On November 22, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. The new Law of Belarus "On Work with Citizens' Appeals", which comes into force on January 22, 2012, introduces a number of norms regulating work with the public. This was announced to journalists today by the Director of the National Centre for Legislation and Legal Research of Belarus, Vadim Ipatov, who is taking part in a regional seminar on the organisation of work with appeals from citizens and legal entities in Vitebsk, BELTA correspondent reports. One of the innovations is the legislative consolidation of the concept of "electronic appeal" and the requirement for officials to mandatorily consider electronic appeals received on the official websites of state organisations and respond to them. At the same time, Vadim Ipatov noted that when this norm was enshrined in the new law, it had already been tested in practice. In addition, the new law contains norms that strengthen the need for officials to pay close attention to citizens and, conversely, for people to show courtesy towards officials. The legislative act also provides for the possibility of audio and video recording during citizens' appointments, with all participants being warned about such recording before the appointment begins. This norm appeared taking into account the practice of applying the previous version of the law, added Vadim Ipatov. Its introduction will help ensure a normal business atmosphere during appointments, and also provides additional opportunities for evaluating the results of appointments later, including assessing how the person's problems have been resolved and the further fate of the appeals. "This is a rather progressive and necessary norm," Vadim Ipatov is confident. The new law also contains norms that tighten citizens' responsibility for unfounded appeals, Vadim Ipatov added. -0-

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