Belarusian Opposition Reacts Harshly To Lukashenka's Accusations
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka
March 19, 2009
MINSK (RFE/RL) -- The United Democratic Forces (ADS) in Belarus have called on EU leaders to not invite Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to Prague for the EU summit in May, RFE/RL's Belarus Service reports.
ADS leaders told RFE/RL that their demand is connected with Lukashenka's recent statement about the opposition in Belarus.
In a speech in the city of Vitebsk this week, Lukashenka called the opposition "enemies of the Belarusian nation." He also accused European countries of bothering him with minor issues.
ADS activists said that by "minor issues" Lukashenka means the absence of freedom of speech, human rights abuses, and attacks against the independent media in his country.
ADS activists said that because civil freedoms and human rights are the main principles on which the EU is based, Lukashenka should not be invited to the EU summit.