Lukashenko to Belarusians: If you want to live in peace, do what I say
IRYNA BALACHUK — THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 12:37
Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, has announced that people need to be given full information about the processes taking place in Belarus and the existing threats, so that they can choose for themselves whether "to live quietly and calmly or go through troubled times".
Source: Belarusian state-owned news outlet BelTA, quoting a statement made by Lukashenko at a meeting held on 20 October on the formation of the Belarusian People's Congress and amendments to electoral legislation
Details: The self-proclaimed president reminded his audience that he had previously instructed defence, security, law enforcement and other agencies to keep people informed about what was happening.
According to Lukashenko, he is not doing this to scare people, but in order to "inform people about everything that is going on, and then let people make a decision".
Quote from Lukashenko: "If you want to go through troubles – please go ahead. Off you go, and good luck with that. If you want things to be quiet and peaceful, so that even if you don't take a shower yourself in the morning and evening (although I think everyone has the opportunity to do that), you can at least bath your children in warm water, [if you want] to have a warm house, with gas, oil and so on, something to snack on or eat in the morning and evening, and something to wear - if this is what you want (this is also an option), then grit your teeth and go ahead, do what I tell you."
Details: Speaking about the upcoming elections in 2024, Lukashenko said that they should be held under new rules and will not be easy.
In particular, he said preparations must be made "to counter attempts to disrupt the elections".
Background:
- Lukashenko has previously confirmed that Belarus is taking part in the war in Ukraine, but is supposedly doing so by treating wounded Russian soldiers and providing food and shelter to Ukrainian refugees.
- Lukashenko has also insisted that there is no need to declare a conscription campaign in Belarus, although he has been preparing for war for the entire span of his presidency.
- The Chief Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry has reported that Lukashenko is aware that the announcement of partial mobilisation in Belarus may lead to disastrous reactions in society.
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