Aspiring presidential candidates commented on the statement of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Andrei Sannikov, the leader of European Belarus civil campaign, regarded Medvedev’s words as “a rather precise political statement on the situation in Belarus”.

“President of Russia clearly said about political disappearances and killings in Belarus. It is important for us, because we have applied to the Russian MFA asking to render their assistance in the investigation. This means that the cases of disappearances can be investigated. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen unless the power is changed,” Andrei Sannikov told in an interview to BelaPAN.

In his view, Lukashenka “is not a partner for Russia any more”.

As Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu, the leader of Tell the Truth campaign noted, Medvedev’s remarks was “hardly controlled annoyance at Lukashenka’s behavior”. It means that Lukashenka won’t be supported by Russia during the presidential election, Nyaklyaeu thinks.

He also mentioned the importance of the fact that the Russian president called on his colleague to investigate high-profile disappearances of his political opponents that occurred 10 years ago. “This is the first time it has been said at top level. The Russian leadership gave Lukashenka to understand that they have information regarding this issue,” the leader of Tell the Truth campaign says.

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