MINSK, 26 December (BelTA) – In the coming year Belarus should make greater advances to fulfill the obligations taken at the Fourth All-Belarus People’s Congress, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said as he presented state awards to distinguished Belarusians on 26 December, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian head of state. Among the awardees were workers, CEOs, cultural figures and artists, educators, the military, athletes, specialists of the services sector. According to the head of state, it is symbolic that the meeting is held in the run-up to New Year’s Day. “To be honest, it is particularly pleasant to complete this rather difficult year on such an optimistic note and present government awards to the country’s best people. You deserved them by your fruitful work, remarkable achievements in various fields, talent and sincere love for the Fatherland,” the President said. The head of state believes that human will is stronger than circumstances, and any difficulties can be surmounted by energy, sense of purpose and persistence. While awarding members of the House of Representatives, the head of state emphasized, “Being representatives of different regions you acted in a well-coordinated and responsible way striving for constructive cooperation and avoiding political strife.” According to the President, the MPs did a lot to improve the legal system, social policy and defense capacity of the country. They contributed to building integration on the post-Soviet space and enhancing Belarus’ prestige on the international arena. “Let these high awards become another testimony to your serious contribution to the development and strengthening of our state,” Alexander Lukashenko said. While awarding heads of enterprises, the President stressed: “The year 2011 has been extremely important for you. Your efforts have secured an increase in quality parameters of the economy, its effectiveness”. Among those awarded were also workers and specialists. Among them were workers of the Baranovichi machine tool plant (a branch of ZAO Atlant) and OAO Agat – Control Systems. Apart from mentioning the importance of performance success, Alexander Lukashenko also pointed out the importance of achievements of representatives of the spheres of culture, education and sports. Artists, people of art, and pedagogues were awarded honorary titles as a token of profound respect and acknowledgement of their merits. The Belarus President also awarded sportsmen, winners of international cycling competitions. The President thanked military personnel, members of the team of the Belarus President Security Service, who performed well at the 2011 world bodyguard championships. Alexander Lukashenko underlined that their victories were victories of Belarus. The President noted that modern life sets tougher requirements to the vision of lawmakers, competence of top executives, professionalism of manufacturers, spiritual potential of cultural figures and persistence of athletes. “Your experience shows that dedication and responsibility is a key to success in any field and in any profession,” the head of state said. Alexander Lukashenko wished everyone new achievements, happiness and well-being.