Lukashenko declared Belarus' readiness to normalise relations with Poland ‘virtually tomorrow’: the ball is in their court
Belarus is ready to normalise relations with Poland virtually tomorrow – as stated by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko at today’s meeting with representatives of different nationalities who live in Belarus, BelTA reports
Reacting to the speech of Aleksandr Songin, the Chairman of the Union of Poles in Belarus public association, who expressed the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries for the speedy normalisation of relations, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “I am absolutely not ashamed of our Poles, in front of you. We are ready to normalise relations with them virtually tomorrow."
At the same time, the President listed a number of actions of the Polish side that are completely not aimed at settling relations. "Why has [Poland] closed border checkpoints? After all, the border crossed the alive territories. It is now impossible to visit cemeteries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted. “If our Pole takes some kind of constructive position, then he becomes an enemy in Poland. Why is this happening? Therefore, you should not be ashamed of the policy we are pursuing towards Poland. We want it to be quiet and peaceful here, and in Poland. If, God forbid, something happens in Poland, as in Ukraine, it will not be easy for us. However, they must understand that it is impossible to bring us to our knees. It’s nonsense. Money could be spent, but, God forbid, people will die."
Moreover, official Minsk is ready to normalise relations with Poland virtually tomorrow, but the ball is in their court. In this regard, the Head of State mentioned various unfriendly steps of the Polish authorities towards Belarus – such as the closure of checkpoints, sanctions restrictions, the construction of a wall on the border and absolutely groundless criticism on migration and human rights issues.
Moreover, being politically dependent on the United States, the Polish leadership spends a lot of money on weapons, creating additional military tension in the region.
Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted that Belarus is now paying even more attention to the border with Poland than with Ukraine, despite the fact that the war continues in the south. "We have strengthened our border and created strong points. You could see that when I visited one of such points near Brest. At heights convenient for the military, we have actually created a second border. Well, those wishing to seize this point would lose thousands of soldiers. Who needs it? Actually, we have to defend ourselves. Moreover, we have everything to protect our country," the Head of State stressed. “You know me: I will not hesitate to defend my Belarus immediately. We will not draw any lines. God forbid they will set foot on our land. Only the strong are respected. Therefore, there should be no weakness.”
Despite all tension, Aleksandr Lukashenko directs the Belarusian government not to quarrel with Poles. “Maybe we have failed somewhere. Let's be on good terms with them, let’s take steps towards them,” he said.
"We are pursuing a reasonable and restrained policy. The ball is in their court. We are ready to co-operate with them as intensively as they are ready for it," the Belarusian leader stressed.
