BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

09/01/2008

Belarusian President Predicts Economic Growth

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka said during an Orthodox Christmas service at a cathedral in Minsk that Belarusians should see significant growth in the economy in 2008, Belapan reported on January 8. "This year will be difficult for us because we, whether or not we want this, have to make a significant surge to improve our economy," Lukashenka said, adding that it would have been much easier if "we did not experience excessive pressure on the part of our competitors." "The powers that be don't want smaller states to start showing themselves and doing well in some economic areas," Lukashenka said. "I don't respond to these external attacks and try to work so that our people's lives will be a little easier and better," he added. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/3-cee/cee-090108.asp