Chronicles on the inadmissibility of solving problems through armed force. The sufferings which Belarusians lived through during the 20th century wars give us the right to openly speak of this. Today, external threats are being made towards Belarus, with severe information and political war conducted. Attempts are being made to split our society, sowing the seeds of fear and mistrust. However, we should appreciate that most of these problems are placed on us artificially, in revenge for us building a truly independent and sovereign state and for the Belarusian people wishing to host their own home, defending their fate independently. I’m convinced that we’ll overcome all hardships and worthily withstand all ordeals. The strength of our young state is rooted in our faithfulness to the traditions of a generation of victors, as well as in the unity and solidarity of our people. We sincerely desire peace and do our best to develop friendly ties with all countries and nations. Meanwhile, at any time, we are ready to protect our independence and political and social achievements. Belarus provides for its military security, following the principles of sufficient defence and strategic containment of potential aggression. This is why we strengthen and modernise our Armed Forces. Public wellbeing, the country’s dynamic development and the strengthening of its position as an independent subject within the global community are the best ways of remembering the heroism of our liberators. Dear veterans! We are heirs to your Victory. Thank you for your deeds, for defending the peace and freedom of your nation, the whole of humankind and us — your grateful heirs. Your traditions of bravery and service to the Motherland shall be worthily continued. We’ll do everything possible so that future generations feel proud of our present achievements — as we are proud of your great heroism. We’ll do all we can to be worthy of you! I wish you and your relatives a long life, wellbeing and happiness! I sincerely congratulate you, all our countrymen, and guests of our country on Victory Day!
Legendary citadel revisited Brest-Litovsk Fortress photos on display in London
T
he Brest-Litovsk Fortress photo exhibition is being hosted by Pushkin House, located in the heart of the British capital. The show includes over 60 copies of photos from the archives of the Brest Fortress Defence Museum. These cover the 170 year history of the legendary citadel, from its first day of the foundation stone being laid to the present. The exhibition opens with a photo of a painting by Polish artist Martin Zaleski. At the invitation of Count Paskevich, he visited the fort in 1840 and captured its construction in his drawings. There are also some interesting photos depicting the arrival of Emperor Alexander III at BrestLitovsk Fortress in 1886, and a photo of the White Palace, where the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed in 1918. A separate block of photos is dedicated to the heroic defence of the
Veterans at Brest Fortress
fortress during the Great Patriotic War. The exhibition also features shots of the peaceful life of the legendary citadel: the construction of the memorial and its monumental structures that have become the hallmark of not only the memorial but the city of Brest. The exhibition first went on display in the UK in 2009. Its organisation was assisted by British Russell Porter. In February 2009, he paid a visit to Brest and saw Brest Fortress. He was greatly impressed with the Brest-Litovsk Fortress photo exhibition, which was then on display in Brest, and expressed willingness to organise a show in the UK, to allow his countrymen to see the stunning photos. Mr. Porter’s initiative was supported by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mr. Alexander Mikhnevich. With support from the Belarusian Embassy, the exhibition opened in Maldon in September 2009, later moving to Bristol, Glasgow, Durham, Cardiff, Newcastle, Inverness,Nottingham,Duxford, Liverpool and Cambridge. The exhibition also travelled to Jersey, where Soviet prisoners of war, including Belarusians, were forced into labour. The exhibition is expected to further tour Europe, with talks underway regarding organisational issues. By Anastasia Krutova
2011 беларусь.belarus