Opposition leader grateful to United States for “consistent support” of Belarusians

July 4, BPN. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has thanked the United States for its support of Belarusians and their “right to exist as a free and sovereign nation,” says her congratulatory message on the US Independence Day.

“On this July 4, we join you in celebrating our common values of freedom, liberty and democracy,” she tweeted.

A day earlier, on Belarus’ official Independence Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Minsk to release all political prisoners and end politically-motivated crackdown in the country.

“Your courage, resilience, and perseverance in pursuing a democratic, sovereign, and stable future for Belarus have inspired the world,” he said in his address to Belarusians.

“You continue to stand up and speak out for a truly independent and democratic future for your country, where you can live free of repression and where you will be able to determine the course of your own future,” Blinken noted.

The United States admires Belarusians’ “perseverance in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms” and supports efforts to defend Belarusian language, culture, and identity, he stressed.