The Belarusian leader spoke in Berlin at the first meeting of the Alliance of Groups “For a Democratic Belarus”. Such groups already exist in 22 countries around the world. Leaders of parliamentary groups from Austria, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Spain participated in the event. MPs from Ireland, the United States, and Ukraine also joined the meeting online.
In her speech, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized the need to continue pressure on the regime and demand the immediate release of political prisoners. She also called on MPs to simplify the legalization of stay procedures for Belarusians in exile:
“We need a comprehensive solution here, which would include issuing foreigners passports, extending residence permits, and simplifying legalization procedures. From our side, we prepare to issue the new Belarusian passport. I ask you to support and endorse this project in your parliaments as well.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also called for support for Belarusians’ European aspirations:
“For us, the European Union is the only alternative to the “Russian world”, which is the world of violence, injustice and tyranny. In the European Union alone, Belarus can preserve its independence, guarantee freedom and prosperity to all its citizens”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya concluded her speech by urging MPs to join the Day of Solidarity with Belarus on November 12.
