OREANDA-NEWS. July 1, 2009. Belarus is ready to resume talks about restoring the mutual full diplomatic presence provided the sanctions against Belarus and their legal basis, namely the Belarus Democracy Act, are legislatively removed. The statement was made by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with a delegation of the US Congress on 30 June.

“It is time to abandon old schemes and stereotypes and have a new look at our relations,” remarked the head of state.

In his words, Belarus has always adhered and continues adhering to the promotion of tighter, versatile and more productive relations with the USA. However, the relations should be based on principles of sovereign equality of the parties, non-interference in internal affairs of the other state, mutual respect and trust.

“Yes, we’ve had rather a complicated period in contacts with Europe, too. However, our European partners have been recently showing their readiness to establish normal relations with Belarus more vigorously. I can say that certain progress has been secured in this area,” remarked the President.

Alexander Lukashenko said he was confident that sooner or later the USA will understand the hopelessness of talking to Belarus using sanctions and force.