“Union of Belarusians Living Abroad” Addresses World Community Ahead Union Treaty Anniversary :: Charter'97 :: News

Natives of Belarus, having their permanent residence abroad, addressed the world public with a statement of protest over the conclusion of the so-called “Union Treaty between Russia and Belarus”: “We, “The Union of Belarusians Living Abroad” appeal to you with this missive in hope that our voice will be heard. Our opinion on the matter is clear: nothing so shameful had happened in the history of the small but proud country since the proclamation of the BSSR,” – state the Belarusian political immigrants.

In early 90ies, reads the address, Belarus received a unique chance to follow the path of democracy, returned its national symbols, brought back its culture and language and, which is more important, became an independent country. “In 1994, in the aftermath of the presidential elections, everything collapsed… The economic decline, total impoverishment, arms trade, sales of the national property. But the main factor was human. Many of those who sought to resist the lawlessness were either destroyed or thrown in jail. Many went missing, while their families don’t know whether they should mourn over them or still harbor hope. That’s scary,” – says the Union in its missive.

- We realize that the support of the incumbent by the Russian authorities and monopolies was conditioned by the interests of the Russian capital on the territory of Belarus, as well as by the imperial ambitions.

But to you, who are in power, we say: Russia’s takeover of Belarus will cost it as dearly as the invasion of Chechnya. In case Russia and Belarus form one body, we, “The Union of Belarusians Living Abroad” in order to gain independence, will call on our supporters to use all sorts of resistance, including the armed one!

We urge the Russian government to be guided in their thinking by common sense. Sometimes a pen’s writing can be deadlier than gunfire. What can be better than having two neighboring states, cooperating and peacefully co-existing? We hope that the common sense will overcome.