Belarusians are distinct from Lukashenko's administration; Belarus should not be grouped together with Russia, asserts Tsikhanouskaya.
Revised Article:
Hearing the words of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the trailblazer of Belarus' democratic forces, one can sense a fervent call for her nation's independence from Russian influence and a strong yearning for European unity.
Speaking at a foreign ministry discussion, Tsikhanouskaya voiced her gratitude towardsLatvia, and its Baltic and Nordic allies, for their unwavering support during her country's turbulent journey. She acknowledged the countless ways they've opened their hearts and homes to thousands of Belarusians, offering sanctuary from oppression, and championing the cause of political prisoners.
But Tsikhanouskaya's message was clear: Belarusians are distinct from the regime Lukashenko has fostered, and Belarus must not be grouped with Russia. She passionately argued that if Lukashenko had not collaborated with Moscow to suppress the Belarussian populace in 2020, a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 might never have occurred.
Lamenting the misuse of commemorative days like May 9, Tsikhanouskaya denounced the military parades and propaganda shows in both Minsk and Moscow, explaining them as justification campaigns to legitimize brutal aggressions. She warned of Putin and Lukashenko as the aggressors, asserting that their actions are a grave threat to the security and stability of the region.
Although, Tsikhanouskaya remains hopeful that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia could bring resolution, she also acknowledges the risks involved. She fears that if Putin remains unpunished, he'll strengthen his grasp over Belarus, escalations will persist, and the looming threat could reach borders beyond Belarus.
However, peace on terms favorable to Ukraine could weaken Russia, paving the way for a democratic transition in Belarus. Tsikhanouskaya believes this transition is possible if the democratic forces remain vigilant and prepared.
Tsikhanouskaya eloquently stated that so long as Lukashenko remains in power, Belarus will remain a dangerous source of instability and military support for Russia. She expresses her desire for lasting and irreversible change, aiming to liberate Belarus from Moscow's control and abolish any residual influence of Russian spheres of control.
"We must not let Moscow justify its role as an oppressor, attempting to reassert control over its disobedient children," Tsikhanouskaya said, reinforcing the need for Belarus to be treated as an independent nation rather than a subservient prodigal son.
She called for the withdrawal of Russian troops not just from Ukraine but also from Belarus, urging the removal of nuclear weapons as well. Tsikhanouskaya envisions a Belarus free from Russian military and political control as a significant blow to Putin, benefitting not only Belarus, but also Ukraine, and the entire region's security.
Closing her address, Tsikhanouskaya reminded her audience that the Belarusian people voted for change in 2020 and that their aspirations for Europe remain undiminished, despite the terrors that try to shatter their dreams. She expressed her belief that once Belarus reclaims its sovereignty, it will swiftly embark on the journey towards European integration, following the same path that Latvia paved 20 years ago.
Bravely, Tsikhanouskaya acknowledged the hurdles that Belarus must overcome in order to dismantle the regime, support Ukraine, and restore justice. But she also expressed gratitude for the solidarity offered by allies like Latvia, reiterating her hope that the Nordic-Baltic eight may one day become a unified front of nine.
In conclusion, Tsikhanouskaya's speech underscored the importance of upholding Belarus' independence and sovereignty as a key factor in ensuring stability, security, and unity in Europe. Her call to action serves as a rallying cry for the democratic forces across the continent, echoing the sentiments of a nation longing for freedom, peace, and European unity.
- Tsikhanouskaya emphasizes the need to keep Belarus free from Russian influence, particularly in the spheres of defense and politics, as she sees this as a crucial factor in maintaining regional stability and security.
- In the realm of war-and-conflicts policy and legislation, Tsikhanouskaya argues that the actions of Putin and Lukashenko are grave threats, and she advocates for punishing Putin to prevent further escalations, including potential invasions.
- As a champion for general news, Tsikhanouskaya expresses her desire for an irreversible change in Belarus, aiming to liberate it from Moscow's control and abolish any residual influence in the spheres of control.
- In the context of her nation's long-standing yearning for European unity, Tsikhanouskaya aspires for Belarus to emulate the transformation espoused by Latvia 20 years ago, following a similar path towards European integration.
- In an effort to foster an environment conducive to democracy, Tsikhanouskaya believes that the upcoming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, if successful, could weaken Russia, paving the way for a democratic transition in Belarus, provided the democratic forces remain ready and vigilant.
