English

Nyaklyayew says that some politicians’ strong words about him do not prevent him from viewing them as partners

Poet Uladzimir Nyaklyayew, leader of the “Tell the Truth!” campaign, on September 23 applied to the central election commission for registering his nomination group for the forthcoming presidential election, thus becoming the first opposition presidential hopeful to do that, as quoted by BelaPAN.

“Some politicians’ strong words about me do not prevent me from viewing them as partners,” Mr. Nyaklyayew told reporters after delivering his application. “Such politicians have no opportunity to attack the regime and Lukashenka, and that’s why they attempt to attack me.”

The previous day Vital Rymashewski, who plans to run in the forthcoming presidential election on behalf of Belarusian Christian Democracy, said that the party would not support Mr. Nyaklyayew if other opposition forces selected him as their single presidential candidate.

Such support is impossible as long as Mr. Rymashewski election platform contains a provision on "new, real integration of Belarus into Russia," Mr. Rymashewski said.

The word "integration" is used as a term in the platform, Mr. Nyaklyayew commented. "We'll do everything, and my platform is designed in such a way, as to have only mutually beneficial relations with Russia in the future," he said. "There should be absolutely no political dependence of Belarus on Russia."

"Rymashewski has a nice hairdo, he is an attractive man who looks like an American senator, his entire political life is in the future," Mr. Nyaklyayew said. "I understand why he is of the few who allow themselves such strong-worded statements. He wants to demonstrate his youth, enthusiasm. Let him do this, I don't mind. But still let him raise his crown slightly and think."

“I cannot say that I want very much to be friends with the people who currently are the leaders of our political parties and movements,” Mr. Nyaklyayew said. “I came into politics not for making friends. I have enough friends. I came into politics and plan to run for president to win and change the situation in this country.”