Aleksandr Lukashenko
MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) – There is a change of generations going on, and Belarus must go through this dangerous period very carefully, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he presented doctoral degrees and professor certificates to scientists and educators at a solemn ceremony in the Palace of Independence, BelTA has learned.
Speaking at the ceremony was Vyacheslav Danilovich, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of Belarus, who was awarded the Doctor of Science [History] degree for his research of the role of the youth in the Soviet Belarus in 1921-1939. Responding to his speech, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized the importance of studying this period. “These are the years of a great breakthrough that was achieved in all areas, including industrialization, collectivization, and culture,” the president said.
“Whether we like it or not, we are experiencing a change of generations. And this is always a very dangerous period. We should pass through it very carefully and cautiously. This experience is very important for us. The transformations that took place in production back then were far-reaching and life-changing. The period of collectivization and industrialization was a difficult time. People managed to rise to the challenge. It’s easier for us now as we have a solid foundation to stand on, including a scientific base. But there is a change of generations going on, and we should not make a mistake here. Therefore, you and your students need to get closer,” the head of state emphasized.
The president recalled that reformation of the country’s political environment is underway. Thus, the Belarusian People’s Congress has become a constitutional body vested with considerable powers.
“This is serious. It will keep the authorities in check in some way, and oversee their actions. And members of the Belarusian People’s Congress must be up to the task. We should not repeat the Gorbachev period; we felt like it was a movie and we were happy to believe that a better life was coming. The country was destroyed and fell into an abyss. We cannot let this happen again. Therefore, this structure is very important for us, it must fit into our lives,” said the Belarusian leader. “This structure must be on guard during the transition period, during the change of generations, it must watch what is happening. Therefore, decisions on the military doctrine and the national security concept, i.e. the issues of war and peace (they are pivotal for us) should be made there,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
During the transition period, it is important to retain a strong focus on the economy, the head of state noted: “We should maintain a high quality during this period of generational change.”
“You must gather people around you (especially since you are the rector) who must spread the truth, as it was then and project it on to today’s reality. Under no circumstances should you tell a lie or act unfairly. These are simple things. They are the core of my policy,” the president remarked.
He also touched upon improving the work of Belarusian universities and, in particular, the Academy of Public Administration. “We must have the best educational institutions, because most decision-makers come from there. They should demonstrate a solid quality,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. “We are training the youth, who are our future. Managers and executives are the most important element of this future,” he said.
