The United States does not aim to separate Belarus from Russia – as stated by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko in an interview with journalists today, commenting on the results of the talks held with the American delegation led by Special Envoy John Coale on March 19th, BelTA reports
“We discussed many issues, all international issues. They were interested in my point of view, how we – Belarusians and our government – see all this in our region. I outlined my point of view, my approaches, including in this regard when they asked questions about Russia and China. I stated openly: these are not just our allies, but the states who are close to us – and I want Americans to take this into account. Actually, they take this into account,” the Head of State said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the United States had never raised the issue of separating Belarus from Russia during the negotiations, as is sometimes discussed by some persons in Russia. “Well, Americans have never set such a goal,” he stated.
“Once, the question was discussed whether we could buy American liquefied natural gas (it would be delivered via Poland to Grodno Azot), and I said, “Guys, with great pleasure, but will you be able to compete with Russian natural gas?” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained that Russian gas was supplied through a pipeline and at a price that was lower than the one on world markets.
“They laughed, and I said, “Well, here’s the answer to this question.” I can calculate a little, I said. There are also enough economists at Grodno Azot who will also make calculations and choose the best option,” the Head of State added. “Differently speaking, I do not behave like Europeans [the EU countries]. They were told to buy American [energy resources] and they began doing that – paying even five times more. That’s what the Europeans have come to.”