The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, hosted Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ahead of the high-level conference on Belarus in the European Parliament.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Ms. Metsola for supporting the Belarus Days in Brussels and inviting over 150 Belarusian representatives, including human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and cultural figures.
“This is truly an unprecedented event. It demonstrates your solidarity and support”, the Belarusian leader noted.
During their meeting, Ms. Metsola and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed plans to deepen cooperation between the European Parliament and Belarus’ democratic forces following the Letter of Intent on Cooperation signed earlier this year.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged the European Parliament to refrain from recognizing Lukashenka’s sham election, maintain a principled and consistent policy, and demand the cessation of repression, the release of political prisoners, and an end to the regime’s involvement in the war. The parties also discussed possible plenary hearings on Belarus in the European Parliament.
“For years, President Roberta Metsola has taken a decisive and principled stance on Belarus. She has consistently supported our struggle and emphasized the distinction between the regime and the Belarusian people. I know she deeply cares about our country and especially about our political prisoners. Roberta Metsola has become a godparent to Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk and actively raised the issue of her release, as well as the release of all political prisoners, on international platforms.
I am truly glad that the European Union’s support for Belarus remains unwavering and the issue of Belarus unites different groups and parties in the European Parliament”, noted Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
