MINSK, 24 April (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has been nominated for the position of the chairman of the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress, has explained publicly why the congress had been created and what hopes are put on it, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “All this commotion was started by the incumbent president. You know why. I have repeatedly talked about it. We, including me and, first and foremost, me, are a generation of politicians, who are going away. And I strongly hoped and I hope that once we are no longer around, you, the Belarusian People’s Congress will hold the country together. I know how difficult it would be to accomplish for one person, for 10, 20 or 30 people. I say it because I don’t want you to lose or give away your right to vote, nominate, and criticize.”
“Due to current times it happens that you support the incumbent president. Judging from the applause I see that you do. But remember: you should always keep your word and you should be afraid of no one. If you feel and understand that I or other speakers are in error about some point, you should speak up. It is what a popular assembly is all about. It is the essence of everything, in the name of which we have gathered,” the Belarusian leader remarked.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that delegates of the Belarusian People’s Congress should be genuine and should act in a manner that will prevent anyone from criticizing them.
The president also preempted possible criticism from the opposition, which might say that only his supporters had gathered for the Belarusian People’s Congress: “Yes, Lukashenko supporters have gathered here. There are no enemies here and there will be none!” The audience responded to that with applause.
“I am doing it for the sake of the future. But you, the majority will come after us. And there will be our kids. And they should not stay silent. This is why we should say what we have to tomorrow if not today,” the president added.
He also pointed out that delegates bear responsibility for their votes in favor of some decision. “I am not shifting the responsibility onto you. For 30 years I’ve been the only one to bear responsibility for it as I made decisions. And now we will do it together. And we will be held responsible for it together. You always have to speak up. You should always be strong and wise. And don’t be afraid of anyone. If you need help, call us. We will come,” the Belarusian leader concluded.
