Pavel Latushka: Deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador
Solving the pressing problems of Belarusians abroad is the focus of the democratic forces in Belarus. The working trip of the deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, the head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka, to the Podlaskie Voivodeship continues.
On January 16, a meeting took place with the new Head of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Jacek Brzozowski, who is the representative of the Polish government in this region. During the meeting, Pavel Latushka initiated a discussion of the problematic issues concerning the legalization of Belarusians who were forced to leave the territory of Belarus and now live in Poland. These issues have been raised by Belarusians during meetings with representatives of the United Transitional Cabinet and the NAM team.
During the meeting, the following issues were highlighted:
Issues related to the apostille of documents, including the possibility of using a contract on legal assistance to avoid the need for an apostille on documents submitted to the authorities of Poland.
Problems with issuing Polish travel document (dokument podróży) and extending it validity to up to 3 years, as well as the possibility of issuing this document for Belarusian children born on Polish territory.
The process of issuing invitations from Belarusian citizens residing in Poland to obtain Polish visas.
Concerns regarding Belarusian-language education in the voivodeship for the Belarusian ethnic minority and the diaspora, the functioning of lyceums with additional study of the Belarusian language in Hajnówka and Bielsko-Biała, and the possibility of establishing Belarusian-language weekend schools for Belarusian children.
The establishment of the Center of Belarusian Culture in Bialystok.
Issues related to the functioning of the Polish-Belarusian border, particularly in the context of the Lukashenka regime conducting a hybrid war using illegal migrants against European Union member states neighboring Belarus.
An agreement was reached with the Head of the Podlaskie Voivodeship to take necessary actions at his level to address the problems faced by Belarusians. Additionally, the summarized material will be sent to the working group created between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland and the United Transitional Cabinet to develop solutions for these problematic issues.
During the meeting, Pavel Latushka expressed gratitude to the regional authorities for their constructive attitude towards the problems of Belarusians and their support for the Belarusian ethnic minority. He also noted the readiness of the United Transitional Cabinet to continue cooperation. Pavel Latushka emphasized that the new democratic authorities in Belarus will do everything possible to ensure the rights of the Polish ethnic minority in Belarus, including their right to study the Polish language and develop Polish culture in accordance with international standards.
Pavel Latushka also held meetings with Archbishop Jacob of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Białystok and Gdansk, the leadership of the Belarusian Union in Poland representing the Belarusian ethnic minority, the management of "Radio Racyja" and the "Niva" weekly publication for Belarusians in Poland, as well as well-known representatives of the Belarusian ethnic minority, including Yauhien Wap, Aleh Latyshonak, the organizer of the "Tutaka" festival, Pavel Stankevich, and the director of the Center of Belarusian Culture, Anatol Wap.
The day before, a two-hour meeting was held with representatives of the Belarusian diaspora in Bialystok at the Belarusian hub Novaya Ziamlia. During the meeting, Pavel Latushka addressed questions regarding the internal situation in Belarus, elections to the Coordination Council, aid and release of political prisoners, sanctions pressure, and other issues.
It is important to note that during the meeting, the Belarusians primarily discussed possible actions they can take to change the situation inside Belarus and facilitate a faster return to their homeland. This emphasizes the motivation of the Belarusian diaspora residing in the Podlaskie region to promote democratic changes in Belarus.
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