The Chairman of the Vitebsk public association "Russian House" Andrew Gerashchenko is known far outside Vitebsk. For speaking out in support of the closest possible integration of Belarus with Russia and the commitment of the writer and public figure, Russian culture some consider it almost a traitor to the national interests of Belarus, for others he is the indisputable authority. Andrey has kindly agreed to answer questions "Dialogue" to provide readers with its position on socially important aspects of life.
Please tell us about the "Russian House". How it all began?
Organization "Russian House" has city status. In it, there are about 30 people. The main aim and purpose of the organization - is the support and preservation of Russian culture, Russian language, historical monuments, that is a purely cultural activity.
If we talk about where all the idea of such an organization as the "Russian House" - the fact that after the collapse of the Soviet Union there was a problem of preservation of cultural and historical common space and begin to create various structures of society. As a rule, they were called "Russian" or, for example, the organization of the peoples of Russia, that is, Chuvash, Tatar, Dagestan. This was due to the fact that in Russia adopted a program to support compatriots. And in order to somehow participate in cultural processes, including from Russia, needed a formal structure.
I worked a long time in the "Russian society" in his office Vitebsk. But when we have a little more job, but in 2009 decided to stand out and create an independent organization.
What projects are currently implementing the "Russian House" and other Russian organizations in Belarus?
The first is, of course, cultural activity. This several activities. The most important thing - is that to the attention of the key and have the most important dates. This year is the centenary of the First World War. These are the battles that took place in Belarus. There are many facts which are still unknown - this war like a half-forgotten, because in the Soviet Union, it was considered an imperialist. Then it was not too much talking, but here - a century, an important date.
70 Years of Liberation of Belarus - of course, also important such date. 200 years since the birth of Lermontov. 700 years, are now celebrating, birthday Sergius. By Radonezh clear that this approximate date, because there is no exact date, but is still considered a 700-year anniversary.
All these main areas of cultural realized in the form of various children's competitions, scientific conferences, training any almanacs, pamphlets and publications. But beyond that there is a traditional event that is not only "Russian House" held, but other organizations and compatriots - is a different kind of festivals and sports competitions. We carried out some time Vitebsk Games «We heirs of Victory." We also conducted a contest and Russian music and song "City of Princess Olga."
What is the attitude of your organization to the local authorities?
Designated cool attitude of the authorities - it felt. This is due, probably, with a few moments. First, we do not welcome any public activity not within state. The second point here, probably - is Ukrainian event: any fears they generate. And third, once with me not renew the contract just because of my public activity - certainly, it is also affected. That head of the administration, which I dismissed, is now our first deputy governor. Of course, those traces of past relationship problems remain, but it is not something insurmountable. Just sometimes something more difficult to resolve, negotiate.
In Belarus, not far off presidential election. Will you actively participate in them, or Russian diaspora will be watching from the sidelines?
Traditionally, we always support Lukashenko. But last year we had some questions about his course, he claims. And the situation because usually such that we can be 5-6 and one pro-Western politicians Lukashenko, who, relatively speaking, the pro-Russian. Therefore, we choose especially not anything else. Because otherwise you might come to power with your people, similar to your current Kiev authorities. So, of course, in this situation, we will not take any action against the incumbent. And, moreover, in principle, we have nothing against it, but we have some questions about his position.
As for the presidential election, I think that we will not in any way participate in them, because of the head of state has a strong enough machine that provides it all, and we do not want to assimilate "Belaya Rus" Belarusian Republican Youth Union and is particularly active there where this is not necessary.
How would you comment on the events in Ukraine? How do you see the way to resolve the conflict between the two Orthodox nations?
The problem in Ukraine is very difficult. The problem, in my opinion and the opinion of our organization that continues, in fact, the situation in 1991, when there is a redistribution of the former Soviet Union. Of course, Ukraine is extremely important for the West in the sense not to give Russia to draw it into its orbit, not to get back the dangerous geopolitical rival. Naturally, all the forces of the same West sent today to the fact that Ukraine is to hold at, or at least prevent its Customs Union - because it is doubtful that the 40 millionth Ukraine will be admitted to the EU in the near future.
And, of course, when it is spilled blood, then a lot of hatred on both sides. It's like a Ping-Pong: one ball angrily threw the second replied. When the war, when people were killed - it is far gone. Here somehow need to make a decision.
And yet another problem here - it's a lesson for many who believed that Russia is as though already good-for-nothing. In fact, of course, such a powerful country can not be in such a divided state. Because when the Soviet Union broke up, the borders that were cut in the union republics, they are largely created by the Bolsheviks about artificially. If you take the Russian, the 25 million found themselves outside Russia itself.
Accordingly, what are the options? Either these people have to go to Russia, but they have lived there for centuries - even if we take the Odessa or the so-called New Russia. So the question here is, perhaps, no referendums. You can not make tanks and machine guns to live within the state where people do not want to live. So I am in favor of that was either created broad autonomy in these regions, or that people still choose not interfere with the way that they want to select themselves.
And finally, slightly provocative question. In general, you - for that was the sovereign independence of Belarus, or you see her part of Russia, a sort of "North-Western edge"?
Today there is Belarus. And accordingly we as law-abiding citizens do not question this point, and we believe that there should be a separate state. Especially because in Russia there are many problems. But this does not mean that it should always be, or that it immutable. Was once the Soviet Union - it disintegrated. Perhaps in the future, in 50-60 years, if normal will develop economic ties, may be greater degree of integration, such as the European Union, or will any federation. And maybe will continue to exist independently of the country, but as allies, like, such as the UK and U.S..
We no discomfort from what we live in a sovereign country, not experience. Moreover, we have a 80% Russian organizations - Belarusians, not Russian. It is important to understand. Some people think that our organization - is ethnically Russian. But they just Russian positions, and ethnic composition, practically coincide with the population of Belarus.
Therefore, we are all here is enough, just as the Belarusian language. If we talk about the Belarusian language - it mass indigenous old Russian words that were in the days of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Another thing that you should not, perhaps unnecessarily politicize the moment. We are for the state of bilingualism and for ensuring that the republic developed bilingually. Because the Russian language - a language of communication and, in fact, a world language, and Belarusian - this kind of language, the language of our ethnic characteristics of the local population.
