On Destinies of Integration

In response to V. Putin’s article about integration on the post-soviet area published in “Izvestia”, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expresses his opinion on the Eurasian Union («tut.by», 18.10.2011).

In response to V. Putin’s article about integration on the post-soviet area published in “Izvestia”, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expresses his opinion on the Eurasian Union («tut.by», 18.10.2011).

“That’s what the President says,” reads the newspaper “SB. Belarus Segodnya” (18.10.2011). “Today we are on the verge of creating a qualitatively new integration entity. On January 1^st, 2012 Common Economic Space of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan is to start functioning – both de jure and de facto”.

Information agency "BelaPAN" (19.10.2011) reported that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin liked the article of Alexander Lukashenko published in the newspaper “Izvestia”. “Yes, I’ve read the article, I really liked it. This once again confirms the willingness of the Belarusian state and Belarusian government to promote integration processes on the post-Soviet area,” said Putin. According to the Russian Prime Minister, Alexander Lukashenko clearly and precisely pointed out the benefits that the economy accrues if these integration plans are implemented, and he completely agrees with this analysis. “I have noticed the transformation of Alexander Lukashenko’s outlook – I know him as a downright atheist – he there (in the article) makes reference to the Bible. This is a very good, positive sign which says that we are drawing closer not only in economics but also in the spiritual sphere,” said Vladimir Putin (“Interfax-Zapad”, 19.10.2011).

Chief Editor of “SB. Belarus Segodnya” P.Yakubovich, analyzing the article of Alexander Lukashenko in “Izvestia” and reflecting on the Eurasian Union, sets a question: “Is it beneficial for us?” “The answer can be only a positive one,” “SB. Belarus Segodnya” quotes P.Yakubovich. “The country will get new trade areas, the citizens – new opportunities. “Gas” and “candy” wars will become a thing of the past, their prerequisites will disappear and there will be new intergovernmental tools for early prevention of negative economic situations”.