MOSCOW, 13 March (BelTA) – It is possible to resume cooperation with Western partners in economy and other spheres taking into account new conditions and the real situation on the ground, BelTA learned from Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko after negotiations with President of Russia Vladimir Putin on 13 March.
The Belarusian head of state compared the situation to the Russian president’s stance on negotiations with Ukraine. “[Vladimir Putin] once said that we are ready to negotiate with Ukraine but everyone, including Ukrainians, needs to understand that we are returning to the matter of negotiations three years later taking into account the situation on the ground. It was sensible. Everything is right,” Aleksandr Lukashenko quoted his Russian counterpart. “This military idea can be transplanted into our civilian field. If [Western partners] return, these are certain conditions. A lot of time has passed. Both conditions and the situation have changed. Feel free to come back. But as Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] said, we’ve learned a lot in this period. We will make the relevant conclusions.”
“In other words, the situation has changed. We know how to respond. You have to understand that during these three years we were under tough pressure and pressure always contributes to mobilization. After mobilizing we’ve accomplished a lot. This is why we are intent on following down our own path and using only what we need. I think it will be the right thing to do. Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin] and I have discussed the matter in these terms many times. Nobody denies access. We will welcome you here if you meet our new terms taking into account the situation on the ground and we will take only what we need,” the president stressed.
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