The Belarusian leader spoke at the side event “Threat to Belarus' independence and international response to it“ on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. She called for an international strategy to preserve the independence of Belarus and more determined resistance to dictatorships.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The more the world recognizes and supports Belarusian democratic forces, the more pressure we put on the illegitimate regime. Our legitimacy and support by the majority of Belarusians is our peaceful weapon. When it comes to the UN agencies, we still need to see a more pronounced implementation of their mandates in Belarus – UNHCR, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Health Organization have been quiet on the crisis in Belarus. This creates a perception exploited by the regime’s propaganda that the UN is on its side. For too long, the regime enjoyed impunity and did not face any substantial reaction from the world. It has to end now. Today is a decisive moment: is Belarus going to be a free European country, or is it going to fall victim to Russian neocolonialism? Belarusians are determined to prevail and to preserve their nation. We call on other states to help us defend our right to a better future in an independent country”.
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