SECOND CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA. On April 22-23, representatives of more than 100 organizations, communities, and initiatives of Belarusians abroad gathered in Vilnius at the initiative of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The conference aimed to improve cooperation between political organizations and the diaspora and develop joint projects and campaigns. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the opening of the conference and welcomed the participants. She also outlined the main priorities of her Office and the United Transitional Cabinet during the first panel.
CHORNOBYL WAY. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called on Belarusians residing abroad to join the Chornobyl Way in their cities on April 26. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya herself will join the event in Vilnius.
BELARUS-LITHUANIA. On April 20, the Lithuanian Seimas, by an absolute majority of votes (99 against 7), adopted a more favorable version of the law on restrictive measures against citizens of Belarus and Russia. “The Lithuanian Seimas just voted for the bill with softer requirements imposed on Belarusians. I thank all the MPs who supported us!” commented Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Her Advisor Anatoli Liabedzka attended the vote in the Seimas and commented on the outcome: “The main result is that the Seimas sees the division in Belarus and distinguishes the regime from the citizens”.
EDUCATION. On April 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the new rector of the European Humanities University, Professor Krzysztof Rybiński, to discuss scholarships for students, programs on Belarusian studies, as well as cooperation between EHU and civil society organizations and democratic forces.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR BELARUSIANS. The Office's education team released a new issue of the Asveta digest, which covers international opportunities for Belarusian students and researchers.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BELARUSIANS. On Friday, April 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held personal conversations with Belarusians. They are held every week and every Belarusian can sign up for them.
VOLUNTEERS OF THE OFFICE. On April 13, volunteers of the Office held a call with the policy secretary of the RADA Youth Council, Dzmitry Herylovich. They discussed the state youth policy, opportunities for Belarusian youth, and prospects in Belarus.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MONUMENTS AND HISTORICAL SITES. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians: “Belarusian culture is what makes us a nation. It preserves our national identity and prevents us from becoming a part of the 'Russian world,' as the regime wants. Therefore, we must preserve and expand our culture every day”.
BELARUS-SLOVAKIA. On April 19, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya received the new Ambassador of Slovakia in Latvia and Lithuania, Branislav Pavlovič, in her office in Vilnius. The parties discussed accountability for the regime, visas for Belarusians fleeing repression, and assistance to Belarusian volunteers in Ukraine.
DISCUSSION: BELARUS-RUSSIA. On April 27, at 5:00 pm (Minsk time), the Research Center of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Office and the Oxford Belarus Observatory will hold a webinar to discuss the past, present, and future of political relations between Belarus and Russia. Speakers will include Arkady Moshes, Grigory Nizhnikov, and Henadz Korshunau. Register for the webinar at the link. Read analytical briefs of the previous webinars on the website.
VISIT TO GERMANY. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya will visit Germany on April 24-25 to give the 17th Speech on Freedom at the invitation of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. She will also hold meetings in the Chancellery and meet with the Minister of Finance, Bundestag members, and the Belarusian diaspora.
MEDIA. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to Obychnoye Utro (Belarus), TV-3 (1, 2, 3) (Lithuania), Delfi (Lithuania), BBC R5 Live (UK, international).
