15 years ago 8 September 1992 on the Day of Belarusian Military Glory in Nezavisimosty Square in Minsk the first oath was given by the army to Belarus. The people participating in that event were pressurized by the authorities but after a short period of time the oath was given to Belarus by all the army forces of the country. “We were warned of probable dismissal from the army. But 12 officers being completely aware of the risk taken put on their parade uniform and came out into the square. In the square there were thousands of people, officers and soldiers, and we all gave the oath together. Among us were sub-colonel Mikalai Birukou, colonel Uladzimir Savenok, colonel Uladzimir Baradach, major Mikhail Varanetsky, colonel Leanid Balvanovich and major Ales Statkevich .There were also the deputies of the parliament and today’s secretary of the security council Viktar Sheiman. The action affected the authorities and the whole army gave their oath to Belarus, participant of those events, leader of the organizing committee of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Gramada), first chairman of the Belarusian Association of Army Men, retired sub-colonel Mikalai Statkevich declares in his interview with the Charter’97 press center.

---

Well-known Belarusian lawyer and one of the leaders of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Gramada) Igar Rinkevich supported the European March to be held this October. “For centuries since the times of the Grand Lithuanian Duchy Belarus has been a part of the European Civilization. And as far as my worldview is concerned I consider myself a European. Furthermore, when at the beginning of the nineties Belarus had the chance to construct its future on the basis of fast integration into Europe I believed that it was possible in the shortest period of time. But then we were thrown aside and finally turned into a sort of the European Cuba. And today for me the European March is a response to the European Union’s initiatives, to its twelve proposals on democratization of Belarus. We must give a positive answer to the European Union proposals as well as show that our country has responded to the initiative. Our future lies within Europe”, Igar Rinkevich declared in his interview to the Charter’97 press center.

---

Today morning youth activists tried a flash mob dedicated to the day of birth of head of the Emergency Commission (ChK) and founder of the KGB Felix Dzyarzhinsky. The monument to the well-known “chekist” was guarded by the extra militia squads. In the fixed time the militia vehicle arrived to the Dzyarzhinsky bust. Several dozen plainclothes men dispersed in the vicinity.

---

The administrative trial of Artist Ales Pushkin and activist Alyaksei Yanusheusky came to an end. According to the human rights activist Vasil Leuchankau, the detained were guarded to the court building through the back entrance without being informed on the start of the trial.

---

The USA is to strengthen sanctions on Lukashenka’s Belarus until its authorities start abiding by democratic norms. According the ITAR-TASS that was declared by official representative of the US Department of State Sean McCormack.

---

A judge of the district court in Baranavichy, Brest region, on September 10 sentenced young opposition activist Yaraslaw Hryshchenya to a fine of 930,000 rubels ($435). Judge Vasil Petryw found the 18-year-old youth guilty of acting on behalf of an unregistered organization called Malady Front (Young Front) under the Criminal Code`s Article 193-1.

---

The Independent Trade Union of Miners has applied to authorities in Salihorsk, Minsk region, for permission to stage a rally against the coming removal of preferences to workers in dangerous jobs.

---