President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: "Slavianski Bazaar" has become one of the symbols of the formation of independent Belarus
"For Belarusians, the festival has become one of the symbols of the formation of an independent state. Yes, there have been very difficult times. But we cherished the "Slavianski Bazaar". And despite all the difficulties, the holiday lived on," - noted Alexander Lukashenko.
The President stated that a whole generation of Belarusians has grown up with the festival, it has taken root in the land that can rightfully be considered the cradle of Belarusian identity. "Vitebsk region, which gave us Chagall, Pen, Azgur, Bykov and Fradkin, has become a center of attraction for creative people in the 21st century," - said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that today the festival in Vitebsk is the most authoritative international competition of professional vocal skills.
"I emphasize - a competition of professional skills, not a show of technologies created solely for image and the desire to please someone's vanity. It exists for the sake of people, friendship and unity, because only in the unity of peoples is there strength that overcomes any obstacles," - the President stated. - "And no matter how critics writhe in insinuations about state and my personal support for the "Slavianski Bazaar", we defended it and never regretted that we hold this wonderful festival annually." -0-
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