Volozhin Region
Executive Committee

The Belarusian People's Congress will be held in late April 2024, Deputy Head of the Belarus President Administration Olga Chupris told the media ahead of a meeting of the collegium of the Justice Ministry, BelTA has learned.

“The first Belarusian People's Congress is set to convene in late April 2024 according to the rules specified in the Constitution and the law on the National Assembly,” Olga Chupris said.

As BelTA reported earlier, the Belarusian People's Congress bill was signed into law by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 8 February. The scale of the Congress' authority implies a special nature of its decisions. The Belarusian People's Congress decisions are taken by a majority of its full composition, are binding and may repeal legal acts and other decisions of government bodies that contradict the interests of national security.

The Belarusian People's Congress will comprise Presidium (a permanent board for prompt resolution of issues within the jurisdiction of the Congress) and Secretariat (a working body of the Congress). The Presidium will have 15 members. The chairperson of the Belarusian People's Congress, his/her deputies, and other members of the Presidium shall be elected at the first meeting of the Belarusian People's Congress.

The chairperson and deputies shall exercise their powers on a professional basis, other delegates shall exercise their powers on an in-service basis.

The Belarusian People's Congress shall meet at least once a year. Its Presidium shall have meetings at least once every six months.

The implementation of the law will give a new impetus to state development. The Belarusian People's Congress, formed on a democratic basis, will serve a stabilizing and consolidating function in society.

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Chairman of the Board of the National Bank Pavel Kallaur delivered a report to the head of state on the planned changes to the Banking Code, BelTA has learned.

"The Banking Code has been updated to improve the legal framework in which the National Bank and banks operate. This step has been due to changes in the macroeconomic environment and national legislation, integration processes in the financial sector and the dynamic development of information technologies in the banking sector," Pavel Kallaur explained.

Among the proposed changes, there is set of legislative initiatives of a macroeconomic nature.

New objectives of the National Bank

First. Expansion of objectives of the National Bank.

"In addition to the goal of ‘maintaining price stability', it is proposed to formalize the second goal - ‘ensuring financial stability' and ‘promoting sustainable economic development of the country'," the head of the National Bank said.

From a legal point of view, this will streamline responsibility and the authority to ensure financial stability, and clarify the key areas of the National Bank's activities, Pavel Kallaur emphasized. "The economic effect: the monetary policy will be more focused on cultivating the favorable environment for sustainable development of the economy," he said.

Ensuring financial stability

Second. Improvement of the legal mechanism for ensuring financial stability.

"This norm defines the status of the National Bank as a state body responsible for ensuring financial stability in banking and other areas regulated by it and for ensuring comprehensive approaches to financial stability. This provision is aimed at building up the capacity to take proactive measures, to neutralize possible challenges and shocks, to strengthen interdepartmental cooperation and also at expanding the possibilities in terms of comprehensive and effective counteraction to the system of risks," Pavel Kallaur reported to the head of state.

The National Bank is confident that the implementation of the proposed regulations will improve the effectiveness of the monetary policy and also its consistency with the general economic policy. It will also contribute to the fulfillment of Belarus' obligations under the Union State program on monetary policy and macroprudential regulations.

After the meeting, Pavel Kallaur told the media that the work to update the Banking Code was not launched spontaneously. It has been on for the past two years. The government, the State Control Committee, both Houses of Parliament, experts and the banking community have been involved in this work.

“We need these updates because technologies are changing, including in the banking system, and the area of protecting the rights of consumers of financial services is strengthening. A new Constitution has been adopted, and we also need to bring the laws in line,” the head of the National Bank said.

In his words, some norms are aimed at harmonizing legislation with that of Russia. “First of all, we are talking about a new goal once the Banking Code is adopted. The goal is to ensure financial stability. The current norm is that the National Bank together with the government provides monitoring. Monitoring is not enough, however. We must have the appropriate tools,” Pavel Kallaur explained. “We have seven programs as far as the National Bank is concerned. They are all aimed at providing favorable conditions for citizens and companies to work with Russian enterprises and citizens. This is done in the interests of the direct participants of the integration process.”

The head of state approved the majority of proposed novelties at the end of the meeting. He instructed to finalize certain provisions and submit the document to the Parliament.

“I think we will be able to promptly complete the work and submit the document to the House of Representatives,” Pavel Kallaur added.

