During her visit to Rome, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the “For a Democratic Belarus” Parliamentary Group.
The parties discussed the geopolitical situation, the releases of political prisoners, the regime’s role in the war against Ukraine, the democratic forces’ cooperation with Italy, and relations with Ukraine.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the priorities of the democratic forces and the work of her Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council, as well as the activities of the Belarusian diaspora in Italy.
She noted that the situation in Belarus may change, including under the influence of developments in Ukraine, and that the stronger Ukraine is, the greater the chances for change in Belarus.
Participants also discussed the challenges faced by Belarusians in Italy, visa issues, civic and cultural cooperation, and cooperation at the parliamentary level. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the MPs for organizing last March’s meeting of the Interparliamentary Alliance of Parliamentary Groups “For a Democratic Belarus”, which resulted in the signing of the Rome Declaration.
They also discussed sanctions and the release of political prisoners. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya noted that recent releases became possible thanks to brilliant diplomacy by the United States, as well as pressure from the European Union and Italy, which continue to keep the issue of repression high on the agenda. She invited MPs to join events marking Freedom Day and the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus on March 25.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “I thank the Italian MPs for the sincere conversation and their willingness to help. Thank you for speaking about our political prisoners, for saying that Belarus is Europe, and that the war must be stopped, and of course, thank you for supporting Ukraine. As the democratic forces, we continue our work, maintain unity, and build alliances. We understand that change in Belarus is our responsibility, but any effort requires allies, and I am glad that we have so many friends here in the Italian Parliament. Our goal is a free and independent Belarus where repression ends, and everyone can safely return home”.
