Dear colleagues,
Dear friends!
Three years ago, Belarusians made a historic choice in favor of freedom, democracy, and independence – and endeavored to defend it peacefully.
Today, three years later, we are wondering whether we have been able to preserve our achievements and the momentum that Belarusians had when they rose to defend their victory in 2020. I think we have.
The New Belarus conference allowed us to assess what we have done and look into the future: what our victory will be like and how we can achieve it.
The situation has changed significantly over the past three years. Our country has been dragged into a war. It has found itself on the brink of losing its independence. We have suffered heavy human losses. Today, Ales Pushkin would have turned 58. Dozens have sacrificed their lives for a future democratic and independent Belarus. The cherished memory of them leaves us no choice but to continue our struggle.
Just like the Marathon of Solidarity with Political Prisoners, today's conference convinces me that, like three years ago, we know how to unite for a common goal. We know how to be honest with each other and assess the situation without rose-colored glasses. I want to thank each and every one of you for this honesty.
We held the conference, among other things, to unite our forces. We should focus on things other than settling disputes. We should focus on what we can do together. And we have achieved this. This is already a success.
Today, in this hall, we have managed to bring together Cyberpartisans and the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, the Belarusian Popular Front and social democrats, Aliaksandr Milinkevich and Valery Sakhashchyk, “A Country to Live in” and Viktar Babaryka’s HQ, different generations of opposition, journalists and industrial workers, soldiers, and artists.
Today, we have all agreed that Belarus' choice is Europe. We need to achieve Belarus’ membership in the European Union. This is what guarantees us freedom, independence, and prosperity. We need to let Belarusians have this alternative.
We have adopted a declaration on behalf of the democratic forces. Together, we will achieve our goals: liberation of Belarus, freedom for political prisoners, and fair elections.
We have adopted a declaration of support for Ukraine and expressed our determination to assist Belarusian volunteers. Ukraine's victory will be a victory for Belarus too.
We have agreed on joint actions for the 2024 elections. These elections will be a farce and an imitation, and we will strive for their non-recognition and hold an alternative campaign.
We will join forces with political parties and organizations and begin working within the movement “New Belarus”. The United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council will be a part of it. Every Belarusian who shares our goals and values can join this movement.
In the near future, the New Belarus digital platform will present new functions that will allow us to cooperate more effectively, exchange information, and discuss important issues.
I have received recommendations from the Coordination Council based on the results of the hearings. We will make efforts to correct mistakes in the Cabinet's work. In the near future, we will appoint a head of the Cabinet's apparatus and present a united strategy.
I have decided to release Aliaksandr Azarau from his position as representative in the United Transitional Cabinet. At the same time, I would like Aliaksandr Azarau to continue working on the Peramoga plan and coordinating with the Belarusian underground resistance movement. The job of a Representative for the Restoration of Law and Order becomes vacant, and I would like to hear your proposals for candidates.
In winter, we will hold elections for the Coordination Council to make it a truly representative body of Belarusians that has the authority and represents the interests of Belarusians. Just like we heard the United Transitional Cabinet report before Belarusians, the Coordination Council should also report on its activities.
Together, we are creating a model of democracy. We are setting an example of transparency, accountability, and separation of powers. I believe that our cooperation will be just as fruitful with the Coordination Council after its elections.
We will expand cooperation with Ukraine. This is why I am appointing Henadz Manko as the Representative of the United Transitional Cabinet on Relations with Ukraine. Over the past year, he has been responsible for our cooperation with the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment and has established good contacts in Ukraine.
I am also appointing Marharyta Vorykhava as my Advisor for Youth Policy and Student Affairs. Marharyta leads the RADA Youth Council and has significant political experience. She has represented Belarus in the Contact Group of the Council of Europe and in the Consultative Group with the European Union.
We are entering a new stage with the New Belarus passport project. Soon we will proceed to produce passport samples and prepare for their issuance. At the same time, we will conduct a campaign for their international recognition.
We will place even more attention on the issue of political prisoners. We will consider all possible ways to bring about their release. To help their families. To ensure that this issue remains on the agenda. The release of political prisoners is our priority. And I would like to invite you to join [Cabinet Representative for Social Issues] Volha Harbunova's work in this direction.
Dear friends,
Thank you very much for joining our conference. Today, I am filled with optimism. I have even more confidence in our common victory.
Yesterday, a journalist asked me what would make me stop in our struggle. I replied, “Only one thing can stop me: if I don't feel the support from Belarusians.”
I feel your support every day. And I will be with you until the victory. I hope you will support me on this path. Only together can we win.
Long live Belarus!
