so, we deny ourselves the chance of having an influence on those who are within the system and receptive to our message, who could be some of the driving forces of democracy in the future. But to be completely clear, I am not in favour of dialogue with the authorities only because it is strategically sound: I am in favour of dialogue as a matter of principle.
Interview with Jean-Louis Laurent 
Virginie Symaniec is co-founder of the association Perspectives Biélorussiennes, which promotes Belarusian culture in 
"Aldis", - says Latvian MEP, vice-chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Belarus Aldis Kuskis when he picks up his phone. For him Belarusian issues are of keen interest, his involvement with the country goes under the slogan of the Soviet pioneers: "always ready". He is no professional but an expressive, warm-hearted politician; and his statements are tough enough to secure him a ban on entering 
Adrian Severin is eloquent and at the same time - unlike many of his colleagues – able to hear the questions and give short, precise answers. He seems to be a passionate truth-seeker; this in the past caused heavy criticism of his reports both by the Belarusian authorities and the opposition. From his point of view, this fact testifies the impartiality of his work, and simply adds to his enthusiasm.
My wish for the Belarusians is that it will be possible for them to benefit from the possibilities offered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, in particular democracy, good governance and economic progress. For this to happen we look to the Belarusian government to adhere to the values that underlie that policy.
