Republic

MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko thinks that it is unacceptable to make the same mistake again and resort to the shock therapy used in the 1990s. The head of state made this statement at a session on 22 November to discuss Belarus’ economic targets, budget and monetary policy for 2012, BelTA has learnt. “We are set to discuss extremely important issues that will determine the country’s development in the forthcoming year,” the President said as he opened the session. Alexander Lukashenko reminded the participants of the recent discussion about the state property management. “I am seriously concerned that the government is too carried away by market reforms and is trying, because of misunderstanding, I guess, to deviate from the policy and targets that were adopted at the Fourth All-Belarus People’s Congress,” the Belarusian leader said. Addressing the participants of the meeting, the head of state emphasized, “We all started blaming the government. I want everyone sitting at this table to stand next to the government and take part of the blame. Our government is not some isolated body that pursues any policy it wants. We all are involved in the policy we implemented and are implementing”. “This policy proved to be right and will be continued. We learnt the hard way that we should stick to it. No one is allowed to deviate from it. This is the framework of our work tomorrow, today and yesterday,” the President added. “It is unacceptable to suggest the shock therapy we went through back in the 1990s, the policy that failed in our country and in the neighboring countries. We had an excuse for choosing this policy back then, because we were under the influence of all kinds of western funds and experts, we trusted them without realizing its real consequences. We should not step on the same rake,” the head of state said. According to Alexander Lukashenko, today even the West is looking for ways to control the market. They resort to nationalization, strengthening the state control over socio-economic processes. “Our economic capacity and modern conditions do not allow for ill-considered experiments, which adversely affect the well-being of people. We must not forget that the economy is not only about business and the interests of businessmen,” the President stressed. He noted that smart governance means the balancing of interests of all groups of the population. “That is why we need to make well-considered decisions at the state level, taking into account all the consequences for the economy as a whole and for each individual. Everyone must see that the policy of our state is meant to serve the people. This is our principle,” the head of state said. According to him, the economic development projections for 2012 were revised after the recent meeting to discuss the state property management. “I hope everyone understands that these documents should be a real guide for action, a real mobilization program,” the President noted. Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention to some problems and mistakes that should be eliminated. In his words, today thorough analysis of the situation is needed to make feasible plans. “Unfortunately, even cursory acquaintance with statistics shows that this year’s targets will not be met. There are problems in industry, agriculture, housing construction, modernization. And the most alarming thing is that the well-being of people has worsened because of inflation. We have rejected the existing practice of price and other economic regulation and got negative results and other serious problems. Now we need extra efforts and means to solve them,” the head of state said. The situation in the banking sector is not encouraging, either. The cost of credit resources is high, the President said. “Today I see nothing but debates and discussion on the merits of the liberal model of development and radical reforms instead of energetic measures to mobilize resources in order to overcome the current economic meltdown,” Alexander Lukashenko said. “The most unpleasant thing is inconsistency in actions and those bogeyman stories in the press. They do adversely affect the society, and this is not good” the President stressed. “I warn everyone: think carefully before you act. Do not forget about the political aspect of economic steps and statements. We are government officials, public servants, responsible for what we say and do,” the head of state said. In his closing remarks, Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he expects a straight answer from the meeting participants on what measures are taken by the government and the National Bank to solve the current problems and what reserves the country needs for its economic rebound. “I am interested in what resources you see appropriate for the economic growth in 2012,” the Belarusian leader said.

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