Echo of Moscow highlights Belarusian priorities

The economic issues of the Belarusian-Russian agenda illustrate the art of negotiating. The depth of connections, trust, history and prospects create the widest scope for discussion.

Alexander Lukashenko describes the dialogue with Vladimir Putin as open as it could be possible. 28 issues on economic integration were agreed on at the meeting last week in St. Petersburg. Oil, gas and taxes issues remain disputable.

Alexei Venediktov, chief editor of Echo of Moscow radio station interviewed our president on the busy agenda of Belarusian-Russian relations.

Alexei Venediktov was pleased with the interview and increased his citation index, which he highlighted in his video blog.

Alexei Venediktov is a history teacher by education. He was thoroughly preparing for an interview in Minsk. He collected the arguments of Russian officials, listened to Belarus, collected more than 2,000 questions, tackling the USA and Ukraine issues, from fellow journalists and ordinary listeners of Echo. The first question was about deep integration. This is the most discussed topic today, due to the media noise and speculation around.

The main points were made on fundamentally equal conditions, the resemblance of Kiev problems 25 years ago to ours, moving in Donbass direction on bilateral agreements and peace terms.  

The open dialogue was made in state politics and sports. A minority came out against integration. And if it is external interference, proper measures will be taken. 

A moratorium on the death penalty is a trick of politicians against the will of the people. We should listen to the voice of a new generation, who will soon accept a sovereign country.