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Government-organized May Day rally held in Minsk

A May Day rally, organized by the Minsk city government and the pro-government Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB), was held in front of the National Library in the Belarusian capital city on May 1.

FTUB Chairman Leanid Kozik said in his speech that Belarus is an “economically strong and prosperous nation.” “The current economic crisis in other countries has affected Belarus, as those countries cannot buy Belarusian products in former amounts,” he said.

“Belarus lives better than others because it did not take loans,” Mr. Kozik said. “We’ll always support the policy that the government pursues now. I’m sure that the country will be flourishing and the person will receive decent pay.”

“The most important thing at present is that people in Belarus continue to work,” said Valeryan Karol, deputy minister of labor and social security. “We have preconditions for further development. Our production facilities are in operation and products are selling. This will ensure the well-being of the nation.”

Belarus’ unemployment rate will not exceed 1.2 percent at the end of the year, the deputy minister said, adding that the government would be taking all possible measures for wages and salaries to rise.

The rally, which was attended by some 5,000 people, ended with a festive concert.