BELARUS #5/2010

No.5 (920), 2010

BELARUS Беларусь. Belarus

Magazine for you

Politics, Economy, Culture

Contemporary symbols of Victory pp. 3—13

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Беларусь.

Belarus

e nomy, Cultur Politics, Eco

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for you

SaSHeS SiLK Men’S WoVen By nS Were BeLaruSia ion HiT a True faSH During in franCe of THe reign ; LuDoViC XV re We THere To aT TeMpTS aLL faKe THeM pe. oVer euro nS CoLLeC Tio Began in THe LaTe y 19TH CenTur

Made in Slutsk pp. 40 — 41

pp. 36 — 37

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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 5 (920), 2010 Published since 1930 State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

14 8 10

Alexander Lukashenko: ‘We must do everything possible to preserve and strengthen our state — at any cost’

Soldier’s age Vitebsk veteran Georgy Sladk-

ov’s centenary coincides with 65th anniversary of Great Patriotic War victory

Never forgotten Unique museum in Minsk explores truth of WWII, using research

by Belarusian historians

34

In Shanghai, On Europe Square

18

Regional vector Ukraine and Belarus en-

22

Renewed land Chernobyl’s radioactive particles

ter new level of mutual relations

36 37

Festival for press International Mass Me-

dia in Belarus Exhibition welcomes guests for 14th time

Village with history of a city Rakov is a

Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by Vadim Kondrashov, Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish.

wonderful place. Once, it was a big city — a capital of the Ogiński noble family. It was a cultural, religious and economic centre. Today, it’s just a village, located 40km from Minsk. However, it boasts rich history and an intense present

Distributed in 50 countries of the world.

Final responsibility for factual accuracy or interpretation rests with the authors of the publications. Should any article of Беларусь.Belarus be used, the reference to the magazine is obligatory.

40

Names guide our destiny

The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

42

Sea of Herodotus Polesie becomes centre

Publisher: “SB” editorial office

Creativity as way of life Yuri Sokhar is a

This magazine has been printed at “Belarusian House of Press” Publishing Office” UE.

46

52

of exotic tourism

theatre critic, an Honoured Doctor of Charles University in Prague, a professor and a former actor with the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre. He can’t imagine life without creative endeavours

Woven straw doll makes the perfect souvenir National crafts are Belarusian calling cards

fell onto almost every European country in April 1986 but Belarus was most contaminated. Its economic loss reached $235bn (or 32 annual budgets of the country) as a result

79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No.1203 Total circulation — 2044 copies (including 737 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029.

Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45.

Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: mail@belarus-magazine.by

30 Taste of useful product Long term

state investments into the agrarian sector are already paying dividends. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food tells us that, in 2010, exports of agricultural products are set to double, reaching at least $3bn. Milk and dairy products account for the lion’s share, with Belarus becoming a strong market player in this segment

Founders: The Information Ministry of the Republic of Belarus “SB” newspaper editorial office Belvnesheconombank

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

54

Novel of knights

For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency.

E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2010

2010 беларусь.belarus

editor’s note

Honour and glory

Descendants will always be grateful to those who stopped fascism

A

great holiday usually celebrates a great event. 65 years have passed since Victory in the Great Patriotic War, when the act of unconditional capitulation by fascist Germany was signed on May 9th, 1945. Today, we know that it took incredible effort and a great many victims to stop Nazism. The entire world has breathed a sigh of relief and we bow low to the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, whose number dwindles with each passing year. We express our most heartfelt thanks to them for their heroic deeds and courage. As 1940s soldiers, they defeated the aggressor and won the glory of liberators forever. This can never fade, alongside the eternal flame near the monuments to those who fell during the war.

This magnificent holiday honouring the Great Victory is shared by everyone who holds Freedom dear. Of course, at

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that time, Soviet soldiers were primarily liberating their Motherland from occupation. However, they brought liberty to the whole of Europe. This cannot be forgotten by Europeans. We remember that the allied coalition played its part in WWII, with the French resistance, Yugoslavian partisans and Poles and Czechs all fighting valiantly.

On these May days, we venerate all soldiers while bowing down our heads before those who struggled and died in the fight against fascism. The Georgian Kantaria, which hoisted a Soviet Banner of Victory over the Reichstag in Berlin, has already passed away, as has Alexander Silvashko, whose embrace of an American lieutenant was captured by reporters, as they stood on the ruins of a bridge on the outskirts of German Torgau, in victorious 1945. The photo was published all over the world, making Lieutenant Silvashko the most famous WWII Soviet soldier in the West. His post-war life was connected with Belarus, which became his home, although he was born in neighbouring Ukraine.

The theme of the Great Patriotic War runs like a golden thread through this issue, with Road to Victory dedicated to soldiers’ heroism and the great number of victims.

Even 65 years later, not everything is known about the war, although the

truth remains vital, especially for today’s youngsters; they should be aware of our heroic past. Never Forgotten is devoted to a unique museum in Minsk and the research of the Belarusian scientists into the truth about WWII. Dedicated to the fight against fascism, the idea originated from the Belarusian leadership in 1942, opening in Minsk on the third day after the Belarusian capital had been liberated, in July 1944. Since then, millions of guests have visited and, with the passing years, the need for a new, more spacious and well-equipped building has become apparent. In April 2010, the first stone was laid in the foundations of a new Museum of Great Patriotic War History: 19411945. A capsule containing a message to our descendants was also buried.

Life doesn’t stand still. The 100th birthday of Vitebsk veteran Georgy Sladkov coincides with the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Soldier’s Age tells us about this veteran’s difficult military road.

T h e B e l a r u s i a n E mb a s s y t o Germany is situated in Berlin, opposite Treptow Park, which houses the famous monument to the Liberator-Soldier.

Undoubtedly, the theme of the Great Patriotic War is relevant today, alongside modern bilateral German-Belarusian rel at ionships. The Amb ass ador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Germany, H.E. Mr. Andrei Giro, explores existing partnership ties between our two European states in his interview: Our Relations Are Fuelled by Passionate People. He also tackles the topic of reconciliation.

Our world is filled with so many opinions. We can be too pragmatic in our contemporary political arena but we can still preserve the memory of the past — of a time when our fellow countrymen undertook unprecedented heroic deeds for the sake of life, freedom and independence. We raise our hats to them!

BY Viktor Kharkov, magazine editor Беларусь. Belarus

Belta Alexander Ruzhechka

Artur Prupas

Belta

Vitaliy Gil

Memory

Celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Great Victory in Belarus’ capital on May 9th, 2010

Morning of everlasting glory Over a million people participate in celebrating 65th anniversary of Victory in Belarus

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he Belarusian President has joined the representatives of state authorities and international and public organisations, the diplomatic corps of foreign states, veterans of the Great Patriotic War and honorary guests in celebrations in Minsk. About 350,000 watched the solemn parade near the Minsk — Hero-City Monument, including Minskers, guests of the capital, Belarus-accredited diplomats and those from international organisations.

