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Second session of pro-independence congress expected to be held in Minsk on June 7

The second session of the Congress for Independence will be held in Minsk on June 7, Alena Anisim, first deputy head of the Francisak Skaryna Belarusian Language Society (BLS), told BelaPAN.

The session will focus on political issues, including the forthcoming presidential election, Ms. Anisim said. Participants are expected to adopt a statement that will demand amendments to the Electoral Code, she said.

According to Ms. Anisim, who has announced plans to run in the presidential race, her participation in the election will not be under discussion.

About 100 people attended the first session of the Congress for Independence, held in Minsk on December 21, 2014. Organized by the Francisak Skaryna Belarusian Language Society and the Rada (Council) of the Belarusian Intelligentsia, the event brought together members of the BLS, the Rada of the Belarusian Intelligentsia, the Belarusian Popular Front, the United Civic Party, the Hramada Belarusian Social Democratic Party, and some other organizations.

The session resulted in the adoption of a pro-independence manifesto. The document warns that the Treaty on the Formation of the Eurasian Economic Union runs counter to international law and Belarus’ Declaration on State Sovereignty and constitution.

The manifesto expresses concern about Russia’s attempts to “establish a new world order”, condemns its plans to open an airbase in Belarus and demands the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the country.