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Sviatlana Tsikhanouskayas political career began when her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, was jailed after announcing plans to challenge Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenko in 2020. The political newcomer ran in her husbands place, and after Lukashenko was declared the winner in a contest widely viewed as fraudulent, mass protests broke out in Belarus for months.

Tsikhanouskaya, fearing for her safety, fled to Lithuania, where she leads the Belarusian opposition, which includes partisans who are working against the Russians in their attempt to take over Ukraine. Tsikhanouskayas group views their support of Ukraine as part of a larger pro-democracy battle pitting that nation and their own against Lukashenko and his ally, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who seeks to reassert Moscows control in the region.

Tsikhanouskaya will be a keynote speaker at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics on Friday and share the stage with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. This event is part of the student-led European Conference at Harvard on Friday and Saturday and co-sponsored by the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, and the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

GAZETTE:What are some of the key issues and policy debates in Europe youre planning to speak about during your address at the Institute of Politics? How does Belarus play a role in Europes security?

TSIKHANOUSKAYA: The people of Belarus and the Ukrainians are facing the same enemy. Russia wants to return our countries to the sphere of Russian influence. We have always felt ourselves to be European, and we dont want to be connected with Russia. Russia now is synonymous with war and poverty, and Europe is democracy and peace, and we want the same for our country. We want to break the perception that Belarus is part of Russia or a post-Soviet Union country. While Lukashenko is in power with the help of violence and criminal support, he will always obey Putin and fulfill his orders, and there will be a constant threat to the security of the region.

GAZETTE:What measures can the European Union take to support the pro-democratic movement in Belarus?

TSIKHANOUSKAYA:Consistency is powerful. If the European Union doesnt recognize Lukashenko as president, it should not meet with representatives of the [Belarusian] regime. If it knows that Lukashenko is guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes, then it should hold him accountable and start an investigation. The European Union can apply pressure on the regime through sanctions and political isolation. It can also support civil society. A huge number of people fighting the regime had to flee the country, and they need financial support. So do the families of political prisoners. We fully support the Ukrainians, but the war will not be over until Belarus is free too.

GAZETTE:What is your perspective on the United States foreign policy toward Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus?

TSIKHANOUSKAYA:[The United States] should unite in implementing measures against Lukashenko together with the European Union. Joint positions will be more effective. It should also support the Belarusian people and punish the regime. The U.S. needs to understand that Belarus and Ukraine are intertwined. Lukashenko is a full collaborator with Russia in the war in Ukraine.

I would also ask the American government to pay attention to the criminal occupation of Belarus because now we are seeing the presence of Russian troops in Belarus. We see how Russia is step by step occupying our cultural, economic, and military spheres, and we want to hear a clear message that any attempts to occupy Belarus will not be tolerated. There should be a wide range of personal sanctions placed on those serving the [Lukashenko] regime: work with democratic forces, NGOs, support cultural institutions, assist political prisoners, and offer scholarships to students.

Since 2020, there wasnt a day when I didnt feel fear. Im afraid for my husband and other political prisoners. I know how they are treated in prison. The fact that they sacrificed their freedom and chance to build a normal life is what makes me continue to fight.

GAZETTE:Do you still believe that the peaceful transition of power in Belarus is possible by limiting the number of presidential terms, as you have called for?

TSIKHANOUSKAYA:From the beginning we have believed that nonviolence can create change in our country because we know that peaceful change is more sustainable. When Belarusian anti-war regiments formed in Ukraine, we saw some cautiousness from our democratic partners. These regiments are defending Ukraine now, and there was some concern that one day they would come to Belarus and get rid of the regime through violent means. Where is the neat golden middle? In this battle to win peacefully we need to put the regime under constant stress.

We dont want any violence. Belarusian anti-war partisans committed nonviolent acts of sabotage when they damaged the railway lines in Belarus so that Russia could not deliver new forces, weapons, shells, equipment, and other military supplies to the front and disrupted the Russian offensive on Kyiv. The same goes for the recent explosion of a Russian aircraft at a Belarusian airfield, which provided guidance for missile strikes on Ukraine. These actions are nonviolent, because they did not harm the life and health of people. On the contrary, in both of these cases, equipment is damaged that can be used to kill many people in Ukraine.

GAZETTE:Does fear ever stop you or momentarily paralyze you? How do you keep moving forward as a wife, mother, and political leader?

TSIKHANOUSKAYA:Since 2020, there wasnt a day when I didnt feel fear. Im afraid for my husband and other political prisoners. I know how they are treated in prison. The fact that they sacrificed their freedom and chance to build a normal life is what makes me continue to fight. Sometimes I dont want to get out of bed, but then I think about my husband, who doesnt have the chance to say a word publicly and is humiliated physically and morally in prison. Then I tell myself to stand up and get to work.

