Opposition leaders avoid debate on economic sanctions (photo)

This year it is held under the slogan "Across the Borders”.

On the first day of the event most attention was paid to Belarus. There was a meeting dedicated to discussion of  the possible transformation processes in Belarus, the formation of the Belarusian nation and the West-Russianism ideology  in Belarus. Partaking in the conversation, among the others, was Chairman of the Movement "For Freedom" Alyaksandr Milinkevich and former Polish Ambassador to Belarus Mariusz Maszkevicz.

Also, there was a round-table "Belarus Today: stability against destabilization." Alyaksandr Milinkevich, leader of the "European Belarus" Andrei Sannikau, leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party “Assembly” Stanislau Shushkevich and sociologist Andrei Vardamatski took the floor.

 

The participants of the round-table discussion were expected to start heated debates, especially because both former presidential candidates have opposite positions on the sanctions against the Belarusian officials. By the way, Stanislau Shushkevich had commented to Euroradio before that they would probably discuss the aid to the Belarusian authorities from the European Union and Russia.

Shushkevich: "Stabilization and destabilization in Belarus - is a pretty interesting question, because our disgusting political regime is constantly taking measures to stabilize the situation for themselves. Well, the human mind and life simply deny such approaches. There is a constant struggle going on. And if our regime loses the ability to stabilize the situation, Russia usually helps. The most amazing thing is that sometimes Europe helps as well despite the disapproval of the regime. "
 

However, there wasn’t a full-time discussion. The participants answered the questions of the Polish Post and almost did not enter into a discussion with each other.

In a comment to Euroradio, Milinkevich has noted the importance of the conference, as it reminded of the problems in Belarus. At the same time the politician did not hide the fact of the tension among the opposition members, who sat at the same table.


Milinkevich: "We have totally different views about certain things. The topic of sanctions-no sanctions hasn't been touched upon. I think that the debates about the sanctions in the Belarusian internet were artificially created.

Because I do not know any politicians in Europe or the United States of America, who would say that the broad economic sanctions  is a proper way to democratize Belarus. And there is tension between us. If the opposition is working for so long, it has a history of mutual resentment, suspicion, like who is a more important agent. I prefer not to be involved in that."

The conference will finish its work on July 18. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Borys Tarasyuk, Russian politician Boris Nemtsov and others will participate in it.