GRODNO DISTRICT, 26 November (BelTA) – Belarus does not profit from the migrant crisis. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement while talking to reporters after visiting refugees in a transportation and logistics hub near the Belarusian-Polish border on 26 November, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed: “Don't listen to those fakes that claim that it is profitable for us, that we've invited migrants to come here, that we bring them here, that [the Belarusian flag carrier] Belavia transports them. Total nonsense.”
The president remarked that Belarus is one of the countries hurt by the situation and does not profit from it at all. Instead of taking care of other essential matters the head of state and government officials have to deal with the problems arising from the refugee crisis.
According to the president, in turn, the West does try to exploit the situation. “They exploit the situation, particularly Poles do. But not them… Americans tell them what to do.”
As he was answering a question, Aleksandr Lukashenko debunked fake news that Belarus allegedly gathers refugees from all over the world, including in Somali, and brings them to the border with the European Union. “I have no desire and no capability to gather these refugees,” he stressed.
At the same time Belarus has no intention of protecting the West from migrant traffic in the current conditions. “You've enforced sanctions against me. You've put a noose on my neck in order to choke me. And you, scoundrels, want me to protect you? It won't happen!” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.
The president assured that Belarus is ready to have a dialogue at any level because protecting these people, the refugees is what matters.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also pointed out unsavory facts and lies to the international community. He mentioned facts when refugees were caught in the European Union and dumped at the Belarusian border.
The head of state noted that Polish border guard personnel are already in favor of living in peace and protecting the border together as it was done before. “We don't mind. Let's do it. But you have to make steps in this direction. Why are you dumping people [at the Belarusian border]? Are they cattle for you to dump them?” the Belarusian leader wondered. “Vile and cheap pests. They rejoice and hype about this problem. They give no money. But we will do everything to make them pay. If they don't, we will do without it.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that various parties, including diasporas, can provide financial aid in the refugee situation. When asked by a foreign reporter, Aleksandr Lukashenko did not rule out the possibility that Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may agree to help. “We will ask Turkey. Recep is an old friend of mine. He will find money for these poor people, Muslims.”
Speaking about plans mentioned in Poland to cut off refugee delivery by air, Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that these flows cannot be stopped and people will look for other routes, including on foot. “They rejoice too early. It is necessary to resolve this problem. It has not been resolved as of today. For Russia, for us, and even for Ukraine it will be a problem if refugees choose to travel by land. It will be a disaster. And it is unclear who will come in these crowds. One cannot bring weapons and explosives into a plane after all, such things are checked. But [travels by land] won't be. Those thoughtless [Western] scoundrels don't understand what they are doing. If it happens in Belarus and Russia, things will turn nasty, we will be forced to defend ourselves, and we will use any methods.”
The president stressed once again that politicians in Poland are trying to exploit the current refugee crisis in order to hold on to power. By the way, the Belarusian leader often faces such accusations. “What truth are they talking about? How can they reproach us if the presidential election was rigged in favor of [Poland President Andrzej] Duda to give him measly half a percent, a margin of several thousand votes that secured the victory of the opposition over there? And now he is trying to stay in the office,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