Addressing those present, President Alexander Lukashenko noted that the dedication and courage of those who

survived the most terrible ordeals and won the cruellest war of the last century will always live in our memory.

“The meaning of the Victory for all humankind is timeless. It’s become a symbol of the triumph of life over death, freedom over slavery, and humanism over racism. It embodies fair retribution for aggression and violence and has long served to condemn wild ambitions and ideas of world domination,” the Belarusian Head of State stressed.

Mr. Lukashenko also demanded that the revision of history and distortion of the truth about the war end. Many countries took part in fighting the aggressor.

However, the historic truth is that the key role in the anti-fascist struggle belongs to the Soviet Union. It was the force that reversed the course of WWII, predetermined its outcome and shaped the future not only of our Motherland but of the whole international community.

According to the President, the most important aspect of the Victory is the strong fraternity of the Soviet people of various nationalities. This is why May 9th is a common holiday for Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and all the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Consistent insistency Belarus working to ensure stability within European continent

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ddressing a solemn session of the UN General Assembly dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory in WWII, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, noted that Belarus has always been and remains an important factor in ensuring security and stability on the European continent and within international arena.

“My nation is genetically programmed to understand that any confrontation between countries threatens lives, since it can grow into a global catastrophe,” asserted the Belarusian leader. “This is why sovereign Belarus insistently and consistently pursues a purely peace-loving policy!”

The Belarusian President proudly noted that Belarus greatly contributed to the Great Victory over Nazi fascism, alongside other Soviet Union nations. The tragic experience of WWII led our community of nations, including Belarus, to establish the United Nations Organisation.

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Memory survives the time Victory in Great Patriotic War — a divide in world history

Together we are invincible

Belta

E

Presidents of three countries unveil Monument to Cities of Military Glory in Moscow

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he President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, joined his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts Dmitry Medvedev and Viktor Yanukovych at a solemn ceremony to unveil a monument to those cities awarded the honorary title of the Russian Federation — ‘City of Military Glory’. The ceremony took place in the Alexander Gardens. The new monument continues the Alley of the Hero-Cities, situated by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Lukashenko called the event symbolic.

“This is a continuation of the glorious traditions at this sacred place, in memory of the Great Victory,” he stressed, adding that the presidents of the three countries are resolute in wanting to preserve the memory of heroism during the Great Patriotic War. “The fact that we are together today is testament to our wishes,” Mr. Lukashenko added. He stressed that Belarus holds sacred the memory of those years. “Since the Soviet Union’s collapse, we have always marked this day at the highest level. I want to assure all Russians and Ukrainians and my coun-

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terparts from Russia and Ukraine that you can always count on Belarusians.

When we are together, we are invincible,” the Belarusian President said.

Dmitry Medvedev thanked the veterans from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, who were present at the ceremony. “Young generations of Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians owe you an infinite debt,” he said.

After the ceremony, the presidents of the three countries laid flowers at the monuments to 12 Hero-Cities. They then strolled around the Alexander Gardens, chatting to veterans and sampling army food. The heads of state also raised the traditional wartime toast of ‘100 grams’ of vodka.

On the same day — May 8th — Moscow hosted informal meetings of CIS Heads of State and of CSTO Heads of State; the situation in Kyrgyzstan and the Russia-USA Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty were discussed.

On May 9th, Moscow hosted its usual military parade (the greatest in Russia’s modern history) to honour the 65th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

urope’s unity originates from the Victory of 1945, noted the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a solemn session dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. The Head of State stressed that there are plenty of memorable dates and events in world history but many, which once seemed important to their participants and contemporaries, have lost their shine, like old coins. However, some dates recall moments in humankind’s development which have changed the world. The birth of Christianity is a key event from centuries past while the Victory in the Great Patriotic War is a modern landmark.

“Today, those who are proud of Europe’s unity must understand that it originates in the Victory of 1945,” said Mr. Lukashenko. “Millions of Soviet soldiers, millions of Belarusians, who fought and fell during the Great Patriotic War, didn’t simply save us all and liberate the world from the Nazis. They enabled Europe to become what it is today — peaceful and prosperous.”

Germany, France, the UK, Sweden, Poland and other European countries have seen no thunder cannonade, bombardment or bloodshed for the last 65 years. “This was earned by our soldiers and partisans,” asserted the Head of State. “We didn’t just liberate Europe.

We brought peace for dozens of years.

We, the descendants of the Victory and heirs to the bravery of past generations, should be proud of it and, most of all, should keep the precious legacy safe.”

The Belarusian leader noted that ‘history has never experienced such unity, holy brotherhoods and faith, as in those war years’. Individuals, as well as whole towns, became heroes; nationwide heroism decided the fate of WWII.

Memory

Road to Victory

At the military crossroads

Belarus was one of the first USSR republics to feel the breath of death during WWII

I

t was a truly terrible trial for a small republic; the number of victims and grievous losses were too high a price to pay for victory over the enemy.

The Nazis dismissed all international legal norms in claiming occupation of our territory and committed crimes

which remain unique in Belarus’ contemporary history — in their scale and cruelty. According to specialists, Belarus suffered more than any other European country during WWII. Direct material damage stood at a sum exceeding the 1940 national budget by 35 times. The Germans burnt down, destroyed and

ransacked 209 of 270 towns and district centres and 9,200 villages in Belarus.

Cultural, educational and scientific institutions were purposefully destroyed in a barbaric fashion and, from 19411944, ten museums were wiped from the map, with eight more ransacked.

The fascists exported many works of Belarusian, Russian and Western European art to countries in Central and Western Europe, including around 1,700 paintings and icons, over 50 sculptures, and numerous sketches, engravings, musical instruments and furniture items, which were once kept at the State Picture Gallery of the BSSR. During those war years, a famous collection of ancient Slutsk sashes was lost, which brightly reflect the unique mastery of the Belarusian nation. The most significant loss was the disappearance of the unique symbol of the nation — Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya’s Cross, created in 1161.

The systematic work of the invaders to destroy the nation was the most terrible aspect. In their years of occupation, the Nazis conducted over 140 mass-scale punitive operations, which resulted in around 5,500 villages being completely or partially destroyed. The village of Khatyn, burnt jointly with all its residents, including children, became a horrific symbol of the German invaders’ crimes in Belarus. 630 villages shared Khatyn’s destiny; 186 never revived.

