OREANDA-NEWS. March 3, 2008. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko believes it is necessary to grant additional powers to the Constitutional Court. The President made the statement on March 3 as he administered an oath to judges of the Constitutional Court.

“We should speak about not only the control over constitutionality of legal acts, but about new areas of the court’s efforts,” stressed the President. In his words, giving additional authority to the court will allow resolving the most difficult legal issues, which are directly connected with rights and legal interests of citizens as well as the operation of state bodies. Alexander Lukashenko remarked, he was worried that the Constitutional Court gets the best specialists, who may become too specialised, and thus their knowledge will not fully serve their country.

The head of state administered the oath to six judges of the Constitutional Court and awarded a gift edition of the Constitution to them. The President remarked, highly qualified lawyers, who rightfully enjoy respect in Belarus, entered the new court. “We expect you to work effectively exercising constitutional control, showing responsible, thought-out and measured approach to decision-making,” the President told the judges. “Be faithful to the oath, principles of judicial service, professional honour and responsibility before the Belarusian nation. You should always remember that unwavering observance of the Constitution guarantees political stability of the society and stable development of the country,” underscored the President.

Alexander Lukashenko remarked, the Constitutional Court has been renewed without cardinal changes, virtually half of the previous judges have retained their positions. According to the head of state, it is important that there are women in the court as it contributes to the stability of any structure.