Cichanoŭskaja: we want to learn from Bulgaria about transition to democracy

March 4, Pozirk. “We want to learn from Bulgaria about the transition from dictatorship to democracy” is a message that opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja plans to convey during her visit to Sofia, which began today, her chief advisor Franak Viačorka told Pozirk.

According to him, the talks will also focus on Bulgaria’s support for Belarusians’ European aspirations, Sofia’s cooperation with Belarusian democratic forces in international organizations, sanctions and accountability for the regime, cultural cooperation, the relocation of Belarusian IT specialists to the country, visas and recuperation programs for children of Belarusian political prisoners and repression victims.

Cichanoŭskaja is expected to meet with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, National Assembly Speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov, Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel, Deputy Justice Minister Emil Dechev, foreign affairs adviser Stefan Tafrov, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, head of the parliamentary committee on European affairs Kiril Petkov and former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

She plans to announce the establishment of the Friends of Democratic Belarus parliamentary group during the visit.

Cichanoŭskaja is to give a lecture on Belarusian resistance at Sofia University, participate in a couple of TV shows, and talk to Bulgarian radio and foreign media.