Lukashenka: Situation is not easy

The dictator warns that the process of tackling the crisis will take a longer time than expected.

“Everything was going to be all right, we seemed to find the way out, but external circumstances at the end of the year – the fall of the Russian ruble, the fall of the Russian currency, which is a half of our export – have significantly hit our economy,” Interfax quotes Lukashenka as saying to the newly appointed officials on Tuesday.

He noted that Belarus, as other states, has not yet tackled the economic crisis that “broke out in the world”.

“We didn't throw our state into the whirlpool of this crisis as many suggested it. They said that other countries' economies sank and hit the bottom and we should follow them and then recover as others. But we chose another way. We were suppressing the crisis and protecting people. We have entered the crisis smoothly. Due to this extended period we will need more time to overcome the crisis,” the ruler said.

He assured that Belarus would tackle the crisis. According to him, a serious work on the diversification of the markets the county's goods is under way. “The new government works hard in this direction. But we can do nothing without you. Everything that benefits the state and its people is created there where you start working tomorrow,” Lukashenka noted.

“The situation is not easy, but not catastrophic or even critical. Set particular tasks for your subordinates and demand their implementation. But don't overpress. Remember that your subordinates are the same people as you are. They have families and should have time for them, too,” he said.