When my husband is allowed to send a letter to our children, and my daughter, who is now 7 years old, is reading his words and crying, I understand that I dont have a choice. When a woman is faced with obstacles, she will show her internal power, and she should not underestimate herself.

My son is a child with special needs who was born with deafness. He underwent an operation as a toddler and had to receive daily therapy to learn to speak. I didnt know if there would ever be a full rehabilitation. I didnt see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I knew I had to work with him every day. Eventually, he was able to join his classmates at school.

Maybe that personal experience is helping to sustain me now. I dont know when the light at the end of the tunnel will appear for Belarusians either, but I do know that you have to find the strength in yourself to fight every day because you hope for a victory.

Our country doesnt belong to just one person who thinks that Belarus is his private backyard. This is our country, and we are responsible for its future. People in the diaspora have taken so many creative initiatives, like forming the Peoples Embassies of Belarus, and its really inspiring to realize youre not alone. You stand shoulder to shoulder with others.

Read this article:
Exiled Belarus opposition leader calls for unified EU, U.S. support - Harvard Gazette

Pope Francis addresses EU bishops who have just elected Mariano Crociata as their new president, and invites them to continue to pursue the cause of peace.

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis addressed European Unions bishops and their new President, Archbishop Mariano Crociata, and asked them to never lose sight of the the two great dreams of Europes founding fathers: the dream of unity and the dream of peace.

Present for the audience on Thursday morning, were the Delegates of the Commission of the Bishops Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) who elected Crociata on Wednesday at the conclusion of their Spring Plenary Assembly. On the same occasion, four Vice-Presidents were also elected: Bishops Antoine Hrouard, Nuno Bras da Silva Martins, Rimantas Norvila and Czeslaw Kozon.

The Pope invited the EU bishops to continue keeping their eyes on a horizon defined by the inspiring values of the Europe project: unity and peace.

On the first point, the Holy Father said, it is clear that European unity cannot be a uniform, homogenising unity,but one that respects and values the singularities, the peculiarities of the peoples and cultures that make it up.

Recalling their different nationalities and cultures, he likened the richness of Europe to the convergence of different sources of thought and historical experience.

Like a river, it lives from its tributaries. If the tributaries are weakened or blocked, the whole river suffers and loses strength.

Europe, the Pope said, has a future if it is truly a union, not just a synthesis of countries with their respective characteristics.

The challenge, he added, is unity in diversity. And is possible if there is a strong inspiration that goes beyond a technocratic paradigm and is capable of enthusing people and attracting new generations in the building of a common project.

Reflecting on how much has changed since the founding of the European Union, the Pope said the Church has the responsibility to train people who, reading the signs of the times, know how to interpret the European project in today's history.

Regarding the dream of peace, the Pope said Today's history needs men and women animated by the dream of a united Europe in the service of peace.

He recalled how after WWII the continent experienced the longest period of peace in its history. He decried the many wars that followed in different parts of the world, some of them dragging on for years, until now one can now speak of a third world war.

The war in Ukraine is near, and has shaken European peace.

The Pope noted that neighbouring nations have done their utmost to welcome the refugees and upheld the fact that all European peoples participate in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

This choral response on the level of charity should be matched - but it is clear that this is neither easy nor obvious - by a cohesive commitment to peace, he said.

Acknowledging the complexity of this that derives from the fact that the different countries of the European Union are involved in multiple alliances, interests, strategies, a range of forces that are difficult to bring together into a single project, the Pope said there is one principle should be shared by all with clarity and determination: war cannot and must no longer be considered as a solution to conflicts.

War cannot and must no longer be considered as a solution to conflicts.

If the countries of today's Europe do not share this ethical-political principle, then it means they have strayed from the original dream. If, on the other hand, they do share it, they must commit themselves to implementing it, with all the effort and complexity that the historical situation requires, he said.

War is a failure of politics and humanity.

Pope Francis concluded reminding those present of their responsibility to be a bridge between the Churches in Europe and the institutions of the Union.

You are by mission builders of relations, of encounter, of dialogue. And this is already working for peace. But it is not enough, he said.

It takes prophecy, it takes foresight, it takes creativity to advance the cause of peace. Both architects and craftsmen are needed in this building site; but I would say that the true builder of peace must be both architect and craftsman.

