The sovereignty of Belarus and its national interests are our unshakeable priority. Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova made the statement during the roundtable session held in the National Historical Museum on 15 September to discuss People's Unity Day as a symbol of consolidation of the Belarusian nation, BelTA has learned.

Natalya Kochanova said: “A new state holiday will be marked in Belarus on 17 September – People's Unity Day. I am glad to welcome all of you at today's event in anticipation of this significant day for our country. People's Unity Day is particularly important for us as a sovereign state, which determines the way of its historical development and social and economic development on its own and pursues an independent multivector foreign policy on the basis of good neighborhood, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs.”

In her words, 17 September has always been an important date. “Names of streets and squares in various parts of the country confirm it. I am convinced that People's Unity Day will meet a sincere and broad response in hearts of our people and many generations of Belarusians will reverently celebrate it because it is inextricably connected with historical events of significance for us,” the head of the upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament said. “In autumn 1939, having been previously forcibly split to accommodate foreign political interests, the Belarusian nation was reunited into the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic. The president noted that memory of that event lives in hearts of Belarusians because it became an act of historical justice with regard to the Belarusian nation, which had been split against its will. This is why 17 September has become an important day in the history of the Belarusian state and the nation, a kind of a starting point for a new history of the Belarusian statehood.”

Natalya Kochanova stressed that Belarus' sovereignty and its national interests are our unshakeable priority. “But not everyone likes it. Attempts to unravel the situation in the country have been made repeatedly. Events of 2020 once again demonstrated how fragile peace and order are. But by uniting around our leader, the president, we've managed to overcome threats of the color revolution. We've prevented a destabilization of state institutions and a downfall of the economy. This date is also a symbol of the victory of those who want to see Belarus as a peaceful, strong, and independent country. Belarus' independence depends on every one of us. It is our sacred duty to preserve sovereignty, calm and creative life in our land. If we want to live in peace and prosperity, then we should do our utmost for the sake of development and prosperity of native Belarus,” she stated.

Members of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, the commissioner for religions and nationalities, representatives of the Culture Office of the Minsk City Executive Committee, representatives of the Public Administration Academy under the President of Belarus, heads of top mass media, young Belarusians, and other people participated in the roundtable session.

An exhibition dedicated to People's Unity Day was opened prior to the roundtable session. The museum project was prepared by the National Historical Museum and regional museums. Their expositions were presented during the opening ceremony using videoconference technologies.

Written by belta.by