Lukashenka: We are not puppies to be pulled by the scruff of our necks

photo by BelTA

The restriction of Belarusan export to Russia is seriously worrying the Belarusan authorities.

Lukashenka is saddened with Russia’s behaviour in relation to restriction of Belarusan export, he stated at the meeting with Saint Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko.

“I am not just surprised but saddened by the behavior of the Russian authorities these days. If trade between the two countries does not go back to normal soon, we will be forced to respond,” – the Belarusan leader said in outrage.

“It seems to me that once again, using natural gas, oil, and now food as leverage, they are trying to show something, to teach a lesson to somebody or the entire world, using Belarus as an example. But we are not puppies to be pulled by the scruff of our necks, pardon me for this rudeness,” – BelTA quotes Lukashenka saying.

“The sides have the law in place, customs agreements. In essence we are one country. Why are you doing it?” – the Belarusan head of state kept asking.

Lukashenka openly admitted that Belarus is re-exporting goods:

“We are told directly that we process the raw materials that we buy from the West. But we have reached an agreement with the president of Russia and the prime minister that our doing so does not violate the embargo. Frankly speaking, when today the West is between rock and a hard place and is ready to give away the raw materials at dumping prices, we are thankful. If Belarus earns 100 million within one year, is it a lot of money? Is it a bad thing if we do?” – the Belarusan leader emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenka pointed out that Belarus has to repay loans to Russia. “Putin tells us to go ahead and process the raw materials but direct transit is out of the question. In one case we sent a batch of merchandise to Mongolia but it was turned back somewhere in Russia's Buryatia. But we intended to deliver it to Mongolia. And then when we supply merchandise to Kazakhstan, the Russian side is concerned about the possibility that the merchandise can then be shipped to Russia. But it is up to you to prevent the Kazakh side from doing it,” – Lukashenka noted.