MINSK, 16 August (BelTA) - The president of Belarus arrived at the rally in the center of Minsk, BelTA has learned.
“Dear friends, I did not call you here to protect me, though this too. You came here so that we could protect, for the first time in a quarter of a century, our country, our families, our sisters, our wives and children,” the head of state said addressing the rally.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said he did not want to call people to the square, because they have a lot to do at home: village workers are harvesting grain, parents and teachers are preparing for the new school year. “But the most important thing: I remember those 1990s - people stood here, workers with pots and kettles demanding food to feed the children. I saw it all. And I pledged to help you and to prevent situations when the fate of Belarusians would be decided in street action. I am not a supporter of street action, rallies. But alas, this is not my fault that I had to call you for help,” the president said.