The United States is negotiating with Belarus on a “grand bargain”: it offers an easing of sanctions
The United States is considering a “grand deal” with Belarus that would include easing sanctions in exchange for the release of political prisoners. About this informs New York Times, citing its own sources.
The publication notes that on February 12, Belarus was visited by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Smith together with two other US officials. During this visit, three people were released – one US citizen and two Belarusian political prisoners.
Smith himself called it a “special operation” and a “big victory”, but did not disclose the details of his meetings in Minsk. The US State Department also did not comment on who the talks were with and what topics were discussed.
According to the NYT, the American delegation included another high-ranking diplomat, whose name has not been disclosed. The host Ihor Tur reported on the visit on state Belarusian television.
Sources note that the mysterious American representative met with Alexander Lukashenko. It was the first meeting of the Belarusian leader with a high-ranking official of the US State Department in five years.
According to NYT interlocutors, during the visit, Christopher Smith expressed the opinion that the next step could be the conclusion of a broader agreement. In particular, Lukashenko may agree to release a significant number of political prisoners, and in return Washington will ease sanctions against Belarusian banks and the export of potash, a key component of fertilizers.
Thus, the US is trying to find a diplomatic way to influence the Belarusian authorities, using the issue of sanctions as a lever of pressure. Prospects for further negotiations remain open.
