Events
Tertel says Belarus-Poland dialogue is underway, expects results
MINSK, 24 December (BelTA) – Belarus and Poland are engaged in a dialogue; this process is difficult and painstaking, but it is expected to yield results, Chairman of the Belarusian KGB Ivan Tertel told reporters following his report to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, BelTA reports.
“We are engaged in a dialogue with Poland, and I would say we will achieve results. The Polish side needs to, so to speak, encourage some of its allies to fulfill their obligations. We both understand this. This work is difficult, painstaking,” said Ivan Tertel. He noted that this work proceeds under the strict supervision and direct oversight of the head of state.
The KGB chairman noted that although Poland is a member of NATO and the European Union and maintains close relations with the United States, it has always been distinguished by its focus on its own national interests. “Therefore, we are seeing a certain awareness regarding the missteps taken by the previous Polish leadership. These relate to border closures, attempts at pressure, migration issues, and other matters like the economy, the transit of goods and people across our territory,” he said.
According to him, dialogue with the Polish side has never ceased. For instance, there have been contacts between diplomatic institutions at various levels. “Now they have entered a more active phase. Of course, there are also contacts between the intelligence services,” said Ivan Tertel.
He explained that an intelligence channel is sometimes necessary to discreetly resolve certain issues important to both sides. “There are always points of contact, and we can discuss these issues frankly,” the KGB chairman noted. “Indeed, contacts with the Polish side also occur through the intelligence services, where the most pressing matters are addressed. Of course, we are working closely on this with our colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the instruction of the head of state. The president sets the tone.”
Ivan Tertel noted that Belarus has made repeated goodwill gestures toward Poland in recent years, such as “pardoning and releasing individuals convicted of espionage; there were also other actions that were not publicized.”
“These gestures were acknowledged but we have not always found solutions to certain pressing issues. Currently, there are three or four such acute problems. They relate to the need for reciprocal steps, our interest in economic contacts and people-to-people ties. There are also other issues that require resolution,” the KGB chief added.
He noted that issues related to so-called sabotage centers in neighboring states, specifically the Baltic countries, Poland, and Ukraine, are also being raised. “We discuss this quite frankly with our colleagues. They understand that the endeavors planned and launched in 2020 are no longer viable. Therefore, for them, this is a burden they would like to shed as this is an irritant in our relations,” explained Ivan Tertel.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the financial resources invested in such activities abroad ultimately require a return. However, there is an understanding on the other side that it is currently impossible to achieve anything in Belarus or to destabilize the situation within the country, thus these expenditures represent a serious burden.
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