260 death camps were founded in Belarus, resulting in the death of over 1.4m citizens. One of the greatest Nazi concentrated camps was located in the village of Trostinets; 206,500 people were killed there. Unlike Auschwitz, Majdanek and Treblinka, it primarily housed the local population. Moreover, Jewish ghettos were set up in 186 settlements. Minsk’s ghetto was home to around 100,000 Jews, with only a few surviving. Today, Belarusian scientists note that 763,000 Jews were killed in Belarus during the war years. Contemporary researchers agree that 2.5m-3m people died during the Great Patriotic War in Belarus — almost a third of all residents.

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Память

Partisans of Minsk military formation enter the liberated capital

The people’s resistance

Hitler’s plan to invade the USSR — a ‘blitzkrieg’ — envisaged reaching the Russian Ural and Volga rivers within 1.5-2 months. However, the fascists soon found their timescale falling behind, even before they reached Russian territory.

Brest Fortress, situated in the south-west of the republic, was the first to face attack from German troops as they advanced into the Soviet Union. On June 22nd, 1941, between 7 and 8 thousand Soviet soldiers were being housed in the fortress as it was attacked by the full-strength of Germany’s infantry — around 17,000 soldiers and officers. However, the Soviet warriors held the fortress for six weeks.

General Leonid Petrovsky’s unit has entered history as an example of courage and bravery. While the enemy was attacking, with all advantages on its side, the 63rd rifle corps of the 21st army, under the command of Leonid Petrovsky, liberated Zhlobin and Rogachev (in Gomel region) in July 1941 with a counterstroke. They held the towns for almost a month and the General died as he tried to battle out of encirclement.

The defence of Gomel area lasted almost 50 days and was certainly an obstacle in the fascists’ way. Gomel

беларусь.belarus 2010

residents took up arms and formed people’s resistance brigades. They protected the city until August 1941, using anti-tank trenches hand dug by residents around the city. The Nazis had to weaken their pressure around Smolensk to send reinforcements.

Although Belarus was occupied by the Nazis, it remained unbowed from the first days of war. Youngsters organised a secret struggle against the new regime in cities and towns, while a powerful partisan movement grew behind enemy lines. Local people left their homes, went into the woods and united in brigades.

The first partisan unit — Krasny Oktyabr (Red October) — was founded on the fifth day of war in Pinsk district.

In 1941, there were over 400 partisan units countrywide, who managed to kill or injure 500,000 fascists during the war years, as well as exploding and derailing over 11,000 trains and 34 battleships.

They also destroyed 29 railway stations and 948 command staffs and garrisons.

Pa r t i s a n s a n d u n d e r g ro u n d e r s committed acts of sabotage, crushed commandants’ offices and acquired precious information while liberating prisoners of war and local people being readied for deportation to Germany.

Aviators of the regiment “Normandy-Neman”

By late 1943, 1,255 partisan units were operating in the republic, with partisan zones — territories free of fascists — set up. There were over 20 such areas, with peasants tilling the ground, and libraries and schools operational. In 1043, they controlled over 60 percent of Belarus’ territory.

Special purpose groups also contributed greatly to victory by fulfilling special tasks. Khrabretsy (Brave men), headed by Alexander Rabtsevich, blocked Hitler’s plans to use chemical weapons in the Great Patriotic War. They managed to blow up a German train heading for the front which was transporting tanks of toxic gas. Samples were urgently brought to Moscow and Stalin contacted the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, who gave Germany an ultimatum about the UK’s refusal to compromise if gas were used on the Russian front…

Page of heroic deeds

The Great Patriotic War was filled with heroic deeds by ordinary people for the sake of their Fatherland. In the first days of war, aviator Nikolay Gastello directed his burning aircraft towards a German tank column. His heroic deed was later repeated by

Память Memory

During the tactical plan discussion

dozens of crews. Alexander Matrosov, who threw himself onto a German pillbox, blocking the machine-gun with his own body, was another inspiration for hundreds of soldiers. The war didn’t take into account age and Belarusian teenager Marat Kazei joined the partisan brigade when he was just 12 and was often given special tasks. On May 11th, 1944, aged 14, he was disclosed by the fascists during a mission. Cornered, he shot back until his final bullet, then blew himself up with a grenade rather than be captured by the enemy.

The Belarusian Lizyukovy family lost three sons during the war. All were famous military commanders, with two awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union (the highest state award in the USSR). Major-General Alexander Lizyukov was the first to die in 1942, near Russian Voronezh, while battling his way out of encirclement. In 1944, Yevgeny Lizyukov, a partisan brigade commander, died in hand-to-hand combat with the fascists in Belarus. Piotr Lizyukov, who commanded a tank destroyer brigade, was the last to die while trying to help a neighbouring rifle division near Koenigsberg.

During the Great Patriotic War, the Hero of the Soviet Union title was awarded to the T-34 tank crew, headed by Pavel Rak, for their heroism on Belarusian territory. On June 29th, 1944, their tank broke into Borisov along a bridge over the River Berezina and they fought for 17 hours, managing to destroy the enemy commandant’s office, as well as killing command staff. They punctured two tanks and liberated 200 prisoners of war before dying in flames inside their tank.

Another heroic deed is connected with the three Krichevtsovy brothers, born in Belarus. Their tank was punctured in battle but they headed the burning machine towards a heavy German tank and destroyed it, while blocking the way, since the passage through the marshes was narrow.

Citizens of other countries were also awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title for their struggle in Belarus: Ján Nálepka of Slovakia, Fritz Schmenkel of Germany, Lilia Karastoyanova of Bulgaria, Rubén Ibárruri of Spain, and Jacques André, Marcel Lefèvre and Marcel Albert of France.

It was a nationwide war against the single enemy of Nazi fascism, and is our common victory.

Citizens of Vitebsk welcome the liberators

65 years later

Each year, fewer Great Patriotic War veterans remain. However, we pay them ever greater homage and ensure that social benefits give them a comfortable lifestyle. In addition to an enhanced state pension, war veterans are granted privileged access to medicine, spa treatments and recuperation facilities, while having their utility bills and communication services paid for.

Over the last few decades, veterans have been given annual checks of their living condition. The families of servicemen who died during the Great Patriotic War receive the same benefits. Issues of improving veterans’ housing conditions are being promptly solved too.

Today, Belarus has two significant holidays — Victory Day (May 9th) and Independence Day (July 3rd). These are widely and solemnly celebrated, with parades, demonstrations and concert programmes taking place in each city. We pay tribute to the memory of all those who endured the war years, while hoping that the events of the Great Patriotic War won’t ever repeat themselves.

By Violetta Dralyuk

2010 беларусь.belarus

Soldier’s age Vitebsk veteran Georgy Sladkov’s centenary coincides with 65th anniversary of Great Patriotic War victory

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n March 29th, Vitebsk war veteran Georgy Sladkov hosted a full house of guests: his children, friends, relatives and journalists. All were wishing the retired lieutenant colonel a happy 100th birthday. “Living a hundred years isn’t as easy as crossing a meadow!” jokes the veteran.

