MINSK, 1 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has given his take on the development of political parties as he announced personnel decisions, BelTA has learned.
When appointing a new rector of Polotsk State University, Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned that the previous head of the university, Oleg Romanov, was elected chairman of the Belaya Rus public association. “I appreciate that the former rector agreed to be elected the leader of, let's say frankly, our largest party (we call it a public association, organization, but this well-organized and structured association actually acts as a party without violating the law),” the president said.
The head of state noted that there are constant proposals to transform some public associations, including Belaya Rus, into political parties. “I am not discouraging them from doing it (this is up to them), but I warn them that there is absolutely no need to rush into this process. You need to grow into this, take your time, proceed step by step. They agree with me,” the Belarusian leader said.
“Probably, after the adoption of the law on political party development [most likely this refers to the bill on political parties that is to be considered by the House of Representatives], such a question will arise. I will not prevent this from happening. We will promote all public associations which position is patriotic from the government's point of view. If you support sovereignty, independence, your country, Belarus, it means you are a statesperson, a real Belarusian, we will support this position. There should be different points of view and so on and so forth, but everything should be in the interests of the state, should be constructive,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
