MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) - The initiative to form the digital neighborhood belt put forward by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the international conference on counter-terrorism in Minsk can prompt a constructive discussion, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Voronkov said in an interview with the Belarus 1 TV channel, BelTA learned.
“This proposal can encourage a very active positive debate. The phrase ‘good neighborhood' which Aleksandr Lukashenko added to the digital wording seems very successful because it emphasizes the role of the human factor. Technology is one thing. But for it to work for the good of the man, there must be a neighborhood that creates conditions for worthy life of all people,” Vladimir Voronkov said.
When asked about the impression the president's speech made at the conference, Vladimir Voronkov called the president's speech "refreshing". If you constantly say the same words, their perception is dulled. “The speech offered new fresh ideas and the language was comprehensible for ordinary people not involved in politics. I think it works very well. I listened to it with great attention, I was very interested in what the Belarusian president had to say, and it was clear that everyone in the hall was listening to the president with bated breath," Vladimir Voronkov noted.
Vladimir Voronkov noted that in general, the conference had a very good practical exchange of views, the delegates from different countries established new ties. “The outcome document is important because it calls for unity, for joint work. Secondly, it urges us to be at least half a step ahead of terrorists in resourcefulness in order to prevent [terrorist attacks] effectively and persistently," he said. "If we prevent an attack then we have done our job well. If we deal with consequences, it is, unfortunately, the contrary,” he said.
“In conclusion, I would like to thank the leadership of the Republic of Belarus, personally President Aleksandr Lukashenko for the hospitality. Many of the delegates were in Belarus for the first time. The country made a very strong positive impression on them,” Under-Secretary-General of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office Vladimir Voronkov said.
On 3-4 September, the Belarusian capital hosted an international high-level conference “Countering terrorism through innovative approaches and the use of new and emerging technologies”. The event was co-organized with the UN Counter-Terrorism Office.