Hospitable Georgy and his 91 year old wife Lyudmila welcomed a range of different people — both familiar and unfamiliar — into their home, doing their best to create a warm atmosphere.

Even the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Victor Nikolaikin — who brought flowers and a gift for Mr. Sladkov, could not hide his emotions. He was deeply moved, addressing the old man as his son, saying, “I congratulate you! Thank you for your service to the homeland and for your deeds. Let me kiss you.”

Mr. Sladkov’s long life has not been easy. He was born to a poor family in Gorodok (Vitebsk region) and was the only boy among eight children. He went to school for five years and only later received his secondary education.

From childhood, he worked alongside adults, learning various professions and even building stoves. This proved useful during the war years, when his detachment was sent to the forest.

беларусь.belarus 2010

Mr. Sladkov has his own recipe for long life, having never drunk spirits and never smoked. He asserts that he has never envied others or behaved against his conscience. Moreover, he has been happily married to Lyudmila for 60 years, always able to reach compromises and get along.

Mr. Sladkov joined the Red Army in 1931 and the Great Patriotic War began as he was studying at Riga Military College. His detachment was sent to the North-Western frontline and, for his bravery there, he was awarded the Red Star Order. He was seriously wounded.

“Enemy planes began bombarding us and I was hit; I don’t remember what happened later,” he recalls, thinking of 1941. “Soldiers placed me in a car and took me to Pskov.”

Mr. Sladkov spent several months in hospitals and, on recovering, was sent to Moscow — as a specialist in antiaircraft defence and a commander of the balloon team. He then participated in the defence of the capital. He may be a hundred years old but his memory is still good.

With a strong voice (achieved during his military service), Georgy is ready to tell stories for hours. However, he cannot hide his tears when speaking about the war. Accordingly, it’s his relatives who tell me about him rescuing people and conducting observations from balloons.

The stories have been passed on from

one generation to another. During a storm, the balloon lost control. However, the commander kept his head and gave orders which saved everyone on board.

He saw no heroism in his deeds but his superiors recognised his courage, awarding Georgy a Great Patriotic War Order of the 2nd degree. The veteran also has other medals: ‘For Service in Battle’ and ‘For Moscow’s Defence’.

“During my service, I met Zhukov, Rokossovsky and Timoshenko, alongside almost every commander and head of each division and corps,” he tells us.

After the war, he continued his military service, helping airborne troops. Georgy commanded a detachment, piloting and instructing a separate aeronautic corps of

Vitesk war veteran Georgy Sladkov believes that his life has been a success

Memory

Tracks of spiritual memory

works and is familiar with other hi-tech devices,” Eduard says proudly. He’s used to working hard and was always busy at home. However, last year, while making repairs, he fell down and hurt himself.

This is why he’s greeting guests from a wheelchair today.”

The veteran believes that his life has been a success. He has a son and a daughter and even a great-grandson!

Fate has given him a healthy and long life. Mr. Sladkov admits that he is still strong, “My grandfather died at 118 but I wish to surpass him. I’d like to extend my passport, which expires today, keeping it valid until my 120th birthday.”

There are only 62 people aged over 100 in Vitebsk region, including only seven men. Every year, the number of Great Patriotic War veterans falls, sadly.

May they all be healthy and live long!

Belarus organises St. George Ribbon campaign, dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Great Patriotic War victory

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By Sergey Golesnik

Belta

the airborne division. In 1956, he retired — after making 500 parachute jumps.

Mr. Sladkov is grateful for the life he’s led — especially for finding Lyudmila once again. “During the war, I lost him but, in 1950, he found me — with my sister’s help,” she recalls. “I was so surprised to receive a message from him.

We can’t change our destiny.”

After retirement, Mr. Sladkov went to live with relatives in Sochi. For many years, he worked at a local seaport and headed the trade union organisation.

Fifteen years ago, he decided to return to his native Belarus. “I want to die in my homeland,” he told his son Eduard who, with his wife, has come from Russia to congratulate his father. “Despite his age, my father is active and, I’d say, modern. He knows how a mobile phone

y grandfather saw the war from its first to its last days but hasn’t lived to see this jubilee… As this great holiday arrives each year, I take bright red carnations and go to the parade of veterans. Once, I asked one of them: ‘What do you think of people’s placing of the St. George ribbon?’ He looked at me and responded: ‘It means that they remember. It means that I didn’t make my way to Berlin in vain’.

Belarus joined the international St. George Ribbon event in 2009, with the aim of forming a symbol of the Great Victory. You can take part by fixing a symbolic St. George ribbon to your car’s aerial, to your clothes, rucksack, bag or, even, pram. It has been chosen as the official symbol as it was used to decorate orders and medals in the time of the Great Patriotic War. Its colours — black and golden yellow — represent smoke and flames, reminding us of soldiers’ heroism on the battlefield.

The ribbon is uniting people of all professions, ages and backgrounds, but the campaign primarily targets t h e y ou n g g e n e r at i on , e n c ou raging them to remember those who fought the most terrible battle of the previous century and to recall the price they paid. The St. George ribbon is a commemorative symbol of the Great Patriotic War while symbolising respect for our veterans.

The campaign’s mottos are: ‘I do remember! I’m proud!’, ‘My grandfather’s victory — my victory!’, and ‘Tie if you remember!’ It’s said that a country which remembers its past will have a great future. Let’s try to be true to this tradition.

2010 беларусь.belarus

Never forgotten Unique museum in Minsk explores truth of WWII, using research by Belarusian historians

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he 65t h annivers ar y of Victory over fascist Germany is being celebrated by B elarus in its own way, since the country suffered especially from Hitler’s tyranny. The first stone has been laid in the foundations of the new building of the Museum of Great Patriotic War History, 1941-1945. A time capsule for our descendants has been also laid into foundation and, by spring 2013, the building is to open. It will meet the latest requirements and boast over 15,000sq. m of floor space (almost equal in size to Minsk’s largest Palace of the Republic).

Architects have endeavoured to make the five-storey, multi-level building fit its purpose, with each of its four sections symbolising a year of the war. The Victory Hall is situated under a dome with a 22m diameter.

