Viktar Ivashkevich: “Threat to Belarusian independence is becoming real. We should plan mass protest rallies”

This cannot be called anything but political blackmailing. For the first time in the recent years the threat to Belarus’ independence is acquiring fully realistic outline. That is why Belarusian society should consolidate to defend its independence,” the deputy head of the Belarusian Popular Front party Viktar Ivashkevich told to the Charter’97 press-center, commenting on the reports that Putin goes to Belarus to sing the so-called “constitutional act” and take the helm of the “union state”.

According to the politician, “in the beginning of the year it has become clear that through economic levers Russia would compel Belarus if not to become its part directly, then through the so-called “union state”. The latest statement of Gazprom about the gas price of $165 per 1,000 cubic metres proves that, likewise Putin’s visit to Belarus though his relations with Lukashenka are very strained,” Viktar Ivashkevich said.

The deputy head of the Belarusian Popular Front party believes that the response should be immediate, and the Belarusians’ resolute disproval of the Russian plans of the country’s annexation should be demonstrated unambiguously. “At today’s congress we are going to discuss this situation and adopt a resolution on our actions for the near future. One of the most important issues is preparation for mass protest rallies during Putin’s visit,” Viktar Ivashkevich told to the Charter’97 press-center.