Lukashenko tells US envoy Belarus ready for new steps in relations Photo

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signaled openness to renewed engagement with Washington during a meeting on December 12 with US Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale. 

Lukashenko congratulated Coale on his appointment and said he should inform US President Donald Trump that coordinated action on bilateral issues was both necessary and forthcoming. He also expressed approval of Trump’s recent decisions, Caliber.Az reports via BELTA. 

“John, I congratulate you on your new appointment [as US Special Envoy for Belarus]. You are now the point person for Belarus. Tell Trump that we should do something in connection with this. And we will,” Lukashenko said during the meeting.

The Belarusian leader noted that rapidly changing global conditions were creating new challenges that the two sides needed to discuss and potentially resolve.

 “They say Trump likes flattery. But I am not saying this to flatter. I want to say that recently, I have been liking his actions very much," he added. 

The meeting came against the backdrop of US pressure on Minsk to release detainees. Trump has called on Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to free up to 1,400 people he has described as “hostages.” During Coale’s previous visit in September, he helped secure the release of 52 detainees, including 40 political prisoners, according to the human rights group Viasna. One of those released was later returned to custody after refusing deportation.

Following the September releases, the United States lifted sanctions on the Belarusian state airline. 

By Sabina Mammadli