People in Belarus had no choice - Annalena Baerbock on Belarusian elections
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Today, the presidential elections took place in Belarus, where the self-proclaimed head of state Alexander Lukashenko is expected to be declared the winner once again. At the same time, Belarusians had no choice, stated German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
"The people in Belarus had no choice. It is a bitter day for all those who long for freedom and democracy. Instead of free and fair elections and a life without fear and arbitrariness, they experience oppression, repression, and human rights violations on a daily basis" the minister said.
Baerbock added that more than 1,200 people in Belarus remain in prison simply because they dared to speak out.
"We will not forget them. All political prisoners must be released and the brutal repression must end. The courage of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya & the brave Belarusians has our deep respect. They show us how important the fight for our democracy in Europe is."
The German Foreign Minister also added that the European family keeps its doors open for a democratic and free Belarus.
Today the leader of the Belarusian opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was asked when there might be a change of power in Belarus. According to her, windows of opportunity may arise in the event of Ukraine's victory, economic problems in Belarus due to sanctions, or in connection with Lukashenko's health.
At the same time, she emphasized that the task of democratic forces and Belarusians themselves is to be prepared for this moment.
