President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko hopes that relations with the European Union will improve with the arrival of new ambassadors of some European Union states. The President made the corresponding statement as he accepted credentials from foreign ambassadors on September 23. “Let’s make Belarus’ relations with the European Union normal while you are ambassadors,” said the President. He added he hopes after the elections to the Belarusian parliament relations with the West may become closest. “We have never been inclined to make a democracy acid test out of our elections,” remarked Alexander Lukashenko. “But the leading Western states were insistent saying the elections would define relations with Belarus. Well, we agree”. The head of state underscored Belarus has ensured an election campaign, which is absolutely transparent for international monitoring. “Go, watch and make relevant conclusions but I ask you to be objective,” said the President. He underscored Belarus has never made and will never make problems for Western countries. “Our ‘dictatorship’ does not impede anyone’s life and development,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “Contrariwise, for you we have always been a partner, who fulfils all his obligations”. The President reminded, Belarus is irreplaceable in maintaining security and stability on the continent, protecting Europe from drugs trafficking, contraband, including contraband of nuclear components, crime and illegal migrants. Apart from that, European countries import half of their oil and one third of their gas via Belarus. “We would very much like to fully normalise our relations today. But we will not crawl on all fours asking for entry to the common European home,” Alexander Lukashenko made clear. The country’s economy is developing at the fastest pace in the post-Soviet space. “This is why we will not crawl. Not because I am a proud man but because I represent a very proud nation, which deserves respect for making the greatest contribution to the fight against Nazism, saving Europe,” added the President. “I have one thing to ask of you,” the head of state told the European ambassadors. “I ask you to respect our country and the nation, to support us and help us when it is necessary”. Alexander Lukashenko remarked, he has the warmest feelings with regard to the countries, which ambassadors had presented their credentials to him, and Belarus had never had any problems with these countries. “We would like you to act in a similar fashion towards us,” said the President. “We learn a lot from you,” added the head of state. “But you shouldn’t ask all the good and positive things of yours from us within such a short time as we have turned slightly more than 15”. The Belarusian leader is convinced, no state can be isolated in the modern world and all attempts to do it are counterproductive. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
