Фото: president.gov.by
The United States was disappointed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s refusal to attend the first meeting of the Peace Council in Washington, US President’s Special Envoy for Belarus John Coale said after talks in Minsk.
According to Coale, Lukashenka has been invited to future meetings of the council.
“Some time ago, we were disappointed that President Lukashenka was unable to attend the Peace Council meeting that recently took place in Washington. However, President Trump has invited President Lukashenka to take part in any future meetings of the Peace Council. We discussed this issue. President Lukashenka confirmed that he will participate in one of the council’s meetings,” Coale was quoted as saying by BelTA.
During the talks in Minsk, the possibility of Lukashenka visiting the United States was also discussed.
It should be recalled that the first meeting of the Peace Council took place in Washington on February 19. The US side invited Lukashenka to attend, but he declined, citing a busy schedule and logistical difficulties. Lukashenka said he would take part in the council’s work, especially if it addresses the issue of Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhankou was expected to attend the meeting instead, but he was also absent. The Foreign Ministry said he had not received a US visa.