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Political Council of United Pro-democratic Forces condemns suspension ruling against Belarusian Party of Communists

The Political Council of United Pro-democratic Forces has condemned the decision of the Supreme Court of Belarus to suspend the Belarusian Party of Communists (BPC) for six months.

This decision was obviously of a political nature, the Political Council says in a statement adopted on Friday.

On August 2, the Supreme Soviet ruled in favor of the justice minister, which sought a six-month suspension of the party, alleging that it had ignored regulations.

As Anatol Lyabedzka, leader of the United Civic Party who co-chairs the Political Council, told BelaPAN, the suspension of the BPC suggests that the government may be considering bringing forward the 2008 parliamentary elections to the beginning of the year. "The authorities may also take similar steps regarding other opposition parties to disorganize the activities of the pro-democratic coalition ahead of the parliamentary race," he said.

According to Mr. Lyabedzka, at its next meeting, the Presidium of the Political Council will adopt a plan of action in connection with the suspension of the Belarusian Party of Communists, which would envisage street protests.

The BPC was suspended under the justice ministry's accusations that the party had inaccurately informed the ministry about its membership, and that the party had violated regulations by holding a conference abroad.

During this six-month period, the BPC will be prohibited from any activities other than measures efforts to eliminate the shortcomings indicated by the justice ministry. //BelaPAN