Miory Regional Executive Committee

The working schedule of the President of Belarus is always very eventful. Alexander Lukashenko holds meetings and working sessions on the most pressing issues of the country's development, regularly visits regions, makes foreign visits and receives foreign guests himself, communicates with journalists, signs decrees and laws… And even when there are no public events, it does not mean that the head of state is not working. However, even during his leisure time, be it a hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds an occasion for another assignment. As he likes to say, one must always proceed from life.

The "President's Week" project is for those who want to keep up with the head of state, to be aware of the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader.

Why cooperation with some post-Soviet republics has been developing "as God puts it on the soul" so far, how Lukashenko instructed to correct this situation, and what Belarus is ready to share with Kyrgyzstan.

Whether the President is ready to restore the system of military prosecutor's offices in the country and how the discussion of this issue is related to the situation in the region and around Belarus.

What was the main point in the telephone conversation with Russian President Putin held during the week.

Details of the nuclear topic in the head of state's working schedule: what the Belarusian NPP means for the Ostrovets district and the country as a whole; to whom and on what occasion Lukashenko presented the station; whether there will be surplus electricity and what it will be used for; how much has been saved from the Russian loan and whether the construction of a second nuclear power plant in Belarus is expected.

As well as about relations with Western neighbors, a prophecy about Ukraine that is beginning to come true, and target designation for Lithuanian notes.

All these and other details in the new issue of the special project of BELTA "President's Week".

ROAD MAP. What Belarus lacks in cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and not only

On October 30, the President met in Minsk with the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Belarus, Ermek Ibrahimov.

The meeting was held in connection with the completion of the ambassador's diplomatic mission in Belarus. Therefore, Alexander Lukashenko addressed him with a special request - not to forget about the country and to promote the further development of cooperation in his new post. "If you continue to serve in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan or work somewhere else, remember this. Prompt, advise," said the head of state.

"I very much hope that the four and a half years you have worked in Belarus will be a good stepping stone in your career. In life, this time will remain with you forever, this is natural. The main thing is that you have good memories of our Belarus. We are benevolent people. Like the Kyrgyz, by the way, hospitable. Therefore, you will recall with kind words the years spent in Belarus during your diplomatic service. We very much hope that wherever you work in the future, you will be truly our person, a Belarusian one - you will promote the interests of Belarus, certainly in the interests of Kyrgyzstan," Alexander Lukashenko expressed his wish.

On Omissions in Work with Post-Soviet Republics

The head of state admitted that he often thinks about Belarus's interaction with post-Soviet republics. And using Kyrgyzstan as an example, he usually concludes that cooperation goes "as God lays it on the soul": "Something remained from the Soviet period. For example, we used to buy sugar beet seeds from you. We probably continue to do so. The quality suits us, and so on. But to develop such a permanent plan, a roadmap, as it is fashionable to say, for cooperation between Belarus and the republics of the former Soviet Union - those that want to cooperate with us - we have not yet approached this."

At the same time, with other countries, including the so-called far arc, such a mechanism is practiced. "We make separate decisions for individual countries. For example, a presidential decree for Russia, China, and so on," the Belarusian leader noted.

Alexander Lukashenko suggested that the issue lies in the approach to cooperation with post-Soviet republics: "They are ours anyway, we will always establish relations with them. But on the other hand, such a plan is needed."

"And we in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs need to have country-specific relationship plans, especially with Kyrgyzstan. We have something to offer the Kyrgyz state. They have a lot of things that we need. And we must have such ties," the head of state emphasized.

On bilateral prospects

"As for our relations, of course, somewhere around $170 million in trade turnover last year, but this is nothing between countries. We have such trade turnover with many regions of Russia, and significantly higher. Therefore, we need to increase trade turnover with Kyrgyzstan," said the Belarusian leader.

The head of state emphasized that the supply of necessary equipment and machinery, joint production in Kyrgyzstan can be significantly wider in nomenclature than it is now. Currently, cooperation projects for the joint production of elevator equipment and transformers are being implemented there.

"We can produce everything in your country and train your people in technologies. Technologies that you did not have before. For these same transformers, elevators, tractors, cars, and so on. You know what we can produce. And for Kyrgyzstan, the level of technological equipment of the country, like Belarus, is quite high. We are ready to share these technologies," the President stated.

He noted that at one time, during the Soviet Union, a division of labor developed between the republics: "You were engaged in one thing, we were engaged in another. Now these technologies are in demand in Kyrgyzstan. We are ready to share them."

