20 October, Minsk /Tatsiana Polezhai - BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko calls on the European Union to abandon stereotypes regarding the presidential elections. The Head of State stated this to journalists today after a meeting with President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "If the EU is still held captive by stereotypes that have formed over previous years, they should be set aside," said Alexander Lukashenko. He emphasized Belarus's direct interest in ensuring that "no one points a finger at us" after the presidential elections. The Head of State stressed that the country will not hinder the arrival and work of observers for the presidential elections. "If more Lithuanians need to come here, please, without looking at passports, documents, or faces, we are ready to welcome them here. Let them walk around, observe, and see how this campaign is proceeding," said the President. Moreover, the country will actively encourage more presidential candidates. "This is in our direct interest," noted Alexander Lukashenko. "We need these elections to be no worse than the previous ones, although I don't know what claims could be made against those elections," emphasized the Belarusian leader. He also added that international observers are already working today, even though the elections have not yet begun. -0-

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