ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS,
CONGRATULATES SADDAM HUSSEIN,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

BELARUS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

October 28, 2002

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko extended congratulations to President of the Republic of Iraq Saddam Hussein on the support given to him at the nation-wide referendum.         

The congratulatory message says that this support demonstrates clearly the striving of the Iraqi people to guide their own destinies and to rebuff the attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of that country.         

The Head of the State reaffirmed Belarus' interest in further developing comprehensive ties with Iraq for the benefit of our peoples, first of all in expanding political contacts and in intensifying trade and economic relations.

Alexander Lukashenko wished Saddam Hussein fruitful state activity, and well-being and peace of the Iraqi people.