Impatient With Belarus

AP | 29 Aug 03

[RussianConservative]

MOSCOW (AP) -- President Vladimir Putin has prodded Belarussan President Alexander Lukashenko to sign quickly a long-discussed agreement to use the Russian ruble as the single currency in Russia and Belarus, the Kremlin said Thursday.

In a letter to Lukashenko, excerpts of which were released by the Kremlin, Putin said that the agreement on the single currency had finalized and should be signed in the "nearest future." The letter signaled Russia's growing impatience with Belarus.

Russia and Belarus signed a union treaty in 1996 envisaging close political, economic and military ties. The two countries stopped short of creating a single state and have made few concrete moves toward integration

[RussianConservative]

Time for Stalinist Luko to retire as Belaruss become part of Russia.

[Live free or die]

I must concur. The Russians have long ago proven that they are neither capable nor competent at maintaining a large sphere of influence. (Afghanistan, Chechnya, Hungary, the Czeks, the Poles etc)

[Cronos]

Belarus is a separate state and should remain so. It is not Russia, neither is Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, etc.

[RussianConservative]

Really? Tell that to Belarussians..most want part of Russia and not want succeed just like most central/eastern Ukrainians. What you know about Belaruss? Curious. What you know of history of region. You know why Belaruss called Belaruss? Or why Ukraine called Ukraine? As for who should stay what, that argument up to peoples of country not up to anyone else. Latvians/Estonia/Luthiuanians were historic seperate countries, Belaruss never independent country and whole Soviet Belarussian Republic concept created by communists. Before that no belaruss but 4 provinces as part of Russian empire.

[RussianConservative]

Ehh? Yes, not capable, guess Empire that last twice as long as America nation is incapable? Afghanistan? If not for US backed Pakistan assasinate king in '76 and create mess of Afghanistan now, none would happen, by way, King was allied with Soviets and Russia before that.

Hungary, Czeck never part Russian sphere, only during Soviets, maybe you not realize that until 1917 Austro-Hungary also meant Czeck. As for Poland, since Poland invade Russia many times till 17th centuary, Poland part of Russia for over 100 years and in Russian sphere for 50 more...again, almost as long as America nation.

Please try learn some history before posting.

[RussianConservative]

Oh and as far as field of influence...if not for Russian influence, in form of military, Britian and France would side with Confederacy. Russian fleet arrive in NYC and San Francisco in fall of 1861 as direct warning against British/French interverence...and as far as spheres, Russia have largest empire in history of man, try that for sphere.

[Sender]

From Luka's website, you can send him a letter and set that stubborn kolhoznik straight.

[Sender]

Also from Luka's website:

A Meeting on Using the Russian Ruble as a Single Currency of the Union State

On June 18, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting on using the Russian ruble as a single currency of the Union State.

Alexander Lukashenko believes it is a most important issue, directly related not only to foreign policy. It is a foundation for further development of our State.

This subject is not a new one because the introduction of a single currency is envisaged in the Treaty on the creation of the Union State and the Plan of implementation measures. There's nothing new taking place — underscored the President — we are just strictly following the earlier action plan, although this process has been dragging on for quite a time through the fault of both sides. As it was stipulated by the two parties, first, the experts should elaborate a mechanism for the introduction of a single currency; after that, it will have to be examined by the central banks and governments of both countries and submitted for approval by the Presidents; then, following the joint discussion, the leaders of Belarus and Russia are to take a final decision and approve it according to the established procedure. As of today, the Belarus' Government has submitted its elaborations to the Belarusian leader.

However, some mass media, especially Russian ones, have plunged into many speculations on this issue. For this reason, the President underscored that there were no promises, statements and assurances during the meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Russia's Government–Minister of Finance Aleksey Kudrin and Chairman of the Board of the Russia's Central Bank Sergey Ignatyev, nor could there be any. Nobody ever changed our sovereignty for the third, firth, or twenty–fifth presidential term, said Alexander Lukashenko. And he reiterated for those who attempt to speculate on this issue that his personal life and destiny are worth nothing in politics as compared to the destiny of the Belarusian people and State.

In commenting these false insinuations, the President touched upon another fantasy which has recently appeared in some mass media — on the possible prolongation of his term in office by a referendum. Alexander Lukashenko stated that in Belarus, President shall be elected by the people only. At a referendum, the citizens can only extend the list of persons who will be entitled to be a candidate for this highest administrative post by allowing to hold it for more than two terms. But, one can become President only through open nation–wide elections.

[Cronos]

Well, about Poland, true, it was part of the Russian, Prussian and Austrian empires for a long time but that doesn't mean that it is not a separate nation. For that matter, Russia itself was part of the Mongol Empire, so should it then revert to Mongolia? No!

[Cronos]

And also, Alaska was Russian until the mid 1800s

[RussianConservative]

Actually Russia, Kieven Russ, never part of Mongol Empire. To begin with, when conquered it was Mongol Empire, which quickly collapse and nw part become Golden Horde. Russ statelets not direct part but pay homage and huge tax to overlords, though never direct incorporation. Belaruss never nation.

[RussianConservative]

Yes, now Russia deliver 13 year gas and oil bill to Soviet economy of Belaruss...like to see Luko pay...no heat in winter and Luko does retake of Musolini. He all pro unity when Yeltsin incharge, because ole Luko think he take over after words and become premiere of new Soviet empire...now Yeltsin gone, Putin in and young and healthy and capitalist and Russia grow very fast...no new Soviet empires for Luko.

