The head of the Society to promote the Latvian-Belarusian economic relations, Speaker of the Latvian Seim in 1996-1998 Alfred Chepanis said in an interview with the Latvian Radio that "Belarus demonstrates to the European countries an example of statehood and the benefits of Lukashenko's ideology." ""Batska" cares for Belarus," said the politician.
«Take, for example, social protection of population. The system is much higher there than in Europe, especially in Latvia. People have money for medicine, they have raised pensions,» said Alfred Chepanis, stressing that no beggars can be seen in the clean streets of Belarus and people support their president.
Ex-Specker of the Latvian Seim also expressed confidence that «Belarus will join the European Union in ten years — with or without Lukashenko, but it will join.» «Belarus is the center of Europe, which is beneficial to the latter. Moreover, the EU has always wanted to grab a piece of Russia, while Russia has always wanted to grab a slice of the EU. And «Batska,» as a true rural man will be able to milk two cows — both Europe and Russia,» said the politician, Mixnews.lv.
Alfreds Chepanis said that if Latvia has pursued the same policies as Belarus, it would have flourished. He also stated that he considers Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to Riga as possible. «Lukashenko has made it known that he is willing to accept the Latvian president. Latvian administration is also hinting at a desire to see Lukashenko in Riga. I was very surprised by the reaction of Foreign Minister Girt Valdis Kristovskis, known for his nationalist views. He’s quite favorably reacted to the election results in Belarus and to the situation with the opposition,» the politician said.
