"Why would the EU talk to Lukashenko? The opposition figure, who was released from prison in Belarus in mid-December, said Brussel should have several goals in engaging with the Belarusian leader: The release of all political prisoners Guarantees that freed detainees can choose freely where to live A complete halt to repression in Belarus An end to Belarus's internal and external isolation Kolesnikova didn't give a clear answer as to why authorities in Minsk would agree to such terms. In her view, the first step should be to ask Lukashenko what he wants from the European Union."
"We fully understand that Lukashenko is the one making all the decisions about what is happening in Belarus today. That is precisely why we must talk to him."
"You can criticize me as much as you like. But perhaps you should speak to the families of political prisoners whose loved ones have been behind bars for more than five years look them in the eye. If people can be saved, they must be saved."
Maria Kolesnikova called on European politicians to engage in dialogue with Alexander Lukashenko and resume diplomatic initiatives. She said the European Union had significant leverage over Lukashenko and described him as the ultimate decision-maker in Belarus. She listed goals for EU engagement: the release of all political prisoners; guarantees that freed detainees can choose where to live; a complete halt to repression; and an end to Belarus's internal and external isolation. She urged asking Lukashenko what he wants from the EU and defended talking to him to secure the release and safety of detainees. Kolesnikova received political asylum in Germany after her December release and rejected blame for the 2020 arrests, saying protesters' repression was ordered by authorities rather than opposition leaders.
Read at www.dw.com
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