Conferment of state awards

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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented state awards to mothers and outstanding professionals from various walks of life, and also general straps to senior officers in a ceremony in the Palace of Independence in Minsk on 7 March.

“Not long ago we celebrated men as we marked the Fatherland Defenders Day. Today we are in anticipation of the women's holiday – 8 March. Recently, we have put these two occasions together to celebrate valiant men, military and law enforcement officers, and our dear women, outstanding professionals and mothers who have dedicated their life to this great purpose of motherhood. We have brought them together to honor them with state awards,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

According to the President, people who safeguard peace and stability in the country, who glorify the Motherland with labor achievements, and who create families fulfill an important mission. “You are strengthening the political, economic, social and spiritual foundations of our state,” he said.

According to the head of state, all who serve the Fatherland, continuing glorious traditions of the generation of victors, are the mainstay of the country's sovereignty, defenders of the people. “Strong, reliable, courageous… You are a worthy example for the young,” Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined.

“Dear ladies, we salute you. We admire your wisdom, patience, the ability to balance family and professional duties, to support the loved ones. We admire mothers of many children; they are the true heroines. We, men, sometimes put on airs. But you should know that everything we do is for you. We would be up for no noble feat and deed without you,” the President said.

He drew attention to the fact that the strength of the Belarusian nation and therefore the state lies in such people, motivated and dedicated, devoted to motherland, family and their profession. “Officers straps, the more so general straps, are a symbol of manliness, courage and fidelity to duty. The Order of Mother is a symbol of femininity and preservation of family hearth. Recognition of professional achievements is a symbol of talent and diligence,” the head of state noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko congratulated the participants of the ceremony on state awards and handed them orders and medals, honorary titles certificates and straps to senior officers. “May love, comfort and warmth reign in your homes and may the sky above our dear Belarus will always be peaceful,” he wished.

The President awarded the Order of Honor to Emilia Kolomiets, the Director General of the State Scientific and Production Amalgamation “Chemical Synthesis and Biotechnologies” - Director of the NASB Institute of Microbiology, and the Medal for Bravery to Pavel Shcherbakov, senior investigator for high-profile cases of the Almaz counter-terrorism special forces unit at the Internal Affairs Ministry. The head of state also awarded the medals “For Excellence in Military Service” and “For Labor Services”, “For Service to the Motherland Third Class” and “For Saved Life”.

Among the Francysk Skaryna Medal recipients were editor-in-chief of the Science and Innovations journal Zhanna Komarova, leading specialist of the Belarusian State Puppet Theater Svetlana Timokhina. The Mother’s Order went to teacher of English at Minsk secondary school No.136 Tatyana Kozlova, chief specialist of the main accounting and reporting department at the National Bank Yelena Koptur, designer at OMA Company Yulia Ryzhaya.

The Honored Builder of Belarus title was bestowed upon Director of the Vitebsk Oblast State Designing Company “Vitebskgrazhdanproyekt Institute” Natalya Kosabuko. The Honored Specialist of the Armed Forces of Belarus title went to Chief of Staff, First Deputy Commander of Special Operations Forces Viktor Gulevich.

Aleksandr Lukashenko conferred major general shoulder straps to Colonels Ivan Boguslavsky, Yuri Shaplavsky, Igor Bolotov, and Pavel Ignatov. Prosecutor for Vitebsk Oblast Vadim Sushchinsky was named State Councilor in Justice 3.

The awards ceremony was followed by an official reception on behalf of the head of state. The President talked informally with the awardees, congratulated them on new titles, awards and wished them Happy Women’s Day.

The award recipients were taken on a tour of the Palace of Independence, got familiar with its interior and major halls and also visited the exposition of Belarusian artist Margarita Manis.