«We, the parliamentarians, appeal to the international community to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. This anniversary is not only a cause for celebration, but also an important reminder of the value of peace, freedom, and human life.

The Great Patriotic War was one of the most tragic and heroic periods in world history. It took millions of lives, left deep wounds in people’s hearts, and changed the fate of entire nations. Belarus is a living monument to those terrible events. Our country was the first to bear the brunt of the destructive blow of the German fascist invaders. Every third inhabitant died at the hands of the occupiers, thousands of settlements were destroyed and burned to the ground. The fascists carried out a policy of genocide against the Belarusian people, exterminating them in numerous death camps, experimental laboratories, and gas chambers, and burning them alive in their homes. The executioners showed no mercy to children, women, or the elderly. Every centimeter of Belarusian land is soaked with the blood of its inhabitants and defenders of the Fatherland.

Today, 80 years later, the world faces new large-scale challenges and threats, including security. Conflicts, terrorism, economic crises, and political differences create tensions in international relations that can lead to irreparable consequences. Attempts to rewrite history, whitewash Nazism, and heroize fascists and their accomplices are unacceptable! We, the descendants of the victorious generation, have a duty to protect the historical truth. Preserving the memory of the great feat of the peoples who opposed fascism is the guarantee that new large-scale bloody wars and conflicts will not occur.

The parliaments of all states must unite their efforts in the struggle for peace, strengthen international cooperation, maintain dialogue and good-neighborly relations, and find compromises even in the most difficult situations.
Peace is not just the absence of war, but life in security and harmony. Belarus, which has experienced the horrors of war, has always stood and will continue to stand for the political and diplomatic settlement of conflicts, the strengthening of international security, and mutually respectful dialogue between states. We believe that that only through joint efforts we can overcome global challenges and ensure sustainable development for all peoples.
On this momentous day, we call on everyone to remember what unites us — our desire for peace, justice, and prosperity. May the sacred memory of the unparalleled feat, courage, and heroism of the Soviet and other peoples who fought against fascism inspire us to work creatively for a future in which there is no place for war and suffering.

«There should be peace in every country»

According to Natalya Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, the statement of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus on the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 was adopted to remind parliamentarians of all countries once again of what is important for our country, as for any other. «The most important thing is peace and tranquility,» the speaker emphasized. «In this statement, we talk about what our country has gone through. It is pain and suffering. It is the preservation of the historical memory that we have carried through these years, all 80 years. And I am sure that we will pass it on from generation to generation.»

The speaker noted that there are still many «blank spots» in Belarusian history. «The genocide of the Belarusian people, who were simply destroyed, our country was destroyed, wiped from the face of the earth,» Natalya Kochanova clarified. «But the Belarusian people withstood. They did everything, uniting with all the peoples who inhabited the former Soviet Union, and did everything to protect peace and freedom. That is why today we once again appeal to the international community, to all people of good will — we must preserve peace on the planet. There should be peace in every country. This is the only guarantee of future development for any country and, in general, of the preservation of life on our planet.»

The adoption of the statement of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 is, according to the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko, a significant step demonstrating Belarus’ peaceful position and commitment to preserving historical truth. As the speaker noted, our country is on the eve of a significant event — the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War. «There is no more tragic, but at the same time no greater holiday in the life of our countries,» he emphasized. «This date is a reminder of the immortal feat of our ancestors, of the fragility of peace, of the high price paid by the Soviet people for freedom and independence, for the opportunity to live under a peaceful sky and raise children.»

Igor Sergeyenko drew attention to the fact that the House of Representatives and the deputy corps are actively participating in events dedicated to this sacred date. «Everyone is taking part in events in the regions, and a series of parliamentary readings has been launched,» he specified. «Just the day before yesterday, deputies contributed to the implementation of the project „Living Memory of Grateful Generations“. Positive feedback has also been received following the presentation of the book „Unknown Pages of the War Opened by Deputies of the Belarusian Parliament“. Next week, Volgograd will host the Union State’s international patriotic forum Great Heritage — Common Future.»

Veronika Kaniuta