News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 30 June (BelTA) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko presented state rewards to the distinguished people of Belarus. The ceremony was held in the Palace of Independence on 30 June, BelTA has learned.

“Our country is facing very demanding tasks which we recently discussed at the Belarusian People’s Congress. Whether we reach the goals depends on the attitude of each of us and our hard work. In life there are no sectors of secondary importance. National defense and security, economy, education, science, culture, sports, social security are crucial for the well-being of our state,” the head of state noted.

Awards were presented to representatives of the Armed Forces, the Prosecutor's Office, and the interior bodies. “By carrying out their official duties, they make a significant contribution to the national defense, protection of the legitimate interests of the citizens of our state, maintaining law, order and peace in the society,” Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The President recalled that in April of this year, Belarus marked the sorrowful date: the 30th anniversary of the catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In the face of the national disaster, our people showed true heroism. Today we also honor the people who took a very active part in the clean-up effort and helped the affected regions to get back to normal life,” the Belarusian leader said.

Alexander Lukashenko also commended representatives of real sectors. “They are the ones who create a robust base that is necessary to strengthen our economy. Among the awardees are the heads of Granit Company and Pobeda Poultry Farm. Amid the current difficult situation these talented people managed not only to keep their companies afloat but also lead them to the front,” the head of state said.

According to the Belarusian leader, representatives of science and education look into the future. “Thanks to such driving force, science and education take a solid and often leading place in the international arena,” the President noted.

Among the awardees were also people of art: artists, writers, representatives of other art professions. The head of state also stressed that it was important that the awards ceremony took place in the Year of Culture. Honorary titles were presented to actors of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater.

A number of athletes received the Honorary Master of Sports titles. The performance of coaches has also been praised. “A healthy lifestyle and physical development of the person will always be a top priority in our country,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.

“People who show their worth in civil service enjoy respect and public recognition. Their work gets a well-deserved accolade as well,” the head of state added.

“It is a pleasure to see people who have achieved remarkable professional results and who want our country to grow stronger and develop at a quick pace. I am confident that everybody in this hall is a successful and accomplished person,” Alexander Lukashenko said addressing the participants of the ceremony.

The head of state conferred the Order of the Fatherland 3rd Class on Chairman of the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee Vladimir Dvornik and Deputy Prosecutor General of Belarus Alexander Lashin.

Defense Minister’s Aide for Ideology in the Armed Forces, Head of the Main Department for Ideology at the Belarusian Defense Ministry Alexander Gura was awarded the Order for Service to the Homeland 2nd Class. A number of Belarusian defense and law enforcement officers were given the Order for Service to the Homeland 3rd Class.

The Order of Honor was bestowed on executives of different levels, including Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusy, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Anatoly Rusetsky, and Information Minister Lilia Ananich.

The Francysk Skaryna Order was presented to Viktor Tarantei, the Head of the Pedagogy and Social Work Chair at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.

Professionals from different walks of life, heads of organizations and institutions were awarded medals for excellence in emergency prevention and management, for labor merits, the Francysk Skaryna medal, and the titles Honored Artist, Honored Worker of Education, Honored Lawyer, Honored Metallurgist, Honored Worker of Physical Education and Sports, Honored Coach, and Master of Sports.