On October 16-18, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was on a working visit to London, where she delivered the Westminster Lecture, held a briefing for ambassadors of 24 EU countries, as well as took part in the Belarus-UK Forum.
She also held meetings with a number of British politicians. Read more below.
- Meeting with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly
During the meeting, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya suggested that the UK appoint a representative for contacts with democratic Belarus.
The sanctions policy was also discussed, including sanctions against the National Olympic Committee of Belarus and support for athletes who spoke out against the regime and the war.
- Meeting with the UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy
With Mr. Lammy, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed the situation with political prisoners in Belarus and the strategy to achieve their release, as well as sanctions policy and support for civil society and the repressed.
- Meeting with the UK Minister of State and PM's Special Envoy for Preventing Sexual Violence Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The meeting discussed steps to achieve the release of political prisoners and bring the regime to justice through the International Criminal Court. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also talked about legal support for Belarusians in exile and called for support for human rights defenders and the repressed.
- Meeting with MP Wendy Morton, former UK Minister for Europe
The parties discussed the need for a coordinated strategy on Belarus, support for independent media, and bringing Lukashenka to justice. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
emphasized that Belarusians continue their struggle and will not stop until a free election is held.
- Meeting with former PM and Conservative Party Leader Theresa May
The parties discussed the Russian presence in Belarus and the critical situation regarding political prisoners. The Belarusian leader expressed hope that the Parliament would support a new and decisive strategy on Belarus, which should distinguish between the regime and Belarusians.
- Meeting with the UK Shadow Defense Minister Luke Pollard
The meeting discussed the UK policy towards Belarus, the effectiveness of sanctions, and mechanisms to hold the regime accountable. Mr. Pollard and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also talked about the Russian threat to Belarus’ independence and the measures that the UK can take to prevent the absorption of Belarus.
- Meeting with members of the UK House of Commons and House of Lords
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for making Belarus a priority of the UK foreign policy and supporting democratic forces in the international arena. MPs and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed steps to release political prisoners, as well as support for the repressed and Belarusians living in the UK.
- Meeting with the Belarusians of London
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Belarusians for organizing the Belarus-UK Forum. During the meeting, she summarized the work of the Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, and democratic forces. She spoke about the work on the new Belarusian passport and answered questions.
