What Lukashenka voted for, whether he will run for election again, and a forecast for Ukraine. Details of the President's statements

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko voted on February 25 in the elections of deputies of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly and local councils. The Head of State traditionally took part in the voting at the polling station located at the Belarusian State University of Physical Education.

Along with the Head of State, his son Nikolai also arrived at the polling station. By the way, this year he voted in the elections for the first time himself.

After voting, the President familiarized himself with the assortment of the buffet organized near the polling station, tasting various products of domestic manufacturers. But before that, the Head of State traditionally communicated with media representatives, answering numerous questions concerning both the situation in the country and the international agenda.On the criteria for choosing when votingFirst of all, journalists were interested in what guided the Head of State when voting for candidates. "I based my choice on professionalism and reliability. We have a difficult time ahead, so, in addition to professionalism, there must also be reliability and devotion to the Belarusian people," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The Head of State expressed confidence that absolutely reliable, intelligent people will be elected, who understand the tasks facing the country and the people.

On the role of parliament and modernization of power in Belarus

Assessing the competition in the current elections, the President noted that "these are no longer times when people went to the elections in droves."

"People are beginning to understand that in Belarus, for example, the President is not a tsar, not a god, it is very hard work. And not everyone will dare to take on this burden of our country in the current situation. The same applies to parliament," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "The role of parliament will increase. Monthly, annually. We are already transferring some powers to the parliament and other authorities. A certain restructuring is underway, generations are changing."

The Head of State recalled the recent statement by the head of the Central Election Commission, Igor Karpenko: if someone wants a show at the elections, they should go to the circus.

"This is a very serious event. Especially at a time when our government is undergoing modernization. We may be criticized: some kind of weak modernization. But we have always said that all processes everywhere should be evolutionary. If you go sharply – it's possible now, but it's a revolution. We and the Russians have exhausted the limit of revolutions. What this can lead to – Ukraine. They also exhausted their limit, but they tried in 2014-2015, they had a Maidan. That's what these sharp turns led to. Therefore, we are calmly moving forward, modernizing our system. But it needs to be stabilized, in plain language," the President emphasized.On the unique features of Belarusian elections

"I will say absolutely sincerely and honestly: nowhere in the world are there open, honest, principled elections like in Belarus. For us, it's a celebration. It has always been this way. And if in Soviet times they somehow faked it (I remember): there were buffets, and drinks, and snacks, but it was somehow strained, without soul. For us, everything is done with soul. Therefore, we pursue a sincere, honest policy and exactly the same elections. We don't need wars or conflicts. We need a peaceful life. And for the sake of this, we will do everything," the head of state said.

He recalled the axiom that power is not held with trembling hands. "And no one will give or present power to anyone. But this must be based on the people's trust in this power. I believe that today, the vast majority of our people trust the government. Although they criticize it. This is normal," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

On the consequences of Western "democracy"

A journalist from a Turkish media outlet noted in a question to the head of state that people vote freely at polling stations, but Western countries still consider elections in countries like Belarus, Turkey, Russia, and Iran undemocratic and use this as a weapon.Regarding this, the President emphasized that each country holds elections for its own people, whether it is Turkey, Belarus, Russia, or China. "And we will do what is beneficial for our people. The elections will show. Any elections, including our 'undemocratic' ones, will answer many questions," he remarked.The head of state drew attention to the calm atmosphere during the elections in Belarus. There are no clashes or riots,

Regarding the recognition of elections, for example, in Turkey, Alexander Lukashenko posed a rhetorical question to a journalist: "Do you really need this?" "Well, they will recognize you. Well, if Turkey starts a war in the Middle East and even goes against Israel (God forbid, of course) - that would be a blessing for them. Limited conflicts around the world in various places are what they want. Then they will talk less about multipolarity, there will be a unipolar world, and the Americans, as it was before, will walk around the planet as gendarmes, with their sleeves rolled up (arms up to their elbows in blood). Only the Turkish and Belarusian peoples and others do not need this. They (in the West. - BELTA note) want to solve problems, as in Ukraine, with the hands of others," said the Belarusian leader. The head of state also drew attention to the example of the situation in which "democratic" Ukraine found itself: "What has Ukraine achieved? It is already so "democratic" - there is nowhere further. And these madmen, especially the Europeans (well, the Americans - it's clear what they want, but why are these guys yapping?), say that Ukraine has true democracy. Do you want democracy like in Ukraine? We don't need it. Nobody needs war. That's what their democracy has led to. They have long forgotten what democracy and freedom are. Therefore, you need to calm down and do your job. Do all this in the interests of your own people."On the upcoming presidential campaignIn the context of the current electoral campaign, fugitives are starting to spin the narrative - will Alexander Lukashenko run or not run in the next presidential elections. Taking the opportunity, journalists asked the head of state about his plans in this regard. "I will go, I will go, I will go. Tell them (the fugitives. - BELTA note) that I will go! And the more difficult the situation, the more actively they stir up our society and you, including (for me, believe me, this is very important - no responsible President will abandon his people who went into battle for him), the more they put pressure on you, me, and society, the sooner I will go to these elections. Don't worry, we will do as it is necessary for Belarus," said Alexander Lukashenko.

