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  • Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a meeting with the Belarusian diaspora in Lithuania

    February 16, 2022

    On February 16, in Vilnius, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the Belarusians of Lithuania and representatives of Belarusian organizations. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor and Head of the Internal Policy Department Alexander Dabravolski, Head of the Cabinet, Representative on Foreign Affairs Valery Kavaleuski, joined the meeting, and Head of Public Outreach Alexandra Logvinova moderated it. 

    • The diaspora and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s team discussed the so-called “referendum”. The diaspora noted the difficulty of responding to the regime’s actions in the given conditions. However, various events and rallies are planned in Vilnius. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya stressed the relevance and importance of exposing the regime’s illegal actions, as well as supporting Belarusians within the country. She also pledged to discuss the non-recognition of the “referendum” and the resolution of the Belarusian crisis with world politicians in her international visits. Before February 27, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya will attend the Munich Security Conference and visit France.
    • Ms. Tsikhanouskaya noted the unprecedented growth of the Belarusian diaspora. As no polling stations will be opened in the embassies for the illegal “referendum”, leader of democratic Belarus urged the diaspora to support the Voice platform’s campaign, which, among other things, will provide an opportunity to estimate the size of the Belarusian diaspora.
    • Representatives of the Office and the diaspora also discussed the difficulties of promoting their activities and the need for a single diaspora-oriented information resource to gather information on initiatives and campaigns.
    • The diaspora also inquired about the democratic forces’ action plan for the time following the “referendum”. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya's team said they are working on various scenarios and holding consultations with international partners.
    • The participants of the meeting also discussed how the situation in Ukraine affects the Ukraine-based Belarusians. The Office is in contact with the Polish authorities regarding the possible influx of Belarusians relocating from Ukraine. The OST also recommends contacting assistance initiatives for preparing the necessary travel documents.

    “Our imminent challenge is the announced illegitimate “referendum”. Look at how the regime is afraid of publicity; they are not even opening polling stations [abroad]. Next week is an opportunity for us to increase the pressure on the regime. Even if we cannot “formally” come to the polling stations and cross out both proposed options on the ballots, we can voice our dissent in other ways. On the Voice platform, check yourselves as those not participating in the vote so that no one can “vote” on your behalf. Throughout the week, and especially on Friday and Saturday, hold rallies to show powerful mental support for Belarusians within the country. And of course, hold rallies on February 27”, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said to the diaspora.

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