Natallia Papkova: We Are To Celebrate 100th Anniversary Of BPR In Center Of Capital

On this day, the people who consider themselves patriots of Belarus should unite.

Natallia Papkova, the head of the Brest organization of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party Narodnaya Hramada, an activist of the Belarusian National Congress, said that in an interview to Charter97.org, speaking about the significance of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Belarusian People's Republic in the center of Minsk on March 25.

– What does the day of proclaiming the independence of the BPR mean to you?

– For me personally, the proclamation of the independence of the Belarusian People's Republic is a very significant holiday. Then, on March 25, 1918, the Belarusians united to defend the country's independence. We can say that 100 years ago Belarus became independent of external enemies.

– Why do you think it is important to gather in the center of Minsk on March 25?

– And where else to celebrate such an important day in the history of Belarus, if not in the center of the capital? I believe that every Belarusian should know the date of the proclamation of independence of the BPR and be proud of this part of our country’s history. We should celebrate national holidays with dignity.

In my opinion, all the people who live in our country and consider it their homeland should unite to celebrate the centenary of the BPR! The opposition must unite on this day.

– Tomorrow, there will be a meeting of the organizing committee to celebrate Freedom Day in the office of the REP trade union. What do you expect from it?

– I expect that all the opposition party leaders will support the Belarusian National Congress. If some parties abstain or try to somehow discredit the event, it means that they are not patriots. They do not want changes in our country.