12 Nov 2019 16:52

Belarus ready to be patient as regards joining Council of Europe - Lukashenko

BERLIN. Nov 12 (Interfax) - Belarus is open to joining the Council of Europe, but is prepared to wait at the same time, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during his first visit to Austria on Tuesday.

"If you accept us, we will be grateful. If you don't, we'll be patient," Lukashenko said.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen received the Belarusian leader. Lukashenko is to meet with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka and have an informal dinner with the leader of the Austrian People's Party, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, on Tuesday.