Иван Тертель. Скриншот видео
State Security Committee chairman Ivan Tertel said that Belarus maintains contacts with Poland at the level of foreign ministries and special services, spoke of acute problems, and said Minsk is awaiting reciprocal steps from Warsaw.
Tertel expressed confidence that Belarus and Poland would achieve results in negotiations, but said he wants the Polish side to compel its allies to fulfil their obligations, BelTA reported.
“We are in dialogue with Poland. I would say that we will achieve results. What is needed is for the Polish side, so to speak, to stimulate some of its allies to fulfil their allied obligations. We have such an understanding, and they also have such an understanding. The work is difficult, serious work,” he said after reporting to Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
According to Tertel, Poland allegedly realises that it took “incorrect steps” in relations with Belarus.
“Therefore, we nevertheless observe a certain realisation of those incorrect steps that were taken by the previous Polish leadership. Steps related to the closure of borders, attempts at pressure, migration issues and other matters — the economy, transit of goods and people through our territory,” he said.
The KGB chief noted that Belarus and Poland have never broken off dialogue. Contacts at the level of foreign ministries have always continued and have now moved into a more active phase. There are also contacts between special services.
“There are always points of contact, and we can discuss these issues frankly. Yes, there are also contacts with the Polish side through special services, during which the most acute issues are discussed. Of course, on the instruction of the head of state, we work closely in this context with our colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once again, the tone is set for us by the head of state,” Tertel said.
He stressed that Belarus has several times made gestures of goodwill in recent years by releasing individuals convicted of espionage. He also mentioned “other actions that were not public”.
At present, according to Tertel, three or four acute problems remain between Minsk and Warsaw.
“We did find a certain response, but we did not always find solutions to particular acute problems. Now there are effectively three or four such acute problems. They are related to the need to take reciprocal steps, understanding our interest in economic development and the development of ties between people, as well as other issues that require resolution,” Tertel said.
The Belarusian authorities are also raising issues related to Belarusian democratic forces. Tertel describes them as “subversive centres” in Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine, and claims that Poland allegedly wants to “shed this burden”.
“We discuss these matters quite frankly with our colleagues during these contacts. They understand that the projects that were planned and began to be implemented in 2020 can no longer be realised. Therefore, for them this is a certain burden that they would like to shed and not have this irritant in relations,” Tertel said.
Tertel also spoke about new proposals from the United States for Belarus and again divided Belarusian political prisoners into “cream” and “disposable goods”.