Lukashenka Opposes Using CIS to Help Kuchma Campaign

“Do they take me for a marionette, going somewhere and supporting someone? Do they really expect me to travel to Kyiv and push through Kuchma's candidacy?” This from Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, addressing journalists on October 11. The head of our neighboring state was his old straightforward self and spoke his mind. While certain other presidents continue flying to Ukraine allegedly on official business visits, careful to praise their Ukrainian colleague before the elections, Minsk took offense and let it be felt. And not entirely without reason. A month ago when the international conference called Baltic-Black Sea Cooperation: For an Integrated Europe without Boundaries gathered in Yalta, Mr. Kuchma who had first invited the Belarusian President recalled the invitation. Alyaksandr Lukashenka took it as an insult. As was to be expected, the Belarusian delegation did not turn up in Yalta on October 8 to attend a summit of CIS Prime Ministers at the Livadiya Palace. The Belarusian leader declared that “CIS summits are held today for a special purpose, so that heads of state and prestigious politicians can show their support of Kuchma before his presidential elections.” He thinks it inadmissible to use CIS as a “toy being played with for one's personal end.” In Alyaksandr Lukashenka's opinion, this was precisely the aim of the Yalta meeting (Incidentally, it was originally scheduled to be held in Moscow). Interfax Ukraine reports that the Belarusian leader also said he has information that another CIS summit is being planned for Kyiv before the election. Lukashenka believes that if it takes place it will be for “the same purpose: supporting the current President before the elections.” He also reminds us that Ukraine is not actually a CIS member, because “it has not as yet ratified the CIS Statute and is not likely to do so.”

Commenting on the campaign, Alyaksandr Lukashenka said he is convinced that the Ukrainian people “will know who to vote for. The people alone must decide who will be its next President.”