GOMEL, 10 February (BelTA) - It is important for Belarus to continue the policy based on national interests, preserve peace, stability and security, Oleg Seibel, a member of the Gomel Oblast Council of Elders, honored industrial worker, participant of the five editions of the Belarusian People's Congress Assemblies, said as he addressed the delegates of the 6th edition of the Belarusian People's Assembly from Gomel Oblast, BelTA has learned.
Oleg Seibel noted that 25 years ago he participated in the historical first Belarusian People's Congress. "The situation was difficult. The country was facing serious challenges. Thousands of people gathered together to find a way out of the situation. The forum became life-changing in many ways," he said.
According to the member of the Council of Elders, the country has passed a great journey since then. "Belarus has demonstrated viability as an independent state. Medicine, industry, other sectors have received international recognition,” he noted.
However, much is still to be done. "We can achieve a lot if we keep the most important things, namely peace, stability and security and continue the policy based on our national interests," Oleg Seibel is convinced.
"Let the love for the Fatherland be the guiding line for the delegates of the congress," he instructed the delegates.
A total of 310 people will represent Gomel Oblast at the congress. Among them is the chief physician of the Gomel Regional Tuberculosis Clinical Hospital Natalya Zhuravleva. "The Belarusian People's Congress is a very important moment for the country," she said. As a professional, she is concerned about the development of the social sector and healthcare in particular, as a woman and a mother – about the preservation of family values. Natalya Zhuravleva believes it is important to discuss the topics of the infrastructure of medical institutions, COVID-19 prevention and the unbringing of young people.
Alla Smolyak, the chairperson of the regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society, a member of the Council of the Republic, expects many landmark decisions to be adopted at the Belarusian People's Congress. "The forum brings together representatives of different industries, professions and statuses. It will give an opportunity to map out a way forward for the country, its more robust development," she said.
The 6th Belarusian People's Congress will be held in Minsk on 11-12 February 2021 to discuss Belarus' social and economic development program for 2021-2025. The congress will bring together 2,700 delegates and invitees.
