MINSK, 17 October (BelTA) – At a meeting with Belarusian polar researchers and participants of Antarctic expeditions on 17 October, Belarusian President Lukashenko supported the proposal to define polar explorer status in Belarus, BelTA has learned.
This matter was raised at the meeting by Aleksei Gaidashov, Deputy Head of the National Center for Polar Research and head of all Belarusian Antarctic expeditions. He proposed to define such a status at the legislative level, because polar explorers are essentially seasonal workers now.
“We need to decide on the status and make proposals,” the Belarusian leader instructed.
One of the main issues in this regard has to do with the track record of employment, since polar explorers have to quit their main jobs for expeditions, and upon returning, they have to look for jobs again. “These are singular individuals. So study this matter. It includes healthcare and other issues,” the head of state remarked.
Another request from Aleksei Gaidashov was to adjust procurement laws regulating the purchase of items needed by explorers. Sometimes this procedure can be quite complicated, as certain items have no alternatives. “Safety is our priority. We work autonomously for lengthy periods of time,” he noted.
Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested that decisions on procurement for Antarctic expeditions be made by the head of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. “I think this will be an ideal option for polar explorers,” Aleksei Gaidashov agreed.
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