An expert event titled "Paths to Resolving the Political Crisis in Belarus Using the Example of Poland's Round Table" took place yesterday at the Museum Free BelarusMuseum in Warsaw. The event aimed to analyze Poland's experience and explore potential scenarios for democratic changes in Belarus. It was organized by the United Transitional Cabinet's office for the transition of power and the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM).
Following the unprecedented violence of Lukashenko's regime in August 2020, one of the key demands of the Belarusian people has been fair democratic elections under the supervision of international observers. Essentially, this represents a demand for a power transition process and the transfer of authority and responsibility within the political system. One potential pathway for the transition of power in Belarus could involve dialogue between the ruling elites (those not involved in crimes) and democratic forces, using a "round table" or negotiation format. This scenario would ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict, with interested parties reaching a compromise, potentially including political reforms, new elections, or other democratization steps — topics discussed during the event.
The event brought together Belarusian and Polish experts, political and public figures, including Pavel Latushka, representative of the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) for the transition of power; Pavel Barkouski, acting representative for national revival in UTC; Angelika Melnikava, spokesperson for the Coordination Council; Valery Matskevich, chief of staff of the UTC; Yuri Gubarevich and Artsiom Brukhan, deputies for the transition of power; Aleś Mikhalevich, lawyer and deputy chairman of the "For Freedom" movement; Jan Malicki, director of the Center for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw; Alexander Rakitsky, former prosecutor; Dzmitry Kruk, expert at BEROC; Vadim Mazheiko, political analyst, among others.
"The strengthening of democratic institutions and Belarusian democratic society, on the one hand, and the readiness of the elites to resolve the socio-political crisis in Belarus, on the other hand, are prerequisites for conducting any negotiations. Any negotiation processes can only occur under the condition that Lukashenko is not a part of them. Because Lukashenko will not engage in talks, and the elites will be afraid to do so as long as he controls power. It is especially important to be prepared for such events: internal pressure, strong democratic institutions, and reliable external partners who, at a critical moment, will be ready to support the democratic aspirations of Belarusians", said Pavel Latushka, representative of the United Transitional Cabinet for the transition of power and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), during the event.
Pavel Latushka also emphasized: "Sociological data shows that 97% of Belarusians want to live in an independent country — the Republic of Belarus. And I know that similar sentiments are shared by a significant portion of the nomenklatura. During my work as a minister and diplomat, I had experience interacting with those who today hold key positions in the state administration system. It is important for those officials who have not committed crimes, who hold pro-state and pro-Belarusian views, to understand that the main obstacle to Belarus' exit from the socio-political crisis is Lukashenko, and that the national interest of the country aligns with resolving this crisis. If a member of the nomenklatura has not committed crimes, has not been involved in repression or crimes against the Belarusian people, they should understand that no one will 'hang them on poles', as Lukashenko tries to scare officials. However, those who have committed serious crimes must understand that accountability for them will be inevitable".
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