BNR Anniversary is celebrated in the European Parliament

The time and place was chosen intentionally, coinciding as it does with the opening session of the EU Parliament. The organizers hope that the event will attract attention of Europeans to Belarusian history and to the current situation in the country.

Among the participants there are representatives of the BNR government and notable Belarusian intelligentsia and opposition politicians.

The European Parliament President, Hans-Gert Pöttering has already confirmed his participation in the event, as has  Joseph Daul, the Chairman of the European People's Party grouping (Christian Democrats), the European Democrats grouping; and Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. Many other prominent MPs are also expected to attend.

Polish MEP Jacek Protasiewicz, Head of the Parliamentary Delegation on Belarusian relations is coordinating the project on behalf of the EU Parliament whilst the initiative to celebrate the BNR Anniversary originates with the Belarus People's Front Party.

The leader of the BPF party, Mr. Liavon Barshcheuski, says, “It is very important that the initiative came from the Belarusian side. We are not invitees this time but initiators. The process began last year, when BPF proposed this idea and it was supported.

For me, it is important that we are attending the event as representatives of a historic community that values the ideals of the Belarusian National Republic and its symbols; not as petitioners”.

The program of events features a presentation of a documentary by Yury Khashchavatski entitled “Ploshcha”, exhibitions of works by artists Marachkin and Ryhor Sinitsa and also photographers Ihar Krasewski and Adam Tukhlinski. In addition there will be concert by prominent folk rock singer-songwriter Zmitser Vaytsyushkevich and his W-Z Orchestra and a presentation of Liavon Barshcheuski's.dictionary of the Belarusian language. Mr. Barshcheuski, who is also one of the speakers at the event, says that he will start his speech with presentation of his dictionary but will also discuss other matters: “Obviously, I will talk not only about the dictionary but also about the problem of political prisoners, the state of our civil society and other significant issues.l”, says Mr Barshcheuski.

Speaking from the viewpoint of an artist, Alyaksey Marachkin believes that the event in Strasbourg is is of great importance as  it will demonstrate to the EU MPs aspects of Belarusian culture and lifestyle beyond the political aspects that tend to dominate bilateral relations.

“MEPs expressed interest in the cultural achievements of Belarusian artists, composers and writers, and I believe this will provide a good foundation for future events. Leaving politics aside, cultural exchanges provide more information about the nation: who we are, what we are like and where we are going et cetera…”, says Mr. Marachkin.

Discussions and meetings between Parliamentarians and representatives of Belarusian civil society will take place in the course of Belarus Week, as well as an exchange of views regarding the topic: “Independent Belarus is an unalienable part of Europe”. The issue of Schengen visa cost reduction will also be raised by the Belarusian opposition representatives and MEPs. A correspondent of “Radio Liberty” will continue reporting on the event.

Sourse: Radio "Liberty"