[Live free or die]

You read correctly. I said "not competent". I stand by this assertion. I don't mean to be offensive in any way...some folks just can't do it.

You mention the Austro-Hungarians. Unless I'm misinformed, in the 1850s a huge Russian army (200,000 men) was dispatched at the behest of the Austrians, from Czarist Russia to Hungary to put down a year long and highly successful Hungarian rebellion (something the Hungarians are still mad at you about).

I did also mention Poland which hadn't really existed on a map thanks largely to Catherine. During that Polish freedom fighters seeking to sever themselves from Moscow or St. Petersburg. Pulaski and Kosciusko are some names that should ring some American bells. They fought against the Russians for a free Poland too.

As for Afghanistan...what the heck did y'all invade them for anyway? Was there some shortage of rocks? In any case, saying the king was pro-Russia is easy. Remember, the Hungarians "asked" you all to come in and bulldoze a few thousand patriots in the streets of Budapest in 1956. You could even say that I'm in favor of Russian dominance over so much as a McDonalds hamburger. However, it won't be true.

Come now sir, I know my history. Russians however, should tread more lightly on the globe. You leave bloody footprints. (Russia has a great deal more to answer for than we do).

[RussianConservative]

Ok, fine you know history of rebellion...should I mention Indians spent 200 years fighting for freedom of America, so did South? Phillipines did too and so did China in boxer rebellion...what is point?

As for Afghanistan, Soviet invade for same reason US invade, except it was US funding fundimentalists with US tax dollars by Carter. They send psychos into southern areas for start of jihad. Of course once soviets out, they turn on old benefactors and give a one two to the peoples who thought they could control Islam international...now US sit in Afghanistan facing same guerrillas as Soviets 10 years ago. This called Irony.

[RussianConservative]

As for answer, we did not exterminate almost all native peoples under our border...US did. As fact, indians living in Russian areas of N. California through Alaska were living till land handed back over. That is why Russia have over 180 ethnic groups. Siberia taken with almost no blood shed. We also not import slaves, unlike enlightened West. US has plenty bloody footsteps to be reading others lectures...as for Soviets, part of thanks for Soviets goes to Trostski's supporters...who they? US businessmen, like Armnhammer and Ford amongst others. So don't go there...that and the Kiaser's 50 million deutch mark to the Communists.

[Live free or die]

US has plenty bloody footsteps to be reading others lectures...as for Soviets, part of thanks for Soviets goes to Trostski's supporters...who they? US businessmen, like Armnhammer and Ford amongst others.

Oh for the love of God! Fact: Trotsky was disavowed by Stalin and his inner circle and had to flee Russia. (I'm not sure where American support was when the KGB visited him in Mexico City with icepicks). To say that he formulated Soviet policy is like saying wet streets cause rain!

The conquest of Siberia? Come now...as I recall no one lives there! What's to conquer? Mongolian yak hearders?

Irony? It took us 10 weeks to destroy the Afghan regime. It took you ten years to be beaten by it. And you didn't lose the way we "lost" Vietnam. We won every engagement and could've won the war had a democrat not been in the White House.

I don't recall saying that US history was perfect. I just said that the Russians have more crimes to answer for than we do.

[RussianConservative]

Oh for the love of God! Fact: Trotsky was disavowed by Stalin and his inner circle and had to flee Russia. (I'm not sure where American support was when the KGB visited him in Mexico City with icepicks). To say that he formulated Soviet policy is like saying wet streets cause rain!

Oh yes, Trotsky only head of Red Army during Civil War and enabler of burnt earth policy....ever wonder why he ran? Because he loose play for power against Stalin...he no better and would have been as much mass murderer...since he already was. Too, that not KGB that kill him, at that time KGB not exists, it was NKVD. Second he not flee Russia, he came to Russia, he flees Soviet Union, which he help create.

As for Mongolia, 20 million peoples live there, try learn geography too while we at it.

As far as Afghan, again you do not know history, do you? Took US 10 weeks, took Soviets 1 week to take control all cities...but US no more control country side then Soviets did. Soviets won every major engagements... and if generals allowed to run Aghanistan not politicians would have won.

By the way, when Nixon become democrat? Hmm, seems Nixon in charge when US cut and run from Vietnam, democrat in charge, Kennedy, who start major deployment into Vietnam...lets keep facts straight, ok? I'm not some uninformed foreigner...many foreigners, as fact, know US history better then most Americans...higher standards in European schools.

[RussianConservative]

As for Mongolia == should read SIBERIA

[Live free or die]

Mate, that didn't stop them (Stalin's goons) from killing him (Trotsky).

Mongolia? For one thing, according to the CIA world factbook, 2.1 million people live there (I have no clue where you get 20 million). But that's not quite the point. You may not have heard this living where you do, but Mongolia is its own country now! Their President's name is Natsagin Bagabandi and they have a parliamentary democracy.

You might now want to spend so much time touting how educated you are and instead, spend more time in actually getting educated.

As far as how long it took you to take Afghanistan, I certainly hope a massive army like your's could swiftly conquer a relatively unarmed nation right next door. How many troops did you invade with? How many did you have there at the peak of the war? I know for certain that we only have 5,000 guys at most in Afghanistan right now, and we don't live anywhere nearby!

As for Nixon, he pulled us out because under Johnson it became unwinnable. Most people have agreed on this.

[Cronos]

Well, like you said, the Russ in Kiev were conquered by the Golden horde (on an aside, why is Alexander considered great whereas Genghis Khan isn't? hmmmm)