John Cole discusses unfreezing Belarusian funds
John Cole, the U.S. envoy, recently arrived in Belarus alongside U.S. State Department representative Christopher Panico and a strategic communications advisor from the White House special envoy’s office for Ukraine and Belarus. During a three-hour conversation with President Alexander Lukashenko, Cole addressed various issues.
Cole indicated that the U.S. government took note of Lukashenko’s recent comments regarding the need to release funds that are currently frozen in banks. He stated that they are working on a mechanism to unfreeze these assets.
“We have requested the bank to unfreeze these funds. As soon as we receive a concrete response from the bank, we will inform you immediately,” Cole remarked.
The discussions also touched upon the subject of political prisoners in Belarus, though Lukashenko insisted that there are none in the country. He stated, “There are no political prisoners in Belarus, as such a statute does not exist in our legislation.”
In March, John Cole shared that he had previously engaged in discussions with Lukashenko over drinks in order to negotiate the release of political prisoners.
Context
- In August 2021, the U.S. imposed sanctions against Belarusian Potash Company, blocking funds in American Citibank accounts.
