Lukashenka: 'No Major Failures' In Foreign Policy

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka

Belarus President Alyaksandr Lukashenka said that his country has not made any major mistakes in its foreign policy.

Lukashenka, who replaced long-time Foreign Minister Syarhey Martynau on August 20, said "we have not made either major failures or mistakes in the foreign policy sphere that could negatively affect the future of our state."

And Lukashenka added, "And this despite huge pressure by some states because of an independent foreign policy…and protection of our national interests."

Lukashenka was speaking at an event to present new Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makei.

Lukashenka addressed the decision to replace Martynau, who had been Belarus's foreign minister since March 2003, by saying that Martynau resigned on "his own initiative."


Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax