Independent Magazine In Belarus Closes
23 December 2005 -- The Belarusian magazine "Solidarity" published its last edition today.
The magazine was the publication of independent unions representing workers in a variety of trades in Belarus.
In a message to readers in the last issue, "Solidarity" editors say the Minsk government had taken a number of measures, including canceling a contract with the state distribution agency, that made it impossible for the magazine to continue publishing.
The editors said the government had "completely shut off all our sources of revenue. The magazine has been left without the means to continue."
"Solidarity" was founded in 1991 and had a print run of 5,400 copies.
Editor Alyaksandr Starikevich said he doubts the magazine can resume publication as long as Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka is in office.
(AFP)