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4 Aug 2015

Lukashenko: No threat for Belarus’ independence from Russia

MINSK, 4 August (BelTA) – Russia is not considering the possibility of depriving Belarus of its independence, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with the non-state media outlets.

"We live in our own state, and today we can really talk about the independence,” the President said. “You often write about Russia, Putin, connections with the Ukrainian events. I honestly do not view the future from this perspective.”

"Although, I once said frankly: ‘We always keep our powder dry.’ It does not matter who will infringe on our sovereignty and independence. But I emphasize it again: the only scenario of war with Russia is if we start war. Russia will never ever fight with Belarus,” the Belarusian leader underlined.

"First, what is the reason? None. Second, it is counterproductive, and fraught with a disaster for Russia itself. Third, you do not believe this scenario yourselves," said the head of state.

“Russia is not considering depriving us of sovereignty and independence in terms of any criteria, parameters, areas. Moreover, given the policy that we are pursuing. Belarus is the only honest, respectable and reliable ally of the Russian Federation,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state also expressed his opinion on the “Russian world” concept. “This phrase has almost vanished from mass media, including Russian ones. I believe they heeded my critical remark and removed it from the agenda. It sounded strange, didn’t it? People did not understand it. Actually here, in Belarus, we did not have any problems with it. We call ourselves Russian people. But how did it go with people in Kazakhstan, other countries? This nonsense concept was planted among Russian ideologists after the elections, and they took it up. It got the attention of our people. It was not just my reaction to the situation,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“I do not understand this ‘Russian world’ idea. Our people do not understand it either. Can we speak about the Belarusian or Ukrainian worlds then? What is it? Some confrontation of the worlds? This is a far-fetched, silly idea. I do not think it found any support among Belarusians, but it did alert many,” said the Belarusian leader.

At the same time the President urged not to assign the Russian President the positions he has never supported. “Yes, we should live in our own ‘apartments’. Russia is our brother. I often call Russia our elder brother. But we want the elder brother to behave as he is supposed to. If the younger brother needs help, he is supposed to lend a helping hand. We live in a common home, but each in its own apartment,” Alexander Lukashenko added.

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