As Minsk edges further away from the European fold, can Poland entice it back?
Since Belarus’s disputed Presidential elections in December 2010 Poland has dramatically increased its focus on its eastern neighbour. In recent days Poland, along with Lithuania, has dropped the charge for entry visas for Belarussian citizens as well as made it easier for students to study in Poland. These efforts are coupled with cultural support such as BELSAT, a Belorussian language TV station which broadcasts in Belarus.
(Full text avilable on the Baltic Review)
Poland is hardly pulling out the stops to entice Belarus back. I mean I doubt a few happy students and easier holiday prospects for the few that can afford to travel are going to hold sway in upper Belarussian politics.
ReplyDeleteNot that think Belarus should be enticed back by Poland, why can't Belarus forge it's own identity?
Hi, not sure if you read the full article on BR but Poland have set aside $10 million for supporting the Belatussian opposition; that's no mean feat for an economy Poland's size. As I put in my article, the challange is. Now for other countries to join Poland.
ReplyDeleteTEFL: because that's The Right Thing (tm) to do, and for Poland it is better to have some independent, democratic country between Poland and Russia, than to have Russia by proxy there.
ReplyDelete