Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Belarus is open for pure-minded, peaceful people

MINSK, 12 September (BelTA) — Belarus is open for everyone who is pure of heart and comes in peace, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with representatives of different nationalities living in Belarus on 12 September, BelTA has learned.

The head of state emphasized that many people from all over the world find their second homeland in Belarus. "Sometimes it seems that peoples who come to us leave their mutual strife, reproaches and grudges at the border checkpoints, as we say in Belarus, at the threshold of the house. How else can one explain that Arabs and Jews, Azerbaijanis and Armenians, Georgians and Abkhazians find a common language and live in peace and harmony here?" the president asked rhetorically. "Because all of you have become ours – you have become Belarusians."

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that everyone who lives in Belarus celebrates Victory Day and Independence Day together, preserving the memory of representatives of all nationalities who helped Belarusians to liberate and then rebuild towns and villages destroyed by fascists. This memory has been immortalized in the names of cities' avenues and streets. Parks, squares and educational institutions have been named after the heroes.

"We are absolutely open and will be open to everyone who is pure of heart and comes in peace. Therefore, it is difficult for Belarusians to understand what motivates the European elites in their desire to fence themselves off and rebuild the 'iron curtain' (if you remember they constantly reproached  us for it in the Soviet times)," the head of state said. "Realizing that this is a road to nowhere, we are taking unexpected, but clear steps in response: on the contrary, we are opening the borders and addressing the peoples of Europe directly. Fortunately, they hear us."

"The most interesting thing is when these people come to us, they become even greater patriots of Belarus than we are sometimes," the president added. Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that everyone has their own history and fate, some of them – their own misfortune. "The challenges and difficulties you have overcome, your victory over circumstances evoke a deep sense of respect and sincere sympathy," the head of state said. "I hope very much that you and your families have found peace and prosperity in our land."

The president emphasized that despite the relatively small size of Belarus, there is enough space to host and feed twice as many people as there are now. "That is why we are interested in encouraging your relatives, friends and close people to come to Belarus. I stress: you are our people," the head of state said.

"As for me as a president, I do not hide the fact that there has never been a case when you have not supported me," Aleksandr Lukashenko added. "Sometimes you even set the tone for our Belarusians: both good, kind people and those who have run away. You are a real treasure for us. We are always waiting for people like you in Belarus. We are ready to support you in your life. Believe me, if a misfortune happens, we will do everything to make sure that you, do not wake up every morning with this misfortune if you cannot forget it."

The head of state thanked the representatives of different nationalities living in Belarus for the patriotism they show: "I am absolutely convinced that you value and love our land, your land, just like all Belarusians, the native population."

The president asked the participants of the event about their life in Belarus, whether there are any systemic problems that need to be solved.

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