During her visit to Switzerland, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya held a phone call with Derek Chollet, the U.S. Department of State Counselor. This is the second official contact with representatives of the new US administration.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya:
– told about the latest trials against the journalists and activists in Belarus, the attack on the human rights center “Viasna,” and the persecution of local leaders;
– stressed that the goal of the democratic forces of Belarus is holding a new free and fair election in the autumn of this year. Tsikhanouskaya also stressed that it is important to stop violence, release all political prisoners, and restore people's right to choose. The achievement of these goals is possible through a dialogue with the Belarusian society;
– discussed the implementation of Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act, the resumption and expansion of the US sanctions against Lukashenka’s regime, and the organization of negotiations on the OSCE platform;
– reported on the latest repressive campaigns against journalists, activists, and businessmen, and called on the United States and the entire international community to act quickly and cohesively.
During the call, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Derek Chollet discussed the planned visit of Tsikhanouskaya to the United States.
