Opinions & Interviews

Myasnikovich expresses sympathy to France over Notre Dame fire

MINSK, 16 April (BelTA) – Belarusians were saddened to learn the news about the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Mikhail Myasnikovich said as he met with a French parliamentary delegation in Minsk on 16 April, BelTA has learned.

Mikhail Myasnikovich stressed that Belarusians are sincerely sorry about the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the main attractions of France, the symbol of Paris. “Belarusians, and many other people across the world, took this news close to heart,” he said.

Charles Guene, Deputy Chairman of the Finance Commission of the French Senate, chairman of the France-Belarus friendship group, thanked Mikhail Myasnikovich for the support noting that “his words really strike a chord”. The people of France are shocked over the Notre Dame fire, Charles Guene said.

As it has been reported, a fire occurred at the upper levels of the building on 15 April, at about 18.50 local time. According to some sources, the blaze could be potentially linked to ongoing renovations. The fire destroyed the upper part of the spire, the bell and a large part of the roof.

For centuries Notre Dame Cathedral has been the most iconic landmark of Paris. Notre Dame de Paris is situated in the eastern part of Ile de la Cite, at the site of the first Christian church in the French capital and is on the list of world monuments. In 2013, the cathedral celebrated its 850th anniversary. Every year it attracts about 14 million visitors.

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