If you look at my biography: consul, official representative of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (a position I held seven times, in various countries and international organizations), Minister of Culture, director of the National Theater, well, now in the biography there is also a "terrorist". I can't wrap my head around it. A few years ago, Lukashenko told me in a private conversation: “If you betray me, I will strangle you with my own hands.” According to the information on the KGB website, the authorities plan to submit a request to the Prosecutor General's Offices of Lithuania and Poland to extradite me and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to the Belarusian authorities. Four criminal cases have already been initiated against me. The last of the articles of the Criminal Code, charged me, — 289 part 3 — involves the highest penalty. I recall the words of Ivan Tertel, KGB chairman, that the Belarusian people (he allegedly has the right to speak on behalf of the Belarusian people) will find all their traitors and bring them to justice. The circle closed. A personal threat to strangle, a statement by the chairman of the KGB, and an article of the Criminal Code that suggests execution. May 9 is coming soon. This day is very important for Belarusians, for our historical memory. I think on May 9, we have a unique opportunity to show at a legal event who really won that terrible war, who are the children of those who fought. To show what unites us all — the fight against fascism and nazism, which is happening now on the territory of Belarus. We, Belarusians, have the right to celebrate Victory day together with everyone. This day unites us with the Russian people, the peoples of Europe. I hope that the Russian leadership will give a very clear assessment of whether Lukashenko will allow Belarusians to celebrate this day in Belarus on May 9, or whether he will start detaining people and throwing them into prison. Then everything will become clear. Only forcing the Belarusian authorities to engage in dialogue can lead to a resolution of the situation. Forcing refers to pressure from Europe, the United States, and Russia. For example, the United States has already introduced a preventive package of sanctions against the petrochemical sector of Belarus. The US authorities report that by April 26, Lukashenko has the opportunity to release all political prisoners and stop mass repressions, otherwise the sanctions will be put into effect. At the same time, Europe does not fully use the tools that need to be applied in the current situation. Declarations, statements — they are important, they are important from the point of view of solidarity, but actions are also very important...