Johnson confirmed that U.K. will provide further help to the people of Belarus, amidst a crackdown on those opposing the Government.
The Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson has assured the exiled Belarus opposition leader – Svetlana Tikhanovskaya that U.K. is very much on her side.
Johnson confirmed that U.K. will provide further help to the people of Belarus, amidst a crackdown on those opposing the Government. The meeting was held at 10, Downing Street, London.
The President of Belarus – Alexander Lukashenko is accused of rigging the August 9, 2020 polls. However, Lukashenko has denied all allegations of vote-rigging. It is believed he sought help from Russia to stay in power. This was followed by mass protest across the country where people demanded his immediate resignation. The protests are still being held every Sunday.
Despite mass opposition, Lukashenko held an abrupt swearing-in ceremony at the Palace of Independence in the capital city of Minsk. The E.U. and United States (U.S.) and U.K. have refused to recognise him as the leader of Belarus. A report looking into the election and subsequent crackdown, published by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said human rights abuses were found to be massive and systematic and proven beyond doubt.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya claims she had won the Presidential polls last year but Lukashenko managed to rig the outcome. Forced to flee the country with her children on the day after the election, she now lives in Lithuania.
Taking it to twitter, Boris Johnson tweeted,
It was a great honour to welcome the very courageous @Tsihanouskaya to Downing Street today.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 3, 2021
The United Kingdom stands with her and the Belarusian people in supporting democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus. pic.twitter.com/hMZyWMqC9O
The meeting comes after Vitaly Shishov, the head of a group helping people who have fled Belarus, was found dead near his home in neighbouring Ukraine. Police said they were investigating whether he had been killed or is it a suicide.
Speaking to media, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said she is sure U.K. will help her in restoring peace in Belarus. She also said that Mr. Johnson is a person who really shares common values with Belarusians. She also acknowledge the help extended by international community and said she is determined to revive the fortune of Belarus.
She wants the western nations to impose sanctions on Lukashenko’s Government. The U.K. has already imposed sanctions including travel bans and asset freezing for senior Belarusian officials. The E.U. has also imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and 15 other officials over repression of pro-democracy movement.
Johnson also promised her of having multiple points of pressure on Lukashenko. This would include assistance for Belarusian journalists forced to flee the country, and for democracy campaigners and charities.
