Lukashenko comments on lessons drawn from Chernobyl tragedy: to never give up
As he visited the Memory of Displaced Villages memorial in Chechersk today, Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke to local residents, outlining the lessons that Belarus had learnt from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster
The Head of State reminded that, in late April, he traditionally comes to the areas affected by the Chernobyl accident. Speaking about these regions, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “God willing, we will have such a situation in all districts. The Minister surprised and made me happy with good news (we can already compare as 36 years have passed since the tragedy): we enjoy very good dynamics in terms of the infection rate reduction among our people. Importantly, people here are healthier than in other areas. That is why I say: God willing, we will have a similar situation in other districts as it is here. Clearly, the state has paid more attention to these areas. I am very grateful to you that you listened to me then. I was very young and unexperienced when I said: no, we will not give our land to anyone. We will live here. We will do everything so that our people can live and work…”
The President recalled that the state did not forget about the Chernobyl areas even in times of difficulties. “The Lord probably helped and gave us this happiness: that people here are healthier than in other districts of Belarus. We will now look up to you. Therefore, the most important conclusion is that you should never and in no place give up, you should struggle to the last breath – and then victory will come. This is the main conclusion I am drawing from the experience I have received here,” he stressed.
Aleksandr Lukashenko thanked local residents for staying on their land after the Chernobyl accident, “Hardworking people actually live well. I have just arrived from a dairy complex. I asked what salaries are paid there [at Otar JSC] to a milkmaid, and I was told: up to Br1,800 on average (and their farm is among the best ones). This means money could be earned here. And we will support the Gomel Region in this regard… Therefore, when I say what has been done in recent years, the first thing I mention is the building of our own state. We need to cherish and value it – whatever the cost. We should not get into the mud. A war should be avoided – this is the key. I also always emphasise that we – I would not say that we have defeated Chernobyl – have hit back. We have coped with this task... The main thing is that we live on our own land. I am already convinced that almost all of you understand that we did the right thing then…”
The Head of State called the resettlement process a disaster. He concluded, “I was then got convinced that we should create normal conditions here. And we have been gradually creating them. We maybe have not lived very well ourselves, but maybe our children will enjoy a normal life. It is possible to live and work here. And we will do everything to help you with this.”
