First head of state of independent Belarus passes away

The first head of state of independent Belarus, Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Stanislav Shushkevich died at the age of 87, Report informs, citing Euroradio.

From August 25, 1991, to January 26, 1994, he was the first head of state of independent Belarus after it seceded from the Soviet Union, serving as Chairman of the Supreme Soviet. He supported social-democratic reforms and played a key role in the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States.