Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador
Support for independent media, including Belsat TV, along with strategy regarding Belarus during Poland's upcoming EU presidency were the main topics discussed during a meeting between Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the Belarusian United Transitional Cabinet and head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, and representatives of Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yesterday a meeting with Ambassador Tomasz Chłoń, Poland's representative for combatting international disinformation, was held. Today there was a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Prawda.
Supporting and preserving the independence of Belsat TV is a priority for Belarusian democratic society. Pavel Latushka noted that Belsat makes significant contributions countering the propaganda of Lukashenko's regime by providing Belarusians with objective, truthful, and honest information about current events, as well as promoting use of the Belarusian language, which Lukashenko actively suppresses.
During the meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Prawda, the importance of a Belarus strategy with Poland playing a special role was discussed. Poland has deep historical and cultural ties with Belarus and the Belarusian people as a neighboring country sharing a border. At the same time, Lukashenko's regime poses threats to Poland's national security and the security of the entire region. It is critical for both Belarusian society and neighboring countries that Belarus becomes an independent, democratic, European nation that won't destabilize the region.
Pavel Latushka stated: "It's important we do everything to prevent Belarus from becoming North Korea, to keep borders open so Belarusians can engage with the EU. Yes, unfortunately there is a war ongoing. The problems arising for us Belarusians relate to Lukashenko's support for Russian aggression in Ukraine. The blame for the current situation, including at the Belarusian border, lies with Lukashenko personally and his associates. They support aggression against Ukraine while repressing their own people."
Poland's upcoming EU presidency, which starts January 1, 2025, was also discussed. One of the first actions planned is the Tadeusz Kosciuszko Conference in early 2025 at the European Solidarity Center in Gdańsk. Representatives of all EU member states are expected to attend. As planned, this conference will be a major event of Poland's EU presidency.
"It's important that during this conference, decisions are made to accelerate change in Belarus. The change Belarusians continue fighting for," Latushka noted.
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