On Thursday, he participated in the event “Threat to the independence of Belarus and the international response” in New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.
“Today, no one doubts that the Lukashenko and Putin regimes work hand in hand in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as kidnapping Ukrainian children. As the mood of “fatigue” due to Russia’s war against Ukraine grows stronger in the world, we cannot remain passive observers of the events in Belarus,” he said.
“The elected leader of the Belarusian democratic forces Sviatlana Cichanouska and other democratic forces of Belarus need the support of the international community, and we all need a democratic Belarus,” said the head of Lithuanian diplomacy.
He also emphasized the importance of sanctions in ensuring that the impunity of authoritarian regimes is stopped.
“It is necessary not only to loudly name the crimes of the Lukashenka regime against the people of Belarus, but also to sanction even more strictly the businesses and persons who help Russia. We also have to more actively help the forces of democracy in this country to preserve the independence of Belarus, organize independent elections and restore democratic institutions”, asserted G. Landsbergis.
Following the presidential election on August 9, 2020, when Aliaksandr Lukashenko announced that he had been elected to a sixth consecutive term, unprecedented protests broke out in Belarus, and the authorities launched a large-scale crackdown on dissidents, journalists and activists.
S. Cichanouskaja, who competed with A. Lukashenko in the elections, was forced to leave the country, she continues her political activities from Vilnius. Due to the ongoing repressions, thousands of residents left Belarus.
After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last February, Belarus provided support to the Russian army.
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**Interview with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister on ICC Referral of Belarus**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Lithuania has formally referred Belarus to the International Criminal Court. What prompted this significant decision?
**Minister:** Thank you for having me. Our decision to refer Belarus to the ICC stems from grave concerns regarding the ongoing human rights abuses and acts of repression committed by the Lukashenko regime against political opposition and civil society. We believe these actions amount to crimes against humanity, and it is imperative for the international community to take a stand against such behaviors.
**Interviewer:** You recently highlighted the connection between the Belarusian and Russian regimes during a conference in New York. Can you expand on that?
**Minister:** Absolutely. The underscored reality is that both the Lukashenko and Putin regimes collaborate closely, particularly in the context of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. This includes heinous acts such as the abduction of Ukrainian children. It is crucial to recognize these linkages as they pose a broader threat not only to Belarus but to democratic stability in Europe as well.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the growing “fatigue” regarding the war in Ukraine. How does this impact the situation in Belarus?
**Minister:** The international community must not allow fatigue to result in indifference. The situation in Belarus is critical, and we are calling for sustained support for leaders like Sviatlana Cichanouska and other democratic forces. A democratic Belarus should be a collective goal, and international support is vital in achieving that.
**Interviewer:** You’ve stressed the importance of sanctions. Can you elaborate on that?
**Minister:** Sanctions play a crucial role in holding authoritarian regimes accountable. They serve not only as punishment but also as a deterrent against further abuses. We need to ensure that these regimes understand they cannot act with impunity. Consistent pressure from the international community will foster changes towards a more democratic environment in Belarus.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you hope to send to the international community regarding Belarus?
**Minister:** My message is clear: we must stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus. We cannot remain passive observers of the ongoing repression. Together, we can help pave the way toward democracy and uphold the values we collectively cherish. The future of Belarus—and indeed, the entire region—depends on our decisive action now.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Minister. We appreciate your time.
**Minister:** Thank you for having me.
