Belarus-Russia relations need intensifying - Lukashenko
<p> MINSK, Nov 26 - PrimePress. Relations between Belarus and Russia need intensifying rather than rebooting, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on November 26, as reported by Lukashenko’s press service. </p> <p> </p> <p> Lukashenko stressed Belarus’ desire to maintain close cooperation with Russia. “Time has shown that we cannot go anywhere from very close and friendly relations. I am confident that this is what the Russian leadership wants and prefers today,” said Lukashenko. </p> <p> </p> <p> In turn, Lavrov confirmed Russia’s counter interest in strengthening bilateral relations. He also recalled that earlier, after the September meeting in Sochi with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko had launched several initiatives that are important for Belarusian society. “As President Putin emphasized, we are interested in these initiatives to take place. If there is anything we can do to support them, we are always open to it,” said Lavrov. </p> <p> </p> <p> Among such initiatives, in particular, the Russian side refers to the constitutional reform, which involves a redistribution of powers among the main branches of power, as well as possible early presidential and parliamentary elections in Belarus. </p> <p> </p> <p> Earlier, on November 12 during a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov noted that such a reform was already underway in Belarus. According to him, it provides for limitation of powers of the president, redistribution of some duties of the head of state between the legislative body, government and regional structures. Also under discussion is the possibility of reforming the parliament to make it unicameral.End </p>
2020-11-27
Primepress
MINSK, Nov 26 - PrimePress. Relations between Belarus and Russia need intensifying rather than rebooting, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on November 26, as reported by Lukashenko’s press service.
Lukashenko stressed Belarus’ desire to maintain close cooperation with Russia. “Time has shown that we cannot go anywhere from very close and friendly relations. I am confident that this is what the Russian leadership wants and prefers today,” said Lukashenko.
In turn, Lavrov confirmed Russia’s counter interest in strengthening bilateral relations. He also recalled that earlier, after the September meeting in Sochi with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko had launched several initiatives that are important for Belarusian society. “As President Putin emphasized, we are interested in these initiatives to take place. If there is anything we can do to support them, we are always open to it,” said Lavrov.
Among such initiatives, in particular, the Russian side refers to the constitutional reform, which involves a redistribution of powers among the main branches of power, as well as possible early presidential and parliamentary elections in Belarus.
Earlier, on November 12 during a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov noted that such a reform was already underway in Belarus. According to him, it provides for limitation of powers of the president, redistribution of some duties of the head of state between the legislative body, government and regional structures. Also under discussion is the possibility of reforming the parliament to make it unicameral.End