MOGILEV, 28 May (BelTA) - We must not create "a alternative reality" of general welfare in mass media and hush up pressing issues, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the Belarus Media Forum in Mogilev on 28 May, BelTA has learned.
"I have never demanded to filter information creating ‘a alternative reality’ of general welfare in the media and hushing up sensitive topics. You know my approach: people should see and know the truth," the president stressed. He is convinced that media mus raise problematic, critical issues.
"Some local officials react very painfully when some local problems get media attention. This is a bad trend," Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “There is no need to hide problems. Every country has them. But they must be covered objectively, without ill-natured criticism and without exaggeration."
In his opinion, it is important that different points of view, including critical ones, are presented both on the air and in the press. "No ill-natured criticism. We don't need it (we have had it enough from all sides). We need well-intentional constructive criticism so that there is an effect," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. 
The head of state noted that critical remarks are appropriate and important. They cannot be avoided, the existing shortcomings should not be hushed up: "The state does not need this. Not do I. I emphasize once again: there is no need to remodel anything. The pen and the word have been a very dangerous thing at all times. Therefore, use them. Criticize where necessary, and praise where necessary. We need to maintain a balance of positive and problematic stories in the media,” Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced.
