Łukašenka says Macron to send envoy to Minsk for talks next week
May 30, Pozirk. Alaksandar Łukašenka said yesterday that French President Emmanuel Macron plans to send a representative to Minsk for talks in the first days of June.
The Belarusian ruler made this statement while talking to journalists following the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Kazakhstan’s Astana, adding that the French side made the request.
Łukašenka, according to his press service, agreed, saying, “please, if you’re afraid to fly to Minsk, send your representative.” He declined to disclose the name but stressed that it is a person who is “absolutely trusted” and “well-informed.”
Łukašenka admitted that Macron had warned him of the consequences Belarus could face if it entered Russia’s war against Ukraine. The politician also said their recent phone call included a discussion of European security.
“We agreed that issues related to European security should be resolved by Europeans themselves. It is not for [US President] Donald Trump to lecture us or pressure us into peace,” the Belarusian politician said. He noted that Trump has repeatedly described the war in Ukraine as a European issue. “He is right about that. Europe must take responsibility for resolving these issues itself rather than waiting for others to act,” he added.
Macron talked to Łukašenka on the phone on May 24. They have not communicated since their phone call on February 26, 2022, two days after Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine with the assistance from the Belarusian authorities.
France and the European Union do not recognize Łukašenka as Belarus’ legitimate president. Belarus has designated France an unfriendly state.
Pressure and diplomacy: Europe’s balancing act with Łukašenka
Emmanuel Macron has warned Alaksandar Łukašenka against involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, TF1/LCI reported, citing a source close to the French president. Macron stressed “the risks for Belarus of allowing itself to be drawn” into the war, according to …
