By Daniil Zakharov
The President made his announcement on receiving the credentials of foreign ambassadors, saying, “We expect the European Union to abandon its useless pressure on our country and take steps to prove its position as a serious partner and good neighbour. The heads of EU diplomatic missions will play a huge role in the process. The EU’s mentoring attitude and assertion that its vision is the only right one can be applied to those countries which seek to become members someday but Belarus is not among them. On our way towards evolutionary transformation or modernisation of our political and economic systems, it is not in the interests of our people to dance to someone else’s tune.”
He continued, “At the same time, Europe and Belarus understand the ultimate goal of our reforms: strengthening Belarus’ position as a modern, responsible and democratic European state. We appreciate a benevolent and respectful attitude and respond in the same way.” Mr. Lukashenko emphasised that Belarus is an integral part of modern Europe, noting, “We share a common responsibility for its future and are ready to actively collaborate with European states to promote prosperity and security across the entire continent.”
Addressing diplomats from EU member states — in particular, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Bruce Bucknell — the Belarusian Head of State said, “We’re ready to collaborate if you are. I think it’s time to drop stereotypes and routine accusations from the European Union towards Belarus. It’s time to find common ground; I think it’s what matters most.”
During a brief conversation with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania, H.E. Mr. Linas Linkevicius, the President of Belarus expressed confidence, saying, “I think we’re destined to co-operate.”
