On the second day of the Munich Security Conference, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the panel discussion “Spotlight on Belarus” to reflect on the country’s future amid a new geopolitical reality.
The discussion also included:
- Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs;
- Peter Welch, United States Senator;
- Prof. Dr. Gwendolyn Sasse, Director of the Center for East European and International Studies.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya outlined the key priorities of international policy toward Belarus:
- Release of political prisoners and non-recognition of the regime
“Every release saves a life, but humanitarian outcomes must not be confused with political ‘normalization’. Around 300 people have already been released, but at least a thousand remain behind bars, and the repressive machine continues to operate: new people are detained in place of those released. Humanitarian steps must not mean recognition of the regime”.
- Military integration with Russia as a threat to sovereignty
“Europe understands that as long as Lukashenka remains in power, this will pose a constant threat to the security of the European Union’s borders. The issue of Belarus must be part of all negotiations on regional security”.
- Support for Belarusians in exile
“Belarusians in exile face political persecution. They need stable legal status, travel documents, access to education, employment, and banking services. We must balance pressure on the regime with support for people in order to remain a strong alternative to the ‘Russian world’ and to prepare a better future for Belarusians”.
