Lukashenko: Belarus-Russia integration must be irreversible

MOSCOW, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The integration process between Belarus and Russia must become irreversible, visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Friday.

Lukashenko called the integration a "historic mission" that "will be accomplished with dignity" as he addressed the Russian Federation Council, the upper house of parliament.

He noted that Russia and Belarus could form a single parliament if both countries were prepared.

While discussing the possibility of Belarus becoming part of Russia, Lukashenko said such a move was "unlikely to happen in the near future."

"We must proceed calmly, step by step ... as we are doing now," he added.

Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, where they discussed bilateral ties and prospects for integration within the Union State, among other issues. ■