BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

12/10/2007

Pro-European Group Inaugurated In Minsk

The European Integration Council (REI), established by former opposition presidential candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich, held its first meeting in Minsk on October 10, Belapan reported on October 11. Milinkevich told journalists on October 11 that the REI is a group of experts united around European values. The REI comprises some 30 people, including Milinkevich as its chairman, Tatsyana Protska, Valyantsin Akudovich, Ales Antsipenka, Lyudmila Hraznova, Mikhail Zaleski, Ivan Nikitchanka, and Ales Mikhalevich. Participants in the meeting decided that the REI will serve as a forum for the discussion and development of a strategy of Belarus's integration into Europe. Milinkevich said the council will campaign to inform the public about Europe and its integration; provide training both in Belarus and abroad to show opposition activists what present-day Europe is like and how to implement European programs in Belarus; analyze the situation in the country and devise strategies for the development of Belarusian society; and support national culture. JM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/10/3-cee/cee-121007.asp