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Lukashenko: Belarus is ready to address ‘hostage’ issue raised by Trump

MINSK, 11 September (BelTA) – A meeting between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and U.S. President’s representative John Coale discussed the issue of releasing several individuals convicted in Belarus, BelTA has learned.

“Recently, while listening to [Donald] Trump's speech, I understood, probably at your prompting, that he is very concerned about the issue of, as he put it, hostages, or political prisoners or something similar,” the head of state said. “I have no objection to discussing this topic in a global context. This is also important because some in Europe, and especially our self-exiled opposition (as we call them), are eager to latch onto this issue. Well, Chris [Christopher Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Eastern Europe and Policy and Regional Affairs at U.S. State Department, who was also present at the meeting], you know this well. I am well informed that you are negotiating with them and with us.”

“By all means, it’s your choice who you negotiate with. But given that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this issue, I think we should discuss it. I’ll share my position with you. It is well known in Belarus. We strongly oppose the imprisonment of these individuals. Moreover, they were not convicted on political grounds. Our criminal code does not contain such provisions. If Donald [Trump] is interested (though probably not very), we can present him with details of each person’s offenses and crimes,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

“But I am willing to discuss this topic. And if Donald [Trump] insists that he is prepared to take all of these released individuals to his country, so be it, let’s try to work out a global deal. As Mr. Trump likes to say, a big deal. That’s what he calls it. So I am speaking openly: we’re hiding nothing here. Let’s discuss this issue, even though for me it is absolutely not a priority. And probably not for you either. There are enough problems in the world,” the Belarusian leader added.

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