OREANDA-NEWS. July 23, 2009. Belarus is not going to make a choice between Russia and the European Union, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said in a meeting with chiefs of Belarus’ foreign diplomatic missions on 23 July.

The head of state stressed that Belarus will not be developing cooperation with the EU at the expense of Russia and vice versa. “It is important to understand that Belarus’ independence is multi-directed which implies independence from all. I am sure that honest and true partners on both sides will support our choice,” the President said.

Disputes with Russia are becoming more frequent and serious, which already reflects some consistency, the President said. According to him, Belarus is concerned and disappointed about this. Considering the common history, Belarus and Russia can build special unique relations as independence states. “Probably a lot has been done wrong. But the basis and the goals were and remain right,” the head of state stressed.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the multi-directedness of the Belarusian policy has recently stirred up many speculations especially in the context of relations with Russia and the European Union. The President is confident that “the problem is rooted in the interests.” “There have been a lot of statements and mutual reproaches both on the part of the East and the West on the spheres of influence, geopolitical or vital interests. One thing is wrong in these discussions: Belarus is viewed only as an object of someone’s interests,” the Belarusian leader said. “What about our interests? They are truly legitimate and well-grounded. We will protect them rigorously and work on securing respectful attitude on the part of all our allies and partners,” the President concluded.