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| - The Belarusian opposition wants the European Union to offer closer economic ties after possible regime change in Minsk, but not at the expense of damaging relations with Russia, a leading activist said Friday. Unprecedented protests demanding the resignation of Belarus strongman President Alexander Lukashenko erupted in the wake of August 9 elections that opposition forces claim was rigged in his favour. Denying the charge, Lukashenko has staged brutal crackdowns on protesters, pushing opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who claimed victory in the ballot into exile in Lithuania. "Belarusian society is waiting for a very concrete signal what European Union can propose," Pavel Latushko, a former culture minister and a member of an opposition council backing Tikhanovskaya, told AFP in Vilnius, speaking in English. He said a possible promise of a free trade deal or financial assistance could send a strong signal for pro-democracy activists seeking to oust Lukashenko. But Latushko also insisted the opposition does not want to alienate Russia, a traditional ally of Belarus and friendly with Lukashenko. "We don't want to have friendship with European Union against Russia, or we don't want to have friendship with Russia against the European Union," Latushko said. He spoke during a visit to Lithuania, an EU and NATO member bordering Belarus that was also under the Soviet thumb prior to 1991. Vilnius has taken the lead in European diplomacy in dealing with the unfolding crisis next door. Latushko held talks with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius before meeting with Tikhanovskaya. Once a member of Lukashenko's political elite, Latushko is now the most prominent face in the Coordination Council established by the opposition. He was fired from his position as director of the national theatre and summoned for questioning last month after backing anti-Lukashenko protesters. He left Belarus earlier this week and is now weighing risky plans to return. "I can be arrested immediately if I will go to Belarus. So I am doing my best with our partners to try to find the solution," he said. Latushko insisted that Belarusians will never accept Lukashenko, who has served as president for 26 years and sometimes dubbed Europe's last dictator. He urged the West to isolate Lukashenko and his administration once his current term expires on November 5. Lithuania along with EU Baltic neighbours Estonia and Latvia have already blacklisted Lukashenko and 29 other high-ranking officials in his administration but other members of the bloc appear reluctant to do so. Latushko said that opposition forces remained united despite recent disagreements over constitutional reform plans. They are seeking fresh elections and a halt to human rights abuses, including torture. vab/mas/lc
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