Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Florence during her official trip to Italy. The leader met with Mayor Sara Funaro, who awarded her the Seal of Peace. This award, established in the 15th century in Florence, recognizes individuals who contribute to peace and human rights. Previous recipients include the Dalai Lama and Daisaku Ikeda.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the Basilica of Santa Croce, where Mikhail Kleofas Oginsky, the composer of the famous “Farewell to the Homeland” polonaise, is buried. His life and work are an integral part of Belarusian cultural heritage. A monument to Oginsky stands here, underscoring his importance not just for Belarus, but for European history as a whole.
Ms. Funaro and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed:
- a potential shelter for political refugees from Belarus and their families;
- internships and scholarships for students;
- exchanges for Belarusian cultural figures;
- joint Belarusian-Italian cultural events;
- continued cooperation between Florence and the democratic forces of Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We had a very warm and productive conversation with Mayor Funaro. It seems that we understand each other very well. The most important thing is that we share the same democratic values and the same goals.
We discussed opportunities for further cooperation between Florence and the democratic forces of Belarus, as well as the Belarusian civil society in exile. We already have the People’s Embassy, which is very active in Italy, and the Talaka Association of Belarusians in Italy. I am very grateful to the local authorities for their support”.
