Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 8 September (BelTA) – Western partners have shown no genuine interest in obtaining objective information about the Belarusian-Russian army exercise Zapad 2017, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei told the media on 8 September, BelTA has learned.

One of the journalists asked whether Belarus’ efforts to ensure the openness of the military exercise were successful. “These efforts would be successful if our western partners did not attempt to artificially create tensions, if they had a genuine interest in obtaining the objective information about the exercise. We must regretfully state that there is no genuine and real interest,” Vladimir Makei said.

According to the minister, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has voiced his clear position regarding the Belarusian-Russian army exercise. The minister added that Belarus has never posed a threat to its neighbors and has no intention to be a threat to anyone.