Lukashenka: Belarus welcomes Eastern Partnership
Belarus welcomes the Eastern Partnership, an initiative of the European Union, Alexander Lukashenka said on February 2 in an interview with Euronews. He described this initiative as a pragmatic, sensible and timely move of the European Union.
The European Commission offered the participation in the Eastern Partnership program to six post-Soviet countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. These countries are offered an agreement on the association and creation of a new European economic zone, which should become a basis for the development of a common domestic market. The Eastern Partnership aims to expand the package of possible proposals for the six countries.
The abolition of the visa regime and the creation of a free-trade zone are regarded as long-term goals. The full-fledged participation of Belarus in the program remains under question. The European Union is expected to take a final decision on this matter in spring after having evaluated the progress of Belarus in terms of democratization.
Belapan
The European Commission offered the participation in the Eastern Partnership program to six post-Soviet countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. These countries are offered an agreement on the association and creation of a new European economic zone, which should become a basis for the development of a common domestic market. The Eastern Partnership aims to expand the package of possible proposals for the six countries.
The abolition of the visa regime and the creation of a free-trade zone are regarded as long-term goals. The full-fledged participation of Belarus in the program remains under question. The European Union is expected to take a final decision on this matter in spring after having evaluated the progress of Belarus in terms of democratization.
Belapan
