Anton Astapovich: It’s easy to say “we won’t be heard” and do nothing

The refusal to cooperate with the state authorities when dealing with socially important problems says about the unwillingness to work.

 This opinion shared with the EuroBelarus Information Service the head of the Belarusan Voluntary Association for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments Anton Astapovich.

The majority of the reprimands are nothing but laments

He believes that in order for the actions defending the historical center of the capital to be successful “we should do productive juridical work”. “As the majority of remarks and proposals that were under investigation in February, 11 were either about housing problems of the problems of dense build-up. And what concerns conceptual suggestions for the project with detailed planning, there were only 3 or 4 correct remarks at best. All the rest was nothing but laments”, - assumes Anton Astapovich.

At this stage while all the projects are under discussion and Minsk executive committee hasn’t come to a final decision, the society should restrain from far too sharp statements and blames: “This work is very specific. Of course, the society should take part in it. However, this participation shouldn’t come down to scandals, but rather run as a civilized discussion”.

No one considers unsubstantiated statements

In case when the decision of Minsk authorities on the historic part of the city is unacceptable, Anton Astapovich suggested them keeping up with the information from the Association for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. “And it is according to this information that the statements should be prepared, as all the statements published in the name of the Association are based and refer to the law. As practically no one considers unsubstantiated statements”, - highlighted the expert.

For now the project of detailed planning gets negative response from the experts and is certainly going to be improved, noted Anton Astapovich.

Certain political questions can be resolved in some other way

Anton Astapovich is quiet about the critical remarks that say about the impossibility to deal with Belarusan authorities: “It is said by those people who don’t want to work. It’s easy to say we won’t be heard anyway” and do nothing”.

He pointed out that certain cooperation with the authorities is possible not only when it comes to protection of historical monuments. “Even certain political questions can be resolved in some other way, and it’s not up to me to speak about tactics and strategy of some “third-sector” struggle. When people are not analyzing their mistakes, they trigger a backflash for months and years; they do not make conclusions and do not change their work; these are their problems”, - said Anton Astapovich.