Belarus's Lukashenko Wishes Good Luck to Tymoshenko, 'That Poor Woman of Ukraine'

During their meeting in Kiev, the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko wished Yulia Tymoshenko, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, success in political struggle.

According to Interfax, both leaders expressed their hopes for strengthening the relationship between the two countries. “My heart is in Ukraine, this country is very close to me, our people are close…I feel at home when I am in Ukraine,” Lukashenko said.

Addressing Tymoshenko, the President of Belarus wished her endurance and success in all of her beginnings. “It is hard, difficult times in Ukraine right now. Every time I see this poor woman on TV, I think about all the problems she has to face. She is struggling against everyone, one woman among all these men. I would like to say that I wish that you get out of this battle well and healthy,” Lukashenko said.

Tymoshenko emphasized that economic relationship between Ukraine and Belarus is developing very well. She said that she was hoping this tendency would continue in the future.

“Our country is experiencing very difficult political situation, but we hope it will change in a few months,” Tymoshenko added. She stressed that “the opposition must be strong, but … the power must be strong, too.”

On November 5, Lukashenko came to Ukraine for his first official visit in five years. Experts say that Lukashenko used to criticize Kiev for the “orange revolution.” Today, the two countries are united because of their complicated relationships with the Kremlin. During his meeting with Viktor Yushchenko Lukashenko stated that their struggle with the Kremlin is not the reason for the friendship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is facing presidential scheduled for January 17, 2010.

At the moment, 14 candidates are registered with the Central Election Commission. Yulia Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovich, the leader of the Party of Regions, are currently the favorites. Election campaigns are complicated by the flue epidemics that caused the government to ban all mass gatherings.