English

Lithuanian embassy in Minsk observes Freedom Defenders’ Day

A fire was lit at the Lithuanian embassy in Minsk on January 13 in commemoration of the civilians killed in Soviet troops’ attack on the TV tower in Vilnius on this date in 1991, which is now observed in Lithuania as Freedom Defenders’ Day.

Guests were showed a documentary about the January 1991 tragic events in the Lithuanian capital city.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lithuanian Ambassador Edminas Bagdonas said that the events had had long-lasting effects. “They still echo today and remain in our memories,” he said.

“The Lithuanian people then demonstrated that they are staunch,” said Belarusian opposition politician Lyavon Barshchewski. “Their fight for freedom lasted more than one day or one night. I wish that we, the Belarusians, were as strong and determined as they are.”

Another veteran politician Viktar Ivashkevich said, “I think that the Belarusians received their freedom and independence in 1991 too easily. As they say, you never know the value of water until the well is dry. We, who failed to protect it once and for the most part considered the USSR to be our motherland and Moscow to be our capital city, yet have a long path to go to achieve what Lithuania already had by the end of 1991.” //BelaPAN