The diplomat stated that he fully shares the opinion of the President of Belarus regarding bilateral trade turnover. Indeed, if you

The powers to supervise the enforcement of legislation in the Armed Forces, other troops, and military formations of Belarus were then transferred to civilian prosecution bodies. This decision was made under different circumstances and was aimed, among other things, at reducing staff numbers as part of the reform of the state apparatus, as well as reducing budget expenditures.

"In 2014, at a broader meeting, we made a decision to reduce the military prosecutor's office. I will not remind you what caused this, the motivation. But a logical question arises: has the situation in those areas, in that zone where prosecutors are supposed to monitor the uniform and precise observance of our laws, changed? Probably. The question arises: has it changed so much that we need to create military prosecutor's offices today, recreate them?" the President asked.

The Prosecutor General, as an effective measure, proposed the creation of the Main Military Prosecutor's Office and inter-garrison military prosecutor's offices. "We need to make a decision on this issue," the Belarusian leader emphasized.

Alexander Lukashenko inquired about the practices in other states from the meeting participants. He also noted that alternative opinions had been expressed regarding the expediency of creating a system of military prosecutor's offices: such structures are necessary, but only in times of war.

"Another question: God forbid war starts – we quickly create prosecutor's offices. Can we cope without them? If we can't, maybe we should. If we can, why? And in general, this is the main question: where did it come from, why is it raised today, by the prosecutors first and foremost? And the main question is: do we need to recreate the system of prosecutorial supervision that existed before 2014, or not?" the President said. "I have invited you here to discuss these issues and make a decision."

As Prosecutor General Andrei Shved noted, the prosecutor's offices are working to improve the effectiveness of supervisory activities in all areas. A number of departmental initiatives have been implemented and are yielding results today. "In connection with the developing military-political situation near our borders, we have analyzed the organization of supervision over legality in troops abroad, including during military conflicts. Military prosecutors worldwide are an integral element of the national security system. Their functions are universally employed in all military conflicts," reported the head of the supervisory body.

Summing up the meeting after discussing the issues on the agenda, Alexander Lukashenko noted that it is too early to make a decision on creating a system of military prosecutor's offices. There is no need to rush, as there is no emergency situation, the President emphasized.

However, it is necessary to improve prosecutorial supervision and increase its effectiveness, including in military units. According to the head of state, the foundation of this future system needs to be crystallized within the Prosecutor General's Office today (train personnel, understand the format of work, establish interdepartmental interaction) so that, if the need arises, appropriate decisions can be promptly made over time.

A GIFT TO THE PEOPLE. How the Belarusian NPP is important for the country and how electricity reserves will be used

On Friday, November 3, during a working trip to the Ostrovets District of the Grodno Region, Alexander Lukashenko visited

We will return to the theme of the holiday and the symbolism of the event in Ostrovets below, but it should be noted immediately that Alexander Lukashenko addressed the topic of the Belarusian NPP and the issue of increasing the availability of electricity for the population not only at the end of the week but also on Tuesday, October 31. He received a relevant report at the Palace of Independence. The Vice Prime Minister overseeing the industry, Petr Parkhomchik, and the Minister of Energy, Viktor Karankevich, reported to the head of state. The Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Maksim Ermolovich, was also among the participants of the report.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the safety of the station is the number one issue and instructed to finalize all nuances in cooperation with Rosatom. "We are a Chernobyl republic. Even the slightest leniency in the construction of the NPP is unacceptable for us. People will never forgive us for it. Therefore, our requirements regarding all sorts of nuances are so strict," the President explained the principled and tough stance of the Belarusian side. "As far as I am informed, the main units, including this 'nuclear island,' are in order. It functions, it operates. Well, the details need to be polished and brought into compliance."

And one more thing. Although the station is completed, which is gratifying, the deadlines for its commissioning have been slightly shifted due to the Russian side. And Belarus, in accordance with the previously concluded agreement, has legitimately raised the issue of compensation. "This should not be hidden. There was nothing extraordinary about it. But such issues were raised because the station's commissioning deadlines were violated, and the Russian side is responsible for this. They offered us options regarding the price of fresh nuclear fuel - the same as for Russians, for their own stations. And a five-year warranty period (for the main units. - Ed.)," the head of state noted.

