MINSK, 23 August (BelTA) – The conversation the presidents of Belarus and the USA have had over the phone may become a new page in relations between Minsk and Washington. The military observer with the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, Colonel (retired) Viktor Baranets made the statement in a recent episode of BelTA’s YouTube project V Teme [On Point].
According to Viktor Baranets, the phone conversation of Donald Trump and Aleksandr Lukashenko was a sensation. “It was one of the sensations of the negotiation process. Naturally, reporters started contemplating right away: since Aleksandr Lukashenko invited [Donald Trump] to Minsk, it means the next round of talks will take place over there. It is possible,” he said.
At the same time the expert pointed out that NATO’s Europe is against having the negotiations take place in Minsk: “They would be satisfied with a place with an aggressive attitude towards Russia.”
Getting back to the phone call of the leaders of Belarus and the USA, Viktor Baranets described it as a new page in Minsk-Washington relations. “Trump sees Lukashenko as a player one cannot simply step over. Washington understands that Lukashenko represents not only Belarus but also the Union State [of Belarus and Russia]. And Trump understands perfectly well that they need to listen to this ally of Russia’s. This is why the word ‘Minsk’ and this conversation appeared briefly on the horizon,” he added.
According to the military observer, a new stage in Belarus-USA relations may begin. Including economic relations. “I don’t rule out the possibility that Trump may tell his mass media to stop criticizing Belarus. It is a very tangible political and diplomatic benefit,” Viktor Baranets is convinced. “It means that they see the Belarus president and reckon with him. Or Trump may invite Aleksandr Grigoryevich [Lukashenko] to take part in this process [negotiations on Ukraine]. In any case it is a very positive sign not only for Belarus but also for Russia.”
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