“Dear Minister Elina Valtonen,
Dear General Secretary,
Dear Kimmo,
Belarusian and international friends,
It is an honor and privilege to speak at the open Helsinki Dialogue.
It’s quite symbolic that the conference on Belarus’ future takes place in Finland.
Finland’s journey offers both hope and inspiration for us. Finland’s path is a testament to the resilience and determination of a people committed to their sovereignty.
The term ‘Finlandization,’ once a symbol of strategic neutrality, now reflects a proud legacy of asserting national identity and choosing a path of freedom.
The Finnish experience shows us that transformation is possible – that a nation can emerge from the shadows of a larger power to shine brightly on its own terms.
A free, democratic, and prosperous Belarus is not a mere dream; it is a future that we are determined to realize.
Three years ago Belarusian chose democracy over tyranny. Human rights over lawlessness. Our protest was peaceful and resolute.
Since then, our goal did not change: we remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution.
We want a transition to democracy that is not only peaceful but also sustainable. Therefore, we are drafting the constitution and a new election law. We must make sure that the tyranny will never repeat again in Belarus.
We firmly believe in the principles of democracy. And democracy is essentially about dialogue. Therefore, we are already forming institutions that are transparent, diverse, and inclusive. Where everyone’s voice is heard.
We want to build Belarus with human rights, pluralism of political opinions, rule of law, and diversity. These are values that underpin modern democratic states like Finland and are core principles of the Council of Europe.
It’s a community of values, and we should start embracing, exercising, and promoting these ideals today. This is why our close work with the Council of Europe matters so much.
When a window of opportunity opens, it will be a unique chance for our country. A chance that appears once in a generation or even more rarely. We cannot miss this chance. We have to come prepared.
We are ready to work, and I am sure that we have the expertise. Where our expertise is lacking, our cooperation with the Council of Europe helps.
The path to democracy can be long and difficult. To succeed, we need solidarity and support. We need to feel that individual countries and whole continents are with us. The people in Belarus should not feel abandoned or overlooked.
We must also not forget the more than 1.500 political prisoners in Belarus. Many are in a serious condition and urgently need our help. We are their only lifeline, and we must keep fighting for their release.
The solidarity that the people in Belarus need should also be tangible and practical. We need to identify concrete ways to assist them. This is also what I hope to find in the expert discussions today and tomorrow.
And finally, this dialogue gives us, the democratic forces of Belarus. the opportunity to discuss how to structure our work, and how to be most effective.
To conclude, let me thank Kimmo Kiljunen, for organizing this event today. Thanks to the Finnish Parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the PACE for your steadfast support to Belarus on our path to democratic European future.
It is more than a gesture of friendship; it is a lifeline that empowers our people to strive.
Let us work hand in hand to see a day when Belarus, like Finland, is a symbol of the triumph of democracy and the spirit of a free people.
Thank you!”
