Lukashenka’s Independence Day speech: Space power, dialogue with West, sister Russia
During the military parade on July 3 president Alyaksandr Lukashenka made a speech dedicated to the Independence Day of Belarus. Belsat.eu has picked out the most interesting excerpts:
Threats to Belarus
Historic experience proves that diplomacy alone cannot protect the country. There is a need for an efficient defense system. The strength of the state lies in its ability to forestall and pre-empt danger. Unfortunately, military force remains one of the major arguments in international relations. This means that every state that values its integrity and independence must be able to defend its people. This is why Belarus will continue strengthening its army equipping it with advanced weapons and hardware.
New weapons and ‘space power’
It [Polonez Multi-Launch Rocket System] is a cutting-edge weapon. Its presence is an important factor of strategic deterrence against attemts to talking to our country from the position of strength. The fact that the status of a space power was firmly secured to Belarus is of no less importance. Combat skills of our armed forces are contantly being honed. Our territorial defense forces regularly participate in military exercises.
Territorial integrity
Every citizen of Belarus may rest assured that we will never let anyone destabilize the situation and infringe on our sovereignty.
East or West
The main areas for the country’s development for the next five years have been approved at the recent 5th Belarusian People’s Congress. This nationwide forum demonstrated our social cohesion, peaceful and multitrack policy based on principles of good neighborliness and cooperation. We have been closely cooperating with our allies and, first of all, with our sister nation Russia. We have been developing dialogue with neighbors and western countries.
Avoiding political gambling
Over the years of independence we have not gotten drawn into any reckless political schemes, any international conflict. We are looking into the future with confidence and cherish the glorious history of our country “Let us forever cherish the memory of the heroes who died defending our Fatherland. Let us live up to their great feat.
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The official Independence day is celebrated on July 3, on the day of liberation of the Belarusian capital from German invaders. Such decision was taken by the republican referendum held in1996. Earlier the Independence day had been commemorated on July 27, its celebration being coincided with the day of passing the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1990.
The opposition does not recognise the official Independence Day. According to them it is the March 25, 1918 that should be taken as the starting point of the Belarusian independence. On March 25, 1918 the Provisional government (Rada) proclaimed the independence of the Belarusian National Republic that came into existence at the end of the First World War, when Bolshevik forces left Minsk and the city was occupied by German troops. After the Red Army re-entered Minsk, the Communist government replaced the Rada; its members had to emigrate. Opposition activists and civil society actors celebrate the anniversary of the proclamation of the BNR annually.
