Problems in relations between Belarus and Russia can be resolved in one evening - A. Lukashenko

May 12, Minsk /BELTA/. Russia was and remains Belarus's main strategic partner and ally. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting on May 11 with the Governor of the Kurgan Region of the Russian Federation, Oleg Bogomolov, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. "It is in our common interest, without delay, to overcome disagreements and find mutually beneficial solutions to all problematic issues," the head of state stressed. The President congratulated the Russian guests on the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and noted that "it was precisely thanks to the unity of the Belarusian, Russian, Ukrainian and other peoples that this Great Victory became possible." In his opinion, this historical lesson is relevant today, when joint efforts are especially needed to overcome the negative consequences of the global economic crisis. Alexander Lukashenko noted that a certain trend of economic stabilization has emerged in Russia this year, associated with the growth of industrial production. "This gives us hope, as we are linked by the closest industrial cooperation. This will boost our mutual trade and help preserve jobs," he said. At the same time, the head of state recalled that Belarus aims to increase its industrial production volume by 10-11% in 2010. The results of the first months inspire optimism and hope that this task will be accomplished. Deepening production cooperation and implementing joint projects for the development and production of high-tech and competitive products should become priority areas for the new stage of cooperation between Belarus and the Kurgan Region. The President pointed out that regional interaction makes a significant contribution to the development of Belarusian-Russian relations. It is at this level that agreements reached between Minsk and Moscow are implemented, and directions for further cooperation are determined. "Therefore, the visit of a representative delegation from the Kurgan Region is undoubtedly a significant event for the development and strengthening of Belarusian-Russian relations," said Alexander Lukashenko. "We know that the Kurgan Region pays serious attention not only to the development of the agro-industrial complex, but also has a number of important programs planned for implementation," the head of state noted. "Belarus is ready to participate in these programs, as well as to offer the agro-industrial complex of the Kurgan Region a wide range of agricultural machinery and equipment, and other products." In addition to the direct cooperation with the Kurgan Region, the President touched upon problematic issues in the relations between Belarus and Russia as a whole. "We have never, under any circumstances, refused equal mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia," Alexander Lukashenko assured. "I just advise you to listen less to the media, especially in Russia." The head of state accused Russian media of lying, claiming they invented a conversation with Dmitry Medvedev during the celebrations in the Russian capital on May 8 about the "acclimatization" of the Belarusian president. "There was no such conversation," said Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, he stressed: "Our last meeting, like all previous ones, was constructive, we understand each other perfectly. And this lying and distortion prompts me: why don't you publish the transcript of the meeting so that people can read it and see the true relationship between the heads of state." "There is no need to look for any clashes between us and the President of Russia, or any fights, and so on," added the head of the Belarusian state. According to him, there is an agreement with Dmitry Medvedev to meet at the end of this month or the beginning of the next to discuss all current issues. Alexander Lukashenko quoted the Russian President's statement that "Russia has no closer country or state than Belarus." "We are one people, and we must proceed from this," the Belarusian leader stressed. "Probably, out of all the republics of the Soviet Union, the most pro-Soviet, the closest to a Russian person is Belarus and Belarusians. We have never had a situation where we threw stones at the Russian people. It never happened and never will. You must remember this." Touching upon the events in Kyrgyzstan, the President of Belarus recalled that an unconstitutional change of power occurred in Kyrgyzstan, and this fact is noted in a joint document signed by the participants of the CSTO summit following their meeting in Moscow on May 8. "This is not just Lukashenko's position. All heads of state signed a document stating that a coup d'état took place in Kyrgyzstan, which is what I said in the very first days," he emphasized. "As for my position on Bakiyev, all without exception acknowledged that the Belarusian president acted correctly in this situation. And there is no need for any insinuations. And if someone is ready to state otherwise, then I will publish the transcript of the meeting," stated Alexander Lukashenko. "Belarus advocates for building mutually beneficial and equal relations with Russia," the President stressed. "Belarus does not intend to be a freeloader for anyone. But we want our Mother Russia not to push us aside or throw us to the back alleys." The head of state once again touched upon the problem related to the introduction of duties on Russian oil supplied to Belarus. "Why were duties imposed on oil for us, but not for Kazakhstan? Explain, what makes us worse than Kazakhs? Why do they try to set a gas price for us higher than for Germany? Why?" Alexander Lukashenko asked. "I don't understand why Russia supplies oil at an unaffordable price to the Mozyr Oil Refinery – our own plant (42% of shares are owned by Russian business). True, the oil is not being supplied, the plant is not taking it for processing," he added. In this situation, Belarus began to look for other markets for this raw material and found it in Venezuela, and began processing it at the Mozyr Oil Refinery. "Again, this caused some misunderstanding and