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19.11.2010

A. Lokot: I am sure that Belarusian voters will elect Alexander Lukashenko the President

On November 10th Information Analysis Portal of the Union State hosted an internet conference with Anatoliy Lokot. Answering readers’ questions, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, member of the Union State Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Economic Policy A. Lokot commented upon the election campaign in Belarus. The editors decided not to publish the opinion of A. Lokot before the registration of candidates for President of the Republic of Belarus. On November 18th Belarusian Central Election Committee conducted registration of presidential nominees. Now we bring to your attention the answer of A. Lokot to the question of our reader from St. Petersburg.

On November 10th Information Analysis Portal of the Union State hosted an internet conference with Anatoliy Lokot. Answering readers’ questions, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, member of the Union State Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Economic Policy A. Lokot commented upon the election campaign in Belarus. The editors decided not to publish the opinion of A. Lokot before the registration of candidates for President of the Republic of Belarus. On November 18th Belarusian Central Election Committee conducted registration of presidential nominees. Now we bring to your attention the answer of A. Lokot to the question of our reader from St. Petersburg.

Alexander S., St. Petersburg:

Anatoliy Evgenievich, in your opinion, how can one describe the relationship between our two countries? And what is prevalent in this relationship: business, politics, economics or “unionship”?

A. Lokot: Dear Alexander, our countries have signed a treaty establishing the Union State. Today we are in a transition period; we’ve already defined the structure as well as proposed a mechanism of transition to the Union State which is enactment of the constitutional act in a referendum. So far this has not taken place. In my opinion, Moscow doesn’t have enough political will to take such a decision. It is clear that this “political” way is blocked as, since 1996, nothing regarding the signing of the constitutional act has been determined. So, we followed the way of developing integration and economic relations. And that is how we should treat the signing of the agreement on common customs space. At present we are implementing the following scheme: formation of common economic space, and only then resolution of all political issues. Time will show whether it was right or wrong. No doubt that this process is much more painstaking and long-lasting. Thereat, all the “grimaces” of a long-term transition: attempts of Russia to establish economic dictatorship with relation to tariffs, prices and imposition of duties. Thereat, reaction of Belarus in response to economic pressure. That is why this way requires great stamina and responsibility. Having failed to form a united political space within the Union State, Russian administration is trying to interfere in the election campaign in Belarus. These fatuous, clumsy actions may do irreparable harm to the Union State. I am confident that despite the anti-agitation campaign held by some Russian television channels, Belarusian voters will elect Alexander Lukashenko the President of their country. But it will be done not thanks to, but against the opinion of the Russian administration.