MINSK, 29 October (BelTA) – Decisions to protect peace and calm of the citizens are made within limits of presidential powers. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement as he appointed his aides for Brest Oblast, Grodno Oblast, and the city of Minsk on 29 October, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Take a look at what is going on. Today I read reports that some people are unhappy because last Sunday Lukashenko authorized police action in dusk and, like I said, in bedroom communities. Well, I am the commander-in-chief after all. What law have I broken? It is my business. And [the former Internal Affairs Minister Yuri] Karayev does not have to apologize for it. He said the right thing yesterday: police couldn't act differently because protesters rushed into people's apartments and broke down doors. We didn't know why they rushed into the apartments. We assumed the worst and we had to protect families.”
“Does anyone want police and the army to leave Minsk? It won't happen as long as I am the president,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.
“To protect peace and calm of our citizens is my function and my authority. It will be done in the future, too. They need to know it,” the head of state assured.
On 29 October Aleksandr Lukashenko appointed new presidential aides for Brest Oblast, Grodno Oblast, and the city of Minsk. Valery Vakulchik was appointed the president's aide - inspector for Brest Oblast. Yuri Karayev got the corresponding job in Grodno Oblast while Aleksandr Barsukov will do the same in Minsk.
