26.10.2012
Lukashenko shares responsibility for Belarus’ little-go in London
MINSK, 26 October (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said he shares responsibility for unsatisfactory performance of Belarusian athletes at the 2012 London Olympics.
“I am far from blaming only the sports executives and members of the Olympic Committee who are in attendance today. Of course the blame is first of all on the President of the country, not just the Olympic Committee,” Alexander Lukashenko said opening the National Olympic Committee (NOC) meeting on 26 October, BelTA has learnt.
“But let us remember about responsibility. I would like to remind you that the President of the country has every right and authority to hold each one, starting from an athlete to a top-ranking executive, responsible. I agreed to get in charge of the NOC only because we wanted to put an end to this feuds and money split-ins in sports, as was the case back then, and is the case in some states now. Forgive me for this slogan, but I offered you a “political protection” so that you, athletes, coaches and sports executives, could do your job without having to address other problems,” Belarusian leader said
“Thus, we have demonstrated that sport in Belarus is of utmost importance, including the professional sport. That has been my role and what I have promised,” the head of state said.
With regard to personal responsibility for results in the sports industry, Alexander Lukashenko recalled that it had already been determined by the formula “three plus one”: “The Minister, Zaichkov, Teterin plus Alekseenko. Back then we agreed: in case of failure you all would retire, or take up any other job. "
“It is time to be held responsible for the result. I ask you to see this meeting from this perspective,” the President said.
“I am far from blaming only the sports executives and members of the Olympic Committee who are in attendance today. Of course the blame is first of all on the President of the country, not just the Olympic Committee,” Alexander Lukashenko said opening the National Olympic Committee (NOC) meeting on 26 October, BelTA has learnt.
“But let us remember about responsibility. I would like to remind you that the President of the country has every right and authority to hold each one, starting from an athlete to a top-ranking executive, responsible. I agreed to get in charge of the NOC only because we wanted to put an end to this feuds and money split-ins in sports, as was the case back then, and is the case in some states now. Forgive me for this slogan, but I offered you a “political protection” so that you, athletes, coaches and sports executives, could do your job without having to address other problems,” Belarusian leader said
“Thus, we have demonstrated that sport in Belarus is of utmost importance, including the professional sport. That has been my role and what I have promised,” the head of state said.
With regard to personal responsibility for results in the sports industry, Alexander Lukashenko recalled that it had already been determined by the formula “three plus one”: “The Minister, Zaichkov, Teterin plus Alekseenko. Back then we agreed: in case of failure you all would retire, or take up any other job. "
“It is time to be held responsible for the result. I ask you to see this meeting from this perspective,” the President said.