MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) – In relations with Lithuania I do my best to avoid any steps that would escalate the situation in politics, diplomacy, and the economy, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said while answering questions following his Address to the Belarusian people and Parliament on 18 December, BelTA has learned.
One of the questions concerned the head of state’s position on whether it might be time to act against Lithuania, which is pursuing an openly hostile policy towards Belarus - from supporting political extremism to confiscating state-owned goods - using different methods, primarily in the area of economic interests.
“My position is simple. It wouldn’t take much time to deal with Lithuania. By any means. But God forbid we start some little war. The issue isn’t even about war or time. The issue is that (I am trying to get this into the Americans’ heads) war is a special period in the life of any society. In such a situation, you cannot predict with 100% certainty how events will unfold. The turn it takes could be the most incredible. That is why I am trying by all means to avoid confrontation. So that, God forbid, [Defense Minister Viktor] Khrenin doesn’t take a rifle down from the wall and take a shot,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The president added that the military would not make such important decisions without his knowledge. “I am the Commander-in-Chief, I am the one who will answer for it later,” the head of state explained, adding that the military understands everything and, more than anyone, does not want war, because they know what it could lead to.
“Therefore, no confrontation under any circumstances. Besides, I am a person of considerable experience. I understand that any war doesn’t start with shooting. Look, it started with the Russian language in Donbass. Then the burning of people in Odessa [the fire in the Trade Unions House], then they staged a coup. Then Debaltsevo, the shooting started at Donetsk airport - so many people died. That’s how it all gradually begins,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he is generally trying to avoid any steps that could lead to escalation. “People should understand that [member of the House of Representatives Aleksandr] Shpakovsky, Petrov, Sidorov would be the first to go into battle. It’s not a given that they would survive. I cannot risk the people who pose the question [who ask about confronting Lithuania using other methods, primarily in the area of economic interests] - the same Shpakovsky, Gigin, or Voskresensky,” the head of state pointed out.
The president indicated that the 1,200 people [referring to the Belarusian People’s Congress delegates] are the core group of activists, “who would lead the way and make the decisions”. “Therefore, I am trying to avoid any escalation in politics, diplomacy, the economy. I truly believe this: we must negotiate. We must sit down, discuss issues, and reach agreements. Unless your opponent has crossed the red line,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.
However, if the red line is crossed, which would constitute aggression against the country and is unacceptable, Belarus will respond, the president emphasized.
Follow us on:
