Lukashenko: batting for both sides.
The day after he announced that Belarus would recognise the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, President Lukashenko has declared his wish for improved relations with the US.
In a birthday note to President Barack Obama, Lukashenko stated that "Through joint efforts we could bring Belarusian-U.S. relations to a level that meets the interests of the people of both countries."
With the US imposing sanctions on Belarus, and both countries engaging in tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions, Lukashenko's words were reportedly met with much hilarity in the White House. Following the imposition of travel restrictions on the man described as "Europe's last dictator", Lukashenko expelled the US ambassador, Karen Stewart, in March 2008.
Lukashenko has yet to formally fulfil his promise to the breakaway republics, and many observers believe that he is actually unlikely to do so.
Lukashenko
Yep, this is an election year and Sasha has to make some friends on the international stage so that he can have ministerial and presidential visits to put on telly. Sadly he is now surrounded by 'yes' men who will tell him what he wants to hear and not that the world sees him as a dangerous buffoon. A visit by the president of South Ossetia (pop. 57) will be covered on Belarusian TV for days on end, but will be ignored elsewhere. Luka currently has the exiled President of Kyrgyzstan staying over, but it is clear that October's elections in that country will mark his permanent demise and Bakiev will just be yet another deposed president looking for a safe haven. Things must be very fraught in the Lukashenko household as it is possible that Putin will help him on his way. Hopefully Lukashenko will go quietly when he does go, Minsk is a beautiful, clean city and could do without a revolution. There are a lot of really good Belarusians waiting for a transition to normality.