LUKASHENKO CRITICIZES U.S. BUT SEEKS GREATER

C O N F I D E N T I A L MINSK 000847

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON PHUM BO
SUBJECT: LUKASHENKO CRITICIZES U.S. BUT SEEKS GREATER
PARTNERSHIP

Classified By: Charge Jonathan Moore For Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) Summary: President Lukashenko, meeting with his
Belarusian Ambassadors August 1, stated that increased
U.S.-EU harassment was due to Belarus' increasing
geopolitical importance and its role in forming a multi-polar
world. The President claimed Belarus was ready for bilateral
partnerships with the U.S. but not if the U.S. continued its
"non-constructive" campaign of interference and threats to
Belarus' sovereignty. Lukashenko suggested the GOB and state
media take the higher road by reacting calmly to U.S.
statements and offering criticism based on facts. End
Summary.

Belarus' Foreign Policy Imperatives
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2. (U) On August 1, Lukashenko told his ambassadors from all
Belarusian diplomatic missions during an annual conference
that Belarus was "actively contributing" to the international
community's movement to a multi-polar world. However,
Belarus' increasing geopolitical importance has made it a
target of EU and U.S. pressure. Lukashenko stressed that
Belarus would pursue its own political course and not act in
the interests of the West in exchange for "table scraps." He
then boasted that the "so-called Belarus issue" was not
mentioned at the July 15 G-8 Summit because the "responsible"
politicians attending the Summit knew that Belarus was not an
issue compared to the conflicts in the Middle East.

Ready For Better Relations With West, But With Conditions
-------------- --------------


3. (U) Lukashenko maintained Belarus was ready for mutually
beneficial partnerships with the U.S. and EU based on
universal values, including respect for each nation's
independence and the people's right to choose their
government. Lukashenko praised a two-fold increase in
Belarus-U.S. trade and claimed Belarus wanted closer
partnerships with the U.S. in the fights on terrorism,
trans-border crime, human trafficking and drugs. (Note:
Current trade volume between Belarus and the U.S. totaled USD
380 million in 2005.)


4. (U) However, Lukashenko warned that such partnerships
could not be reached if the U.S. continues its
"non-constructive" political pressure, threats, interference,
and disrespect for Belarusians. He added that Belarus would
not follow the West's model of using military force and
economic sanctions against "unwanted countries" to "kill"
their peaceful populations.

State Media "Urged" To Lighten Up On The West
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5. (U) To improve relations with the U.S., Lukashenko
suggested the GOB react calmly to U.S. statements and return
criticism in a civilized manner based on facts. Criticism of
the U.S. should be "worth it" and not focused on trifles that
"irritate the U.S. Embassy" and Belarusian partners residing
in the U.S.

Comment
--------------


6. (C) Lukashenko's colorful presentation, published in state
newspapers and on the presidential website, was overburdened
by the typical idiosyncrasies that for the last few months
have been absent from his speeches. Throughout the speech he
mocked the U.S., EU, and Russia, but simultaneously called
for partnerships with them. Lukashenko exaggerated Belarus'
world status and "activeness" in the international arena.
Whatever the reason behind his return to "normal" behavior,
which of course has not been matched by any "reaching out" to
this Embassy, Lukashenko definitely found his place on the
soapbox.
Moore