Opposition leader awards prominent Poles, Belarusians during Warsaw visit

January 9, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, who is in Poland on a three-day visit, presented awards to several Poles and exiled Belarusians yesterday for their contributions to the struggle for freedom in Belarus, her press office reported.
Elżbieta Smułkowa, linguist and the first Polish ambassador to Belarus, prominent Belarusian poet Uładzimir Niaklajeŭ, exiled publisher Andrej Januškievič, Jan Malicki of the Warsaw University’s Center for Eastern European Studies and Polish philanthropist Maciej Radziwiłł received medals distinguishing their intellectual and public activities.
“Belarusians and Poles have a long history of joint struggle for freedom and independence,” Cichanoŭskaja said. “I am sure that the major victory is still ahead of us. This victory will have its own day – the day when Belarus and Poland will become neighbors in the European Union. Today we are presenting awards on behalf of the transition cabinet to people who have worked hard to bring this day closer.”
The politician stressed the importance of promoting the Belarusian language and heritage amid ongoing Russification and increased Russian presence.
Cichanoŭskaja also met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk yesterday, who assured her that Belarus will be a priority during Poland’s presidency of the European Union.
The Belarusian politician is expected to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and other top officials.

Cichanoŭskaja to push for Belarus strategy during Poland visit
- Politics, SecurityTwo migrants found dead in Bug RiverThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyViasna lawyer criticizes extremist designation for jewelry brandThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsOpposition says dialogue with Minsk possible without ŁukašenkaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarusians boost rubel term deposits to 62.6 percentThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyPolish customs halt $380,000 cigarette smuggling operation near Belarus borderThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyDrug-related sentences rise 2.9 percent in H1The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, PoliticsLithuania not relaxing Belarus sanctions, considering stronger measures – ministerThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyEmergency ministry deploys elite unit to deal with aftermath of wind stormThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- PoliticsRights defenders identify eight more political prisonersThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsWarsaw-based Center of Belarusian Solidarity to resume legal assistance to emigrantsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SocietyBelarus to raise subsistence minimum budget on August 1The material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyInterior ministry to launch public safety chatbotThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyWarsaw police arrest Belarusian and Ukrainian over alleged scamThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SocietyRussia stops watermelons shipment to BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- Economy
- Security, Society
- PoliticsRights groups designate 11 more political prisonersThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy