Nausėda Says Coale Asked About Possibility Of Dialogue With Minsk

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda shared new details of his meeting with US presidential special envoy John Coale ahead of the latter’s visit to Minsk last week.

“During our conversation, the question was raised about the possibilities for political dialogue with Belarus,” Nausėda was quoted as saying by BNS.

The Lithuanian president added that he warned Coale about Alyaksandr Lukashenka, whose statements, in Nausėda’s view, should not be trusted.

“My response was absolutely clear, as we know this neighbor well and this particular dictator. My message to Mr. Coale was to interpret any steps by the Belarusian authorities with extreme caution, since by their nature and due to their alignment with Russia, they are practically inseparable from the Russian state,” he said.

Nausėda believes that Lukashenka may be trying to split the unity of NATO countries and create divisions between US and EU policy toward Minsk.

The Lithuanian president welcomed US efforts to secure the release of political prisoners but believes that for Lukashenka this is merely a tool for achieving political goals. Nausėda also noted that he reminded Coale of the recent extension of EU sanctions against Belarus for another year.

“We reminded our American colleagues that the EU sanctions regime against Belarus remains in force; it has been extended for 12 months, and at least during this period there are no legal or other grounds to speak about lifting or easing the sanctions. According to my information, neighboring countries of Lithuania, which are considered alternative logistical channels for Belarusian fertilizers, hold a similar position,” he said.