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 The resilience of the people of Belarus under dictatorship and oppression deserves our utmost respect and admiration. Latvia will continue to provide support for Belarusians in their fight for the right to live in a free county and enjoy democracy and human rights. This message was underscored by Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, in her meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democracy movement, at the Saeima on Wednesday, 7 June.

The Parliament of Latvia is closely watching the developments in Belarus, condemning human rights violations and expressing support for the democratic opposition. Our solidarity is also affirmed by the establishment of the Group for the support of a democratic Belarus that already brings together one-fifth of our parliamentarians, said Mūrniece.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked Latvia for the practical support provided to Belarusians that have found refuge here. She called for continuing the policy of non-recognition of Lukashenka’s power and intensifying sanctions to weaken the regime.

Since August 2020, Latvia has actively supported the Belarusian civil society and will continue to do so, the Speaker affirmed. Latvia gives special attention to the support for independent media in the region, as access to trustworthy and verified information is critically important at a time when state-controlled media are spreading disinformation and propaganda in Belarus and Russia. Latvia is supporting the Belarusian students and teachers living and working in Latvia. Mechanisms have also been developed to support the re-location of Belarusian companies to Latvia.

The Speaker of the Saeima underlined that the developments in Ukraine will affect the situation throughout the region, as well as the future of Belarus. It is also crucial for Ukraine to have the support of the Belarusian people in its fight against the aggression of Russia.  

Today’s meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was also joined by Rihards Kols, Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Jānis Vucāns, President of the Baltic Assembly, and Uldis Budriķis, Deputy Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee.

Saeima Press Service