Russia puts no pressure on Belarus over Abkhazia, South Ossetia: Lukashenka
Russia does not put pressure on Belarus over the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Alexander Lukashenka said in an interview to The World Street Journal on November 11. The televised version of the interview was aired by the Belarus State Television in the evening of November 14.
"It does not help to put pressure on us. If someone pressed ue, there would be a reverse effect. It is totally absurd to say that we are under pressure. Russia has never put pressure on us on this issue", the head of the state explained.
"Of course, this issue is of certain interest for the Russian Federation. It would be a certain support for Russia. We will be solving this issue on the basis of our procedures", Lukashenka said. "I let parliamentarians to decide on this issue. <…> I do not want to do it singlehandedly", said the head of the state.
Lukashenka also reminded an American journalist that the United States had recognised Kosovo. "Why could Abkhazia not be recognised", Lukashenka asked rethorically. "I think many countries are ready to recognise. I underline that the example was already displayed. There is a precedent".
The recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Belarus will not affect Belarus's relations with the West, Lukashenka reckons. "Europe and America understand very well our position and our situation", he explained. "I will say frankly that they do not put this question rigidly anymore. Therefore, I donn't think there will be any setback in our relations. I think this issue has stopped being acute as it was two months ago", Belapan quotes Lukashenka as saying.
"It does not help to put pressure on us. If someone pressed ue, there would be a reverse effect. It is totally absurd to say that we are under pressure. Russia has never put pressure on us on this issue", the head of the state explained.
"Of course, this issue is of certain interest for the Russian Federation. It would be a certain support for Russia. We will be solving this issue on the basis of our procedures", Lukashenka said. "I let parliamentarians to decide on this issue. <…> I do not want to do it singlehandedly", said the head of the state.
Lukashenka also reminded an American journalist that the United States had recognised Kosovo. "Why could Abkhazia not be recognised", Lukashenka asked rethorically. "I think many countries are ready to recognise. I underline that the example was already displayed. There is a precedent".
The recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by Belarus will not affect Belarus's relations with the West, Lukashenka reckons. "Europe and America understand very well our position and our situation", he explained. "I will say frankly that they do not put this question rigidly anymore. Therefore, I donn't think there will be any setback in our relations. I think this issue has stopped being acute as it was two months ago", Belapan quotes Lukashenka as saying.
