FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 file photo, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko waves to journalists as he arrives at the Zapad (West) 2017 joint Russia-Belarus military exercises at the Borisovsky range in Borisov, Belarus. (Sergei Grits, File/Associated Press)MINSK, Belarus — The president of Belarus, who was once dubbed Europe’s last dictator, said on Tuesday that is country is eager for better ties with NATO in the light of talks about the price Russia charges to sell his country oil. Russia has for years been selling oil to Belarus at subsidized prices, which allowed Belarus to make hefty profits from its oil refineries, some of Europe’s largest, which then export oil products. Belarus’ ties with the European Union and NATO have been strained for years over a clampdown on civil rights and persecution of dissenters in the country. As well as Russia and Ukraine, Belarus has borders with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, which are all NATO members.

Source: Washington Post March 05, 2019 12:39 UTC