Former opposition presidential candidate in Belarus Svetlana Tikhanovskaya took part in the virtual opening “people’s embassies”, according to Telegram -channel politician.
“People’s embassies are aimed at protecting the rights, support and solidarity of Belarusians living in different countries of the world,” the message says.
Tikhanovskaya called on her comrades-in-arms to direct all their strength and energy “to the common cause.” “Tell everyone about examples of our solidarity and mutual assistance. About our unceasing thirst for freedom. About the unique Belarusian dignity,” the former candidate said.
According to Tut.by, “people’s embassies” were opened on the basis of diasporas in 14 countries: in Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Ukraine, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden and South Korea … “People’s consulates” appeared in Scotland and Catalonia.
The declaration on the creation of “people’s embassies” says that Belarusians abroad do not recognize the election on August 9 as legitimate Alexander Lukashenko . The official Foreign Ministry and the embassies “do not have democratic legitimacy” to represent the interests of Belarus and its diaspora, said in the document.
The main functions of the “people’s embassies” will be “informing the public about the situation in Belarus”, contacts with government authorities, public organizations and trade unions, as well as assistance to Belarusians who were forced to leave their country.
Mass protests against the official results of the presidential elections, according to which Lukashenka won 80 percent of the vote, have continued in Belarus since August 9.