Independence Day for Belarus was suffered and won with incredible sacrifices - A.Kosinets

July 3, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA/. Independence Day on July 3 is a date that has been historically verified, hard-won, and gained through incredible sacrifices during the Great Patriotic War. This was stated by Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets at a solemn rally on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration, BELTA correspondent reports.

About 4 million people were tortured by the occupiers and died in battles on Belarusian soil for the sake of the Great Victory. Belarus did everything possible and impossible to stop the fascist invaders on their way to Moscow. "That is why independence, freedom, and sovereignty are not just symbols for us, but for us, they are history, they are the future," emphasized the head of the region.

Hundreds of times the Belarusian land was burned, divided among powerful neighbors, but still, Belarusians rose from their knees and followed the path of life. It was in Vitebsk region that the Principality of Polotsk became the prologue to Belarusian statehood. Only in the 20th century was the Belarusian SSR created with a state administration apparatus, public education, and culture, all of which created a serious foundation for building and developing the state.

Today, a new page has been opened in the history of our state, which we are writing together, doing everything to build a strong and prosperous Belarus, noted Alexander Kosinets. The Pridvinye region is doing a lot to strengthen the sovereignty and independence of Belarus. For example, in the first five months of this year alone, the growth rate of manufactured goods production was 160% compared to the same period in 2010. About 95% of the region's enterprises increased their production volumes, which are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. One of the pressing tasks for manufacturers in the Pridvinye region today is import substitution. The potential of design bureaus, university and fundamental science allows replacing many intermediate and consumer import products. Vitebsk region should follow the path of innovative development, using its geopolitical position.

The economic potential of the region allows for the continuation of all social programs being implemented in the new five-year plan, stated the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. The construction of schools, kindergartens, and healthcare facilities continues in the Vitebsk region. All of this is being done to improve people's quality of life.

Alexander Kosinets congratulated all residents of the region on Independence Day, which is a symbol of both the unity and cohesion of our people.-0-