BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

16 November 2005

President of Ukraine opposes Belarus' international isolation

At a meeting with France's politicians and business leaders at the French Institute for International Relations, Victor Yushchenko said he opposed Belarus' international isolation, and stressed that Ukraine was ready to help this country build democracy.

"I am sure we mustn't leave Belarus isolated. We should have contacts. We should help the country on its path to democracy," he said, adding that by abandoning Belarus with its problems Europe would only harm it, the press office of the President reports.

The Head of State reminded those present that, being the opponent of the former regime, he had opposed Ukraine's isolation.

Yushchenko said Ukraine had active relations with Belarus and added that we were intent to rationalize these contacts. The President believes each political force should develop cooperation with Belarus.

He said the commodity turnover between our states was currently estimated at 1.5 billion dollars, which "is rather a powerful figure that demands a certain culture of relations from us."

The Head of State stressed that during his talks with President Oleksandr Lukashenko he had reiterated that Ukraine "is ready to be their active partner."

"I want to see Belarus democratic and prosperous, and, as President of the neighbouring country, I will spare no effort to help it," he said.

Source:

http://en.for-ua.com/news/2005/11/16/014511.html