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EU should leave doors open to Belarusians, says opposition politician

Fourteen opposition groups on January 9 signed a declaration on the formation of the National Coordinating Council of Pro-democratic Opposition.

The declaration was signed by representatives of the Belarusian Popular Front, the United Civic Party, the Spravedlivy Mir (Just World) Belarusian Party of the Left, the Hramada Belarusian Social Democratic Party, the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party, the "Tell the Truth!" campaign, the Movement for Freedom, the Rada (Council) of the Belarusian Intelligentsia, the Narodnaya Hramada Belarusian Social Democratic Party, the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada, the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, the Party of Freedom and Progress, the Belarusian Party of Working People and the Nadzeya Belarusian Women’s Party.

The pro-democratic groups are concerned about the authorities’ crackdown on political opponents following the country’s most recent presidential election, said Uladzimir Navasyad, leader of the unregistered Party of Freedom and Progress.

“Groups participating in the Council take different approaches to how to address the developments, but we are unanimous in our demand that all people should be released," he said. "We are worried about former presidential candidates held in custody. None of them would flee the country. They could stay at home and show up for interrogations when summoned.”

When asked as to whether he was sure that the Council would not share the ill fate of the United Pro-democratic Forces that had gotten bogged down by differences, Mr. Navasyad acknowledged that there were reasons for concern.

The members hold different views on the European Union’s response to the crackdown, he said, noting that he, personally, opposed the introduction of economic sanctions, which would affect the life of ordinary citizens.

The EU should continue its policy of “open doors” to promote European values among Belarusians and help them integrate into a united Europe, he said.

Mr. Navasyad said that he welcomed Warsaw’s move to abolish its national visa fee for Belarusian citizens and Lithuania’s effort toward the facilitation of travel within the Schengen area for the country’s people. //BelaPAN