BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

23/06/2008

Lukashenko invites Benedict XVI to Byelorussia

Minsk, June 23, Interfax - Byelorussian President Alexander Lukashenko has invited the Pope of Rome Benedict XVI to visit Byelorussia "at his (the pontific's convenience - IF) convenience," the Byelorussian head press service has told Interfax.

Lukashenko met with the Holy See state secretary Tarcisio Bertone last week. They discussed questions of allotting land for new buildings of the apostolic nunciature, the residence of metropolitan of the Minsk and Mogilev Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church and the country's Catholic churches.

"The state is ready to meet the requests of the Roman Catholic Church and render it necessary assistance," the Byelorussian president press service said.

At the meeting with the Vatican's state secretary Lukashenko stated: "Today many people, especially members of our opposition, some forces in neighboring states and even in the West interpret your visit as efforts of Byelorussian government to mend relations with Western Europe by means of the Roman Catholic Church."

He noted that the dialogue between Byelorussia and the Holy See "developed more than recent two-three-five years." "We have cooperated with the Roman Catholic Church for a long time, we have been in contact for a long time and conducted the dialogue with the former Pope (John Paul II - IF), who loved and respected our country. He mentioned it to me more than once," Lukashenko stressed.

"We will only welcome if our contacts result in improving relations between Byelorussia and Europe," he stated.

According to Lukashenko, Byelorussia "is not against normal relations with Europe and America." "But you should understand that we are an absolutely sovereign state and we won't allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs," the president stressed.

He stated that Byelorussia realized its role in Europe well and proceeded from the fact that "there could no secure living in Europe without Byelorussia."

"And we are ready to play any role to provide security on the European continent, to mend relations with the United States but only on the principles of respect and non-interference in our domestic politics," the Byelorussian president stressed.

Source:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=4823

Google