"How can MFA comment on the media reports about comments of US State Department press-secretary made during his briefing on February 27 concerning trade in arms?" Journalist's question made during MFA briefing on February 28, 2002.

Journalist's question made during MFA briefing on February 28, 2002:

"How can MFA comment on the media reports about comments of US State Department press-secretary made during his briefing on February 27 concerning trade in arms?"

MFA Press-secretary Pavel Latushka answer:

"The Ministry of foreign affairs of Belarus will not comment on the information that some Russian media took initiative to spread.

We would like to underline that not a single fact, that could prove Belarus involvement in illegal arms trade, had been put forward not during the visit of US congressmen, nor during the stay of US State Department representatives in Belarus. That is why there is absolutely no need to justify our position.

As for US State Department Press-secretary Richard Bouchers comments, that You refer to, I would recommend to address Your question to the US Ambassador to Belarus Michael Kozak who took part in all meetings of the representatives of US Congress and State Department with Belarusian officials.

We clearly stress once again that Belarus has never been, is not and never will be trading in arms contrary to the UN Security Sanctions or with the countries that are suspected in supporting terrorism".