Meeting with refugees in logistics hub near Bruzgi checkpoint

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko visited the logistics hub near the Bruzgi checkpoint where a temporary accommodation facility for refugees was arranged on 26 November.

The head of state arrived at the logistics center together with Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik and Chairman of the State Border Committee Anatoly Lappo. Upon arrival Aleksandr Lukashenko was greeted by President’s Aide – Inspector for Grodno Oblast Yuri Karayev, Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture, and Social Development Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Viktor Liskovich and Secretary General of the Belarus Red Cross Dmitry Shevtsov.

Aleksandr Lukashenko inspected the food distribution point and asked whether there is enough food for everyone. The head of state met with representatives of the Red Cross. The head of state had a conversation with refugees who still hope to get to the European Union at the logistics hub near the Bruzgi checkpoint. The migrants welcomed the head of state with applause.

The head of state asked them whether there is enough space in the center, whether things are ok in terms basic essentials. "In general, everything is fine," the refugees replied to the President.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the situation on the border is being monitored. He also spoke about the flights for migrants to return to their homeland. "We will see how things will be for three or four days. Then, if necessary, we will add more places for accommodation," the Belarusian leader said.

The head of state was briefed on the fire safety measures. Earlier, the president gave appropriate instructions to Emergencies Minister Vadim Sinyavsky and Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik. On 19 November, Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed to pay priority attention to fire safety measures in the transport and logistics center.

In a conversation with the refugees Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that the migrant crisis would be resolved.

“We are all human. We all have difficulties, bad times, but I am sure that we will overcome these problems together,” the President said. “I know that representatives of many international organizations come to you. Some of them sincerely want to help, while others come to be seen with refugees and to show that they are dealing with some problems here”.

The President stressed: “I’d like to say that my task and the task of all those working here upon my instructions are to help you, the people in distress.”

He remarked that many refugees have mobile phones and the people get information from there. “A lot of voices can be heard today. And there are many different signals in your phones. Half of them are fair, honest, and sincere signals. While half are fake and lies. As you stay here, you have to learn how to tell truth from lies,” the Belarusian leader said. “I stress once again: it is very important to determine what is true and what is lies.”

“Some of you, believing Western propaganda, are looking for a better life there. Probably, life is better there than in the place you came from. But the worst thing, as I understand it (I see a lot of kids here), is that you, adults, do not see a future for your children in your homeland. In a word, there are all kinds of people here. But you have one big common problem: you are experiencing a very difficult situation. I am sure that this is temporary. We, Belarusians, including me, will do everything as you wish, even if it is bad for Poles, Latvians and someone else,” the President said.