November 21, Pozirk. The Estonian president took to X after his meeting with Belarusian pro-democracy leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja yesterday to express support for Belarusians fighting for freedom.
“The EU must keep firm pressure until political prisoners are released and until all repression ends,” he said.
The discussion focused on the military and political situation in Belarus, Alaksandar Łukašenka’s reliance on Russian support and his role as a co-aggressor against Ukraine, humanitarian efforts by the United States and the Vatican, border incidents and hybrid threats emanating from Belarus and international efforts to force the Belarusian regime to end repression.
Cichanoŭskaja informed President Alar Karis about her camp’s cooperation with the European Union, including support for the independent media, civil society and cultural projects. She also talked about legalization issues for Belarusians, relations between Belarus and Ukraine and efforts to cultivate pro-European sentiment in Belarusian society.
Cichanoŭskaja thanked Estonia for appointing a special envoy for Belarus, supporting Belarusian initiatives, hosting the Office of Pro-Democracy Forces in Tallinn and aiding victims of repression.
She invited the president to visit the Office.
The politicians agreed to work closely next year, especially on efforts to isolate the Belarusian regime and secure the release of Belarus’ political prisoners.
Cichanoŭskaja will wrap up her visit to Tallinn today. She is expected to meet with officials of the foreign and interior ministries and members of the group of support of a democratic Belarus in the Lithuanian parliament, as well as with Belarusians living in Estonia.
She will also attend the screening of the film “Not Made for Politics” about journalists living in exile and a reception hosted by the Canadian filmmakers.
