The President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev has recorded his new statement for his video-blog, which is dedicated to the relations between Russia and Belarus. “I wish to talk about what is happening with our closest ally – Belarus “, – stated the President. He addressed the people of both countries and reminded that “we are all nationals of the UnionState”. According to Medvedev, Russia “has always treated and will be treating the Belarusian nation as its closest neighbour”. According to the words of the President, both countries are now partners in the UnionState and the Customs Union, for the development of EAEC, CSTO and the CIS.

“Surprisingly, noted the President, that the Belarusian authorities have taken the course of anti-Russian rhetoric. Pre-election campaign there is fully and in the whole based on anti-Russian plots with hysteric accusations of Russia in reluctance of supporting Byelorussians and the Belarus economy, imprecating Russian authorities”. According to the words of Medvedev, all this “hides the intension of provoking the states and subsequently the nations”.

According to the words of Medvedev, Lukashenka “troubles a lot” in the internal Russian affairs. The Russian leader noted that “the President of Belarus should be addressing internal issues, including, finally, the investigation of the numerous cases on disappearing people. Russia, as well as other countries, is not indifferent to that”.

The Head of the RF touched also the promise of Lukashenka to recognise South Osetiya and Abkhazia. “The issue has become a continuous subject of political bargaining. But Russia is not going to bargain for its principles. Such conduct is dishonest, and partners do not behave in such a way. And finally, we will consider this in building relationship with the acting president of Belarus”, - said the President.

Dmitry Medvedev expressed his confidence in that “this meaningless strip of tension in the relations with Belarus will definitely come to an end”.

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from «Rambler» of 03 10 2010

For effective complex defence of Latvia, the establishment of a permanent division of the National Armed Forces has started in Latgale, reported the official website of the Ministry of Defence.

On 13 January a concert "Together to the victory" was held in Lithuania, where the audience decided to support Ukraine's defence and donated 110 thousand Euros.

Alexander Lukashenko on 9 January signed a decree № 8 "On the establishment of visa-free entry and exit of foreign nationals." The document establishes visa-free entry to Belarus for a period not exceeding 5 days at the entrance through the checkpoint "National Airport Minsk" for citizens of 80 countries, - reported the press service of the President of Belarus.