During the call:
- The Prime Minister assured Ms. Tsikhanouskaya that Latvia distinguishes between the Belarusian people and the Belarus regime and understands that ordinary Belarusians are fighting against the regime, which has also become a co-aggressor in the war against Ukraine.
- They agreed that Latvia would not suspend issuing visas for Belarusians, particularly those fleeing repression.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya raised the issue of humanitarian aid for Belarusians in Ukraine, as well as for Belarusian volunteers and public initiatives working in Ukraine.
- They discussed the liberalization of employment for repressed workers from Belarus in Latvia, support for relocated Belarusian NGOs, businesses, public initiatives, and the media.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged Latvia to extend its program for the relocation of honest Belarusian businesses that did not support the regime.
- Ms. Tsikhanouskaya and Prime Minister Krišjānis discussed support for the media. Radio Liberty plans to establish an office in Latvia in the near future, and the School of Economics in Riga will continue educational programs for investigative journalists.
- Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged the Prime Minister to consider stopping the import of alcoholic beverages from Belarus and closing the loopholes used by the regime-linked companies to circumvent sanctions through Latvia.
This video shows a fragment of the discussion regarding visa issues and Belarus' sovereignty.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Thank you for reinforcing your support for visas for Belarusians. Many Belarusians ask about this issue in the Office's chatbot.
Concerning the situation in Belarus, we consider that our country is under temporary military occupation. I am convinced Lukashenka has no power in decision-making regarding the military activity. The only thing under his control is the crackdown in Belarus. And our independence is now clearly threatened.
This is why we demand the withdrawal of Russian troops from our territory. And it is very important to distinguish: the aggressor is Lukashenka; not Belarusians, not Belarus, but one person who seized power and is responsible for dragging us into this war”.
