Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya had declared August 9, 2024, as the Day of Solidarity with Belarus, marking the fourth anniversary of the presidential election rigged by the dictator and the beginning of the Belarusian people’s struggle for a free country.
Yesterday, representatives from Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, Germany, Canada, Ireland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Austria, Iceland, Italy, France, Georgia, Australia, as well as the President of the European Parliament and MPs from various countries, and officials of the European Commission made statements in support of democratic Belarus.
Here are some of the statements by international leaders, politicians, and diplomats released on the Day of Solidarity with Belarus:
President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda:
“Four years since the start of Lukashenka’s repression campaign against Belarusian people who stood up for freedom and democracy. Lithuania is home to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and many Belarusians who fled the persecution. We believe in the democratic future of Belarus. Freedom spirit always prevails!”
Joint statement from the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU:
“Four years on from the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the appalling human rights crackdown in Belarus, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who, in spite of continued repression by the Lukashenko regime, have peacefully and courageously pressed for democratic change, respect for human rights, and the release of all political prisoners. We affirm that the sanctions we have recently announced represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability for the Lukashenka regime”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström:
“It’s been four years since the Lukashenka regime illegally and brutally stole the election in Belarus. But Sweden will stand behind the Belarusian people and its indisputable right to once again have democracy and freedom. Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya is the leader of the Belarusian democratic opposition and we support her”.
“Today marks the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus when hundreds of thousands of brave people took to the streets in support of democracy. We have not forgotten them, just as we have not forgotten Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, whose tireless work continues to give many people in Belarus courage and hope, despite the massive repression. This deeply impresses us”, said [Minister] Baerbock. “We remember all those unlawfully imprisoned, often without the ability to contact their loved ones. The idea of freedom and democracy cannot be imprisoned. We will continue to strive for their release. #StandWithBelarus”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir:
“The regime in Belarus staged a fake election 4 years ago. Lukashenka has no legitimacy. Cheaters don’t get to call themselves winners. Every day brave people like my friend Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya show that there is hope for the people of Belarus”.
White House National Security Communications Advisor, John Kirby:
“Since taking office, President Biden has made it clear: The United States firmly supports the people of Belarus in their pursuit of a democratic future. The US will continue to defend human rights and freedom of expression in Belarus, as well as hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for its actions. […] As the President told the leader of the Belarusian opposition: We will continue to support the people of Belarus in their courageous quest for democracy”.
“Today marks four years since fraudulent elections in Belarus kept Putin’s puppet, Lukashenka, in power. The US continues to recognize Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya as the democratically elected leader of Belarus and will remain stalwart in our support for those fighting for freedom in Belarus”.
Caucus “For Democratic Belarus!” in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine:
“The Verkhovna Rada’s caucus “For Democratic Belarus!” consistently advocates for condemning the de-facto occupation of Belarus by Russia and calls on the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to recognize this at the state level. We also appeal to partner countries to support Belarusians who continue to fight against the regime both within Belarus and beyond its borders. Long Live Belarus! Glory to Ukraine!”
