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, whether it's a hockey practice or chopping wood, Alexander Lukashenko always finds a reason 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 pace with the head of state, stay informed about the most relevant statements and decisions of the Belarusian leader. The President had a variety of events this week, but first, I would like to recall a significant date - July 10th marked the 30th anniversary of Alexander Lukashenko's victory in the first presidential elections in 1994. Before that, the most important decisions in the country were made by the parliament - the Supreme Council. However, it did so slowly and painfully. Deputies debated endlessly, engaging in backroom struggles with each other. Meanwhile, the country was heading for an abyss, and people were becoming impoverished. Urgent measures were needed to prevent the worst-case scenario. At that difficult time, the President took full responsibility for the fate of the country and its people, literally pulling Belarus back from the brink.
But the head of state did not celebrate this anniversary. At least, not publicly. After all, there are many issues that need to be resolved in the present day, guiding the country around the dangerous thresholds presented by the times and the international situation.
On Saturday, despite the tropical heat in Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko visited the country's southern borders. At the beginning of the month, the President promised the people that he and the military would make the necessary efforts to resolve the tense situation on the border with Ukraine. As a result, the peak of escalation has passed, and troops on both sides are being withdrawn to their permanent deployment locations.
At the beginning of the week, Alexander Lukashenko signed two important social laws. They contain not only a number of innovations in terms of additional social support for families with children
On Wednesday, July 10, the President received guests from Africa at the Palace of Independence. These were the First Ladies of Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Auxillia Mnangagwa and Oluremi Tinubu. The program of their stay in Belarus included a visit to the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival, but this was preceded by a serious business program. And the First Lady of Zimbabwe came with a delegation of representatives of the country's business circles. Businesswomen were also invited to a meeting with the President. They represent companies from various fields of activity, including mining, agriculture, the banking sector, and information and tourism.
A traditional event for the head of state in July is the opening of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival. At one time, Alexander Lukashenko did everything to preserve this cultural forum, and now it is known throughout the planet, having long since overcome the framework of exclusively Slavic brotherhood.
The President also "pumped up" the recently appointed ambassador to Russia, Alexander Rogozhnik. In addition to a whole range of regalia for representing Belarus in integration structures, he has been vested with the powers of a deputy prime minister on issues of Belarus's activities within the Union State and relations with Russia.
Details of the events with the participation of the head of state in the new issue of the BELTA special project "Week in P
resident".
- STRENGTHENING SOCIAL SUPPORT. What innovations approved by Lukashenko can families with children expect
- FIRST LADIES AND BUSINESS LADIES. What the President discussed at the Palace of Independence with the wives of African leaders
- SHAKING THE WHOLE PLANET. Thanks to what the popularity of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival is growing in the world
- SPOKEN - DONE. Details of the de-escalation on the border with Ukraine, and what Lukashenko intends to discuss with Putin
STRENGTHENING SOCIAL SUPPORT. What innovations approved by Lukashenko can families with children expect
- On the increase in maternity benefits
- On innovations regarding benefits for children over 3 years old
- On strengthening social support for parents of children with disabilities
- On stricter control over negligent parents
On Monday, July 8, it became known that the head of state signed the law "On Amendments to Laws on State Benefits for Families Raising Children". The document is adopted to increase the level of minimum guarantees for citizens during their social vulnerability.
Alexander Lukashenko also signed amendments to laws on the regulation of marital and family relations. The document is aimed at improving the regulation of such relations, as well as transforming the norms of Decree No. 18 of November 24, 2006 "On Additional Measures for State Protection of Children in Dysfunctional Families" into legal norms.
Thus, the law provides not only for a number of innovations in terms of additional social support, but also tightens control over negligent parents. The main provisions of both documents will come into force on January 1, 2025.
"Money should reach children". Lukashenko demands to improve financial support for large families
On this topic, the need to improve the system of support for large families to prevent abuse by negligent parents, the head of state spoke a month ago when appointing Natalia Pavlyuchenko as Minister of Labor and Social Protection.
"It is no secret that we have many large families, who should not be allowed near the ruble at all. And this money does not reach the children: they drink it away or do something else with it. Therefore, we need to develop a system so that, while supporting large families (and we will support them, this is the number one issue for us, both in terms of housing and so on), we establish a barrier and criteria for how to get the money to the children," the President emphasized. "We need to be very careful, not formal, in addressing these issues. So that the money is received by those for whom it is intended."
