Little victories over a big foolishness :: Charter'97 :: News

On June 22, “Five Plus” and the Permanent Council of Democratic Forces hold another regular session. Participants discussed the process of preparation to the Congress of Democratic Forces, regional conferences for election of delegates to the Congress, and actions against illegal renaming of Minsk streets and avenues.

Despite the counteraction of the administration, democratic forces managed to hold meetings in eight regions out of nine. Participants observed that the regime attempted to hinder the process of opposition consolidation and tried to prevent the organization of the Congress. Administration intimidated regional activists and stood behind open provocations organized by military. However, so far efforts of the administration have been unavailing.

Anatolij Lebedko told that the conferences held were “little victories over a big foolishness”. Sergej Kaliakin, the Chair of PKB, pointed out that during regional meetings activists were involved into putting down the fire, collecting mercury, organization of trainings with OMON, investigation of crimes together with militia.

Along with that, participants continued the discussion of the alternative mechanisms of nomination in case if it would be impossible to organize conferences. Organizational Committee will draft an instruction for such cases within a week.
The UCP leader noticed, “We believe that the issue of collecting signatures in favor of Congress nominees should be a principal one. We have to go and meet people, we shall not stay within a circle of our activists. Congress shall become a forum of all adherents of changes, not an event of political opposition.”