Belarusian Democrats Took a Step to Union :: Charter'97 :: News

Two days, February 23-24, more than 30 representatives of Belarusian opposition participated in discussion in Vilnius: leaders of the European coalition “Free Belarus” and People’s coalition “Five Plus”, among them chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party “Narodnaya Hramada” Mikola Statkevich, chairman of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka (Lebedko), coordinator of the civil initiative Charter’97 Andrei Sannikov, member of the deputy group “Respublika” Valery Fralow, first secretary of the Belarusian Communist Party Syarhei Kalyakin, chairman of the “Civil Initiatives” Viktar Karnienka, leader of the Belarusian Labour Party Alyaksandar Bukhvostaw, Leader of the Belarusian Green Party Aleh Hramyka.

As one of the leaders of People’s Coalition “Five Plus” Anatol Lyabedzka told Radio Svaboda, coordination of actions before elections was discussed, and they reached an agreement on moral obligations to be restrained in estimation of activities of their colleagues, representatives of the democratic forces, since the common opponent for all of them is Lukashenka and authoritarian regime. During consultations in Vilnius resources for common work of opposition, specific steps in pre-election work, including work on common list of candidates, were analyzed.

As coordinator of the European coalition “Free Belarus” Andrei Sannikov told press center, “a rather constructive discussion on prospects of the democratic forces at the parliamentary elections this autumn”.

As a result of the discussion a moderate step was taken in direction of coordination of actions of main political groups of opposition. Possibilities of union of opposition were discussed as well, and proposals to create a single opposition center were articulated. The European Coalition “Free Belarus” supported the ideas, which were directed not only to coordination of efforts, but also to a union. We think that we could have agreed on joining up in one election center retaining autonomy of existing political subjects. Still some groups are not ready for that, but we believe that this decision would be possible before elections,” told Sannikov. “We also offered our colleagues to continue consultations on coordination after return to Minsk. This proposal was supported. The result of the meeting was an understanding on teamwork in nomination of oppositionists to election committees and monitoring organizations. This agreement was signed by participants of the meeting, including the European Coalition “Free Belarus”, MPs’ group “Respublika”, coalition “Young Belarus”, as well as representatives of the parties of the People’s Coalition “Five Plus”.