MINSK, 30 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko gave the go-ahead for the appointment of Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Branch of the State Control Committee Vadim Zaryankin as Vitebsk Mayor, BelTA has learned.
“Vitebsk is a beautiful and convenient city, but it has its issues. It hosts an international competition, it is a purely Slavonic city. There are no other cities like Vitebsk in the world. It is an exemplary Slavonic city that has become home to all kinds of ethnicities, from Jews to Russians, to say nothing of Belarusians. Therefore, this city should remain the stronghold of tolerance and an example of peaceful coexistence of all nationalities,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
According to the head of state, it is both a great honor and quite a challenge to work in the municipal administration of this city. “A lot has already been done and I want you to maintain momentum in order to make Vitebsk even more beautiful. What I like about Vitebsk is that it is located on hills. It is much more convenient for utilities services compared with Minsk, in particular when it rains, and the city has a lot of rain and moisture. Indeed, I like cities located on such hills, therefore it is a beautiful and convenient city. So I can only wish you many successes. I hope you will keep it up and demonstrate integrity,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Brest Deputy Mayor Andrei Filanovich was appointed Head of the Moskovsky District Administration of Brest.
The head of state noted that he was born in Vitebsk Oblast, but the most difficult period of his life is associated with Brest where he served as a border guard. “A lot has been done for Brest in the run-up to its 1,000th anniversary. I believe that we built everything we had planned and refurbished the city. This is a gateway not only to our country, this is a gateway to our entire Fatherland, the former Soviet Union, therefore the city should be taken good care of,” the president said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Brest is a far cry from Vitebsk. “The beauty of our country is in its diversity,” he added.
The head of state asked the newly appointed officials to keep in mind that his year will bring a lot of challenges, therefore it is necessary “to work to the limit of their ability”, in particular in Vitebsk Oblast. “Vitebsk will have a great chunk of work. I think Brest will also have enough tasks in all the areas,” the Belarusian leader added.
