Lukashenko to U.S. special envoy: No political articles in Belarus’ Criminal Code

MINSK, 19 March (BelTA) – During negotiations with a U.S. delegation led by Special Envoy John Coale Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko raised the matter of so-called political prisoners. The matter is also part of the agenda of the Belarus-USA negotiations, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “We cannot avoid the problem that Chris [Smith, one of the U.S. negotiators, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State] closely monitors. The so-called political prisoners. Although I keep telling you that we have no political articles [in the Criminal Code] and no political prisoners. There are only lawbreakers.”

“But you and I discussed this problem by correspondence. I think that we have essentially come up with a certain opinion. And the Belarusian side is ready to follow our arrangements with you. I don’t think there will be major problems in this regard. Just like with regard to other items on our agenda,” the president added.