31 December 2006
Kozulin calls on opposition to come up with common strategy toward Russia

Former presidential candidate Aleksandr Kozulin has urged Belarusian opposition forces to come up with a common strategy on relations with Russia.

The leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party "Hramada," who is currently serving a five-and-a-half-year prison term, has informed his lawyer Igor Rynkevich about his proposals for the opposition's contacts with the Kremlin.

In particular, Dr. Kozulin suggests forming a delegation of opposition leaders and experts that would hold economic talks with Moscow, expressing certainty that the opposition could offer Russia "a model of mutually beneficial, neighborly relations."

"Dr. Kozulin is very surprised that the opposition is not taking an active part in negotiations with Russia under present-day difficult conditions. They should tell Russia that all agreements to be signed by Belarus and Russia will be reviewed for establishing whether they are consistent with Belarus' national interests," Mr. Rynkevich said. "Mr. Lukashenko became an illegitimate president on September 21, and all accords signed by the Belarusian authorities - be it the Union State, the Constitutional Act or Beltransgaz — have no legal force."

Anatoly Lebedko, leader of the United Civic Party, appeared to be lukewarm to the proposal, calling for agreeing on "a consolidated stance" first. "If we go to Moscow and suggest five to eight scenarios of cooperation from each party, this will be not serious. Talks should be started when the sides have something to offer each other," he noted.

According to Mr. Lebedko, Belarusian opposition forces have invited the Russian ambassador to Belarus to a meeting. "If such a meeting does take place in the new year, this will be a clear signal that Russia is ready for a dialog. And then we will be able to express out stance on relations between the two countries," the politician said. //BelaPAN