The decision to set up a museum dedicated to the fight against Nazi fascism was adopted by the Belarusian leadership in 1942. It opened its doors in Minsk in July 1944, on the third day after the capital had been liberated. Millions of people have since visited and, with the passing years, the need for a new, more spacious and well-equipped building has become apparent. The current museum possesses 140,000 exhibits, many of which are unique, yet lacks enough room to display them. Moreover, the traditional exhibition describing the military years has been constantly expanding, with a vital section on the pre-war years

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recently appearing. Each year, over 150,000 people visit the museum on average, including Belarusian veterans and schoolchildren, students and military men, as well as guests from over 50 countries worldwide, including heads of governments. Of course, they hope to find objective information and leave with a lasting impression. Of late, youngsters have noticed the lack of contemporary technology at the museum, such as interactive facilities.

The new museum is due to open in the spring of 2013, fulfilling the goal of creating a 21st century venue. It will be located near the centre of the Belarusian capital, on a hill near the Minsk — HeroCity Memorial and Pobedy Park. Solemn parades and people’s marches usually take place here, at the intersection of the most important avenues. Alongside demonstrational halls, spacious exhibition halls are planned, in addition to cinema and lecture halls and a press centre. Nearby, military equipment from WWII is to go on show on a special ground. A café and a refreshment room will also be available. Meanwhile, Internet connections will link guests to similar museums all over the globe. Souvenir shops, a hotel and car and coach parking are also being provided.

Historical and artistic exhibitions depicting the most important war years are to be revamped, covering the defensive stage, years of occupation, partisan and underground movement and Operation Bagration. The pre-war and post-war

revival periods are to be widely reflected and exhibitions will also be dedicated to local conflicts involving Belarusian citizens. Thousands of exhibits are to be placed on show, including a life-sized model of a partisan camp, with a dugout and a printing house (where leaflets were published), a hospital and an armoury.

“It will primarily reflect the heroic deeds of the Belarusian people and the decisive role of the Red Army in defeating Nazi fascism,” explains Vyacheslav Kazachenok, the Deputy Director of the Museum of Great Patriotic War History.

“However, technical innovations, such as dynamically lit, electronic maps, electronic catalogues, interactive stereograms and dioramas, will enable visitors to receive brighter impressions. The museum will feature recreational facilities, as is common around the world.”

The state budget is allocating a great deal of funds for the construction of this unique complex, which speaks for itself. Although German fascism was destroyed 65 years ago, the theme of WWII still stirs our researchers, writers and millions of ordinary people, each trying to find the most complete version of events for this colossal part of history.

Previously unknown facts are still being

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The future image of the Muzeum of Great Patriotic War History to be built in Minsk

revealed, leading to the re-thinking of judgments and conclusions. Belarus and Russia are at the centre of these processes for quite obvious reasons.

S cientists f rom the National Academy of Sciences’ History Institute and the Russian History Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences have joined forces as part of a project begun in 2007, entitled 1941: a Country on Fire: Russia and Belarus During the Initial Period of the Great Patriotic War. We are preparing a joint interpretation of the past which should result in the publishing of a two-volume edition. The first will contain an analytical essay on the most dramatic period of the struggle between the two European superpowers.

The second will contain the most vital documents from that time, including those as yet unknown to a wide public.

The edition will be launched in 2011, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Germany attacking the USSR (June 22nd, 1941).

“We’ve tried to explore events which are relatively unresearched,” explains Alexander Kovalenya, an AcademicianSecretar y at the Department for Humanitarian Sciences and Arts of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

“For example, we’ve looked at the activity of party and state bodies, including telephone messages sent before leaving areas of the country to the enemy. The situation on the eve of the war is also described: where regional leadership was residing and how citizens behaved under occupation. We’ve tried to analyse the tragedy of the first war period from a critical, yet objective, point of view. Our Ukrainian colleagues have also joined us in this work. We plan to release a multiauthored book with their participation, describing the early war years in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.”

This is only one fragment of joint work between Belarusian researchers and those from other countries who fought in WWII: Germany, Poland, the UK and the USA. We’ve begun to view the past in a broader way, rethinking the inter-war period — the ‘threshold’ of WWII. Belarusian historians have already prepared fundamental scientific works dedicated to the participation of their countrymen in the civil war in Spain and in the Soviet-Finnish military conflict. The new multi-authored book on Belarus’ struggle against German fascism will contain thematic articles by three dozen authors.

We cannot alter the fact that fewer witnesses of those dramatic military battles survive today, dwindling in number each year, but we can preserve the past for new generations. Recently, Minsk hosted an international summer school for young historians, dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory over Nazi fascism. Acknowledged scientific figures reported on their view of historical events. Even the youngest schoolchildren were fascinated to learn how their grandfathers and great grandfathers took part in the war.

Most schools in Belarus have a small museum of military glory, set up by enthusiasts. Professional historians have done much to develop this patriotic movement, preparing dozens of educational textbooks for pupils and teachers, helping to explain the events of 1941-1945 to students of secondary and higher educational establishments in Belarus. Collections of vital documents from the war years have been collated into editions, making source material available as never before, including documents borrowed from Germany.

Other countries have praised Belarus’ mission to enlighten the younger generation. Symbolically, the theme of war against Nazi fascism, developed by historians of the older and middle generations, is now being continued by young Belarusian researchers.

Why does interest in these distant events never wane? Evidently, much depends on the civil position of scientists.

“We’ve grown past the period of idealisation and now aim to give unbiased analysis of our past,” believes Mr. Kovalenya. “The territory of contemporary Belarus has hosted over 200 wars in past centuries.

We’ve tried to reflect the inner essence of our nation, which has risen from the ashes on so many occasions, showing heroism and patriotism. From 1941-1945, we fought against Europe’s strongest army.

Belarus paid a high price for its victory — 9,200 towns and villages were burnt and there were millions of victims. This can never be forgotten.”

By Vladimir Bibikov

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Memory and lots

Search of the missing up involves great diligence

The international project “Soviet and German prisoners of war and internees” has been working for eight years. It is for the same period that the archive documents of the Great Patriotic War times have been jointly studied by KGB of Belarus and “Saxon memorials in the memory of political terror victims” association. The study is aimed at establishing the lot of prisoners of war, people, who died in German concentration camps as well as to state the places of their everlasting rest

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he agreement on the joint study of the archive documents of the WWII period was signed

by KGB of Belarus and “Saxon memorials” association in April 2002. As a result, Belarus has become a full member of the international research project to establish the lots of prisoners of war and their burial grounds, which is sponsored by the Federal government of Germany.

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It was an attempt to organize one electronic database of the information of Belarusian, Russian, Ukrainian and German archives, unsurpassed in modern history studies. Over these years Belarusian researchers have studied more than 20 thousand trophy German cards for more than 12 thousand prisoners of war, natives of Belarus. The research continues.

In November 2006 the first meeting of the researchers with the relatives of the fallen soldiers-natives of Mogilev region was held. Over the following years such meetings were held in Vitebsk and Minsk.

