OREANDA-NEWS. December 31, 2009. Belarus does not abandon its ambitions in the economy and social sphere and is determined to overcome the negative impact of the global financial and economic crisis as soon as possible in order to restore the pre-crisis economic growth level and improve the well-being of people, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with representatives of central and regional mass media of Belarus.

The head of state underlined that the year 2009 “was not easy for the whole world and our country, it was packed with landmark events and political decisions.” Alexander Lukashenko believes that the new year has a special meaning for us, as it completes another five-year term of the development of the independent Belarusian state.

“The tasks we set for 2010 are no doubt ambitious, but feasible. Everything depends on us,” the Belarusian head of state said.

Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that history constantly poses new challenges, new threats for us, and the departing year is a testimony to that. The world is changing fast and we have to catch up with it, give adequate responses and find optimal solutions in the changing circumstances, improve our foreign and domestic policy. This is why there are enough newsbreaks to hold a press conference, the Belarusian leader said.

“Without doubt you follow new trends in the relations between Belarus and the West, the East, Russia and other partners in the post-Soviet space. Of course, you follow the processes of economic liberalization and deburocratization of the society, changes in the social policy. They may seem insufficient to some people.

Journalists are the most attentive people and the toughest critics. Therefore we will have a sincere talk today and discuss all kinds of issues, the President said.

The head of state believes it is right that representatives of both state and non-state mass media are present at the press conference and in the oblast TV studios. “I insisted that everything should be done so that they would not say afterwards that the President gathered the ‘right’ people, they asked the ‘right’ questions and state-run TV and newspapers showed and printed the ‘right’ answers. This is a live broadcast, therefore you can show your knowledge of the latest events, show yourself together with the President and ask the questions about the things you and our citizens, our society are concerned about,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“The diversity of opinions and viewpoints stimulate the quest for the optimal ways of public progress. It is good that more than 200 regional journalists are taking part in the press conference. It is very important for me to hear what the regions are concerned about. National media have had more chances to talk to the President. It is so due to objective reasons but I think a bit unfair towards the regional media. Let’s rectify the situation today. I think next year the Presidential Administration will take care that the meetings between the regional mass media and the President would become a regular event,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko said he welcomed questions related to any topic. However, he added he would like the journalists to give priority to the questions expressing the concerns of the ordinary people. “The mass media should not be a mirror reflecting the interests of certain politicians or tiny social groups only; their mission is rather to defend the interests of the public, advance people’s hopes and aspirations.”