Ryžankoŭ describes freeing political prisoners as necessary price for reviving economic ties with Washington

October 1, Pozirk. Belarus counts on the normalization of relations with the United States and views the release of prisoners as “minimum costs” associated with solving more serious economic problems, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryžankoŭ told Russia’s TASS.

Describing the imprisonment of Alaksandar Łukašenka’s opponents as one of the “irritants” in bilateral relations, Ryžankoŭ said that Łukašenka “generally doesn’t mind” Washington’s attempts to “pull them out little by little.” He claimed that some of the former prisoners have “reconsidered their behavior” or have served much of their terms and realized that “it’s better not get into prison again.” He expressed confidence that “our people will understand” such a policy, considering that it helps Minsk mend fences with the United States.

Minsk’s expectation in dealings with Washington if that it will not interfere in Belarus’ domestic affairs and the two countries will cooperate on equal terms, including in the political, trade and economic spheres, he said.

Ryžankoŭ said that Belarus is ready to restore communication channels and mutual notification mechanisms with NATO member states if they show an interest in such reengagement. He emphasized the importance of verification inspections, early warning and transparency for reducing the risk of military incidents and increasing “predictability.”  

Ryžankoŭ raised the issue of potash exports, noting that Belarus is ready to sell the fertilizer to all customers, with consideration for the “interest of closest allies” and buyers’ solvency. He ruled out any “steps detrimental to ally relations” and complained about Washington’s freeze on funds for potash supplied to the United States before 2020.

Ryžankoŭ repeated the message that Belarus should cooperate with Russia to ensure their “technological independence” from the West and urged the United Nations to respond to new “global challenges” more promptly.

Ryžankoŭ compared New York, which hosted UN General Assembly events earlier this month, to Moscow but described the Russian capital city as more attractive because of its atmosphere and “Slavic spirit.”

Ryžankou spent part of his summer vacation this year in North Korea, with visits to Pyongyang as well as Wonsan and the Kalma resort. He posted his holiday photographs, praising North Korea as a “very colorful and traditional” country where “everything is neat, well‑kept, everything works.”

Economy Politics

Economy, Politics

No potash deal with Belarus yet, US envoy indicates

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