Belarus celebrates the New Year

On the New Year’s eve President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko addressed the nation with a traditional speech. In it, among other things, he referred to Ukraine and pointed out that the past year showed us the true value of peace and the consequences of intolerance and internal conflicts:

70 years ago we had to sacrifice millions of lives to reestablish peace. Belarusians are well aware of the value of peaceful life and have a very special attitude towards it. I am sure each of us wants a speedy restoration of peace in the land of our brothers. This is a genuine, sincere feeling of our people. We, Belarusians, wish peace to all our friends and neighbors. We are doing and will do everything in our power to preserve and protect it. Peace is what lies at the foundation of progress and prosperity. That is why I wish everyone peace in their souls, families and countries. 

The President also spoke about the highlights of the past year and plans for the 2015: 

The year of 2014 gave us many reasons for feel proud and happy. The government adopted a comprehensive family support program. This is what we intend to continue doing in the future. 

This year will go down in the history as the time of remembrance and patriotism. The nation-wide celebrations of the 70th anniversary of our liberation from Nazi invaders reminded us once again that there can be no future without a past, without a bond between generations. Our common duty is to take care of our veterans and elderly people and set them as an example for our youth.

Belarus welcomed guests from many countries at the 2014 IIHF World Championships. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world discovered Belarus and its hospitable people for themselves. 

We all were happy about the results of our athletes at the Winter Olympics. The whole nation rooted for them, and they lived up to the expectations. 

The year of 2015 will celebrate the anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. It has also been proclaimed the Year of Young People, thus bringing together our past and our future. 

In 2015 we’ll all have to face a choice and decide upon our life, our goals and hopes.