Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 June (BelTA) – Modern Europe does not need Lithuania to artificially amp up tensions. Chairman of the International Affairs Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Valery Voronetsky made the relevant statement in a social network in response to recent remarks made by Lithuania President Dalia Grybauskaite, BelTA has learned. In particular, in an interview with the LRT TV channel Dalia Grybauskaite mentioned proximity to Belarus among the challenges and threats the Baltic states and Poland face.

According to Valery Voronetsky, a lot of politicians have emerged in Eastern Europe, who are intent on painting their countries as frontline states in a bid to freshen memories of Western partners and their own voters. “By artificially intensifying tensions and inspiring new fears in people’s minds, they willingly or unwillingly give rise to seeds of mistrust and confrontation among nations, provoking the emergence of new dividing lines on our continent. Obviously, it is not exactly what the founding fathers of the peaceful and united Europe envisaged. And certainly it is not exactly what modern Europe needs at present in order to stay strong, prosperous, consolidated, and influential. Particularly in view of emerging very serious global challenges and threats that require our unity,” the MP was convinced.

Valery Voronetsky reminded that Belarus’ statehood is rooted deep in European history and culture. Belarus has always contributed to the development of the European civilization in addition to helping Europe get stronger and more united. “Suffice it to say that our ancestors gave in essence the first European constitution to Europe by writing the Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in ancient Belarusian nearly 500 years ago. It was quite a progressive document for Europe back then. Norms of this most ancient constitution came into effect here decades before similar legislation was put into practice in Western Europe,” said Valery Voronetsky. In his words, later on many clauses of the Statute were reflected by constitutions of other European nations and even became part of the constitution in a number of countries across the globe. “Even today this fine specimen of the legal culture of our ancestors is studied at University of Paris,” stated the MP.

“It was our famous compatriot, a native of the city of Polotsk, the Belarusian enlightener Francysk Skaryna, who was one of the first people in Europe to print a Bible in ancient Belarusian. This year we celebrate the 500^th anniversary of this event, which is of historical importance for all Europeans,” added the chairman of the International Affairs Commission of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament.

“Belarusians continue making their own tangible contribution to the development of the European stabilization and efforts to ensure unity, stability, and security on our continent. A long time ago we reached out to our European friends and partners, who are intent on building a strong, united, prosperous, and competitive Greater Europe. Let’s work together to accomplish this goal, which is most important for all of us. Europe should not be divided and therefore weak!” stressed Valery Voronetsky.