By Denis Krymov
Early in the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko noted, “We’ve created a Single Economic Space. Already, positive and negative issues are clear in our military-political union — the CSTO — as never before. However, these allow us to say that all CSTO member states agree that it is developing in the right direction. In recent times, it has become more dynamic. We’re beginning to take definite, useful steps, which are vital for SES members.” The Belarusian President also added, “All problems have been settled.”
The approval of all the necessary documents regarding the establishment of a single regional air defence system has become the keynote. Our degree of defence integration is extremely high including in the sphere of common security. Only those who are strong and self-sufficient are respected in our turbulent world. “We’ve adopted all decisions. In this respect — I already feel this — we should take further steps. I won’t say that everything will be easy but, naturally, Belarus and Russia should commence in this direction. Of course, we should determine our starting position before we advance. We need to discuss those spheres in which we can significantly progress.”
According to the Belarusian leader, Kazakhstan (also a SES partner) won’t be left out of discussions. He notes, “We have close economic collaboration so, naturally, military-political matters mustn’t lag behind.” Discussion is open to remaining CSTO member states, while substantive dialogue with Russia will continue soon after the electoral campaign. The President has expressed his confidence that it’ll be a success, “Probably, we’ll be able to discuss these issues without losing time: in March, April or May. The power succession in Russia is very rapid.”
Mr. Patrushev agrees with this forecast, calling negotiations with Belarusian partners ‘interesting and content-rich’. He has also told journalists some details regarding international and regional security, which aim to ensure the security of the Union State. The world is changing quickly, so joint analysis and adjustment of strategy remain vital. According to Mr. Patrushev, information security is of special importance and will be high on the agenda at a forthcoming meeting of the heads of both states’ Security Councils in Moscow.
Mr. Patrushev has spoken of the EU’s policy towards Belarus, echoing the joint statement of the presidents of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, and that of Vladimir Putin. “Recently, we’ve become used to the fact that living standards in the EU are quite high. I think the leaders, including those of the European Union, have also become used to this; against this background, they consider it possible to teach other states and nations how to live... Are there principles which should universally guide a particular country on how to live? No! Each state has its own constitution, which should be fulfilled.”
Mr. Patrushev has spoken much on the situation, noting that not everything is changing for the better in the EU — including economically. He stresses that various regimes exist in European countries: presidential, parliamentarian and monarchies. No one says that they are non-democratic. “Why do they doubt the democracy of a country which has its own constitution? Why do they think it right to introduce sanctions and restrictions in any particular case? Does this lead to positive results? Does this help nations to communicate better?” asks Mr. Patrushev. “Not at all! Positive developments result from negotiations and compromises via diplomatic channels. Everything should be solved this way.”
