Former head of Belarus' Ice Hockey Federation appointed senator

“Yesterday I made a decision to send him to you as a senator. On the president's quota. We still have four vacancies there. I think he will suit well in our parliament, in the upper house. He is a capable man, I know that. I am sending him there not just because he is a patriot, a man devoted to his country (we do not offend or leave such people behind, that is clear to everyone), but I also want to see him as a capable person there. He is smart and competent. He grew up without a father. His mother works at the church. I know that this man is sincere. No matter what they write about him... They hit those who stand by me - Kochanova, Eismont, Baskov, Latyshenok, and so on and so forth (Whom else? All the rest is there, in the background, although they are under fire, too),” said the head of state.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Dmitry Baskov would be dealing with social issues, including sports matters. “Your main job is to help people. That is all! And, of course, sports issues,” the president said addressing Dmitry Baskov.

According to the president, there is a candidate for the post of the head of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation. “We have a candidate for the post of the head of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation. You met with the person yesterday. I think he will agree. He is a very experienced, intelligent man. We will need to help him. He is a great athlete, but not a hockey player. He is a good manager. If he agrees, we will need to help him,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“Well, for you, it will be a certain career growth at your age. I think you will gain political experience while working as a senator. You have enough patriotism and dedication to Belarus. Then it is up to you to decide what to do next,” the Belarusian leader told Dmitry Baskov.