Achieving the goal of a future democratic Belarus was the main topic of discussion during a meeting between Deputy Head of the Cabinet Pavel Latushka and the Political Director of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gerard Keown.
In light of global security challenges and the war waged by Russia against Ukraine with the support of the Lukashenko regime, special attention was given to the necessity of considering support for Belarusian society in the development of Europe's future security strategy. Belarusian citizens oppose the war and aspire to live in a democratic, European, and independent state — the Republic of Belarus.
Pavel Latushka requested support from the representative of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically for:
Independent media and bloggers, ensuring their ability to operate despite ongoing repression.
Non-governmental organizations, particularly those focused on human rights protection.
Additionally, the meeting covered:
Strategies for pressuring the Lukashenko regime, including:
Holding Lukashenko and his accomplices internationally accountable for aggression against Ukraine, war crimes related to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, and crimes against humanity against the Belarusian people.
Expanding and harmonizing sanctions against the regime at the European level.
The situation in Belarus:
A significant number of political prisoners remain in the country, with repression continuing in full force.
All independent political parties have been liquidated.
More than 50% of non-governmental organizations have been shut down.
Gerard Keown emphasized the need to continue pressure on the Lukashenko regime and to support Belarusian democratic forces. He condemned the brutality of the Lukashenko regime and expressed solidarity with the Belarusian people in their fight for democracy, confirming Ireland’s readiness to provide assistance.
The representative of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also supported further strengthening sanctions against the Lukashenko regime. Possible next steps to enhance and increase the effectiveness of sanction pressure were discussed during the meeting.
Pavel Latushka stated:"Ireland has a completely realistic assessment of the Lukashenko regime, which is an ally of Russia in its aggression against Ukraine. Ireland supports and will continue to support stronger sanctions against the regime unless it stops backing the war against Ukraine.
Ireland is also considering ways to support bringing Lukashenko to justice for the crimes he has committed against Belarusians and in relation to the aggression against Ukraine.
We also discussed financial support and assistance for Belarusian civil society. Ireland fully understands the importance and priority of supporting independent media and bloggers. I requested that appropriate funds be allocated. Additionally, we talked about the need for financial support for civil initiatives and human rights organizations".
The representative of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed interest in organizing a special conference in Ireland dedicated to Belarusian culture and its support.
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