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These were the words of Sergey Kalyakin, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party of Communists of Belarus (PCB), leader of the Communist faction in the 13-th Supreme Soviet of Belarus, who replied our correspondent.

"Vecherny Minsk": Sergey Ivanovich, as it is seen from the list of "the shadow cabinet", all important posts in it are occupied by the representatives of the United Civil Party led by Bogdankevich, Shlyndikov and others. Doesn’t it seem to you that by luring communists into opposition, they simply made them outsiders?

Sergey Kalyakin: First of all, we were not seeking any posts. There was no question of Communists’ participation in any "shadow cabinet", because we have never considered the problem of creating a coalition government with other political parties, or of distributing posts in a "shadow" cabinet.

I want to draw you attention to the fact that there are many speculations concerning our relations and contacts with right-wing parties. PCB has never formed any political blocks or unions with right-wing parties.

The only joint document ever signed was the address by the seven largest political parties of Belarus, in which there was a joint evaluation of events taking place in the republic. In particular, this address suggested that the executive authorities should take part in a "round table" discussion, and to try find a possibility of uniting the efforts of the executive power with the efforts of all political parties and of independent trade unions – with the aim of finding a way out of the crisis in the republic. That is all what concerns the allegedly official joint steps of Communists with right-wing parties.

"Vecherny Minsk": But it is obvious that you went into opposition together, and that now you are neither here, nor there, I mean the new Parliament and the opposition public government. What will be the PCB position in future?

Sergey Kalyakin: We objectively had to stand out jointly against the leadership of the republic which, in our view, has deviated to a considerable degree from the current laws and the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. It is here, in the sphere of solving general democratic goals, that the tasks of both Communist party and right-wing parties happened to coincide.

As for the opposition to the ruling regime, this question will be discussed at the party congress which is due to take place in January. I express my personal view now, and I think, that our party will remain in opposition to the existing regime, taking into consideration the recent events, the steps made by the authorities, the steps that contradict common sense, the law and the very idea of democracy.

Our party will work and make attempts at contacting political parties of different orientation, remaining an independent political force. I underline again that we have not discussed and will not discuss the creation of any joint ‘shadow cabinets".

"Vecherny Minsk": Sergey Ivanovich, Mr. Sharetski declared recently that the remaining deputies of the Supreme Soviet would hold their sessions and discuss some questions. Is that true?

Sergey Kalyakin: Yes, it is. There have been two such gatherings in which 15 Communist deputies from our faction participated. This work goes on, as well as the sittings of the Presidium of the 13-th Supreme Soviet of Belarus, which is qualified for it, since there are 6 out 9 Presidium members.

"Vecherny Minsk": So it looks as if we were having not only two cabinets of ministers, but two parliaments as well. Isn’t that too much for such a small country? And what might happen?

Sergey Kalyakin: You understand it yourself, that this Supreme Soviet consisting of 60-70 deputies, loyal to constitutional law, cannot adopt any legally binding decision. But still, they will voice their attitude towards what is going on in the republic, they will analyse the actions of the authorities, define their alternative approaches to the problems facing our republic. I think that this voice will be quite audible and make a weighty contribution to the social and economic development of our republic.

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