The First Steps of the New Belarusian Diplomacy: Correspondence of Minister of Foreign Affirs of the Belarusian SSR/Republic of Belarus P.K. Kravchanko (1990-1991)

Abstract

The publication is a selection of documents and materials from the correspondence of the Minister of foreign affirs of the Belarusian SSR/Republic of Belarus P.K. Kravchenko from his personal archive. They characterize the fist steps of the new Belarusian diplomacy, which took roots in the election of P. Kravchenko as the Minister of foreign affirs of the BSSR in July 1990. The presented documents cover a little more than a year of his activity as a Minister: from November 1990 to December 1991. These are 10 documents from correspondence minister with statesmen, diplomats, entrepreneurs from the USSR and foreign countries (Czechoslovakia, the USA and Canada). The published materials (letters, telegrams, reports) reflct various aspects of the activities of the Ministry of foreign affirs of the Belarusian SSR/Republic of Belarus and the Minister of foreign affirs himself. They reflct the strengthening sovereignty of the Republic within the USSR and expanding its foreign policy authority, national revival and the beginning of reforms in the economy, the creation and activities of the Council of foreign ministers of the USSR and the Union Republics, and the mobilization of the international community to assist in minimizing the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant