Belarusian democratic entities to participate in Council of Europe’s group by way of rotation

February 1, BPN. The Council of Europe (CoE) would engage members of Belarusian democratic forces in its Contact Group on Belarus by way of rotation. A decision to this effect was made by the political committee of CoE’s Parliamentary Assembly, Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja told the group’s meeting on February 1.

“We will cooperate with civil society organizations and political associations and groups. All voices must be heard,” Cichanoŭskaja said, noting that rotation would allow CoE “to appreciate the diverse opinions of Belarusian political forces.”

A source told BPN that Belarusian democratic forces would be represented by the opposition’s cabinet, the Coordination Council, the Viasna Human Rights Center, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), feminist groups and other organizations.

CoE would be represented by the Parliamentary Assembly, the office of the Commissioner for Human Rights and other structures.

On February 1, CoE announced an action plan to support Belarusian democratic forces and civil society.