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Opinions & Interviews

12 Mar 2019

Lukashenko calls for expanding sphere of influence of Belarusian media

Lukashenko calls for expanding sphere of influence of Belarusian media

MINSK, 12 March (BelTA) – The sphere of influence of domestic mass media in Belarus should be expanded, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at a session of Belarus’ Security Council on 12 March, BelTA has learned.

“We badly need to expand the sphere of influence of domestic mass media outlets. We should not shy away from new solutions in media space. We need to start turning fake news against their distributors. We know how to do it, but for some reason we let it go,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

The president noted that it is imperative to convey the truth to people in a fast, clear and comprehensive manner. “If we fail to do it, they will take advantage of it, as it happens every now and then. You know what kind of information they will deliver unless we do it,” the head of state noted.

Alexander Lukashenko deems it necessary to take action to expand, diversify and improve the quality of national broadcasting and earn more trust of the public in official mass media. It is also important to think of establishing system-based control over distribution of illegal information. “So far it is done from time to time, sometimes hesitantly, sometimes after considering some political repercussions. Everyone who sits at this table and opposite me – you are not politicians, you are the people who are doing their piece of work and defending the interests of your state. Leave politics to the president,” he said.

The head of state emphasized: “It is not about curbing someone’s freedom of opinion. It is not my objective. Naturally, order should be in place, everything should be in line with the law. Our laws are very liberal. With our inaction and lack of discipline, this makes us an absolute democracy like no other country not ‘a dictatorship’”, Alexander Lukashenko said.

According to him, there should be order in the information sphere; however no one is allowed to muzzle others. “Otherwise, people will have these discussions in their kitchens.  They will indulge in speculations – we have gone through this period in our history. Sooner or later this will spill over to the streets. Therefore, we should not do it. And it is not even possible: not only because we have the internet, but also because the society has changed, the world is different now. Therefore, we should not do silly things like disallowing people the opportunity to express their views. However, if these are not genuine views, someone’s biased opinion, fake news, then go ahead and counteract it with a true statement. Believe me, truth will always prevail,” the president noted.

He added that the information space should be safe and convenient for all, not only for some individuals who try to achieve their goals at the expense of the interests of other people.

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