Lukashenko: Belarus will never become part of Russia

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Belarus will never become a part of the Russian Federation, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated in Minsk. “We do not need it; Belarus is a wonderful self-sufficient country,” the head of the state announced.

Principal position of the Belarusian leadership concerns introduction of single currency in the Russian and Belarusian territory. One should not be in a hurry in such question, Lukashenko stated, suggesting recording of the problem’s solution in the constitution of the Union State, which is to be adopted by a referendum. He stressed that Belarus did not expect any preferences from Russia: “We only want to work in economy as one country.”

Additionally, Lukashenko stated on the matter of discussed Russian- Belarusian gas disagreements. According to him, Beltransgaz Company would not be sold to the Russian side at its book cost. Such conditions might be accepted, only if Russia enabled Belarus to participate in mining to produce carbohydrates, he believes.