Republic

Alexander Lukashenko: no space for anti-Semitism in Belarus

There is no space for anti-Semitism in Belarus, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko as he met with participants of the international conference “Dialogue between Christianity and Islam in globalisation conditions” on October 26. “If somebody claims that anti-Semitism flourishes in Belarus or that we oppress the Muslim population, don’t believe them. Those are foes and enemies of Belarus. Only they can say such things about this holy land, this holy country, this holy nation. Internationalism is the foundation of our country’s policy. It is not just a declaration, we demonstrate it far and wide. You can be sure it will be so for ever,” the President made clear. Alexander Lukashenko remarked, Belarusians and Poles, Tartars and Jews have lived as good neighbours in the Belarusian land for centuries. An Orthodox Christian church, a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue have been standing together, in the same square in towns and villages. Today Belarus remains a common, calm and comfortable home to people of 140 nationalities and 25 confessions. “Having worthily survived all the trials, the Belarusian nation has acquired a strong immunity against any manifestations of inhumane ideologies and opinions aimed at separating and destroying people. Which is why we appreciate peace and mutual respect between nations so much,” said the Belarusian head of state. During its entire history Belarus has never initiated wars between nations or religious conflicts. The country has everything necessary to make every man feel socially protected and confident in the future. “Belarusian laws tolerate no racial, national or religious discrimination and guard the freedom of conscience. Belarus is becoming a promised land for people from various countries where armed conflicts blaze. Here they are guaranteed stability and peace, the possibility of raising children and working, preserving their traditions and culture,” stressed the President. He also added, the government’s policy concerning ethnoses and confessions is the guarantor of civil peace and accord in the society. “If a man has a home and a job, has a good family and respect of the others, he will never take arms and use them against a neighbour of another nationality or belief,” Alexander Lukashenko is convinced.