Lukashenka: Let's see how Alexievich will use her new image
On Friday, October 9, President Lukashenka spoke about the Nobel Literature prize for Belarusian writer and journalist Svetlana Alexieivch when meeting the workers who construct the Belarusian nuclear power plant in western Belarus. Euroradio reported earlier that Lukashenka congratulated Alexievich only six hour after news broke that the prize went to her.
"I am glad for her, because she is a citizen of Belarus. It is proof that whatever stance one may take, it is possible to work and create in Belarus and express a viewpoint", the head of state is quoted by Belarusian state news agency BELTA as saying. Svetlana Alexievich previously criticized the policy of Aliaksandr Lukashenka on numerous occasions.
Lukashenka noted he was not an expert in the writer's works but knows her books.
He also stated that he does not consider Alexievich an opposition activist. He reckons it is good when "a person has his/her own stance - perhaps even an opposite stance". "She wrote normal books; she has her own style... I have nothing against," said Lukashenka.
"The key thing for her now is how to use this baggage properly. If you are a citizen of Belarus, this is your land, your state - whether you like it or not. But today you are a person who had risen high. Let's see how you will use this image, this baggage for the benefit of your people," noted the head of state.
Photo: BELTA, nn.by
