MEETING WITH AMBASSADORS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with ambassadors and heads of missions from 25 countries in Vilnius to discuss ways to secure the release of political prisoners, the military and political situation in the region, and support for independent media. She emphasized that sanctions must remain in force to keep pressure on the regime until repression stops. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also pointed out that the Lukashenka regime continues its repression against Belarusians both inside the country and in exile. She thanked the international community for not recognizing the January 26 sham election and called for more EU involvement in regional security negotiations, which should take the Belarusian aspect into account.
VISIT TO SWEDEN
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, made a working visit to Sweden. He visited the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Swedish Parliament, the Swedish Institute, the Lithuanian Embassy, the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies, the Moderate Party, and the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation. The visit focused on the outcomes of the Munich Security Conference, support for independent media and initiatives, and strengthened cooperation between Belarus’ democratic forces and the Swedish Parliament.
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
February 20 marked the World Day of Social Justice. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on this occasion: “Justice is more than a legal term or an abstract concept. Justice is the foundation of a democratic and free society that we strive for”.
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
February 21 marked International Mother Language Day. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya launched a language challenge for Belarusians, sharing tips on how to speak more Belarusian in daily life: “Please support each other. Do not discourage the desire in others to speak Belarusian”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office compiled a list of events dedicated to Mother Language Day.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s interviews and coverage of Belarus were released by Belsat (Belarus), Intersection with Jack Wright (the US), ANSA (Italy), The Guardian (the UK), Belsat (Belarus), Majtas (Albania), ANSA (Italy), La Stampa (Italy), and Weekendavisen (Denmark).
