Lukashenko addresses UN states on occasion of 75th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has addressed UN member states on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invasion, BelTA quotes the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A corresponding address was distributed at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 24 June. The UN Headquarters hosted a commemorative event timed to the 75th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation. Partaking in the event were heads and representatives of permanent missions of UN member states, the UN Secretariat, representatives of the Belarusian expatriate community, mass media.
“The Second World War considered to be one of the most cruel in the history of mankind became the Great Patriotic War for us. It disrupted every home and every family. During the years of occupation Belarus lost the third of its population. Fascists constructed over 260 death camps and other places of mass annihilation, burned about 10,000 villages, destroyed towns in Belarus. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Belarusian nation was not defeated. Belarus did not give up. The largest partisan and underground movement in Europe was organized here. Due to selfless struggle of our people as well as all the peoples of the Soviet Union and the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition the enemy was defeated,” the address reads.

The head of state remarked that 3 July – the day of the liberation of the city of Minsk – became our national holiday known as Independence Day. Courage and heroism of the Belarusian nation, its enormous contribution to the victory over fascism have gained worldwide recognition. Belarus became one of the founding member states of the United Nations.

“Unfortunately, nowadays when the former allies in the fight against Nazism increasingly find themselves in a state of misunderstanding or confrontation with each other, the problem of preventing a new world war is becoming more acute. I am convinced that we should seek for a new large-scale international dialogue to strengthen peace and overcome existing contradictions in relations between states. Belarus is ready to become a platform for discussing all constructive initiatives in the sphere of international security and development. For the sake of the future we ought to keep in mind horrible lessons of the past, keep and pass to the next generations the true history of the great feat of heroes and liberators. We should teach our children to appreciate life, respect other nations and cherish peace,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
“Since the ancient times, while welcoming each other, people would say: “May peace be upon you.” The United Nations was created to maintain and to strengthen peace. Together we can accomplish this historic mission!” the head of state concluded.

Valentin Rybakov (Photo: mfa.gov.by)

The commemorative event in New York was opened by Permanent Representative of Belarus to the United Nations Valentin Rybakov who emphasized that importance of preserving memory and the historic truth about the war. The head of the Belarusian mission drew the attention of the participants of the event to the address of the Belarusian president. Later it will be distributed as an official document of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in all languages of the United Nations.

Photo: mfa.gov.by

The film Brest Fortress featuring true, tragic events from the beginning of the Great Patriotic War and the heroic defense of the Brest Fortress by Red Army soldiers was shown during the event.