ADDRESS TO BELARUSANS. On August 9, the anniversary of the 2020 presidential election, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the people of Belarus: “We have gone through trials, but we also gained even more experience. And we keep moving forward. I know it is never easy. And with each new challenge, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay resolute in our actions. But the choice is only ours to make: forfeit what we have done in three years, to be disappointed in ourselves and in our people – or keep all the important moments in our memory, keep in our hearts those whom we have lost along the way. And keep moving forward with love for those who stand by us and trust in those who will come after us”.
DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH BELARUS. On August 9, Belarusians in Belarus and abroad celebrated the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus. Belarusians in Lithuania, Poland, Georgia, the United States, Czechia, and other countries took part in solidarity rallies. Despite the risks, Belarusians in Belarus also joined the campaign. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the rally in Vilnius and took part in the procession.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Belarusians for their solidarity: “Thank you to each and every one of you for remembering our political prisoners, supporting each other, but most importantly, not losing love for our homeland, Belarus. You know, I feel your support every day. If I didn't, I can't even imagine how I could continue to work. But I know: I am not alone. And no matter how difficult it may be at times, remember, we are moving forward step by step together towards change. Thank you for being there. Long live Belarus!”
BELARUS-LITHUANIA. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius. She thanked Lithuania for welcoming tens of thousands of Belarusians and hundreds of organizations that were forced to flee repression in Belarus. She urged that any restrictions imposed on Belarusians should not be equated with those on Russians. While understanding the potential risks posed by agents of the Lukashenka regime, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that sanctions should not target the absolute majority of Belarusians who do not support Lukashenka and Russia. Instead, she suggested expanding the list of individual sanctions against the regime's henchmen.
SOLIDARITY WITH POLITICAL PRISONERS. On August 12, on Mikalai Statkevich's birthday, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the terrible conditions of his imprisonment and expressed words of support: “Today marks 1169 days since Mikalai Statkevich has been imprisoned. For more than six months, the politician has been denied letters, medical assistance, consultations with a lawyer, or contact with loved ones. He celebrates his 67th birthday alone in a cell the size of an elevator cabin. The Lukashenka regime is trying to break Statkevich. But Mikalai is a man of strong spirit, firm character, and strong will. His active stance in life and deeds testify to this. Today I would like to wish him strong health and the reunion with his wife, children, and supporters as soon as possible”.
DOCUMENTS OF NEW BELARUS CONFERENCE 2023. At the New Belarus Conference on August 6, the democratic forces adopted four documents, which had been developed during the roundtable meeting of political leaders.
The Declaration of Future Membership of Belarus in the European Union declares the country's geopolitical choice and calls on democratic forces to cooperate extensively with the European Union.
The Declaration by the Democratic Forces of Belarus on Solidarity with the People of Ukraine manifests support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Putin's Russia and condemns the Lukashenka regime as an accomplice to aggression.
The Political Declaration by the Democratic Forces of Belarus outlines key strategic priorities that should lead to democratic changes in the country.
The Statement on the 2024 Elections calls on Belarusian citizens to abstain from participating in the regime-organized campaign and on the international community to refrain from recognizing its results.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BELARUSIANS. Every week, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya holds Zoom calls with Belarusians to discuss issues faced by people in different towns and cities in Belarus and abroad. This week, on August 9, she went live on her Instagram page instead. The recording is available at the link.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS. On August 8, the Office’s volunteers held an online conversation with historian Yauhen Krasulin. They discussed the preservation of historical heritage and the global history of fighting dictators.
CIVIL SOCIETY EVENT IN VILNIUS. In June 2023, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office held the event “Jadnajsia!” in Warsaw, which brought together more than 20 Belarusian public organizations and initiatives. Two months later, on August 12, the RADA Youth Council held its fair, “RADA Market”, in Vilnius. Different Belarusian initiatives took part in it, including Freedom Postcards, Ecohome, Viasna HRC’s Volunteer Service, New Regions, Center for New Ideas, and others. The event featured workshops, a fair of social initiatives and craftsmen, as well as playgrounds and an entertainment program for children.
MEDIA. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to Rzeczpospolita (Poland), News TV3 Plus (Lithuania), Polsat (Poland), Radio Racyja (Belarus), TVP-World (Poland), DW (Belarus), Standaard (Belgium), Delfi (Latvia), Radio Unet (1, 2) (Belarus), and Doorbraak (Belgium).
