Alyaksandr Lukashenka congratulated Svetlana Alexievich on winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2015, the press service of the head of state reported.
“Your work has touched not only Belarusians, but also the readers around the world,” said Lukashenka.
The head of state said: “I am sincerely happy for your success. I really hope that your reward will serve our state and the Belarusian people.” Lukashenka wished Svetlana Alexievich good health, happiness and new achievements for the benefit of Belarus.
After persecution by Lukashenka regime, Alexievich left Belarus in 2000. The International Cities of Refuge Network offered her sanctuary and during the following decade she lived in Paris, Berlin and Gothenburg. In 2011 Alexievich moved back to Minsk.
