Lukashenko recommends Russia to correct policy on Belarus :: Charter'97 :: News

Russia should radically revise its position in the Russia-Belarus Union, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday. “I have said before that Russia cannot lose Belarus, because that would start disintegration of Russia,” he noted.

“There are many problems that harm bilateral relations, and those who do not want good relations between Russia and Belarus under the pressure of the United States and other countries are gaining strength,” he said. However, Europe is sobering and coming to realize that “they do not need a country with destabilized economy in the European center,” he said.

He said higher costs of Russian natural gas for Belarus would not affect bilateral trade and economic relations. Trade will grow because of positive factors, which are stronger than “18% increase of Russian gas prices for Belarus starting from next year,” he said.

“We will survive higher costs of Russian gas, but the Russian administration must understand that this situation cannot last forever. Russia should correct its policy and be more attentive to Belarus,” Lukashenko said.

“What are we arguing about, three or four dollars for 1,000 cubic meters of gas? Aren’t we brothers?” he said. “The people of Belarus will not be harmed despite difficulties – salaries and pensions will be paid,” he added.