Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys urged an international response to the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, criticizing them as a sham orchestrated by the Lukashenko regime. He called for continued sanctions and support for Belarusian democratic forces after meeting with opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, emphasizing the need to combat repression and maintain a democratic and peaceful neighbor in Belarus.
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Kęstutis Budrys, has accentuated the necessity for a global response to the upcoming presidential elections in Belarus, which are set for next year. His remarks followed a meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent figure in the Belarusian opposition. Budrys specifically criticized the elections as a facade orchestrated by the Lukashenko regime to maintain power, urging both continued sanctions against Belarus and support for democratic forces within the country. Furthermore, he reiterated Lithuania’s commitment to fostering a democratic and peaceful Belarus, having raised concerns at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
In his statement, Minister Budrys highlighted the significance of international solidarity against the systematic repression of the Belarusian populace, along with Belarus’s alliances with countries like Russia and North Korea. He stressed the urgency for the international community to vocally condemn the actions of the Lukashenko regime, which persistently suppresses dissent while supporting Russian military aggression. The Lithuanian government has also proposed an extension of existing sanctions against Belarusian and Russian citizens, aiming to address these ongoing concerns.
In recent years, Belarus has experienced significant political unrest, particularly following the contentious presidential elections in 2020, which led to widespread accusations of electoral fraud and repression. President Alexander Lukashenko, having been in power since 1994, faces growing opposition, notably represented by figures such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who have sought to challenge his authoritarian regime. Lithuania and other Baltic states have actively supported the Belarusian opposition and imposed sanctions in response to the ongoing violations of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus. The upcoming elections in 2024 are viewed with skepticism, prompting calls for a unified international stance against the Lukashenko government.
In conclusion, Kęstutis Budrys’s call for an international reaction to the upcoming Belarusian elections reflects Lithuania’s commitment to democratic values and support for opposition forces in Belarus. The continued repression under the Lukashenko regime, alongside its collaboration with authoritarian states, necessitates a robust response from the global community. As Lithuania maintains its stance against the regime’s actions, it underscores the importance of solidarity in promoting democracy and human rights in Belarus.
Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua
