Only Belarusian opposition invited to Euronest session in Brussels

Representatives of six parties and movements are expected to attend the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Eastern Partnership in Brussels.

Representatives of the BPF party, the United Civil Party, the Fair World party, the Movement for Freedom and Tell the Truth civil campaign and organising committee to found the Belarusian Christian Democracy party left for the EU capital as observers.

According to Aliaksei Yanukevich, the Belarusian delegation wants to convey a common message: “A real dialogue is possible only after the political prisoners are released and their civil and political rights are restored.”

Members of the Belarusian delegation will have a meeting with EP Vice President Jacek Protasiewicz.

Belarus is the only participant of the Euronest PA that is not represented by members of the national parliament. The 'national assembly” of Belarus has no opposition members. All MPs are Lukashenka's support team. None elections since 1995 have been recognised free and fair in Belarus. These are the reasons why Belarusian MPs were not invited to the Euronest PA.

The Belarusian MFA led by Uladzimir Makei resisted participation of the opposition in the Euronest PA session. The EU's principled position on invitation opponents of the Belarusian authorities may be regarded as an important signal.

Natallia Radzina, the editor-in-chief of charter97.org, is expected to speak at the EU PA session.