Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The Chinese ambassador to France made remarks about former Soviet countries, stating they don’t have an “effective status in international law.” Thus, the Chinese ambassador questioned the sovereignty of 15 countries, including Belarus.
It goes without saying that such statements by the ambassador are absolutely unacceptable. The international community recognized Belarus as a sovereign state immediately after the restoration of independence in 1991, and PRC was among the first to do so. The sovereignty of Belarus is enshrined in our Constitution, and Belarus implements it in accordance with the principles of international law.
Our neighbors, Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine, immediately condemned the Chinese ambassador’s statements, urging Beijing to set the record straight and make its position clear. But the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to remain silent, despite what it calls friendly relations with China. Disregard for the independence and national interests of our country is the result of Lukashenka's corrupt policies over the decades. That is precisely why our country is in a deep political and humanitarian crisis. It is precisely because of these policies that Belarus is increasingly perceived as nothing more than a satellite or vassal of Russia.
The new Belarus will demand respect for its independence and territorial integrity, as well as equality and transparency in foreign relations. But for this, our country must get rid of tyranny and work to restore its reputation in the international community. And the democratic forces are working on this. We are building international connections and contacts, creating relations with neighbors and partners, to make sure everything the regime has destroyed is restored after the changes.”
