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Emmanuel Macron: France Is Always on the Side of Freedom Fighters

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Emmanuel Macron: France Is Always on the Side of Freedom Fighters
EMMANUEL MACRON
PHOTO: CHESNOT / GETTY IMAGES

The French President supported the protesting Belarusians.

At a press conference in Vilnius, Emmanuel Macron confirmed the position of France and the EU on non-recognition of the official results of the elections in Belarus and Lukashenka as President and announced his intention to discuss the OSCE mediation initiative in resolving the political crisis.

Macron welcomed the interest of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and all Lithuanians in supporting Belarusian civil society.

"France is always on the side of the freedom fighters, and we need to hear the demonstrators striving for freedom and democracy. Their courage, especially of Belarusian women, obliges us to do this," Macron said.

According to him, the Belarusian authorities must stop illegal arrests and forced expulsion from the country of members of the Coordination Council. The French leader called for the release of those illegally arrested and "respect the truth of the ballot boxes." France favors a political solution to the crisis, taking into account the demands of citizens who have been massively going out to peaceful protest for several weeks, he said.

Gitanas Nauseda, in turn, said that there was no time to waste and that it was necessary to impose sanctions against the Belarusian authorities at the next EU summit, which is scheduled for October 1-2. The President of Lithuania once again stressed that Lukashenka did not win the last elections; therefore, he cannot be considered a legitimate head of state, and new elections are needed. According to Nauseda, Lithuania stands for the observance of human rights in the neighboring country, for sanctions, but also thinks about future relations with Belarus after Lukashenka's departure. It is about helping and facilitating access to the European market and financial resources, diversifying the energy market, and supporting civil society. "I believe in friendship with Belarus because we have a long common history... I think we can create a common friendly platform and live without fear," said Nauseda.

Emmanuel Macron supported his colleague, calling for an early introduction of "necessary sanctions."

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