BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

07/01/2007

Belarus not to let energy blackmailing - Lukashenko

MINSK. Jan 7 (Interfax) - Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said that he will not let Belarussians to be blackmailed over energy deliveries.

"Energy resources [gas and oil] cannot be a means to blackmail our people. That is why we will be protecting our people in a legal and civilized manner," the president said speaking at a Christmas divine service at the Minsk's Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Sunday.

"One has itching fingers today," he said. "Envy is a terrible thing, and one is trying to downgrade our country with no energy resources to the ten-years-ago level," the Belarussian president said.

Belarussians "are proud and we will protect our values," he said. "We will overcome any attacks and pressure and will never allow to jeer at us," Lukashenko said.

"Of course, we know what our rivals and enemies want," he said, adding: "We also know the price our friends demand."

Belarus "should pin hopes on neither its friends, nor enemies. We may solve all problems ourselves," he said.

"I have never stated that I will allow the country to be torn to pieces or to be a part of another state; however, I have always called for the union with Russia and Ukraine," the president said.

"The sovereignty and independence cannot be bought for natural gas or oil. These are things that cannot be sold," Lukashenko said.

"Despite all difficulties we should live on our land plot, while the sovereignty and independence are sacred things, just like Christian postulates," he said.

"I will always be telling the truth, should those who desire to range us," the president said. ar

Source:

http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/0/28.html?id_issue=11656619