On February 4, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya greeted in her office German MPs representing the leading parties of the newly elected Bundestag. Spokesperson on foreign affairs for SPD group Nils Schmid, member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Greens Bundestag group, Jürgen Trittin, Spokesperson on foreign affairs for FDP Bundestag group Ulrich Lechte, member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, CDU Bundestag group, Jürgen Hardt took part in the meeting.
The MPs expressed support for Ms. Tsikhanouskaya and the democratic movement in Belarus. The Belarusian leader thanked Germany for refusing to recognize Lukashenka’s regime, for supporting independent media and political prisoners, and noted the country's resolute position on sanctions. Also, members of the Bundestag actively take patronage of Belarusian political prisoners.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed with the parliamentarians the issue of Belarus' security and possible responses if Lukashenka continues to threaten regional security.
They also talked about the possibility of bringing the perpetrators to justice. At least two criminal cases on crimes against humanity committed by Lukashenka and the regime’s accomplices are currently being examined in Germany.
Nils Schmid stressed that the Bundestag does not recognize the “referendum” in Belarus and the regime’s attempts to change the Constitution as legitimate. He emphasized that the “referendum” cannot solve the crisis, and expressed concern over the regime’s plans to expunge the neutral and nuclear-weapon-free status from the Constitution.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya invited the deputies to join the Day of Solidarity with Belarus dedicated to independent media on February 9, and the Kalionouski Forum on March 22.
“A free, democratic Belarus will be key to regional peace and stability. I am glad that the Bundestag understands this clearly. Belarus will be a reliable partner for Germany in the future”, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said.
