French President talks with Belarusian rebels to support mediation September 30, 5:44
Over the turmoil in Belarus following the results of the presidential election, French President Emmanuel Macron met with rebel Chihanovskaya and expressed his intention to help mediate the situation.
In Belarus, citizens continue large-scale protests calling for the resignation of President Lukashenko, saying that the result of the presidential election held last month is incorrect, and rebels are calling on the administration to respond to talks for a change of government. I will.
Under these circumstances, French President Emmanuel Macron met with rebel Chihanovskaya in Lithuania on the 29th.
According to local media, President Macron expressed his intention to support the realization of dialogue between the rebels and the administration through the mediation of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe).
On the other hand, Mr. Chihanovskaya also thanked France for its response, and said that "the Belarusian people want a new presidential election to be held during this time," and the dialogue with the administration side began with the efforts of France and others. He expressed his hope that he would move toward a change of government.
However, Mr. Lukashenko is strengthening his stance to maintain power with Russia as a backing, such as forcing the inauguration ceremony of the president for the sixth term on the 23rd of this month, and the rebels will increase the pressure on the Lukashenko administration. I am appealing to the international community.
United Kingdom and Canada Announce Sanctions on Belarus
The British government has announced that it has imposed sanctions such as asset freeze on President Lukashenko and others in Belarus, the former Soviet Union, for a series of human rights violations against anti-government groups and citizens after the presidential election.
Canada says it has taken similar steps.
In Belarus, protests continued against what President Lukashenko said was elected in the presidential election last month (August), and the administration is under pressure to detain anti-government executives and citizens who criticize the administration. Is strengthening.
On the 29th, the British government announced that it has imposed sanctions on eight people, including President Lukashenko, including freezing assets in the UK and banning travel.
The Canadian government has also imposed similar sanctions for working with the United Kingdom.
"We cannot accept the consequences of fraudulent elections. We need to take responsibility for violent acts against Belarusian citizens," said British Foreign Minister Raab.
Regarding Belarus, the EU-European Union has also revealed that it is considering sanctions.