2008 to be Year of Belarusian Statehood

An enlarged session of the co-heads of the National organising committee on celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic (BNR) with heads of political parties, movements and public associations took place on 8 January. The appeals to the Belarusian people and governmental bodies “On announcement of year-2008, year of 90th anniversary the Belarusian National Republic, the Year of Belarusian Statehood” were accepted.

The appeals say “preparation for the anniversary and its celebration should become a basis for unity of different movements, parties, associations, all citizens, irrespective of their political views on the ground of approving the nation formatting issues of state construction – language, historical symbols, freedom and democracy as top priority issues.”

The organising committee appealed to “governmental bodies of the country with a suggestion to proclaim year-2008 the year Belarusian statehood.”

1. Give the year-2008 an official status of the Year of Belarusian Statehood.

2. Proclaim 25 March a national holiday.

3. Give an official permission to establishing memorial signs on the building of the Yanka Kupala Theatre, where the First National Congress took place (in 1917) and on the building where the independence of the BNR was proclaimed (Minsk, 9 Valadarsky Street).

4. Allow legal using of national historical symbols and attributes that had state status in the BNR.

5. Ministries of Culture and Education of the Republic of Belarus should recommend the institutions within their jurisdiction to organise special lessons, lectures, contests dedicated to the Year Belarusian Statehood.

6. Ministry of information of the Republic of Belarus should render assistance to publishing houses to make scientific, publicistic and fiction works, devoted to the history of the BNR and its figures.

7. City and district administration should help to hold solemn meetings and anniversary concerts on 25 March, 2008.

The appeal to the Belarusian people of the National organising committee urges “all citizens of the Republic of Belarus to take direct part in preparation and celebration of the 90th anniversary of the BNR. Every Belarusian family is a brick in the wall of Belarusian statehood, a full creator of its modern history.”