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  • Special envoys for Belarus – who are they and what do they do?

    November 23, 2024

    International partners play a crucial role in supporting the democratic forces of Belarus. Democratic countries have refrained from appointing ambassadors to Minsk due to the Lukashenka regime’s illegitimacy.

    At the same time, some of them have appointed special envoys or ambassadors-at-large to maintain engagement with the democratic forces’ institutions.

    How do countries work with Belarus’ democratic forces?

    Each country employs its own approach based on its diplomatic practices and resources.

    • Special representatives in Vilnius. Appointed by the country’s foreign ministry, these representatives are stationed in Vilnius. This approach is implemented by countries like Estonia and the US, which both established dedicated units in their embassies in Lithuania to deal with Belarus affairs.
    • Special envoys based in national capitals. Countries like Poland, France, Sweden, Latvia, and Ukraine use this model.
    • Non-resident embassies. These embassies operate from neighboring countries, such as Poland or Lithuania, as seen with Norway, Ireland, Finland, Canada, and the Netherlands.
    • Accredited ambassadors in Lithuania: Some ambassadors accredited in Lithuania also work with the democratic forces of Belarus, like those from Italy and Spain.

    About 20 countries currently support Belarus through special representatives, with more expected to follow.

    What do special envoys do?

    These diplomats act as a bridge between Belarus and the governments of their respective countries. They are the primary point of contact for addressing bilateral issues, including:

    • Developing policies that distinguish between the regime and the Belarusian people;
    • Supporting political prisoners and their families;
    • Facilitating the legalization of stay for Belarusians abroad;
    • Enhancing mobility for Belarusians through visas and scholarships.

    How do they contribute to cooperation with Belarus’ democratic forces?

    While special envoys report to their respective governments, they often attend official meetings during Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s visits and participate in briefings organized by her Office.

    If you need to get in touch with a special envoy, email askoffice@tsikhanouskaya.org or contact the Telegram chatbot @AskOffice_Bot.

    Below is the list of special envoys:

    Lithuania
    Ambassador Asta Andrijauskiene

    Ukraine
    Ambassador Ihor Kyzym

    Estonia
    Mr. Marko Koplimaa

    Norway
    Norwegian Embassy in Lithuania

    Sweden
    Ambassador Christina Johannesson

    France
    Ambassador Violaine Billette de Villemeur

    Denmark
    Ambassador Grete Sillasen

    Poland
    Adam Hałaciński

    United States
    Belarus Affairs Unit, Vilnius

    Iceland
    Ambassador Hermann Ingolfsson

    Latvia
    Ambassador Gunta Pastore

    Finland
    Ambassador Jaakko Lehtovirta (acting)

    Canada
    Ambassador Catherine Godin

    Ireland
    Ambassador Seadhna MacHugh

    Italy
    Ambassador Emanuele de Maigret

    Netherlands
    Ambassador Jennes de Mol

    Malta
    Ambassador Marisa Farrugia

    Germany
    Mr. Robin Wagener

    Spain
    Ambassador Nieves Blanco

    Czech Republic
    Ambassador Aleš Opata