MOSCOW (AP) — Belarus’ authoritarian leader will discuss closer economic ties with Russia, as he seeks support from his main backer amid a bruising showdown with the European Union over the forced diversion of a passenger jet to arrest a dissident journalist. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has found himself increasingly isolated after flight controllers told the crew of a Ryanair plane to land in Minsk because there was a bomb threat against it. No bomb was found, but 26-year-old journalist Raman Pratasevich was arrested. EU leaders have called it a hijacking and piracy and are sketching out sanctions. The dispute has pushed Lukashenko, who has relentlessly stifled dissent, even closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two will meet Friday.
