"Negotiations are currently underway to create a dedicated space for Belarusian artists engaged in theatrical work, particularly those representing national minorities. This space will provide them with opportunities to further develop their creative endeavors," stated the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in response to an appeal from Pavel Latushka, the head of the National Anti-Crisis Management and deputy head of the United Transitional Cabinet. This statement follows a meeting between Pavel Latushka and Poland's Deputy Minister of Culture, Marta Cienkowska, in May of this year. The Ministry also highlighted existing programs within the Theater Institute open to Belarusian artists residing in Poland. These programs include Przestrzenie Sztuki (Spaces of Art), which operates in partnership with program operators or OFF Polska, and Lato w teatrze (Summer in the Theatre). The Gaude Polonia program, implemented by the National Center of Culture, presents another significant opportunity for Belarusian artists. This program aims to foster understanding and strong cultural ties between Poland and its neighbors. It offers six-month scholarships to creators working in various disciplines, including film, photography, monument preservation, literature, translation, music, visual arts, theater, and theater and film criticism. Fellows have the opportunity to work under the guidance of renowned Polish artists affiliated with academic centers and artistic circles throughout Poland. "Large-scale repressions against Belarusian cultural figures continue unabated in Belarus," noted Pavel Latushka. "According to the Belarusian PEN Center, in 2023 alone, there were 1,097 violations against 605 cultural figures, 163 violations against 147 organizations and communities, and 57 violations against historical and cultural heritage sites and the Belarusian language. Countless Belarusian artists and cultural figures have been forced to flee their homeland, and they are in dire need of support. We remain committed to supporting the activities of the Representation on the national revival of the United Transitional Cabinet. Together, we will continue to advocate for the interests of Belarusian cultural figures who have been forced into exile."

On June 28th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the release of Ukrainian citizens, some previously recognized as political prisoners, from detention under the Lukashenko regime. NAM expert opinion on the matter Although Belarus committed an act of aggression against Ukraine by allowing its territory to be used as a staging ground for the Russian invasion, it is not legally considered a party to the armed conflict. Article 2 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 outlines the conditions for recognizing a state as a party to an armed conflict, and Belarus does not meet these criteria. Assuming the exchange adhered to the rules of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, the parties involved were Russia and Ukraine, the two countries engaged in an international armed conflict. Therefore, the civilians returned to Ukraine, despite being detained in Belarus, were de jure handed over to Russia and treated as internees under Articles 41, 42, 43, 68, and 78 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Ukraine and Russia have established procedures for exchanging prisoners of war and interned civilians. This instance falls under that existing framework, with Belarus remaining legally outside the process. However, this situation, along with other instances of direct military activity, provides further evidence that the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine has extended into Belarusian territory. Therefore, while Belarus may not be a party to the conflict, it is accurate to state that the conflict is taking place on Belarusian soil between Ukraine and Russia.

Pavel Latushka: Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador The dictator has been fighting corruption for 30 years but still cannot defeat it. Or maybe he doesn't want to? After all, it's incredibly convenient to control all significant (and not-so-significant) corruption schemes, only to identify, expose, and demonstrably condemn some "major" corrupt official a few months before the next election. Then, during the inter-election period, under the guise of fighting corruption, he can deal with anyone who has become undesirable. Why does Lukashenko’s fight against corruption lead to an increase in corruption? Because it is, in fact, increasing. In 2022, 686 people were convicted of corruption-related crimes, and in 2023 that number rose to 717. Belarus currently operates under a paramilitary regime established through ongoing repression, where all corruption is concentrated in the hands of groups close to the dictator. Lukashenko has been leading, refining, and honing these corruption schemes for years. This is precisely why, after 30 years of "fighting" corruption, it continues to increase. So, basically, Lukashenko cannot defeat himself. In democratic countries, civil society has the power to exercise public control over the activities of civil servants and officials. When citizens, the media, and the opposition cannot exercise this control, the elite usurp not only power but also control over all processes, including opportunities for corruption. This is the stark reality in Belarus. The Lukashenko regime has destroyed any semblance of public control within the country. For 30 years, Belarusians have witnessed and understood that anti-corruption activities have become a tool for reprisals against the undesirable, crushing the destinies of individuals, while emboldening others with a sense of exclusivity and impunity. The entire process of fighting corruption operates not even under the slogan "Sometimes there is no time for laws," but rather "There are no laws. There is only the order of Lukashenko." The only path to truly reducing corruption in Belarus lies in overcoming the Lukashenko regime. Only after holding fair and transparent elections, resulting in a government accountable to its citizens, can we hope to dismantle this deeply entrenched system of corruption.

