Lukashenko: Belarus' sovereignty and independence are beyond question

The sovereignty and independence of Belarus are a constant, not up for any discussion, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he announced new appointments in Minsk on 1 August, BelTA has learned.

"The main thing is economy. That's the number one question. If there is a functioning economy, everything else will follow. I would like to note that the sovereignty and independence of Belarus (the West is generating this idea that we are losing our sovereignty and independence by cooperating with Russia) are a constant and I tell you this directly as you are a future representative not only of the Belarusian president in Russia. These things are not something to be discussed," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed, appointing Deputy Head of the Belarus President Administration Dmitry Krutoi Belarus' ambassador to Russia.

The head of state reiterated that Belarus and Russia are able to build a close union while maintaining sovereignty and independence. "We are quite smart people. The Russian president is an absolutely reasonable person and understands in which direction we should move. Therefore, by preserving the independence of Russia and Belarus, we will build such a union that both federal and confederate states, and, perhaps, even unitary states will be envious of," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.