GRODNO, 19 March (BelTA) – The matter of the constitutional reform was not discussed during negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The constitutional reform was mentioned only in general terms, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he talked to workers of OAO Molochny Mir on 19 March, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Since the constitutional reform is now afoot, the relevant commission is working, everyone has started writing that Lukashenko has promised a constitutional reform to Putin. I've never promised anything to anyone except to you, my own people. What does Russia have to do with the constitutional reform in Belarus? The matter has never been discussed except in general terms.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin only wondered about his plans and thoughts about the constitutional reform.
“Naturally, nothing about the transit of power as they say in Russia… There can be only one way for transit of power: an election, getting elected by the people. That's it. No children or relatives. I swear it will never happen. My children will not become presidents after me, I've already talked about it. The elder son has totally quit the civil service [Viktor Lukashenko has been elected president of the National Olympic Committee, he had previously worked as the first vice president of the National Olympic Committee and an aide for national security to the Belarus president],” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also spoke about cooperation with Russia. He stressed that Belarus is always ready to build relations in a brotherly manner. “If you are brothers and want us to be with you, do good things to bring us closer to you,” he said. He primarily referred to the ability to sell and buy various kinds of products on the common market without any artificial barriers or restrictions, which happened in the past at times. “This is the kind of conversation we had. Then Belarusians will never look left or right. But once Russia starts artificially twisting our arms about some things, then, I am sorry, we have to respond,” the head of state said.