As the work continues, the specialists of the central archives of KGB and German researchers have gathered the information about more than 2,300 fallen prisoners of war-natives of Gomel region. Many of them have been listed as missing up to this day. The lists of the fallen prisoners were published in local and republican media and in the Internet. About 200 citizens of the Republic addressed the central archive of the Committee and Gomel region KGB department to receive the information about the lots of their relatives after so many years of uncertainty.

— Why do we need this? — asks me Dr. Claus-Dieter Muller, Head of “Saxon memorials” association. — We are well aware of our responsibility for the past, though our generation is not directly associated with those horrible events.

And we understand how important it is for the people whose relative did not come back from that dreadful war. I can remember the case of the son, who had been looking for his father for years. He did not even see him at a photo... But after these years the project is only halfway to its finish. We need at least 10 years more to process all documents available.

The ceremony of documents transfer which took place in Gomel a while ago was attended by those who could come, and those ... who could wait no more.

Elderly and young people. A “Meeting” with fathers and grandfathers. A stream of stories. And common tears.

Daughter of Pavel Alampiev was one of the first to receive the personal profile of her father. Anna Bazyleva had only crumbs of information about her father’s lot which she got from her neighbour who came home from the war. They were both fighting at the Berezina in 1941. It was there that Alampiev was seriously wounded. Some were lucky to be dragged out of this slaughter, others were not. The neighbour witnessed

Memory the Germans collect the injured soviet soldiers and put them into carriages.

— It was only after the war that my mother received an official notice that father was missing — says Anna Bazyleva. — She would wait. She died in the mid 1990s unaware of his lot and the place where he was buried. But we did not lose hope.

A relative of mine saw surname Alampiev listed in a newspaper. She called the KGB regional department at once. Everything was confirmed. Our big family, daughter, son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, came together to receive the documents.

— It is very important for us — says great-granddaughter Yulya Dadatskaya crying. — Our big family meets very often.

And we always remember our grandfather.

How did he die? Where was he buried?

It was only there that by photocopies of archive cards they learned that Pavel Alampiev was shot in April 1942 when trying to escape from a camp in Poland.

He attacked the escort and was killed at once. He was buried in the common grave near Szczecin in Poland.

— Now I have the only dream to visit my father’s grave — Anna Bazyleva is ready for the trip. — To bow my head and to bring some ground. Let it be our meeting.

Anna Trugovets, another resident of Dobrush District, has the same dream.

She was 4 when she lost her father Andrey Galkin. They were going on holiday together when the war started.

He left his daughter to his friend saying “Take care of her. I will thank you when I’m back”. And left for the front.

— I remember him making a wooden horse for me — says Anna who has no more tears. — But he did not come back.

I have neither father nor mother who also disappeared during the war. It wasn’t easy for me. But now that I’m old I received a call out of the blue. A person was taken prisoner together with my father. This person came back from war. He saw my father’s surname on the list. As it turned out he fell dead in June 1944 in a concentration camp in Lower Saxony. The Victory came only a few months later...

By Violetta Dralyuk

Eloquent reality Belarusian and Russian museums unite to present artefacts from age of Victory, in Moscow

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Sacred place Pobedy Square renewed for great holiday in Vitebsk

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itebsk’s Pobedy Square is the largest in Belarus and one of the largest in Europe — covering over 72,000 sq.m. A memorial honouring WW2 soldiers, partisans and undergrounders from Vitebsk region (made in 1974 and restored for the 65th anniversary of the Victory) dominates.

Recently, two fountains appeared nearby and ten towers were covered with granite, with stairs restored. Additionally, three 56-metre trapezoidal pier-obelisks and a podium-star (with the Eternal Flame at its centre) have been revamped. Among the square’s novelties there are two light-andmusical and two light-and-movement fountains and LCD screens.

Pobediteley Park circles the square, being an important element of it. Trees have been planted and the Avenue of Glory showcases military machinery and weaponry. “In future, our park will have an observation wheel, a parachute tower and a berth near the developed embankment. A motor ship will cruise along the river, making a wonderful venue for the patriotic upbringing of our young generation, as well as being a place to spend free time. It will become Vitebsk’s educational and cultural-business centre,” smiles the Chairman of Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets.

he Belarusian-Russian Victory — Style of the Age exhibition allows us to plunge into the post-war years, seeing how people lived. The show is being hosted by Moscow’s Russian Central Museum of Great Patriotic War, 1941-1945, located on Poklonnaya Hill.

The organisers aim to show the daily lifestyle of those who lived through the years after the war, including the ways in which they adapted to limited means and difficult conditions. The exhibition is serious and utterly absorbing. Among the artefacts on display there is a typical outfit from the time, film footage and

information on shows staged between 1945 and 1950. Additionally, visitors can see valuable books and illustrations from those years, alongside graphical paintings from 1945 to 1950 (provided

by Belarusian museums).

T he e x h ibit i on b o ast s many artefacts from the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Histor y Museum, the National Histor y Museum of Belarus, the Russian Central Museum of Great Patriotic War, 1941-1945 (on Poklonnaya Hill), the Russian Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Art, the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia and the Pavlovsky Posad Museum of Russian Kerchiefs and Shawls.

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Alexander Lukashenko:

‘We must do everything possible to preserve and strengthen our state — at any cost’ The President of Belarus delivered his annual State of the Nation Address to the Belarusian People and to the National Assembly. Here, we publish part of his speech relating to the country’s foreign policy

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he creation of favourable conditions for the state’s dynamic development is linked to efficient foreign economic and foreign political activity. This includes the expansion of exports of goods and services to new markets, the solution of problems dealing with access to raw materials and advanced technologies and the establishment of fruitful co-operation with foreign states, international organisations and global financial-credit institutions. It also envisages the creation of reliable systems for ensuring international and regional security.

The successful solution of these tasks should enable Belarus to remain a truly independent and sovereign state, able to confidently and efficiently promote its interests within the international arena.

The Russian Federation, undoubtedly, was and remains our basic political and economic partner. During the years of building our joint Union State, we’ve tied thousands of threads of industrial co-operation and interpersonal contacts. However, while relying on Union relations, we failed to think of the future. We increased our deliveries of products to a single market, sometimes prejudiced against other partners and relying exclusively on Russian sources of raw materials and energy.

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We concluded hundreds of agreements ensuring equal rights for our legal entities and transparent conditions for mutual trade. Those in the Kremlin applauded this process, including the former and present Presidents. As you know, the situation has drastically changed now. The Russian leadership has moved to ‘pragmatism’ in relations with our country — shifting to ‘market’ liaisons. Moreover, rather than applying the latter in a traditional, easily understandable manner, it has ‘invented’ them in a single-sided fashion.

We’ve faced actions which have jeopardised the survival of our state.

