April 5, Minsk / Vladimir Matveev - BELTA /. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko may soon make a decision on pardoning some convicts, who are considered by the West to be political prisoners. The head of state announced this today at a meeting on foreign policy issues, a BELTA correspondent reports. "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about so-called political prisoners. We do not have political articles in our Criminal Code," the President emphasized. He noted that even opposition media outlets are now openly stating that pressuring Lukashenko is futile. "This is correct. But then they say incorrectly that if you pressure him, he will do the opposite. Complete nonsense. I have never acted out of any personal ambitions. I will act as the Constitution and laws dictate. There can be no 'opposite'," the Belarusian leader noted. "And the fact that one should behave more decently when asking or even demanding something is correct, especially if you are demanding or asking something from the President. There is no need to come with sticks and knock on the window." Regarding the so-called political prisoners, Alexander Lukashenko noted that their relatives are beginning to reproach him for promising to pardon them, but have not done so yet. "There is only one reason. As soon as I mentioned this (and this was said several months ago), everyone started shouting. But I warned that the issue of pardoning so-called political prisoners is, first and foremost, their appeal for a pardon. I immediately said this publicly. If you don't want to apply, no one will consider it. Sit," the President said. As Alexander Lukashenko noted, after this statement, discussions began about whether the pardon requests were written under some kind of pressure. "And I instructed the relevant officials to check: did they write the request for a pardon of their own free will, or were they really forced to do so. Days ago, I was provided with information, including videos, where they frankly and honestly say: 'No, it was our will.' Some one or two did not want to write. Well, that's their choice. Let them sit," the head of state said. "Regarding those who have requested a pardon, I will consider these issues in the near future. No one will reproach me for not fulfilling my obligations or promises. We will make a decision regarding some individuals who have finally realized the perniciousness of their position and policy towards their own state," the Belarusian leader stated. -0-