“Evidence of high civic activity and the wisdom of our voters”
Anatol Rubinau, chairman of the Council of the Republic (upper house of Belarus’ parliament), described September's parliamentary elections as “evidence of high civic activity and the wisdom of our voters.”
While opening the final session of the outgoing upper parliamentary house, Mr. Rubinau said that the Belarusians had voted for “unity and understanding in society, for the country's social and economic development.”
Mr. Rubinau expressed “disappointment” at the OSCE observation mission's critical opinion of the poll.
“According to their opinion, the elections allegedly fell short of international standards and cannot be recognized as fair and transparent. We, of course, cannot agree with such an assessment of our elections,” he said.
He criticized the OSCE observation mission for having a biased attitude and using “predetermined” conclusions and said that it was part of pressure by Western politicians “who don't like our policy, don't like our calm situation in the country.” “And the main thing is that they don’t like the development of our allied relations with Russia. This is the main motive,” Mr. Rubinau said.
The parliamentary speaker condemned the European Union's refusal to recognize the elections as free and fair as “disrespect for the Belarusian people, the millions of voters who have come to the polls and cast their ballots for the candidates whom they thought were the most worthy ones.”
Elections complied with national and international standards, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives
The chairman of the House of Representatives (lower parliamentary chamber) on Tuesday defended September's elections for the lower parliamentary chamber.
While opening the final session of the outgoing House, Uladzimir Andrejchanka said that the September 18-23 elections “were held in full compliance with the constitution, national laws and international standards.”
“The results of the elections showed Belarusian society's support for the policy pursued in the country to preserve social and economic stability and carry out transformations in the people's interests,” he said.
Mr. Andrejchanka congratulated the members of the House who were reelected in the poll. “I have no doubts that you will become the nucleus of the new deputy corps and secure the continuity of the best parliamentary traditions,” he said.
The chairman said that the final session of the lower parliamentary house would be short but work-filled, with “a package of bills concerning the fiscal and tax spheres” topping the agenda.
“In the coming year the country must have a faster pace of economic growth in order to meet the targets set by the Fourth All-Belarusian People's Assembly,” he said, adding that it was important for the outgoing House to quickly approve the 2013 draft budget.
Lithuania makes concessions: will allow entry with Belarusian license plates if the owner is driving and has a residence permit or visa for Lithuania7
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