See more here:
Pope tells EU Bishops to advance the cause of peace - Vatican News

Press Release 2022

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The European Union and Somali Academy of Science, Culture and ... - ZAWYA

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) clarified the definition of a prohibited defeat device in a series of recent rulings, limiting their use to when only immediate risks of damage are present. This report analyzes testing data and examines market surveillance interviews to determine how many vehicle models likely have defeat devices under the CJEU definition. Results are analyzed by vehicle model and engine family against emission thresholds developed in this report which identify if a prohibited defeat device is likely or almost certainly present. These thresholds are based on expected engine behavior and testing data from other vehicle groups.

Suspicious NOx emission levels were found in 77%100% of tests and vehicle averages, indicating the likely use of a prohibited defeat device. Of 1,400 total tests conducted under controlled settings by government authorities, 85% of tests on Euro 5 vehicles and 77% of tests on pre-RDE Euro 6 vehicles exceed the suspicious emissions threshold. Similar rates are observed for government tests conducted under real-world conditions. Results from independent real-world testing show that up to 100% of vehicle model averages exceed the suspicious threshold.

Extreme NOx emissions were found in 40%75% of tests and vehicle averages, indicating that a prohibited defeat device is almost certainly present. Approximately 42% of the 1,400 official government tests under controlled settings exceed the extreme threshold. Real-world testing by government authorities and independent bodies shows similar or higher rates of extreme emissions. Remote sensing data show that approximately 75% of engine family averages exceed the extreme threshold.

Over 200 unique vehicle models show high NOx emissions above the suspicious threshold and over 150 unique vehicle models show NOx emissions above the extreme threshold. Nearly all vehicle models tested by official government authorities show suspicious emissions in at least one test, and nearly 70% of vehicle models showed extreme emissions in at least one test.

Fact sheets: In English, Auf Deutsch, En Franais, In Italiano, En EspaolBlog postPress release

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Reassessment of excess NOx from diesel cars in Europe following ... - International Council on Clean Transportation

Fiam, who will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Wednesday, acknowledged her idea was very contentious but said it was time to discuss how to deepen integration in the Pacific, a region she described as the epicentre of contemporary global geopolitics.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese greets Samoa Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mataafa at the Pacific Islands Forum last year. AFP.

Regarded as one of the most senior Pacific leaders, Fiam was tight-lipped on whether her nation supported Australias plan to acquire , saying the issue was none of my business.

Fiam said she had recently returned from Europe, where the common market allows the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people across national borders.

I think we need to explore that in the Pacific, Samoas first female prime minister said at an event hosted by the Lowy Institute at Old Parliament House.

Fiam said she raised the idea at last months Pacific Island Forum and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who was representing Australia at the event, didnt say anything.

But the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, who is part Samoan and part Tongan, said, Oh, but all other people in the islands will want to come and live in New Zealand and Australia.

Fiam said many people would assume this.

But you might think also that if we have easy access, people can just come do their business, visit their relatives, go on holiday in New Zealand and Australia, but go back home and not have such a difficult time coming into Australia or New Zealand, she said.

Pat Conroy, the Minister for the Pacific, said the government already had a strong commitment to promoting mobility in the region, including the creation of a green card-style system to bring 3000 Pacific workers into the country every year.

With China and the United States jostling for influence in the region, Fiam said leaders of larger nations needed to be more respectful of their Pacific counterparts.

I feel I need to be very frank and say that in the Pacific, we feel our partners have fallen short of acknowledging the integrity of Pacific leadership, she said.

Such acknowledgements can simply be in the form of information sharing and open consultation.

Fiam said the shift in global and regional geopolitics is creating an increasingly complex and crowded region that places the Pacific at the epicentre of contemporary global geopolitics.

Fiam said Pacific leaders did not necessarily accept or understand the concept of the Indo-Pacific, which countries such as Australia and the US increasingly use to frame discussions about the region.

The Pacific Islands were never consulted around that new narrative, or had a discussion around it, she said.

Given that we occupy a very large space of one of those oceans, one might have thought that having some input from the Pacific island might have been a good idea as we moved into that new narrative, but, you know, I think we were quite used to it.

Fiam avoided either endorsing or criticising Australias nuclear-powered submarine plan, saying this is how Australia sees its role in the security aspects of the region, and we understand that.

But she was grateful to receive a briefing from Australian officials on the matter.

There is a strong opposition to nuclear power in the Pacific Islands, after the region was used as a testing ground for nuclear weapons by the US and other nations in World War Two.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said following a visit from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week that and Albanese had assured him Australias submarine push would not undermine the Treaty of Rarotonga, which declares the South Pacific a nuclear weapons-free zone.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter .

Continued here:
Pacific leader calls for European Union-style free movement across the region - Sydney Morning Herald