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"Do not give Belarus to Russia as a consolation prize"

14.09.2023 17:00
Svietlana Tsikhanouskaya, exiled Belarusian opposition leader, appealed to MEPs not to "give" Belarus to Russia as part of any future peace negotiations with Russia. 
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressing MEPs.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressing MEPs. Photo: Wikipedia/By European Parliament

"Belarusians want to hear that our country will not be given to Russia as a consolation prize," Tsikhanouskaya said, addressing the plenary of the European Parliament. 

She requested broad European support for the democratic and independent aspirations of Belarus. Removing Lukashenka is an essential step on the path to Belarus' self-determination:

"Lukashenka does not deserve place in the international community, but a ticket to the international court in Hague."

She also announced the intention that the Belarusian democratic opposition should begin issuing passports confirming Belarusian citizenship, so that exiled Belarusians can travel freely. This move would also be a key step towards undermining the legitimacy of Lukashenka's rule. Tsikhanouskaya said that she would be requesting EU governments to recognise these new passports. 

Sources: European Parliament, Twitter

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