Lukashenko's Health Let Him Down

Three Oddities of the Dictator's Visit to Turkmenistan.

The other day, the Belarusian prime minister took part in the CIS summit, which was held at the “Avaza” national tourist zone in Turkmenistan. “Solidarnast” discusses three distinctive aspects of Alexander Lukashenko’s behavior.

Missed the National Cuisine Festival

Lukashenko’s plane landed in Turkmenistan on the afternoon of October 8. However, judging by photos and video footage, the Belarusian leader did not attend the National Cuisine Festival, which took place that same evening.

There is no mention of this in reports from Lukashenko’s press service either. This is not the first time he has skipped such informal events. This may be due to the leader’s health.

He remained silent on Turkmenistan’s debt for the construction of the Garlyk Mining and Processing Plant

At the summit, Lukashenko, as usual, spoke at length about the need for further integration of the post-Soviet states and the necessity of the CIS. However, during his meeting with the ruler of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, he did not publicly raise the issue of that country’s debt to Belarus.

Meanwhile, according to the latest information, Turkmenistan’s expenses for international arbitration with “Belgorkhimprom” have increased by at least $11.5 million—to $26.5 million. It was previously reported that the amount of the claim filed by “Turkmenkhimiya” totaled $911 million. The Belarusian side filed a counterclaim for $418 million.

Lukashenko was the key figure who initiated the participation of Belarusian specialists in the construction of a mining and processing plant in authoritarian Turkmenistan, failing to assess the risks of cooperation with that country and causing damage to the Belarusian enterprise.

He campaigned for the Russian language

Lukashenko has long been known for openly playing along with Putin at meetings of post-Soviet leaders and acting as a tool of Russian propaganda. He remained true to form at the summit in Turkmenistan as well.

“After all, we speak the same language. Unfortunately, while we speak it, the youth in some of our countries no longer know Russian—our main language,” stated the Belarusian leader.

It is obvious that such statements cannot enhance Lukashenko’s credibility, even in the eyes of authoritarian post-Soviet leaders.

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