Belarusian Minister of Justice Viktar Halavanau was "surprised to learn that Poland had placed him on the "refused entry" list because of the Ministry decision that recognized as illegitimate the latest congress of the Union of Poles in Belarus".

"I regret it that the Polish side has reacted to the demands to public associations requiring compliance with the effective legislation in such a way", said the minister.
Mr. Halavanau repeated the opinion of the Ministry of Justice that the sixth congress of the Union of Poles had been conducted with legal violations. He also recalled that the Union has already received one written warning this year.
"If we choose to act in full compliance with the law, we may well take the Union of Poles liquidation case to court", said Viktar Halavanau, who then added that "the Belarusian side compromised in some matters with the Union, not wanting a conflict".
According to the Minister, if the Union does not appeal the decision taken by the Ministry of Justice and does not conduct a new congress, the Union of Poles will remain to be headed by the former leadership, reports Radio Liberty.