Lukashenko emphasizes relevance of Belarusian sovereignty, independence

MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax) - The question of sovereignty and independence has never before been so acute in the history of modern Belarus, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in his address to the nation and the National Assembly on Friday.

"A question like that of sovereignty and independence has never been so acute in the history of our country before," Lukashenko said.

He described his address as a form of political dialogue between everyone: the president, the government, leading officials of all levels, MPs, civil society organizations and ordinary citizens.

"The questions that we are raising concern every Belarusian. The topics we are discussing come from real life. The decisions we make are centered on the aspiration to maintain peace, on creativity for the sake of Belarus's future, and to achieve social justice. These are our democratic values, true values," Lukashenko said.