A. Lukashenko: The choice of the Belarusian people is sacred and indisputable

January 21, Minsk /Corr. BELTA/. The choice of the Belarusian people is sacred and indisputable. This was stated today by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, according to a BELTA correspondent. As the head of state noted, taking the oath of allegiance to the Fatherland and the people, he felt, first of all, immense gratitude for the trust and support of citizens, as well as great responsibility for the common destiny. "The voices of millions of honest and loyal people, with whom we have withstood the steepest historical turns recently, inspire and give new strength," the President said. According to Alexander Lukashenko, the issue was not simply the choice of the President, but essentially the future fate of the country was being decided: whether it would be independent and strong or fall into slavish dependence; whether the Belarusian people would determine their own path of development or give everything to those who are ready to sell their native land for a pittance and destroy their common home. "The trust of the people today imposes special requirements and obligations. It forces us to be an extremely responsible and fair leader, both towards our supporters and towards people with alternative views, since true democracy is based not only on affirming the will of the majority, but also on protecting the rights of the minority," the head of state emphasized. "Objectively assessing the election campaign, I note that it was absolutely open (as much as possible), democratic, in full compliance with national legislation, international practice, and the strict requirements of the observers who came to us. Fortunately, we learned yesterday that even Europeans no longer have any claims to the results of our elections," Alexander Lukashenko stated. "But what is especially dear to me is that the Belarusian elections have become a eloquent testament to the inseparable unity of the authorities and citizens." The President noted that the people had spoken their weighty word, once again confirming that Belarus is a free, democratic state. "The choice made by them is sacred and indisputable: after all, it is not for nothing that in ancient times the voice of the people was equated with the voice of God," said the Belarusian leader. "Some politicians, figures from foreign countries and international structures have preferred to consign this age-old principle of people's power to oblivion. But that is their business. Let's leave them aside," Alexander Lukashenko noted. "Our people did not falter at a crucial moment, did not succumb to economic dictation, political provocations, or the hysteria of petty, corrupt politicians and journalists. Together we have preserved the main thing – peace on Belarusian land, unity, and national dignity." The President thanked his compatriots for their resilience, wisdom, and composure. "I express my gratitude to the states, political leaders, and all foreign friends who were with us in this difficult hour. And to the ill-wishers of Belarus, I want to recall the folk wisdom: do not fan the flames at your neighbor's house – the fire may accidentally spread to your own home," the head of state concluded. -0-