On the increase in maternity benefit
The law provides, in particular, for an increase in the minimum maternity benefit. For women who pay mandatory insurance contributions to the budget of the state non-budgetary fund for social protection of the population and have less than 6 months of service (young specialists, women starting their careers), the benefit will increase from 50% of the living wage (budget of the living wage) to 100% of the minimum wage per month. And for those who did not pay mandatory social insurance contributions to the fund's budget, but are entitled to this type of benefit (students, female students, women in service, women registered as unemployed), the benefit will increase from 50% to 100% of the living wage per month.
The document also provides for an increase in the minimum benefit for temporary disability for childcare for insured women with less than 6 months of service. This benefit will increase from 50% of the living wage to 100% of the minimum wage (by analogy with maternity benefit).
On innovations regarding benefits for children over 3 years old
Legislative innovations also concern certain categories of families when appointing benefits for children over 3 years old. In particular, the right to appoint such a benefit is retained for families with minor children, in which a child with a disability has reached the age of 18, has been assigned Group I disability, and one of the parents is caring for him and receiving the corresponding benefit. As well as the right to appoint this benefit for a child raised in a mother's family, if the child's father,
On strengthening social support for parents of children with disabilities
Social support for families raising a child with a disability is being strengthened. Thus, the law provides for parents to receive all types of state benefits during the short-term stay of a child with a disability in a children's home due to medical and social assistance provided to him. In addition, the rights to receive temporary disability benefits for caring for a child with a disability during his sanatorium-resort treatment and medical rehabilitation are expanded if there are several children with disabilities in the family. In such cases, it is proposed to grant the right to receive benefits to another person (not a parent) if the parent is busy caring for another child with a disability, or two benefits if both children with disabilities require sanatorium treatment and rehabilitation during the same period and are accompanied by different persons.
On stricter control over negligent parents
At the same time, control over the targeted use of state benefits is being tightened for families where children are found in an unfavorable environment. In particular, state bodies and organizations that appoint and pay benefits are obliged to provide information about benefit recipients and their family members without the consent of citizens upon the request of educational institutions conducting social investigations on such families, as well as commissions for juvenile affairs.
It is provided that the payment of benefits is terminated from the date the court decision on the removal of a child enters into force, or the date the guardianship and trusteeship authority or the commission for juvenile affairs makes a decision on the removal of a child.
In turn, amendments to the laws regulating marital and family relations provide for the consolidation of the powers of state bodies to ensure control over the implementation of state measures for child protection. A clear mechanism for removing a child by decision of the commission for juvenile affairs is established, as well as unified trerequirements for the content and format of such decisions.
The document provides for the possibility of transferring residential premises (shares in the ownership of them) to the ownership of a child as payment of alimony upon conclusion of an agreement by the parents.
FIRST LADIES AND BUSINESSWOMEN. What the President discussed at the Palace of Independence with the spouses of African leaders
The First Ladies of Zimbabwe and Nigeria, Auxillia Mnangagwa and Oluremi Tinubu, visited Belarus. Their program included a visit to the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival, but the ladies decided to combine business with pleasure, significantly expanding the range of meetings and negotiations to, taking the opportunity, outline new prospects for bilateral cooperation. Belarus provided them with full assistance in this endeavor. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met with the high-ranking guests at the Palace of Independence.
The First Lady of Zimbabwe arrived in Belarus with a delegation of businesswomen from that country. These are representatives of a women's public organization operating under the auspices of Auxillia Mnangagwa. The businesswomen represent companies from various sectors, including mining, agriculture, banking, IT, and tourism. They had a busy program in Belarus, the main goal of which was to intensify cooperation. Each of them came to Minsk with a package of specific proposals, which were discussed, among other things, at a meeting with the Belarusian leader.
Lukashenko at a meeting with the First Lady of Zimbabwe announced his determination to implement all agreements with this country
"We are looking forward to the visit of the President of Zimbabwe to Belarus. We will provide him with all possible assistance in implementing this mission. In implementing those ideas and plans that we have determined for the future. You are well acquainted with our Belarus. I know that you are accompanied by representatives of the business circles of Zimbabwe. It's good that they are women. They are more attentive. And they will look at all the best that exists in Belarus, and what we are ready to implement with you jointly on the territory, including in Zimbabwe. Please convey to Emmerson, my old friend, the warmest wishes and our determination to implement our agreements," said the Belarusian leader.