Restoring the rights of victims of serious international crimes in Belarus was the central focus of meetings held by Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM), with permanent representatives of democratic countries to the OSCE on June 27-28, 2024, in Vienna. Mr. Latushka and NAM lawyers met with representatives from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Canada, the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, the EU, and Liechtenstein. During these meetings, they presented their position on the potential of underutilized OSCE mechanisms in addressing the situation in Belarus, emphasizing their importance in restoring the rights of victims. The nature of the discussions suggests that partner actions in this direction are forthcoming. At the request of the OSCE permanent representatives, Mr. Latushka provided updates on the Lukashenko regime's continued support for Russia's war against Ukraine and the regime's escalation of the migration crisis on the border with the European Union. The illegal movement of civilians from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine to Belarus was also a point of concern. Several permanent representatives from European countries highlighted the advisability of establishing a unified platform within the OSCE, potentially through a "friends of democratic Belarus" group, to coordinate all initiatives related to accountability in the Belarusian context. Pavel Latushka also briefed his partners on the concerning situation of Andrei Gnyot, a Belarusian activist and film director, and the risks associated with his potential extradition from Serbia to Belarus. Key partner countries are closely monitoring the situation, indicating a commitment to providing the necessary diplomatic and legal support. Furthermore, at the request of the permanent representatives, Pavel Latushka shared information about the results of the Coordination Council elections and ongoing efforts to strengthen Belarusian democratic institutions.

Artsiom Brukhan, NAM Deputy Head, stated on "6TV Biełaruś" that the new material incentives for pensioners announced by Lukashenko are an attempt to create easy positions for his loyalists. How will this work? By appointing military pensioners and former officials into positions like deputy security roles and ideological posts—jobs where there is no real work—Lukashenko can ensure these roles are filled with his people. This will make it nearly impossible to fill vacancies in sectors where skilled and experienced workers are genuinely needed, and the number of those vacancies is increasing. This will backfire completely. It will be difficult for retirees to work at the respective jobs. Election Campaign Tactics These incentives are nothing more than a ploy in the upcoming election campaign. It's no coincidence that trade unions, which Lukashenko himself has called the "biggest political party," have been tasked with implementing this initiative. This suggests that trade unions will be further leveraged as a political tool, conducting loyalty tests under the guise of gathering support. The "National Concept" — Lukashenko Style This is all part of a national concept in true Lukashenko style and another step towards the election campaign. Lukashenko is a master of information and psychological operations. Medvedev may be a fighter on Telegram, but Lukashenko is on another level. He openly conducts military exercises and makes statements about his readiness for anything, and this strategy works on the West. Lukashenko says something outrageous about threats, Western politicians and media discuss it, and countries begin to react.

Thanks to BELPOL, we learned today that Vladimir Orlovsky, the so-called Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus, is scheduled to visit Brussels on June 27-29, 2024, to participate in the session of the World Customs Organization Council in Brussels. Regarding the situation on the border, it's clear that the EU, and specifically Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, are not to blame. The current situation is primarily a result of the hybrid aggression jointly orchestrated by the Lukashenko regime and Russia. Their combined military aggression against Ukraine also plays a significant role. Therefore, the issue of reopening border crossings can only be resolved by addressing the root cause – the aggression must end. This raises several questions. Is Lukashenko (and by extension, his chief customs officer) capable of guaranteeing an end to the hybrid aggression against the EU? Can he guarantee an end to Belarus's complicity in the war against Ukraine? Is anyone, including the World Customs Organization Council, willing to believe these guarantees? Finally, what are Lukashenko and his representative truly concerned about: the free movement of Belarusian citizens across the EU border or the movement of goods? All those questions are  rhetorical, of course. Lukashenko is a Kremlin puppet. His position hinges entirely on Moscow's will, guarantees, and resources. Consequently, his regime is incapable of making independent decisions or providing any genuine guarantees. However, the Belarusian people are not synonymous with the Lukashenko regime. We, the Belarusian democratic forces, advocate for simplified travel for Belarusians, the majority of whom oppose Lukashenko, the war, and support democracy. At the same time, we consider it completely unacceptable to engage in trade relations with this pro-Russian dictatorship. This regime is responsible for the mass repression of Belarusians, crimes against humanity, hybrid warfare against the EU, participation in the aggression against Ukraine, war crimes (including the deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories), and complicity in circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. It's crucial to understand that Belarus and Russia share a single customs space and are united in the so-called "Union State." Any goods entering Belarus today can freely enter Russia. Therefore, our stance is straightforward: bridges for Belarusians, walls for the regime. If the World Customs Organization Council is prepared to receive a representative of the Lukashenko regime, they must consider these facts and not be deceived.

