Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis, the Belarusian diaspora, politicians, and parliamentarians of Greece, ambassadors of the United States, Chile, Mexico, France, and Lithuania in Athens.
The main topic at the meetings is support for Belarus on the international arena. Leader of democratic Belarus thanked the President of the Hellenic Republic and the Ambassador of France that ambassadors of these countries to Belarus did not present credentials to Lukashenka: this is an important step in the non-recognition of the regime. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also thanked for the support for the fourth EU sanctions package, which will be introduced soon, and the Comprehensive Assistance Plan for Belarus.
During the meetings with Greek politicians and diplomats, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya:
– called on Greece to support Belarus in international organizations – United Nations, Council of Europe, OSCE;
– told about tortures in prisons, “trials” against activists in Mahilyow, and planned court hearings on Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s trial in Homiel. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called on the international community to take immediate steps for the release of political prisoners;
– suggested the development of programs to support repressed students, athletes, independent media, journalists, and bloggers;
– called for visa sanctions against officials and siloviki involved in repressions against Belarusians;
– discussed the forthcoming international forums and other events – in particular, the OSCE PA session in July, the Eastern Partnership Summit in the autumn;
– called to support the Global Picket of Solidarity with Belarus on May 29, the day marking the anniversary of Siarhei Tsikhanouski’s detention.
“Belarus needs allies around the world. I am very glad that Greece has taken the side of the Belarusian people. Greeks survived the dictatorship of black colonels, so the memory of the struggle against state terror is still alive here. My words resonate in their hearts – especially among the older generation. And it is very important for young Greeks to hear about the truth in Belarus because freedom and democracy are easy to lose but very hard to win back.
Now every country must take a side, and I see that Greece is on the side of the Belarusian people. In my meeting in Athens, I devoted special attention to the topic of political prisoners because their release and stopping violence is the number one task for Belarus and our allies around the world”, – said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
