Office’s communication with Belarusians: new formats
– On Friday, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held the first series of public phone-ins with Belarusians. As the registration was publicly available, Belarusians of all ages, from the regions and Minsk, relocated Belarusians, former political prisoners joined the open call. They suggested topics and issues for the Office to address, demonstrating their concern for Belarus’ present and future.
– Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her Representative on Economic Reforms Aleś Alaсhnovič held an open call forum regarding the price increase, salaries, and the welfare of Belarusians. Belarusians talked about the rising prices, inflation, low salaries and pensions, and growing food expenses.
Regional security and Belarus’ sovereignty
– While the military exercises have started in Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made a statement to Belarusians and international partners: “The regime is trying to make military tension an everyday routine and plant the idea of war in Belarusians’ heads. I see no reason for Belarus to participate in such exercises”.
– On February 18-20, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, along with numerous world leaders, will participate in the Munich Security Conference 2022. With other countries’ leaders and representatives, Belarusian leader will discuss Belarus’ sovereignty, regional security, and resolution of the crisis in the country.
– Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Hordon's talk show. To an audience of thousands, she voiced the position of Belarusians on the military conflict and Lukashenka's actions: “Both officials and security officers value independence and sovereignty. But because of his military rhetoric, neglect of sovereignty, he is losing the image of a strong leader. Belarusian military swore an oath not to Lukashenka but to the people. And the position of Belarusians is that the army does have the right not to follow the criminal orders of the person who seized power in our country illegally”.
– Following the problems faced by Belarusians when entering Ukraine, Tsikhanouskaya's team contacted the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and stressed that the unfriendly treatment of Belarusians stems from a particular person’s actions.
– Head of the Cabinet, Valery Kavaleusky, explained how quickly the massed Russian military equipment can be withdrawn from Belarus, why Lukashenka needs the drills, and what are the possible scenarios involving the Russian troops in Belarus.
Economy and business
– Ideas Bank, in partnership with the OST economic group, presented a concept of the economic reforms necessary to halt the economic crisis in Belarus.
– On February 22-23, in Vilnius, the “Belarus Business Harbour in Baltics” forum will be held under the patronage of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Businesspeople and politicians will discuss hands-on issues of supporting relocated Belarusian businesses. See the full program of the forum. Follow the link to register. Ask questions about the forum and other issues using the Office’s chatbot.
– The OST Research Centre held expert discussions: “Belarus’ integration with Russia: assessing the challenges for the country”, “Olaf Scholz as the new Chancellor of Germany: what are the implications for Belarus and the region?” Watch the discussions in English: here and here – or read the conclusions: “Protests in Kazakhstan and the involvement of the CSTO: security implications for Belarus” and “Belarus’ integration with Russia: assessing the challenges for the country”.
Mutual help and support
– Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed journalists and bloggers on the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus dedicated to free media. On February 9, the Office hosted a meeting with representatives of independent media and Telegram channels. The participants discussed how the Office could support the media that resume their activities after forced relocation.
– As of February 13, 1050 persons in Belarus are recognized as political prisoners. The Freedom Postcards initiative released a guide on how to send them letters. As the initiative seeks to support political prisoners, it also launched a number of activities dedicated to St. Valentine’s Day on Instagram and Twitter. You can support political prisoners and their families through A Country to Live in and BYSOL foundations.
