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Participant in Rally for Belarus’ Independence: “Whoever wants to be with Russia – we don’t mind, let them go, there’s a lot of land there, there’s enough space. I want to live in my country!… My grandchildren live here, my land is here, I don’t want the Kremlin… Plus, it’s dangerous for families where guys grow up. They’ll be taken to some hot spots, which are numerous in Russia. Just like it was in Afghanistan, it might happen again now.” (Participant in Rally for Belarus’ independence, 30 December 2019). Reference is to the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union (Kremlin) in December 1979, and their involvement until February 1989. There is a legitimate concern that the sons of Belarus may be used in Russian imperialist wars. Belarus risks losing its Christian identity, as well, since Russia is quickly beginning a Muslim country.

From the Charter’97 Press Center
“I’m Conscious About Issue Of Independence”
30.12.2019, 11:58
The participants in the [Belarus] protests against “integration” [with Russia] explain why it is important to participate in peaceful assemblies.

Yesterday, two rallies in defense of Belarus’ independence took place in Minsk. The first was a rally at Kastrychnitskaya Square, which started at 12 pm and then moved to Independence Square. At 3 p.m., a human chain lined up on Independence Avenue, Radio Racyja reports. https://archive.li/i7dQL

According to the rally participants, they took to the streets to speak out in support of our country’s independence:

– Whoever wants to be with Russia – we don’t mind, let them go, there’s a lot of land there, there’s enough space. I want to live in my country! I agree to support each other economically with Russia, but my country is Belarus. My grandchildren live here, my land is here, I don’t want the Kremlin.

– We can hardly expect a better economic situation. Plus, it’s dangerous for families where guys grow up. They’ll be taken to some hot spots, which are numerous in Russia. Just like it was in Afghanistan, it might happen again now.

– I have come because I believe that peaceful assembly is the right of citizens. I am also very concerned about the issue of independence.
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“The Great Game” was a political and diplomatic confrontation that existed for most of the 19th century between the British Empire and the Russian Empire over Afghanistan and neighbouring territories in Centraland South Asia. Russia was fearful of British commercial and military inroads into Central Asia, and Britain was fearful of Russia adding “the jewel in the crown”, India, to the vast empire that Russia was building in Asia“. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Game

“Russia Will Be One-Third Muslim in 15 Years, Chief Mufti Predicts March 5, 2019 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/03/05/russia-will-be-one-third-muslim-in-15-years-chief-mufti-predicts-a64706