News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – The meeting of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko with representatives of the general public, Belarusian and foreign mass media on 3 February lasted for 7 hours and 20 minutes, setting a new record, BelTA has learned.

About 50 reporters representing the largest state and private Belarusian mass media, popular websites, and respected foreign mass media were invited to take part in the meeting. About 100 experts, including prominent political analysts, economists, representatives of political parties, religious confessions, and public associations, productively contributed to the discussion.

The meeting was dubbed as The Big Conversation With the President. The event lived up to its name since the very start. The head of state made it clear right away that no topics would be avoided on that day and that he would like to talk about the problems that worried the Belarusian nation. He said he wanted to hear out the opinions of all those present in addition to getting asked questions.

The lively discussion touched upon dozens of topics, including Belarus’ foreign policy, results of the country’s social and economic development in 2016, the capital punishment problem, security matters, Belarus’ tourism potential, the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, and other things.

Alexander Lukashenko spoke in detail about the current state of Belarusian-Russian relations. He outlined the existing differences of opinions and ways to overcome them. The head of state commented on negotiations on natural gas prices, conflicts in Belarus-Russia food trade, and Russia’s decision to enforce border zone regulations at the Belarusian-Russian border. “These thoughtless uncoordinated steps that only worsen our relations should not be made,” stressed the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that Belarus had never violated a single agreement with Russia.

In response to Lithuania’s remarks concerning the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant, Alexander Lukashenko said he would like Lithuania to keep politics out of it. “You should just drop politics and forget about it. Economy will do its work: we will come to terms when cheap electricity becomes available,” said the head of state.

The head of state also mentioned that government conferences will be held soon to discuss the development of science and public utilities and to review the government’s performance in 2016. Close attention was paid to the encouragement of investments in Belarus. The President mentioned negotiations with China on raising $700 million for small and medium businesses. “I think we will come to terms on what sums we will allocate for specific projects (family business and so on),” explained Alexander Lukashenko.

Following the established tradition a large part of the discussion was focused on Alexander Lukashenko’s personal preferences and tastes. The head of state admitted that he wears only Belarusian costumes. He promised that chocolate under the President brand will become available soon. Apart from that, Alexander Lukashenko gave a few tips as to what tourists can see in Belarus within five days. In his words, travelers are strongly advised to visit the Brest Fortress memorial, the national park Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the Berezinsky biosphere reserve, Lake Naroch, the Pripyat River, Mir Castle and other places of interest. Belarusians treat nature with respect while some nations fail to do it, pointed out Alexander Lukashenko. Tourists may also visit the Belarusian capital. “We are ready to show it to the entire world. As the most important thing we are ready to demonstrate that there is a country called Belarus. It is an open country and the doors are open for anyone,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarusian people named as main participants of Big Conversation with President

“This meeting is held in a rather unusual format for many people. This is not a press conference, not an interview. The form of our today’s conversation is dictated by life itself: we cannot do without dialogue today and especially tomorrow”...

Peace, stability named key results of 2016 in Belarus

“We will discuss the results of 2016 for sure. Not everything worked out well. There were serious external factors. They were absolutely decisive. But, we failed to do a lot ourselves. We need to talk this over. The main thing we managed to do was to preserve peace, stability and social security”...

Efficient economic performance essential for raising salaries, pensions in Belarus

“Salaries and pensions can be increased only in case we produce more products, better products, and sell them at higher prices”...

Lukashenko: Belarus’ population should be 2-3 times larger

“Belarus’ population should be two or three times larger. People are the main force of the country”...

Lukashenko expects tangible results from ice arenas in Belarus

"These and other sport facilities are built in Belarus to promote health and encourage people, including young people, to take up sports"...

Lukashenko wants average salary target reached in Belarus in 2017

“We must reach the target of raising the average salary to $500 whatever it takes. It is not some baseless figure. Moreover, we have been through this already. The average salary was $412 in December 2016. We are almost there. We need to do a little more”...

Lukashenko does not rule out abolishing Ordinance No. 3

“This ordinance has been in force for 2-3 years. If we arrive at an unyielding conclusion that it is an anachronism and it is not necessary, we will abolish it. Do not hurry. Perhaps, it still can add many useful things to our lives”...

Plans to cut down on small business inspections in Belarus

“We will toughen the laws with respect to responsibility of managers. Then neither the Emergencies Ministry nor hygienic service will be running around. It will be the head of the company who will be making every effort to make sure that everything goes well. This is the way it should be”...

