The meeting took place at Palazzo Chigi, the official residence of the Italian Prime Minister. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Italy for supporting the repressed and issuing visas in Minsk. The parties discussed the strategy for achieving the release of political prisoners, defending Belarusian independence, and stepping up the isolation of the Lukashenka regime. The Prime Minister assured Ms. Tsikhanouskaya of full support for the Belarusian democratic movement, stating that Italy distinguishes between the regime and the Belarusian people.
Ms. Meloni and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed mechanisms for holding the regime accountable for crimes against humanity and the abduction of Ukrainian children. The Belarusian leader noted the importance of Belarus being discussed during the NATO summit and mentioned in its final declaration.
“This was an important meeting. The leader of Italy will raise the issue of Belarus on the international stage. I am impressed with her determination, understanding of our situation, and commitment to action. Today we have another powerful voice for free and independent Belarus,” said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
