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Belarusian Popular Front's presidential hopeful pledges not to use foreign funds in his campaign

The Belarusian Popular Front (BPF)'s presidential hopeful Ryhor Kastusyow has vowed not to use foreign funds in his campaign, as quoted by BelaPAN.

In his August 12 statement, Mr. Kastusyow describes refusal to accept financial support from abroad as what would differ him from other opposition presidential contenders.

"The funding of a political campaign from foreign sources is incompatible with the interests of the Belarusian people," Mr. Kastusyow says. "We do not seek foreign political investment because we do not want to lose independence in our activities. My campaign will be financed out of Belarusian sources at all stages. This will be a 100-percent Belarusian campaign."

Several opposition politicians have already found sponsors in Russia, Mr. Kastusyow says. "I will rely solely on Belarusian resources, on the work of party activists, on donations by Belarusian businesspeople and on the volunteer assistance of those who hold dear our national values and the real independence of Belarus."

It is impossible to accept Russian money and remain a Belarusian politician, Mr. Kastusyow concludes.