Initiative group for a referendum was created in Minsk

22.06.2005.

In Minsk on 21 June a gathering of an initiative group for putting to a city referendum the question of renaming the central streets and avenues took place. The gathering participants took a decision to create an initiative group, a list of draft questions and an appeal to the Minsk authorities for the group registration.

The gathering of the initiative group for a city referendum took place in the headquarters of the BPF Party. Around 100 people, including activists of the political parties, public organizations and people who simply care about the historical names attended the gathering. The gathering initiator, deputy chair of the United Civil Party Siarhei Alfer was elected chair of the initiative group. He told Radio Liberty: "The first thing that the group will do is visit the notary for certification of the signatures. During the week we will file the whole set of documents for registration of the initiative group and the questions to put to the referendum, and will be waiting for feedback. During the month the authorities should make a decision – whether they register us or not.

When the authorities agree to the referendum, it may take place at the beginning of the next year, but the initiators believe that the authorities will not allow the referendum. That's why the president of the BPF Party Vintsuk Viachorka is prepared to continue with the educational activity aimed at other citizens: "We went out to and will continue to go out to the violently renamed streets and so gradually prepare for the return of freedom, democracy and the true historical memory into our homeland that suffered so much".