Фото: Офис Тихановской
Alyaksandr Lukashenka cannot be a reliable partner, but the Belarusian people can. Only a free, independent and European Belarus can guarantee security for neighbouring countries. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said this at a round table in the Lithuanian Seimas devoted to regional security and cooperation with democratic forces.
“Only a free, independent and European Belarus, without Russian control, will be able to guarantee security for Lithuania, Poland, Latvia and Ukraine. As long as this regime rules Belarus, it will always pose threats to its neighbours. And let us not be naive: Lukashenka serves Russia. He cannot be trusted and he cannot be appeased. He has repeatedly deceived Lithuania, Poland and the European Union — and he will do so again”, she said.
As the Tsikhanouskaya Office reported, the round table was also attended by Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Juozas Olekas, Lithuanian Vice-Minister Audra Plepytė and Deputy Marshal of the Polish Senate Michał Kamiński.
The discussions focused on Lithuania’s strategy towards Belarus, the role of Belarusians in developing the country and the participation of young people in political transformation.
According to the office, the meeting became an important platform for coordinating positions and developing a shared vision of how to support Belarusians, increase pressure on the regime and prepare for future democratic changes. The discussions also covered support for political prisoners, demands for a full amnesty, the role of sanctions as tools for achieving systemic change, holding the regime accountable and deepening cooperation between Belarus and Lithuania.