Belarus president encourages locals in Chernobyl-affected areas to partake in community development

The state will aid Bragin and other areas affected by the Chernobyl-catastrophe. But "hangers-on" will not be tolerated, Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko stated today while talking to residents of the town of Bragin. In his words, people living in areas affected by the Chernobyl catastrophe should join the efforts aimed at developing their local communities. The president stressed, at present the Belarusian state is realising several important programmes. The state cannot put them aside and shift entire attention to Chernobyl problems. "You should understand we need to modernise production facilities and accomplish a lot, what was not done in its time. The entire country should live at the same level," he added.