29 March 2024, Friday, 12:18
Support
the website
Sim Sim,
Charter 97!
Categories

Mikalai Statkevich: We Need To Resolve Issue Of Lukashenka Upcoming Year

39
Mikalai Statkevich: We Need To Resolve Issue Of Lukashenka Upcoming Year
MIKALAI STATKEVICH

The BNC leader spoke about the processes that start in the Belarusian towns.

Recently, leader of the Belarusian National Congress Mikalai Statkevich visited Slonim. The meeting with the guest lasted for several hours. After meeting with Slonim residents, the politician answered some questions of Slonim Newspaper.

- Is this your first time in our town?

- No, not the first time. If I'm not mistaken, the last time was in 2016, when the Belarusian National Congress was being created. I haven't been here for two and a half years. In the summer, I traveled around Belarus, but since I was limited in time, I didn't manage to get to you.

- Are you satisfied with the visit?

- Yes, I always liked the town. It fascinates with its landscape, historical places and people. About 150 people gathered at the meeting. The authorities sent a "team" of pensioners. That's why it was quite fun in some places. I like it when somebody from the authorities comes and enlivens the conversation.

- Is it worth taking part in "elections" if they are not there?

- The Narodnaya Hramada party, which I represent, understands very well that the votes are not counted at our "elections". But there is a possibility to use the election campaign procedures. For example, the collection of signatures for the nomination of "candidates".

We use pickets to collect signatures to hold legal rallies all over the country, openly declare our position and form an initiative group for future presidential elections. During the meetings I say that Lukashenka must resign, that only a peaceful mass long-term protest will allow the Belarusians to regain a decent life.

- Is it possible that the counting of votes will finally become fair and the elections - real?

- No, it isn’t. And Europe has already surrendered. They say to Lukashenka: if you don't count the votes, then at least don't beat and put in jail. America says differently: if it is, as it is, then the sanctions will not be lifted.

Lukashenka has tied Belarus to Russia economically to such an extent that now he is sitting in the side pocket of Putin's jacket. Putin says: get into the inner pocket. Lukashenka cannot get out of Putin's pocket, because then it is necessary to carry out reforms, conduct a dialogue with society, and it is easier for him to sell the country and become a dictator of the autonomy. And he will sell it if we don't remove him. Therefore, in order not to make it worse, it is necessary to solve this issue in the next year.

- You foresaw an attempt to annex Belarus a year ago ...

- I was writing about the threat of annexation at the time, and I remember very well how ironic our "political scientists" were. Now they are silent.

- So what can we expect for Belarus next?

- Russia will press Lukashenka, and he will crack up. He can stop only when he sees an explosion of public anger. And if he doesn't stop, the people will tear him down, because that's it. It was possible to play in "integration" 20 years ago. Now it is not allowed anymore. When 20 years ago, on October 17, 1999, 50 thousand people came out for independence on the Freedom March, I knew that the majority was not with us. There were just courageous people there, patriots. They scared the dictator. He retreated then. Now there are millions behind us.

- Are pickets and rallies enough to prevent the annexation of Belarus?

- No, we need 3% of the population to take to the streets - then the power changes. This is the world experience. But people need to be given some courage to come out. This is possible only through personal example. That's why I urge people not to be afraid and to be resolute in their actions. Therefore, I come to them and call things by their names loudly. I know what processes start in the district centers after my arrival.

- How justified is the fear that Russia will annex Belarus?

- The threat is very serious. Lukashenka has raised tens of billions of dollars in loans from Moscow for the promise of integration. According to the criminal concepts, shared by most Russian leaders, they are obliged to take from him what they have "bought". This is a serious threat. When there is a new president with any views, but who hasn't taken this money, he can start from scratch. Therefore, Russia is in a hurry to wear down the man it has been holding in power. If it hadn't been for Putin, Lukashenka would have been gone a long time ago.

Write your comment 39

Follow Charter97.org social media accounts