LUKASHENKO CRITICIZES CHINESE TRADE POLICIES.

During a visit by the Chinese premier to Minsk, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko sharply criticized Beijing for its restrictive trade practices, even as he called on China to purchase more Belarusian goods, Russian radio reported June 22. While in Minsk, Li Peng signed an agreement to purchase heavy duty transport and construction vehicles, and another to expand security cooperation discussions. (On June 23, Li Peng began a visit to Kiev.) Such actions suggest that Minsk plans to pursue continued contacts with third countries even as it talks about CIS economic integration.

Belarus Mends Ties with Turkey.