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18 February 2018, 13:50

Belarus president reiterates strong interest in resolution of conflict in Ukraine

MINSK, 18 February (BelTA) – Belarus is extremely interested in getting the conflict in Ukraine resolved as soon as possible. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement after he cast his vote as part of the municipal elections campaign on 18 February, BelTA has learned.

“We are interested in ending this conflict — or war as some say — as soon as possible,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The head of state explained that consequences of these events had had their effect on Belarus, too. “We've had our fair share of sorrow,” stressed the president.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that, according to the official statistics alone, Belarus had welcomed about 160,000 Ukrainians since the conflict began. Meanwhile, European countries refuse to accommodate such numbers of refugees and introduce all kinds of quotas instead.

“I've given everyone equal conditions on par with those Belarusians enjoy such as free healthcare, free education, day care for children and so on, utilities and the rest Belarusians have. Do you think it was cheap for us? It wasn't. But these people were in trouble,” stressed the head of state.

An increase in weapon smuggling to Belarus was registered after the situation in Ukraine deteriorated. “If someone thinks it is a joke, you are mistaken,” said the president. Decisions were made to step up control at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. “I could spend 10-12 years reinforcing the border, but I have to do it within three years,” stated Alexander Lukashenko. “And then Belarus is experiencing the political and diplomatic impact of the conflict. Can you imagine what is happening in Ukraine now? How can we separate ourselves from that in the age of global Internet?”

“This is why we are extremely interested in putting out the fire,” stressed the head of state. “And then it is our brothers, who are at war with each other. Is it normal? I cannot be calm about it. This is why we have to put an end to it. No society needs it.”

On the other hand, Alexander Lukashenko noted that some countries benefit from the conflict in Ukraine. “They will constantly add fuel to the conflict in order to keep things nice and hot in Russia and Belarus. We should make a wise decision and end this conflict. It is what matters,” concluded the Belarusian leader.

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