Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko rules out compromises on sovereignty, security

MINSK, 19 April (BelTA) – There has not been and will never be room for compromises on the matters of sovereignty and security in the foreign and domestic policy of Belarus, President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during his Annual State of the Nation Address on 19 April, BelTA has learned.

“As for the matters of sovereignty and security in our foreign and domestic policy there has been no room for compromises. And never will be. The experience of repeated division of the Belarusian nation and redrawing of our borders has taught us to value today’s unity and territorial integrity,” the Belarusian leader said.

The head of state stressed that the memory of the Great Patriotic War is unshakable: “Our history began more than a thousand years ago. It could have ended in the 1940s if not for the heroism of our Soviet people. On the day of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazis, we will be celebrating an important date for our statehood, a date which has become a symbol of independence and freedom of our native land.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the country will see only peaceful victories during this landmark year: “We will host large-scale international sports events. We will welcome numerous foreign guests, athletes and fans to our hospitable land. We will continue to implement our big nationwide project Native Land.”

“These are the tasks for the near-term outlook. They are all very important for Belarus. Our main priorities remain the same, namely people’s wellbeing, a peaceful foreign policy, and national security. These are the three pillars for the confident development of our country,” the Belarusian leader said.

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