Events

MINSK, 28 March (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko intends to meet with Acting President of Ukraine Alexander Turchinov soon. The statement was made by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in an interview for the Ukrainian TV show Shuster Live on 26 March, BelTA has learned.

The Belarus President said that initially he had stayed in touch with many prominent persons involved in the revolution in Ukraine. “I’ve talked to Klichko over the phone since the revolution. Via the ambassador we stay in touch with Acting President Turchinov. I think in the near future we will meet in order to discuss the situation and discuss how we should build the relations from now on,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

“We are neighbors. The people of Belarus and the people of Ukraine are what matters. Severed relations cannot be allowed. It is necessary to talk to the devil if need be in order to avoid worse things,” stressed the Belarusian leader.

“I know Turchinov. During Yushchenko’s time we met in Gomel. I think Turchinov was the second most important man in that delegation. He is quite a competent man. I liked his reasoning back then. He may be full of nationalist vigor but he didn’t call for war, for an assault and other things. We discussed economic matters. Why can’t I meet with him and discuss these matters?” said the Belarus President.

“I think that we are going to meet in the near future. Arrangements are being made via diplomatic channels. He is the head of the Ukrainian parliament, he chairs sessions, it seems he doesn’t have a deputy, therefore, he has to make arrangements, I can understand it. I will make my own arrangements and we may meet somewhere at the border — he may have to travel 200km, it is 250km for me — we can meet, talk, look into each other’s eyes, feel the mood, have a lunch, and depart. Our thoughts may match or change in some aspects,” said Alexander Lukashenko.