All news

Lukashenko tells Pompeo Russia does not interfere in Belarus affairs

The countries are poised to team up in responding to emerging external threats, said Belarusian President

MINSK, October 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Russia does not interfere in the country’s domestic affairs, emphasizing that Russia is Belarus’ main ally.

"Touching on the foreign policy issues, Lukashenko underlined that Russia is the main ally, and emphasized its support given in the current period. It was also stated that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus, however, the countries are poised to team up in responding to emerging external threats," the Belarusian television channel ONT said on Saturday.

In particular, the BelTA news agency reported that "under the CSTO treaty [Collective Security Treaty Organization - TASS] on the protection of common space in case of external aggression from Poland, Lithuania and other countries, Belarus and Russia will have to respond."

Pompeo pointed out that Belarus should fear such a threat from neither NATO, nor Poland, not Lithuania, since there is not any. Apart from that, Pompeo said in a phone conversation with Lukashenko that the US is committed to sovereignty of Belarus and backs cooperation with that country.

"Lukashenko and Pompeo discussed domestic political affairs in Belarus and the United States. The Secretary of State underlined that he remains committed to our country’s sovereignty and independence and supports the development of cooperation with Belarus. Lukashenko informed the interlocutor about the national dialogue which is being actively held in Belarus now," the TV channel said.

Lukashenko and Pompeo touched on the situation in the world. "In their shared opinion, after Pompeo’s visit to Minsk in February, there have been dramatic changes and more and more challenges are emerging," the ONT said.

"Another topic of their conversation was about a US citizen in Belarus," the TV channel said. Lukashenko said that Belarus was closely watching the US political campaign and wished success to the campaign in general and personally to US President Donald Trump.

The call was requested by Pompeo and lasted for about 30 minutes.