MP: Government needs Freedom Day
House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee head Valery Varanetski. Photo: Euroradio
The capital city authorities will not revoke their decision to allow the celebration of Freedom Day on 25 March in central Minsk and there will be no black lists of musicians after the concert in front of the Opera and Ballet Theatre. The goverment too is interested in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Belarusian People’s Republic, head of the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus on International Affairs Valery Varanetski told Euroradio.
Valery Varanetski: “I am confident [a ban] cannot happen. In fact, people it is mistaken to believe that the authorities have given up to persistence of the opposition and issued a permit. The authorities too are interested in a stable development, a stronger society and people’s national identity. It is important that the other side understood that no provocations are needed. It is time to think about the country, the state and our future instead of trying to realize your ambitions. That is why I am sure that the authorities are taking it serious. Is this day a holiday or a protest action for us? If we call it a holiday, let us just celebrate!”
The authorities understand that the consolidation of the nation is an essential element of the state’s security, Valery Varanetski says. A nation can be consolidated and united on the basis of its history and national traditions. March 25, 1918 is an important consolidating fact for Belarusians. The authorities have understood it and have accepted this fact. Nevertheless, it is too early to discuss the possibility of turning Freedom Day into a national holiday.
Full interview with Valery Varanetski:
