MINSK. Aug 21 (Interfax) - Belarus is currently unable to join the European Union and should not try to do so for now, unregistered Belarusian presidential candidate Valery Tsepkalo said.
"I believe we can't afford to do so at this stage, just due to our current level of economic development," Tsepkalo said during an online press conference.
Besides, that move would lead to an exodus of the population, Tsepkalo said. "We'll lose half of the Belarusian population if we set that goal," he said.
It is necessary, however, to establish partner relations with neighbors and other countries, Tsepkalo said.
"We simply ought to do that. We ought to view Germany, the UK, the U.S., Canada, and other countries as important sources of investment and knowledge. We should be open to everyone and should think in the category of 'both,' rather than 'either/or,'" Tsepkalo said.