Russia and Belarus attempted Monday to provide some substance to their embryonic union, with a ceremonial meeting of their joint state council to mark the initiative's fifth anniversary.
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus admitted that the union was proceeding "gradually," but Lukashenko insisted that it was already "a political reality," ITAR-TASS news agency reported.
The Belarus president, a Soviet-style leader who is the union's keenest advocate, said the process of reintegration between Russia and Belarus was being followed "with great attention" in other former Soviet republics.
Putin stressed the importance of strengthening economic integration between the two countries, and added: "The most important thing in the next few years will be to change public opinion" in the union's favour.
Since moves to create the creation began in 1996 it has focused almost exclusively on such issues as customs duties and a possible common currency, and Monday's sessions were expected to deal with improving efficiency in agriculture.
Arriving in Moscow on Sunday, Lukashenko said he hoped to discuss "the strategic aspects of cooperation and the common currency and the results of the five years of interaction" with Russia.
"We have done less than we planned, but I can see prospects. Any problems can be solved with the man who is now in charge of Russia," he was quoted by ITAR-TASS as saying – MOSCOW (AFP)
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