MINSK, August 11. /ITAR-TASS/. Belarus will not allow the transit of EU goods intended for Russia and banned by it, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday.
“We must fulfil our obligations to protect the (Customs) Union market from transit of Western cargoes to Russia via Belarus,” he said. “If Russia has closed its market to certain goods, we should not allow their transit.”
However, he said that the internal market should not be affected by this move. “We discussed this issue separately (with the Russian president). This is our internal matter,” Lukashenko said.
“If we need Polish apples, we’ll buy them, not for Russia, but for the domestic market. If we need German delicatessen, we’ll purchase them for domestic consumption. If we have to process something, we’ll buy and process it,” he said.
“We should be honest and pursue a fair policy towards Russia,” Lukashenko said.
“The decision was taken without notice, suddenly. Automobiles and refrigerated trucks with perishable goods are queuing up on the border with Russia,” he said.
“Firstly, these are Belarusian and Russian transport operators - drivers and freight forwarders. Secondly, goods have been paid for and contracted. Thirdly, it will not be proper to treat these people in such a way,” Lukashenko said.