“Dear ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor and pleasure to speak in front of you today. Unfortunately, I am here because my country is facing a human rights and political crisis, a real Chernobyl-scale crisis 35 years after.
It is brought by the disregard for human life and dignity. The regime lied about the extent of the coronavirus pandemic, it lied about the election results, and it is still lying about the political persecution and political prisoners.
Belarusians said a decisive “basta” to the dictatorship, they have stood up for their dignity and human rights. And the world has witnessed the true nature of these freedom-loving people.
Solidarity is at the core of what is happening in Belarus. It is solidarity that brought people to the streets to show that they will stand up for every person of those 32 000 who were detained, tortured, or wronged in any other way. It is solidarity with 360 political prisoners who are held as hostages of the regime that keeps us going. It is solidarity that helped us build a coalition with our international friends. It is this solidarity that we need now more than ever.
The news from Belarus is bleak these days. Calling someone an extremist a terrorist is a new tool of persecution and silencing the opposition by the regime. They have added to the list bloggers, civil society, and political activists. You can also find my name on that list. But this will not silence me, will not deter me from the path I have chosen to defend my country.
And our country does need defending. Lukashenka is using the crisis and fearmongering to promote the Union with Russia. Our independence and sovereignty are at stake here.
He is also trying to introduce an unconstitutional decree according to which the tightly-controlled Security Council would become his successor. Our constitution and the rule of law are at stake here.
That is why we are going forward with the proposal to hold negotiations on the peaceful transition of power. We have been working with our international partners and, in particular, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe on the format and framework of such negotiations.
We see it as a three-fold process:
1. First, national dialogue and reconciliation based on the release of all political prisoners and restoration of their rights;
2. Second and central to the process, new free and fair elections;
3. Third, reform of the political system, restoration of the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
New free and fair presidential elections under international observation should take place this year. We urge Italy to continue building up pressure on Lukashenka’s regime to force it to release political prisoners in Belarus, stop violence and repressions, and support our call for mediated negotiations leading to new presidential elections under international observation this year.
We call on the Italian government to use its stellar international diplomatic reputation to persuade the Belarusian regime to negotiate with the representatives of democratic forces in order to end the political and human rights crisis.
Italy, together with other European nations, could establish a coalition for democratic Belarus. We want to break the narrative of Belarus being positioned politically between east and west. We urge the Italian government to support the 4th EU sanctions package. To ensure the long-term sustainable development of a new and democratic Belarus, it is crucial to contribute to the Comprehensive Plan for Belarus announced by the EU Commission.
We urge you not to recognize any deals or agreements signed by Lukashenka. The former president is trying to secure support from authoritarian states to prolong his stay in power, he is willing to trade in the sovereignty and independence of Belarus in pieces or in whole. However, any international agreement signed with an illegitimate Lukashenka or his regime might be reconsidered.
Italy should temporarily freeze investments and reinvestments in Belarus due to high business and reputational risks. However, continue existing investment projects as they are important for Belarusian future. Your country should also advise European banks to reject the placement of Belarusian government bonds, a popular method to raise funds by cash-strapped Lukashenka’s regime.
We are urging Italy to develop a systematic approach towards the solutions for the Belarusian crisis and contribute to support for victims of torture and police brutality, independent trade unions, striking committees, and small businesses during the ongoing crisis and political transition.
We need Italy’s support in the call for an international investigation of the human rights abuses backed by governments and organizations such as the UN and the OSCE to ensure accountability. We call for support to the International Accountability Platform for Belarus since it has taken on the responsibility of the collection, verification, and preservation of evidence of serious violations of international human rights law committed in Belarus.
It would be an enormous help if Italy developed humanitarian corridors and programs of rehabilitation for those who were repressed and injured by the Belarusian regime and police actions. You could also renew Chernobyl exchange programs and invite children from the Homiel region to Italy. Apart from obvious health benefits for such children, it helps build horizontal connections between our societies.
Italy is a country known for its love of freedom and its resistance movement, as much as Belarus. Only last week, you celebrated l’Anniversario della Resistenza. We are the new Resistance at the heart of Europe, and we are calling for your unwavering support”.