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Belarus' Prosecutor General Andrei Shved detailed the decree on the commission for people who want to return to their homeland as he spoke to the media after his meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 6 February, BelTA has learned.

According to him, the document describes not only the composition of the commission (two-thirds of it consists of representatives of the public, well-known people) but also defines the conditions and procedure for consideration of applications from Belarusian citizens living abroad.

“The document covers the period of possible or committed offenses from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023. People may apply to the commission by mail or over the internet. The decree specifies the requirements for such an application, the list of documents that must be attached. It also specifies the decisions to be made by the commission. Everything is open and clear. There will be an open and free voting by the commission members on each case,” the prosecutor general said.

In his words, no one is forced to return home or apply to the commission. “This is a goodwill gesture on the part of our state. In order to remove all kinds of provocations, the decree has a separate provision regarding the persons in respect of whom the commission has made a decision. Such persons can make use of it within a period of three months,” Andrei Shved said.

According to him, the decree provides for the possibility of implementing all legal norms aimed at releasing the person from liability or changing the preventive measure. "Most importantly is when this person, having received a document stating that the state has no claims against them or that a preventive measure has been changed, or that some other decision has been taken, may enter the Republic of Belarus safely. They will have a guarantee that in the event of any grievances on the part of law enforcement it is only with the consent of the Prosecutor General or a person acting on his behalf that procedural measures or some legal decision may be taken. This is very important," the prosecutor general said.

They have started publishing the information abroad on this subject and making attempts to intimidate people not to return to their homeland. This is because the destructive forces are using Belarusian citizens for their own gains, for making money. "It's clear and obvious," he said.

In this regard, the prosecutor general gave a recommendation to everyone who wants to return to Belarus: "Think for yourself. Think about your relatives, friends, and children. Think everything through, weigh pros and cons, read up. Everything is clear."

Speaking about the powers of the commission, he said that it will approach each case individually."The decree defines the types of decisions that the commission may take. If we come to the understanding that a person made a mistake, succumbed to emotions and influence (the information influence and pressure were tremendous at that time) and that they sincerely repent now, we will recommend that law enforcement agencies make a procedural decision, for example, to stop criminal prosecution. The commission notifies a person about this: ‘Indeed, there were criminal proceedings against you but they were stopped as of this particular date. You have the right to enter the country safely. There are no claims against you." Unless a person has hidden something, has committed a crime no one knows about, then I say that law applies equally to everyone," Andrei Shved explained.

The commission will include about 30 people. They will convene as the materials for each case are ready. An application shall be considered within two months, or three months in exceptional cases.

As BelTA reported earlier, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed the decree on the commission for people wishing to return home on 6 February.

“I also looked at the composition [of the commission] and other things. If we did not include anything in the decree, the prosecutor general has enough power to engage the entire state apparatus, civil servants to solve this issue,” the head of state said.

“We should look not only at the so-called opposition in exile. There can be others. They understand very well that we will find them anyway. Some people will apply to the commission and it will sort things out,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The president asked not to force anyone back to Belarus. “They started claiming that ‘Lukashenko wants them back to put behind bars'. They will read the decree and see how the commission is going to work,” he said.

The head of state stressed that the authorities are not going to deprive anyone of their liberty. On the other hand, people who have deserved punishment are unlikely to appeal to the commission. he noted

"If they apply, we'll consider. Everything will be according to the law. But most importantly, we are not dragging anyone here by force. You correctly proposed an application-based principle (over the internet or by mail). We are not going to drag people here by force to imprison them, as they claim, or even to speak to them. This is our goodwill, we have demonstrated it. Please contact us, and we will consider your applications. If you don't want to, stay there. If you want to fight, please go ahead. If you want to sweep the streets, you are welcome. Not everyone can fight; not everyone will be taken to the front. Sweep the streets, wash the dishes. Those who are more prepared will be carrying ammunition for the guns in Poland or Lithuania. It's their choice. We are not forcing anyone or insisting on anything in this regard," the Belarusian leader said.

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A trial linkup of the second unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant to the national power grid is scheduled for March-April 2023, BelTA learned from Belarusian Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk.

After that specialists will have to carry out a large number of physical and electric tests and other tests in various operation modes while gradually upping the unit's output.

