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Lukashenka blames IMF for panic demand for foreign cash

Alyaksandr Lukashenka on Friday blamed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for rumors of a coming devaluation of the Belarusian rubel that sparked a panic demand for foreign cash.

While talking to the chief editors of 11 Russian media outlets in Minsk, Mr. Lukashenka claimed that the international financial institution suggested that the Belarusian authorities devalue the rubel by 50 percent.

“They started rushing to currency exchange booths and we are having quite a difficult time today. But we have been fulfilling our obligations to the population. If you want to exchange rubels for dollars, you are free to do so,” he said.

Mr. Lukashenka did not mention that many currency exchange outlets in Minsk had run out of foreign cash earlier this week.

He acknowledged that the situation showed signs of destabilization. “We are trying to explain that we will not stand on our knees in front of anyone. We will hold out, we have managed to get through harder things,” he said.

Mr. Lukashenka also denied speculation that he had “flirted” with the West ahead of December’s presidential election and said that November’s visit by the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland had “alarmed” him. According to Mr. Lukashenka, he even attempted to tell the ministers that “we do not need their visit now” but they insisted.

Mr. Lukashenka noted that he had reassured Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at their recent meeting that he would never turn to the West. “Shortly ahead of the election I said that I am not needed by anyone in the West. We have different ideologies. I am a stranger for them ideologically. They will never accept me. I cannot sign their song. I have always said this openly and honestly,” Mr. Lukashenka stressed.

Taking part in the meeting were the chief editors of mostly minor, pro-Communist media or provincial newspapers, such Kaliningradskaya Pravda, Smolenskaya Gazeta and Sankt-Peterburgskiye Vedomosti. //BelaPAN