Lukashenko: Belarus’ sovereignty and independence are a constant, and they should never be even discussed
When deciding on the appointment of Dmitry Krutoi as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Russian Federation, the Head of State made a special emphasis on the fact that economic tasks are among the priorities of the diplomatic mission, while the categories of sovereignty and independence of the state are inviolable
Mr. Krutoi worked as Deputy Head of the President Administration until recently, and – on addressing him – Aleksandr Lukashenko said, “There is absolutely no need to tell you any parting words. You are well aware of this embassy. While working in the President Administration, you should have absorbed all the President's ideas about Russia (I hope it is so). You know that this is our main direction in economic terms. As for politics, there is no talk here. This is our close, friendly state, and you should represent our country in the Russian Federation at the same level, according to this ideology.”
The Head of State emphasised that the new ambassador, like his predecessor Vladimir Semashko, retains the powers of Deputy Prime Minister, “You also know well what needs to be done there. The economy is the key. It is the number one issue. There will be everything if the economy functions well.”
The President pointed out the most important point of principle, “This is sovereignty and independence of Belarus. The West is talking much that we are allegedly losing sovereignty and independence by co-operating with Russia... So I want to tell you directly – since you are a future representative not only of the President, but of our country in Russia: sovereignty and independence of our state are a constant, and they should never be even discussed.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko repeated the thesis that he had voiced more than once, “We are quite smart people, and the President of Russia is absolutely reasonable. He understands in which direction we should move. Therefore, by preserving the independence of Russia and Belarus, we will be able to build a union that federal and confederate states, and maybe even unitary states, can envy. I would like to emphasise once again: you know everything else that you should do there. Be constantly in touch.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, due to the circumstances and the policy that the two states follow, the ambassador will always be in the spotlight. “I often say that the embassy in Russia is the second government, and this is absolutely correct from the point of view of the economy,” he explained.
The Head of State noted that he had recommended Mr. Krutoi to his Russian counterpart as a very promising person, “Look at the embassy. A system should be built – although I do not think that anyone would fool around under Semashko’s leadership. No matter how we treat him – being aware of his harsh character and so on, he is a systemic and experienced person, so I think everything is fine with the embassy there. Meanwhile, the situation with the embassy staff should be built in such a way as to what tasks will have to be solved there. You also know this after working at the President Administration.”
Appointing Maksim Yermolovich as Deputy Head of the President Administration, the Head of State shared his opinion that Mr. Krutoi would help his successor get up to speed. “Inform him on the nuances that he has not yet mastered. Maksim is not a new person with us. He knows his job well both in the Government and in the President Administration. He is an experienced, smart, advanced person, who has got an idea of what the West is,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Yermolovich worked as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Head of State said, “He is a normal, professional, committed pro-Belarus person. He has a good understanding of what should be done in Belarus after getting acquainted with one of the leading countries in the world. He saw what is bad and what is good in the UK. Of course, there is much good – especially from the point of view of the economy. We absolutely do not need English politics, and we have no plans to copy it. He probably mastered that as well. However, the economy and the financial sphere are very important.”
