January 11, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja asked Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Helsinki today to simplify the process of legalization and asylum for exiles amid complaints about red tape.
“According to diaspora members, there are many refusals. Belarus is not a safe country to return to, and here is why Cichanoŭskaja asks Finland to meet them halfway,” her aide told Pozirk.
The two leaders also discussed sanctions, justice, recuperation of former political prisoners and their families, and cultural initiatives to strengthen Belarusian national identity.
Cichanoŭskaja also met with Jussi Halla-aho, speaker of the Parliament of Finland, to discuss a resolution on Belarus and other relevant issues. Part of their negotiations was conducted in Belarusian, as Halla-aho is a Slavic linguist by training.
The former presidential candidate also spoke at the Helsinki Dialogue conference. She called on the world to remember Belarusian political prisoners, many of whom are “in critical condition” and “urgently need our help.”
