November 10, Pozirk. Germany continues to stand in full solidarity with Belarusian democratic forces and advocates for the freedom of all political prisoners, the country’s Foreign Office wrote on X on November 9 following State Secretary Géza Andreas von Geyr’s meeting with Sviatłana Cichanoŭskaja.
The meeting focused on the situation in Belarus and the region, sanctions policy, the release of political prisoners and the difficulty Belarusians have with legalization in Germany, Cichanoŭskaja’s press office said.
Cichanoŭskaja thanked Germany for its “principled support for Belarusian pro-democracy forces and civil society and its firm stance toward the Łukašenka regime.”
The two sides discussed the need for the EU to maintain its united front on Belarus and for sanctions pressure to end repression and Minsk’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, the press office said. They reportedly agreed that the transit of Belarusian potash through the EU should not resume until repression stops.
Other topics under discussion included the Russian military presence in Belarus, the need to put Belarus on the agenda of future negotiations on peace in Ukraine and European security, the threat of Russification, the militarization of young Belarusians and the need to “strengthen” Belarus’ independence, the press office said.
Cichanoŭskaja suggested that Germany should appoint a special envoy for relations with Belarusian pro-democracy forces and civil society.
Also under discussion was assistance for former political prisoners and the possibility of expanding of humanitarian programs, including programs of medical and psychological rehabilitation for former Belarusian political prisoners.
“Germany is one of Belarus’ most important partners, and we greatly appreciate its support,” Cichanoŭskaja was quoted as saying. “I thanked the German side for receiving released political prisoners, including Maryja Kaleśnikava, Viktar Babaryka, journalists and activists. Our task today is not only to push for the release of all political prisoners but also to end repression, preserve Belarus’ independence and prepare the country for democratic transition.”
According to her press office, while in Berlin, Cichanoŭskaja also met with the speakers of the German and French parliaments and attended events marking the 37th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Cichanoŭskaja reportedly thanked Germany and France for supporting the Belarusian people, pro-democracy forces and political prisoners, and urged European leaders to maintain unity and avoid compromising with dictatorships at the expense of human rights and European security.
