Belarusian pro-democracy activists in Kosovo discussing alternative passports

April 16, Pozirk. A Belarusian opposition delegation and Kosovar officials, yesterday in Pristina, agreed to hold consultations on an alternative passport for émigrés.

Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians are in exile as a result of the political crisis ongoing since 2020. Many of them cannot renew their passports because of the risk of contact with Belarusian officials.

The Belarusian opposition wants to print alternative passports to help their compatriots legalize their status. However, plans to open a passport center in Vilnius have failed due to objections from Lithuanian politicians.

The Belarusian delegation included Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja’s aides Franak Viačorka, Dzianis Kučynski and Anatol Labiedźka, as well as Pavieł Libier, founder of the online platforms Hołas and Novaja Belaruś. They met with the head of the presidential office, the vice mayor of the capital, representatives of the ministries of internal and foreign affairs and other officials.

“Kosovo has had a positive experience in issuing passports to undocumented citizens. Kosovar passports are now recognized by most countries in the world,” Cichanoŭskaja’s office said.

The delegation also discussed employment programs for Belarusian journalists and bloggers in Kosovo.

The Belarusian regime is among some 85 governments that do not recognize the independence of the Republic of Kosovo.

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