Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, reflects on the contribution of the International Alliance of Parliamentary Groups “For a Democratic Belarus”, whose latest meeting is taking place today in the UK Parliament:
“The very existence of the Alliance and its meeting in the UK Parliament is welcomed by those for whom an independent European Belarus is more than just a matter of survival. This part of society understands that if Belarus disappears from the international agenda, it risks being absorbed into Russia.
Such meetings provide an opportunity to share best practices for advancing Belarus-related issues. Lithuanian MPs explain why Belarusians should not be equated with Russians in the legal sphere. Spanish lawmakers share how parliament can advocate for measures such as extending the validity of expired Belarusian passports. MEPs discuss ways to keep the issue of political prisoners on the agenda and increase pressure for their release.
This is practical work that helps keep Belarus in the spotlight and identify new ways to support Belarusians”.
