Events

Lukashenko hails big potential for expanding cooperation with New Zealand
“I am convinced that there is a big potential for expanding Belarus-New Zealand cooperation in various avenues. By consistent joint efforts, we will manage to advance our bilateral interaction to a new level and establish truly friendly and trustworthy relations between our countries”...

Belarus, Norway mark 25 years of diplomatic relations
The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the peoples of Belarus and Norway have the common understanding of the major current problems, determination to preserve peace and stability on the continent and across the world, which makes a robust foundation for the development of the Belarusian-Norwegian political dialogue...

Belarus seeks closer inter-parliamentary cooperation with Georgia
Valery Voronetsky praised the bilateral relations between Belarus and Georgia. He expressed hope for further strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation, including through the exchange of visits, and voiced the plans to set up a parliamentary working group on cooperation with the Parliament of Georgia...

Lukashenko: Belarus will not reciprocate Russia’s border zone decision
“As far as I has been informed they focus on some specific points. Then the question arises whether Russia has started to demarcate the border? Because if it has, it needs to be done via negotiations. Otherwise, it may result in a serious conflict”...

Lukashenko explains reasons for not signing EEU Customs Code
“I did not sign the Customs Code because many things that were supposed to work are not working. Moreover, I gave an instruction to withdraw our major specialists from the customs bodies. I will not revisit the issue of the customs code and related things while the problems remain unresolved”...

Lukashenko says has no high opinion of warmongering politicians
The Belarusian leader believes that a very serious unambiguous reason is needed to use nuclear weapons. Such a possibility is small, but Alexander Lukashenko said that there is an alarming trend – politicians “have gone crazy”...

Belarus ready to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan
Alexander Lukashenko spoke in positive terms about the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was elected after the death of Islam Karimov and about his team...

Lukashenko: We will replace government officials if they do nothing
”In his words, the process has already begun. You can see that new people appear one by one, gradually, without fuss. Those, who have failed to do their job, are quitting. We are also firing the people with no prospects”...

Lukashenko says ready to impose moratorium on death penalty if there is majority public support
The head of state noted that he does not have the right to abolish the death penalty or impose a moratorium on its use because the majority of the Belarusians voted against abolishing it in the referendum. Alexander Lukashenko suggested launching a big campaign in the society (including in the parliament, parties, public associations) to discuss the matter and study all pros and cons...

Lukashenko welcomes idea of international conference on Belarus
“I totally support this idea. If you find it necessary for me to attend the conference, I will find two or three hours to talk to people and hear their opinions,” said Alexander Lukashenko...

Lukashenko: No need for a Russian air base in Belarus
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he met with representatives of the general public, Belarusian and foreign mass media...

Refugee camps in Belarus ‘out of the question’
"Belarus has welcomed about 170,000 people from Ukraine and other countries. How did we do it? I signed the decree and they were offered all the conditions Belarusians enjoy. Do you think it was easy on us? And Europeans keep arguing about one thousand. Let’s work together”...

Lukashenko about relations with Putin: We are on friendly terms although we have disagreements
The Belarusian head of state emphasized that his relations with the leaders of Ukraine and Kazakhstan are no less friendly. “With Nursultan Nazarbayev we can even exchange words because we are so close,” Alexander Lukashenko confessed...

Lukashenko confirms readiness for Belarus-Russia army exercise Zapad 2017
Alexander Lukashenko remarked that he had suggested arranging army exercises interchangeably in Belarus and Russia every two years to President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The Zapad 2017 exercise will be an open one. “Those, who want to make sure we are not going to assault anyone, will be invited to attend the army exercise,” said Alexander Lukashenko...

Belarus’ secession from Eurasian Economic Union, Union State described as total fiction
“We are preparing a major media release — an entire group of scientists and specialists are working on it — on Belarusian-Russian relations. I remember the inception of the Customs Union… Why did we join it? We expected the union to be based on equality and equal conditions. It is the most important thing. A union cannot exist without it. If conditions are unequal, there is no sense in joining it,” said the Belarusian leader...

Lukashenko: Belarus can do without Russian oil, although it will not be easy
“We can do without Russian oil. It is going to be difficult. But freedom and independence are not measured by money,” the Belarusian head of state said...

Belarus’ Entrepreneurship Council in for reforms
Alexander Lukashenko believes that entrepreneurs should be actively involved in reforming the council. “Delegate those who you think should be part of this council. But let us not involve any rampant enthusiasts who talk much and do nothing,” the head of state said...

Belarus president comments on progress in negotiations on new IMF program
"Two issues are left to address now. State property is one of them. IMF representatives now talk about prospects for the enterprises instead of talking about splitting them and selling the pieces. When I explained to them what would happen if we announced we were selling the enterprises and where they would be, the IMF representatives no longer raise the point,” said the head of state...

Lukashenko does not rule out abolishing Ordinance No. 3
“This ordinance has been in force for 2-3 years. If we arrive at an unyielding conclusion that it is an anachronism and it is not necessary, we will abolish it. Do not hurry. Perhaps, it still can add many useful things to our lives,” Alexander Lukashenko noted...

Lukashenko: Lending for subsidized housing construction will be increased as economy grows
“We still have loans for subsidized housing construction. It is just that we now have less money. To give a preferential loan, we need to get money from somewhere. Meanwhile, this is money of our enterprises, and your money. Preferential housing loans are still issued, but the amount has been reduced. Once we get wealthier, more of such loans will be granted,” Alexander Lukashenko noted...