Zmitser Bandarenka: “Lukashenka has to react to opposition’s proposals” :: Charter'97 :: News

“As usual, Lukashenka’s press-conference was very interesting. I like that Lukashenka hasn’t avoided the topic of Freedom Day celebration. Belarusians have learnt lots of new information,” told Charter’97 coordinator Zmitser Bandarenka commenting the press-conference of Alyaksandr Lukashenka held in Minsk yesterday.

“For instance, we have learnt that concerts of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union were organized on March 25 on Lukashenka’s personal order, who respond the proposal of celebrations of Freedom Day organizers. And that opposition leaders and supporters had been invited to the concerts. This brings up a question, why riot policemen prevented people from nearing the National library where the official concert was held? They haven’t just got in the way of the marchers, but threatened with arrests and use of special weapons, and even arrested more than 10 young opposition activists near the library, because it was an event “not for them, but for members of the Belarusian Youth Union”. After Lukashenka’s speech I understood that riot policemen either were unaware that it was a common festival, or intentionally tripped up Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Yesterday were told that Lukashenka had actually received Milinkevich’s letter and had to react to opposition’s proposals. Though for today he is not ready for a dialogue, he is giving a serious consideration what he should do.

It seems to me that if the regime has shown signs of responding to our proposal to celebrate Freedom Day together, though in a bit peculiar way, the democratic forces should take active participation in the country-wide patriotic campaign “For independent Belarus!” which is to end on July 3 with a common celebration in the center of Belarusian capital. Definitely it is difficult for the opposition to agree this day is to be considered Independence Day, but the Day of liberation of Minsk from Nazi invaders is recognized by all. And slogans “For Freedom! For Belarus!” fit this festival in the best way possible,” Zmitser Bandarenka said.