Near prohibitive fees have been placed on oil and oil products. We are gradually being pushed out of the Russian market and there are attempts to isolate us from European transit routes. Despite all assurances, the Russian Federation is strengthening the customs border at our checkpoints. Under these circumstances, I wish to ask: why are we establishing the Customs Union? Increasing energy prices are affecting the competitiveness of Belarusian manufacturers, primarily, on the Russian market. This is a factor in ‘squeezing out’ our products from the Russian market.

Evidently, this ‘pragmatism’ undermines the basis of the Union State, destroying its economic component. I seek no confrontation with the Russian

Federation; this is not my role as President and is the essence of my policy.

Everything I have done over the past 15 years, starting from the referendum on the Belarus-Russia Union, has been in support of the Belarusian people. It is not too late. We are not so distant from one another. We have only quarrelled to some extent in words. We can still return to our senses and reinstate the principles on which our Union is based.

It was not us who sidetracked from some agreements which we signed with Russia, such as ‘On Creating Equal Conditions for Legal Entities’. What is the Union State if our companies endure conditions doubly worse than those facing Russian enterprises or if our greenhouse farms, for example, pay three times more for raw hydrocarbons than Russian companies? Are these equal rights within our Union?

However, we have not sidetracked too much. We are ready for co-operation.

We are ready to forget everything, to turn a new page (as diplomats say) and return to where we were, guided by our economic, psychological, moral and ethic principles. After all, we are a single nation! This is topical on the 65th anniversary of victory over Fascism.

In those days, we sweated blood and were destroyed as no other country. We were under occupation longer than any other Soviet territory. We were burnt

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down and demolished completely. It has taken until now to restore our prewar population. This happened only yesterday. Has this been forgotten?

On losing Belarus, Russia shall definitely lose its attractive status and position. No one will ever believe Russia if it continues treating our people as it does now.

A question hangs in the air: will we be a sovereign and independent state, lived in by proud Belarusians, who deserve this right to be proud? Or will we continue kneeling before others? It is a rhetorical question — addressed to you and to the whole nation. We have a piece of land and our ideology is clear. We have no pretensions over other territories. We pose no problems to anyone — neither to neighbours nor far states. We are ready to live and co-operate as partners with any state.

We are the most problem-free nation. We

ask you to respect us for this! That we must search for new markets — and we’ve found them already — is because we’ve been placed under certain conditions.

It’s vitally important for us to move from dependence and dictatorship — primarily by Russian monopolies, among others. We need to avoid being kicked and ridiculed for living at someone else’s expense.

Belarusians are civilised, hardworking and strong-spirited people, able to build their lives as they wish, rather than following others’ orders. This is the key of our policy. Everything we are doing today is aimed at the preservation of the real sovereignty of our young state. I’ve always said, and continue saying, that we will not be subsumed. We have initiated integration within the post-Soviet space.

We are initiators! However, we have clung to the traditional basis of equal rights.

The complexity of the solution is quite evident. Worldwide, almost no countries exist which are similar to Belarus; we are gradually, absolutely peacefully, defending our right to develop independently. Other countries have already banded together, or have adopted another’s model of behaviour; in fact, they are playing music ordered by someone else.

Under such conditions, special tenacity and bravery are needed to preserve the historical memory of Belaya Rus as a clean and spotless country and to defend its independence. We must do everything possible to preserve and strengthen our state — at any cost. Our long-suffering nation deserves the right to its own land on our planet, so that our children and grandchildren do not reproach us for failing to give them a comfortable piece of land on which to live peacefully.

There is no need to search for any hidden motive in our multi-vector policy. I’ve said this, in this hall, perhaps a dozen times already. These are the dictates of today’s world. If we fail to give prompt and adequate responses to modern challenges, then we’ll remain in others’ backyards as ‘poor relatives’.

Belarusians are hardworking people.

Maybe not in Russia but overseas, we earn our living honestly. I’m convinced that Russians understand and support us; we’d never do anything to harm this nation so fraternally close to us. However, it’s impossible to destroy by the derogatory labels which the Russian media and some politicians place on us.

I’m firmly convinced that our potential for economic integration within the postSoviet space is far from exhausted. One of the most important foreign political results of 2009 was the establishment of the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. We expect its fully-fledged operation to eliminate all barriers to trade between members, inspiring the development of our national economies and the growth of our citizens’ well being. With this in mind, under present conditions, we need to take steps to fill each foreign political vector with

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Topical concrete content, as we do in our dealings with Venezuela, China, Ukraine, Iran, the EU and other regions.

At the same time, I wish to again admonish those who advise me to head calmly towards civilised Europe. There’s no need to ingratiate ourselves to please European Union and American markets.

We should tell them directly why we should be friends: we have economic interests (we speak of this openly) there; they are close to us; and are technologically advanced. This does not prejudice us against the Russian vector. Our people live there, which says all that needs to be said.

You know, we had many good agreements with the Europeans and Americans but power has shifted; there’s now a European Union President. Those with whom I’d previously spoken and with whom we’d made agreements have left office; everyone has forgotten our arrangements. The US Administration staff has changed and everyone has forgotten what they’d promised. I’ve already spoken about this. The Russians have never let us down in this way.

Moreover, I’ve never conducted behindclosed-curtains talks.

We should live here! We should receive our wealth here — while cooperating with Europe and America on topics of interest. We should not break up the ties we have with Russia.

In recent years, we’ve managed to advance relations with the European Union to a recognisable new level.

Our steady, productive approach has received a response: Europe has understood the hopelessness of its previous attitude towards Belarus. Dictate and pressure have been replaced by open and objective dialogue. We’re pleased that such powerful European countries as Germany, France and Italy are pioneering this sound approach.

I’m glad that the European elite are rejecting false stereotypes about the situation in Belarus. I’m glad that Europe understands that Belarus is an island of stability and security. We’ve never tried to hide our interest in a more vigorous and comprehensive rapprochement with Europe. It’s our

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second largest trading partner and our key trading partner regarding some commodities. Over the past two years, we’ve had a positive trade balance.

However, we have several serious problems and issues, which have been on hold for a long time. Our nations are looking forward to their resolution. I’m speaking of the issue of easing the visa regime. We’ve welcomed the European Union’s Eastern Partnership initiative, which aims to facilitate the major involvement of several countries, including Belarus, in sharing common European processes. Our relations within this initiative must be founded on equality, without the imposition of a development model or co-operative format.

This is not the case in the Eastern Partnership’s parliamentary dimension: EuroNest. There, parliamentarians should represent Belarus, since they are elected by our citizens. People won’t understand or support any other decision. The idea of ‘an alternative opposition parliament sitting near our parliamentarians’ will never receive

my support. Why are these requirements placed on us alone? Other states are represented there as well. I think these states — partners within the Eastern Partnership — have the same problems as we do, so why is only Belarus singled out? Does anyone wish this? Surely, this will never happen. If we don’t suit the Eastern Partnership, tell us about it and we’ll do without.

