High-profile dismissals in government

Lukashenka has dismissed Tur, Kabiakou has received a reprimand, Siamashka may face charges.

Lukashenka dismissed Andrei Tur, a deputy head of the president's administration. Administration head Andrei Kabiakou received a severe reprimand with the last warning.

“The president's administration came here as observers. So, prepare a draft decree to dismiss Tur. Kabiakou has a severe reprimand with the last warning,” Lukashenka said after his visit to Borisovdrev wood processing plant, Interfax reports.

The ruler ordered to issue a reprimand to his aide, who “works here with you”.

Lukashenka ordered to prepare a meeting by December 10 to discuss the implementation of investment projects at the country's wood processing plants.

He said to head of the State Control Committee Aliaksandr Yakabson: “You form a commission, see modernisation plans and study what is going on there.” “Don't wait for me, because I will accompany you there [at Borisodrev plant] instead of Siamashka [first deputy PM Uladzimir Siamashka – Interfax] and Batura [until now head of the Minsk region executive committee – Interfax],” Lukashenka added. “You have to study everything. You must set up a working group similar to Kabiakou's commission on construction [Kabiakou is the head of the president's administration – Interfax]. Visit every plant, analyse everything in the state programme for modernisation of the wood processing industry,” he ordered.

Lukashenka called to “give special attention to Vitebsk, where we will hold a meeting by December 10”.

Lukashenka relieved Barys Batura, the chairman of the Minsk region executive committee, and Aliaksandr Peraslautsau, the chairman of Bellesbumprom group of companies, of their posts. He also threatened to open criminal cases against some officials.

“Batura must be relieved of his post and sent here [Borisovdrev plant]. If he doesn't appear at work for three days, a criminal case must be opened against him. If he doesn't fix everything until spring, a criminal case must be opened,” Lukashenka said.

He said that chairman of Bellesbumprom group of companies Peraslautsau should be sent here as an aide [to Batura]. “Relieve him [the chairman of the group of companies – Interfax] of his post and send him here,” Lukashenka said.

Speaking to top officials of the State Control Committee, the dictator said they should “open criminal cases immediately if you have any suspicions regarding the head of the group of companies, Batura or Siamashka [the first deputy prime minister – Interfax].” “As for Siamashka, we'll take a decision after the meeting on wood processing industry is held,” Lukashenka said.

The ruler demanded that minister of construction and architecture Anatol Chorny “begin to work”. “You are lucky today because you were appointed only recently. Put everything in order. You know how it must be done. We cannot walk and tumble endlessly: no foreign currency or other problems. We've spent millions of dollars here,” Lukashenka said.

Lukashenka's harsh decisions were caused by failure to fulfil his instructions on modernisation of Borisovdrev plant. He gave orders a year ago to implement the investment project and “establish order” at the plant.

Lukashenka changed the arranged route during his visit to the plant. He took a look at facilities and areas he wasn't supposed to see.

He expressed his discontent over the mess at the plant that hadn't been cleaned up during the year. Lukashenka said to officials just after he arrived at the plant: “Do you want me to look at every corner here? It's not a problem for me. But you with may stay in this dirt Siamashka and the governor,” the dictator said.

Former chairman of the Minsk region executive committee Batura and other officials were severely criticised. “You will be handcuffed and go to jail right now,” he said. “We agreed that it would be order there.”

Batura said in response: “I haven't had enough time.” “I will have it,” Lukashenka replied.