Belarusian minister sees difficult relations with EU :: Charter'97 :: News

Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov holds that the political relations between Belarus and the European Union (EU) are in a difficult status, the Itar-Tass news agency reported on Thursday.

Speaking at the Belarusian State University on Thursday, Martynov said "The European Union expressed readiness to normalize relations with Belarus ... But it sets preconditions and wants to develop cooperation on this base."

Such an approach is unacceptable to Belarus with its independent foreign policy, the minister emphasized, noting "We`re ready for cooperation on equal principles and mutual respect."

However, the minister said at the same time Belarus and the EU have a lot of spheres for interaction -- border problems, the fight against illegal migration, traffic in persons and contraband, as well as fuel supplies.

He also indicated that Belarus has the same problems with the United States. "The purpose of our foreign policy is to cooperate with the US," but there are obstacles in the political sphere, he was quoted as saying.

"We`re accused of tyranny. Washington controls the situation in the country and imposes its policy. It`s unacceptable," Martynov pointed out.

Meanwhile, the foreign minister expressed the hope that Russia becomes a stable supplier of strategic energy for his country.

Any state "cannot permit itself to be mono-independent", said Martynov, also proclaiming that Minsk is expected to expand trade with the EU.