He inquired about the opinion of the responsible officials on whether these concessions from Rosatom satisfy the Belarusian side, but warned that it is not advisable to "strain the Russians" too much on this issue.

On Relying on People and the "Electric Miracle"

The Head of State noted that due to the commissioning of the Belarusian NPP, electricity generation in the country is increasing. "We already had enough electricity in general. Both for industry, and for agriculture, and to a certain extent for people. Now some, I wouldn't say excess (electricity generation volumes. - Ed.), - reserves are appearing," said Alexander Lukashenko.

He stated that electricity consumption will grow, and in this regard, the country has focused on supporting people. For example, this applies to the use of electricity for heating residential buildings. "We have focused on people. We looked at the heating of a village (in Novaya Okolitsa near Minsk. - Ed.), which Deputy Prime Minister Sivak is building. I must say, it's a miracle - clean, neat. It can't even be compared to gas boilers and heating. I'm not even talking about coal and so on. The climate is changing, this is very important for us," said the President.

The Head of State emphasized that the use of electricity for heating residential buildings is not only profitable, but also a clean and safe technology.

"Therefore, we were right to focus on offering electricity to people. And the prices are digestible. People even say it's cheaper than gas heating. These are incomparable things. But we are not quite there yet in terms of networks (in terms of their capacity to provide this opportunity to everyone who wants it. - Ed.)," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

Currently, it is not possible to satisfy approximately 10-15% of the relevant requests from citizens. The Head of State was assured that systematic work is being carried out to resolve this issue. And although much has already been done, it is not enough - there is a sharp increase in demand from the population.

"Therefore, we need to increase the networks. Roughly speaking, so that this wire goes directly to a person's home. If people have been promised something, it must be done. Yes, it has increased sharply. Naturally: people are not stupid, they see, they feel that this is a very profitable thing. Well, and there is electricity. We need to help our people. That's what we live and work for - to help people," instructed the Belarusian leader.

The issue of expanding the use of electric transport is also relevant in this context. "We are developing it more and more. This is also the right thing to do. It turns out we were right to get started and develop this area," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

At the same time, the President drew attention to the fact that, despite the emergence of reserves, it is undesirable for other capacities to stand idle or be operated in a so-called cold mode. He cited the Berezovskaya and Lukomlskaya thermal power plants as an example. As reported to the head of state, there are good and very profitable options for loading for the state, and the work in this direction has been instructed to continue.

On the symbolism and importance of a people's gift

On Friday, Alexander Lukashenko not only visited the Belarusian NPP, where he was presented with the symbolic passport of the station, but also visited Ostrovets itself, familiarized himself with the socio-economic development of the district, inspected the local hospital equipped with all the necessary modern equipment, and talked with the city residents.

During his communication with representatives of labor collectives, the head of state said that at one time, when establishing state holidays, it was decided to keep the Day of the October Revolution in the calendar of festive dates. But the President advocated for filling it with some meaning. In Soviet times, gifts were presented to the people for such holidays – landmark facilities were commissioned. Thus, this tradition has been preserved in sovereign Belarus. "I won't say that it has taken root 100% yet, but people are getting used to it. You have probably noticed (we are widely covering this in the media) that we try to commission some facilities for these holidays," the Belarusian leader noted.

Given that Alexander Lukashenko himself was the initiator of the construction of the Belarusian NPP at one time, he came to the Ostrovets district for the final opening of the station to present this gift to the people. He emphasized that this is an absolutely clean technology – the most modern and safe station. "This is a normal facility. I wouldn't say it's more dangerous than others. But it needs to be operated responsibly," the President said.

The Head of State stated that the construction of the Belarusian NPP, among other things, helped "breathe life into this northwestern region." The President recalled that in previous years, Grodno officials mainly focused on territories around Grodno, and therefore, when appointing Vladimir Karanik as head of the region, Alexander Lukashenko specifically asked to pay attention to more neglected areas. Naturally, the very fact of constructing such a facility as the Belarusian NPP allowed the Ostrovets district to strengthen and increase its human capital and, by several indicators, become a regional leader.

"Ostrovets has changed dramatically. It has become a different district. If in 2010 it was a small agricultural district with 51% agriculture, the rest being trade and a bit of construction, then according to data for the nine months of this year, 90% is industry. The district has changed not only itself – it has changed the face of the region," the governor reported to the President.

A tremendous amount of work has been done to develop the district's infrastructure. Br467.5 million has been invested in this. This is an unprecedented investment in human capital. If in 2010 the birth rate in the district was almost 2% lower than the regional average, now it is 30% higher.

