Representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces met with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. The meeting took place during the sixth session of the EU Consultative Group with Belarusian democratic forces, the United Transitional Cabinet said.
Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka said during the talks that security on the EU’s eastern flank is directly linked to the future of Belarus.
“We share a common goal — a democratic Belarus. The EU seeks to ensure security in the East, but without a democratic Belarus, Europe will remain under threat from the so-called ‘Belarusian balcony,’” he said.
Latushka stressed that Russia is investing billions in an attempt to change the mentality of Belarusians and eliminate Belarus’ independence. In his view, the European Union should therefore strengthen its support for Belarusian society.
“Lukashenka is an ally of Russia by his own choice. The only way to preserve our independence is to strengthen and increase investment in Belarusian society. We need a proper program of support for Belarusian society, the majority of which wants democracy and independence.
Therefore my request is: support institutions that provide an alternative to the regime and invest in Belarusian society — that means investing in your own security,” Latushka said.
During the meeting he also said that the United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council support the continuation of sanctions pressure on the Belarusian authorities, as the regime continues repression, supports Russian aggression and conducts a hybrid war against the EU. Sanctions are necessary until the regime changes its domestic and foreign policy.
“Now Lukashenka may try to knock on the doors of Brussels and other European capitals. He has practically lost the European market and faces difficulties selling goods in Russia. Industry and the economy as a whole are in decline.
Lukashenka wants a deal with the EU. We ask you to give him a clear answer: first he must reach an agreement with Belarusian society, and then with the EU,” Latushka said.
The deputy head of the Cabinet stressed that Lukashenka should not negotiate with the EU behind the back of Belarusian society.
At Kallas’ initiative, Latushka also spoke about efforts to hold Lukashenka accountable for crimes against the Belarusian people.
“We hope that EU member states will support Lithuania’s actions aimed at holding Lukashenka accountable before the International Criminal Court,” Latushka said.