The US State Department, in its annual report on human trafficking, confirmed the exploitation of vulnerable groups by the Lukashenko regime. The report states that Lukashenko's authorities have facilitated the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine to Belarus. It is worth noting that the NAM conducted a thorough investigation into this matter, and its findings, along with the necessary legal justification, were submitted to the International Criminal Court in two separate communications. Furthermore, the report documents the existence of labor treatment centers in Belarus, where thousands of individuals, including political prisoners, are subjected to forced labor. The NAM has repeatedly urged international partners to impose sanctions on categories of goods whose analogues are produced in Belarusian prisons. The report also confirms that the illegitimate authorities are facilitating illegal migration, thereby increasing migrants' vulnerability to human trafficking. To address this, we propose implementing stricter measures against the regime, including harmonizing trade sanctions with those imposed on Russia, restricting the transit of sanctioned goods through Belarus, and, if necessary, completely halting all cargo traffic at EU borders. The State Department also highlighted the ongoing repression of civil society and restrictions on the activities of organizations that provide support to victims of human trafficking. "The regime established and led by Lukashenko commits numerous violations of international norms and standards. Its inclusion on the list of countries sponsoring human trafficking constitutes yet another crime perpetrated by Lukashenko and his inner circle," remarked Pavel Latushka. In addition to Belarus, the list of countries where indicators of human trafficking are observed—including state-sponsored programs, forced labor practices across various sectors, sexual slavery in government camps, and the recruitment of child soldiers—includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Turkmenistan.

Uladzimir Astapenka has been appointed Acting Representative for Foreign Affairs of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Head of the Cabinet. Astapenka previously served as the Deputy Representative for Foreign Affairs. This appointment follows the resignation of Valer Kavaleuski, who submitted his credentials during a meeting of the United Transitional Cabinet. Commenting on the leadership change, the UTC Head, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, stated: "I am deeply grateful to Valer Kavaleuski for his three and a half years of dedicated service, first in the Office and subsequently in the Cabinet. Among his many accomplishments, Valer raised the profile of Belarus at international forums and organizations, established the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels, and tirelessly assisted Belarusians abroad. During today's Cabinet meeting, Valer informed us of his decision to step down as Representative for Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Uladzimir Astapenka, Head of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels and former Deputy to Valer, will assume the responsibilities of the Representative for Foreign Affairs in an acting capacity." Uladzimir Astapenka is a seasoned diplomat and holds a PhD in Law. In 2020, he resigned from his position as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Argentina, citing numerous violations of fundamental rights and freedoms of Belarusian citizens as enshrined in the Constitution and international legal obligations, as well as clear and gross falsification of the presidential election results.

Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Ambassador Just hours before the European Union's final approval of sanctions against the Lukashenko regime, a meeting took place at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels between Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, and Ambassador David O'Sullivan, the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions. Expanding on the EU sanctions package against Russia adopted a few days prior, Pavel Latushka presented several proposals to Ambassador O'Sullivan aimed at strengthening the impact of sanctions against the Lukashenko regime. Pavel Latushka outlined the following key issues and suggestions for enhancing the EU's sanctions policy: Isolate key Belarusian banks and subsidiaries of Russian banks operating in Belarus by closing their correspondent accounts with EU banks. Introduce sanctions against institutions of the Union State of Belarus and Russia. This entity is organizing the deportation of Ukrainian children to Belarus and undermines Belarusian sovereignty and independence. Introduce sanctions against propaganda media outlets that justify the aggression against Ukraine and mass repressions in Belarus. Impose sanctions on assets linked to Lukashenko located outside of Belarus, which currently remain unrestricted. Harmonize trade sanctions against the Lukashenko regime with those imposed against Russia. Restrict the transit of sanctioned goods through Belarusian territory. Currently, these goods are often disguised as "false transit" and ultimately end up in Belarus and Russia. Decouple the implementation of personal and economic sanctions. Personal sanctions targeting military personnel, members of repressive structures, judges, officials, and other regime representatives can be introduced in waves several times a year. Ensure sanctions are not applied solely based on Belarusian citizenship.

