Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Belarusians must not give away this land to anyone

MINSK, 9 May (BelTA) – It is the first time in millennia that Belarusians can live independently in their own land. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during a solemn ritual held in the State Flag Square on 9 May to honor the state symbols, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “We’ve always lived in the calm and peaceful country of Belarus. It is only recently that attempts have been made to set Belarusians at odds with each other. Today I can say: we have sorted lies from the truth. Let’s stop this standoff no one needs. Let’s clearly agree that for the first time in millennia we happen to enjoy the happiness of living in this piece of land and of raising our kids. Let’s at last understand that there will be no other land for us and nobody will gift us one.”

The president pointed out that a cruel and sometimes bloody redivision of the world had begun. “We don’t want to falter and face this steamroller. Once we falter, we will be broken just like we were many times in the course of history. They will wipe their feet off us and will push us down the sewer. Because by the will of fate and God we are located at a geopolitical fissure,” the head of state noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded that Belarus had always been an arena of someone else’s wars, that the Belarusian people had been stomped on and slaughtered – both elderly and babes in arms. “Does anyone really want a repeat of that in Belarus? We should not allow it. I am talking about Belarusians, all those who stand here today and welcome these symbols, and all those who are absent and have a different point of view. We should at last understand and recognize that we are Belarusians and this is our land. We must not give it away or gift it to anyone,” he stressed. “And may our symbols secure this unity and accord.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko congratulated participants of the ceremony and all the citizens of Belarus on Day of the State Emblem and the State Flag. “May these symbols of the country’s independence, heroism, unity of the nation protect peace in the native land, inspire us for new accomplishments in the name of the future of beloved Belarus,” he wished.

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