LUKASHENKO PRAISES SOVIET UNION, CRITICIZES WEST

UNCLAS MINSK 000543

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL BO
SUBJECT: LUKASHENKO PRAISES SOVIET UNION, CRITICIZES WEST
IN VICTORY DAY SPEECH

REF: 05 MINSK 534


1. (SBU) Summary: In his May 9 Victory Day speech, Belarusian
dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko lauded the Soviet Union's might
and asserted Belarusians would effectively repel today's
"foreign interference" just as they did in WWII. Lukashenko
looked healthier than he did following his April 8
inauguration, but he appeared older and lacked the energy of
the pre-election Lukashenko. The celebrations in Minsk were
festive, but without a military parade and less extravagant
than those in previous years. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On May 9, Belarus celebrated the 61st anniversary of
the WWII victory. City preparations paled in comparison to
2005's 60th anniversary celebrations (reftel). No massive
military parade was held. Along Minsk's main street
Independence Avenue, colored flags and streamers hung from
light posts and a large banner and stage were set up on
October Square, scene of the March 19 demonstrations.
Lukashenko, accompanied by his two sons, Viktor and Dmitry,
his granddaughter, and approximately 500 WWII veterans,
walked from October Square to Victory Square along streets
lined by sparse crowds specially bussed in from city
neighborhoods.


3. (SBU) After the wreath laying at the Victory Square
obelisk, Lukashenko gave his traditional Victory Day speech
to state officials and foreign diplomats. The usually
long-winded Lukashenko spoke for only five minutes, but used
that time to laud the veterans and Soviet military prowess
and castigate foreign powers that seek to "destabilize the
world and interfere in the internal affairs of other
sovereign states." He criticized the continuous and
"unprecedented" pressure on Belarus before and after the
presidential elections and claimed that Belarusians, just as
they did in the Great War of the Fatherland, would repel such
foreign pressures. After his speech, Lukashenko shook hands
with the attending diplomats. State owned television
channels conveniently cut off the coverage when Lukashenko
reached the U.S. and EU ambassadors.


4. (SBU) Lukashenko retained his firm handshake, but
noticeably lost weight, his hair was grayer, he stooped, and
wore face makeup. PM Sergey Sidorsky, Head of the
Presidential Administration Gennady Neviglas, and Defense
Minister Leonid Maltsev accompanied Lukashenko as he went
down the line of ambassadors, but unlike in past years, did
not join Lukashenko in exchanging greetings. Security
Council Head Viktor Sheiman, usually present in his overly
medalled uniform, was absent. (Note: Sheiman is rumored to be
in Cuba.)


5. (U) Once the ceremony at Victory Square ended, Belarusians
continued enjoying the day-long festivities that ended with a
huge firework show that drew a few thousand people to the
Minsk's Svislach River in the center of town. The crowds
were festive and police presence was visible but passive.


6. (SBU) Comment: This year's Victory Day fell short of the
Soviet era military parade and festivities held in 2005.
More preparation and effort will no doubt be directed to July
3 ceremonies, Belarus' National Day, marking the anniversary
of Belarus' liberation from Nazi control. On May 9,
Lukashenko looked healthier than he did after his April 8
inauguration and his speech contained his usual anti-American
flavor, but his appearance and lack of enthusiasm continues
to raise health questions.
Krol