The leader of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO Grigory Yavlinsky considers the present elections in Belarus a success of the opposition regardless of the official results of the voting.

Yavlinsky congratulated Alexander Milinkevich via press, Regardless of the formal results of the voting Alexander Milinkevich made a very important break through. The main and the most difficult thing now will be to maintain this vector and leadership.”

According to Yavlinsky, there are people in Belarus who would like to make a stand against Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime. This is an obvious victory of the democratic forces and a step towards future democracy. Now the main thing for the society in Belarus is to form up an entire socio-economic and political alternative and fight for the freedom of speech,” said Yavlinsky.

At the same time Yavlinsky stressed that formation of an opposition and, consequently, its victory in accordance with the rules of the game appropriate of democracy, is impossible in an authoritarian country, when it is deprived of access to influential press, and, consequently, prospects to present an alternative for the citizens, as well as a possibility to defend one’s stance in court and independent financing.

Yavlinsky thinks that Russia played a prominent role in Lukashenko’s victory supporting Lukashenko economically, politically and ideologically.”

YABLOKO’s leader also noted that the basis for Lukashenko’s regime is slowly improving living standards of the Belarus people.

Yavlinsky is also certain that the main thing how Russian democrats can help to the Belorussian opposition here is to create a democratic system in Russia.

Translated by Olga Radayeva