Lukashenko promises preferences to promising projects

“I emphasize once again that we live in a market economy. Moreover, everyone wants to join the WTO, and you know what the WTO thinks about preferences”...

Lukashenko: Lending for subsidized housing construction will be increased as economy grows

“We still have loans for subsidized housing construction. It is just that we now have less money. To give a preferential loan, we need to get money from somewhere. Meanwhile, this is money of our enterprises, and your money. Preferential housing loans are still issued, but the amount has been reduced. Once we get wealthier, more of such loans will be granted”...

Lukashenko: No alternative to multi-vector policy

“We have no other option but to further pursue a multi-vector policy. It was my decision. I felt it intuitively”...

Belarus president comments on progress in negotiations on new IMF program

"Two issues are left to address now. State property is one of them. IMF representatives now talk about prospects for the enterprises instead of talking about splitting them and selling the pieces. When I explained to them what would happen if we announced we were selling the enterprises and where they would be, the IMF representatives no longer raise the point"...

Lukashenko: Belarus has lost $15bn due to unequal prices on the Belarusian and Russian markets

"The Russian side recognizes the figure and has lent us $5 billion. I am not entirely happy with the fact that they took $15 billion from us with these prices and lent us our money — and only one third of it at that — with an interest rate three times higher than the IMF offers. Is it normal?”

Socially-oriented economy seen as only option for Belarus

“I believe that the socially-oriented economy is the right development model for us and for all the Slavonic peoples in general. I do not see any other model of development for Belarus. I have been watching closely the options of development made in Russia, Ukraine, and some other countries. I pray that God save us from such fate”...

Belarus’ Entrepreneurship Council in for reforms

“Serious work is underway to reform the Council on Entrepreneurship,” the head of state said. He noted that today the council’s performance is not particularly good...

Lukashenko promises to attend Assembly of Business Circles

“If you invite me, I will attend the assembly,” the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko also remarked that the serious reformation of the Entrepreneurship Council under the aegis of the President is currently in progress...

Lukashenko vows to keep Belarusian-Russian relations friendly

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the current state of affairs in the Belarusian-Russian relations is a crucial issue. “This is a very serious topic. On the one hand, I am afraid of saying too much. On the other hand, the situation has already gotten to the point that I cannot conceal certain things”...

Lukashenko: Belarus has not violated a single agreement with Russia

Speaking about negotiations on the price Belarus pays for Russian natural gas, Alexander Lukashenko reminded that in 2016 Belarus paid $107 per 1,000m3 although Belarus was supposed to pay $83 taking into account the equal-income pricing formula and the decreased oil prices on international markets...

Lukashenko: Belarus can do without Russian oil, although it will not be easy

“We can do without Russian oil. It is going to be difficult. But freedom and independence are not measured by money,” the Belarusian head of state said. The President stressed: “Independence on one side and Russian, Iranian, Azerbaijani or U.S. oil on the other are irreconcilable notions.”

Belarus’ secession from Eurasian Economic Union, Union State described as total fiction

“As far as the session of the Union State Council of Ministers, the Supreme State Council, and participation in the Eurasian Economic Union summit are concerned, my requirements and understanding were clear: what can we talk about if the issues we have agreed on are not being dealt with?”

Belarus does not seek NATO membership

“We have no NATO ambitions. We hold sacred our agreement to protect our land, as I always say, our homeland – Russia and Belarus”...

Lukashenko: I will never tolerate insults to Belarusian state, people

“I never ask for trouble. I have already seen a lot and burned my fingers several times. I can retreat and be flexible if necessary, but I will never tolerate the insults to the Belarusian state and people”...

Lukashenko confirms readiness for Belarus-Russia army exercise Zapad 2017

The Zapad 2017 exercise will be an open one. “Those, who want to make sure we are not going to assault anyone, will be invited to attend the army exercise”...

Lithuania asked not to politicize Belarus’ NPP project

 “They agree at first but then start to politicize this issue in the public domain. But in this case politics should be cast aside and forgotten. The economy will do its thing: when we have cheap electricity, then we will come to an agreement”...

Lukashenko: I want the West to see Belarus as independent sovereign state

“We are interested in an open dialogue, an agreement, a certain roadmap for the future”...

