U.S. angling to reset relations with Belarus
John Cole and Alexander Lukashenko (Photo: Handout via REUTERS)
The United States aims to normalize bilateral relations with Belarus, Moscow–Minsk alliance notwithstanding, U.S. Special Envoy John Cole said on Sept. 11.
“The release of 52 people [political prisoners held by Belarusian authorities] today was a very good gesture; our goal is the normalization of relations with Belarus,” Cole said.
Asked about Washington lifting sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, Cole likened it to a “tennis match.” He noted that Minsk freed 14 political prisoners, and the West responded by rescinding sanctions on the carrier.
When pressed on whether he expects self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko to free all political prisoners, Cole said he hopes that will happen.
Cole’s wife, journalist Greta van Susteren, said negotiations on the releases lasted two days.
“I just got a text with a tweet saying that my husband freed 52 political prisoners from a Belarusian jail,” she said.
“It’s the first I’ve heard from him in two days because he couldn’t use his phone for security reasons. I’m happy for these 52 people, and I’m also just happy knowing he’s all right.”
Earlier on Sept. 11, Lukashenko pardoned 14 foreigners convicted of espionage, extremist or terrorist activities, and other crimes. Among them were six Lithuanians; one French citizen; one UK national; and two each from Latvia, Poland, and Germany.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said 52 political prisoners arrived in Lithuania later the same day.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
