Opinions & Interviews
Russian mass media criticized in Belarus for biased coverage
MINSK, 13 April (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko criticized Russian mass media for the biased coverage of measures which are taken in Belarus against coronavirus at the session in Minsk on 13 April, BelTA has learned.
“I would like to touch upon the issue of mass media once again. Yesterday I watched analytical programs on all TV channels. Quite comprehensive coverage. They are even doing the job of Vladimir Stepanovich [Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik]. They explained everything about face masks, surgical boots, treatment. You just need to stay home and take care,” the head of state said. “I am often told that Telegram channels and other things are ahead of us. Probably, they print more dirt than official opinions, opinions of authorities. However, I cannot say that we lack information. So, I asked myself if it makes any sense to self-promote, start launching Telegram channels, spreading half-yellow information just to be present there… Probably, it’s not our path.”
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, there is enough information for those who are looking for professional opinions. “Every day we provide information without concealing anything. Our doctors, specialists, professionals take the floor. Even our pulmonologists do the talking,” he said.
At the same time, the president spoke in negative terms about the coverage of Belarusian events in Russian mass media, not only in anonymous Telegram channels but also in Russian national mass media outlets. “They provide disgusting information, saying that the Belarusian president wants people to treat with a tractor, vodka, sauna… You know, it was a joke. But there is part of a joke in every joke,” the head of state said.
“I would like to tell those Russians who are spreading this crap: don’t touch us! We are not asking anything from them. We are doing our best to protect and save ourselves. Come to Belarus and see it with your own eyes. But why are you making fools of us in Russia? Why do they make Russians think that Belarusians are some crazy people,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
“You cannot say that these are uncontrollable channels. I was recently shown once again a report by some Kleimenov who said that that the pandemic is raging in Belarus and that we hide information… Our media outlets began to pick up. We invited the World Health Organization. Can others invite specialists into their countries? Russians, Americans (from the world organization)... Can they be as open as we were? Will they [WHO] say that they are satisfied with what they saw like they said with respect to Belarus,” the head of state stressed.
“Indeed, some recommendations have been issued: not to gather in crowds, to self distance, not to kiss or hug and so on. We accept these recommendations. But what are we doing wrong and where have we lied? They said publicly that neither the Healthcare Ministry nor the authorities lied. We are open. Come and see for yourselves. We are doing it for our people. But the Russians are not strangers to us. We are ready to communicate with them, to consult," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president noted that if Russia really wants to help Belarus in any way, they could reduce the price for natural gas to the level of the world price: “If you want to help us, then reduce the price for natural gas to the level of the world price. Today in Europe, Russia sells natural gas for $80, not higher than $90 per 1,000 cubic meters. Meanwhile, we pay $127. Who else pays such a price today? You want to help, then help us. We do not ask for any money, we don’t ask for anything. Why do you overcharge us?
“But no one will talk about this in Russia. Someone does not really need the truth there. Three guesses who that is. So I repeat: you do not touch us! Once this is over we will see who is right and who is not," the Belarusian leader added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also reminded the head of the Belarus President’s Administration about the task to prevent any attempts to hype over the coronavirus situation in Belarus. “We need to control our social media and other outlets as well. The State Security Committee, police and the Information Ministry should keep an eye on them. After the visit of international experts, those who hyped over the matter in the internet became fewer. However, we still have them. They need to be shown their place. We need not to be afraid of being accused of a lack of democracy. All this will pass and we will see who was ratcheting up the psychosis,” he said.
The president said that there are mass media and politicians in the world who hype over this topic and warned that such things will not work in Belarus. “We have not done such things. I have always warned you not to do it. Otherwise we will be ashamed to look into people’s eyes. We will adhere to the policy that prioritizes people. We have developed mechanisms to combat these infectious diseases. We have not ruined the system. We have infectious diseases hospitals in regions and in Minsk, research centers. They are well-equipped. This will save us today,” he said.
“Let everyone of us live in peace, mind our own business, raise our children and think about the future. We will do everything possible to keep everyone alive, especially now when we need to prove that we can protect our people and defeat this disease. As I said, let it be a beautiful victory,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president added that the meeting was focused not only on the issues related to diseases, but also on promising topics that need to be addressed. The springtime sowing campaign is gaining momentum in the country. “People work the way they should. Well done. Nevertheless, we should see the prospects of what will happen tomorrow, when all this is over,” the president said.
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