Andrei Sannikov: “Recognition of the regime in its present form would worsen situation in Belarus”

Today Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs David A. Merkel, who is on a visit in Belarus, has met with representatives of democratic political parties, civil society and former political prisoners.

The situation in Belarus in the run-up to the “parliamentary elections” was discussed, as well as estimation of the election campaign by democratic activists.

David Merkel met with the leader of the civil campaign “European Belarus” Andrei Sannikov, a former political prisoner, a former candidate for presidency in Belarus Alyaksandr Kazulin, the leader of the United Democratic party Anatol Lyabedzka, a deputy chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front Vintsuk Vyachorka, the leader of the Communist Party of Belarus Syarhei Kalyakin, the chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikalay Statkevich, the leader of the Young Front Zmitser Dashkevich, the leader of the organizing committee for creation of the Belarusian Christian democratic party paval Sevyarynets, head of the human rights centre Viasna Ales Byalatski and the chairperson of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Zhana Litvina.

Yesterday, as we have informed, David Merkel met with the Foreign Minister of Belarus Syarhei Martynau. The press-service of the Foreign Ministry of Belarus does not reveal details of the meeting of Martynau with Merkel.

The leader of the civil campaign “European Belarus” Andrei Sannikov tells how the meeting with the Department of State representative has taken place.

“Undoubtedly, the issue of the imminent “parliamentary elections” was in the focus of attention, and how the Belarusian democrats evaluate the campaign and participation of certain oppositionists in it. In general, the estimation of Belarusian participants was unanimous. Even now we could say that the practice of the regime in holding electoral farces, not elections continues; repressions against the opposition and civil society go on and intensify. None of the proposals of the opposition has been adopted by the authorities, though these proposals touched upon only general conditions of carrying out elections, necessity to include oppositionists to precinct election commissions, and guarantee minimal conditions for campaigning. The regime hasn’t made any concessions, that is why the issue of participation of the opposition in the elections remains open,” Andrei Sannikov said.

“During the meeting we spoke about the danger of recognition of the regime in its present form. It would preserve and even worsen the situation in Belarus. Most of the participants from the Belarusian side noted the unshakable and principled position of the US in the issue of respect to human rights. The US has played a key role in release of Belarusian political prisoners,” the leader of the “European Belarus” Andrei Sannikov said.

During the meeting with the Belarusian pro-democracy activists David Merkel noted that his visit to Minsk had become possible after the political prisoners were released. The US diplomat wanted to learn first-hand information about the situation in Belarus. Thus he met oppositionists and officials, and he discusses issues worrying the Belarusian opposition and the world community.