interview with peter stastny

Polskieradio.pl: You are a hockey legend, famous ice hockey player. And now as Member of
European Parliament you take part in campaign against Ice Hockey Championship in Minsk.
Could you explain the reasons for it?
Peter Stastny a famous Slovak NHL ice hockey player, now Member of the European
Parliament: Well, I think the idea came from Belarusian opposition. I was not even involved.
But when I looked at the point and arguments – I thought this is a great idea, that is very
inexpensive, easily approachable and could have a very strong effect in a short period of time.
I know there are many kinds of sanctions, sometimes they are ineffective, it all takes long
time – so I think we can add some more pressure. And this could be even more effective
because I happen to know that Mr Lukashenka loves hockey – he is avid hockey fan, he plays
hockey two-three times a week, that is what I heard. Usually when you are affecting
somebody’s passion, hobby, they are listening more carefully. And they really do act.
There is another effect – Belarusian citizens will know about it. The publicity was huge, they
love ice hockey, which I completely support and I am happy about. But unfortunately there is
still undemocratic regime, individuals and groups are suffering severely, they are thrown into
jail, there are tortures. After December 2010 the repressions really exploded, what was
followed by condemnation from all the democratic world.
There is also a resolution of the US Senate – they represent over 300 millions people. It
contains paragraph to put the pressure on the International Ice Hockey Federeation (IIHF) to
relocate the championship until Belarusian authorities release all the political prisoners and
there is some kind of meaningful dialogue to improve the situation with opposition. Then
there was a resolution by the European Parliament, and the law in January was signed by
president Barack Obama that also condemns the Belarusian regime and demands changing the
venue until there are some democratic changes.
Is there a chance to convince the hockey federation? Because some time ago they stated
they are not going to relocate this championship because, as they say, they must act
“apolitically”. So is there any chance that the IIHF will pay attention to the appeals of
many western politicians? Because so far there is no answer.
Peter Stastny: We need to increase the pressure. In my opinion they almost have no choice.
This is an opinion and calling from the whole democratic world. This federation – they are
delegates of the congress. Only congress of the federation can change the decision. They
should put in on the vote. When they will, the delegates are all representing national
federations and they cannot vote against the will of their own people. Because they are paid
by taxpayer’s money. If citizens clearly demand something, it could be done.
On the other hand, such a move is important to save the good reputation and image of the
sport. I do not want the reputation of my sport to be tarnished and to be used as an instrument
to promote dictatorship of Mr Lukashenka. There are limits.
I know the (IIHF) argument is that sport should not mix with the politics. But there are many
people suffering, individuals are being mistreated and abused. I have a moral obligation
towards myself, because I grew up in the dictatorship regime and I know it. And I feel I have
to do something for the others to live in the same freedom, to have the same rights, same
dignity as we have here in the European Union. Especially – they happen to be our neighbour.
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They are a large neighbour of the European Union. So we have something to say. And it is not
only about the EU, the US and other democratic countries are clearly calling for the change.
So the congress will be in May in Helsinki. And is there a chance that if the matter will
be put on the agenda, the decision will be taken?
Peter Stastny: I hope it is already of the agenda. You know the agenda is prepared well in
advance. That was a problem year ago when championship was in Bratislava and congress
was there as well, in my country. I happened to speak to Rene Fasel, the president of the IIHF,
and I asked him what happened. He said that unfortunately nobody raised the issue, because
the agenda was already done.
So this time they know about the issue, it should be on the agenda. And if it is not we will try
to do everything possible to have some of those delegates to raise the hand before the
congress opening. The congress - when it opens like here in the Parliament on anywhere else
– there is the approval of the agenda. This is done by delegates. One of them may raise the
hand and demand to add the Belarus into the agenda and they have to oblige. These are
technical procedures. We will be watching this carefully. But hopefully the IIHF, because of
what is happening in Belarus, should put it on the agenda right now so possibly there will no
need for delegates to raise their hand and stand up and demand it at the congress opening in
Helsinki.
Believe me, when people now the details, when people know the basic facts, I do not think
there is any other way than change the venue, for as long as Mr Lukashenka is not willing to
make any changes. Belarus is the last dictatorship and we need to do something to make him
change the status quo.
As you said, situation in Belarus is worse and worse. The European Union pays much
attention to Belarus. There were many resolutions, sanctions. Is the European Union
helpless? What else can the EU do? What do you think about western policy towards
Belarus?
Peter Stastny: There is a demand to bring up more democracy. Instead of getting better it is
getting worse. Belarus is more and more isolated. There is always a room to improve because
we cannot be satisfied with the current status. Belarus is the country that needs to change.
There were so many sanctions. But I think among those sanctions hockey championship could
be really popular, could grab the attention of citizens, could grab the attention of Lukashenko.
He is a key. He is a dictator so if he decides he can change the situation and improve the
situation of Belarusian people in a split of second. If the changes will be reasonable enough,
they will be aproved by the democratic community and the championship may remain in
Belarus.
I do not want to endanger hockey. Hockey is not actually endangered. Prague was actually
twice in this situation - in the 1969 the championship was relocated to Stockholm during the
invasion of the Warsaw Pact. And then later in 2003 Prague had problems with construction
(the championship was relocated to Finland, ed.).
Nobody is taking the championship away from Belarus. It will be relocated and if situation
improves they will have the championship. So hockey and sport will not be tarnished and
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Belarus and its citizens will not be deprived of hosting if such a important and prestigious
type of tournament.
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