Lukashenko: Belarus does not demand any concessions in EEU

        Belarus does not demand any concessions while promoting Eurasian integration. Belarus is an equal participant of this process alongside with Russia and Kazakhstan. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko made this statement at a session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on the level of the heads of state in Astana:
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      “Belarus does not demand any concessions. Each will contribute something that will benefit all. And this contribution should not be measured only by tonnes, cubic meters and barrels.
We have prepared for the signing of the Eurasian Economic Union Treaty. We have tried our best to promote our interests; we respect the position of our partners; we have carefully analyzed the documents and have acknowledged its strong points. However, I cannot but say that I am not 100% happy with our agreements. There is still room for improvement and the improvements will benefit all the signatories to the treaty.
       Belarus is a sincere and reliable partner, and I hope for mutual understanding and a constructive approach to addressing all issues.”
President of Russia Vladimir Putin also stressed that the EEU will operate on the universal and transparent principles:
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      “The EEU will operate on the universal and transparent principles, understandable to everyone, including the WTO requirements and principles.
The EEU treaty has been prepared for signing. I’d like to point out that this is the result of close cooperation between the governments of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Thanks to a constructive approach, readiness, and each party’s willingness to look for compromise we were able to overcome a lot of difficulties and prepare the document for signing right on schedule, before June 1, 2014.”