Lukashenko blames West for financing, controlling last year's mutiny

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko pursues an independent policy and acts primarily in the interests of the Belarusian nation. He made the relevant statement in an interview with the BBC, BelTA has learned.

The BBC reporter asked Aleksandr Lukashenko why it is difficult for the European Union to talk to him. “I can answer why it is difficult for you to talk to me. Because I don't dance to your tune. I pursue an independent policy. Independent from you and from anyone else – from Americans, the English, and the European Union. I see my nation,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also noted that Belarus has always tried to live in peace and accord with its neighbors. “Can you say I've bothered my neighbors? Did I arrange some fights at the border with Poles, Latvians, Lithuanians, or Ukrainians? Never. A summit of the Normandy Four on Ukraine took place right here [in the Palace of Independence where the interview took place] and the war was ended right here. Yes, shots are still fired, but there is no war that kills thousands of people,” the head of state said. “We've done everything. I've always said that neighbors are given by god and cannot be chosen. Did we make any problems for Lithuanians or Latvians? Never.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko drew the reporter's attention to foreign interference in Belarus' domestic affairs. “Why did you come into our house and try to destroy it last year? Why? What business of yours is our election? We didn't meddle with the UK or America. You financed a mutiny last year. You did! You controlled the mutiny from Poland's territory. You did. With Americans' backing. You came into our house. We didn't call for you.”