But the most important thing is that the Belarusian NPP is the foundation for the further development of the country. "I understood that there is no prospect without clean energy, without electricity, we cannot develop," said the President, once again mentioning the construction project in Novaya Okolitsa and plans for the development of power grids.

Overall, nuclear energy is one of the sectors that кардинально influences the country's image and its level of development. Just like the space technology sector, which Belarus is developing jointly with Russia. Or the relatively recently opened production facility of the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation, with the help of friends from China.

"A good station. This is the future. Naturally, this region will always be in the spotlight. It will develop," said the head of state. "Three years ago, when launching the first power unit, I said that a historic day had come: the era of peaceful atom had begun (and today we are also a nuclear power in terms of nuclear weapons). And indeed, having received this wonderful facility as a gift for November 7 in the difficult year of 2020, and today the second unit, we did the right thing by creating this miracle."

The President noted that the benefits of nuclear energy are obvious: it will allow industry and agriculture to work more efficiently and make the lives of citizens in the country more comfortable due to cheap electricity.

By the way, the CEO of Rosatom himself assures that the Belarusian NPP will serve for at least 60 years, but there are already grounds to expect that this period may be 100 years. According to him, Russian specialists built the NPP in Belarus "as for themselves" and will treat it the same way during the operation phase, including warranty service, spare parts supply, repair work, personnel training, and so on.

On when Belarusians will be in clover, and discussions about the second NPP

The Belarusian NPP has just been commissioned, and Alexander Lukashenko is already raising the issue of further possible steps for the development of nuclear energy in Belarus. So far, purely theoretically and in a discussion key. But, knowing the Belarusian President, the transition from theory to practice often does not take much time. Moreover, there is a certain financial reserve - Belarus, during the construction of the station, saved a significant amount from the credit resources initially allocated by the Russian side, without compromising quality and safety.

But let's take things in order. For the first time this week, this topic was raised on October 31 during a report. Its discussion took place behind closed doors. "Theoretically, we are generally discussing the second NPP. I would like to hear your point of view in this regard," said the head of state.

And already on Friday, during his visit to the Belarusian NPP, the head of state returned to the issue of creating new nuclear capacities at least three times. In a conversation near the mock-up of the Belarusian NPP with the General Director of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, Alexander Lukashenko inquired where a third power unit could be located on this site if such a need arises in the future.

The head of Rosatom noted that from the point of view of constructing another unit at the Belarusian NPP, there will be no problems. There is an opportunity to develop the site. "We are actually considering the energy system as if not unified, then largely very complementary between Russia and Belarus. In this sense, our energy ministries, our governments need to develop a plan," explained Alexey Likhachev.

Then, Russian journalists asked Alexander Lukashenko how the remaining Russian loan resources, which were saved during the construction of the Belarusian NPP, could be used "taking into account healthy Belarusian pragmatism."

On the one hand, less was taken - less to repay, but at the same time, discussions are underway in Belarus about the prospect of doubling nuclear power capacities. "We would like to double it. Then the Belarusians will be in clover," said Alexander Lukashenko.

As possible ways to implement this idea, the President named the construction of a second station at another site (in the Mogilev region) or the construction of a third power unit at the Belarusian NPP. "This (construction of the third unit. - Ed.) will be significantly cheaper. Here you have the capacity increased by half," noted the head of state.

"The main thing for me was not only to build the station, but to possess the competencies that the Russians have. We have obtained them," emphasized the Belarusian leader. He said that he once agreed with the President of Russia to discuss what to do with the volume of saved loan resources after the completion of the construction of the Belarusian NPP.

In response to questions from Ostrovets residents, Alexander Lukashenko further elaborated on the topic: "Where to build – that needs to be calculated. It will probably be cheaper here. Because, in addition to the construction itself, enterprises were built that manufactured and welded components and assemblies. Transporting them is not a big problem, but it will be cheaper on-site. If we build (this decision has not been made, it's a discussion; but it's good that you understand that it's necessary, it's the future), then I will report to you and consult with you before making such a decision. The current electricity reserve will be enough not only for my lifetime but also for your children. But who knows how the world will develop. Let there be a second plant. I am in favor of this. Therefore, we are discussing this issue."