Lukashenko: National idea should come naturally

“Our life, the development of our country should take us to this idea. It might be that we have existed for too short a time as a sovereign, independent country"...

Lukashenko about relations with Putin: We are on friendly terms although we have disagreements

The Belarusian head of state noted that Vladimir Putin is not just a colleague but a friend. “We are on friendly terms, even though we may have more disputes than any other presidents”...

Refugee camps in Belarus ‘out of the question’

"Belarus has welcomed about 170,000 people from Ukraine and other countries. How did we do it? I signed the decree and they were offered all the conditions Belarusians enjoy. Do you think it was easy on us? And Europeans keep arguing about one thousand. Let’s work together”...

Lukashenko: No need for a Russian air base in Belarus

The Belarus President noted he did not see a clear goal the establishment of such an air base would serve. “What can an aircraft do in a modern war, let’s say, against NATO? Ten minutes of combat. It takes off and it’s gone for good. Wars are different these days"...

Lukashenko welcomes idea of international conference on Belarus

“I totally support this idea. If you find it necessary for me to attend the conference, I will find two or three hours to talk to people and hear their opinions”...

Lukashenko says ready to impose moratorium on death penalty if there is majority public support

“Every time that a death sentence is awarded, I sign a decree. You have no idea what it takes. I understand that a man will be gone,” the head of state said. “But before I sign a decree, I study the case file on the man: photographs, operational materials, etc. When I see them, my blood turns to ice”...

Belarusians and Russians advised to live by their wits

“We need to understand that the United States president is pro-American, not pro-Russian or pro-Belarusian. He is not as unskilled as some think. He just lacks some experience”...

Lukashenko gives travel tips for five-day stay in Belarus

“What do tourists need? To see something new. Belarus can offer this. We have things that we are proud of”...

Lukashenko: I am a man of the 20th century

According to the President, the fact that he was born in the 20th century is a big advantage over those who was born in 21st century or at the turn of the century...

Lukashenko: We will replace government officials if they do nothing

“As part of our personnel policy we will calmly replace people, who make promises but do nothing and even contemplate not fulfilling the president’s instructions.”

Lukashenko: It is premature to introduce private land ownership

“We have everything necessary to work in the right and fair way. If you lease land for farming or housing construction, you are welcome to do it. But please do not cheat. Our land is well-managed. Everyone sees it"...

Lukashenko promises thorough investigation of investor ‘intimidation’ cases

“If we receive information that an investor is intimidated by someone, those responsible will be punished severely. We use an absolutely different policy. If such things happen, tell me about this and we will investigate the situation, I have enough powers for this.”

Chances of Belarus and Latvia co-hosting 2021 IIHF World Championship seen as high

“According to the latest data, the chances may be high. One of my friends who is directly involved in hockey in Latvia, told me that there are people at the state level and also in business who are willing to submit a joint bid if there is support from the President of the Republic of Belarus"...

No disagreement between Belarus, IMF over utilities, management of state enterprises

“Two issues are left to be addressed. The solutions are nearly ready. We just have to make the relevant political decision and become part of the program. Cost recovery is what matters as far as utilities are concerned"...

Lukashenko says has no high opinion of warmongering politicians

The Belarusian leader believes that a very serious unambiguous reason is needed to use nuclear weapons. Such a possibility is small, but Alexander Lukashenko said that there is an alarming trend – politicians “have gone crazy”...

Lukashenko explains reasons for not signing EEU Customs Code

“I did not sign the Customs Code because many things that were supposed to work are not working. Moreover, I gave an instruction to withdraw our major specialists from the customs bodies. I will not revisit the issue of the customs code and related things while the problems remain unresolved”...

Lukashenko: Belarus will not reciprocate Russia’s border zone decision

“As far as I has been informed they focus on some specific points. Then the question arises whether Russia has started to demarcate the border? Because if it has, it needs to be done via negotiations. Otherwise, it may result in a serious conflict”...

Belarus ready to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan

Alexander Lukashenko spoke in positive terms about the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was elected after the death of Islam Karimov and about his team...

Lukashenko: Belarus made full state debt payments in 2016

“I don’t know why you start talking about refinancing right away. If we need refinancing, we will think about it. But for now we intend to use our own resources this year to pay as much as we have to pay”...

Lukashenko opens up about his preferences in clothes

The Belarusian leader also said that famous fashion designers Ivan Aiplatov and Yulia Latushkina are designing uniforms for Belarusian ice hockey players...