Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko says ready for dialogue with opponents, promises response to provocations

MINSK, 9 August (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he is ready for a dialogue with government opponents, but there will be an adequate response to provocations. The Belarusian head of state made this statement as he answered reporters’ questions after casting his ballot on 9 August, BelTA has learned.

“If you just make a statement or speak for someone else and it is clear who you are, I cannot but welcome it. I am ready to engage in a dialogue with you personally. If you start acting defiantly, I will see that and respond to it correspondingly. If you behave provocatively, you will get the same in response. Are you trying to overthrow the government, break something, bite or offend someone (you did it more actively at the beginning and less now)? Do you expect me or anyone to kneel in front of you and kiss your knees and the sand you walked on? It will never happen. Respect the law and we will have no problems with you,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. 

The head of state noted that many mass media outlets in Belarus and those who are behind them wanted a fight. However, the government took tough preventive measures. “Do you want me to throw the country into chaos? In this case, you will lash out against me and you will be right, because I did not protect you and your family. I want calm, I want to maintain a dialogue with you, if possible. If you are capable of doing something for the country, I will create all the conditions for you to work in the interests of the country. If you fight against the country, if you try to throw the country into chaos and destabilize the situation even by doing little things, my response will be immediate. These are my constitutional powers. What are you blaming me for?” the president asked.

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