Belarus’ FM lashes out at UN chief over human rights concern
July 5, Pozirk. Belarus’ new foreign minister has lashed out at the UN secretary general over his concern about his country’s human rights record.
“There’s no special case on Belarus in the UN to give [UN Secretary-General António] Guterres the right to say something today or [to present any] claims,” said Maksim Ryžankoŭ.
Guterres welcomed the release of several political prisoners in Belarus as a step to “full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus” in a UN statement on his meeting with Alaksandar Łukašenka.
The UN press office reported that Guterres discussed human rights with the Belarusian leader.
Ryžankoŭ said, however, that the meeting in Kazakhstan’s Astana focused on “a wide range of issues” rather than human rights, Belarusian state-run media reported.
“In reality, the meeting focused on the UN activities in the Republic of Belarus and the launch of a new cycle of cooperation,” he said.
Guterres, Ryžankoŭ said, described Belarus as a very reliable partner, praising its progress toward Sustainable Development Goals.
Łukašenka’s press office has not yet commented on the meeting, which took place at the Belarusian ruler’s initiative.
UN chief meets Łukašenka, expresses concern about human rights in Belarus
July 4, Pozirk. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, has discussed human rights with Alaksandar Łukašenka at a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan's Astana, the UN press office reports. Yesterday's release …