During the call, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya:
– Called the planned “referendum” in Belarus a farce and stressed that the regime had lost its legitimacy, while the Constitution is not being fulfilled in the country. She shared that the democratic forces urge Belarusians to cross out all ballots choices, protesting against the regime’s lies. The international community must not believe in this manipulation: the “referendum” must not be recognized.
– Emphasized the importance of keeping the Belarusian issue on the international agenda. The international community is united in its position on the situation in Belarus, but it is important to continue the struggle and keep the focus on what is happening in the country.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also highlighted the importance of keeping the issue of Belarus on the agenda of the UN Security Council. The forced landing of the Ryanair passenger flight and the crisis on the EU border demonstrate that the regime has become a threat not only to national but also to regional security.
– Spoke about the active underground movement of activists and volunteers created within Belarus who continue their struggle for change despite the repressions.
– Discussed with Søreide the decision of the Norwegian company Yara to terminate the contract with Belaruskali. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that other businesses may follow Yara's example and abstain from supporting the regime.
– Thanked Norway for supporting repressed Belarusians, independent media, activists, as well as initiating the Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council, the Moscow and Vienna mechanisms of the OSCE. She also expressed her gratitude for supporting the launch of IAPB – the international platform for documenting human rights violations in Belarus. The Belarusian leader noted that it is necessary not only to document the regime's crimes but also to address its impunity by promoting cases within the framework of international courts and universal jurisdiction.
Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide assured Ms. Tsikhanouskaya that the newly formed government of Norway has no disagreement with the previous one in taking a strong position on the crisis and providing assistance to Belarusians. Under the previous government, Søreide served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya congratulated Søreide on assuming the committee's chairmanship and thanked her for the support provided to Belarusians while she served as the minister.
