Cichanoŭskaja meets with US envoy, hoping for “good news” on political prisoners

November 24, Pozirk. Exiled Belarusian pro-democracy leader Śviatłana Cichanouskaja met with John Coale, US special envoy for Belarus, she said at a news conference in Warsaw on November 24.

Speaking about efforts to secure the release of Belarus’ political prisoners, she said, “We share an understanding of the situation. Mr. Coale is making a huge effort to get our people out of prisons, put an end to repression and make sure people have the opportunity to stay in Belarus. I sincerely hope for good news in the coming weeks.”

She added that her camp and human rights organizations have prepared “all necessary infrastructure to receive political prisoners in Poland and Lithuania and provide for their basic needs.”

Cichanoŭskaja said she had received positive signals from the European Commission and some countries on support for Belarus’ independent media for the next year. Her camp is also working to mobilize support for cultural initiatives, human rights organizations and the International Humanitarian Fund for Help to Victims of Repression.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump nominated Coale as special envoy to Belarus. 

The US diplomat reportedly reached an agreement with Minsk on the next round of Belarusian prisoner releases but the deal has not yet materialized.

Łukašenka announces talks with Washington next month