Opinions & Interviews

Speaker: Attempts to destabilize situation in Belarus are directed against Union State

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MINSK, 21 December (BelTA) - Attempts to destabilize the social and political situation in Belarus are directed against the Union State, Vladimir Andreichenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, said as he spoke at the 59th session of the Parliamentary Assembly, BelTA has learned.

“Unfortunately, due to the epidemiological situation we still cannot meet in the traditional face-to-face format to discuss the Union State development. But, as the practice of the Union State Parliamenshowst, including our meeting today, this does not reduce the intensity and importance of our contacts and joint activities to deepen and expand the integration processes. I am sure that soon, thanks to the breakthrough achievements of Russian scientists who have created an effective vaccine against coronavirus, we will be able to cope with this problem, and protect the life and health of our citizens," said Vladimir Andreichenko.

Vladimir Andreichenko stated with regret that the ‘virus’ of permissiveness on the part of some states, the desire to solve global issues by force, double standards and violation of the principles of international law is no less destructive in its scale and consequences. “We see what’s going on in the world very well. The leading Western countries' rejection of multilateralism, the policy of dictate and sanctions, information wars and the arms race are not just gaining momentum. Today they are bringing the world to the dangerous point beyond which the question of survival become the only important question for all mankind. We can confront this only together by taking decisive measures to build up our economic and defense capacities. In this situation, the Union State, which has always been perceived by our people as the driving force behind integration processes, shows its particular importance once again,” he said.

Vladimir Andreichenko stressed that numerous attempts to undermine the social and political situation in Belarus are aimed exactly against the Union State today. “The purpose is obvious - to tear Belarus away from Russia and separate our peoples, using the latest arsenal of tools of information wars and color revolutions. I am sure that together we will not let this happen,” he added. “I would like to thank the Russian leadership, our colleagues and all Russians for the political and information support to the Belarusian people,” he said.

Vladimir Andreichenko emphasized that despite the ongoing attempts to interfere in internal affairs, the situation in Belarus is normalizing. The head of state initiated a wide-ranging public dialogue with the participation of enterprises, public associations, political parties and all those who are interested in the prosperity of the country. The Belarusian People's Congress due early next year will determine the priority areas of further development of Belarus, ways to improve the system of state governance and strengthen the Belarusian statehood.

“At the same time, there is ample reason to believe that whatever way the situation develops the collective West will not decrease the degree of pressure on our countries and the Union State as a whole. One of the most telling examples is the so-called Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act 2020 which is being considered by the U.S. Congress. Among other things, it provides for sanctions against Union State officials. It is discouraging to note that under the pretext of defending democracy, they are advancing purely geopolitical goals,” Vladimir Andreichenko noted.

According to him, the best response to such documents will be the expansion of our cooperation in the Union State across all areas: security, economy, culture, visa issues and social policy. “I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that Belarus has completed all the procedures under the intergovernmental agreement on mutual recognition of visas. However, the key to the Union State integration is economy. This is why we need to move towards a coordinated industrial policy and towards deeper cooperation, more robust trade, a level playing field for economic entities, joint projects to replace imports, breakthrough technologies, and common energy tariffs. I think you will agree that the Union State could play a bigger role in these areas which will help enhance the competitiveness of our manufacturers and improve the welfare of citizens,” Vladimir Andreichenko noted.

The Union State MPs should work more to increase the efficiency of the Union State budget and strengthen budgetary control. Union State programs should be forward-leaning and launch the manufacture of goods that are in demand in foreign markets. This will enhance the role of the Union State in the international arena. “The human resource development requires our special attention too. We must do our best to increase the human development index, and strengthen the patriotic and moral foundations. In this regard, I suggest that we step up our efforts to preserve the historical memory and cultural heritage and cultivate their harmonious perception by the present and future generations,” Vladimir Andreichenko said.

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