MINSK, 30 October (BelTA) – It is necessary to keep in check what is going on in the country in order to prevent destabilization. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he met with personnel of the Internal Affairs Ministry on 30 October, BelTA has learned.
During the meeting Aleksandr Lukashenko said that powers of his aides in charge of specific regions would be expanded. The day before Valery Vakulchik, Yuri Karayev, and Aleksandr Barsukov had been appointed the president's aides for Brest Oblast, Grodno Oblast, and the city of Minsk.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Personnel selection and control represent one of the new basic powers of these people. We have to keep in check and see everything that is going on in our country. We can no longer relax the way we did before this mutiny. Never ever. We relaxed too much. We thought everything would be fine. We have to draw conclusions and learn our lessons. I am absolutely convinced that the new executives will be able to accomplish the goals they've been assigned. I've told you about them and about my plans in this regard more than candidly.”
“I would like to emphasize once again: the key direction – towards Grodno and towards Brest – must be absolutely protected all the way from the border to Minsk. And in Minsk as well. We are not going to handle university students or workers of some enterprises with kid gloves,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
“I say it openly because there were absolutely no reasons to break the country except for foreign desires. Time will pass and you will see who did it. Not everything is visible yet, even for you,” he noted. “They are waiting. It is no accident that [Chairman of the State Border Committee of Belarus Anatoly] Lappo has caught 700 people in one week. Well done!” the Belarusian leader stated.
Continuing the line of thought, Aleksandr Lukashenko made a few comments about events in some neighboring countries, which representatives had criticized Belarus. “As I've said, the Lord has helped us. What they wanted to happen in Belarus and they have already accomplished some of the things… You see what is going on. They've deployed army units against women. But the move does not target women. It is a demonstration in anticipation of Sunday when a march to Warsaw will happen. It is supposed to shake up everyone: look, army has been deployed, you will get yours. And they have criticized us so much!” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.
“Those in Lithuania haven't even won 3% of the vote [a political party that includes Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius, who has repeatedly criticized Belarus, has failed to win a seat in the new parliament]. They said we'd won only 3% but they failed to win even 3%. This is for Belarus,” the president said.
“Let's look to the south. What did he lack? I've tried to support him [Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy] in all endeavors so much… I've supported Ukraine, protected it, and the rest. He fell: 37% of the vote and failed to win anywhere [during elections to municipal government agencies],” Aleksandr Lukashenko continued.
“We are not malevolent. But it is a lesson for many. For them as well,” he added.
In conclusion Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed it is necessary to return the calm and cozy pre-election city of Minsk to the people. “Minsk was calm and will always be calm. Just give us time. We will always respond to any reaction from their side. And we will preserve peace and calm,” the head of state said.