The head of state also announced specific figures regarding the funds saved during construction. "They gave us a very favorable loan. The day before yesterday I spoke with Putin: out of the $10.5 billion they allocated to us, we have used only $6 billion. Frugally. With the remaining money, we can, in principle, build almost two blocks," said the President. "Therefore, the source of funding could be this – the saved money."

About the luxurious hospital in Ostrovets

The President familiarized himself with the work of the Ostrovets Central District Clinical Hospital. Chief physician Vladimir Mozheyko provided the President with detailed information about the institution's activities.

"Vladimir Stepanovich (Governor of the Grodno region Vladimir Karanik. - Ed.) says you live like in space – the hospital is like that," noted Alexander Lukashenko. He visited the departments of radiation diagnostics, physical therapy, and transfusiology.

"What can I say, it's a luxurious hospital," the head of state assessed. "This is what I was counting on: that it would be one of the beacons, a showcase facility, on how we will build and service others."

The Ostrovets Central District Clinical Hospital includes an inpatient medical and diagnostic complex, a polyclinic, a nursing care hospital with a general practitioner's office, three general practitioner's offices, 15 paramedic-midwife stations, a health center at the construction site of the Belarusian NPP, and a health center at the state enterprise "Belarusian NPP". The Central District Clinical Hospital not only serves the population of the Ostrovets district but also acts as an interregional and interdistrict diagnostic and treatment center.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the system of healthcare institutions' operation at various levels is an important issue. The President has returned to it more than once recently. "There should be no excesses. But we shouldn't take away things that are needed: FAPs and so on. Where it is necessary, it is necessary," he said.

On the Gigafactory, Nuclear Medicine Center, and Other Prospects with Rosatom

During his visit to the Belarusian NPP, the head of state raised the issue of prospects for further cooperation with Rosatom. "I don't want to let you go from Belarus," he told Director General Alexey Likhachev.

"And we don't want to leave," replied the head of Rosatom.

Alexey Likhachev emphasized the comfortable and fruitful work at the site together with Belarusian specialists. He invited the Belarusian side to join Rosatom's foreign construction projects as well. Belarusian companies and specialists are already participating in the construction of a large nuclear power plant in Egypt, and there are agreements on their possible participation in the construction of the NPP in Hungary.

"As our presence in the global market expands, we will continue to move forward hand in hand," Alexey Likhachev assured.

He emphasized, and the President of Belarus supported this point, that when planning for the future, one should not think in terms of decades, but rather plan based on a 60-70 year outlook. For example, it is already evident that there will be a higher level of electric mobility, and this requires electricity generation. In this sense, sustainable green nuclear energy is the foundation. "We need appropriate charging stations and mechanisms. We have a lot to learn from Belarus in this regard. You are moving forward in this respect," noted the head of Rosatom.

Alexander Lukashenko stated in this regard that he had discussed with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, the electrification of the highway from Brest to Kazan and further – the creation of infrastructure for electric transport. Moreover, technologies in this field are advancing. "Parkhomchik has already learned from your energy specialists how to charge a bus with electricity on the go. One and a half kilometers or so of wire. He raised the 'horns', drove a kilometer and a half – he is ready, he charged the battery. This is great progress – we must not stop," said the head of state.

Alexey Likhachev put forward a number of proposals for the development of cooperation with Belarus, not only in the field of nuclear technologies. For example, it is proposed to consider the possibility of creating a gigafactory in Belarus. Such production already exists in Russia, where accumulators and key electronic components for electric transport are manufactured. And given the active development of the electric transport sector, there is an opportunity to implement a similar project in Belarus. "We have localized production and technology. We are adapting it as much as possible to the Russian technological landscape. We are already supplying you. These include BELAZ, Belkommunmash, and MAZ – traction batteries," noted Alexey Likhachev.

Since Belarus is a machine-building power, he proposed a solution for the so-called trolley – an entire platform that includes not only a charger but also an engine and a control system. "But it is very important for us to concentrate this in one place," explained the head of Rosatom. "To follow the path of localization, and then the creation of a gigafactory here (in Belarus. – Ed.) – this is very correct." In his opinion, the creation of a gigafactory in Belarus is "not a dream, but a quite real task."

By the way, Alexander Lukashenko later that day, in communication with the residents of Ostrovets, hinted that soon there would be something to present to the people in terms of creating a domestic passenger electric car. At least, the Deputy Prime Minister promised the President to surprise him soon. "I say: have they really made an electric car? – Well, you'll come, we'll show you. So let's wait. In the near future, in December, he said. But I know that they are making their own electric car. The body will be like a Geely's. It's good, people like it. Electric buses and the like, electric trams – we already have them, they are bought from us all over the world," shared the Belarusian leader.