We haven’t yet received anything from it and it’s unlikely that we ever will.

We were invited, being told: ‘Come.

We’ll talk and co-operate’. That’s fine.

Why should we reject the invitation?

You are our neighbours. If we don’t suit you today, then tell us. If we suit you tomorrow, then we’ll wait until tomorrow. We are not insisting…

Belarus is ready for the most sincere talks on all issues of interest to our partners. We guarantee that there will be no closed topics. However, we hope talks will be objective, mutually respectful, sincere and lacking double standards.

Speaking of our relations with the USA, we are preserving our focus on full

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scale bilateral normalisation — in the interests of both Minsk and Washington.

We have enough areas of common interest to develop mutually beneficial co-operation. We offer Barack Obama’s administration — whose first steps have been encouraging — to start liaisons on a wide range of issues. We are keen on constructive co-operation.

Contacts with American representatives, including my meeting with a delegation from the US Congress, are testimony to our mutual interest.

However, civilised, truly efficient dialogue is hardly possible when one of the parties is openly pressurised. It’s good that this is understood — primarily,

by US businessmen. Top executives of a number of US companies have said this during my recent meetings with them.

Nothing frightens or discourages them about our country. We are a force to be reckoned with, as I noted on the eve of the Nuclear Security Summit. We were not invited as we had not ‘danced to the pipe’ of the Americans and, surprisingly, of the Russians.

We were asked to give away our highly enriched uranium. I replied: ‘I’m not giving away anything, as it’s not mine to give. It belongs to our people — under IAEA protection’. We’re co-operating with this organisation and we’re hiding nothing.

In addition, as far as I understand, Russia has reassured the USA, saying: ‘don’t worry, we’ll take away Belarus’ uranium’. I should say that neither Russia nor anyone else can do that without our consent. We’re ready to embark on negotiations. It’s not about money. We are a nation — a state — and what we own is ours. We aren’t blackmailing anyone and we aren’t going to make atomic bombs. Assuming we had been making them, we’ve already had time to complete the process! However, we don’t need them; we just want a good attitude.

I stress another time — I’m not initiating a battle on every frontline, as some might say, claiming that I’ve quarrelled with Russia, Europe and America.

We don’t wish to quarrel with anyone but we won’t part with what belongs to us. We’ll be fighting to the bitter end, defending our people’s property. If you have amicable intentions and need us to share, then we’re ready to give you our last shirt, as Russians do. However, this is only possible if we can all be honest and decent. No other scenario is admissible.

Some may start saying: ‘Events in Kyrgyzstan are a warning, including to Belarus’. This is really funny. Neither the Government, nor the Presidential Administration, nor any of my residences have fences. Haven’t you noticed?

It’s symbolic. It shows we aren’t expecting any ‘coloured revolution’. We’re also unafraid of anyone destroying state buildings; if they dared to try, there’d be hell to pay.

Long-term co-operation with Ukraine meets Belarus’ strategic interests.

Our similar geopolitical situation and economic structure makes this country our natural ally on a range of sensitive issues. This is why it’s necessary to quickly build a system of deep, multisided co-operation with our southern neighbour, founded on agreements achieved during our recent top level

meetings. I’m convinced that, if we speak in unison, those in the West and the East will listen to our single opinion.

Another priority for our country is the further development of political and foreign trade ties with such countries as Poland and the Baltic States. We have much in common and more problems — which need solution — lie ahead.

Multi-sided co-operation with Asia, Africa and Latin America is a principally new avenue of Belarus’ foreign policy. Many countries are keen on collaborating with us. Let’s speak openly.

They well understand that we are the only civilised country not ‘dancing to someone’s pipe’ or grovelling at another’s feet. Meanwhile, we understand that it’s very difficult to exist as an ‘island’.

We still need to communicate, making friends and those we can rely upon. This is our proposal to strong partners. Why should we move away from China? On becoming president, I learnt a great deal from China. It’s been beneficial for us.

China is moving into a global lead and is stretching a hand to help us.

Honestly, if the Russians are giving us the run around regarding a nuclear power plant, we’ll address China, where dozens are being built; it’s even starting construction abroad. They’ll build a nuclear power station for us. Sooner or later, we’ll build it — although there are some who won’t like it!

We shouldn’t turn away from states which wish to co-operate with a civilised central European country. There are many of them.

I think it’s high time we looked at Japan. It’s a powerful state and, in many avenues, we have the basis for collaboration. Let’s expand this collaboration. Moreover, it’s the second largest economy in the world. Why should we reject two or three directions of co-operation with Japan? ‘Many a little makes a mickle’ is our policy. It’s wrong to say that we’re making Africa and Latin America our frontline; we’re simply diversifying our foreign policy, trade, exports and, eventually, our products. It’s a classical attitude.

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Neighbours

Regional vector Ukraine and Belarus enter new level of mutual relations

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i k t o r Ya nu k ov y c h’s victory at the presidential elections is hardly a surprise to anyone but has drastically changed the political landscape in Ukraine.

Moreover, it has seriously changed the position of forces on the region’s geopolitical map. Relations between Kiev and Moscow are entering a period of trust — which neither Europe nor the USA opposes. The European Union is currently rehabilitating its own economy and the euro, so is unable to take on the financial problems of Ukraine. Brussels has clearly let our southern neighbour know that it won’t be accepted into the EU — either in the short or long term, and Kiev understands. As regards the USA, Barack Obama’s administration believes it’s far more important to co-operate with Russia on such issues as nuclear disarmament rather than to compete for post-Soviet territory. ‘Ukraine can be on friendly terms with both of us’, wrote The New York Times — known to be the voice of American democrats.

Of course, Belarus is not a geopolitical force on the continent but it has its own national interests regarding Ukraine. Minsk is more interested in strengthening the bilateral contacts achieved during Viktor Yushchenko’s presidency; we could even make them warmer under Mr. Yanukovych’s rule.

Belarus and Ukraine are natural allies in many spheres: dialogue with Russia, transit, energy, the alleviation of Chernobyl consequences, the European direction of foreign policy and the Eastern Partnership programme. The pragmatism of collaboration is evident

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and direct contacts are being made. It’s vital to take into account the psyche of Mr. Yanukovych. He was born in Vitebsk region and, during one of his previous visits, went to his famous village of Yanuki. Recently, this Ukrainian President with a Belarusian family name made one of his first top level visits to Minsk, as promised.

Ukraine is an important strategic partner for Belarus. Setting aside geopolitical issues and relying on data, we see that, in 2008, