"We declare our ongoing support for a free Belarus on behalf of the President of Poland, and the President's consistent focus on the Belarus issue during international meetings. This commitment is unwavering," stated Mieszko Pawlak, Secretary of State and Head of the Bureau of International Policy of the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland, during a meeting at the Palace of the President of Poland with Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management.
Pavel Latushka expressed gratitude to the President of Poland for the support extended to Belarusians advocating for democratic changes in Belarus. He emphasized the situation of political repression against the civilian population, which has escalated in recent days: "The initiation of criminal cases against 20 prominent Belarusian politicians, journalists, and independent analysts aims to restrict the access of Belarusians and the international community to accurate information about the situation in Belarus." The Minister in the Office of the President of Poland agreed with the viewpoint expressed by the United Transitional Cabinet representative, that a democratic, independent, and European Belarus aligns with the shared national interests of Belarusian society and Poland.
During the meeting, particular attention was given to the responsibility of Lukashenko and his regime for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against Belarusians. Information regarding the documentation of these crimes was shared. Pavel Latushka commended the fact that the Polish prosecutor's office issued six arrest warrants for individuals associated with the Lukashenko regime, including the head of the prison in Zhodino, the Center for Isolation of Offenders (Akrestina) in Minsk, and others involved in the repressions.
The following topics were discussed during the meeting:
Pavel Latushka provided information about the "electoral campaign" underway in Belarus and the scheduled "single day for the appointment of Lukashenko's deputies" on February 25, emphasizing that this campaign cannot be recognized as legitimate elections.
Information was shared regarding Lukashenko's actions aimed at the militarization of Belarus, including a significant increase in the military budget and the deployment of nuclear weapons.
In response to the counterpart’s request, information was provided about the incorporation of mercenaries from the PMC "Wagner" into the structure of Lukashenko's internal troops within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The parties discussed the necessity to counter threats to the sovereignty and independence of Belarus arising from the so-called Union State of Belarus and Russia.
The issue of political prisoners was discussed separately, including the repression faced by the relatives of political prisoners and former political prisoners. Pavel Latushka conveyed the stance of the democratic forces in Belarus on the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Andrzej Poczobut, a well-known figure of the Polish ethnic minority in Belarus.
Pavel Latushka emphasized that Belarus and Poland are European countries with a shared historical past. The two nations are connected through significant events such as the Battle of Grunwald and the Constitution of May 3rd. The bond between the peoples, which has endured for centuries, remains vital today, particularly when Belarusians are in need of solidarity.