Deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Coordination Council Pavel Latushka met with Ireland’s ambassador to Poland Patrick Gerard Haughey. The sides discussed the situation regarding the release of political prisoners in Belarus and the continuation of repression by the regime, the Cabinet’s press service reported.
Latushka noted the importance of the release of journalist Andrzej Poczobut, but stressed that the regime has not stopped its repressive actions. As examples, he cited detentions and arrests of Belarusian women in Navapolatsk, Slonim, Brest and other cities across the country.
The deputy head of the Cabinet supported US efforts to secure the release of political prisoners, while also pointing to the need to end repression and the “conveyor” practice, whereby some detainees are released while others are arrested in their place.
Latushka appealed to the Irish ambassador, whose country will assume the presidency of the European Union from July 1, to continue pressure on Lukashenka’s regime to achieve real, rather than cosmetic, changes in Belarus, and to push for the regime to be compelled to engage in a national dialogue in line with the EU conclusions of February 19, 2024.
The politician also informed the ambassador about preparations for the elections to the Coordination Council of Belarus, scheduled for May 11–17, and about the work of the Council’s delegation in international parliamentary organisations. The ambassador expressed support and underlined the importance of the Coordination Council functioning as a representative elected body of Belarusians.
During the meeting, the diplomat was asked to consider Ireland’s possible accession to the investigation into the “Belarus situation” launched on March 12 by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, as well as a report by the National Anti-Crisis Management and the organisation BELPOL on the militarisation of Belarusian children.
The ambassador noted that Ireland, as a current member of the UN Human Rights Council, takes a proactive position on Belarus. He also confirmed that during its EU presidency, Ireland’s priorities will include the protection of human rights and ensuring accountability for crimes committed.