“We started this visit to address Latin American states’ traditional cooperation with the Belarusian regime, as the voice of Spain has an impact on them. It is important for us that they hear Belarusians.
At the time of visit, news came from Belarus about the new “law” on death penalty for “attempted terrorism”. And from that moment on, I said at every meeting that Lukashenka had decided to legalize the killing of his opponents, rendering further negotiations or business with him unacceptable. And I believe we met with understanding from Spain.
As a result, Spain will continue issuing visas to Belarusians and support Belarusians with Ukrainian residence permits on the same basis as Ukrainian refugees. We also handed over to the government all requests for relocation facilitation. Therefore, I want to express my profound gratitude to our partners and Belarusians of Spain for their help in preparing the viewpoints and requests. Together, we achieve what we strive for”.
These are the highlights of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visit:
- Spain will raise the issue of the new “law” on death penalty at the next EU Council meeting. European FMs will consider sanctions against Belarusian MPs.
- Belarusians with Ukrainian residence permits or permanent residence will be granted the same protection as Ukrainians.
- Spain will continue issuing visas to Belarusians within its limits. Still, Spain’s Moscow embassy staff reduction could affect the number of visas issued.
- Spain will not support the relief of sanctions on the potash sector and Belaruskali.
- Spain is committed to receive a group of children from repressed families or former political prisoners in the coming months. The Prime Minister and the Queen of Spain supported this idea.
- Ms. Tsikhanouskaya handed over requests from the Belarusian diaspora to ease migration, including suspend requirements of apostille and proof of persecution in Belarus, as well as not to block bank accounts.
- Former Spanish Prime Minister Filippo González agreed to be a mediator at meetings and talks with Latin America.
