Lukashenko Addresses Minsk Rally

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus addressed a rally in downtown Minsk today, noting that an alliance with fraternal Russia, which would make it possible to counter external threats and 21-st century challenges, constituted a top priority aspect of the Belarus state policy. The rally was organized after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Victory Obelisk. Belarus and Russia mark VE-Day, i.e. the Soviet Union's victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, every May 9. Belarus staunchly implements a peaceful and good-neighborly policy, Lukashenko told those present. We want our Homeland to have a clear sky all the time; that's why we don't divide the world into agreeable and disagreeable countries, the Belarus leader stressed. We consider all countries to be our prospective partners, aspiring for equitable cooperation with them, Lukashenko noted. However, we shall tolerate no dictate or pressure, no matter from where they emanate, he added. The memory of those, who were killed during the Great Patriotic War, compels us to do this, Lukashenko stressed. According to Lukashenko, some domestic and foreign activists are now trying to chart different political guidelines; they also tend to smear the entire Soviet period, as well as all aspects of that terrible war. The loss of memory would be a grave crime against current generations and posterity, the President of Belarus said in conclusion.