BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

22/11/2006

..Which Are Met With Mixed Reaction From Opposition

Former opposition presidential candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich has welcomed the EU's offer of a new strategy toward Belarus, Belapan reported on November 20. "[Official] propagandists are constantly telling Belarusians that they cannot count on the EU, as they say we're not welcome in Europe. And here we get a document that confirms that the EU is waiting for Belarus, is waiting for democratic changes in our country.... This strategy can prove very helpful for fighting the apathy that has gripped Belarusian society," Milinkevich said. Meanwhile, United Civic Party Deputy Chairman Ihar Shynkaryk said he does not believe that Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka could meet this strategy halfway. "The official Minsk will not agree to implement this strategy. As long as Lukashenka remains the head of state, he will not conduct a [genuine] investigation into the political disappearances. I also do not believe that Lukashenka could release all politically persecuted people from prison," Shynkaryk told RFE/RL's Belarus Service. JM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2006/11/3-cee/cee-211106.asp