December 14, BPN. Authorities launched a vetting process for Siarhiej Alejnik as a candidate for the foreign minister two months ago, said Pavieł Łatuška of the Belarusian opposition cabinet.
He noted that the late Uładzimir Makiej, a friend of Alejnik, knew about it.
“The appointment may be evidence of [Alaksandr] Łukašenka’s willingness to reduce Russia’s influence and intensify communication with the West. At the same time, I assume that neither Alejnik, Łukašenka’s foot soldier, nor the dictator himself can offer anything of a substance to the West,” said Łatuška, a Belarusian diplomat turned opposition leader.
“National identity, Belarusian language and culture are not on his [Alejnik’s] personal agenda,” he said, noting Alejnik’s total loyalty to Alaksandr Łukašenka and his regime.
Alejnik reportedly used his previous connections to start the ongoing negotiations with the Vatican, which might be of interest to Łukašenka. He also communicates with Western countries’ remaining envoys in Belarus, Łatuška added.
Alejnik allegedly traveled to Switzerland several times and had discussions with a Swiss company that deals with conflict resolution worldwide, he said.
During six years as Belarus’ ambassador to the United Kingdom, Alejnik had extensive connections to the British elites, which also could be of interest to the regime, Łatuška said.
More recently, Alejnik has been communicating with European Commission officials, according to the opposition politician.
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