Responding to a clarifying question about whether these words could be taken as an unequivocal statement and whether a new electoral cycle had already begun, the President emphasized: "I have spoken extensively about this being an electoral cycle, that we will be under pressure until the presidential elections, and that they will be the culmination of everything. This is the cycle. Officially or unofficially – the answer matches the question. I answered as I was asked. If clarification is needed, I will say with absolute seriousness and sincerity: I cannot say anything new yet."

A little later, the head of state noted that leaving the presidential post during such a difficult and uncertain period would be tantamount to betrayal. "There is still a year until the presidential elections. Much can change. Naturally, I and all of us, society, will react to the changes that occur in our society and to the situation we will face in a year when we go to the polls," added Alexander Lukashenko. The President stated that he is currently thinking about something else: how to worthily celebrate the Year of Quality. "So that even if the current President does not run in the elections, you will remember. And everything that is last is remembered. Therefore, this year will be very active, and I am preparing society and the entire power vertical, which has honestly and conscientiously worked and will continue to work until the elections, for this," the Belarusian leader noted.About the main qualities for the President of Belarus"I know that many officials dislike me because I strictly demand the fulfillment of at least our agreements and decisions made by the President. If they are not fulfilled, then the entire structure of power will collapse and society will drown. Yes, I understand this. Perhaps journalists also dislike me due to my character and so on. But the good thing is that journalists, and then society thanks to journalists, begin to understand: Lukashenko said something, demanded strictly – it turned out he was right," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

The President cited the fight against coronavirus as an example: the Belarusian approach was not immediately approved, but later it turned out that the head of state's decisions were the most optimal at the height of the pandemic. The country did not introduce a lockdown, did not close factories and enterprises. Thoughtful actions brought their effect. "The whole world went in a different direction. Who turned out to be right?" - the Belarusian leader asked a rhetorical question. "This is my job: to sit, think, and, using experience and knowledge, I must predict. If the President does not have this, there is no point in doing this. Therefore, this is the main quality of the President. Naturally, there must be iron intuition. And most importantly - you must always remember where you came from, be an earthly person. Remember that 10 million people and three million who come here to rest are people to whom you owe. You are obliged to them," - said Alexander Lukashenko.On the absence of OSCE observersAnswering the question why it was decided not to invite observers from the OSCE to Belarus for the elections, the head of state said: "Everyone who asked to come to us, I think, we did not refuse anyone. If the OSCE (observers from this organization. - Ed. BELTA) wanted to come to us and made such a request, we would consider it. Most likely positively. But they did not ask. And why should we crawl to them? These are our elections."

Alexander Lukashenko recalled how observers from the OSCE arrived at previous elections with a final conclusion already prepared: "They prepared the protocol - the conclusion in advance. And they lost it. Our guys found it, took a picture, and put it on my desk. Listen, two days before the elections, early voting is underway - and they have already crossed out our elections. So why invite them here?" And after the elections, the head of state continued, that initial draft was voiced word for word. "So what's the point of inviting them? Therefore, neither the Russians nor we invite them. But if they wanted to visit us during the elections, requested the appropriate mandate, we would consider it and, I am sure, we would grant their request," the President stated. - But it's not too late yet. The main thing is to count, they say. Let them come before evening. I will let them all into Belarus without visas. If they want to, let them come. Let them come after the elections. Experienced people will see the situation and can correlate the election results with the real situation that will develop after the elections."On the impossibility for fugitives to implement scenarios for seizing powerAnswering the question of how Belarus will counter the implementation of plans by fugitives, the head of state noted that the ultimate goal in any of their scenarios is one - a coup d'état and seizure of power. "No matter whether they play long-term or short-term, the goal is one - Belarus must be turned in the opposite direction. And in order to turn it around, the current government must be overthrown. This will be very difficult, I am sure. Especially after holding a single voting day, elections. Because we will elect absolutely reliable, smart people who understand the tasks facing our people. Therefore, none of the options, even the most radical one, will pass with them (fugitives. - Ed. BELTA) in Belarus," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized.

