Joint statement by:
- the Chair of the Delegation for relations with Belarus, MEP Juozas OLEKAS and
- the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Belarus, MEP Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS
on the the Belarus Freedom day
Brussels, 25 March 2024 - We congratulate all Belarusians across the world, who on 25 March commemorate the declaration of independence. 106 years ago, in 1918, sovereign Belarus was born after 150 years of Russian occupation.
Today, the sovereignty and independence of Belarus is under threat again. By permitting Russia to use the Belarusian territory to invade Ukraine, station Iskander missiles and deploy tactical nuclear weapons, the Lukashenka's regime has effectively ceded Belarus' sovereignty to Vladimir Putin.
Amidst Russia's attempts at progressive takeover of Belarus in all spheres - political, social, economic and military, we reiterate our unwavering support to the courageous people of Belarus who continue to uphold the legacy of the first independent, free and democratic Belar us, and strive for a European future of their homeland. [...]
EU must further strengthen and extend its sanctions against the Lukashenka's regime for its human rights violations and for participating in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We must also stop Russia's de facto occupation and imminent annexation of Belarus by continuing to support Ukraine and ensuring its victory.
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP