NGOs’ Assembly: Release of political prisoners is first step towards possible dialogue

The working group of the Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs of Belarus has adopted two statements concerning the possible dialogue of the authorities with society and the prospects of the EU-Belarus relations within the European Partnership programme.

The Assembly proposes the “Concept of the Authorities’ Promotion of the Development of the Civil Society in Belarus”, which outlines the key principles and procedures of cooperation. The main condition for a dialogue is the immediate release and complete rehabilitation of all prisoners of conscience, says the Assembly’s Concept. “Otherwise, any attempt of a dialogue is fictitious and immoral”, says the document. At the same time, the Assembly fears the authorities may imitate pro-democratic steps and calls upon Belarusian NGOs to focus their attention on working with society, in order to enhance their social and political potential.