On February 20, Minsk / Vladimir Matveev - BELTA /. Belarus can respond very harshly to the European Union's sanctions if necessary. This was stated today by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, while receiving credentials from the ambassadors of nine states, a BELTA correspondent reports. "These sanctions, which you Europeans are waving in our faces, understand this – we are enduring for now. But as soon as you cross the red line, we will respond very harshly," the President said. "We are in the centre of Europe. 100 million tons of cargo move from East to West through us, and in complete safety. We are building terminals at the border, processing your cargo back and forth, ensuring its safety. There have been no complaints over these years while I have been President," the head of state said. "What else do Europeans need, I don't understand? Do you need an unstable Belarus? You don't. You don't like Lukashenko and the course he is pursuing? But we will not deviate from this as long as I am elected President. Since the people vote for this President, it means they support his course. My course is one – I am devoted to my people." "If anyone in Europe thinks that we can still be bent by some sanctions, reproaches, demands – this is a road to nowhere. Even if we remain alone, without Russia, China, without our other friends, believe me, we will stand to the death here, as we did in 1941-1945, defending our independence and sovereignty," the President of Belarus emphasized, addressing the representatives of European states. "This is not some kind of bravura position. We simply want to be like you – freedom-loving, independent, and responsible to our people. We proceed from the wishes of our people." As the head of state noted, Belarus creates no problems for its neighbours or for distant foreign countries. "I don't understand what claims can be made against us. We understand that some people don't like what we are doing here, but perhaps we also don't like something somewhere. But we maintain our position very calmly, we never encroach on anyone, we don't try to lecture anyone. Every state has the right to develop as it sees fit, without creating problems for neighbours and other states under any circumstances," said Alexander Lukashenko. According to him, Belarus is no less democratic than European states. "Just take a closer look at what is happening in Belarus. We want peace and stability," the President remarked. In this regard, he addressed the Ambassador of Norway, Jon Elvedal Fredriksen, recalling that last year both Belarus and Norway experienced terrible tragedies. "And we know the price of this stability. We want to preserve it at all costs. Because peace is the most important thing in a person's life," believes Alexander Lukashenko. "I simply demand from the Europeans: look closely at our country, and do not do mischief towards Belarus. We have not deserved this. We have not yet restored the pre-war population level. We sacrificed 3 million people on the altar of our common Victory. And what would have happened if we had not won at the time?" the President asked rhetorically. "Therefore, people must be respected. Because there are still those among us who saw this terrible war." "Our position is not based on any personal ambitions. We do not need that. It is based on those deep-seated reasons that stem from our society, our Belarusian people," emphasized the Belarusian leader. "And we have many friends. And today, torpedoing our relations with Europe and trying to rein us in, offend us, punish us somewhere is unpromising. For our country, to be frank, cooperation with Russia, China, India, Central Asia is more than enough. We will ensure a normal life for our people. But we do not want to be a thorn in the side of the Europeans, because this is the center of Europe," added Alexander Lukashenko. -0-

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