Estonia: Foreign Affairs Committee assured Tsikhanouskaya of Estonia’s continuing support to Belarusian people

NordenBladet — At its public sitting today, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) discussed the latest developments in Belarus with leader of the Belarusian opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and asserted Estonia’s continuing solidarity with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s mission and the people of Belarus.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Enn Eesmaa emphasised that Estonia had actively supported the democratic changes in Belarus, and had kept the situation in Belarus in the focus of several international organisations. “We observe with constant attention the events in Belarus and support the people there in their fight for free and democratic future. Their activities and their welfare are very close to our heart,” he said.

Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson recalled the Statement in Support of Democracy and Civil Society in Belarus adopted by the Riigikogu, and assured that the attention towards the events in Belarus would not cease. He wanted to know how the international community could contribute to putting pressure on the regime and reaching new, free and democratic elections in Belarus.

Tsikhanouskaya gave the Foreign Affairs Committee an overview of the recent developments in Belarus and the ways how the international community could support the civil society in Belarus. She underlined the need for imposing targeted sanctions and stressed the importance of solidarity and justice.

Tsikhanouskaya thanked Estonia for its support, and emphasised that the people of Belarus would not get tired from fighting for democratic and free society. She also encouraged the people of Estonia to support those who had been arrested and repressed in Belarus by sending them support postcards.

The meeting was also attended by members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu Imre Sooäär, Indrek Saar, Mihhail Lotman, Raivo Tamm and Ruuben Kaalep.