On November 11, the Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko, signed the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Amendments to Laws on Veterans". This was reported to BELTA by the press service of the Belarusian leader.

The document has been adopted to enhance the social protection of veterans and persons affected by wars.

The Law provides for the strengthening of social guarantees for veterans of the Great Patriotic War, former prisoners of fascism, veterans of combat operations in the territories of other states, widows of deceased servicemen who have not remarried, as well as civilian personnel sent to work in Afghanistan.

In particular, for veterans of the Great Patriotic War awarded with orders or medals of the USSR for impeccable military service in the rear (equated to participants of the Great Patriotic War), it is envisaged to increase the monthly pension supplement from 50% to 250% of the minimum old-age pension, to increase the annual assistance on Victory Day, and to provide material assistance for health improvement when sanatorium treatment is not possible.

For veterans of the Great Patriotic War awarded with orders or medals of the USSR for selfless labour in the rear, it is envisaged to increase the monthly pension supplement from 50% to 100% of the minimum old-age pension, priority service in healthcare organisations, priority hospitalisation, as well as priority reception at state bodies and other organisations, regardless of ownership.

Former prisoners of fascism are provided with free: provision of medicines and social rehabilitation technical means, sanatorium and resort treatment and health improvement, and dental prosthetics manufacturing and repair.

For veterans of combat operations in the territories of other states, a reduction in pensionable age by 5 years is established (for persons who have acquired disability status in peacetime), as well as free provision of medicines, social rehabilitation technical means, sanatorium and resort treatment and health improvement, and dental prosthetics manufacturing and repair.

Widows of deceased servicemen who have not remarried will be provided with medical benefits (on a par with the parents of deceased servicemen): free provision of medicines, sanatorium and resort treatment and health improvement.

In addition, for civilian personnel sent to work in Afghanistan during the period 1979-1989, a pension supplement of 100% is envisaged.