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Olga Abramova, the famous political scientist, Candidate of
Philosophy, Delegate of the 13th convocation of Supreme Soviet
did not join any party. She remained faithful to her pre-electoral
slogan:
"One land. One nation. One life to succeed in assisting
people." She decided to establish in Belarus the public union
"Yabloko"—an autonomous political movement, similar
in principles, goals and objectives to the Russian association
"Yabloko".
Q: Olga Mikhailovna, let me first ask about your everyday
life. Do you receive your salary from Parliament ? What do you
do? How do you support yourself ?
Abramova: First of all, I received rather high fees for
my analytical publications. I also received my service benefit.
From now on I will receive a salary from the National Centre
of Strategic Initiatives "East-West". I was reinstated
there as research programme manager.
Q: If you are disappointed with politics you do not give
it up...
Abramova: First, I do not feel offended and I do not think
this year is all lost. It has been a wonderful year. Second, take
my word as an expert who is following the situation, that the
Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation was more professional and
efficient. whatever other people may say.
Q: Why did you initiate the establishment of a social-democratic
movement? A block of political parties work in this direction.
Abramova: Frankly speaking, as a schoolgirl initially
I dreamt of becoming a geologist: then I wanted to become an artist.
However, I ended up turning my attention h to politics. I did
not participate in the activities of any political parties and
movements. I sympathized with Yavlinsky as a politician and with
his views. In my electoral programme I indicated that Grigory
Yavlinsky and his "Yabloko" were the most politically
oriented.
Q: Did you get tempted with "Yabloko"?
Abramova: My confederates who are delegates of the 13th
convocation of the Supreme Soviet, political scientists, economists,
sociologists, teachers, physicians and scientists have reached
the conclusion that we cannot just stay aloof and watch the impending
economic bankruptcy: we are responsible for our future. We unite,
in order to find ways to reform our economy and find solutions
for social family problems. We believe that Belarus as a sovereign
state needs a European-type socio-democratic organization which
does not have any links with a national-democratic movement. This
organization should be free of radicalism and different extremes,
cooperating with other political, professional human rights organizations
on issues related to the establishment in Belarus of a prosperous
society and rule of law state.
Q: What are the political and economic principles of the
movement ?
Abramova: In brief, the movement’s supporters advocate
reforms for everybody and not only for a small section of society
that is seeking ways to rapidly increase their wealth. We advocate
the preservation and consolidation of Belarussian sovereignty,
we look forward to keeping up friendly, equal and mutually beneficial
relations with neighbour states and all democratically-oriented
states.
We are concerned about the following issues: unemployment and
the rise in crime, environmental pollution, state of the army,
the opportunity for young people to receive a high standard of
public education, good quality medical treatment and ensure adequate
salaries for teachers and medical staff. We are worried about
the state of culture and morality, ignorance of authorities to
the issues of the Belarussian language and national traditions
revival. We are also concerned about the problem of the impoverishment
of pensioners, the disabled, all the needy and unprotected members
of society.
Q: How do you plan to realise your dreams?
Abramova: We are counting on strong individuals and their
victory in the next parliamentary elections.
Q: So you are planning ahead ?
Abramova: Currently we are undertaking preparatory measures
for the constituent assembly. Yavlinsky, Lukin and other leaders
of "Yabloko" will attend the assembly as guests. The
movement`s activities will be conducted on a professional basis.
The forces concerned about its existence will provide financial
support.
Q: You had a good chance to obtain a good post in a new
parliament. Why did you reject the proposal from Lukashenko?
Abramova: First the cable I got had been strangely sent.
It had been forwarded several hours prior to adoption of the 110
delegates of the Lower House. Second, I found that absolutely
unacceptable. If you followed the events, you could not help noticing
that I was on the opposite side of the "barricades".
I was not that satisfied with this proposal.
Q: You did that for no purpose. Currently some women have
been promoted to some very high posts...
Abramova: Everybody makes his own choice. I am not interested
in high posts. I am concerned with promoting business.
Q: However, you must have been pleased with the offer
of the post of Secretary in the Permanent International Affairs
Commission of the 13th convocation?
Abramova: If you are referring to political experience,
I obtained some useful information and skills, especially from
talking to my colleagues from other countries.
Q: By the way do you participate in the meetings of the
13th Supreme Soviet ?
Abramova: Most definitely. At the last closed meeting
a group of delegates who refused to work in the House of Representatives
have signed an agreement that they would continue working as staff
of the 13th convocation.
Q: Are you a member of the "shadow" government
?
Abramova: I did not submit a proposal to join. The "shadow"
government was formed by the OGP. We do not have contacts with
this party. They are our future competitors.
Q: It would appear that many people will become interested
in the Belarussian "Yabloko".
Abramova: We invite everybody who shares our views to
join us. You can contact us on the following number in Minsk:
268-56-79, 223-02-48.
See also:
Yabloko
Sister-Parties
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