BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

Oct 18 2005, 14:14

Lukashenko says relations with Ukraine should be built on pragmatic basis

MINSK, Belarus (AP) - Belarus' president told Ukraine's premier Oct. 17 that relations between the neighboring ex-Soviet republics should be built on a foundation of pragmatism.

It was the first meeting between high-ranking officials of the two countries since Ukraine's Orange Revolution.

"We have always sacrificed something and will continue to do so for the sake of the future and are prepared to solve problems on mutually acceptable terms," President Alexander Lukashenko said.

Lukashenko has accused the West of plotting to overthrow him in protests similar to the Orange Revolution, which ushered pro-western Ukrainian opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko into office last year. Belarus holds presidential elections next year.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov gave Lukashenko a message from Yushchenko, and said a meeting between the two was expected this year.

"We need meetings. And we need to listen to one another," Yekhanurov said.

His discussions in Minsk are expected to include cooperation on energy.

U.S. and EU officials have regularly condemned Lukashenko's regime for its attacks on the media, minority activists and religion leaders.

The Belarusian leader, however, continues to receive solid support from neighboring Russia.

Source:

http://www.kyivpost.com/bn/23351/