Opinions & Interviews

KGB chief: Lukashenko-Trump dialogue continues, USA presents new proposals

MINSK, 24 December (BelTA) - The active dialogue between Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump continues, with new proposals coming from the USA, Chairman of the State Security Committee of Belarus (KGB) Ivan Tertel told the media following a report made to Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 24 December, BelTA has learned.

According to Ivan Tertel, speaking at the Belarusian People’s Congress the head of state provided a detailed overview of the situation in Belarus-USA relations and the ongoing negotiations. At the same time, the KGB head noted that negotiations of this kind are traditionally conducted discreetly because, as “there are certain principles to avoid undermining the intended results”.

The KGB chairman stated that the active dialogue between the presidents of the USA and Belarus is continuing. “This morning, I reported to the president on new proposals from the USA, taking into account Belarus’ position and the stance of our president aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of all disputes, particularly regarding Ukraine. Many topics of a global and regional scale, as well as bilateral relations, are being discussed,” he informed.

Regarding further negotiations with the USA and the new proposals received, they are now being actively discussed, Ivan Tertel said. This includes discussions at the level of a working group, which comprises many high-ranking officials, the prime minister, the head of the Belarus President Administration, and representatives of the security and law enforcement agencies.

“Everything is being examined in detail, including the potential consequences and the steps we can take. There is a firm approach set for us by the head of state, i.e. the adherence to national interests. We act solely in our country’s interests. Every step we take is calculated in terms of short-, medium-, and long-term perspectives,” Ivan Tertel emphasized.

In his view, it is in Belarus’ interest to build relations with the USA. “Here we see a new approach from the new [U.S. President Donald Trump’s] Administration. It is a constructive one. Indeed, the U.S. president and his team are doing a great deal around the world and in our region to stabilize the situation,” the Belarusian KGB head said. However, there are also many opponents of this process, especially in Europe. They are waiting for the situation in the USA to change. Belarus has information confirming this. “Our U.S. colleagues are also informed and aware of this,” Ivan Tertel said.

In general, the head of the Belarusian KGB holds a positive outlook regarding the continuing negotiations with the USA and their likely outcomes. “I am sure a positive outcome will be reached, and before long, I assure you, we will hear good news on this matter,” he concluded.

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