Mikhail Mikhadyuk said: “The first connection to the power grid does not mean that the unit will not be disconnected. In accordance with programs we have to increase its output to certain levels, carry out tests, reduce the output to zero and test again. The unit will start operating with the output set at 40-50MW. A series of tests will follow. Then the output will be raised up to 75MW followed by a series of tests. The next level is 90MW and so on. The process will take at least half a year. Ensuring the safe operation of the nuclear power plant's unit, nuclear and radiation safety is the most important thing for us. This is why we are approaching the work meticulously.”

The official stressed that all the processes at the Belarusian nuclear power plant are closely overseen. For instance, an inspection by the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry (Gosatomnadzor) took place last week.

In his words, construction and installation work at the second unit has been nearly finished. Startup and commissioning operations are in progress. Then the reactor unit's output will be raised to the minimum controllable power level.

The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant was commissioned on 10 June 2021. The acceptance commission signed the relevant certificate on the basis of positive conclusions of oversight agencies and the working commission of the Belarusian nuclear power plant as well as on the basis of the license the regulatory body had issued for the commercial operation of the first unit. The commercial operation stage was preceded by a large amount of work meant to check the readiness of technological systems and equipment to operate at specified heat and electricity output levels. The necessary tests had been done and the personnel had been trained.

The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant underwent its first scheduled preventive repair in 2022. Nuclear power plants undergo such scheduled preventive repairs every year. The maintenance is meant to ensure reliable operation of the equipment and technological systems. Essential equipment of the reactor unit, a turbine generator, and main circulation pumps was repaired. About 3,000 technological systems and equipment units underwent diagnostics. The first reloading of spent nuclear fuel was completed: 48 out of 163 fuel assembly rods were replaced in line with the regulations. The first unit is now operating at its rated output.

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Negotiations are underway to launch regular flights between Cairo and Minsk, Director of the Aviation Department Artyom Sikorsky said at the final meeting of the board that was also attended by Transport and Communications Minister Aleksei Avramenko, BelTA learned from the press service of the Transport and Communications Ministry.

Artyom Sikorsky reviewed the performance of the aviation industry in 2022 and its prospects for this year. According to him, anti-crisis programs and action plans were implemented throughout the year to prevent economic insolvency of individual organizations, reduce the cost of production and sale of products, works and services, as well as increase the export of transport services.

The construction of Aircraft Repair Plant No. 407 continued as part of investment effort. The funds allocated under the state investment program for 2022 were utilized in full.

A new impetus was given to Belarusian State Academy of Aviation. The academy enrolled the first group of students to be trained as civil aviation pilots; a flight training program was developed and approved. The first group of students will start training under this program in June 2023.

Negotiations with Egypt on opening regular flights between Cairo and Minsk are in the active phase. In November 2022, the Aviation Department issued accreditation to Iran's Mahan Air to operate flights between Minsk and Tehran.

Flydubai resumed flights between Minsk and Dubai. Flights are available every day. The Chinese air carrier Air China will operate flights once a week.

The Union State program on the harmonization of transport regulations of Belarus and Russia continues. Agreements were signed between educational institutions of Belarus and Russia on the recognition of civil aviation training programs.

In December 2022, the aviation authorities of Belarus and Russia signed an agreement on the possibility of operating 63 Moscow-Minsk flights a week on a regular basis by the designated airlines of both countries, as well as under the so-called ‘triangle' scheme.

Transport and Communications Minister Aleksei Avramenko drew attention to key issues and urged to mobilize all resources to fulfill the tasks facing civil aviation. “The situation as a whole requires serious attention and non-conventional solutions. Today, the aviation industry continues to develop, sets goals that can only be achieved through concerted efforts and teamwork, as experience, knowledge, and the desire to work for the common good help us handle any difficulties,” he said.

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The National Council on Historical Policy is a form of communication between the government and the public, Head of the Belarus President Administration Igor Sergeyenko told the media at a meeting of the National Council on Historical Policy under the Belarus President Administration at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 1 February, BelTA has learned.

“The National Council on Historical Policy is one of the forms of communication with citizens, because the council includes not only representatives of the academic science from Minsk, but also heads of public organizations, institutions in the regions,” said Igor Sergeyenko. “For example, the head of the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, who initiated several questions last year, and the head of the search association from Mogilev make part of the council.”

“Therefore, indeed, the National Council on Historical Policy is a form of communication between the government and all regions, communication with the public,” the head of the Belarus President Administration stressed.

