EASTER GREETINGS
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya wished a Happy Easter to all Belarusians: “Easter is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Let this day serve as a reminder: The future belongs to those who preserve their humanity. To those who reject falsehood and continue to change the world through love and support”.
CHORNOBYL WAY
April 26 will mark 39 years since the Chornobyl nuclear disaster occurred. Belarus’ democratic forces are planning a series of events to commemorate the anniversary. Gatherings will take place in Vilnius, Warsaw, and Białystok, including rallies and flower-laying ceremonies with the participation of diplomats. These events used to be held in Belarus but current repression makes that impossible.
VISIT TO KOSOVO
This week, a delegation of Belarus’ democratic forces visited Pristina at the invitation of the President’s Office of Kosovo. The delegation included Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka; Diplomatic Advisor, Dzianis Kuchynski; and Parliamentary Cooperation Advisor, Anatoli Liabedzka. The parties discussed cooperation in residence legalization for Belarusians, support for journalists, the diaspora, and the IT sector, and held consultations on the New Belarusian Passport.
The negotiations explored training opportunities for Belarusian volunteers fighting in Ukraine, discussed possible programs for journalists, and addressed the need to form a group “For a Democratic Belarus” in the Kosovo Parliament.
MEETING WITH BLUE/YELLOW FOUNDER
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the United Transitional Cabinet Representative for Defense and National Security, Vadzim Kabanchuk, met with the Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Lithuanian charity Blue/Yellow, Jonas Oehman. Blue/Yellow provides humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The parties discussed joint initiatives to support Belarusian volunteers fighting for Ukraine. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya called for unity and solidarity in resisting Russian aggression.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION IN CZECHIA
The Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Belarus’ Future is European. Choosing Values over Fear”. Participants included representatives of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the United Transitional Cabinet, the Coordination Council, and 12 embassies. Discussions focused on security, Belarusians’ European identity, and EU integration prospects.
AWARD TO LAVON VOLSKI
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya awarded renowned musician and composer Lavon Volski with the Francysk Skaryna Medal, granted for contributions to Belarusian science, education, and culture.
WORLD DAY OF CULTURE
April 15 marked the World Day of Culture. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed Belarusians on this occasion: “Belarusian culture is like a red ribbon woven through every one of us. And as long as we are united by it – Belarus is near”.
4TH CONFERENCE OF THE BELARUSIAN DIASPORA
Registration is open for the 4th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora, to be held in Warsaw on May 23–25. It will aim to strengthen connections among Belarusians, exchange experiences, and jointly plan the future. This year’s conference will focus on the development and empowerment of the Belarusian diaspora. Potential participants can also submit other suggestions for topics to be discussed during the conference.
VOTE IN THE LITHUANIAN SEIMAS
The Seimas of Lithuania rejected new restrictions that could have worsened the situation for Belarusians with residence permits. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Parliamentary Cooperation, Anatoli Liabedzka, commented on the vote, saying the positive result was achieved thanks to consistent efforts by Lithuanian MPs and the Cross-Party Group “For a Democratic Belarus”. The amendments will not affect Belarusians.
MEDIA
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was interviewed by “And Then Came Graham” (Latvia) and RAAM (Netherlands).
