Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met today with the new Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas, Juozas Olekas. Until recently, Mr. Olekas chaired the parliamentary group “For a Democratic Belarus”.
The parties discussed key issues of Belarusian–Lithuanian cooperation:
- Release of political prisoners. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Lithuania for promptly receiving the released, assisting them at the border, issuing the necessary documents, and providing comprehensive support. Speaker Olekas confirmed that the issue of political prisoners in Belarus remains a priority.
- Belarus as a priority during Lithuania’s EU Council Presidency in 2027. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for keeping Belarus on the European agenda and proposed holding a high-level conference on Belarus during Lithuania’s future Presidency of the EU Council.
- Situation of Belarusians in Lithuania. The Lithuanian side emphasized that the situation of Belarusians in the country will not worsen. Lithuania will continue to provide assistance with legal stay, mobility, and integration.
- Cooperation with the Seimas. The parties discussed a cooperation agreement between the democratic forces of Belarus and the Lithuanian Seimas.
- Security during the Zapad-2025 exercise. While the Lukashenka regime is increasingly drawing Belarus into Russia’s hybrid aggression, Belarusian society still opposes the war. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for distinguishing the regime from the people and thanked the Lithuanian side for allowing Belarus-registered vehicles to return to Belarus through Lithuania.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We highly value the support Lithuania provides to Belarusians and our political prisoners. It is important that the new governing coalition sees Belarusians not as a threat but as an opportunity to strengthen democratic values, enhance regional security, and open new avenues of partnership”.
Tomorrow, a press conference with deported political prisoners will take place at the Lithuanian Seimas. Speaker Olekas will also participate. In addition, preparations are underway for an exhibition dedicated to the birthday of Ales Bialiatski, as another important act of solidarity with political prisoners.
