On May 21, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks at the Stockholm Conference on Belarus:
“Dear Minister Johan Forsell,
Dear Director Frederik Löjdquist
Dear Ambassador Johannesson
Dear participants of the Stockholm Conference on Belarus
Мае дарагія беларускія сябры!
I remember our meeting with Minister Billström when we discussed the idea of this conference for the first time.
We talked about the need to gather Belarusian and international stakeholders to develop the strategy on Belarus — what works, and what doesn’t. And what can be done better…
To be honest, I did not expect that the conference would succeed, and even less expected such a high level of organization.
The conference evolved into a large international forum. Here, there are participants from more than 20 countries, and representatives of all sectors of Belarusian civil society and democratic forces.
It shows that Belarus remains on the agenda, and sends the message to Belarusians inside the country: you are not alone in your fight for freedom!
I wish to thank Minister Billstrom, the whole team of Swedish MFA, and Ambassador Johannesson for your incredible patience in preparing this event. And your tremendous support for the Belarusian cause. Thank you!
And of course, big thanks to Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs for organizing this event. I am sure it’s just the beginning of our long-lasting partnership.
I was always wondering why Sweden is so supportive of free Belarus. And when I asked this question to Swedish politicians, I heard: Of course, because we are neighbors!
It’s true the distance from Stockholm to Belarus is half as long as that to Paris. But we are not just close in geographical terms – we share the same values, and same vision of the future. For many Belarusians, Sweden is a country they want to follow and learn from.
For too long, Belarus used to live in the shadow of the Empire. We went through hard times, wars, and tyranny. We almost lost our independence and national identity.
But even in the darkest times, we found the strength to fight. We survived and revived. It will be the same now.
For years, many countries saw Belarus as an appendix of Russia. But it won’t be like that anymore. We are a proud European nation, with our own culture and history, with our own heroes and dreams.
And I believe that with your help, we will be able to end this vicious circle, defeat tyranny and return Belarus to the European family of nations, where we historically belong.
I do believe that Belarus can become a success story. Story of transition from dictatorship to democracy. Free Belarus will contribute to peace and stability in the entire region.
And we cannot do it alone. We need the help of the free world. Here, in this room, there are many friends and allies, and I am addressing you today.
See Belarus not only as the threat but as an opportunity. Investing in free Belarus – you invest in peace, and you invest in democracy. We don’t ask you to fight instead of us – it’s our task. But we ask you to stand with us.
As history shows, all dictatorships fall, and usually when no one expects it. We can’t predict how and when changes will happen, but we can prepare for them, and bring them closer.
To defeat tyranny, we need a strong and resilient society. Therefore, I ask you to support all those Belarusians who, despite fear and repression, continue to work for changes inside the country.
To support Belarusian journalists who are fighting an unequal battle with propaganda.
To help human rights defenders who collect evidence of Lukashenka’s crimes.
Assist cultural initiatives that help strengthen national identity. A strong national identity is the strongest antidote to the “Russian world”.
Help all those who had to flee the country because of repressions, and struggle now with documents and legalization.
Many Belarusian organizations, honest businesses, youth and women initiatives try to operate from exile now, and they need your assistance too.
Continue to put pressure on the illegitimate regime. I know that sanctions are not a silver bullet, but it’s a tool – to stop repression, release people from prisons, and stop Belarus’ participation in the war.
Sometimes, I hear that sanctions push the regime towards Russia. Believe me: he is already in the hands of Russia.
But don’t push Belarusians to Russia. We must not allow an Iron curtain between Belarusians and Europe. Support mobility of Belarusians, provide them with visas, scholarships, opportunity to travel and build people-to-people ties.
This is the best way to get Belarusian society out of Russian influence, and bring it closer to Europe.
Dear friends,
Today, we are marking the International Day of Solidarity with political prisoners in Belarus. On this day, three years ago, activist Vitold Ashurak died in Lukashenka’s prison. Vitold did not live to see free Belarus but we will do everything to make his dream come true.
As we speak, thousands of Belarusians are behind bars. They face torture and humiliation. Many of them are in critical condition. Many are being held incommunicado – including my husband Siarhei, or Masha Kalesnikova, whose sister is with us today.
We have to do all possible to release our political prisoners. It’s not just political, it’s a humanitarian issue. People are literally dying. Meanwhile, we must also support their families, and those who already served their terms. And I am glad that there will be a separate discussion on this issue during the conference.
Dear excellencies,
The fate of Belarus is deeply connected with the fate of Ukraine. Without free Ukraine, there will not be free Belarus, and vice versa. Therefore, we must do all possible to support Ukraine.
I am glad to see Ukraine’s Ambassador Ihor Kyzym with us today. I want to tell you clearly: We, the Belarusian people, stand by you! Both of our nations are fighting the same evil, and for the same future. And Ukraine’s victory will be our victory as well.
Dear Conference,
Thank you again for standing with Belarus. I know that the path to freedom can be long and difficult. But it’s the only right path. And let’s walk it together.
Жыве Беларусь! And Слава Украіне!”