The country has already learned lessons from past events, so there is nothing to hope for in terms of implementing the planned scenarios, the President is convinced. "But they will try, they will stir things up," the head of state remarked. "They consider themselves strong, puffed up their cheeks, bloated: "We are so great. And here is some Belarus, we must trample it and move closer to the east, to resources, closer to Moscow." We understand this."

Belarus, according to the President, along with Russia, is considering various scenarios of events and is countering them. "We will always be united with Russia. In such a situation, we can counter any adversary," stated Alexander Lukashenko. "Because the current world is about strength, and only strength is understood. If we, forgive me, get sentimental and fight for democracy and some kind of ephemeral freedom – you have seen what their 'democracy' is like... Therefore, we must see our goals, our interests, be sincere, and pursue a policy of justice. Then there will be unity of our people. Not without someone crawling out from under the baseboard and yapping, but that happens in any society. Therefore, all these scenarios are unrealizable. We see all this clearly. You don't even need to worry."On informing the public "even about extreme options"Regarding the recent increase in provocations and growing activity on Belarus's borders with its Western neighbors, journalists inquired whether there is anything not yet known to the general public. "In order for us to be able to counter, we must inform people. Our society must be absolutely informed," explained the head of state.At the same time, he noted, there is no ceto create tension, to agitate society, but on the contrary, in this way the authorities warn people so that they are aware, do not give in to provocations, and resist them. "If we hide from you, we will not succeed (in terms of joint resistance and maintaining peace and tranquility on Belarusian soil. - BELTA note). Therefore, we inform you even about extreme options," said the Belarusian leader. As an example, he cited a recent story when plans of fugitives to "defeat" Russia, cede western territories of Belarus and Ukraine to Poland, and increase Belarus at the expense of Russian lands were made public. "It was our 'tishki-lahushki' who were in dialogue with the Americans, and I took the quote directly from this material. I considered it necessary to inform society about this, to show what they (ng>
On the settlement of the conflict in UkraineOne of the questions to the head of state concerned the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine and the emergence of new grounds for it. "There are more than enough grounds. You see how events are unfolding in Ukraine - they are unfolding badly," the President said. At the same time, it's not just about the situation with Avdiivka, he noted. "Everything with Avdiivka would have been resolved long ago if the Russians had fought like in the Great Patriotic War - throwing hundreds of thousands of people, it doesn't matter how many would die. I know exactly how carefully and cautiously the Russian military and President Putin have to work," Alexander Lukashenko pointed out. - He always tells me: "I feel sorry for the people. We could have done it faster, but a lot of people would die." It's not about Avdiivka, other points, but about the fact that many people will die."

