Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 May (BelTA) – It is possible that Georgia and Ukraine will return to the Commonwealth of Independent States. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement during the meeting with heads of delegations of the 40^th session of the CIS Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services on 19 May, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko underlined the importance of developing the Commonwealth of Independent States as a unique integration and negotiation platform. It is also necessary to step up efforts to modernize the Commonwealth, make it stronger and more attractive for the member states, adapt it to the modern reality, the President was convinced. “I am convinced that one of these days Ukraine will come to us. The country has a great deal of interests here. I think Georgia will do the same,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

“We should get them back. There are too many people over there, who are ready to cooperate with us,” added the President. According to the Belarusian head of state, forcing them to do it is not a good idea but calling them to return is. “We should not lose these republics,” stressed Alexander Lukashenko.

The Belarusian leader stated that a lot has been done since the Commonwealth of Independent States was established. As an example he mentioned the CIS free trade zone. When Ukraine lost access to the zone, the country incurred huge losses, reminded the President. A lot has been done for citizens, too. For the most part, they can freely move across the territory of the former Soviet Union and get jobs in the CIS member states. “There are no major barriers. It is necessary to preserve it and develop the good factors so that people would treasure the Commonwealth of Independent States,” summed up the Belarusian head of state.