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Belarus opposition announces new protest strategy

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MINSK, April 5 (RIA Novosti) - A Belarusian opposition leader Wednesday outlined his objectives in continuing efforts against President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, saying efforts would be based on information warfare and peaceful protests.

"Today our efforts have three fundamental objectives: free elections, freedom of speech, and free education," Alexander Milinkevich said in a statement.

"We are switching from the wonderful romantic sentiments of a brave minority to everyday educational and information efforts involving tens of thousands of freedom volunteers," he said, adding that political parties and non-governmental organizations would be the core of the opposition movement.

Presidential elections held March 19 in Belarus, a Russian ally, ended with a landslide victory and third term in office for Lukashenko, dubbed "Europe's last dictator" by Washington. The results sparked protests in the capital, Minsk, which were broken up by force.

Belarusian opposition groups have launched a probe into the alleged death of a protester during a March 25 rally that ended in confrontation with riot police. Official sources denied all knowledge of the incident.

Milinkevich said peaceful protests were merely a small part of the new strategy.

"We will collect signatures in support of changes to the Election Code, recall deputies from the [lower house of parliament] and local councils," he said. "All our plans will seek to hold free and open elections."

Independent Belarusian television and radio stations will also be created outside the country to report about and for Belarusians, Milinkevich said.

"We will support the non-governmental press, which continues to tell people the truth despite pressure from the regime," he said. "We will back any civil initiatives to publish ballots, leaflets, and local newspapers, and expand the free Internet zone."

He also said the opposition would make sure that Belarusians could study in the European universities and work in European organizations and companies.

Milinkevich said people who wanted change had definitely united, overcome their fear, and were ready to stand up for dignity of Belarus and its people.

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