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Belarus has reiterated that it will not take part in any dialogue directed against its allies, while signaling that communication with the United States continues through parliamentary and other channels. The statements were made by Oleg Gaidukevich, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of Belarus’s House of Representatives, in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia, as reported by TASS.

Coverage Comparison

The only reports on these remarks come from TASS, the Russian state news agency. Two TASS articles cover the same interview, each focusing on a different aspect. The first highlights Belarus’s commitment to its allies and its ongoing dialogue with the United States. The second emphasizes an upcoming international congress in Minsk where US and Belarusian representatives are expected to discuss the conflict in Ukraine. Both articles present Gaidukevich’s statements without additional commentary or independent verification.

Key Claims

  • Loyalty to allies: Gaidukevich said Belarus will never engage in dialogue against its allies, explicitly naming Russia and China. He called this stance "sacred," citing President Alexander Lukashenko’s repeated statements.
  • Interest in dialogue: The lawmaker claimed there is interest in dialogue with Belarus from all sides, including the United States, but stressed that Minsk engages in such dialogue solely in its national interests.
  • Ongoing US-Belarus contacts: According to Gaidukevich, dialogue with the United States is "ongoing both through the parliament and through other national agencies."
  • Upcoming congress: The Third International Congress of Patriotic Forces "For Peace and Development" will be held in Minsk in early October. Gaidukevich said representatives of the United States, including from both the Republican and Democratic parties, have been invited.
  • Ukraine settlement discussions: At the congress, US and Belarusian representatives are expected to discuss a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Gaidukevich expressed hope that even a 1% step toward peace is valuable, emphasizing the need to maintain contacts under any circumstances.

Perspectives

  • Belarusian official perspective: The statements reflect a balancing act: reaffirming strong alliances with Russia and China while keeping channels open with the West, notably the United States. The emphasis on national interests suggests Belarus sees itself as an independent actor in international dialogue.
  • Russian media framing: TASS presents these remarks as evidence of Belarus’s reliability as an ally and its willingness to engage in peace efforts, consistent with Russian official messaging that portrays the West as the adversary and Belarus as a partner in seeking a negotiated settlement in Ukraine.
  • Potential interpretations: Analysts may view the timing of these remarks — ahead of the congress and amid ongoing geopolitical tensions — as an attempt by Minsk to position itself as a mediator or at least a dialogue facilitator, while reassuring its allies that it will not be used against them.