Belarus’ long-standing overseas minister has died instantly, the nation’s overseas ministry stated Saturday, two days earlier than he was meant to fulfill his Russian counterpart.
“The Overseas Minister of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei has handed away,” the Ministry of Overseas Affairs of the Republic of Belarus stated in a tweet. Makei had held his publish since 2012.
Makei, 64, attended a convention of the Collective Safety Treaty Group (CSTO) — a army alliance of a number of publish soviet states — in Yerevan earlier this week and was as a consequence of meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Monday.
Earlier than the presidential elections and mass anti-government protests in Belarus in 2020, Makei had been one of many initiators of efforts to enhance Belarus’ relations with the West and had criticized Russia.
Nonetheless, he abruptly modified his stance after the beginning of the protests, saying they had been impressed by brokers of the West.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started in February, Makei, a supporter of shut ties between Moscow and Minsk, stated the West had provoked the warfare and that the Ukrainian authorities ought to conform to the Russian phrases of peace.
A couple of days earlier than the beginning of the warfare, Makei promised that there can be no assault on Ukraine from the territory of Belarus. A couple of days later, Russian troops proved that he was improper.
“We’re shocked by the experiences of the demise of the Head of the Ministry of Overseas Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei,” Russian overseas ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova posted in her Telegram channel.
“Official condolences can be revealed quickly.”
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who retained energy regardless of the protests of 2020, additionally expressed his condolences.
Exiled opposition chief Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, commenting on the minister’s demise referred to as Makei a traitor to the Belarusian folks.
“In 2020, Makei betrayed the Belarusian folks and supported tyranny. That is how the Belarusian folks will bear in mind him,” Tsikhanouskaya stated.
