Old and new themes remain fascinating to everyone

The conversation began on an academic note, with Mr. Lukashenko making a brief opening speech. He stressed the weighty role of the media in today’s information society, the impact of the media on the process of Eurasian integration and the particular importance of professionalism, responsibility, honesty and integrity from journalists. This was followed by two short guest speeches.

No one could have foreseen that the journalistic forum would discuss matters so deeply. This was perhaps because, unlike most media conferences, this gathered editors rather than just journalists. While the latter are, without doubt, professionals, they must follow the strategies laid out by their editorial offices. This time, the National Library hosted those who determine editorial policy.

Many of the statements made by the President of Belarus had been heard before: his central views on domestic and foreign policy, alongside his vision for socio-economic development and our international business connections. New topics did arise however and someone even asked why the President wears a watch on his right hand. He smiled, admitting that he’d done so since childhood, when he learned to play the accordion and found it uncomfortable to feel it rubbing against the strap.

Such simple, personal answers kept the atmosphere relaxed, despite the discussion of serious issues, and the President ensured that all questions received detailed answers.

The Customs Union, the Common Economic Space and the future Eurasian Economic Union present us with a series of concessions and compromises. Of course, not only advantages but some disadvantages are inevitable. However, the overall result is beneficial. The whole world is moving in a similar direction, so nothing is amiss. No authority is lost in forming unions. Rather, people’s standard of living is improved by the country gaining better access to investment and sales markets. Citizens, governments and business organisations all have their part to play.

Using traditional concepts, I’d like us to build a kind of socialism: not that seen in Soviet times, as I learned from textbooks, but that seen in France. The Socialist Party of France appeals to me... Why do I speak of this? The roots of socialism are founded in a socially oriented economy. Human labour is at its heart.

I think we’ve agreed upon 23 million tonnes. There is only one problem, which is technical. Can such an amount be supplied via pipeline? About 22 million tonnes is possible, while another million could come by rail — although it’s more costly. We’ll sell this gasoline to the West, where prices are higher, so it’s still profitable.

Some speculate that I’ll only retire when Kolya is ready to take over but, truly, that’s not really a possibility. Some like to speculate idly in this way but our country is more scrupulous than this. The ‘fifth column’ spreads such rumours, which don’t warrant any contemplation. They’re nonsense! I’ll be dead by the time my younger son can even attempt to run for President. Of course, he’s only 8 years old, so it’s just talk. It will be at least another 30 years before he can truly contemplate such a move. I’d be 90! I don’t plan to live that long, unless it’s by the grace of God. 

Is this conflict profitable to anyone? I’d say only to those wishing to ‘divide and rule’. The two presidents need to sit down and resolve the issue. Political will is required to allow people to live normally. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan benefits from a scorched earth policy. I’m convinced that a solution can be found.

We may one day decide that we need this parliamentary dimension but it’s not the most important thing today. We shouldn’t hurry, and I retain a reserved attitude, being an ardent opponent of creating new structures. These are costly and unnecessary.

It seems to be a bulwark of democracy, being advanced in terms of human rights, but accuses us of violating such rights. The EU destroys entire states. Why does it care about Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria or other countries? Has it improved anything there? It’s simply ruined thousands of people’s lives! What human rights are these?

60 million tonnes of cargo have been transported through Baltic ports. How can you vote for sanctions against Belarus? We’ve agreed with Vladimir Putin to create rates and prepare ports in Russia. For a start, we’ll transfer 20 million tonnes. Lithuania and Latvia form one third of the their budget thanks to us. I don’t understand why the EU is fighting with us; it’s a purely practical issue. We’d like to ship our goods via Ukrainian ports, as well as through those in Lithuania, Latvia and Russia. Today, we listen to the experts and won’t do anything to harm the economy.