The Day of People’s Unity, established in Belarus in honor of the accession of Polish lands in 1939, outraged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Poland. It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the statement of the Polish Foreign Ministry.
“MFA with indignation perceived a statement by the authorities of Belarus on the establishment of a new holiday” People’s Unity Day “on September 17,” – the statement says.
According to Warsaw, this gesture, “fit into Russian actions, seriously difficult for Belarus dialogue and mutual understanding with neighboring states, as well as European countries.”
Earlier, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on establishing national unity in the country. “The selection of the date emphasizes the continuity of generations, the inviolability and self-sufficiency of the Belarusian nation and statehood,” the leader said. Solemn events on this occasion will be held on September 17. On this day in 1939, Western Belarus was included in the USSR on the basis of the partition of Poland with the Third Reich, however, the celebration of the holiday with this event is not confirmed.