Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 15 February (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has sent an address to Soviet internationalist soldiers, veterans of the war in Afghanistan on occasion of the anniversary of the Soviet troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

The head of state remarked that 15 February will forever be a mournful, heroic, and solemn date.

“Belarus will always remember the soldiers and officers who went through many hardships, displayed selflessness and courage in hotspots of tension. Those people took the heat of spreading international terrorism back then,” the address reads.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the fierce clash in Afghanistan claimed the lives of thousands of young men, and made their devastated mothers, widows and children cry. “The memory of the loss will always be an open wound for Belarusian people. It is a real blessing that many soldiers have returned home. We are happy that they have found their places under the sun in peaceful life,” the president said.

According to the head of state, being an example of courage and honor, internationalist soldiers have become a symbol of loyalty to the military duty. Veterans of the Great Patriotic War are proud of them, they are an example for the young generation.