Lukashenka Blackmailing Putin

The dictator sets his terms for adopting the Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union.

On December 9, Lukashenka carried out the session dedicated to the consideration of the draft agreement on the Customs Code of the EEU, the ruler’s press-center has informed.

As noted by the dictator, Belarus remains an export-oriented country, but it also imports many things.

"The Customs Code is exactly the document which regulates these relations in the first place. We always say that export remains vital for us. It brings currency to the country and provides for the living of our people,” — he has said.

"That is why this document should be perfectly adjusted. After it comes into force, no citizen of the Republic of Belarus, including me, should ask the government, which elaborated and coordinated this agreement firsthand, a question like what do we really have and why things got worse than they used to be, someplace, — the Belarusian state leader thinks. — No matter how half-way the Customs Code would be (I don’t deny compromises remain possible somewhere), we in no case should worsen the existing socio-economic situation in Belarus.”

"Everything must be well-thought and adjusted in the ministries, institutions, regional executive committees – if necessary, in the city- and district executive committees as well. We need to involve all the specialists, even the opposition-minded ones, as we often call them. We need to convey these regulations to them, to the citizens of our country. Immediately, so that they could react and tell what is beneficial for us and what’s not,” — Lukashenka has said.

He has underlined that the considered document remains of high importance to the country.

"I pay such close attention to the Customs Code because we had certain questions to the system that exists under the old Customs Code. I repeatedly asked questions to the current Prime Minister, as he was a head of the negotiations group for Belarus. So, everything should be considered,” — Lukashenka has added.

According to him, the said document is planned to be signed at the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on December 26 in St. Petersburg. Lukashenka has noted that, before he takes the decision on behalf of Belarus, he would like to hear the opinions of the authorized officials, especially those who are supposed to put their signatures under the draft document to vise it. “These are all members of the government and top officials,” — he has clarified.

"Everyone will bear responsibility, no matter where any of them would work later, if we only see any flaws as a result of this Code’s implementation,” — the state leader has stated. — It’s the personal responsibility of each and every one of them. This is a very serious thing.”

Lukashenka has acknowledged that the Belarusian economy has been functioning in the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union for the last two years. “You all see the results. I’ve said this many times. The goods turnover in the Union fell — by about 40% last year, and about 15% this year. That’s the result,” — he has said.

Lukashenka has noted that, despite the economic opportunities that are opening before Belarus, the country lives in the conditions of the harsh global competitive environment, so it is necessary to withstand the occurring challenges and threats. “Therefore, adopting of the Customs Code appears an important stage of development and strengthening of the integration processes. However, this must be done in the interests of our country,” — he has added. He has also reminded that, in November, he ordered his administration and the State Control Committee to work through the new Customs Code together with experts and scientists, and to present their conclusions afterwards.

"Now there is a need to give an objective assessment to it, to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. We should evaluate the possible consequences and risks connected with the adoption of this document. Despite the positive reviews of the state agencies and the scientific organizations, I have some questions in terms of compliance of the document with the national interests ", — the President has said.

Lukashenka, in particular, has wondered whether the previously achieved integration agreements were taken into account, whether the document complies with the changed geopolitical situation of the key partners in the alliance, "and, most importantly, does the document consider the mistakes that were made and remained unacceptable for us from a financial point of view, firsthand?" — he has asked.

The Belarusian leader has also demanded to report on how the draft Code will facilitate development of the investment climate, the growth of Belarus’ transit attractiveness, the protection of domestic manufacturers, and whether the economic security of the country would be granted. "And finally, will we take the decision regarding these economic problems in Belarus, or will somebody else do it for us?”— Lukashenka has stated.

In connection with the above he reminded about the situation in the European Union, which often gets criticized because particular important for the economy decisions are taken in Brussels while the member states practically decide nothing. "This tendency is spreading over Europe. So, we need to watch out not to turn into mere observers in this process,” — he has said.

Lukashenka has wondered whether the imposition of separate decisions in the sphere of customs regulation from the national law to the supranational level was premature. "As reported by the government, during the negotiations Belarus managed to obtain the consent of the EEU countries with our proposal for a phased reduction of the norms of the duty-free import of goods by individuals, for the first time, — he has said. — However, in the draft Code, as reported to me, these arrangements are not reflected. Here comes the question, what are the guarantees that after signing the document the parties will not change their positions and will abide by the agreements reached? “The dictator has also asked what Belarus would get from the import duties in the EEU in view of the changes. “If we have a certain benefit, that’s good, but if we lose, as I understand from your report, then why do we need such a union?" — Lukashenka has said, addressing to Finance Minister of Belarus Uladzimir Amaryn.