Disagreements between Belarus and Russia can be settled, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday.
"There is no getting away from this as we are in effect one people...Belarusians and Russians, who practically do not differ from each other," he said in an interview with German media.
"Don't worry, we'll come to terms with Russia," he said.
However, this is only possible if Belarus is treated as an independent state.
"There is a state in this land...and it is a sovereign, independent state with its own interests that must be reckoned with - be it by Germany or Russia," Lukashenko said.
On the issue of the upcoming presidential elections, he said Belarus does not need Russia's recognition of its results.
Ten presidential candidates, including the incumbent head of state, will run in the December 19 polls.
"It is up to Russia whether to recognize [them] or not. This is its right, its sovereign right," he said.
"Under our laws, we need no recognition. For one and a half decades you have not recognized the existence of the state of Belarus, let alone elections," he said addressing the German reporters.
"So what? We are still alive."
MINSK, November 12 (RIA Novosti)
