Friend at the gate

In Minsk, a rally was held against the planned opening of the Russian air base in Belarus. It is reported by "Our Niva". About 500 people took part in an inconsistent campaign at the Town Hall on Freedom Square.

Among the organizers of the action were a number of opposition leaders, including former presidential candidates Vladimir Neklyaev and Nikolai Statkevich, the leaders of the United Civil Party Anatoly Lebedko and the BNF party, Alexei Yanukevich, the co -chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Belarusian Christian democracy Pavel Severinets.

“This is a pernicious step that can lead to the loss of the independence of Belarus,” the organizers said in a statement “for Belarus without other people's military bases.” “This is treason to our national interests, treason to the people and the country.” It was also noted that the deployment of a foreign military base in the country is contrary to Article 18 of the Constitution, according to which Belarus is striving for neutrality.

Irina's video of Arekhovskaya for faces:

Minsk: protest against the Russian air base

The participants of the action went to the square with national white-red-white flags and posters, including caricatures on Vladimir Putin. A riot police bus was waiting for them in the square, but there were no detentions. At the same time, administrative protocols were issued to the organizers of the action right on the square.

Neklyaev, in his speech, remarked: "In the Crimea there was a Russian base, where did the part of the territory of Ukraine have captured. If it was there, then why can we not have that?" At the same time, he continued, "from the side from where they are going to protect us, they will not attack us." “Neither Poland, nor Lithuania, nor Latvia will attack us,” the politician emphasized. “We should not allow (opening the base. - Ed.).”

In the same vein, Lebedko performed. "The Budapest Memorandum did not protect Ukraine, will not protect Belarus," he said.

Later at the rally, Neklyaev announced the creation of the movement "For the statehood and independence of Belarus." Among the members of the Council of Movement, he said, there will be a former political prisoner Yuri Rubtsov.

Statkevich, in turn, urged the audience to join the movement of Neklyaev. In addition, he invited on October 10, on the last day before the presidential election, to go to the square at 17 o’clock in order to decide on further actions. If there are a lot of demonstrators, the opposition was added, it will be possible to go to another place.

Statkevich called the politicians calling to participate in the elections.

On September 2, the Russian government approved the draft resolution on the opening of the Russian air base in Belarus. This measure, stated in paper, will "help organize the joint protection of the external border of the Union State." On September 18, Putin signed an order to conclude an agreement with Belarus regarding the placement of the base. Where exactly it is supposed to open the air base is not yet known. Among the possible options are called Bobruisk (Mogilev region), Baranovichi (Brest region) and Lida (Grodno region).