Lukashenko appointed Aleinik member of Council of the Republic

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has appointed Sergei Aleinik a member of the Council of the Republic

The Head of State explained, “He will head the relevant commission. He agreed with that.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled that former diplomat Sergei Rachkov now heads the Standing Commission on International Affairs in the House of Representatives. Sergei Aleinik will have a similar position in the Council of the Republic.

“Control over the Foreign Ministry by the Parliament – and on certain issues by the Government – will be strengthened. All of you have asked for greater powers — you will receive them, including the Parliament,” the Belarusian leader noted.

At the same time, the President warned that ‘it’s useless to try to influence’ Maksim Ryzhenkov, the new Foreign Minister, former First Deputy Head of Belarus President Administration, “Not only because he is directly subordinate to the President, but also because he is his own man. But there must be control: careful, honest, decent. Let’s consult before appointing ambassadors (they will discuss it at the commission) and so on. We will also do the same for ministers and other officials.”