"We are engaged in a strategic dialogue, which means the discussion must focus on strategy — on a strategy to achieve the goal of an independent, democratic, and European Belarus. On a strategy to stop aggressors, restore security, deprive them of resources and spheres of influence. Belarus, in this strategy, is one of the cornerstones", — stated Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, during the Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue, Session I: "Sovereign, Stable, Democratic Belarus".
The Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue, held on December 3-4, brought together Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, members of the Coordination Council, and representatives of Belarusian civil society.
In his address, Pavel Latushka emphasized that while the West acted half-heartedly, sacrificing strategic goals for tactical political interests, the aggressor already had a strategy. "Russia is the only country that has a strategy not only for Belarus but for the entire region. It is a strategy of imperial expansion. Therefore, Belarus cannot be a gift for Putin at peace negotiations. It can be a victim, yes. But Belarus is not a bargaining chip. Belarusians are not a consumable material", — said Pavel Latushka.
Pavel Latushka noted that today’s Belarus is a military base for Russia, one that can be activated at any moment, as was the case in February 2022. Belarus also serves as a massive sanctions loophole through which Russia obtains goods necessary to continue its war, given that Belarus and Russia share a single customs area and effectively have no border.
He stressed that a true strategy involves supporting the Belarusian democratic society. "We are living in a historic moment. Russia’s goal is to destroy the existing world order and create chaos, allowing aggressors to reshape the world to their advantage by establishing spheres of influence. Aggressors will not stop unless they are stopped. And for this, Belarus must be clearly integrated into the strategy", — stated Pavel Latushka.
Pavel Latushka presented specific tools and objectives to the American side for implementing a successful strategy regarding Belarus:
Systematic and consistent support for organizations and initiatives of civil society, particularly those operating within Belarus, as well as support for independent media and bloggers;
Non-recognition of Lukashenko and recognition of the established and functioning political institutions of Belarusian democratic forces;
Continuation and intensification of sanctions against the Lukashenko regime;
Bringing Lukashenko to international criminal accountability for his crimes;
Ensuring that decisions about Belarusians are not made behind their backs.
"It is also crucial for us to define a specific goal for the strategy regarding Belarus. According to the consensus of the United Transitional Cabinet, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and the majority of the Coordination Council, the goal should be a democratic Belarus outside Russia’s sphere of influence; Belarus as an integral part of the European and Euro-Atlantic community and security system. Without this, there will be neither peace nor security", — concluded Pavel Latushka during the Belarus – U.S. Strategic Dialogue.
Commentaires