20 January, Minsk /Vladimir Matveev - BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has instructed the government to prepare retaliatory measures in case any sanctions are imposed against Belarus. The Head of State announced this today at a meeting on certain domestic policy issues, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "In the event that anyone attempts to impose economic or other sanctions against the country, we must react immediately, prepare retaliatory measures, up to the harshest ones," the President emphasized. "We do not intend to bend to anyone, and no one is allowed to make us bend. And this must apply to absolutely everyone who tries to pressure and block the country, whether it be a separate group of countries or even the European Union as a whole." "We are always ready for a calm dialogue with everyone who wishes to speak with us sincerely and on equal terms. But no one will ever be allowed to speak with Belarus from a position of strength and in the language of ultimatums," said Alexander Lukashenko. Nevertheless, one should not bury one's head in the sand and avoid discussing problems. "The situation requires us to make firm, balanced, and prudent decisions," the Belarusian leader noted. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that today it is necessary to carefully consider all measures to protect the country's sovereignty, economic and geopolitical interests. "I expect specific proposals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to counter the anti-Belarusian campaign abroad. We need to develop a set of measures that will prevent our country from becoming a pawn in someone else's game and striking a blow to our economy, security, and sovereignty," the President added. -0-

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