BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

28/06/2007

Belarus wants integration with Russia on equal basis - Lukashenko

MINSK. June 28 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is confident of good prospects for the development of relations with Russia.

"We will always adhere to the spirit of integration with Russia. We could take the track if equal grounds and mutual respect are guaranteed, and the interests of no state are infringed," Lukashenko said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday in Minsk.

"Regardless of who occupies the office of the Belarusian presidency, the policy will be aimed at establishing normal relations with Russians. This is neither pathos, or a tribute to publicity," the Belarusian president said.

"We are proud of our relations with such mighty nuclear powers as Russia, China, and India. This is a security factor for us," he said.

"Belarus will always welcome close cooperation with Russia, but in the interests of Belarusians," Lukashenko said, adding: "We have never had and will never have anything to conceal from Russia."

Source:

http://www.interfax.com/3/287765/news.aspx