Alyaksandr Milinkevich gave his interview to Reuters :: Charter'97 :: News

On 6 February leader of the democratic forces of Belarus Alyaksandr Milinkevich gave his interview to the information agency “Reuters”. It is to be mentioned that on the same day it was Alyaksadr Lukashenka who also gave his interview to Reuters.

Alyaksandr Milinkevich announced his readiness to start the dialogue with the authorities and to facilitate economic and political contacts of Belarus with the European Union:

-If the authorities started the reforms I would help them in attracting the European resources. If the authorities start implementing the predetermined conditions, then both Europe and we will be open to cooperation. I am ready for joint, adjusted actions but the regime has to start releasing the political prisoners, providing freedom to press, parties and public organizations. After these requirements are met I’ll be the first to speak for resumption of political and economic contacts of Europe with Belarus, said Alyaksandr Milinkevich in his interview to the information agency “Reuters”.

Alyaksandr Milinkevich considers that by refusing the offers of the united Europe Lukashenka brings Belarus to the brink of self-isolation and dooms the Belarusian people to the prospect of impoverishing.

-I am sure that the authorities have not yet completely realized the danger threatening the Belarusian economy in the current situation. They believe that the existing command system of economic management is still having its resources and reserves. It is an error, which will be very costly for Belarus. The question is what steps the authorities are ready to make for improving the situation. I do not want the country to face economic collapse. I absolutely reject any economic sanctions against Belarus, Alyaksandr Milinkevich said in his interview.