We will be so much waiting for you: what Lukashenko wished Novitsky and Vasilevskaya, and whom he asked to send greetings to
During his today’s video conference call, Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko talked to the ISS-71/VE-21 main crew members: Oleg Novitsky and Marina Vasilevskaya, supporting the cosmonauts and assuring them that their return would be very much awaited in Belarus
In his talk with the crew members, the Head of State asked if there were any problems before the launch. Oleg Novitsky assured the President that everything was progressing in line with the training plan. Aleksandr Lukashenko also informed that a support group will go from Minsk to the Baikonur cosmodrome on March 20th ‘to worthily see the cosmonauts off’. Among those coming there will be Marina Vasilevskaya's relatives, employees of Belavia Airlines, young scientists, representatives of the public and the media.
Marina Vasilevskaya warmly thanked the President for his support, “Thank you for that! It will be a great support for us at the start.”
“We will be glad if everything is normal, everything is fine. We will be waiting for you very much,” Aleksandr Lukashenko smiled. “Oleg, I wish to ask you another time,” the Head of State then addressed the crew commander. “Keep an eye on her in space. She is a first-timer. Our lady is beautiful, [make sure] that Americans do not look at her there.”
“They should not even think of that!” Oleg Novitsky promised with a smile.
Marina Vasilevskaya added that it was a great honour and a very responsible mission for her to represent her country at the ISS. “I will do my best to do all the work, all the tasks set,” she assured everyone.
“Thank you very much! Sorry for stealing your time at these crucial moments. After all, I have distracted you a little. You should know that you are our people, we will be waiting for you here, in Belarus," the Belarusian leader stressed.
“We know that, Aleksandr Grigorievich. Therefore, our confidence in the successful completion of this project is constantly high. Thank you so much for the support of the entire crew as a whole," cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky thanked the Head of State.
“Marina, do not worry, follow Oleg’s example!” Aleksandr Lukashenko wished.
The cosmonaut assured that the commander was very supportive of her, “I am steadfast in spirit, I am ready to fly! Everything will be fine with God's help. True?”
The Head of State reacted, “You will be close [to Him] there, so greet Him if you can. I also asked Him to welcome you well. Good luck to you, all the best! See you!”
photos: www.president.gov.by
