Mr. Franak Viaorka:

We are expecting a new wave of protests this fall, hopefully. We are working hard to prepare and to build infrastructure. Before 9 August, an important anniversary of elections, Lukashenko is trying to crack down on structures and organisations that are still working. Our goal is to protect them, make them sustainable and assist them, which is difficult. On one hand, the regime is not consolidated. We hear many voices looking for a way out. Lukashenko's regime is like the mafia. When you are in, it is difficult to get out. When you are out, he takes revenge, as he did with everything who quit last fall. We have to prepare infrastructure, give energy to the people and, most importantly, give them hope. This hope can also be given by the international community, and by the Irish Parliament, by messages about, helping and promoting Belarus. Lukashenko suffers from delegitimisation. He wants to be recognised as the leader. It is painful for him not to be seen, commended or mentioned. International media stopped quoting him, which he is frustrated about. We can keep ignoring him. He is not the leader or president any more. This delegitimisation of Lukashenko can play a crucial role in creating a split in elites. People around him do not want to be part of the failing regime. They do not want to be part of a dark period of Belarus' history. We will pave the way to this free Belarus. On our side, we will try to mobilise Belarusian society for the fight but we expect Ireland to stand with us in this fight and to express its solidarity as often as possible at all possible layers, organisations, venues and platforms.

I thank the committee. I thank Ireland for such a warm reception. Belarus and Ireland have many similarities, including a history of fighting for freedom and independence. Irish people should understand very well what we are going through.