MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was asked how he sees the country’s future during a Q&A session titled “Open Microphone with the President” at Minsk State Linguistic University on 22 November, BelTA has learned.
The head of state was asked how he sees the future of Belarus a few decades on and its place in the new world order. First of all, the president noted that the future and the path of Belarus will be determined by today's youth. "You will protect or not protect your country, defend or not. This is a country for our children, my grandchildren, your children. This is the future," he said.
"As for the world order, I could give some poetic picture of the place of Belarus in the new world order. But I am a practical person. I want you to live in Belarus, to work and earn money here and be in control of your future and your country. This is if put it simply. For this, you must determine its path, starting with the election of the president and expressing your position in a cultural, intelligent way. You must express your opinion and direct the country where it needs to go," the head of state stressed.
There are opportunities to express and discuss different points of view in a constructive way. One of them, for example, is the Belarusian People's Congress. "1,200 people delegated by you will correct the course not only of the government, but also of the president," the president said. "To fight or not to fight is a decision to be taken by the Belarusian People's Congress. A decision to be made by 1,200 delegates." Among the delegates are representatives of young people and students. 
There may be not so many students, but everything comes in proportion. But there are young people there. They will have the right to take the microphone, come out and speak. No one will shut their mouths. If they are not allowed to speak there, they will speak somewhere else,” the head of state said.
“This is how the democratic Belarus should work. It should be fair and well-disciplined,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Go and vote. Once the election is over, please let the newly-elected president exercise his powers. If you do not like his decisions, express your opinion. We have had so many referendums. We will hold a referendum, and people will make a decision.” For example, to decide on the strategic partnership, relations with the neighboring countries.
“I want us to have good relations with both Poland and Russia, but we must live on our own land. The majority accepts this position, and I am sure that you [young people] agree with it. We want to be friends with everyone,” the Belarusian leader stressed. Such a peace-loving position of the country is welcomed by its citizens who actively support it during the ongoing collection of signatures in support of the nomination of presidential candidates. “Peace is of paramount importance for our people. It’s part of our DNA. Our grandfathers and grandmothers had enough of wars. We want peace and nothing else. War is bad. Our major policy is peace and quiet. The rest can be earned. Our living conditions will depend on how we work,” the head of state said. Belarus still has a lot to strive for in terms of improving the efficiency and quality of labor, the president added.
“I see my country as peaceful, comfortable for you, Veronika, your children and grandchildren,” Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed the student who asked the question. “I want them to be proud of their country and not to think of going to Poland for a better life. If someone wants to go there, they are welcome. But please do not lose your roots, do not cut them off. Always take the next step, keeping the door back open. If you leave and cut off these ties, you will be in trouble. That is why I say: move fast but think carefully.”
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