Belarus embodies an example of political and social stability - A. Lukashenko

February 23, Minsk / Alina Grishkevich - BELTA /. For many years, Belarus has been an example of political and social stability, and law enforcement agencies deserve considerable credit for this. This was stated by President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on February 23 at a reception on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland Day and the Armed Forces Day, BELTA was informed by the press service of the head of state. Alexander Lukashenko noted that this holiday has long gone beyond its professional scope and has become a universal one. "This is not just a tribute to tradition," he added. "We remember our history, we sacredly honor those who defended our Motherland with weapons in their hands against aggressors. We treat the heirs of military valor - people in uniform - with deep respect." Wise people say that the level of care for women is an indicator of a state's civilization, and the people's respect and trust in their army are a testament to the nation's energy and healthy spirit. "As sociological research shows, the army enjoys high authority and trust among people in our society. This means that the young sovereign Belarusian state is doing everything to ensure that its Armed Forces are a reliable guarantee of security and peace in our country," said the Belarusian leader. The President emphasized that Belarus faced many severe trials in the 20th century, but the country invariably emerged with dignity from difficult situations because the people and the army stood up for its defense in a united front, showing valor and heroism. "We have endured Victory and realized that the defense of the Motherland is a matter for the entire nation. Therefore, today the high sense of responsibility of our people for preserving peace and stability on Belarusian soil is quite natural. The first decade of the new century has shown that the problem of defending one's Fatherland is not becoming less relevant for us," the President noted. According to him, the global crisis, which has affected all countries, also exacerbates humanity's geopolitical problems and significantly influences the military situation in various regions of the planet. "Unconcealed pressure is increasingly used to achieve selfish goals. The exacerbation of competitive, not always fair, struggle, the intensification of information attacks, and the encouragement of destructive forces from abroad cause growing concern. These and other threats must be skillfully and systematically countered," stated Alexander Lukashenko. The head of state stressed that even amid the global financial and economic crisis, Belarus has convincingly proven its ability to counteract multifaceted modern challenges. The President noted that in our country, a reliable barrier has been erected against any manifestations of extremism and unconstitutional actions. According to him, "the necessary level of combat readiness of troops and the high morale of military personnel have been ensured." The head of state said that the balanced and constructive process of military construction is tested and regulated during large-scale exercises, which eloquently speak of the readiness of the Belarusian army to effectively perform the tasks assigned to it. At the same time, the President emphasized that the Year of Quality declared in Belarus concerns all spheres of life. Therefore, it should be a year of achieving new qualitative parameters in the training and development of the Armed Forces, other troops, and military formations in the country. The Belarusian leader believes that in the year of the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, front-line and home-front veterans, partisans, and underground fighters deserve special attention. "We must remember that we are eternally indebted to them," said Alexander Lukashenko. At the same time, he stressed that every veteran in our country should be surrounded by comprehensive care. The President focused on the fact that the five-year period ends in 2010, and it is necessary to fulfill the tasks defined by the Third All-Belarusian People's Congress. Congratulating the officers on the holiday, Alexander Lukashenko said that "the most important component of the intellectual, professional, and cultural potential of Belarus is the officer corps of the state security system." "The country needs your energy, perseverance, initiative, knowledge, and experience," noted the Belarusian leader. Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that the sense of officer's honor and high responsibility for the fate of the Fatherland inherent in the servicemen of the Armed Forces and employees of the country's law enforcement agencies will help successfully solve the most complex tasks. The President of Belarus presented general's shoulder straps to 9 servicemen and employees of law enforcement agencies. In particular, the next special rank of Lieutenant General of the Internal Service was awarded to Enver Bariev, and the next special rank of Major General of Militia to Alexander Naydenko. The next military rank of Major General was received by Petr Galeznik, Vyacheslav Shumilov, Igor Bakhmato, Ivan Tertel, Alexey Zakharov, and Anatoly Lappo. The next military rank of Major General of Justice was awarded to Alexander Dranitsa. The head of state congratulated all of them on their promotion to general ranks and wished them new successes in their service for the benefit of their native Belarus. -0-