“Anti-west” rhetoric of Lukashenka to please Russia :: Charter'97 :: News

Aliaksandar Lukashenka came back to his “anti-west” rhetoric. He threatened Europe again with reciprocal sanctions, criticized the US policy and NATO expansion yesterday at the solemn meeting on the occasion of the Independence Day and today at the military parade. Although the Belarusian leader talked much about the necessity to maintain independence, he repeatedly vowed fidelity to Russia. Lukashenka must be looking forward to get the Russian credit in the present situation of economic crisis. It became known after the last session of the Council of Ministers that Belarus now requests $ 2bln from Russia.

About NATO expansion

Aliaksandar Lukashenka said the expansion of the NATO and the placing of the American anti-missile system elements in Europe threatens Belarus’ national interests. “The promotion of the military infrastructure of the NATO to the East and the placing of the American anti-missile system elements in the states that border on Belarus aggravate the military and political situation close to our frontiers,” - Lukashenka pointed out on Tuesday in Minsk holding a speech at a military parade, as Interfax reports.

As the head of state said, “the basis of the European security - the adapted Treaty on conventional armaments in Europe - was undermined and is not followed now.” “And our European democratic states just ignore the fact,” - Lukashenka emphasized.

In this regard, as he said, “we cannot but consider these factors while building our own system of national and, first of all, military security.” Lukashenka deems that “the unilateral disarmament, weakening of security and defense of the “union” of Belarus and Russia, our mutual territory, cannot be accepted.”

About fidelity to Russia

Today at the parade Aliaksandar Lukashenka said that “despite difficulties in the economic relations with Russia, Belarus will always stay faithful to the union liaisons and will keep to the agreements signed, will bare the share of its responsibility for the defense of the “union state” with dignity.”

Yesterday at the solemn meeting on the occasion of the Independence Day Aliaksandar Lukashenka claimed the necessity to hold foreign policy in various directions with the priority given to the Russian Federation.

“It is evident today that independence and sustainable development of the state can be maintained only with a thorough large-scale foreign policy,” - Lukashenka pointed out.

“We give the main priority to the equal cooperation with the Russian Federation. We are able to withstand new challenges due to our bilateral activity,” - the Belarusian leader emphasized.
Lukashenka also stated that “bilateral cooperation with the CIS members have reached a new level within the last two years.” In particular, “new perspectives of cooperation with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine have emerged.”

Moreover, as Lukashenka pointed out, this bilateral cooperation develops simultaneously with the activity within the acting integration structures. “Although there is much room for improvement,” - Lukashenka said.

He also stated “fruitful cooperation with the state of Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America” has been established recently. “For example, cooperation with China, Iran, Venezuela,” - Lukashenka said.

He added that Belarus should not be afraid of economic sanctions of the EU and USA.

About relations with Europe and USA

Yesterday at the meeting on the occasion of the Independence Day Lukashenka called upon his fellow citizens not to be afraid of the deprival of trade preferences by the European Council and of the threats expressed by the USA.

“We have been intimidated with sanctions recently. We have nothing to be afraid of, we have survived the terrible growth of the prices on energy and we won’t die of those $ 20-30 million sanctions imposed by the EU,” - Lukashenka said.