Polotsk will be developed as one of the largest tourist and cultural centers in Belarus.
25/05/20120 views
On May 25, Minsk /BelTA correspondent/. Polotsk will be developed as one of the largest tourist and cultural centres of Belarus. This was stated on May 25 by the Head of State Alexander Lukashenko, who participated in events dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the city, BelTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
Before the official ceremony, Alexander Lukashenko was briefed on the progress of socio-economic development of Polotsk and the Vitebsk region. Governor Alexander Kosinets reported to the Head of State on the fulfilment of forecast indicators, significant growth in net profit of the region's organisations, plans for attracting investments and housing construction, and the completion of spring field work. Throughout the year, the Vitebsk region has seen a steady increase in the monetary income of the population. The region's leadership plans to soon restore salaries to the level of $500, primarily through increased labour productivity and improved production efficiency.
The President was informed about the implementation of measures under the comprehensive programme for the development of Polotsk for 2008-2012, according to which many facilities in the city have already been repaired, reconstructed, and built. Of the 37 programme measures, 30 will be implemented by the end of 2012. Regarding the remaining seven, the regional leadership has found significant reserves for saving budget funds. At the same time, Alexander Kosinets requested additional funding for some issues. The Head of State instructed to study the possibility of providing such support.
Alexander Lukashenko visited Polotsk State University. Here, he was briefed on the fulfilment of the instruction regarding the restoration and reconstruction of the buildings of the former Jesuit Collegium, which houses this educational institution. A total of nine buildings were transferred. To date, six of them have been commissioned after modernisation. "I didn't believe you would restore it, and I regretted taking it on, but you did a good job," said the President.
Currently, the student population of Polotsk State University is about 13.5 thousand people. However, there are problems with providing housing. In this regard, the construction of a new student dormitory for 730 places is planned.
Alexander Lukashenko inspected the university premises, familiarised himself with the organisation of the educational process, and communicated with students.
The Head of State was also informed about the projects for the restoration and reconstruction of the historical part of Polotsk. In particular, it concerns the development of infrastructure in the territories adjacent to the Spaso-Evfrosinievsky Monastery and the Saint Sophia Cathedral. The President approved the proposed plans. "Everything must be preserved and restored," he instructed.
During his visit to the university and familiarisation with educational literature, the issue of periodically raising the question in society and the educational environment about the necessity of studying a particular subject in schools in one of the two state languages was also discussed. "Why raise issues when they have long been resolved and are being resolved smoothly on their own," the Head of State emphasised.
Alexander Lukashenko clearly stated his position that everyone should be free to choose which of the state languages to study in. He also noted that he had graduated from a Russian-language school. However, this did not prevent him from successfully studying the Belarusian language.
Then, the Head of State attended a concert dedicated to the city's anniversary. "This date is significant not only for the people of Polotsk. It evokes a deep sense of national pride in the heart of every Belarusian. Reverence for the glorious pages of one's people's chronicle is the foundation of patriotism and civic consciousness. Just as roots nourish and give stability to a tree, so do the historical past and respect for the deeds of ancestors elevate and ennoble a person, form and strengthen a nation," Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.
The President stressed that Belarusian statehood originates from the land of Polotsk. The city played an outstanding role in history as the spiritual cradle of the people. "It is from here that the light of Orthodox faith, literacy, and art spread throughout the Belarusian land," said the Head of State.
As Alexander Lukashenko noted, having visited Polotsk, he was pleased to see that the city has not stagnated in its development, nor has it turned into a museum city living only on past glory. "Its aspiration for the future is evident in everything: in new buildings and industrial enterprises, in the plans and moods of the people. Life is bustling here everywhere. The economy, social sphere, education, and culture are successfully developing, and comfortable conditions are being created for the residents of Polotsk and numerous guests. And at the same time, the rich heritage of past centuries is being carefully and wisely preserved," said the Head of State.However, the President noted, there are residents of the city who do not fully embrace the plans for the modernization of Polotsk. "I must say to those who directly, openly or covertly try to oppose the city's modernization: modernization is not a mere refurbishment, we aim to retrieve from ancient times everything that we do not see today, so that our nation can be proud of what is on the Polotsk lands," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "For these people, I want to say: I have made a decision - the general plan for the restoration of Polotsk. Polotsk will be a city that serves as a pillar of spirituality and culture for our people."
"Therefore, to those who are currently trying to go door-to-door and collect signatures - do not hurry, parliamentary elections will be held soon. Preserve this spirit, you will need it again, and we will turn Polotsk into a true Mecca for cultured individuals. The decision has been made," the President emphasized.
"I want to believe that thanks to the implementation of the concept for the development of the historical districts of Polotsk, this beautiful city will be reborn as if anew and will become one of the most promising cultural and tourist centers of our country," the Head of State added.
Speaking about Polotsk, Alexander Lukashenko noted that this city is affectionately called the heart of the Belarusian land. "Every Belarusian must visit this city to, by touching the origins of national history, feel pride in themselves and their hardworking and talented people," the President believes. "Here, in the geographical center of Europe, every European must also visit. Wandering through the streets, where for over a thousand years the traditions of the West and East, different faiths and cultures have intertwined, it will be easier to understand: our common past is a step towards a common future."
"Belarus is not the backwaters of Europe, but a gateway to EuroAsia, a key to the practical implementation of the idea of integration of integrations. After all, the unification of the potentials of the European and Eurasian unions will create entirely new opportunities for the dynamic development and comprehensive cooperation of the countries and peoples of the two continents. It is in promoting this idea that we see the most important mission and geopolitical role of our state as a connecting link," the President stated.
Alexander Lukashenko once again congratulated the residents of Polotsk on their anniversary and wished Polotsk continued life, development, and prosperity. -0-
BELTA