Belarusian Opposition Leader Advocates for Democracy in Cyprus Visit
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian political opposition leader, held discussions with Cypriot officials, including House president Annita Demetriou and members of the House foreign affairs committee. Tsikhanouskaya’s visit to Cyprus on Wednesday underscores the ongoing international efforts to address human rights issues and the struggle for democracy in Belarus.
Having emerged as a key figure in Belarusian politics following her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky’s arrest, Tsikhanouskaya has been vocal in her opposition to President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. She stepped into the political limelight by running for president in 2020, advocating for constitutional reform and free elections. Despite facing government threats and the arrest of her supporters, she led a campaign marked by significant public gatherings and claimed victory in the election. However, Lukashenko announced his own victory with an official tally of 81 percent of the votes.
Following the contentious election, Tsikhanouskaya sought refuge in Lithuania and established the United Transitional Cabinet, a government in exile, while her husband remains imprisoned. During her visit, she highlighted the dire situation in Belarus, describing it as a “deep humanitarian crisis” with thousands of political prisoners detained by the regime.
Annita Demetriou expressed concerns about the “violations of human rights and civil liberties” under Lukashenko’s rule. She emphasized the need for the European Union to take a firm stance against such authoritarian practices. Harris Georgiades, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee, echoed this sentiment, calling Belarus’s plight a shared struggle for freedom and democracy.
Tsikhanouskaya thanked Cyprus and its leadership for their support and called for greater decisiveness from democratic nations. She affirmed that Belarusians are striving for democratic change and wish to see their country rejoin the European family of nations. Her visit to Cyprus is a testament to the solidarity sought by those fighting for democracy in Belarus and beyond.
