Authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday hosted a U.S. envoy for talks in the Belarus capital of Minsk, the latest step in the isolated leader’s effort to improve ties with the West.
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Weekend Beach ForecastAffidavit: Man arrested in connection with North Side robberyIn this photo released by Belarusian presidential press service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, and U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale talk during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, March 19, 2026. In this photo released by Belarusian presidential press service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, and U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale, second right, talk during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, March 19, 2026. In this photo released by Belarusian presidential press service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, and U.S. Presidential envoy John Coale talk during their meeting in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, March 19, 2026. on Thursday hosted a U.S. envoy for talks in the Belarus capital of Minsk, the latest step in the isolated leader’s effort to improve ties with the West. Lukashenko met with President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale, according to the presidential press service. State news agency Belta quoted Lukashenko saying topics on the agenda include restoring the normal functioning of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk, which suspended operations in 2022, the"release of so-called political prisoners,” as well as sanctions and other economic issues.The last time U.S. officials met with Lukashenko, in December, Washington announced easing some sanctions, and 123 prisoners were released and sent to Ukraine and Lithuania.— both for its crackdown on human rights and for allowing Moscow to use its territory in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.to protest a vote they viewed as rigged. They were the largest demonstrations since Belarus became independent following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. In an ensuing crackdown, tens of thousands were detained, with many beaten by police. Prominent opposition figures either fled the country or were imprisoned. More recently, Belarus has begun to free some political prisoners to try to win favor with the West. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House this year, Lukashenko has released dozens of prisoners, includingand even suggested a face-to-face meeting in what would be a big victory for the Belarusian leader, who has been dubbed “Europe’s Last Dictator.” Coale told reporters after the talks on Thursday that a possible trip for Lukashenko to the U.S. was discussed. Belarusian opposition leader in exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press in written comments Thursday that U.S. envoy Coale's “mission is to help secure the release of political prisoners.” “These are innocent people, held illegally by the regime. This is not an easy task," she said, adding that Lukahsenko “does not keep his word — he releases some prisoners while arresting new ones.” "But I believe the United States has enough leverage to make a real difference and free them all,” Tsikhanouskaya said. There are currently more than 1,100 political prisoners in Belarus, according to the country's most prominent human rights group, Viasna. “Of course, we welcome these efforts. We see them as humanitarian and very important,” Tsikhanouskaya said. “But at the same time, we must insist on real, systemic change in Belarus — an end to repression and the holding of free and fair elections." Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.2026 César E. Chávez March for Justice cancelledPossible relief for a northeast side dangerous intersection.Blind man says security pushed him down stairs, beat him in parking lot of North Side barJury selection began on Monday in the case of Christopher PreciadoSchertz searches for answers to frequent railroad crossing crashesSarah Spivey has your weather Authority ForecastCar crosses low water road live on TV
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Belarus leader hosts US envoy for talks seeking to improve tiesAuthoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday hosted a U.S. envoy for talks in the Belarus capital of Minsk, the latest step in the isolated leader’s effort to improve ties with the West. Lukashenko met with President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale, according to the presidential press service. The last time U.S.
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Belarus leader hosts US envoy for talks, latest step in his effort to improve ties with WashingtonAuthoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday hosted a U.S. envoy for talks in the Belarus capital of Minsk, the latest step in the isolated leader’s effort to improve ties with the West.
Read more »