We call on the EU to use sanctions mechanisms as leverage to achieve systemic change in Belarus
The situation in Belarus, the accountability of the Lukashenko regime, and possible ways out of the deep domestic political crisis in Belarus were the main topics of discussion at a meeting between Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and delegate of the Coordination Council, and a delegation of the Flemish Peace Instituteand members of the Flemish Parliament. Flanders is a federated entity and the northern region of Belgium.
During the meeting, held at the Museum of Free Belarus, Pavel Latushka informed the representatives of Flanders about the dramatic situation inside Belarus and about the continuing unprecedented political repression in the country, which has taken on the character of a conveyor belt.
The meeting was also attended by the Speaker of the Coordination Council, Artsiom Brukhan, and by Uladzimir Astapenka, Representative for International and European Cooperation of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the Coordination Council's delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Separately, the Deputy Head of the Cabinet spoke about the institutions of the Belarusian democratic forces and the network of civil society organisations and initiatives that has been built. It was emphasised that this is a unique situation, and that the existing institutions are an alternative to the Lukashenko regime in international politics.
Pavel Latushka noted the importance of the work being done to bring representatives of the Lukashenko regime to justice for the war crime of deporting Ukrainian children to Belarus, the crime of aggression, and crimes against humanity against the Belarusian people. He also spoke about the Lukashenko regime's support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
During the meeting, Pavel Latushka presented the two-track strategy:
"The United States, using its sanctions mechanisms against the regime as well as methods of non-traditional diplomacy, has the necessary strength and resources to secure the release of all political prisoners and an end to the repression. Second, we call on the European Union and other democratic countries to consistently use sanctions mechanisms as leverage to achieve real, systemic change in Belarus."
Answering a question from a Flemish representative about the effectiveness of sanctions, Uladzimir Astapenka stressed that they have a serious impact on the Lukashenko regime, while it is important that sanctions directed against the regime provide for flexibility towards Belarusian society.
Uladzimir Astapenka also noted that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Belarus, signed in 1995, contained a clause stating that for the EU, human rights are essential to maintaining trade and economic relations. It is precisely on this principle that the European Union builds its relations with other states.
The Speaker of the Coordination Council, Artsiom Brukhan, spoke in detail about the idea of holding a Round Table in Belarus, the problems this initiative may face, and the benefits Belarus and Belarusian society would gain from it. The Speaker also emphasised the importance of the elections to the Coordination Council and the unprecedented efforts the regime made to disrupt the elections to this representative body of Belarusians.
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