At the invitation of the Slovenian government, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Bled Strategic Forum. There she held a number of meetings with European politicians and experts: Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and Foreign Minister Anže Logar, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka, Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Gordan Grlić-Radman, EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commission Deputy Director-General Katariná Mathernová, President of the European Investment Bank Werner Hoyer, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Odile Renaud-Basso.
Here are the main topics Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed in Slovenia.
- Eastern Partnership
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya suggested developing a special approach to Belarus within the Eastern Partnership. She noted that, although the regime has withdrawn its participation in the Program, the people of Belarus are still interested in it. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on the EU to invite the Belarusian democratic movement representatives to the Eastern Partnership summit. Also, she urged the European Union to redirect cooperation programs to non-governmental organizations since the regime lost its legitimacy.
- 5th package of sanctions and loopholes to close
At meetings with representatives of the European Council, as well as foreign ministers of a number of EU countries, Ms. Tsihanouskaya drew their attention that the regime’s ‘wallets’ and companies supported by the regime trying to circumvent sectoral sanctions through a series of loopholes. Leader of democratic Belarus pointed out that the regime's hints about the release of political prisoners demonstrate the effectiveness of the sanctions. Therefore, it is important to continue the pressure, adopt the 5th package of EU sanctions, and impose restrictions on a number of officials, security officers, judges, prosecutors, and companies linked with the regime.
After the meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovenia – the country holding the EU Presidency at the moment – Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed, “We urge to refrain from contacts with the regime until all political prisoners have been released and rehabilitated. The only solution to the Belarusian crisis is a new, free and fair presidential election”.
- Increasing support for the civil society
At a meeting with European Commissioner Várhelyi, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on the EU to launch an assistance program for repressed journalists and independent media. The EU will redirect funds intended for government projects to support social and educational programs.
While meeting with the Croatian Foreign Minister, the leader of democratic Belarus proposed Croatia launch a program to rehabilitate Belarusian political prisoners and their families. With Bogdan Aurescu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, she discussed cooperation in preparing institutional reforms, including in areas of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, fighting against corruption.
- Investment in new Belarus
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya expressed gratitude to Werner Hoyer, EIB President, for their principled position on the regime, suspension of new operations, and delaying disbursements to the public sector. They also discussed current and future projects of the bank, as well as the possibility of attracting investments to Belarus, including for carrying out reforms.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya admitted, “New Belarus will need reforms and your support. Indeed, we continue our struggle with the regime, but we also think of how to revitalize the country after the changes”.