The President noted the importance and significance of the mission undertaken by the First Lady of Zimbabwe. This concerns the development of the healthcare system and child nutrition in the country. "Rest assured that in this regard, we will always be with you and will do everything necessary," the head of state assured.
"In short, we have very big, extensive plans. We really want to work in your country and do something useful for the people of Zimbabwe. You can count on us," added Alexander Lukashenko.
- Lukashenko at meeting with First Lady of Nigeria: We are very interested in your country and I think we will be useful to you
- First Lady of Zimbabwe: We highly appreciate the support from Belarus
In turn, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, said that her husband and the President of the country, Bola Tinubu, understands the importance of friendly relations and wanted to get information firsthand. "We don't know much about Belarus, so it's important to learn everything on the spot. We learned a lot. It is a reliable partner for us in education and agriculture, which are particularly important for us. When I return home, I will be able to tell him this information," said the First Lady. Alexander Lukashenko confirmed Belarus's readiness to develop relations and conveyed an invitation to the leader of Nigeria to visit Minsk: "We know your needs and capabilities very well. This is very important for us. And we can significantly help you, just as you will provide us with significant assistance in development." This refers to areas such as industry, agro-industrial complex, creation of joint ventures, and humanitarian cooperation.
"Belarusians are very serious people. They are ready to work immediately. Working meetings began right off the plane. Such a serious approach of the Belarusians is very important for us, as we are trying to build a new country," the First Lady of Nigeria noted the business acumen of the Belarusian side.
It is expected that in the near future, Zimbabwe and Nigeria will be visited by the recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Maksim Ryzhenkov, who will oversee the African direction. The negotiations and new mutual plans will be based, among other things, on the agreements reached in Minsk with the participation of the First Ladies.
THUNDERING ACROSS THE PLANET. What is fueling the growing popularity of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival worldwide
The first half of July in Belarus is firmly associated with forums dedicated to Slavic (and now not only) culture. First, the agro-town of Alexandria Gathers Friends hosts "Kupalye", and less than a week later, the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival takes over the baton. Both forums receive attention from Alexander Lukashenko.
On July 11, the Head of State announced the opening of the 33rd festival on the Summer Amphitheatre stage in Vitebsk. This year, representatives from forty countries from various corners of the world have come to participate. From Russia to India and from China to Colombia. By the way, there are participants from European Union member states as well. However, Alexander Lukashenko particularly noted the presence of delegations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states at the cultural forum, a member of which Belarus has recently become.
"The Slavic soul is boundless in its openness to the world. That is why our festival has long gone beyond the geographical boundaries of Slavic brotherhood," the President emphasized. "Today, for the first time, we welcome ministers of culture and creative teams from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries – now also our organization. This is a landmark event in the life of the country. We have joined a community of states that hold the future. The future of humanity's development based on the principles of equality, respect, and creation. At least, such a spirit prevails in the SCO today."
The program of this year's festival includes the Day of National Cultures of the SCO countries. "May it become a symbolic beginning of our joint path towards common goals. Goals that unite more than half of the planet's population – people who are close to and understand the philosophy of our festival. It holds the key to peace and mutual understanding, which people of art, talented people, give us," the Belarusian leader wished.
"Today, this festival unites people of different generations, religions, and cultures – true art connoisseurs with the most diverse preferences, from avant-garde to classical. But most importantly, it has become a truly family celebration, a celebration of traditional values. Here, residents and our guests can truly rest their souls," said Alexander Lukashenko.
"And no matter how hard someone tries to drown out and diminish the significance of our festival, they fail. It resonates across the entire planet," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
On the deep roots of the festival's philosophy
The head of state stressed that the festival has become an entire era, and its philosophy – "Through Art to Peace and Mutual Understanding" – has deep roots.
Lukashenko on Vitebsk: A unique atmosphere of creative search has been created here for centuries
"Here, on the picturesque bank of the Dvina, 1050 years ago, the first stone of the city was laid, which we rightfully call our cultural capital today. There is something in this corner of Belarus that for centuries has inspired the creation of masterpieces of fine art, unique architectural objects, great literary and musical works, as well as festivals, competitions, and many other creative projects," the President said. "For centuries, a unique atmosphere has been created here. An atmosphere of creative search. An atmosphere of dialogue of civilizations. For centuries, trade routes intersected here, connecting east and west, north and south. This city gratefully absorbed new ideas and trends. And through this, it developed."