indignation in Russia," said the President. "If you are not satisfied with Venezuelan oil, let's process Russian oil. But let's calculate whether it will be profitable for the country or at least for this Mozyr Oil Refinery." The supply of Venezuelan oil to Belarus is profitable, contrary to the false opinion inflated by some media. At the same time, the head of state noted that "there has never been and will never be any corruption, any offenses, any fraud with oil and oil products in Belarus." "So, perhaps, I have named all the problems that need to be solved. Can we do it? We can do it in one evening!" believes the President of Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko touched upon the issue of Russia's participation in the privatization of Belarusian enterprises, including the petrochemical complex. "If you want to privatize them, let's sit down at the negotiating table. We are market players today, we often hear from Putin: a market economy based on market principles. Let's negotiate the price. In response, we hear: 'No, we don't want to negotiate, let's go by book value'," the President quoted the Russian side's position. At the same time, he recalled that the market price of "Beltransgaz," determined by independent experts, turned out to be many times higher than the estimates of Russia's "Gazprom." The head of state recalled the introduction of restrictive measures in Russia on the supply of Belarusian products to the Russian market: "Why are you doing this? You should know that these are your enterprises, and cutting off final production in Belarus means cutting off the branch you are sitting on. 15 million people in Russia are involved in cooperation with Belarusian enterprises." "I simply want answers to simple questions. If they are clear and understandable, then we will agree. I don't think we are demanding anything exorbitant," said Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, he recalled that two Russian military bases are located in Belarus – in Vileyka and Baranovichi, for which "we do not take a single kopeck from Russia." "Moreover, the Belarusian army is Russia's stronghold in the West," the President emphasized. He also recalled the signed agreement with Russia on the creation of a unified air defense system, which is of exceptional importance for it. "I am not saying this as a reproach, I do not want you to think that Lukashenko has something anti-Russian up his sleeve. There is no more pro-Russian person in Belarus than the president. I have been proving this for 15 years, you have never had problems with Belarus," the Belarusian leader stressed. The head of state noted: "They are beating us in the West and calling me a dictator not because I am a dictator and someone fears Belarus. They are worried that we are united with Russia here. Russia has no such relations with anyone else: neither in the military-political sphere, nor in the economic sphere. That's what worries them. Only when they beat the one who stands in front, they shouldn't kick from behind." Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the absurdity of the position of Russian deputy Sergey Markov, who voted against Belarus at a meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. "How can this be understood? As if elections in Russia are not held the same way as in Belarus. As if human rights are worse here than in Russia! How much more absurd is such an act for a Russian person," the President expressed indignation. "Russia cannot lose Belarus, I tell your leadership openly. This should not happen. And if it happens, then Russia will never find allies again, not only in the post-Soviet space, but also in the world. We must be together, I understand this firmly. Crooked accounting is useless here: who supplies how much oil to whom, how much natural gas, and so on," stated the head of state. In turn, the Governor of the Kurgan Region, Oleg Bogomolov, is convinced that relations between the Russian region and Belarus "have huge potential and dynamics." As the guest noted, "sooner or later all problems in Russian-Belarusian relations will disappear – I am sure of it. With the political will that we have, we will achieve success." Reporting on the progress and prospects of cooperation between Belarus and the Kurgan Region, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov emphasized that both sides are interested in organizing joint production of a full range of agricultural machinery. "Unfortunately, we have some problems with the supply of Belarusian agricultural machinery to the region," noted the Deputy Prime Minister, explaining that the distribution network in Russia is not working effectively enough. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned the possibility of using effective lending schemes to increase the purchase of Belarusian agricultural machinery by Russian regions. Andrei Kobyakov also noted the favorable prospects for cooperation in housing construction. Belarusian specialists are ready to provide their services in this sector. For example, this applies to the supply of elevators. The Kurgan Region has an extensive machine-building complex. Belarus is interested in participating in its technical re-equipment. The hallmark of the Kurgan Region is bridge construction. The Belarusian side counts on constructive interaction with specialists and companies of the region in the construction of large bridge structures, including in third countries. "The agenda in our relations is very broad," said Andrei Kobyakov. "Our trade turnover with the Kurgan Region is currently about $40 million, while, for example, with the Kaliningrad Region, which is comparable in terms of human resources, it is $140 million. Thus, there is still work to be done." Alexander Lukashenko and Oleg Bogomolov stated that Belarus and the Kurgan Region of Russia have very similar economic structures: both lack rich natural resources, are focused on final production and export. This similarity opens up opportunities for a multifaceted exchange of experience, as well as for the consolidation of some production facilities with the aim of entering the commodity markets of third countries. -0-