BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

26/05/2007

Belarusian opposition struggles over strategy

MINSK, May 26 (Itar-Tass) -- A congress of democratic forces in Belarus, organised by the opposition, began with a fierce political clash over strategy on Saturday.

Two trends within the Belarusian opposition - liberal social democratic one the one part, and nationalist radical on the other part - got involved in an uncompromising fight from the very minutes of the congress at the Palace of Culture of the Minsk Automobile Works, where authorities had allowed the forum to be held.

Delegations from radical and nationalist parties and organisations said the opposition's strategy must be top priority. They rejected a draft strategy prepared by the congress organisers and described it as a "strategy of fear".

"What hopes for the evolution of power and round tables with authorities?" one of the opposition leaders, Nikolai Statkevich, asked from the podium. "We need a strategy of struggle and victory," he said.

Another opposition leader, former presidential candidate Alexander Milinkevich said he was sceptical about the congress.

"It is regrettable that this congress does not unite us. But I do hope that it won't drive us apart too much either," he said.

"My offer to those who adhere to national democratic positions is that if there is a left-wing bloc within the opposition, let's pool our ranks too. We musty say frankly that there is no united opposition and we have to organise two blocs," Milinkevich said.

More than 500 delegates from the majority of opposition parties and movements are talking part in the congress. The heads of diplomatic missions of several Western countries are attending the forum as guests.

Source:

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11568109&PageNum=0