Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka never disappoints. Speaking in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, he warned today that his country will not be "pushed" into choosing between good relations with either the European Union or Russia.
So far, so good -- and all par for the course. But then he said that Belarus stood "on the threshold of accession to the European Union," without elaborating.
And then answering questions as to why he always traveled with his five-year-old son, Nikola, he said some other leaders brought their mistresses and wives, while he preferred to bring his son.
"Travelling with Kolya has nothing to do with PR…. My PR is my naturalness."
It's not quite clear what Nikola does while Lukashenka is off schmoozing and attending state banquets. According to our Belarus Service, he was supposed to visit a water park today.
-- Luke Allnutt
So far, so good -- and all par for the course. But then he said that Belarus stood "on the threshold of accession to the European Union," without elaborating.
And then answering questions as to why he always traveled with his five-year-old son, Nikola, he said some other leaders brought their mistresses and wives, while he preferred to bring his son.
"Travelling with Kolya has nothing to do with PR…. My PR is my naturalness."
It's not quite clear what Nikola does while Lukashenka is off schmoozing and attending state banquets. According to our Belarus Service, he was supposed to visit a water park today.
-- Luke Allnutt