In . – 24.02.2023 17:50 (act. 24.02.2023 18:00)
Tichanovskaya in Vienna. ©APA/ROBERT JAEGER
Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tichanovskaya came to Vienna at the invitation of the OSCE. In the federal capital, she campaigns to support the democratic movement in Belarus.
“We need Austrian and international support to win back our country,” the former presidential candidate said on Friday after a meeting with members of the National Council. Tikhanovskaya also warned of the Kremlin’s plans to wipe out Belarus on the anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Tichanovskaya demands the withdrawal of troops
Tichanovskaya warned in a press conference with Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS), Martin Engelberg (ÖVP) and Michel Reimon (Greens): “Belarus has been taken hostage by Russia.” Under the guise of war, Russia is taking control of Belarus and trying to destroy the Belarusian identity and state. “He wants to enslave our people.” More than 10,000 Russian troops are stationed in Belarus to carry out the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Therefore, she demanded the complete withdrawal of Russian troops not only from Ukraine, but also from Belarus. “Without a free Belarus, it will be a constant threat to Ukraine and Europe.”
Brandstätter, Engelberg and Reimon claimed that Austria does not recognize Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko. A surrender of Belarusian sovereignty would also not be recognized by either the National Council or any other Austrian institution, added Engelberg, who also worked as an election observer in Belarus. Reimon emphasized the need to put Belarus back on the European agenda. Tikhanovskaya said that while Belarus has not been forgotten by the international community, the issue is not a priority. The crises in Ukraine and Belarus must be resolved together.
Brandstätter reported on Tichanovskaya’s proposal
Tichanovskaya declared that she wanted to form an “international coalition for an independent Belarus”. She was convinced that Austria would become its founding member. Brandstätter, chairman of the bilateral parliamentary friendship group, explained to the APA that Tichanovskaya had suggested contacts with “representatives of a free Belarus”, i.e. a kind of planned Belarusian parliament in exile. Austrian MEPs made a point of establishing these contacts.
Tichanovskaya’s appeal to Austria
Tichanovskaya also appealed to Austria: “Stop collaborating with state companies and institutions. This money finances torture, repression and war. Do not support Lukashenko and do not help the regime to circumvent sanctions.”
And, addressing Ukraine, he emphasized that Belarus is with Ukraine, the whole world is with Ukraine. “Fight for your country, fight for your dignity and your nation. You have shown exceptional courage and unity. And Putin will never win.”
Tichanovskaya met the mayor of Vienna
Tichanovskaya traveled to Vienna at the invitation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). She is speaking at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and wants to take part in a solidarity action for Ukraine at Stephansplatz. The opposition leader met Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens), National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) and Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) on Thursday.
Zadic sharply criticized the repression, violence and restrictions on critical expression of opinion in Belarus and called for the release of political prisoners. More than 1,445 political prisoners and 34 journalists are currently being held in the eastern European country, 81 lawyers have been banned and 1,173 NGOs have been dissolved.