Aliaksandr Milinkevich invited to PACE President to visit Belarus on March 25 :: Charter'97 :: News

Leader of democratic forces Aliaksandr Milinkevich has sent an invitation letter to PACE President Rene van der Linden. Leader of Belarusian opposition invited PACE president to visit Belarus on March 25 and to take part in celebration of Freedom day. «I share your point that the situation within and around Belarus warrants a new look on its democratisation prospects. After intensive consultations and discussions with representatives of democratic civil society and taking into account the Belarusian authorities declarations on their interest to normalise relations with Europe, I sent a letter to Aliaksandr Lukashenka with a proposition to start a dialogue between the opposition and the authorities. I strongly believe that only this can help to prevent the economic crisis, defend the independence of the country and work out a strategy of Belarus’ movement towards democratization. In any case, you will have an opportunity to see for yourself what is really going on in Belarus», -- says letter of Aliaksandr Milinkevich to Mr. van der Linden.

Here is the full text of leader of opposition to PACE President:

Dear Mr van der Linden,

Following your visit to Minsk that was the object of numerous concerns and doubts there has been no substantial change in the situation in Belarus. The political prisoners have not been released, there are new arrests and trials of the opponents of the regime, the rights of citizens and civic organisations are being violated.

None the less I share your point that the situation within and around Belarus warrants a new look on its democratisation prospects. After intensive consultations and discussions with representatives of democratic civil society and taking into account the Belarusian authorities declarations on their interest to normalise relations with Europe, I sent a letter to Aliaksandr Lukashenka with a proposition to start a dialogue between the opposition and the authorities. I strongly believe that only this can help to prevent the economic crisis, defend the independence of the country and work out a strategy of Belarus’ movement towards democratisation. Only in the case of achieving an agreement between the authorities and democratic forces of Belarus it will be possible to start negotiations with Europe concerning the full range of political, economic and social issues.

In my address to Aliaksandr Lukashenka I invited the authorities to make a step forward towards the democratic forces on March 25th, the Freedom Day, which is the most important day in the history of Belarus as an independent nation. This view is also supported by the Belarusian public opinion.

I believe that this day could be a starting point for serious discussion about the future of Belarus involving all the layers of the Belarusian society.

Being aware of the interest you have in my country and the PACE concern about the problem of Belarus I invite you to pay a visit to Belarus on March 25th, 2007 to take part in the celebration of the Freedom Day. I hope that the Belarusian authorities will realise the importance of the moment and make on that Day a step forward towards the Belarusian people. In any case, you will have an opportunity to see for yourself what is really going on in Belarus. Your last visit to Belarus was made on an invitation from the official authorities. I hope you will respond to the one coming from the democratic forces of Belarus.

I would like to assure you in the sincerity and seriousness of our intentions.

Yours sincerely,

Aliaksandr Milinkevich

Presidential candidate in March 2006 election
European Parliament`s 2006 Sakharov Prize Winner