News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko: Belarus-U.S. relations currently show positive dynamics, good prospects

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MINSK, 28 July (BelTA) – Relations between Belarus and the United States at this stage show quite good dynamics and prospects, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said while receiving a report from Belarus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Valentin Rybakov on 28 July, BelTA has learned.

The head of state identified the state of Belarusian-American relations as the main topic, which Valentin Rybakov is responsible for overseeing.

“The United Nations is a powerful organization, and we certainly have our interests there. But I won’t hide it: I am currently more interested in Belarusian-American relations,” the president said. “The current situation in our relations, and especially the dynamics and prospects, is quite good.”

Addressing Valentin Rybakov, the head of state noted: “Both the honor and the very large amount of work to normalize relations between the United States and Belarus have fallen on your shoulders. You are working in close contact with John Coale [U.S. Special Envoy and negotiator for the American side in the negotiations with Belarus].  I trust this man. Convey my warmest wishes to him and to his lovely wife. I often wonder how he lives with her. She is quite a tough woman. And he is probably not a gift himself. Things at home for him are surely not the same as they are during negotiations or conversations with me.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that during earlier negotiations with U.S. representatives, he clearly and unequivocally explained Belarus’ position: what is possible and what the country will not agree to. “I explained our relations mainly with Russia, China, and Iran. We touched upon many topics,” he said. “We have never dodged or hidden our position behind diplomatic wording. And today we benefit from that. They understand perfectly well, including Mr. Coale, what we can do and what we cannot.”

“We will continue to adhere to this course: integrity, openness, and our clear position,” the president stated.

The head of state asked Valentin Rybakov about his impressions from contacts with U.S. representatives and about possible suggestions on how to proceed further. At the same time, the president noted that he carefully reads every document Valentin Rybakov sends “down to the smallest detail” and has formed certain impressions and opinions regarding the United States and its expectations.

“And the point is not in the lines themselves, not in what you write, but in the spirit of how the U.S. leadership thinks,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained. “I know how to read between the lines. So even if John [Coale] tries to embellish something, he shouldn’t. I am an experienced person and I know how things really are.”

The report also touched upon cooperation between Belarus and the UN. “Perhaps the current secretary-general, with whom I have friendly relations, will need our help and support. We must certainly provide him with that support,” the president emphasized.

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