Putin to Charter’97 website: Lukashenka is not a dictator

• 1.09.2009, 13:40

Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin answered a question of a journalist of www.charter97.org during a press conference following the results of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The two prime ministers had negotiations in Polish Sopot, where Vladimir Putin takes part in the events dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the World War II.

Our journalist asked Vladimir Putin “Lukashenka is dubbed the last dictator of Europe. How long is Russia going to support the dictator and prolong suffering of the people of Belarus? Why does Russia support dictatorial regimes, but doesn’t help democratic forces?”

The Russian prime minster answered: “You question is not correct. Mr Lukashenka was elected through direct secret vote, and we deal with the acting authorities. We never support unconstitutional processes in one or another country, especially in the former Soviet countries.

Democracies in our countries are very weak, political systems are not stable, and legal regimes are rather uncertain. Stability is the main thing in this situation.”