Why our journalists did not attend Russian Ambassador’s briefing on Crimea

Statement by editors-in-chief of independent media

Russian Ambassador to Belarus Mikhail Babich is giving a press conference dedicated to ‘the 5th anniversary of Crimea’s entry into the Russian Federation” at the press centre “Sputnik Belarus” today.

Being the editors of independent Belarusian mass media, we have considered all the pros and cons of our journalists’ presence at this conference and have made the decision to abstain from participation in it.

We would like to stress that the decision does not mean that we are ignoring the Russian Ambassador or are not interested in his position. We are ready to meet Mr. Ambassador at a press conference or during a personal interview dedicated to Belarus-Russia relations and ask our questions. Some of us have already applied for such an interview.

However, taking into account the main topic of the conference, we do not like the fact that the presence of our journalists may be considered by our readers as our support of the events in Crimea in 2014. Furthermore, Russia’s position as regards the issue is already known very well.

Editor-in-chief of TUT.BY Maryna Zolatava

Editor-in-chief of European Radio for Belarus Pavel Sviardlou

Editor-in-chief of BelaPAN Iryna Leushyna

Editor-in-chief of Nasha Niva Yahor Martsinovich

Editor-in-chief of Narodnaya Volya Iosif Syaredzich