Belarus is tolerant to representatives of different peoples and confessions. The people of 156 nationalities live here. Twenty-one diasporas are members of the Advisory Interethnic Council under the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs. On June 29, they discussed the Days of National Cultures at the City Hall, which have already become a kind of a brand of weekend in the capital. The chairman and deputy chairman of the Council were elected, and funding was distributed.
Khizri Asadulaev, People's Artiste of the Chechen Republic and Republic of Dagestan, sculptor, poet and composer: Belarus has always been distinguished by its tolerance. The Belarussian people have always treated us as if we were their own people, as if we were friends and kind to everyone who has come here permanently or temporarily. My family and I, together with my wife, arrived here 40 years ago, and, actually, I was formed as a sculptor here.
The participants of the session noted also the growing concern about the hostile sentiments from the formerly friendly countries-neighbors, which now support sanctions in the name of destruction of Belarus.
Alexander Rumak, Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs: Members of national minorities sometimes feel more acutely the need for unity in our society because they appreciate the peace and harmony that is in our society. After all, some people have taken refuge in our country, having left their country because of interethnic conflicts. People have found a second home here.
Kimi Ri, Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Interethnic Council, representative of the Association of the Belarusian Koreans:
We didn't expect such an attitude. It's the leadership, it's not the Lithuanian or Polish people. I think that people are also against such sanctions, it's just that the leadership is so prejudiced against our country, our friendly country. We do not wish any harm to anyone. Belarus has never attacked anyone with wars or sanctions, It's just incomprehensible and offensive for us.
The Advisory Interethnic Council under the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs has existed since 2006.
