Cichanoŭskaja sets up transitional cabinet (update)

August 9, BPN. At the close of the New Belarus Conference in Vilnius on August 9, Belarusian democratic leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja announced four members of a transitional cabinet.

The National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) head, former minister and diplomat Pavieł Łatuška, was appointed as representative for the transition of power.

A member of the BYPOL association of former security forces, Alaksandar Azaraŭ, was named representative for the restoration of law and order.

The head of Cichanoŭskaja’s apparatus, Valer Kavaleŭski, is responsible for foreign affairs.

A former 38 Air Assault Brigade commander, Lieutenant Colonel Valer Sachaščyk, is in charge of defense and national security.

The transitional cabinet would also have representatives on social policy, economy, finance, and national revival.

Cichanoŭskaja described it as “a collective executive body that will work every day for the main goals.”

The goals include “protecting Belarus’ independence and sovereignty, representing national interests and implementing the country’s actual de-occupation,” she said.

She called on the cabinet to work on restoring constitutional law and order and implementing “decisions required to achieve democratic change.”

The cabinet will work to oust Alaksandr Łukašenka from power, ensure transition from dictatorship to democracy, create conditions for free and fair elections and free all political prisoners, she added.