Opposition politician calls for focus on Belarus during Poland’s EU presidency

January 4, Pozirk. A democratic and independent Belarus, the goal of most Belarusians, will also benefit Poland, said Pavieł Łatuška of the opposition transition cabinet yesterday at a ceremony marking the start of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This common interest can help elaborate policies focusing on the democratic transformation of Belarus, he said at the event, to which he ha been invited by Polish Minister for EU Affairs Adam Szłapka, Łatuška’s press office told Pozirk.
Belarusian pro-democracy forces keep working with the EU agencies to promote Belarusians’ European aspirations, Łatuška stressed.
The Belarusian dimension of the Polish presidency of the EU Council should focus on the non-recognition of the upcoming presidential vote and ensuring accountability for Alaksandar Łukašenka for human rights abuses and support of Russia’s war on Ukraine, he noted.
The politician called on Warsaw to facilitate the participation of Belarusian opposition politicians in potential Ukraine peace talks while banning Minsk authorities from negotiations.
Łatuška also expressed hope that the Polish presidency will strengthen the EU strategy towards the humanitarian crisis in Belarus, help secure the release of political prisoners and increase pressure on Minsk.

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