On November 9, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with the State Secretary of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr, to discuss the situation in Belarus and the region, sanctions, the release of political prisoners, and challenges Belarusians face in obtaining legal status in Germany.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Germany for its principled support for Belarus’s democratic forces and civil society, as well as its firm stance toward the Lukashenka regime.
The meeting covered the following issues:
- maintaining a unified EU strategy on Belarus and sanctions pressure. The sides discussed the need to maintain a common EU approach and sanctions pressure to end repression and stop Belarus from supporting Russia’s aggression. They also stressed that the transit of potash fertilizers from Belarus through the EU must not resume until the repression ends;
- security in Belarus and the region. Mr. von Geyr and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya discussed Russia’s military presence in Belarus and the need to include the Belarusian issue in future negotiations on peace in Ukraine and European security. They addressed the threats of Russification, the militarization of young people inside Belarus, and the need to strengthen Belarus’s independence;
- appointment of a special envoy for Belarus. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya invited Germany to appoint a dedicated representative to ensure systematic engagement with Belarus’s democratic forces and civil society;
- challenges facing Belarusians in Germany. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya highlighted difficulties with obtaining documents, securing legal status, and accessing international protection (asylum). She presented proposals from the Belarusian community and Libereco, including possible uniform rules for issuing travel documents to Belarusians who cannot safely return to their homeland;
- support for former political prisoners. The parties discussed ways to expand humanitarian programs, including medical and psychological rehabilitation for people released from Belarusian prisons.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Germany is one of Belarus’s most important partners, and we deeply appreciate its support. I thanked the German side for welcoming released political prisoners, including Maryia Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka, journalists, and activists.
What we need to do is not only secure the release of all political prisoners but also end repression, preserve Belarus’s independence, and prepare the country for democratic change.
We discussed practical problems faced by Belarusians in Germany, including obtaining travel documents and residence permits, as well as issues related to expired passports. Despite significant progress made in recent years, challenges remain at the local level when it comes to implementing the decisions that have been adopted.
Belarusians should feel supported and protected by Europe today. And one day, everyone should be able to safely return home — to a free Belarus”.