"The third convocation of the Coordination Council commenced its work on June 12th. We are currently developing a revised set of regulations to ensure the Council operates with maximum efficiency, both now and in the future. We plan to hold our first open general meeting in the coming days, during which the leadership will be elected," stated Angelika Melnikova, Coordination Council delegate and member of the " Latushka’s Team and Movement 'For Freedom'" coalition, during her participation in the third meeting of the III EU Consultative Group with Belarusian democratic forces. Melnikova's address focused on the results of the Coordination Council elections and the current state of affairs within the organization. While the general political strategy of the Coordination Council will be determined through consensus among its members, several key areas of activity are already emerging: Serving voters and advocating for their interests: The legitimacy of the Coordination Council hinges on its ability to effectively address the needs of Belarusians both within the country and abroad. Our actions will be paramount. Strengthening ties with communities inside Belarus: this will involve a renewed emphasis on the political agenda and the rebuilding of a vibrant network of contacts. Enhancing the image of the Coordination Council and democratic forces among Belarusians: greater focus will be placed on media engagement, including outreach to bloggers who maintain a significant audience within Belarus. Collaborating with partners to simplify visa procedures and increase contact among people (those Belarusians who emigrated and those who stayed in Belarus): expanding efforts to support and mobilize the Belarusian diaspora will be crucial. Expanding interaction and cooperation with the United Transitional Cabinet: discussions are underway to enhance the Coordination Council's influence on the appointment of Cabinet members and broaden its overall powers. Strengthening cooperation with national parliaments of partner countries: this includes fostering closer ties with parliamentary institutions such as the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Maintaining a key role in organizing sectoral consultations: the Coordination Council will continue to play a leading role in assessing the needs of a democratic Belarus.

On June 25th, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström met with representatives of Belarusian democratic forces, including members of the NAM team. During the meeting, the minister pledged to make every effort to ensure that Belarus remains a priority for Europe. Citing the Lukashenko regime's complicity in the aggression against Ukraine and its widespread human rights violations, the minister emphasized that Europe will continue to monitor the situation in Belarus closely. He affirmed Sweden's commitment to supporting Belarusians and expressed his belief that Belarus's future lies with Europe. Minister Billström placed particular emphasis on the importance of Belarusian culture and language, as well as educational opportunities for Belarusian citizens in Europe. He also highlighted the significance of initiatives that foster unity within Belarusian society. A NAM representative present at the meeting stressed that lasting peace and harmony in Belarus are unattainable without justice being served upon members of the Lukashenko regime and accountability for those who have suffered from repression. The Swedish minister was urged to support initiatives by Belarusian democratic forces within the OSCE framework, as well as efforts to hold members of the regime accountable through the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

Source: racyja.com "Simplifying the visa regime and improving border traffic for Belarusians" – this document is currently being developed by the third convocation of the Coordination Council in response to the ongoing issues at the Belarusian-Polish border. This situation highlights the complex political reality between Poland and Belarus under Alexander Lukashenko's rule. We discussed these aspects with our guest, Artsiom Brukhan, a member of the Coordination Council and Deputy Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management. Radio Racyja (RR): Polish media outlets describe a critical situation at the border, prompting the Polish government to reinstate the buffer zone. How should we respond? Artsiom Brukhan: It's crucial to recognize that the Lukashenko regime's actions are the root cause of this crisis. This point often gets lost in discussions about Poland's strong reaction. We must remember that this immigration crisis has been unfolding for some time, but the recent tragic death of a Polish soldier at the border sparked this escalation. Andrzej Duda's powerful statement in China, declaring this the first Polish soldier to die defending the border since World War II, underscores the gravity of the situation. RR: Shouldn't Putin's role be acknowledged as well? Polish media reports indicate that many individuals attempting to cross the border hold Russian visas. Artsiom Brukhan: Absolutely, I agree. However, as Belarusians, we must first address the Lukashenko regime's involvement, as this is happening on our country's border. It's clear that this hybrid aggression is orchestrated by the Kremlin, with Putin as the primary beneficiary. Ultimately, these dictators' actions have created this crisis. If the border closes, it's the Belarusian people who will suffer the most. RR: Here in the Białystok region, we often encounter individuals uninvolved in politics, simply working here and hoping to return home to Belarus. They face significant difficulties crossing the border, enduring long waits or resorting to detours through Lithuania. What can you say to these individuals, especially when Hrodna is a mere 80 kilometers from Białystok? Artsiom Brukhan: The most compelling argument is this: if you choose not to engage in politics, politics will eventually come for you. The consequences of political apathy are evident in the challenges faced by those struggling to cross the border. It's crucial to understand that sooner or later, politics will impact your life. Had these individuals been politically engaged, expressed their views, and understood the situation, they might have a clearer perspective. They wouldn't simply lament the closed border or criticize Poland. This highlights the importance of education, particularly political education, and engaging with people to raise awareness.