Belarus' Leader Takes a Seat at the Global Peace Table

Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, has taken a significant step onto the global stage. He recently joined the U. S. President's Board of Peace. This move comes after years of being sidelined by Western nations due to his human rights record and support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Lukashenko's involvement in the Board of Peace is seen as a shift in U. S. policy. The U. S. has been easing sanctions on Belarus in exchange for the release of political prisoners. This has led to a warming of relations between the two countries. The Board of Peace was proposed by the U. S. President last year. It aims to bring together world leaders to address and resolve global conflicts. The Board's role has expanded since its initial proposal, now focusing on ending conflicts worldwide.Membership in the Board of Peace comes with a price tag. Countries interested in long-term membership are expected to contribute $1 billion. This financial commitment is seen as a way to ensure that member countries are serious about their involvement. Lukashenko's participation in the Board of Peace has sparked mixed reactions. While some see it as a positive step towards peace, others view it as a controversial move. The Belarusian opposition, which sees Lukashenko as a dictator, has criticized his inclusion in the Board. The U. S. has also invited other world leaders to join the Board of Peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have both been invited. The U. S. President has claimed credit for ending a long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have fought two wars since the collapse of the Soviet Union.