Russian ambassador: Lukashenka fulfilled only one of West’s conditions

Russia’s Ambassador to Belarus Aleksandr Surikov said possible improving of relations of the Belarusian authorities with the EU and the US that might follow the release of political prisoners, couldn’t make relations with Russia worse. However, he noted that the official Minsk had fulfilled only one of the West’s conditions.

“I don’t think it will affect prospects of the Belarusian-Russian relations,” the ambassador said. “It is in the interests of Russia,” he added.

Surikov noted that release of people considered to be political prisoners by the West was “only one from 12 conditions, set out to the Belarusian side a year ago.”

“Belarus decided to pardon these people, but didn’t remove the conviction from Mr Kazulin and two entrepreneurs,” the Russian diplomat added.

Lukashenka and Putin may meet in Sochi

Alyaksandr Lukashenka and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin may have a meeting in Sochi, Russia’s Ambassador to Belarus Aleksandr Surikov said at après conference in Minsk on Tuesday.

“Lukashenka and Putin may have a meeting, indeed. According to the information we have, Mr Vladimir may come to Sochi for holiday,” the ambassador said. He added, “Why can’t old friends meet?”

About single currency again

Russia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belarus Aleksandr Surikov doesn’t exclude will have to raise the question of single currency again in the nearest time.

“Balance of payment structure in Belarus conveys the suggestion of imposing single currency,” the ambassador said.

A. Surikov stressed that “it was a political decision.” Speaking about whether this question was discussed during a meeting between Medvedev and Lukashenka, the ambassador told: “I read attentively about the meeting between Medvedev and Lukashenka, it is written clearly: taking into consideration the current events and difficult situation in economy and policy, we should look more seriously at our mutual relations, which should become closer.”

Answering the question about prospects of moving to Russian ruble for paying for oil and gas, A. Surikov noted that it’s not so profitable for Belarus. “Russian ruble is a foreign currency for Belarus. It’s would be better to zero out by imposing single currency. Then Belarusian positive balance of payment will become enormous,” the ambassador said, added that detailed talks are needed for this.