Makei: EU wants to decide on Belarus’ socioeconomic development

        The European Union wants to be the one to shape the social and economic development of Belarus, Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei said in an interview to the Russian newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda. “The European Union wants to be the one to determine the social and economic development of our country. Naturally, it does not want to bear responsibility for possible consequences,” the Foreign Minister said. He emphasized that the interference with domestic affairs of Belarus is totally unacceptable; Belarus wants to exercise its sovereign right to determine its development path independently. “We are convinced that the key to resolving the current situation in our relations is in the hands of the European Union. Unlike the EU, we do not interfere with domestic matters of our neighbors. It is the European Union that bears the responsibility for the loss of trust in the dialogue. Therefore, it should rectify the situation,” Vladimir Makei believes. He noted that Belarus is ready for the dialogue: “On our part we will welcome Brussels’ readiness to do something practical to promote equal and respectful relations with us. Entire Europe would benefit from that. However, it seems the EU has not realized it yet. Our trade and economic cooperation with the European Union is mutually beneficial. The removal of existing political barriers would give a greater impetus to this cooperation. Unfortunately, the European Union is still guided by old stereotypes,” Vladimir Makei said.