Renewed dialogue with Poland a distant prospect - Belarusian president
A swift resumption of political dialogue with Poland is unlikely, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has told a Russian news magazine.
In an interview published by the Razvedchik magazine on Monday, Lukashenko shared his thoughts regarding the future of Polish-Belarusian relations, particularly in light of Karol Nawrocki taking office as Poland's president in August.
"Belarusians and Poles are not enemies," he remarked, adding that Belarus was open to dialogue and that both countries "should build bridges instead of walls."
At the same time, Lukashenko criticised Poland and the Baltic states for their decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines, as well as the increase in defence budgets by NATO member countries.
"We want to ride there on tractors, not tanks," he said, declaring that there was no hostile intent towards the West.
Since 2021, Belarus has been exerting pressure on its border with Poland, permitting a significant influx of migrants, primarily from North Africa and the Middle East, to attempt illegal entry into the country. In response, Poland has constructed and expanded a line of defences along its border with Belarus, dubbed Shield East.(PAP)wpb/jch
