Belarusian People’s Congress

“The idea of a strong state cannot be imposed. It is the inner feeling that people develop with the time. I mean the understanding of the importance to have an independent and successful state. This issue will be high on the agenda of the forthcoming nationwide event,” the political analyst said.

In his words, the complicated situation in Ukraine has helped the Belarusians realize the importance of peace. “People started taking a different, more comprehensive look at certain things. We have already seen the lack of strong national authority at the example of Iraq and Libya that once were prosperous states. When Libya lost its statehood for many of our citizens it was an abstract notion due to the country’s geographical distance. However, the conflict which broke out in the fraternal Ukraine became a starting point in understanding what values are most important at the moment,” noted Sergei Musiyenko.

“In many respects a turning point came after the Ukrainian events because people made sure of the importance of coherent policies and statehood as such,” he noted.

The formulation of the national idea will be another key issue to be discussed at the Belarusian congress, according to Sergei Musiyenko. “The 5^th Belarusian congress, in fact, sums up the results achieved over the past 25 years of independent development. Perhaps it will discuss the national idea which can unite and bring people together,” he said.

Sergei Musiyenko also expressed the view that it is the consistent policy and the authority which the country is gradually gaining in the international arena that have helped Belarus play a meaningful role in the negotiating process on Ukraine. “This was the starting point for taking a decision to hold the peace talks in Minsk,” he noted.

“We cannot keep aside from this conflict. The measures and efforts that are being taken bring positive changes to the situation in the south-east of Ukraine. The United States Secretary of State, the Russian President, and the German Chancellor speak about the importance of respecting the Minsk accords. It is worth a lot - our regional presence as a country which is the diplomatic and negotiating platform in the CIS. We need to strengthen and develop this direction,” Sergei Musiyenko said.

The Belarusian People’s Congress will take place in Minsk on 22-23 June to discuss the social and economic development program of the Republic of Belarus for 2011-2015 and the major guidelines of the country's social and economic development program for 2016-2020. It is expected that the event will be attended by 2,500 people, including 400 representatives from Minsk.