Participants of the dialogue platform in Vitebsk: it is necessary to stop street protests and return to a calm situation in the country
The dialogue platform gathered in Vitebsk representatives of various political parties (Republican Party of Labor and Justice, Liberal Democratic Party, BNF), including those being created ("Rodina" and "Otechestvo"), public associations ("Belaya Rus", "Tell the Truth", Belarusian Republican Youth Union, Belarusian Union of Officers, Belarusian Peace Foundation, Belarusian Union of Afghan War Veterans, Belarusian Public Association of Veterans, "Veterans of Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces", Union of Writers of Belarus). Active entrepreneurs and citizens indifferent to political life, who did not represent any political or public forces, also joined. For example, activist of the "Country for Life" movement Alexander Ilyinets was present at the meeting. Marina Kiseleva, an additional education teacher, came with her proposals on her own initiative. Thus, a polarity of opinions was ensured.
The focus of all attendees was the political situation not only in the region but also in Belarus as a whole. All speeches were united by a common message: a peaceful dialogue between the authorities and the opposition is necessary. At the same time, most participants noted that this is possible only if street protests cease and a peaceful, calm situation is restored in the country.
"It is good that we have gathered here so that the parties can hear each other. Only through constructive dialogue can all pressing issues be resolved. For this, we need to talk, not issue ultimatums," emphasized Sergey Denisov, chairman of the regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Officers.
An active civic stance is taken by businessman and philanthropist Maxim Golubev from Novopolotsk. "Given my activities, I have formed extensive social connections. I am well aware of the opinions of different segments of society and have come to the following conclusion: the overwhelming majority of the population does not actively join any political camp," he noted.
"One's opinion should be expressed in this format, during such round tables. Today's discussion was positive. Each of the participants has their own vision, their own position on the situation. The dialogue platform format allowed everyone to express their point of view constructively, without insults," said Larisa Olenskaya, Chairperson of the Coordination Council of Public Organizations and Political Parties of Vitebsk, Chairperson of the Vitebsk City Council of Veterans. In her opinion, most Belarusians are tired of protest actions. "They do not produce anything, they do not carry any constructive meaning or proposals. Therefore, we must all make every effort to restore the peaceful, calm atmosphere that Belarus has always been known for, to return a comfortable state to every family, in order to continue joint dialogue. Each side must take a step towards the other," the expert stated.
Participants paid special attention to the need for political transformations that have ripened in society and which need to be widely discussed, taking into account different opinions.
"Our meeting today is a good sign that society and the authorities have matured for dialogue," added Kastus Smolikov, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the BNF Party.