Office of “EuroBelarus” is opened in Vilnius

EuroBelarus

21.02.2012

The impossibility of any full-blown work in the present conditions in Belarus was the main reason of opening a joint office of the International Consortium "EuroBelarus" and the International organization "Forum Syd" in Vilnius. The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, February, 21st.

At the presentation of the office, the Head of the Council of "EuroBelarus", Uladzimir Matskevich, marked that even though it may seem to external observers that nothing is happening in Belarus, actually, the situation in the country is still getting worse. It becomes more difficult to work for public organizations; there are violations of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and even freedom of movement. That is, the occurring changes are, first of all, of a negative character. However, there are positive things as well. Even though not so fast, but, nevertheless, there is a consolidation process in Belarus’ society. And the center of the public forces’ consolidation, according to Uladzimir Matskevich, is the Consortium "EuroBelarus".

The Chairperson of the Consortium, Ulad Vialichka, named four basic priorities in the program of cooperation between "EuroBelarus" and "Forum Syd". These are the promotion of interests of Belarusan citizens, the organizations’ ability to consolidate, advocate, and improve the conditions of activity of the “third sector” in the country. Thus, the Vilnius-based office is aimed at carrying out a closer interrelation with Belarusan and European structures.

Representatives of Belarusan and international organizations, as well as employees of the diplomatic representative offices accredited in Lithuania, took part in the office opening ceremony.