Lukashenka fussing

The Belarusian dictator decided all of a sudden to hold a press conference in the last days of the year 2009.

Alyaksandr Lukashenka noted at the beginning of his speech to journalist of state and independent media that “the history constantly poses new challenges, new threats for us”.

About “struggling” for oil and gas prices

The Belarusian ruler said the situation around oil and gas price formation for the coming year was uneasy.

“There’s a struggle you don’t see. This is a fight for gas and oil prices. Belarus has met the biggest increase in prices. We are proposed higher prices for gas, so, according to certain formulas, oil prices will grow, too,” Alyaksandr Lukashenka said.

He stated: “We buy these goods only from one seller.” So, Lukashenka noted, “if these prices go up, we cannot avoid price rise”.

“We can freeze prices tomorrow. What will it lead to? We have already had such an experience. It led to deficit in shops,” Lukashenka said.

He also noted: “When economy faces a crisis (let me notice that it’s very difficult to tackle crises), the best thing is not to interfere.” “We need to allow the economy to overcome it, but we should control certain processes,” the ruler said.

About preparation for “presidential scuffle”

“A political year will whip up” performing economic targets next year, Lukashenka said.

“We have elections to local council at the beginning of the year. Then, the end of the year is presidential scuffle, and the presidential elections in a year. So, we have to run faster than we have ran before,” Lukashenka said.

He noted that estimated figures wouldn’t be reduced next year. “We plan to have a 10% increase in GDP next year. We are able to do this. If we fulfil it, produce enough consumer goods, goods and service for export, we will have more on the budget than we have planned,” the Belarusian ruler said.

He also said the average salary must reach $500 in 2010. “This figure is sacred. It was decided at the Belarusian National Assembly five years ago. This is our five-year plan, we must fulfil it. That’s why we have such a high GDP rate and high expectations in other sectors,” Lukashenka promised.

Lukashenka says Internet is a “dump”, but is going to regulate it

The Belarusian ruler in fact confirmed the plans on Internet regulation in Belarus. “We will react to the Internet,” he said. According to Lukashenka, the objective of the decree, which is being worked out now, is elimination of anonymity of Belarusian Internet-users. “Access won’t be forbidden, but there will be responsibility,” the Belarusian leaders said.

We remind that the draft decree on Measures for Revising Use of the National Segment of the World Wide Web appeared on the Internet on December 14. The draft provides for significant restriction of activity of news websites. The draft decree tightens control of the authorities over Internet users and imposes a number of new conditions for work of the Belarusian Internet segment.

“Sovereignty is not an icon”

Lukashenka calls not to make an icon of sovereignty and doesn’t see any tragic in devolving a part of powers to supranational bodies of the customs union.

“We are too focused on this issue. We have created an icon and pray: sovereignty, sovereignty. But if we see advantages and allow our people to make decisions, it’s nothing tragic, it is useful,” Lukashenka said to a question about whether he was ready to cede his power in the customs union. He gave an example of Europe, where a question of power of supranational institutions of the EU management is not discussed.

At the same time Lukashenka emphasized he was keeping a close eye on the situation and said he was “too cautious sometimes”. According to him, “If we are pressed or shot at, we will withdraw from this institution”.

Lukashenka: Europe wants to hold me on the hook

“We are opening a window to Europe not for me to ski in Austria,” Lukashenka said pointing at a great number of opportunities he has for this.

The president attracted attention to the fact that Belarus exports 30 and 44% of goods to Russia and the EU respectively, moreover the country has positive trade balance with the EU. “We do not operate at a loss with the EU. This determines a role of West. Besides, why should we scold with them?” Lukashenka noted. He pointed out the importance of EU technologies, Europe’s support regarding of granting credits to Belarus, including influencing the IMF’s decisions.

Lukashenka said he was sincere with West. He thinks partners should have the same attitude towards Belarus. “If you play cat-and-mouse with us, as today, if you are not ready for cooperation, admit this, but do not lead a dance and hold on the hook. We have sanctions, but we have suspended them for a year. Let’s be sincere,” Lukashenka called on the EU.

He noted: “I understand they are waiting for the presidential election to catch me on the hook. You shouldn’t treat us like children.”

As Lenin ordered: I won’t give power

Lukashenka is not going to resign and hand over his power. “I am not going to resign and hand over power in the country and beyond the country,” he stated.

“Even the opposition doesn’t reproach me on a desire to sell sovereignty and independence. I have always said: calm down, I am a person who is most interested in Belarus as an independent and sovereign state,” Lukashenka said.

“I heard rebukes on another occasion: “Can Lukashenka give power?” Who I should give power to? People gave me this power. I someone wins presidential elections, I promise, he will be a president, but if he loses, he will have to accept this,” he emphasized. He also added: “Those who studied Marxism and Leninism may remember: Lenin once said the power is worth something if it can defend itself.”