Belarusian-Russian relations hinge on position of Russia, Alexander Lukashenko says

The development of the Belarusian-Russian relations depends on the position of Russia, President Alexander Lukashenko told reporters today in Brest. “Russia understands well that the ball is in its court,” the President said. Commenting upon the results of the Belarusian-Iranian summit, the Head of State said that in its relations with Iran Belarus does not pursue the goal of “alienating itself from Russia”. “Only if Russia wants this alienation, it will happen. If we are taken by the throat and our breathe is blocked for the second time, then we, certainly, have to react to this in some way,” Alexander Lukashenko said. He has reminded the reporters that some 45% of the Belarusian foreign trade is connected with Russia, and 45% with Europe. “This dependence is too big, and we need to look for new markets. Today Iran's annual trade turnover amounts to $60 billion. Iran could buy our products too. If we are offered profitable joint projects, why should be decline them and treat it as some sort of alienation from Russia?” the President said. The Head of State has said that Belarus overcomes crisis phenomena and one should treat it as a fact that Belarus pursues a sovereign course of development. “The Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are in fact one people, and nobody will ever be able to split them,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.

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