Old New Year official reception on behalf of Belarus President

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Belarus will overcome the negative impact of the global crisis, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during an official reception on behalf of the President of Belarus on the occasion of the Old New Year on 15 January.

The head of state emphasized that the Old New Year ends the season of Christmas and New Year celebrations. “My dearest wish is that 2016 become a breakthrough year for Belarus and open a new stage of the country’s development. I hope we will overcome the negative impact of the global crisis and considerably enhance the quality of life of Belarusians. I believe not in a miracle but in our strength and aptitude. We will manage to do this if we work really hard and move towards the goal overcoming all challenges. We have no right to stop,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

The head of state cited the parable from the Gospel: “Apostle Peter walked on a raging sea, as if on land. But as soon as he started having doubts, he began to sink. Christ saved him and said to him: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Aleksandr Lukashenko urged to move toward the goal without harboring no doubt, but staying cool-headed.

"We chose our course and we should follow it, without succumbing to any doubts and fears. Courage and persistency bring success. This is the motto which we have inherited from the generation of victors,” the head of state said.

The President emphasized that God has given us the right to live on the beautiful land. Good land breeds good hope, the popular wisdom says. “May all good hopes come to life! May our Belarus always remain a flourishing, fertile land the beauty and sanctity of which was famed by Belarusian writer Vladimir Korotkevich who once called it “The land under white wings.” Let understanding, prosperity and love reign in our homes! May our country remain the land of peace and prosperity," Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

During the official reception the head of state presented state awards. The Order of Fatherland 3rd Class was conferred on Healthcare Minister Vasily Zharko. The Orders of Honor were bestowed upon Labor and Social Security Minister Marianna Shchetkina and chief project architect of Belpromproject Marat Grodniko. Medals for excellent labor were presented to head coach of the Yunost Minsk ice hockey team Mikhail Zakharov and political observer of the chief editorial board of the TV news department at the National Television and Radio Company Andrei Krivosheyev. Besides, the Honorary Artist of Belarus title was conferred on singer Viktoriya Aleshko.

These awards were conferred on the representatives of various professions for professional excellence, public activities, a big personal contribution to the implementation of the social and economic policy, the development of the construction industry, healthcare, culture, and sport.

The President of Belarus also officially thanked a number of ice hockey players for a big personal contribution to the success of the Belarus President’s team at the 12th Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of Belarus.