Kremlin views refusal of Western countries to recognize Lukashenko's legitimacy as interference in Belarusian affairs
MOSCOW. Sept 25 (Interfax) - The refusal of certain countries to recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus contravenes international law and indirectly interferes in the internal affairs of Belarus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"Clearly, we don't welcome such decisions made by a number of European states," Peskov said.
"We believe that such decisions contravene international law. Obviously, these decisions don't help the development of dialogue. Actually, this is indirect interference in internal affairs," Peskov said. "Such decisions will clearly slow down and hinder the development of dialogue between these countries and Belarus," he said.
Peskov added that the refusal of certain countries to recognize Lukashenko's legitimacy will have no effect on Moscow-Minsk relations. "In any case, these decisions and the stance taken by a number of European countries in regard to Lukashenko won't affect the current condition and the prospects for the further development of Russian-Belarusian relations," he said.
"Both Belarus and Russia are sovereign countries, which build their relations without glancing at other states," Peskov said.