Belarus to remain steady course of rapprochement with Russia

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko stated the intention of his country to close-in with Russia.

"Belarus is willing to live together with Russia not because of a possible gain, but because of a simple desire to co-exist together," Mr. Lukashenko said speaking on Friday at a regular session of the Union Parliamentary Assembly.

The Belarus President stressed that there is not a slightest chance of turning its course towards the West.

"Those, who truly believe in friendship and warm relations between Belarus and Russia and inviolability of the Union State, have nothing to worry about," Mr. Lukashenko assured.

At the same time he complained of the position of some media agencies and politicians, who believe that the Russo-Belarus relations are subject to financial issues. "If you give away to Russian tycoons, for instance, your own Beltransgaz enterprise at a cheap price, than you are an ally, but if you don't, than you are not," the Belarus President said having remarked that perhaps he was exaggerating.

Nevertheless, Mr. Lukashenko believes that even with the current pragmatism in the Russo-Belarus relations the main remaining aspect is still the desire of two nations to live in a fraternal union.

The Belarus President also added that the issue of the untouched sovereignty of Belarus and Russia must remain in the course of the Union formation.