Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: State interests should be a priority for scientists

MINSK, 25 January (BelTA) – State interests should be a priority for scientists, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the ceremony to present state awards, academician and associate diplomas to scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 25 January, BelTA has learned.

The head of state emphasized a big role of scientists which is much wider than the field of academic research today. “Every one of you is a persona in history. To a large extent, you are shaping the worldview of the nation. It is very important that your actions and deeds should meet the interests of the state,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

It is especially relevant today when the country is facing an important historical stage, the stage which the president described as fateful and even critical. “We are amending the Constitution. In fact, this is our message for the future generations of Belarusians,” the head of state said. “Our goal is to protect and preserve the traditions, values, historical memory, to strengthen statehood, to create a political mechanism which will be efficient in a crisis situation. We must remember that all that is done for our children and grandchildren.”

In the regard, the president said he wanted scientists and representatives of the NSB to take a more active part in the public discussions of the constitutional amendments. “Representatives of the NASB are respectable members of the society, people will listen to their opinions and follow their guidance,” the Belarusian leader said. He also asked the Belarus President Administration to use the potential of Belarusian science in this regard: “A lot is being said about the year 2020… We did not use science efficiently in, using the old language, propaganda and campaigning. True. We did not use it efficiently, we did not use it at all. You know, when scientists are speaking, people must listen. We must not forget about that. It is very important for scientists to be in the vanguard of the society.

Science should serve the mankind and, first of all, the people of our country, the Belarusian leader is convinced. “You are true patriots, people with a strong civil position, and you understand it perfectly well. You realize that your success is one of the factors of Belarus’ national security,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“You are aware of my attitude to science and scientists. I have invited you to have an open conversation about pending issues, to determine the development prospects of Belarusian science,” the head of state said.

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