"I see that Russians have very seriously set a course for a peaceful settlement of this conflict, especially now. They don't want to throw people into the inferno," the President emphasized. However, the opposing side, Ukraine and its allies, believes that since they are "big" and have a large GDP, they cannot lose the war, noted Alexander Lukashenko. "Although one should not assess it this way. It's not assessed like that at all. It's assessed by the determination of the people and material resources, reserves," said the head of state. "Who has more? Russia does. It's in the ground. And in America and Europe, they have euros and dollars, which they print, but it will all collapse, these are just papers. And in Russia, the military-industrial complex has been ramped up, they produce a huge amount of weapons." In this regard, NATO should think about how Russia will subsequently use the enormous quantity of the most modern ammunition and other weapons it is currently producing, the Belarusian leader remarked. "Therefore, think with your heads. Stop now. There is an opportunity to negotiate. Denazification, demilitarization, and so on are terms. All this is resolved at the negotiating table. This is politics for now. But if the West continues to "help" Ukraine as it is now, then Ukraine's days are numbered. Volodymyr Zelensky should understand this as well as he knows the Lord's Prayer," the head of state emphasized. According to him, the Ukrainian military understands this. Especially since they see how many people are dying: "They are throwing in unprepared people, people are going as if to slaughter, they understand that it's a one-way ticket. And there is a lot, a lot of such information," the President added. "If Ukrainians do not go for negotiations with Russia now, they will completely lose Ukraine," the President of Belarus stated. "As soon as the Ukrainian soldiers start to flee now or simply stop fighting, the Poles will take the western part of Ukraine (which is unacceptable to us, we will be on the side of the Ukrainians here), and Russia will cut off the southern part up to Transnistria. What will be left, only Kyiv?" Alexander Lukashenko is convinced that now is the time to go to negotiations to save Ukraine. "And further... It has already been said, many know (including in the West) that the Russians have agreed to give the eastern lands for consideration by future generations – they will hold a referendum: if you want to live in Ukraine, you will be in Ukraine, if in Russia – in Russia. This is a concession," said the head of state. "Crimea is Crimea, it is Russian land, Russian territory, as Russians consider it. And the West also agrees with this." It is precisely at this time, according to the President, that there are many reasons for negotiations, and progress should be made in this direction.

On the common security of Belarus and RussiaMany journalists' questions concerned Belarusian-Russian relations. Responding to them, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the countries need to do what they are currently doing: "We must respect each other, as we are doing now."

The head of state recalled that there have been different stages in the relations between Belarus and Russia – sometimes serious disagreements arose between the countries. But even before the conflict in Ukraine began, the President of Belarus said that anything can happen in the economy and politics, but common security for Belarus and Russia is sacred. "Times will come when we will stand back to back and defend each other," Alexander Lukashenko warned.

However, in Russia, these statements by the Belarusian leader were not taken seriously at the time: they said that the country had enough long-range missiles to defend itself without Belarus's support. "This was said to my face. I took it calmly. As a historian, I tell you: the most acute issues were resolved here, Belarus was at the epicenter. What has changed? Nothing. And I warned the politicians of Russia about this back then. This was perhaps five, perhaps seven years ago," the President added.On the future of the Union StateThe head of state noted that there are several international associations with different levels of integration in the post-Soviet space. The largest in terms of numbers is the Commonwealth of Independent States. One of the main principles of the CIS is the free trade area. The Eurasian Economic Union is a more advanced structure. A deeper integration has developed between Belarus and Russia. "We have preserved this project and are moving forward calmly in this regard," noted Alexander Lukashenko.At the same time, the President emphasized that Belarus and Russia must remain two sovereign and independent states. They can create a unique and powerful union. "To say today that 'Belarusians are on their knees,' 'Belarus is standing before Russia, tomorrow we will incorporate it into Russia' – even you, working in Russia, would never have voted for that," the head of state addressed a representative of the Russian media.Alexander Lukashenko stressed that neither Russia nor Belarus would support the unification of the two states. Such a step would not bring benefits and would only make things worse. "We need to solve the problems that lie before us step by step, gradually, calmly, evolutionarily," the Belarusian leader is convinced.

The President recalled that with the sanctions, many issues in Belarusian-Russian relations resolved themselves. Belarus began to work more actively in the neighboring market, and its products proved to be very useful for its eastern neighbor. "The world has changed, and we have become in demand for each other. That is, there is a problem – we solve it. There is no need to get ahead of ourselves," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

"If in Russia, in particular, and also here in Belarus, someone thinks that the Union State means we will unite tomorrow, that power will be in the Kremlin, and so on... Listen, I am a 'departing' President (I often say this), but I am absolutely convinced: whoever comes after me, this position will not be supported. Two sovereign, independent states. We are intelligent, educated people to create such an association

