Opinions & Interviews
Lukashenko: Too many vacuous conversations about Belarus-Russia integration
MINSK, 26 September (BelTA) – There are too many vacuous and wrong conversations about the integration of Belarus and Russia, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with representatives of Ukrainian mass media on 26 September, BelTA has learned.
“There are too many vacuous and absolutely wrong, inaccurate conversations about our integration processes with Russia. All are worried. But why? Belarus is a sovereign independent state. Just like Ukraine. Indeed, Ukraine, Poland influence us in a certain way. Baltic countries as well, to a lesser degree. The Russian Federation has a bigger influence. The world is interdependent,” the head state remarked.
“Belarus is a sovereign and independent state. We have a right to build this policy in a way we want,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “Belarus is a sovereign country and will be a sovereign country. And we will do our best to enhance this sovereignty.”
In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko revealed the details of his talks with Russia President Vladimir Putin: “When Vladimir Putin and I discussed this issue (I raised it), I told him that if the Russian government or he personally had any ideas about us becoming part of Russia or merging with the Russian Federation into one state, they should erase this stuff from their minds.”
The Belarusian president explained the reasons for this stance: “There is an emotional thing: I am the first president in the history of the independent and sovereign state. Tell me, have I become the first president in order to build this state and then make it part of anything? To make it part of another state? No!”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the Russian president assured him that there were no such intentions. “He told me, “come on, we have never even thought about it.” This was his answer,” the Belarusian leader said.
The president added that some people in Belarus also reproach him for allegedly having an intention to renounce sovereignty and independence. “Nonsense! I don’t care a toss about my power. I have been president for 25 years, why should I put an end to independent Belarus and to Belarusians’ dreams who dreamed to be independent for ages in the course of the 26th year?” he wondered.
“Belarus is a sovereign and independent country now. Should I give up on Belarusian people? I don’t care for this chair that much to sell out the country. This is my firm position,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
In conclusion, he asked not to be afraid of the current Belarus-Russia integration talks.
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