Minsk, 28 August 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Leaders of Belarus' various political parties and movements are scheduled to hold another roundtable meeting today in Minsk in opposition to the policies of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
The first roundtable was held last week. Afterward, the representatives of 12 political parties said they had decided to convene a permanent body that will assess human rights in Belarus and give evidence of violations of the constitution. They also decided to form a joint commission to oversee freedom of the press.
Participants praised the first meeting and said they wish to act within the constitution. The meeting was attended by party members from all ends of the political spectrum, including the Agrarian Party, the Belarus Popular Front, the Communist Party and trade unions.
Senior parliamentary and government officials were also present, although Lukashenka declined to attend.
The first roundtable was held last week. Afterward, the representatives of 12 political parties said they had decided to convene a permanent body that will assess human rights in Belarus and give evidence of violations of the constitution. They also decided to form a joint commission to oversee freedom of the press.
Participants praised the first meeting and said they wish to act within the constitution. The meeting was attended by party members from all ends of the political spectrum, including the Agrarian Party, the Belarus Popular Front, the Communist Party and trade unions.
Senior parliamentary and government officials were also present, although Lukashenka declined to attend.