Another area where Rosatom is ready to share experience and technologies is the creation of a nuclear medicine center in the country. According to Alexey Likhachev, its creation could become one of the projects within the Union State.

There are prospects for developing cooperation in other areas, including industry, digital and additive technologies. In a number of areas, the Russian state corporation is already cooperating with Belarusian scientific and healthcare institutions. For example, linear accelerators for remote therapy are supplied. Alexey Likhachev proposed to include Belarusian medical institutions in the supply system for the most modern radiopharmaceuticals.

"We propose (and the first steps have already been taken) to open an additive technologies center in Belarus. This is the future of mechanical engineering, and we need to train personnel, implement technologies, and there is still work to be done," specified Alexey Likhachev.

Separately, he touched upon the development of digital technologies in Belarus and admitted that about five years ago he was surprised to learn that the competencies of a number of enterprises exceeded the level of even Rosatom. The state corporation has organized joint projects with some of them.

Part of the proposals for joint activities concerned work with industrial waste and the creation of alliances in the field of wind energy.

Summarizing all that has been said, Alexey Likhachev noted that together with the Belarusian side, it is planned to prepare a draft intergovernmental memorandum and programs.

THEY SENT MADMEN. Where Lukashenko suggested determining Lithuanian notes regarding the Belarusian NPP

The President was also asked by Russian journalists a question regarding the note from the Lithuanian side in connection with the commissioning of the second power unit. "Madmen sent the note. The people of Lithuania have nothing to do with these madmen. Believe me, I know what is happening there. The top leadership lives separately. I even know the grandfathers and parents of those who are currently leading Lithuania," said Alexander Lukashenko.

He recalled that at one time he invited specialists from the Ignalina NPP, which was closed in Lithuania, to come to Belarus, and offered cooperation without any hidden agenda. "But they (the Lithuanian authorities. - Editorial note) followed the command of certain people from overseas and pursued a different policy," the President noted. - This is not the first note. Let them send them. We have enough space in the toilets. So let them send them."

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the construction process of the Belarusian NPP was absolutely transparent, which was also confirmed by the IAEA. Foreign journalists were also invited, among others.

"If they don't want to, it's their choice. We are not particularly worried about this topic," the Belarusian leader summarized.

In the same vein, Alexander Lukashenko spoke on this topic in his communication with the residents of Ostrovets.

THEY WON'T GO ANYWHERE. Are there prospects for restoring normal relations with Poland and Lithuania

One of the questions from residents of the border Ostrovets District to the President concerned the possibility of restoring relations between Belarus and neighboring Poland and Lithuania, especially in the context of recent elections in one of these countries and upcoming elections in the other. The President was asked whether voters in Lithuania could make their government work in the interests of their state, rather than dancing to the tune of Washington or Brussels.

"I have absolutely no doubt about it. And Lithuania – we will restore relations, and Poland – they are not going anywhere. The main principle is that neighbors cannot live badly. I always say: neighbors are from God, you don't choose them," said Alexander Lukashenko. "There are disagreements, quarrels, and so on – this is a transient period. Times will come when we will live with them as it has always been, including during Soviet times…"

The Head of State emphasized that Belarus is not to blame for the current situation between the countries, although various claims and dissatisfaction were voiced by Lithuania, for example. In particular, regarding the construction of the Belarusian NPP. "I told them then: Lithuanians, think it over, we will build this plant anyway. Neither Americans, nor Europeans, nor anyone else will prevent us from building it. We make decisions about what to do on our land. And we built it," Alexander Lukashenko recalled.

Moreover, Belarus expressed its readiness then and now to hire specialists from Lithuania for the NPP and to supply electricity there. "I offered them in a human way. But you are right, they are not the ones running the country there," the President remarked.

The President clarified that he does not expect significant changes in Poland's policy due to Donald Tusk's rise to power, whom Alexander Lukashenko called a pro-European politician, while "Law and Justice" (PiS) is a more pro-American party. "But this does not mean that the policy towards Belarus will change there tomorrow. We talk to them through closed channels, they present me with some conditions: "Let this one go, let that one go." He broke the law, how can I let him go. There must be certain conditions for this," the head of state noted. "We are a sovereign independent state. We will pursue the policy that is in the interests of our people. That says it all. If they are ready for this, tomorrow we are ready to shake hands anywhere and cooperate with them."

