KGB Chief: Belarus committed to dialogue and search for mutually acceptable solutions with Western partners

Belarus is committed to dialogue and the search for mutually acceptable solutions with Western partners, but only on condition that the republic’s own national interests are taken into account – as stated by Ivan Tertel, the Chairman of Belarus’ State Security Committee, after today’s meeting with the President on the global international situation and the development of Belarusian-American relations

According to the KGB Chief, a thorough conversation has taken place today with the President’s participation. “We discussed the current world issues, the international situation and, of course, our regional aspect. Ukraine can hardly be ignored in this regard, so a special focus was given to it. I would like to emphasise that some aspects of the negotiation process should be classified for some time – so that the parties can find mutual understanding, consensus and come to a common opinion on some controversial issues. I will probably not tell you a big secret by saying that the American side is having a very serious discussion with the Head of State. Our American partners recognise that we, being in this region, and our President who is aware of the situation can seriously contribute to the stabilisation of the situation. Therefore, we had a thorough conversation on the Ukrainian issue, and this is the main agenda that we are discussing with the American side,” he said.

Mr. Tertel emphasised that Belarus’ President is very deeply immersed in the agenda and has personal concerns about the situation in Ukraine, “This is an issue practically of his personal concern. Therefore, the position of Belarus and our President is that we can contribute [to the peaceful settlement of the conflict], find consensus in this truly challengeable situation. In this regard, an active dialogue is underway with the American side. Our allied relations with the Russian Federation and our close relations with Ukraine suggest that there should be an attempt to solve this problem based on our understanding of the situation.”

Another set of issues discussed at today’s meeting concerned Belarus’ relations with the countries that represent the main interests of the West in various fields. As explained by Mr. Tertel, these are Poland, the Baltic States and other countries.

“It probably will not be a big secret to say that we have channels of communication with our partners, this dialogue is underway, including through the special services. I would say that the understanding between us is slowly improving. We discuss pressing issues and somewhere come to an understanding of mutual interests,” the KGB Chief said. “Our mutual interest is a stable situation in the region, the well-functioning economy, people’s employment and peaceful life with a view to the future, the absence of conflict situations, and the overall détente of existing tensions. The position of our President – and you all know it – is that neighbours are God-given and cannot be chosen. We have always treated our neighbours with respect, whatever they may be. We have never interfered in any of our neighbours’ affairs, and we have always been determined to find consensus. At today's meeting, the position of the Republic of Belarus was specified with regard to the negotiating track with the American side and the relations with our main neighbours and partners, including France and Germany. The position has been elaborated, and it will be guided by the respect of the interests of our neighbours and our partners, focusing on our national interests and ensuring that partners take into account our national interests. Relevant tasks were set by the Head of State in this regard. The discussion was very heated sometimes because we have different opinions… I cannot fully disclose all the nuances of the meeting, because there must always be a certain manoeuvre of the negotiating position, but we are committed to dialogue, to the search for mutually acceptable solutions, taking into account our national interests. We have every chance to achieve a breakthrough in our relations with the United States and Western Europe. We are open to that, and I think we will have good news on this track in the near future.”