Lukashenko: our country proud of all participants in Belarus’ space project
Belarus is proud of all participants in the project of the flight of the first cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus to the International Space Station – as noted by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, during today’s ceremony honouring Belarusian cosmonauts at the Palace of Independence
“We were watching the flight with bated breath, admiring Marina’s courage and determination. We can be proud of all the ladies participating in the project who are ready to take a worthy step. They proved their worth, being ready to test the limits of their capabilities and meeting the expectations of millions of Belarusians. There were more than two thousand of them,” underlined the Head of State.
Aleksandr Lukashenko sincerely thanked all the applicants, “They are all smart and beautiful, true patriots of Belarus.”
“Marina, you were luckier than others. You’re great. You have deserved this flight, having gone through hard training, worries, and stress. However, this is only the beginning of your mission. Today you entered every Belarusian family: everyone who was worrying about you, together with your parents. A moment of sudden fame is a new burden of responsibility that you will have to bear throughout your life. I’m sure you’ll succeed,” noted the President, addressing Marina Vasilevskaya.
The Head of State addressed the words of gratitude to Marina Vasilevskaya’s backup cosmonaut, Anastasia Lenkova, “Well done! You have passed all the tests with dignity, like the first cosmonaut. I know that for sure. Of course, I know that you were extremely worried about. I would also feel emotional being just one step away from a dream and it turns out a little differently. But you behaved with dignity. I promise that the experience gained will not be lost. We’ll do our best to make your dream come true.”
“I thank everyone who ensured scientific support for our project, everyone who organised it, everyone who prepared our ladies for the flight: our scientists, doctors, trainers, and teachers. I thank everyone who helped them become even more self-confident. I’m very grateful to their parents, who raised worthy daughters of our Belarus. Frankly speaking, I wanted them to fly and become the first cosmonauts for the ‘most pro-women President of Belarus’. I think that, probably, we’re quits with women now. I congratulate you all on the upcoming World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day! Now this holiday will become part of your entire, of our personal history!” the President addressed those present at the ceremony.
