Belarus ready for ‘constructive’ dialogue on vote: foreign minister

Belarus is prepared for “constructive and objective” talks with foreign countries on its disputed presidential election and post-vote unrest, Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said on Friday.

In a call with Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis, Makei expressed “the readiness of the Belarusian side for a constructive and objective dialogue with foreign partners on all issues related to the developments in Belarus,” his office said in a statement.

The call came after five days of protests and unrest sparked by Lukashenko, in power since 1994, being declared the winner of a sixth term in Sunday’s election.

Police have used rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters, with more than 6,700 people detained, hundreds wounded and two dead.

European Union foreign ministers were set for talks Friday on the situation, with some calling for sanctions against Lukashenko’s regime.