Lukashenka: We have close ties with our Russia

The dictator asks Russia not to worry about Minsk intention to normalize relations with the West.

Lukashenka says that the Republic will always strive to maintain fraternal relations with Russia but meanwhile it will make efforts to stabilize relations with the EU and the USA, Interfax reports.

"We do not complain about that Russia makes enormous efforts now to normalize relations with the West. And you don't complain about it too. We need to calm down and do our job", Lukashenka said at the meeting in the "parliament" on Thursday.

He noted that "no one can take the place of Russia". "When I talk to Western ambassadors, I ask them: Can you do everything for us as Russia does? Ukraine is a good example of what this friendship may lead to. And there is nothing good", he said.

"So I say that Russia is ours, as we have close relations with it and it has supported us although sometimes we had problems", Lukashenka said.

He noted that Belarus trade with the Russian Federation was as well as with the United States and EU countries. "Why do we not have to cooperate with them? The relations are different but they should be built up", the President said.

Therefore, he said, "everyone should come down. We will build up relations with the EU and the USA step by step". Meanwhile, he noted that these countries were waiting for some changes and presidential elections. Belarus understands this caution and is ready to wait, the President added.

"We have never been traitors and we will not, and we declare our position right out in the open," he said.

It should be recalled that the same conditions apply for relations normalization between Minsk and the West: release and rehabilitation of political prisoners.