MINSK, 15 November (BelTA) – The details of the resonant interview of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko which he gave to editor-in-chief of the Russian magazine Natsionalnaya Oborona and military expert Igor Korotchenko on 9 November have been released, BelTA informs.
The conversation lasted for two and a half hours. The interview focused on the results of the recent session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, the essence and priorities of the development of Belarus-Russia integration. Another topical issue is the migration crisis. Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke about who is to blame for the current situation. The president and the interviewer also discussed the overall situation in the region and in the world – the tension on the western borders, the situation in Ukraine, the increasing geological confrontation.
The head of state was also asked about the domestic agenda in Belarus – the analysis of the events of 2020, the work on the amendments to the Constitution and the preparations for the upcoming referendum.
Aleksandr Lukashenko answered a number of personal questions.
The most interesting facts and new details in BelTA materials:
On surviving the pressure of the West
"Of course, they will not forgive me for that. They failed to overthrow some Lukashenko and to destroy Belarus," the president believes.
Aleksandr Lukashenko concurred with the journalist that should they have succeeded with a coup d'йtat attempt in Belarus, they would have destroyed everything achieved in the country, its economy and social sector.
On confrontation with the collective West
When asked how Belarus survives in confrontation with the collective West, the president said: “We will not stand on our knees, no one will make us stand on our knees. We were dying, but we were winning. Therefore, if someone hopes that Lukashenko and the Belarusian government will falter, this will never happen. This is what we are driven by.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarus has always maintained close cooperation with Russia in security matters.
On high level of training of the Belarusian army
Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned a high level of training and equipment of the Belarusian army.
“I once told Putin: the main thing is that you should not falter. In the time of difficulty I will know that I have an older brother behind my back and that he will not allow anybody to offend the younger brother,” the head of state said.
On Belarus-Russia cooperation in security, defense
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “We have absolutely no issues in defense and security. I just cannot tell you everything. We've staged, stage, and will stage such operations to protect our security that no West, no the European Union can even imagine. We have absolutely no problems. If we need to be involved. And Russians have finally understood that Belarus' KGB may be considerably smaller but it is a powerful fist.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that it is necessary to embrace technologies, train people in this sphere. Belarus and Russia established cooperation in this sphere a long time ago.
On complete degradation of European politicians
Igor Korotchenko called Aleksandr Lukashenko a patriarch of European politics. “You know what these people, these politicians are worth… What is going on in the West, a degradation of political elites? When are they going to calm down? Will they accept normal mutual relations? Is it possible in theory?” he asked.
On developing the socially oriented economy in Belarus
According to the head of state, Belarus has done a lot to support vulnerable population groups and families with many children. Since his first presidential term such matters as export promotion, food security, and housing construction have been in spotlight.
“We have made significant progress,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “We are doing a lot in this regard, it's true.”
On reasons for declining first amendment to the Constitution
Aleksandr Lukashenko explained the idea to amend the Constitution came from the need to adjust the Fundamental Law to modern realities: “The time has changed. Among other things, we have learned a lesson from the previous year.” “Those rioters and the so-called opposition leaders demanded for change,” the Belarusian leader recalled and added that he treated it seriously.
“However, even without them I realized that changes are necessary. What changes? There have been constant changes,” the president continued.
On friendship with Putin
The Belarusian president said that he has very warm, friendly and even brotherly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the same time, the president stated that due to some reasons they may have different attitudes to some issues and make corresponding conclusions. The previous year was a lesson for the two of them. “It was a lesson for me and for him. We understood that all the conversations were just a folding screen, just conversations from the side of the West. They used to unleash wars here, and they have the same goal today. However, we are different people now, and they are afraid of us. But they have the same goals. The previous year made us even closer in this regard. It is difficult for me to say where our estimates differ today. In my opinion, there are no such issues.”
On Union State programs
The Union State programs which were approved on 4 November include major guidelines, Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “In order to develop these programs it is essential to amend the legislation in Russia and in Belarus, or even to develop the new legislation to promote this work,” the head of state said. “These decisions must be formalized in concrete laws and local decisions.” In his opinion, this process may last for 2-3 years.
