Opposition leader discusses Belarus with G7 foreign ministers

April 19, Pozirk. Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja lobbied for the return of Belarus to the international agenda as she met G7 foreign ministers on Capri this Thursday.

“Belarus should not become a consolation prize for [Vladimir] Putin,” she summarized the visit on YouTube, noting that Łukašenka and his officials must be held accountable for support of Russia’s war on Ukraine and reprisals against Belarusians.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was reportedly very concerned about the fate of political prisoners in Belarus, assuring Cichanoŭskaja that the US was making efforts for their release.

The opposition leader asked German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to support Belarusian independent media, civil society and rehabilitation programs for more than 1,300 Belarusians who served prison terms in politically-motivated cases.

Cichanoŭskaja’s talks with the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell also focused on support for Belarusian civil society and exiled Belarusians.

The politician explored the opportunity of launching a strategic dialogue with the United Kingdom with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and discussed her possible visit to France with its top diplomat Stéphane Séjourné. The French minister asked questions about the militarization of the Belarusian economy.

The G7 foreign ministers’ meeting is held ahead of the 50th G7 Summit, scheduled for June 13-15 in Fasano, southern Italy.

The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Italy holds the 2024 G7 presidency.