BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

06/11/2007

Belarusian Oppositionist Predicts Further 'Provocation' In Response To Protests

Viktar Ivashkevich, the deputy chairman of the opposition Belarusian Popular Front (BNF), said on November 5 that after the so-called "Social March" on November 4, the Belarusian authorities might shift their tactics in dealing with opposition demonstrations from simple crackdowns to "provocations," Belapan reported. The "Social March," held to protest the abolition of some state social benefits, was disrupted by a scuffle between two youth groups, who then dispersed as police appeared. The clash was later shown on Belarusian television and described as proof that the opposition is divided. Ivashkevich suggested that the event was orchestrated by the authorities. "These youth groups have no clear ideology, and engage in no public political activities," Ivashkevich said. "We know that they are under particular attention from the Belarusian secret services. And such people can be used to create provocations," he added. AM

...AND URGES PRESIDENT TO RENOUNCE 'CONFRONTATION WITH ENTIRE WORLD'

Opposition deputy leader Ivashkevich said on November 5 that he has written an open letter to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, which he left with the president's administration that day, Belapan reported. Ivashkevich wrote that he would like to help put into action Lukashenka's professed readiness to cooperate with Europe. "Police no longer beat demonstrators with sticks. Very good," Ivashkevich said. "Now take the next step and release all the political prisoners, stop the arrests of activists of prodemocratic forces, and the entire world will believe that you can change for the better. You will be surprised at how renouncing the policy of confrontation with the entire world will put your mind at ease." Ivashkevich stressed that the Belarusian government depends on Europe for loans. "That's why we should continue with the tactics of dialogue, and fight for this dialogue," he added. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/11/3-cee/cee-061107.asp