Andrei Sannikov: «Lukashenka put independence of Belarus under threat»

“The very presentation of the problem about possibility of Putin’s appointment to the post of head of the “union state” is the evidence that Lukashenka has put independence of Belarus under threat. The fact that rumours have appeared at his absence say he doesn’t control the situation. As far as concerns independence of a state, it is necessary to react seriously and sharply even to rumours and assumptions,” Andrei Sannikov, international coordinator of Charter’97 said, commenting the information that Vladimir Putin wants to head the “union state” and comes to sign “union” constitutional act in Minsk on 13 December.

“Independence is not an object for trade. Any trading can lead to catastrophical situation, as Lukashenka’s policy shows. I think, all Belarusians, both who are in the power and in the opposition, should defend independence, because in any case Putin’s visit ahead of changes in political system in Russia bodes ill for Belarus,” the diplomat noted.

According to Sannikov, sharp reaction in Belarus and beyond its borders is needed. “The delegation of Belarusian opposition in Washington should use opportunity of their visit and raise a question about defence of Belarus’s independence before the US leadership. It is also necessary to inform Brussels about gravity of possible trend of events. But first of all the democratic forces should provide for variants of prevention of such a scenario. It is obvious that Lukashenka has found himself in a deadlock, he is not able to uphold independence of the state and statehood of Belarus in general. The variant of incorporation will be a suicide for him, but the same thing also threats the Belarusian people, too,” Sannikov noted.