Both Variants Are Good

We must celebrate the 100th anniversary of independence as properly as our neighbouring countries.

The celebration has recently caused disputes.

Charter97.org asked for comments the organizer of many political campaigns and protests, coordinator of the European Belarus campaign Zmitser Bandarenka.

- Why do you think it's needed to hold a concert and a march on Freedom Day this year?

- I'd like to quote former Chairman of the Supreme Council Syamyen Ryhoravich Sharetski: "Both variants are good".

My position is as that: on March 25 there should be held both concert with participation of Lyavon Volski, Krama band and others and a festive procession. I see no contradictions here.

Today many people draw parallels with events occurred a hundred years ago - the situation in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia resembles the one of those times.

This date shows that one day current decisions of Belarusians, the authorities, the opposition will be considered as an initial stage for the future of Belarus.

First of all, Freedom Day will become a state holiday. I know that Poland holds mass marches of thousands on its Independence day. Not all accept it, but Warsaw and many other Polish cities hold it despite other events held such as concerts, exhibitions, conferences.

If we say we are the state, we should celebrate the 100th anniversary of our independence properly. After all, all countries in our region will hold festive demonstrations, marches and parades. If we mean our ancestry of Grand Duchy of Lithuania as a multinational state, then it means the centenary of independence restoration. The condition of Belarus doesn't matter, we must celebrate this day properly.

- Now March 25 is being discussed. What moments would you like to point out?

- I'd like to point out a few aspects related to different views regarding this day. First, Mikalai Statkevich is being criticized without a reason, although it is absolutely clear that only his determination made this concert possible.

Second, the concert must be held. There are young people who have come to grips with its organization. Technical problems and a wish to hold the event at a decent level are clear. As a person who has held many mass rallies in Belarus, including concerts, I wish them good luck and I say they need support on this matter.

The third is that there are people who get the meaning of a nationwide celebration of the centenary of the BPR. People consider it necessary to hold this festive procession in Minsk. Their position should also be respected.

I'd like to make some remarks. An opposition democratic organizing committee was created. I would like to share the secret that the Belarusian National Congress was the initiator. It did everything to make the holiday a proof of the unity of democratic forces. And those who filed their applications later they rejected the common position. It's the truth.

As far as I understand, these politicians with no skills of political negotiations will not be liable to defend national interests in future. They miss determination, strictness, appreciation of defending national interests and core issues. It's my opinion.

But it is what it is. I hope there will be both the festive procession and the concert. After all, it's a jubilee year. And if something is missed on March 25, then it may happen any day in 2018.