Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Nationalism is not just speaking Belarusian

MINSK, 19 February (BelTA) – Nationalism is not speaking the Belarusian language but the desire to do something that will be remembered by people, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with actors of the Yanka Kupala theater on 19 February, BelTA informs.

“I think that nationalism is not speaking the Belarusian language. It is necessary to do something that will be remembered. I am always committed to promoting traditions,” the president said.

As an example of such traditions of sovereign Belarus the head of state mentioned the annual address of the president to the Belarusian parliament and people. The Belarusian People’s Congress is held once in five years. “You are also a good tradition, you are a symbol of our nation. Therefore, it is always necessary to create something that will help you stand out from the crowd. This will be good nationalism, for what I am often criticized and reproached in Russia. But I am saying that I am the president of Belarus. Therefore, I will do my best to help our people be different from others. From Russians too,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that speaking two languages – Belarusian and Russian – is the legacy of the Belarusian nation. And we cannot give up on that legacy, he is convinced.

“Never be in a hurry. This is especially relevant for creative workers and politicians. We do not have a right to be in a hurry,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Our policy on this piece of land should be very careful. This is what belongs to us, we don’t ask for more. We will not give a millimeter of our land to anybody.”

“Let’s take care of our country, and you should embody it in your creative work. You must! Not for me. You must do it for your people. Let the previous year be a good lesson for us. Especially for our children. We can just lose them,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.

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