On April 23–24, Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski held a series of political meetings, also attended by Dzianis Kuchynski and Anatoli Liabedzka of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office.
The meetings took place with Lithuania’s Minister of the Interior, Vladislav Kondratovič; Speaker of the Seimas, Juozas Olekas; and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Audra Plepytė.
The focus was on issues directly affecting tens of thousands of Belarusians in Lithuania. According to statistical data, around 50,000 citizens of Belarus hold residence permits in the country.
The key topic was integration. Belarusians should face as few barriers as possible and have greater opportunities for self-realization. Minister Kondratovič confirmed that Belarusians in Lithuania are not only people in exile but also a potential for the country’s development.
The parties also addressed the challenges related to security and pressure on Belarusians and possible responses to minimize risks for EHU students, their families, and alumni. On this issue, the Lithuanian side expressed readiness to act as a reliable ally.
The Lithuanian side reinforced that sanctions and pressure are directed against the Lukashenka regime, not the Belarusian people. Belarusians are partners and neighbors whom Lithuania is ready to support. That is why, alongside increasing sanctions pressure on the regime, Lithuania continues to support the Belarusian democratic community.
Another important area is the preservation of Belarusian identity. Education, kindergartens, the Belarusian Francysk Skaryna Gymnasium, the Belarusian House, and other civic initiatives all require stable support.
It was also preliminarily agreed to explore the possibility of taking driving license exams in Belarusian at Regitra — an issue raised by the Belarusian diaspora in Lithuania.
