Brussels, 15 April 1997 (RFE/RL) - A delegation of the Belarus government has visited NATO headquarters, promising increased cooperation within the framework of the "Partnership for Peace" program. Details of last week's meeting are just becoming available and were provided our Brussels correspondent.
Belarus was represented at the meeting by Ural Latypof, a top advisor to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
NATO officials tell our correspondent that Latypof conveyed a clear wish for closer Belarus-NATO cooperation, and he said Minsk would soon be submitting its ideas for individual participation in the "Partnership" program. Belarus enrolled in NATO's "Partnership" program, but had not completed membership by submitting a program for individual participation.
Belarusian officials have made similar statements about improved relations, but the West, and especially the U.S., has expressed strong concerns about the situation in Belarus.
Belarus was represented at the meeting by Ural Latypof, a top advisor to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
NATO officials tell our correspondent that Latypof conveyed a clear wish for closer Belarus-NATO cooperation, and he said Minsk would soon be submitting its ideas for individual participation in the "Partnership" program. Belarus enrolled in NATO's "Partnership" program, but had not completed membership by submitting a program for individual participation.
Belarusian officials have made similar statements about improved relations, but the West, and especially the U.S., has expressed strong concerns about the situation in Belarus.