The President of France, Emanule Makron, who arrived on an official visit to Lithuania together with Mrs. yesterday, met this morning with the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovska. She stated that Macron had promised to help solve the crisis in Belarus. Macron told the media that France would try to get through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in resolving the crisis. It was previously expected that the situation in Belarus would be one of the most discussed topics both during the visit to Lithuania and during the forthcoming visit to Latvia today.
Makron met with Tikhanovsky in Lithuania and promises to help solve the crisis in BelarusRihards Plūme00:00 / 03:40
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The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, paid an official visit to Lithuania together with Mrs. yesterday evening. He was greeted at the Presidential Palace by the President of Lithuania Gitan Nauseda and his wife. After the official welcoming ceremony, the owner of the Elysee Palace went to the castle, where he signed a guest book.
Although issues related to bilateral relations between the two countries, the European Union (EU) and NATO were and are being discussed during the visit, the situation in Belarus has introduced its own adjustments. Even before the visit, it was clear that this topic would be widely discussed both during the visit to Lithuania and during the visit to Latvia. Shortly before leaving for Lithuania, Makron announced that the current President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, must leave. In turn, the leader of the Belarusian opposition Svetlana Tikhanovska called on her to become a mediator in resolving the crisis, possibly also involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tikhanovsky expressed hope that Makron would meet him in Lithuania. Such a meeting also took place early this morning, according to the French leader, in his own words, thus expressing support for the people of Belarus.
Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tihanovska goes to a meeting with French President Makron. September 28, 2020
Photo: REUTERS, ANDRIUS SYTAS
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True, it should be noted that the potential involvement of Russia in solving the crisis is of concern to many experts and politicians. Such concerns were also heard at the recent meeting of European Union foreign ministers. The French president told the media yesterday that he understood Lithuania’s concerns about Russia, but said that cooperation with Moscow was necessary to ensure lasting peace in Europe. And it is no secret that the French president’s views on relations with Russia differ from those of the Baltic states. Kārlis Bukovskis, Deputy Director of the Latvian Institute of Foreign Policy, also points out the differences.
“France has always had its own views and relations with Russia, which may not always have been on an equal footing with the Baltic states. Exactly the same within the EU – there are issues where opinions differ, even in the system of minimum wages and social benefits. “France ‘s common desire to play a greater role in the European Union and with EU partners, recalling its presence and support in filling the political vacuum created by Britain’ s withdrawal from the EU and Britain ‘s previous position in relations with the Baltic States and the Nordic countries as a whole,”
Macron told the media yesterday that France will seek mediation through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in resolving the crisis in Belarus. According to Makron, Vladimir Putin does not oppose such mediation, therefore “Alexander Lukashenko needs to agree now”. The two presidents agree that the leaders of the European Union should impose sanctions this week on the officials of the Belarusian regime who are responsible for falsifying the election results and violence against peaceful protesters.
The issue of Belarus will certainly be widely discussed during the visit to Latvia. Macro will arrive in Riga tonight. At 18.15, a welcoming ceremony is planned at Riga Castle, but later also a joint press release by Makron and President Egils Levits. The visit will continue tomorrow, when Makron will meet with Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, visit the Occupation Museum and the National Library of Latvia.
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