Belarusian authorities have no plans to release political prisoners

Representatives of political parties learnt it from a Swedish-Polish delegation that is visiting Minsk these days.

The delegation visits Belarus ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius scheduled for November. Anatol Liabedzka attended the meeting, Radio Svaboda reports.

“It was a Swedish-Polish talk on the Eastern Partnership. Belarus was represented by 11 people – experts and representatives of political parties and NGOs.

Firstly, we received information about preliminary meetings with representatives of the authorities – deputy foreign minister Kupchyna and a representative of Lukashenka's administration Brylou, if I am not mistake.

We were given to understand that the issue of political prisoners may be solved using the formula 'pen, paper, pardon application'. It is the most suitable way for the authorities that can be implemented in practice. I am not sure the prisoners will like it.

As for the Eastern Partnership, it's obvious that we are not leaders, but outsiders in this project. The play goes on, teams are playing, but we sit on substitutes' bench. We need to understand what will we do if we take the field. I can definitely say about the Vilnius Summit that we will be happy for other countries. I said at today's meeting 'long live Ukraine!' They are making practical steps. They are full of enthusiasm. They discuss it. Their society is involved in it.

Some efforts should be applied to make the Eastern Partnership and the Dialogue on Modernisation programmes work for an average citizen of Belarus. If we cannot cross the EU border without problems and if it is uncomfortable, we are losing supporters of this idea and this strategic direction,” Liabedzka said.