08/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The leader of the democratic opposition in Belarus, Alexander Milinkevitch, who visited the EP in Brussels on Wednesday, is in favour of the authorities of his country and the EU gradually moving closer together (the subject features on the agenda of the " External Relations" Council of 13 October). "The democratic forces (of Belarus) support these efforts (...). There is no alternative to dialogue" between the EU and the regime of President Lukashenko, he told the press. Aid from Russia is dropping sharply and Belarus will soon have to pay its energy bills (Moscow) at prices close to those on the global market, he explained. "Our economy is not ready to deal with this", he said. In order to prevent the country's dependence on Russia from becoming "disastrous", Belarus should reform and modernise its economic and political system. "In order to do this, we will absolutely need the help of the European Union", said Mr Milinkevitch. The Polish MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (EPP-ED) explained that there was no question of "betraying" the opponents to President Lukashenko, who must in any event be "closely consulted" on any possible rapprochement measures. The EP will adopt a resolution on Belarus on Thursday. (H.B./trans.fl)