Sanctions eased as Washington seeks thaw with Minsk

US presidential envoy John Coale met Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk to discuss the release of political prisoners. According to human rights organisations, more than 1,100 people are imprisoned in Belarus for political reasons.

Lukashenko welcomed him with a hug and said he was ready to ‘discuss any problems’, but also wanted to talk about the wars in Ukraine and Iran. ‘I think my view on global problems, especially the situation in the Middle East, will be important for you, since you are fighting against our friends,’ he said in a video released by his administration.

Previous negotiations between the two sides have already led to the release of dozens of prisoners, and later 123 others, including prominent opposition figures. The United States has subsequently eased some sanctions, such as those on potash exports, and has begun negotiations to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Minsk.

Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994, has long been criticised by the West for human rights abuses and support for Russia. But new diplomatic contacts with the US could help ease his international isolation.

At the same time, Washington sees cooperation with Minsk as an opportunity to weaken its ties with Russia. However, the Belarusian opposition in exile warns that Lukashenko remains heavily dependent on Moscow.

(reuters, max)