Minsk, August 30 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has demanded that the national banking system be put in order and urged banks to help the government and the National Bank of Belarus to stabilize the situation in the country.
"God forbid that you, along with the government and the National Bank, cannot stabilize the financial situation. Get undressed, exert yourselves and start working," Lukashenko said addressing bankers attending a conference dealing with the socioeconomic situation in the country on Tuesday.
Lukashenko warned that he will "make no difference whether these are state banks, private ones, or those with foreign capital."
"Nadezhda Andreyevna [Yermakova, the National Bank of Belarus head], ask the bankers to help you not only by giving advice but also financially," he said.
Describing the current situation in the Belarusian banking system, Lukashenko charged that "there is lack of discipline and too much greed there."
"A flow of misinformation is often poured on the population from the banking system," he said.
The president instructed the State Security Committee (KGB) and the State Control Committee to take this issue under control. "Measures will be taken immediately," he said.
"We know what is going on there, we know where foreign currency goes cheaply, and we know who sends you envelopes asking for converting public officials’ money," he added.
Addressing National Bank Chair Yermakova, Lukashenko said, "It is time for the banking system to be polished and mopped up. It needs to be brought to senses so that it turns its face to the state and the people."
