Vilnius Meetings. (September 8, 1997)

The Vilnius summit of the leaders of Central and East European countries is an occasion not only for for the discussion of global European problems , but also for understanding bilateral relations. On the eve of this forum ,4 September, several presidents arrived to the Lithuanian capital. Among them was the head of Belarus. That day Alyaxander Lukashenka conducted negotiations with the Presidents of Bulgaria and Lithuania . He took part in an unofficial party as well where the president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, the President of Lithuania, Aldrigas Brazauskas , the Prime Minister of Russia were present .And yet the first people Belarusian President spoke to were foreign journalists who had , ‘intaken ‘ him as soon as he arrived at the hotel “Draugiste” (Friendship) . Alyaxander Lukashenka was asked several questions . In particular the mass media representatives were taking an interest in how the case of the ORT journalists reflected on Belarusian-Russian relations and if Belarus and Lithuania would sign the agreement about the readmission . Answering the reporters Alyaxander Lukashenka noted that the relations between Moscow and Minsk had improved. As for the agreement we` ll. subdue this issue’, assured the President.

Here at the hotel “Draugiste” the first planned meeting between Alyaxander Lukashenka and the Bulgarian President Peter Stoyanov took place .Among its participants were: Victor Sheiman ,Ivan Antonovich , Ural Latupov and other members of the official Belarusian delegation. During the negotiations the heads of the states were discussing a number of issues including the Belarusian-Bulgarian political relations and trade collaboration which is thought by both sides as needing activating . The main reason for this is considered to be the lack of information manufacturing works of two countries.

At the negotiation it was spoken about the foundation of Minsk tractor plant and Karpov tractor plant joint venture as well as a joint venture with the participation of Grodno tobacco factory . By the way , this issue has already been discussed before. However , the decision hasn’t been made yet because the lack of the finances . The presidents were also talking about the necessity of collaboration in the fields of culture, science, education and tourism. In conclusion the Belarusian President that certain measures connected with the 120^th unniversary of liberation of Bulgaria are being foreseen in our country. ‘We regard this date as our common holiday,’ concluded Alyaxander Lukashenka.

In the evening of the same day the Belarusian President arrived at the palace of Lithuanian President where they had the meeting . Alexyander Lulashenka and Aldrigas Brasaukas discussed some aspects of trade and economic collaboration of two countries. They also talked about the readmission . The presidents paid special attention to the problem of frontier demarcation . It was marked that by the end of this year the working project will be finished . And in 1998 it’s being planed to finish all the works in demarcation. Speaking about the participation of Belarus in the Soviet of Baltic states the Belarusian President noted that he considered this organization to be very important . He sees the participation of Belarus in it as an observer at the beginning and then ,perhaps, as a competent member of the Soviet.

Alexander Lyushkevich.

BelTa.

Photo by Alexander Tolochko.

Photo:with On 4 September the President of the republic of Belarus Alyaxander Lukashenka familiarized himself the work of the frontier crossing Kamenny of Oshmyany customs.

Translated by Irina Kaverzneva. Please send mail about the quality of translation.