In Pictures: Belarus opposition figures in Vilnius discussing future
The leaders of major opposition forces from Belarus took part in the discussion organized by the Eastern Europe Studies Center.
The discussion focused on possible changes in political and social life in Belarus. delfi.lt reports the majority of the politicians spake against revolutionary changes or for the so called "evolutionary pro-European way of the country's development."
Belarusians just like Lithuanians, Germans or citizens of any other European nation do not want a ''blood-shedding transition". They fear revolutions, yet they are pro-changes at the same time, noted Aliaksandr Milinkevich, the leader of the Movement for Freedom.
"I am convinced that Lukashenka No 2 will come to replace Lukashenka No 1," said Siarhei Kaliakin, the chairman of the Belarusian leftist party "Fair World". "Lukashenka came to power as a populist on the wave of social riot. This is the worst scenario for Belarus."
Anatol Liabedzka, chairman of United Civil Party,noted that various scenarios were possible in the current conditions, but changes were inevitable if Belarusians managed to get rid of fear and financial and economic dependenca on the regime and Russia "with all her donor and advocacy support."
Andrei Dzmitriyeu, deputy chair of Speak the Truth! campaign, reckons transformations are already under way, but it is important that they are linked with the European way of development for Belarus but not with Lukashenka. "A young generation comes to replace the Soviet generation. It takes Belarus as an independent country," Dzmitriyeu noted.
More details about the discussion is available here
Uladzimir Hlod and Antol Liabedzka
Siarhei Kaliakin
Andrei Dzmitriyeu
Aliaksandr Milinkevich
Iryna Veshtard, the chair of Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada), Ryhor Kasusyou from Belarusian Popular Front party and Aliaksandr Milinkevich, the leader of Movement for Freedom
Vital Rymasheuski, a leader of the committee to organize the Belarusian Christian Democracy party (right)
Photo: delfi.lt