A. Lukashenko called the Olympics politicized, with many problems /updated/

July 12, Vitebsk /Tatyana Polezhay - BELTA/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called the Olympics politicized and fraught with problems. He stated this today during the opening of the XXI International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," a BELTA correspondent reports. The head of state compared the "Slavianski Bazaar" to the Olympics. "In terms of the number of participants and the diversity of its program, the 'Slavianski Bazaar' can claim the title of the summer cultural Olympics," the President said. "The main Olympic principle operates here: art, like sport, is beyond politics. The spirit of fair competition and sincere admiration for talent reigns on the stage, regardless of the nation, faith, or skin color of its owner." "The Olympics are far behind our 'Bazaar.' It is politicized, and there are many problems there. But the 'Slavianski Bazaar' is an island of free thought and independence, and there is much to learn from our 'Slavianski Bazaar'," the head of state noted. This is precisely why, in the President's opinion, the "Slavianski Bazaar" has become one of the most popular launchpads in Europe for young artists. "There's even a saying: whoever achieves success for the first time on the Vitebsk stage will definitely become a star. The examples of Taisiya Povaliy, Ruslana, Alyona Lanskaya, and many other laureates are the best confirmation of this," the President said. Alexander Lukashenko noted that, having passed its second decade, the festival has not stagnated in its development but constantly reveals new facets of the world of contemporary art. -0-