Milinkevich: Anti-Russian Politicians in Belarus Do not Have Future :: Charter'97 :: News

“Anti-Russian politicians in Belarus do not have prospects, as more than a half of the population is for integration with Russia. I would like to tell Russian citizens how the united opposition sees the future of bilateral relations,” the single candidate of democratic forces of Belarus Alyaksandr Milinkevich told in his interview to “Vremya Novostei” newspaper before his visit to Moscow. In addition, Milinkevich explained that the main objective is to dispel the myth, insistently created by Lukashenka, that if he won’t be a president, nationalists would take power and spoil relations with Russia; that Lukashenka orientates himself to Russia, and opposition to the West.

“To preserve sovereignty is the most important thing for us. But nobody is going to liquidate Belarus. We consider it important to have relations of allies and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia. Belarus would not join the NATO, as the neutral status of the state is legislated in the Constitution. We are ready to take into consideration strategic interests of Russia, including the military ones. Two Russian military bases are functioning at the territory of the country, and we are not going to pose difficult questions to Russia in this connection. Speaking to a Russian audience, Lukashenka often tells that in 1990ies nationalists took power in Belarus, and allegedly they wanted to make Russians pack their suitcases. It is not true. No one of the Russians has been forced to leave. Development of Belarusian national culture is important for us. But nothing threatens the Russians in Belarus,” the Belarusian politician emphasized.

As said by him, despite of Lukashenka’s statements about relations of the allies, Belarus cannot fully cooperate with Russia now.

“Belarus is late in implementing economic reforms, which does not allow a full-fledged cooperation with the neighbouring countries, including Russia,” the single candidate is convinced.

Answering the question about his chances in the presidential elections in 2006, Milinkevich underlined once again that a work in the regions is needed.

“We place our stake on the work in the regions. We do not have access to radio and TV. Door-to-door campaign is not an easy job, but it’s an important part of political campaigns in all countries. We are not going to tell voters that everything is bad. Naturally, there are positive things, and we are going to preserve them. If the elections would not meet democratic standards, we would call people to the streets, to defend the right for choice. It will be a peaceful protest,” the politician said.