Independent observer on barrier-free environment at polling stations: everything is set up as it should be

International observer from Austria Wolfgang Wasiczek visited several polling stations in Vitebsk. He paid attention to the organization of the voting process for people with disabilities, BELTA correspondent reports.

Wolfgang Wasiczek was on an observer mission for the first time in an election campaign and visited Belarus for the first time. He has formed positive impressions of the country and its people. He managed to visit Minsk and see the sights of Vitebsk. At the referendum, the international observer paid attention to many aspects, including the organization of voting for people with disabilities. "I have a disabled friend, and it is important for me that people with disabilities and the elderly can come to the polling stations. It is good that such people have the opportunity to read texts at the polling stations, and there are experienced people who help and explain if questions arise," the independent observer emphasized.

The difficult situation in the world worries the resident of the European country. "Austria has a tradition of diplomatic relations with different countries. And even when there are conflicts, we are always ready to build platforms for communication. As an Austrian citizen, I really hope that our politicians and diplomats, even under pressure from various forces, will remember these traditions and improve relations, including with Belarus," the international observer said.

Wolfgang Wasiczek noted that this visit to Belarus will be a starting point for new travels around the "Blue-Eyed" country. He will take with him many books as souvenirs from the country, including books on the history of Belarus. The Austrian visited the Marc Chagall Museum and the Museum of the History of the Vitebsk People's Art School, where the famous painter once studied.

"I am very interested in your country. The political circumstances are difficult now, but in my opinion, Belarus is an important part of Europe. And it is in the interests of Europe and my country, Austria, that ties with Belarus improve faster, despite the international crisis. I think the main task of diplomats is to maintain and improve ties. It is always easier for friends to reach an agreement than for enemies," emphasized the guest of Belarus.

In total, eight international observers are working at the referendum in the Vitebsk region, as reported by the regional executive committee.