News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko: Belarusian people's unity equals independence of the state

MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) - The unity of the Belarusian people equals the independence of the state. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement in his address to the youth forum Youth. Belarus. Future dedicated to People's Unity Day, BelTA has learned.

The head of state noted that when the Treaty of Riga was signed and a decision was made to divide Belarus in 1921, Belarus’ opinion was not taken into account.

“They decided it without us. I believe this was a grave mistake by the Soviet government,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed. “The fact remains: in 1921, they decided our fate without us, and part of Belarus, almost half of it (the most developed and advanced part, if we take into account the land, forests and other things that we consider our main wealth), ended up there [as part of Poland].

In this context, the president emphasized unity as a crucial element in preserving sovereignty and independence.

“The unity of the Belarusian people equals the independence of our state. It is an element and an indicator of our independence. Unity is our independence,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

He noted that Belarus’ geopolitical position – at a fault line and at the intersection of interests from the west and east – has both advantages and serious disadvantages. Only a truly independent people capable of making the right decisions independently can take advantage of these opportunities.

The Day of People’s Unity serves precisely this purpose. That is why the head of state attaches great importance to it and expects young people, who are the country’s future, to do the same.

“You will tell your children and grandchildren about this holiday; you will celebrate it and honor it if you want to be independent. If you want your word to be heeded in the future," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.