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A joint tabletop exercise of the joint command of the Belarus-Russia regional military force is scheduled to start in Belarus' Armed Forces on 31 January, the Belarusian Defense Ministry press service told BelTA.

Representatives of the Belarusian Defense Ministry and the Russian one will spend a week practicing the joint planning of troops deployment on the basis of experience of the armed conflicts of the last few years. The exercise will focus on making decisions on employing the regional military force for the sake of ensuring military security of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.

The set of joint operational training measures is designed to improve compatibility of Belarusian and Russian military command bodies. The exercise represents another step in preparations for the joint operational exercise Union Shield 2023, which will take place in Russia in September 2023.

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Senators approved the bill “On the Belarusian People's Congress” at the sitting of the tenth session of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the seventh convocation on 30 January, BelTA has learned.

The draft law is designed to implement the decision of the national referendum of 27 February 2022, which adopted the amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. The draft law determines the competence, the order of formation and activities of the Belarusian People's Congress.

It provides that the Belarusian People's Congress approves the main directions of domestic and foreign policy, the military doctrine, the concept of national security, programs of social and economic development of the Republic of Belarus, hears the president's annual address to parliament, has the right to legislative initiative, proposes amendments and addenda to the Constitution and has the right to consider the legitimacy of elections, etc.

The document defines the forms of the Belarusian People's Congress's activity, establishes its competence, size and procedure for the election of the Presidium of the Belarusian People's Congress, establishes the legal status of the Belarusian People's Congress delegates, their rights and obligations, and the grounds for termination of their powers.

Senators approved the bill “On the Belarusian People's Congress” at the sitting of the tenth session of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the seventh convocation on 30 January, BelTA has learned.

The draft law is designed to implement the decision of the national referendum of 27 February 2022, which adopted the amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. The draft law determines the competence, the order of formation and activities of the Belarusian People's Congress.

It provides that the Belarusian People's Congress approves the main directions of domestic and foreign policy, the military doctrine, the concept of national security, programs of social and economic development of the Republic of Belarus, hears the president's annual address to parliament, has the right to legislative initiative, proposes amendments and addenda to the Constitution and has the right to consider the legitimacy of elections, etc.

The document defines the forms of the Belarusian People's Congress's activity, establishes its competence, size and procedure for the election of the Presidium of the Belarusian People's Congress, establishes the legal status of the Belarusian People's Congress delegates, their rights and obligations, and the grounds for termination of their powers.

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According to Koltsovo International Airport based in Yekaterinburg, Belavia was among the top three most punctual air carriers, BelTA learned from the press service of the airline.

“Koltsovo International Airport has compiled a punctuality rating of airlines that fly to Yekaterinburg. Last year, Belavia entered the top three,” the press service informed.

The rating took into account delays (a delay is defined as a deviation from the schedule of more than 15 minutes, if it was not caused by weather conditions).

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The job of the government is to ensure the free expression of the will of citizens in a peaceful and safe environment, CEC Chairman Igor Karpenko told reporters on the sidelines of the roundtable "Electoral Process: Experience and Prospects for Development" at the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of Belarus attended by a delegation of the Election Commission of Leningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation, BelTA has learned.

The roundtable brought together experts, teachers and students undergoing advanced training courses on the topic "Theory and practice of the electoral process". The parties are set to exchange experience in conducting electoral campaigns, discuss issues and ways to solve them.

"It's no secret that any election campaign or referendum politicizes society. There are different points of view and different ideologies, the possibility of setting up political parties, pluralism of opinions. We are also actively discussing these topics. But I would like to emphasize that the Constitution is, as the president put it, the basis of the state ideology. It lays down the main principles - sovereignty, inviolability, territorial integrity of our state, and the security of the country. Therefore, however wide the pluralism of opinions is, they should work to strengthen the statehood, sovereignty and security of the country," Igor Karpenko said.

According to him, various questions may arise during election campaigns. "This may be external influence, including misinformation campaigns. Sometimes we have to deal with a hybrid impact. Our neighbor Ukraine is an example in this regard. We, too, experienced certain elements of hybrid impact within the framework of the election campaign in 2020. Of course, we are discussing these topics, and the task of any state is to ensure the free expression of the will of citizens in a calm, peaceful and safe environment and to keep the situation stable," the CEC head noted.

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