Opinions & Interviews

‘All moving toward a big deal’: Lukashenko hails progress in talks with USA

MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – In the talks with the USA, we are moving towards a big deal and a possible meeting at the level of the countries’ leaders, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he answered questions following his Address to the Belarusian people and the Parliament on 18 December, BelTA has learned.

“Our dialogue with the United States is very difficult. They already suggest planning further meetings and talks. Things are progressing, just as they said, toward a big deal. Everything is heading toward a meeting and agreement between me and Trump.  For their part, they guarantee the lifting of all sanctions,” the Belarusian leader stated. “They understand that there is no point in trying to pressure us or Russia over the dollar? You [the USA] want to keep the dollar as the world’s reserve currency – fine. So why are you acting this way? Trump sees this. From an economist’s perspective. He is a good businessman, too. That’s why we are right, and time will prove it.”

“We need to foster relations with them [the USA]. As others do. Under no circumstances will we do it if it harms the interests of other countries. Fortunately, with Putin, we have a complete understanding of what is happening. We discuss these issues, and meet often,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Addressing criticism from some Russians over Belarus’ talks with the United States, the president turned to Russian Ambassador Boris Gryzlov: “Boris Vyacheslavovich [Gryzlov], Russia itself is negotiating with the US, isn’t it? ”

The head of state assured that the talks are “not threatening Russia’s interests.”

The president recounted that during recent talks with the U.S. delegation, there were also questions concerning Venezuela: “We need to reach agreements. If we can help the USA with something in this regard (they would like that), we will, but it must be fair. Without taking anyone’s side.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko also spoke about pardoning a number of persons convicted of crimes in Belarus. “Both John Coale and Chris Smith [U.S. representatives with whom Aleksandr Lukashenko held talks] assessed it positively. They say that in Belarus, the president keeps his word. They do not deceive; they deliver what they promise. This is very important for talks,” the head of state noted. “But our [self-exiled opposition] went berserk. They are now trying to claim that they were not simply involved, but that they were the ones who secured their release.”

The president emphasized that the U.S. side also confirms that the self-exiled opposition played no role in resolving these issues: “We agreed with the Americans that we would not hold any talks with self-exiled Belarusians. They have nothing to do with it. I want to thank John Coale, who recently said that this did not happen with U.S. assistance. It was entirely thanks to the United States. That says it all.”

“The Americans, of course, got deeply involved. And this issue always rises to the top of the agenda. Although there are other issues there as well. It’s just that this one is resonant. It attracts journalists, politicians, and so on,” the head of state said.

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