RESULTS OF THE COORDINATION COUNCIL ELECTION
The Coordinating Council election was held on May 25-27. 80 delegates have been elected from 8 political groups and initiatives, including politicians, activists, and representatives of civil society and the media.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked all those who took part in the election despite the pressure and repression from the regime. She hopes that the renewed Coordination Council will become “a platform allowing [the democratic forces and civil society] to align strategies and hold discussions and consultations”. A meeting with the elected delegates will be held shortly to discuss ways of joint work.
ANNIVERSARY OF SIARHEI TSIKHANOUSKI’S ARREST
May 29 marked four years since the detention of Siarhei Tsikhanouski. In her speech, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the intent of Siarhei’s family, friends, and associates to further his ideas and goals, and shared Siarhei’s inspiring words.
In addition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Belarusians for their support, emphasizing that it gives her strength and confidence that the situation will change. She urged the people of Belarus not to give up.
VISIT TO PORTUGAL
At the beginning of the week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Portugal, where she met the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Paulo Rangel. With the country’s leadership, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed sanctions on potash exports, support for Belarusians and Belarusian businesses in exile, and a potential conference on democratic transit where Portugal could share its experience.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also met with the former President of the European Commission and the current Chairman of the Concordia Summit, José Manuel Barroso. They discussed cooperation between Portugal and the democratic forces of Belarus.
The Belarusian leader also spoke at the Concordia Europe Summit in Porto, which brought together officials, politicians, and diplomats from several countries.
US STRATEGIC DIALOGUE
This week saw new meetings within the framework of the US Strategic Dialogue. The meetings focused on culture, identity, media, and countering disinformation. Representatives of the USA discussed these issues with representatives of the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council.
VISIT TO FRANCYSK SKARYNA GYMNASIUM IN VILNIUS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, visited the Francysk Skaryna (Pranciškaus Skorinos) Gymnasium in Vilnius. The Belarusian leader made a speech, noting the importance of the institution as the only one in the country where Belarusians can study in their native language. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Lithuania for its support and called for supporting the gymnasium as an investment in free Belarus and friendly relations between the two nations.
LOGIN 2024
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the LOGIN 2024 International Conference in Vilnius. During her speech, the Belarusian leader talked about the situation in the country, repression against Belarusians, as well as the problems faced by Belarusians in Lithuania. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on civil society and CSOs to cooperate with Belarusian initiatives and counter the regime’s efforts to divide Belarusians and Lithuanians. The Belarusian leader called for isolating the Lukashenka regime while supporting the Belarusian civil society.
EUROPEAN YOUTH COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON BELARUS
The European Youth Forum, which unites international youth organizations and national youth councils, adopted a resolution on Belarus developed in collaboration with the Belarusian National Youth Council RADA. The document declares comprehensive support from the international community and promises to raise awareness about Belarus’ humanitarian and political crisis.
MEETING IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF LITHUANIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, met with the representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of Lithuania. The parties discussed translating Lithuanian textbooks into Belarusian and holding a joint conference on school education system reform for national minorities.
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY
On June 1, when International Children’s Day is celebrated, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a statement: “The future of Belarus lies with our children. I am convinced that parental love and care are always stronger than imposed propaganda”.
CONFERENCE AGAINST THE DEATH PUNISHMENT
On May 30-31, a workshop was held in Vilnius to promote the efforts aimed at the abolition of the death penalty in Belarus. It featured the Belarusian civil society and the diaspora and was organized jointly with the Belarusian National Youth Council RADA and the Council of Europe within the Action Plan of the CoE’s Contact Group for Belarus. The workshop was attended by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Jonas Survila, on behalf of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe Coordinator for the Abolition of the Death Penalty, Sebastien Potaufeu, and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Special Advisor on Elections, Alexander Shlyk. During the workshop, ideas for campaigns against the death penalty were developed.
PRIORITIES OF THE DEMOCRATIC FORCES
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by the Spanish publication El Mundo and outlined the main priorities of the democratic forces from a strategic perspective. She emphasized the need for persistent work, community consolidation, and communication with the international community to support democracy.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to the Associated Press (International), TVP World (Poland), El Mundo (Spain), Times of Malta (Malta), Euronews (Greece), and Antenna TV (Greece).
