Belarus foreign minister dies suddenly

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus held a state funeral Tuesday for its foreign minister who died suddenly at age 64, triggering speculation about possible foul play in his death after he leaned toward Western countries.

Belarusian authorities didn’t give the cause of Vladimir Makei’s death Saturday. He wasn’t known to suffer from any chronic illness.

Some observers alleged without offering evidence that Makei could have been poisoned by security agencies in Russia, an ally that has warily watched Makei’s efforts to negotiate a rapprochement with the West.

Makei has been a top associate of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for more than 20 years. While Makei has remained loyal to Lukashenko amid the crackdown on the opposition, he has been seen as more liberal compared to the Belarusian leader.

Lukashenko attended Makei’s funeral, touching his coffin but making no public statement.

(AP) Members of the Honour Guard carry a coffin with the body of Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei on Tuesday during his farewell ceremony at the Central House of Officers in Minsk, Belarus.