13 July, Vitebsk /BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has described the Olympics as politicised and fraught with problems. He made this statement on 12 July during the opening of the XXI International Arts Festival "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk", as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The Head of State drew a comparison between "Slavianski Bazaar" and the Olympics. "In terms of the number of participants and the diversity of its programme, 'Slavianski Bazaar' can claim the title of a summer cultural Olympics," the President said. "The main Olympic principle applies here: art, like sport, is beyond politics. The stage is dominated by the spirit of fair competition and sincere admiration for talent, regardless of the nationality, faith, or skin colour of its possessor." "The Olympics are far behind our 'Bazaar'. They are politicised, and there are many problems. 'Slavianski Bazaar', on the other hand, is an island of free thought and independence, and there is much to learn from our 'Slavianski Bazaar'," the Head of State noted. This is precisely why, in the President's opinion, "Slavianski Bazaar" has become one of the most popular launchpads in Europe for young artists. "There is even a saying: whoever achieves success for the first time on the Vitebsk stage will undoubtedly become a star. The examples of Taisiya Povaliy, Ruslana, Alyona Lanskaya, and many other laureates are the best confirmation of this," the President said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that, having entered its third decade, the festival has not stagnated in its development but constantly reveals new facets of the world of contemporary art.-0-

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