Give a Chance to Lukashenko, Niakliaeu

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko needs a chance to participate in the summit of "Eastern Partnership" in October. This was stated by former presidential candidate Uladzimir Niakliaeu. "For Belarus this event is a real history without exaggeration. More precisely, it could become so if Lukashenko understands what a chance it is for the country, what prospects there can be," he said.

"The united Europe intends to engage in dialogue with Belarus on equal terms, as a partner with a partner for the first time. But with whom exactly?" asks Uladzimir Niakliaeu.

EU leaders may not invite Belarus to the summit, reminded the politician, "if the EU first requirement of the European Union is not satisfied: unconditional rehabilitation of all political prisoners." It was written in his blog on the site 'Belarusian Partisan'.

"Thinking about the state, it should be done even today. And only then - the invitation, the summit and the prospect of a chance. If not - then there will be no prospects at all, no chance, but only ShOS (Shob on syshow! “Wish he quited!” – Telegraf) This is the choice. Many people won’t let Lukashenko choose. Only ShOS, I’d say: no, there should be a chance, too. After all, participation in the summit "Eastern Partnership" is far greater than the chance for Lukashenko. This is a chance for Belarus, for us and our children", suggests the former presidential candidate.

In his view, participation of Belarusian authorities but not only opposition politicians in the summit will allow the country to achieve much greater success.

"The European Union has an opinion: to let only representatives of the Belarusian opposition take part in the summit. This is certainly an honor, but I’d rather get real, practical results from the summit than moral satisfaction," said Uladzimir Niakliaeu.

At the moment, the fate of the Belarusian authorities depends on their decisions, he added. "Therefore, I emphasize once again: one shouldn’t put off the problem of political prisoners. To open the prison door means to open the door to a European future. Of course, it’s possible only in case someone in the government really cares about the future of the country," said the former presidential candidate.

According to Telegraf, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that the cooperation of the European Union and Belarus within the framework of "Eastern Partnership" wouldn’t work. "Eastern Partnership" aims to implement practical measures for rapprochement with the EU countries. If, as in the case of Belarus, the country is unwilling to move closer to the EU, the program, surely, won’t work," he said.

Poland has taken presidency of the EU since July 1. Radoslaw Sikorski called the economic recovery and strengthening of the Europe's military capabilities, support for democracy in the Middle East and North Africa, the rapprochement with Moldova, Ukraine and Russia among the priorities of the EU. At the same time he didn’t mention relations with Belarus among the EU's priorities.