The main leader of Belarus’ embattled opposition has sought and apparently won US support for increasing pressure on her country’s authoritarian leader. pic.twitter.com/NZmASChcGw — Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) July 20, 2021Ms Tsikhanouskaya told reporters: “We will discuss possible international efforts to isolate the regime politically and economically, to make it toxic and costly, including for Russia. “As a champion of democracy, the USA can get help get things done.”Her message, delivered on Monday to US secretary of state Antony Blinken and on Tuesday to Mr Sullivan, was well received. Belarusian authorities responded to opposition demonstrations with a massive crackdown, including police beating thousands of demonstrators and arresting more than 35,000 people. The government in neighbouring Lithuania has accused Belarusian authorities of organising a flow of migrants from the Middle East and Africa in retaliation.

Source: Irish Independent July 21, 2021 06:45 UTC