Dear compatriots,

I cordially congratulate you on Constitution Day.

This holiday has a special meaning for our sovereign state, for every citizen.

The adoption of the Main Law laid the foundation for the positive processes of development and strengthening of institutions of state power and society, became the necessary prerequisite for the dynamic development of the economic, social and cultural potential of Belarus.

The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and liberties to citizens, lays a solid groundwork for progressive democratic law-making activities, identifies that it is the people who are the bearer of the sovereignty and the sole source of power.

Today we can say it firmly: the Constitution has shown its vital force. The Republic of Belarus is confidently moving forward, boosting its economy and social sphere, consolidating its international positions. The country has been increasing its industrial and agricultural production; achieved a marked improvement in education, health care, housing construction; has been reviving its towns and villages.

We still have a lot to do to ensure a radical improvement of the quality of life of our people and to grow our economy further. The success in addressing these challenging tasks depends on each of us, on our work, on our worthy service to our Fatherland.

Our strength lies in the unity of the people and the government.

I wish all of you optimism, goodness, wellbeing, health and happiness.

Alexander Lukashenko

15 March 2008