Belarus Dictator Lukashenka Predicts Collapse Of Global Economy; States Willingness To Talk To Democratic Opposition For Belarus's Future Good

"Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko forecasted on Tuesday the downfall of the global economy. “If the prices of energy sources continue to grow on global markets, this may lead to the collapse of global economy,” Lukashenko said in his annual address to the Belarusian parliament.

He went on to say that the world is very unstable at the moment.

“Situation in the world is even more unstable that it used to be five-ten years ago,” Lukashenko said, quoted by RIA Novosti.

The new centers of power are arising in the world, said the Belarusian President.

“This is connected with rise in prices of energy source. China, India, Persian Gulf countries and Latin America are all standing on their feet. The main thing is that Russia is rising too,” he said.

In Lukashenko’s opinion these new centers of power demand more and more rights for themselves. “The struggle between these states is escalating and we wouldn’t want this to lead to a confrontation or a military conflict,” he said.

The President of Belarus demanded that the country’s Defense Ministry increases its vigilance. “Our defense agency has to proceed from the fact that the world is restless,” Lukashenko said. “We have to have a realistic view of things.” ...

MosNews.com "Belarusian President Lukashenko Forecasts Collapse of Global Economy" May 23, 2006

http://mosnews.com/news/2006/05/23/lukashenkosays.shtml

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"14:02

Belarus president ready to talk to opposition with nation’s good in mind

13:42

Alexander Lukashenko: state to render all-round support to large families

13:34

President: Belarus intends to partake in development of northern and western regions of China"

Belarusian [Official State] Telegraph Agency News Headlines May 23, 2006

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Belarus Dictator Alexander Lukashenka chairing a meeting of the Minsk, Belarus based Commonwealth of Independent States -- comprised of the Former Republics of the Soviet Union.

Lame duck Lukashenka is rushing for the completion of the Russian - Belarusian Union State in preparation for his candidacy as the President of the Union State after Vladimir Putin leaves office in 2008. His popularity is reported to be rising in the Russian Federation. He subsequently hopes to expand the Russian - Belarusian Union State to also include -- at a minimum -- Ukraine, oil-rich Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Transnistria (presently part of the Republic of Moldova).

Photo credit: Belarusian Telegraph Agency

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