2023-10-06 16:27:00
“We don’t want the Poles to consider us strangers, enemies. We never set as our goal not even to fight – to aggravate relations with the Poles. We don’t need it. I wish that the Poles do not think that their enemies live here. We were and will be good neighbors for them,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
In the context of upcoming Polish elections and the impact of their results on relations with Moscow and Minsk, Lukashenka said:
“I don’t want to interfere in their elections, but I want the Poles not to think that their enemies live here. We have been good neighbors for them and we will be.”
“There is always hope. It is clear how these behave and will behave, and how those will behave – there is some hope that they will take their heads in their hands and work to establish relations. By the way, Polish diplomats, including those who work for us, adhere to this position. They, to their credit, well done, understand what’s going on. But also – hands down, waiting for elections and saying: “If new forces come to power, there is hope that there will be some kind of reset.” You can hope for that. But you see: we are not hoping for anything, we are preparing for the worst option at most. Prepare for the worst, the best will happen – good,” said the Belarusian politician.
At the same time, he did not mention the names of Polish diplomats with such a position.
Previously, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Poland Mariusz Kaminsky issued a statement regarding the timing of the opening of the Babrovniki border crossing on the border with Belarus.
According to him, this will happen in case of the release from prison of journalist Andrzej Pachobut, a representative of the Polish national minority in Belarus.
The minister added that “a clear signal has been sent to the Belarusian side” in this matter.
Aggravation of relations between Poland and Belarus
After the announcement of the verdict on journalist Andrzej Pachobut, an activist of the Polish minority, on February 8, relations between the countries began to deteriorate. Poland has suspended the operation of the checkpoint “Bobrovniki” since February 10. In addition, since February 21, Poland has restricted the movement of Belarusian trucks through the Kukurika-Kozlovichi border crossing.
In response, Minsk sent a liaison officer of the Polish border guard and two employees of the Polish consulate in Hrodna from Belarus. Poland sent a Belarusian attaché in defense matters.
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