Anatoly Novikov: “The stronger the Customs Union, the better for our people!”

The chairman of Republican council of veterans of the Belarusian public association of veterans Anatoly Novikov answers the questions of our portal. He was repeatedly elected as the deputy of republican parliament, headed the constant commissions on questions of national security, defense and fight against crime, on social problems, training, science, culture and humanitarian affairs.

— How Belorussia looks at cooperation with Russia within the Customs Union?

- Belorussia chooses the integration. At least, it is supported by absolute majority of the people. We consider that the closer integration will be, the stronger the Customs Union will be, the better for our people. And for economy it is better, and for citizens, certainly.

— In your opinion, what is it necessary to make that integration developed quicker?

- You know, the people in Belorussia say so: it isn’t necessary to hurry especially — it is necessary to think over everything! Especially, new association is created — it is necessary to study everything attentively, to analyze. And here hasty decisions can just lead to misunderstanding that is absolutely not necessary.

I consider that the heads of our states correctly move in the necessary direction. And further it is necessary to think over the following steps — to think over that they were equitable to interests of the people. The Customs Union will take place — Belorussia has no doubts.

— Belorussia is invited to be integrated from the other side. It is «East partnership» …

- Belorussia is Europe too. We are ready to build the fine relations with Western Europe and with Eastern Europe too. But when someone begin to put conditions to us… It isn’t necessary to forget that we speak about process not unilateral, but mutual! And the principle of ignoring, the principle of ultimatums is simply unacceptable. Therefore our president constantly emphasizes that we support equal relations with Western Europe. We are ready to develop the relations with it, but, of course, not to the detriment of our relations with Russia.

— How does the Belarusian society belong to sanctions from Europe?

- All these sanctions as a result are directed against the simple people. They constantly try to put Belarusians before any ultimatums, unacceptable offers. But our country won’t go to it! And I will tell that we are even proud.

All issues have to be resolved quietly, without any restrictions. And we hear that: your president isn’t pleasant — it means, we won’t be with you … At what the president is here?! Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko is elected by the Belarusian people — respect a choice of our people. After all we respect a choice of other countries.

— It is obvious that Belorussia is the main ally of Russia. And are any parties in the country which oppose integration with Russia?

- There is the Belarusian Popular Front and its followers who look only to the west. I once again will repeat that we have a simple position: we are ready to cooperate with all, but thus there has to be a mutual respect. Whatever spoke now about the Soviet Union, but all of us lived in one society. Why to destroy that was good? We don’t understand it! Also we shouldn’t impose something! And namely the West does that, interfering with internal affairs of other countries.

— Poland became one of initiators of «East partnership». What are your relations?

- You know, there is no hearing in Belorussia about a situation in Poland. We consider that this is their internal affair. But why then Poland and Lithuania consider themselves to have the right to discuss a situation in Belorussia?! Our people will have enough wisdom without these advisers to choose the necessary way of development which is equitable to interests of our country. We aren’t required the help from the West.

— What are the main tasks of development of the republic for today?

- The country is concentrated on the solution of important tasks in economy. That the president, happens, sharply somewhat will abuse the ministers, so everything is quite explainable. Sorry, plans were accepted, they should be carried out. And if they aren’t carried out, someone has to be responsible for it.

If you offer any decision — bear responsibility for it. Therefore, our president has rigid conversation. And the situation in Belorussia is quiet, normal. There are, of course, different nuances, but it is not the main thing — we surely develop!