Alexander Lukashenko is convinced that sooner or later neighboring countries will restore relations.

Russian journalists also asked the President about the prospects for restoring normal cooperation with Western neighbors. After all, it was initially planned to supply part of the electricity from the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant precisely there.

The head of state stated that everything has a tendency to change. "And I am sure that the main principle of the buyer is "where it is cheaper, and the quality is normal - buy there," he said.

Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the electricity supply conditions would be attractive for Lithuania and Latvia.

UKRAINE WILL BE OURS. What Lukashenko warned Zelensky about

During his conversation with the residents of Ostrovets, Alexander Lukashenko stated that due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine is receding into the background. "Ukraine will be ours anyway. Nobody needs this Ukraine," the head of state said. "The skirmish in the Middle East… I warned you when the war started, I called Zelensky: "Volodya, listen to me, an experienced person, I've been working for more than one year. As soon as there is some skirmish somewhere, they will forget about you." And what is happening? Ukraine is receding into the background (due to the escalation in the Middle East. - Ed.)."

"One must think with their head before dragging the country into this or that adventure," the President added. He illustrated his words with the example of Afghanistan when the Americans left: "They dumped and left. It will be exactly the same here. They (the USA. - Ed.) are far away, they are big, they don't need this for a hundred years. Their policy is mud, mud, mud. To stir something up and in this muddy water... You know, it's easier to catch fish there. That's their policy. And everything else is expendable, like in Ukraine today."

"Therefore, this region (Ukraine. - Ed.) is our region. In the sense that we will be together," Alexander Lukashenko continued. According to him, sooner or later "Europe will crawl to us, to Russia." "Because today the Americans are tearing Europe apart as they please. And it cannot resist, because everything is tied to the American market - loans, property, and so on," the President said.

In addition, the behavior of politicians there often goes against the interests of the people and countries. "You see what kind of politicians they are. I look at them as an experienced person - sometimes I want to cry," the head of state noted. - They don't think about the people. Served one term, two, went, stole something, put it in their pocket and left somewhere. Exactly the same, they say, Zelensky is also preparing to flee somewhere."

Answering questions from Russian journalists about previous plans to export electricity to neighboring EU countries, Alexander Lukashenko recalled Ukraine. Sooner or later, the country will need to be restored, and a large volume of work will have to be done. This means that electrical capacities will also be in demand. "We won't get away from Ukraine. We will have to work in Ukraine. No Americans, no West will help them. Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin. - Ed.) and I talk about this a lot. They (Ukrainians. - Ed.) will come to us for help. A huge amount of work. We will have to help the Ukrainians," the President said.

NOT TO LET PEOPLE DOWN. Why Lukashenko often delves into non-presidential issues

Another topic raised with people in Ostrovets concerned how Alexander Lukashenko recently reacted to an appeal addressed to him by co-investors of one of the houses under construction in Minsk.

According to the Head of State, he receives many different appeals and questions. Some of them are responded to publicly. In this case, the President was shown a video recording of the equity holders' appeal posted on the internet. The people complained about the increase in construction costs.

Alexander Lukashenko said that he reacted immediately, contacting the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee and instructing him to sort out the situation: "I said: why are you offending people? Why didn't you take measures? The contract was concluded with one of the districts (of Minsk. - Ed.), and then this contract was transferred to the Capital Construction Department of the City Executive Committee."

As a result, instructions were given to do everything strictly according to the contract. "There, you see, inflation, materials have become more expensive... - Alexander Lukashenko briefly described the explanation of the capital's mayor. - Did you write this down in the contract? - No. - Then go and build as per the contract. If you had foreseen this in the contract, people might not have complained. People complain that we, the state, do not comply with the concluded contract."

At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that such issues should still be resolved at a lower level. "It is becoming the norm for our people: let's write (an appeal. - Ed.), throw it in - the President will decide. This is not even a governor's issue

Nevertheless, all information about certain problematic issues is responded to and thoroughly investigated. Alexander Lukashenko himself also delves into many issues. He explained why he considers this important for himself. The fact is that since the very first elections, when citizens believed in him and, to a certain extent, took a risk by voting for a young President, he remembers that he must not let people down. This is partly why he always strictly holds people accountable for the pricing situation and many other emerging problematic issues.

Source: belta.by