BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

03/07/2006

Belarus Celebrates Independence Day

July 3, 2006 -- Belarus today is celebrating its independence day.

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka speaking at a military parade in Minsk said the country needed an effective state security system.

"Belarus is taking all necessary measures to create a comprehensive and effective national security system to protect the vital interests of the individual, society, and the state in all areas," Lukashenka said. "Today, Belarus' armed forces and other military units have everything to be able to repulse aggression against our state."

Lukashenka vowed to do everything to preserve peace and stability in the country.

Lukashenka won reelection in a March election that the West considered flawed.

(Reuters)

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/07/F348338D-0978-4E17-9FD2-CFA2FF8623BC.html