European Future Of Belarus :: Charter'97 :: News

More than 20 representatives of democratic forces participated in the forum “future of Democracy outside Baltic states”, which was held in the end of the last week in Riga. The event was held at a high international level, gathered several hundreds of participants, among them – representatives of political elite of the USA and European countries. The main subject of the forum was the prospects of democracy development in Belarus. Exclusively for the Charter97 press center the results of the forum were commented by coordinators of the European coalition “Free Belarus” Nikolay Statkevich and Andrej Sannikaw, and a representative of the People’s coalition Five Plus Yuri Khadyka.

Andrei_Sannikov

Coordinator of the European coalition “Free Belarus” and international coordinator of civil initiative “Charter’97” Andrei Sannikov:

- The conference on such a high level and under such a title was organized for the first time. The conference was called “Future of democracy outside the Baltic states” and included a part dedicated to Belarus. It means that we are a part of the region, and the region is alarmed about the democracy in our country. The participation of the United States in the conference shows that they are not indifferent towards development of the situation in Belarus, and they realize that non-democratic Belarus is a menace for the region and the world as a whole.
As before we propose to carry out negotiations and unite democratic forces of Belarus. It is obvious that only by joined efforts opposition can achieve something. The group also “Respublika” calls upon the union, and we see that they also have serious intentions regarding consolidation of democratic forces. The People’s coalition Five Plus took isolated standpoint; they are not ready for negotiations and contacts. There is no doubt that these talks and steps towards union are to take place in Belarus, and the conferences like this in Riga contribute to that.

Nikolay_Statkevich

Coordinator of the European coalition “Free Belarus” and chairman of the Belarusian Social-Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Nikolay Statkevich:

- Firstly, the level of the conference demonstrates that Belarus is an important country. Secondly, the recognition of the fact that Belarus is a European country is obvious. Thirdly, it is clear that other countries of the world get more and more concerned with Belarusian problems. The level of the conference was impressive, when three ministers of Foreign Affairs delivered speeches within one hour. At the forum the delegation of the US Congress – five Senators and three congressmen -- was present. They said that they came to express support to Belarusian democrats.

As for agreements with the People’s coalition Five Plus, they have not been achieved yet. More than once we offered the Five to unite, to negotiate, to make different agreements. The European coalition “Free Belarus” and the group “Respublika” are ready for negotiations and some form of integration. In the end of February we shall continue talks on union of Belarusian democratic forces.

Yuri_Khadyka

Representative of the People’s Coalition Five Plus, deputy chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front Yuri Khadyka:

- Riga forum was indisputably beneficial for the democratic opposition, as it received a rare opportunity to discuss development of democracy in Belarus with rather influential figures, who are interested in development of European prospects of Belarus. All the three groups of Belarusian opposition were met with maximum attention, heard and received an absolutely understandable message, which can be added up to the fact that international community calls upon to union of the democratic forces of Belarus considering the parliamentary elections at least, and for the perspective, because the presidential elections of 2006 are to be decisive.

One should underline that all groups of Belarusian democratic opposition declared for the union. At the same time the differences in approach that were declared are rather serious and demand work to overcome them, though it would depend on good will of all groups of democratic opposition.