As Alexander Lukashenko noted, this is why the history of the festival began precisely here – in the city of world-renowned people whose professional paths passed through its workshops. Vitebsk became the creative homeland of true geniuses. "When we hear about it, we imagine the monumental portraits and sculptures of Azgur, the extraordinarily vivid images from the brush of Repin, Pen, Malevich. We look at the cityscapes of Vitebsk through the eyes of Chagall, who painted his beloved city all his life, even when he was thousands of kilometers away from it. Thinking about this city, we remember Lagin, who gave Soviet children the fairy-tale hero – Old Man Khottabych, and hum the melody of 'The Road to Berlin' – a song written by composer Fradkin a year before the Great Victory. We honor the memory of the talented military leader Ivan Ludnikov, who led the operation to liberate the Vitebsk region during the Great Patriotic War. We are proud of the Nobel laureate Zhores Alferov, born in the city on the Dvina, who became a legend in world science. Speaking of Vitebsk, we also remember our contemporaries – a galaxy of artists, without whom we can no longer imagine our festival," the Belarusian leader cited a number of examples.
About awards on the stage of the Summer Amphitheater
The opening of "Slavianski Bazaar" is also always a time of triumph for cultural figures whose work unites countries and peoples.
Alexander Lukashenko presented People's Artist of Russia Grigory Leps with the festival's main prize – the special award of the President of Belarus "Through Art – to Peace and Mutual Understanding".
The President also presented the Union State Prizes in Literature and Art for 2023-2024 to individuals who have made a significant contribution to strengthening friendship between the peoples of Belarus and Russia.
Alexander Lukashenko also awarded the Grand Prix to a young talent – the winner of the international children's music competition "Vitebsk". "To a little star who is yet to shine in the musical firmament," he noted. This year, the winner of the children's competition was vocalist Yasmina Khusnididinova from Uzbekistan.
After presenting the well-deserved awards, Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the laureates once again: "Please accept my sincere congratulations, and not just from me. On behalf of the entire Belarusian people, on behalf of the Slavs gathered here in this huge hall, congratulations on these wonderful awards. May this be another award."
"Happiness and health to you. Live long and be calm – everything will be alright!" the Belarusian leader wished everyone in conclusion.
SPOKEN – DONE. Details of the de-escalation at the border with Ukraine, and what Lukashenko intends to discuss with Putin
- On the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops
- On Belarus's reciprocal steps to ease tensions
- On the need to talk and negotiate
Saturday, July 13, was a very hot day in Belarus, with thermometers exceeding 35-37 degrees Celsius. The topics to which the Belarusian leader dedicated this day were no less heated.
Some time ago, Belarusian special services noticed an active build-up of military potential by Ukraine in close proximity to the border. Units, including special forces, were equipping additional positions and conducting additional mine-laying. Excursions of special forces groups to the state border with Belarus were noted, along with active aerial reconnaissance and other activities. In addition, a considerable arsenal of heavy weapons was deployed.
All this could not but cause concern among the population of Belarus, and Alexander Lukashenko was forced to react. As they say, both in word and deed. He publicly urged the Ukrainian side "not to play around and not to play with fire," and asked the citizens of Belarus not to worry too much. "This is my concern and the concern of people in uniform. We will cope. I guarantee you that we will not allow any clashes on the border with Ukraine. There will be none," the Belarusian leader promised at a solemn meeting on July 2.
Belarus, in turn, also strengthened border security, not only with border guards but also with army units. Special operations forces were additionally involved.
As a result, the Ukrainian side heeded the words of the President of Belarus and the decisive response actions. Obviously, it was possible to reach an agreement on de-escalation through certain channels, demonstrating a peaceful position, among other things.
Lukashenko announced the elimination of tension on the border with Ukraine
Alexander Lukashenko arrived at the southern borders of the country to personally assess the situation and discuss further actions on site. In the Luninetsky district of the Brest region, he visited the deployment site of the 56th anti-aircraft missile regiment. First, he visited the regiment's command post, where he was briefed on the situation during combat duty for air defense.
