Belarus gained independence 22 years ago
On August 25, 1991, the Supreme Soviet of Belarus gave its declaration of sovereignty the status of a Constitutional document.
The members of the Supreme Soviet also passed a resolution on political and economic independence of the country. It happened four days after the failed coup d'etat in Moscow.
Stanislau Shushkevich became the first leader of independent Belarus. Just one before that, he had replaced Mikalai Dzemyantsey as the chairman of the Supreme Soviet.
The session of the parliament was held with the white-red-white flag, which was carried into the hall by members of Belarusian Popular Front led by Zyanon Paznyak. The national flag and the Pahonia coat of arms were officially approved only one monthe later.
Belarus does not officially mark August 25 as Independence Day. But in neighboring Ukraine, Independence Day is marked on August 24. In 1991, Ukrainians voted one day earlier for breaking away from the Soviet Union.
Lukashenka congratulates Yanukovich with Independence Day
This years, members of Belarusian National Memory civil initiative decided to mark Belarus' independence anniversary with fireworks.
