Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: West aims to reach Russia, eliminate Belarus as a competitor

MIKASHEVICHI, 4 June (BelTA) – The unfriendly moves by the West are an attempt to extend its reach to Russia and get Belarus out of the way as it is seen as a competitor, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he spoke with the staff of the Granit company on 4 June, BelTA has learned.

“We need to pull ourselves together and stand out. You see this mounting pressure on Russia, but they cannot jump through Belarus. We cannot turn ourselves into Ukraine. We cannot fight against Russia, Russian people. These are our nearest and dearest. This is the reason for this uproar, “ Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The second reason for unfriendly moves on the part of the West is competition, the head of state noted. “They are our competitors, and this is natural. The market shrank last year amidst the coronavirus pandemic, and there is not enough space for everyone. Therefore, we must withstand, no matter what it takes. As for the government, the president, do not worry about us: We will do our job. Yet, everyone should understand that it will not be easy. This is about, first of all, ordinary competition,”  Aleksandr Lukashenko said. According to him, this also explains the sanctions imposed on the Belavia national air carrier.

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