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