He noted that in Armenia, the system of power is structured in such a way that the issue of membership in the CSTO must be decided by the parliament: "There, Pashinyan cannot make a decision to join or leave. The parliament makes the decision there. I think that sensible people are the majority in the Armenian parliament. There can be no offense towards us, towards the CSTO." The head of state noted that this topic has been discussed more than once, and it must be understood that Azerbaijan is not a stranger to any of the CSTO member states. "There are quite a few Muslim countries in the CSTO. You understand this too. Hence, in part, the corresponding position. And thirdly, did Armenia want us to get involved in Armenia's war with Azerbaijan? Then this war would have continued to this day, and thousands of people would have died," the Belarusian leader stated. "I believe that Azerbaijan and Armenia, unfortunately, have ultimately reached the correct solution to the issue through war. Armenia (and they have admitted this) occupied five or six Azerbaijani districts." The President recalled that at one time he actually played the role of a mediator between Baku and Yerevan in an attempt to peacefully resolve the territorial dispute, and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, for a number of years, not only called for a peaceful settlement but also offered financial support to the Armenian side: "I involuntarily

the intermediary turned out to be - he was traveling from Baku to Yerevan and transmitting these signals. Up to billions of investments in the Armenian economy. Azerbaijan is a rich country. There were many proposals to resolve this issue amicably." Nevertheless, in previous years, the leadership of Armenia did not opt for a peaceful settlement, and problematic issues accumulated. "All this accumulated and fell on Nikol Vovaevich Pashinyan (Prime Minister of Armenia. - Ed. BELTA), on his government. He is actually little to blame for what happened. But this problem had to be solved. Moreover, the Azerbaijani regions occupied by Armenia were a desert. In the most beautiful place, warm, cozy, where people could live. More than a million Azerbaijani refugees - a huge burden on Azerbaijan and many other problems," the head of state noted. "Well, you fought your wars. What should our position have been? Armenians are our close, our dear people. And is Azerbaijan a stranger? Therefore, we found ourselves in such a situation. And there were no reasons for the CSTO to enter this conflict. Absolutely no reason for us even," emphasized Alexander Lukashenko. He also drew attention to Armenia's contacts with France. "They are constantly communicating with Emmanuel Macron there in France. Statements followed- France will help with air defense systems, in the military sphere, and in the economy. In general, it will take Yerevan on its shoulders and carry it. No one will carry anyone. You see what is happening in France. Therefore, politicians in Yerevan need to wake up and, in plain language, not lose what they have," advised the President of Belarus. He cited Georgia as an example: "Thank God, normal relations are being established, first of all, with Russia, with us, the economy is recovering. They tried the easy way in the West. Americans have already forgotten about Georgia. As soon as the Georgians stirred in the sense that this is their independent and sovereign country, the West began to put pressure on them. Including, and primarily the USA. So, a corresponding conclusion must be drawn. Nobody needs them in the West. They have thousands of problems." "Today, for example, in the USA, Biden will support Ukraine, Armenia, and so on. Tomorrow, the government will change, and Trump will say, 'Listen, I don't know you. My friends, I see you for the first time!'" added the head of state. He once again urged not to lose what you hold in your hands: "It's easy to leave, but it will be difficult to return. Again, the example is Georgia. Well, it left the CIS and all structures. Is it better for it? No. It is desirable to return. And returning is always more difficult. Tuand loss of face and so on." Alexander Lukashenko advised the Armenian side not to rush and not to make rash moves. "Don't rush. Don't go out, don't freeze anything. Well, if you don't like something, well, don't come, - he said. - Time changes a lot. And the situation around Armenia, Azerbaijan will change. In general, the world will change. Therefore, such compact small states as Armenia, Belarus and others should not make rash moves. Thin ice – we will fall through, no one will reach us. On the contrary, they will push us with their foot so that we choke there. Armenians should not rush. It seems to me that Nikol Vovayevich just hurried and made an emotional statement."What the EAEU can adopt from the Union StateAnswering a relevant question, the President said: "The EAEU, in turn, should borrow from us – the opening of borders and complete freedom for the movement of people, for labor. We have no restraining factors here today, we are doing everything in this regard for the people." "I think the EAEU should follow this path," Alexander Lukashenko believes. "Furthermore, we have political, diplomatic, and military components in the Union State, which the EAEU does not have."

"I believe these are the main issues that the EAEU should consider and adopt from the Union State," the head of state summarized.

Another question was: with whom else should the EAEU conclude free trade agreements.

"Regarding free trade zones and the EAEU, we are considering all applications and proposals," the head of state emphasized. "There are quite a few of them; you see that both Iran and Arab countries are seeking to have free trade zones with us to trade more freely. Therefore, we are open to this. Sometimes, there are also some ambitions, absolutely justified ambitions..."

"For example, China. Why have a free trade zone there if there is the SCO – a broader organization where such a free trade zone as the EAEU could be established, and this could be borrowed," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

Source: belta.by