Head of the United Transitional Cabinet Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a briefing for ambassadors and diplomats from 29 countries. The meeting took place on June 16 at the Italian Embassy in Poland, the Office of Tsikhanouskaya reported.
The event was attended by ambassadors and diplomats from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. The briefing was also attended by Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet Paval Latushka and Tsikhanouskaya’s advisers Dzianis Kuchynski and Franak Viachorka.
Tsikhanouskaya briefed diplomats on the plans of the Belarusian democratic forces, efforts to secure the release of political prisoners, sanctions policy and support for independent media.
Among the key topics discussed were possible steps toward the release of political prisoners, the results of Tsikhanouskaya’s recent visit to Ukraine and prospects for Belarusian-Ukrainian cooperation. Participants also discussed maintaining international pressure on the Belarusian authorities, holding representatives of the regime accountable through international legal mechanisms, and supporting Belarusian cultural and civic initiatives.
Particular attention was paid to the problems faced by Belarusians abroad, including issues related to legalization, the issuance of Schengen visas and the creation of mobility programs. The participants also discussed possible scenarios for political change in the country and preparations for a post-Lukashenka Belarus.
“Yes, the situation may appear difficult, but it is not hopeless. And I remain optimistic. Now we need to give new momentum to our efforts, strengthen our capabilities and prepare for new opportunities that may arise when no one expects them. And I know that we are not alone on this path. We have allies. We have you. We have each other. And together we will overcome everything,” Tsikhanouskaya said.
