OREANDA-NEWS. July 11, 2008. The message of greetings, reads:

“The festival’s participants, all from different countries, invariably illustrate  the appeal of art and harmony, which is expressed in the festival’s motto ‘Through art to peace and understanding.’ An eventful festival, performances by talented artists and musicians, and social interaction all create a solid foundation for the rapprochement and mutual enrichment of our cultures by promoting the unity of the Slavic people.

I am confident that this arts festival will become an unforgettable event for its participants and guests, open new creative vistas before them, allow them to meet interesting people, and leave them with positive impressions.

This festival has been held in Vitebsk since 1992 under the auspices of the Union of Russia and Belarus. Since 1995, it has been personally supervised by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The festival’s organizing committee includes politicians, and people of culture and arts from three Slavic countries – Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.”