In a continued softening in the draconian sanctions policy imposed on Russia and Belarus, the U.S. Trump Administration announced on Dec. 13 it is lifting U.S. sanctions on Belarus potash, an important export product in the Belarus economy, which in recent years, has accounted for nearly 20% of world supplies. The U.S. action is effective immediately.
Special U.S. envoy to Belarus John Coale announced, “This is happening now.” Coale, together with other U.S. officials, visited Minsk over Dec. 12-13 for discussions with Belarus President Alexandr Lukashenko. During the course of the visit, Lukashenko released 123 foreign individuals who had been imprisoned in Belarus for a number of crimes.
According to U.S. special representative Coale, his talks with Lukashenko were very productive. He said the two sides discussed a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and the escalation in Venezuela. Furthermore, Coale praised the Belarusian President’s advice on resolving the Ukrainian crisis, calling it sound.
