Фото: Офис Тихановской
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on the occasion of Independence Day, marked on July 3. She expressed hope that the day when Belarusians will be able to call their country truly independent and free will come soon.
“On July 3, we commemorate the liberation of Minsk from Nazi occupation and honour those who gave their lives so that Belarus could be free.
This date must remain in our memory. It reminds us of the terrible price paid for peace, security and the right of a people to live on their own land.
That is why it is especially important today to reflect on what kind of Belarus we want to see.
For me, it is a country where people are not afraid to say what they think. Where parents do not spend years waiting for their children to be released from prison. Where people can peacefully raise their children, speak their own language and plan for the future without fearing that their land will be used in someone else’s war. Where people are not forced to leave and then fear returning home. Where there is no need to express your opinion behind closed doors.
But today everything is different. Many of you feel it every day: the pain of separation, the exhaustion of waiting, the anxiety for your loved ones. On top of that, Russian weapons and military infrastructure are being deployed on our territory. Belarusian airfields, roads and enterprises are being used in Russia’s interests. Every such facility makes Belarus less safe, putting both the people of our country and our neighbours at risk.
Belarusians do not support this war and have never given their consent for our land to be used to launch attacks against Ukraine. Responsibility for this lies with the Lukashenka regime and Russia.
Independence begins with simple things: the ability to live at home and raise your children, speak your own language, choose your government and know that no one else is deciding your country’s future instead of you.
This is exactly what Belarus should be: free from endless repression, free from the Russian military presence and free from complicity in the war. A Belarus that is a safe home for its people and determines its own future independently.
I know the day will come, and it will come soon, when we will be able to call our country truly independent and free. Then the word ‘liberation’ will remain in our memory as part of the past, rather than a necessity of the present.”, the statement said.