Lukashenko calls Belarus an example of political and social stability

MINSK, 25 February (BelTA) – For many years Belarus has been an example of political and social stability, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with top officials of the Armed Forces and law enforcement bodies on 23 February. The meeting was timed to the Defender of the Fatherland Day and the Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, BelTA learned from the presidential press service.

“Unity of the nation and peace are the most precious things we have. Prosperity of the society is only possible with concord and mutual understanding,” the President is convinced.

Alexander Lukashenko noted with regret that not all politicians of today’s superpowers have learned bitter lessons of history. “The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is building up its military capacities on the territory of Belarus’ neighboring countries. Millions of dollars are injected to support opposition forces whose main objective is to destabilize the situation in the country and alter the constitutional system,” the head of state said.

“Fortunately, people in Belarus remember very well what tragic consequences can arise from the attempts of various “civilization-makers” to establish world supremacy and impose somebody else’s will. The Belarusians despise those who betray the interests of the Fatherland, smear its good reputation and serve our ill-wishers,” the President said.

The head of state remarked that for many years Belarus has been an example of political and social stability. In his words, this was in many ways achieved through the efforts of government bodies and law enforcement agencies. Military security is ensured in Belarus. The country has a strong shield against any manifestations of extremism and unconstitutional actions.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that military cooperation is one of the priorities of international interaction. Large-scale strategic army exercises are held on a regular basis jointly with the law enforcement agencies of friendly countries. The Union State enhances its defense potential. The Belarusian intelligence service vigorously cooperates with foreign partners to prevent transboundary crimes, human trafficking, illicit drug trade and illegal migration. “Science and cutting-edge technologies are widely used in the national security system. Today’s military and law enforcement agents boast high professional excellence,” the President is convinced.

The head of state emphasized a great role of the military in nurturing the young generation. “They say that a true man is the one who served in the army. For our people the military incarnate the best moral values – nobility, selflessness, fidelity to duty and responsibility for the fate of the native land,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that on this day people honor many generations of soldiers who secured peace and independence of the country and who ensure security and sovereignty of Belarus today. “We bow before the heroic deeds of liberators who defended the country from Nazi invaders. The precepts of war veterans to protect peace and tranquility in the native land are especially important these days. Soldiers of the Great Patriotic War believed that they were victorious in the last war in history. Human loss and damage from the war were tremendous. It seemed they will be never forgotten. Soldiers-internationalists gave their lives to extinguish pernicious fire of hostility outside their country. They dreamed that their courage and self-sacrifice would serve the entire world for the present and future generations,” the head of state said.

The President congratulated all those present at the meeting on their professional holiday and the 95th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. He thanked them for their loyalty to the Homeland and the Belarusian people.

Alexander Lukashenko presented shoulder straps to high-ranking officers of law enforcement bodies.

In particular, major general’s shoulder straps were conferred on Igor Lotenkov and Oleg Dvigalev, shoulder straps of the major general of police were bestowed upon Nikolai Melchenko and Alexander Barsukov. Gennady Lasuta received shoulder straps of the major general of the interior service.

The head of state presented shoulder straps of the State Councilor of the Customs Service 3rd Class to First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Sergey Rednenko and Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Sergei Poluden. Deputy Prosecutor General Nikolai Kuklis received shoulder straps of the State Councilor of Justice 3rd Class.

Alexander Lukashenko congratulated officers on the conferment of their ranks. “General is a great rank which can only be awarded to a merited person,” the President said.

The same day the head of state laid a wreath at the Victory Monument in Minsk.