Time has chosen us!

The major political event of the year — the 7th Belarusian People’s Congress (BPC) — has taken place in Minsk. For the first time, this veche [popular assembly] has been held in a new constitutional status. From now on, the BPC is constitutionally endowed with the right to make decisions that will determine the strategic development of Belarus for years to come. Representatives of different social groups, ages and professions from all regions of the country have gathered in the capital to participate in the high-profile forum.

BELTA

On the first day of work, the delegates approved the Congress’ agenda, and elected members of the BPC Presidium consisting of 13 people. 
As a result of a secret ballot, President Aleksandr Lukashenko was elected Chairman of the Belarusian People’s Congress of the seventh convocation, and President’s Aide Aleksandr Kosinets was elected Deputy Chairman. 
On the second day of the forum, the BPC delegates unanimously decided by open vote to approve the National Security Concept and the Military Doctrine of the Republic of Belarus. The Belarusian Head of State emphasised the importance of the current moment,

“Our Motherland has no one but us. Only we know what the future of Belarus should be, what our country should be like, and how to make it stronger. Only we know this, and no one else! Yes, it has been quite a challenge. It will not be easier, either. Yet, it will be interesting because we have chosen a strong, sovereign, independent, peaceful Belarus. We must withstand in this complicated and contradictory time. We must do it. The time has chosen us!”

Highest representative body of people power in the country

Aleksandr Lukashenko made a report to the delegates and guests of the forum on the current situation in the world, the country’s economy, existing challenges and threats. “Today’s event actually divides the history of the country’s political life into before and after. This is an evolutionary movement and development,” the President stressed. “We are okay with the fact that Western liberals dislike our political model. For our part, we do not reject progressive forms of Western European democracy. We integrate them into our political system, our culture, our worldview as long as they do not contradict our principles and values. The Belarusian People’s Congress plays the role of a mechanism for merging long-standing traditions with global political practices.” 
Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that the BPC had largely determined the state structure of Belarus for nearly 30 years. The first BPC actually saved our country. All five-year socio-economic development programmes were implemented only after approval by the BPC delegates. According to the Head of State, the time has come to reach a new level, “Now the Belarusian People’s Congress approves all the main programme documents that determine the country’s economic development and security — in short, all strategic issues. The BPC has received exclusive powers to suspend the decisions of any body or official. Thus, the Congress will become a protective buffer against possible dangerous processes that run counter to the interests of society and the state.”   

Who gets rich from wars

The President drew attention to the deteriorating situation around the world — the West continues to foment conflicts and wars, undermine the economic situation of undesired countries and stimulate migration crises. “Western multinational businesses, mainly Anglo-Saxons, have enriched themselves significantly in recent years. But have Washington and London become stronger in terms of political reputation and authority in the international arena over the years? No. On the contrary, we see how the global image of once truly influential powers is collapsing. The economic collapse is not far off. Experts are already talking about the precariousness of the global dollar pyramid. Wars for money have never made anyone stronger. It is the creditors of wars that enriched themselves either by selling weapons or by driving countries into debt, as is the case with our fraternal Ukraine today,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
“Everyone understands that Ukraine today is a testing ground where the fate of the future world order is partly decided. In fact, the largest nuclear powers are already fighting on its territory, albeit indirectly. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has come down to a deal with the West, trading weapons for the lives of Ukrainians. It is painful to see this... New attempts to crush us — Russians, Belarusians, Slavs — to destroy the sense of national pride and our culture have united us and motivated to restore our former power.”  
The Head of State called on everyone to honestly answer the question — is there any real benefit from the West controlled supranational structures that have mushroomed all over the world? “The international law, the OSCE, the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and others have not been able to prevent a single bloody conflict, although that is their main task,” Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined. “The European Peace Facility allocates funds for the war in Ukraine. Just think about it: money is in short supply, meanwhile the peace foundation sponsors the murder of people!” 

On the new world order

The President has once again urged the international community to think carefully about the consequences of the current confrontation imposed by the West, 

“The outcome will be dramatic if the confrontation is not stopped. Apparently, it will not save the previous world order. If the West wants to remain part of the new world order as a centre of power, it should learn from Ancient China. The community with a shared future for mankind is an example of unity of nations without prejudice to national cultures, ideologies, and sovereignties, without suppression or a sense of superiority, without saber rattling. With the power of wisdom and intellect. The draft of a just world order proposed by China is viable and is very close to us, Belarusians.” 

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the USA cannot agree with the fact that China is emerging as the world’s top economy. America tries to speak with China from a position of strength out of habit. However, blackmail is a weak argument, the Belarusian leader is convinced. “The world has already changed, but not in the way those beyond the ocean dreamt of. The United States, having launched a brisk attack simultaneously on all those who disagree with it (from Belarus to North Korea, including Russia, China, Iran and others) has realised that it made a mistake by uniting disobedient Russia and its main enemy — China,” the Head of State emphasised.

Success formula for integration and co-operation

Along with that, the President of Belarus spoke in support of true mutually beneficial co-operation and integration unions, the ones that respect national sovereignty, build interaction between participants through dialogue, and search for compromise. The Head of State specified in this regard, “Security should be equal and common to all countries of the planet. I agree with experts who claim that co-operation and security systems can and should be built within the framework of the continent — Greater Eurasia. 
I am absolutely sure that our time-tested allied relations with Russia will be an example of a peaceful and constructive agenda. Strong sovereign states make a strong union. This is a success formula for any integration. Our union building is a model of the union of sovereign nations. This model has all chances to succeed and draw new members. 
The Eurasian Economic Union also has solid resource, economic and transit potential. It may well claim technological and intellectual leadership in the region. The Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, which Belarus is expected to join as a full member in the summer, is gaining weight. There is no doubt that the SCO and BRICS are the world’s progressive majority. This is a challenge to the ideology of global unification.” 

Time of the strong

Aleksandr Lukashenko underscored the fact that Belarusians had gone through a very interesting path together to form their national democracy, including through six sessions of the Belarusian People’s Congress and four national referendums. We have created the backbone of civil society — strong and patriotic society.

“The time of the strong is coming. Not aggressively strong, but strong in spirit. Real power is measured by the desire to become better, to make the world a better place, to accept its national, religious, and ideological diversity, and to help those who are weaker. This is how we, Belarusians, understand the strength of the nation,” the President stated. “We must be strong in order to safeguard peace in our country, maintain traditions, and preserve the spiritual core. We must be strong to be able to defend the weak, to help everyone who needs our help. We must be strong to be heard in the international political arena. Our voice is heard in the world and it will continue to be heard.” 

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by