Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, spoke in detail about Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s working visit to Bern and highlighted the issues raised by the Belarusian leader during meetings with the Swiss politicians. The discussions focused on the current situation with political prisoners and the need for joint efforts with the EU to exert pressure on the regime. The Belarusian side proposed appointing a UN special rapporteur on Belarus. In addition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for supporting Belarusian civil society.
“Switzerland could make public statements in support of a democratic and independent Belarus. We value our contacts with Switzerland. Despite its neutrality, it takes a fairly principled and strong position on Belarus”, commented Mr. Viacorka.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya also called on the Swiss authorities to invite representatives of democratic Belarus to the Ukraine Peace Summit, which will soon take place in the country.
