MINSK, 16 January (BelTA) – Belarusians have lived through trials that have broken many nations and now have taken their fate into their own hands. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement at the presidential reception held on the occasion of the Old New Year on 16 January, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that some of the guests of today's festivities are always in the limelight due to the nature of their work while some people had to come out before the public and boldly and openly express their civil stance.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “You may not recognize it fully but you've turned not just another page of our independent history. Within a short period of time you've turned the conscience of people, at least the majority of our society. You've demonstrated how one can love the Motherland with deeds instead of words. You've demonstrated what a true patriot is. We've gone through trials that have broken many nations, but we've taken our fate into our own hands. We've woken up and it is the best thing that could have happened to us, Belarusians. You have to agree that Belarus deserves our care and appreciation of our national status. The status of a citizen of a strong and independent country.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out that defense alone will not suffice to preserve this status: it is necessary to be an active player in the global world, including the information world. “Primarily the information world because all the main ‘combat actions' take place in this field,” he pointed out.
During the reception Aleksandr Lukashenko bestowed orders, medals, and presidential thanks on civil servants, artists, and mass media workers.
Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich was awarded an Order of Fatherland, 2nd degree. Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova and Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik received Orders of Fatherland, 3rd degree. Chairwoman of the National Statistics Committee Inna Medvedeva and Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich were awarded Orders of Honor.
A special reporter of the TV channel STV Grigory Azaryonok was awarded a Medal for Courage. An observer of the publishing house Belarus Segodnya Andrei Mukovozchik and Chief Advisor of the Belarus President Press Service Valery Shulga were awarded Medals for Labor Services. An editor of the publishing house Belarus Segodnya Dmitry Kryat and a special reporter of the TV channel ONT Igor Tur were awarded Medals of Francysk Skaryna.
