Lukashenka claims Putin never spoke about inclusion of Belarus into Russia. History begs to differ
On October 10, the head of Belarus, Alyaksandr Lukashenka met with the Russian ambassador, Mikhail Babich.
During a conversation with the Russian diplomat, Lukashenka said that Belarus gained independence not only thanks to the aspirations of our people, but also by the will of the Russian leadership.
“This was what Russia and the then leadership of Russia wanted. The current leadership has stated the continuity of this political course. In the 21st century, it is ridiculous to talk (as some write) about incorporation, including Belarus in Russia. And I have never heard this either from the current president of Russia or the past, the first president of Russia,” the press service quotes Lukashenka.
In 2002, during the talks between Vladimir Putin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka in Moscow, the following statement was made by the Russian leader:
“It is required to create a single state in the full sense of this word. I can imagine that this can take place in a certain time frame. For example, in May next year, a referendum could be held on this issue. In December 2003, it would be possible to hold elections of the single parliament, and in the spring, say, in March 2004, to hold elections of the single head of state. That would be a movement to create in the full sense of the word a single country. Naturally, the question arises what could be offered to the citizens of Russia and Belarus as a question for a referendum — do you agree that Russia and Belarus are united in a single state on the basis of the following principles: first is ensuring the equality of rights and freedoms of citizens of the united state, what Alyaksandr Lukashenka spoke about at the airport; the second is the equality of the regions of Russia and Belarus as subjects of a single state. Third, the creation of a unified government of a single state in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation. Not because we like the Constitution of Belarus less. It can be a model and example for a number of other states, it is the Constitution of a democratic state, but Belarus, unlike Russia, is a unitary state. Russia and the future joint state may be federal. I can’t imagine it any other way. ”
