Republic

Alexander Lukashenko outlines his vision of Belarus-West relations

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko gave an interview to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on January 22. In particular, the Belarusian head of state was asked about relations of Belarus and the West, possibilities of establishing a dialogue between Belarus and Europe, the true reasons behind the Belarusian-Russian energy dispute, problems of the Union State development, true causes of the external pressure Belarus faces, the presidential press service informed BelTA. Among the discussed topics were energy security in Europe and the necessity of eradicating false stereotypes of Belarus in the European Union. During the interview the president gave sincere answers to acute and rather personal questions. Welt am Sonntag is the largest Sunday weekly in Germany. It forms a pool with dailies Die Welt and Welt Kompakt. The newspaper specialises in analysing political, economic, cultural events that happen during the week and exclusive interviews. It is one of the most cited editions in Germany. Its readership is estimated to exceed one million people. Throughout 2006 the newspaper published interviews with leading German and foreign politicians, businessmen, including the German chancellor, the Israeli prime minister and Poland president.