On the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops
The head of state emphasized at the meeting that the Belarusian side did not want this escalation, and it is absolutely not needed. "Moreover, Ukraine does not need it. They have enough problems," he noted.
The resulting de-escalation of tension indicates that the President's promises that the military would ensure peace and security have been fulfilled.
"The State Security Committee and military intelligence reported to me that after our specific work, the Ukrainians withdrew their armed forces and additional troops, which they had redeployed to our border (it was quite a few thousand people), from the border and generally removed them from the zone of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. That is, the troops that reinforced their actions have left the border," said Alexander Lukashenko. "I asked the guys from this regiment. Not only the Minister of Defense, but they also say that we have no complications with the Ukrainians now. And I hope there won't be any."
As Chairman of the KGB Ivan Tertel later told reporters, relevant Ukrainian contingents and armaments have now returned to their permanent deployment locations or have been withdrawn into the depths of Ukrainian territory. "Overall, the situation in this regard is defused. At the same time, we are not reducing our activities in the field of foreign intelligence. We are actively working," he said.
Tertel on de-escalationon the border with Ukraine: response measures and a demonstration of a peaceful stance have had an effect
On Belarus's reciprocal steps to de-escalate tensions
At the meeting, Alexander Lukashenko announced a directive to withdraw Belarusian troops from the southern borders to their permanent deployment locations.
"I want people to know (I am absolutely convinced and trust our intelligence): the situation on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border has been stabilized. Their troops have been withdrawn. Therefore, guys, look, and our troops need to be removed from the border. So that they understand (as we agreed) that we are not going to fight and are not going to concentrate our Armed Forces here, except for the special operations forces," said the Belarusian leader.
In this regard, Alexander Lukashenko addressed a directive to the Commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces, Vadim Denisenko: "You look after your guys. Where necessary, where we have designated points where your guys (special operations forces) should be, on a rotational basis. Especially in the heat, make sure the guys are somewhat more comfortable. We need a few people there on a rotational basis to be in these points. The rest – withdraw them to their permanent deployment locations."
The President also instructed to review the Ministry of Defense as a whole. "If it is necessary to withdraw troops somewhere – withdraw them. There should be no unnecessary measures," he said.
At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko warned everyone that it is necessary not to miss possible threats in the western direction. "And the time that has passed since I spoke about this confirms that we need not to miss anything from the west. That's where the activation is happening. Therefore, the northwestern direction – the guys there must be ready for anything. They are provoking us to draw us into these showdowns, into this war. This must not be allowed," the Belarusian leader emphasized.
- Khrenin: Ministry of Defense immediately begins withdrawing troops to southern borders to places of permanent deployment
- Molostov: border guards will continue to serve on the southern borders in an enhanced mode
On the need to talk and negotiate
The events that have occurred show how, instead of escalation and, God forbid, military actions, one can simply hear each other and reach an agreement.
"We need to negotiate." Lukashenko announced plans to discuss further steps on Ukraine with Putin
"Here is an example (de-escalation actions in the area of the Belarusian-Ukrainian border. - Ed.) that by talking, you can reach an agreement. This indicates that there are enough normal people in Ukraine. Especially among the military. They agreed. I think this is a good example for Ukrainians. Russians are ready to sit down at the negotiating table and negotiate. To discuss and negotiate. For now, pushed by NATO (we see this from the last NATO bloc meeting), Ukrainians are fighting. Fighting to the last Ukrainian. It's a pity. But we need to talk. I think in the near future, at a meeting with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, we will discuss these issues and think about how we will act next," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The President also emphasized that Belarusians have never been enemies to Ukrainians: "No matter how they (in Ukraine. - Ed. BELTA) look at us askance, no matter how they stab us in the back. Well, they almost call us enemies. We are no enemies to Ukrainians. I have said this many times. These are our people. People just like us, like Russians. We need to negotiate faster. It turns out that it is possible to negotiate. But the main thing is to talk. If there is no dialogue, no conversation - there will be escalation and people will die.".
The Head of State, using the current hot weather as an example, showed why it is better not to wage war: "What is it like to fight in forty-degree heat... It's scary to go outside, and they have to wear full gear, plus a bulletproof vest. It's terrible torment for the guys. And they die too. And these are someone's children."
Source: belta.by