US special envoy in Vilnius before traveling to Belarus
March 18, Pozirk. US special envoy John Coale has arrived in Lithuania and met with Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė before traveling to Belarus to negotiate possible releases of political prisoners in exchange for the easing of sanctions and other concessions.
Ruginienė described Belarus’ regime as a major threat to security in the region on the Lithuanian government’s website, citing hybrid attacks on Lithuania, such as cigarette-smuggling balloons, irregular migration, the seizure of Lithuanian trucks and support for the Russian war against Ukraine.
Washington has not reported on the meeting.
Last year, US engagement helped secure the released more than 300 political prisoners. Most of them were forced into exile.
Lukašenka says Minsk discussing prisoner releases with Washington
March 13, Pozirk. Minsk is conducting negotiations with Washington without discussing Belarus’ ties with Russia or China, Alaksandar Łukašenka said today during his visit to the Mahiloŭ region, Belarusian state-run media report. Talks with the US representatives focus on bilateral relations “ranging …
News
- PoliticsKGB adds seven to list of terroristsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyGovernment renews wood import licensing for six monthsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja: talks on releasing dissidents continueThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SecurityLithuania seizes counterfeit Belarusian cigarettes worth €2.1 millionThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- SocietyDriver in deadly Georgia bus crash guarded in hospitalThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyRussia returns remains of 261 Ukrainian soldiers via BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyForeign ministry urges Belarusians to plan trips carefully after another deadly minibus crash in GeorgiaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Security, SocietyEU countries report 77 attempts at irregular entry from Belarus on August 12The material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsImprisoned trade unionist Areška almost blind, Viasna saysThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society
- Security, SocietyBorder guards seize two drones, seven model aircraft from individuals since year's startThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyVacancies for foreigners more than triple in 13 days in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyForeign investment reported up 19 percent in H1The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityBelarus' western neighbors post 20-day high in irregular crossings via BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityCichanoŭskaja to Belarusians: joining Russia’s war in Ukraine is “one-way ticket”The material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus customs denies reports of Russian trucks being held in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietyDemoted colonel appointed head of Homiel penal colony for womenThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus ranked second-lowest in EAEU for motor fuel prices in JuneThe material is available only to POZIRK+

