Year of People’s Unity

Lukashenko: People unanimously support strategic policy towards building strong sovereign Belarus

MINSK, 30 July (BelTA) – The Belarusian people unanimously support the strategic policy towards building a strong and sovereign country, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he met with senior local government officials to discuss topical social and political issues in Minsk on 30 July, BelTA has learned.

“This year has been declared the Year of People’s Unity. On 17 September, our country will celebrate a new state holiday for the first time - the Day of People’s Unity. We should make the day memorable for every Belarusian and hope that it finds its own unique features over time," Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “We chose this date for a reason. It is timed to coincide with the beginning of the Red Army’s campaign to liberate Western Belarus in 1939. More than half a century has passed, but the memory of this event lives in the hearts of Belarusians, because it became an act of historical justice against the Belarusian people, divided against their will."

“This is why we need sovereignty and independence - so that we would never be divided again against our will. 17 September symbolizes the territorial and ethnic consolidation of the Belarusian nation,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

He stressed that even today not all the nations can boast such an achievement. “For some people, the idea of national unity within a common statehood is still just a dream,” said the head of state.

“Today, the Belarusian people, despite serious external challenges and threats, unanimously support the strategic policy towards building a strong, sovereign and prosperous country. I would like it to be so in the future. We, people in power, must strengthen this unity based on the values of peace, mutual respect, and also respect   for traditions and history. We will counter the tactics to strangle us with our firmness, determination and commitment,” the president stressed.

“Let us show everyone that this small country is home to a proud and independent nation that remembers the deeds of its ancestors. Let us show them, who look on us from heaven, that we not only know and appreciate their deeds, but that we will do everything possible to prevent a hot war and confrontation. We need to hold our ground. This is the only way we can pass down our Belarus, a socially-oriented, high-tech, environmentally friendly country with well-developed industry, energy, agriculture and strong regions, to future generations. Going through all the trials, we will remain faithful to our national idea: ‘To be called human’. This chance was given to our generation and those who will come after us. We have no right to lose this chance,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

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