Candidates refuse to withdraw from presidential race

Opposition candidates and their representatives discussed at a meeting in Minsk on December 9 a possible withdrawal from the presidential race, Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu told Belapan . Apart from Nyaklyaeu, the meeting was attended by candidates Vital Rymasheuski, Dzmitry Us and Viktar Tsiareshchanka. Other alternative hopefuls sent their representaties. The media had no access to the meeting. At a picket in front of the president's administration building earlier on Thursday, Nyaklyaeu called on democratic candidates to join him in pulling out of the race. He said the election should not be recognized the international bodies.

According to Nyaklyaeu, those who took part in the meeting agreed that all 9 democratic hopefuls would come to October Square in Minsk at 2000 on December 19. Together with voters, they will be demanding a new election without Alyaksandr Lukashenka running.

Vital Rymasheuski said the participants of the meeting decided to sign a joint statement that Alyaksandr Lukashenka was not legitimate to take part in the election. According to Rymasheuski, the candidates agreed that the action on December 19 should be a common action .