Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko: Belarusians are a true nation built on diverse traditions

LYASKOVICHI, 15 August (BelTA) – Belarusians are a true nation that embraced the skills and traditions of different peoples, and there is nothing to be ashamed of, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the opening ceremony of the Call of Polesie festival in Lyaskovichi on 15 August, BelTA has learned.

The head of state stressed that the southern regions, particularly Polesie, are the cradle of the Slavic peoples. “Where did our Belarusians [the ancestors of Belarusians] originate from? Not only from Israel,” the president said with a touch of humor. “They came from Turov, all the way to the Polotsk lands, so that’s where our roots and origins lie. There is no need to be ashamed of this; that is how it was. No political agenda can rewrite this history or claim we came from the north. It all began right here.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed to the fact that he often visits Polesie and has concluded that the main traits of the Belarusian character originated here, in these lands. “The Poleshuks are clever, smart, very hardworking, and talented people. I am firmly convinced of this. This doesn’t mean people in the north or east are any less. Belarusians are strong and resilient, the Poleshuks have a true mark of excellence,” he said.

“Belarusians are a true nation that has integrated and absorbed the habits, skills, and traditions of people from Israel, the East, Europe, and from right here – from Kievan Rus and further up [the map]. There is no need to be ashamed of this; we must speak about things exactly as they were,” the president stated.

The head of state instructed that this point must be clearly highlighted in the National Museum, now under construction in downtown Minsk.

“Culture Minister Markov is completing the construction of the National Museum, and we must clearly highlight and cement this point there forever. For both our children and grandchildren, it must be clear: this is ours, we belong here, we will never leave, and we won’t hand it over to anyone,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated.

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