Belarus Wants Better Relations With United States

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka (file photo) (AFP) October 24, 2006 -- Belarus wants to improve relations with the United States, Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka today told the new U.S. ambassador to Belarus, Karen Stewart.

Lukashenka said Minsk wants an "open and constructive" dialogue with Washington on the basis of "equality, mutual respect, and consideration" of each other's interests."

The United States has dubbed Lukashenka "Europe's last dictator". The Belarusian leader has repeatedly accused the Washington of seeking his ouster.

(AP)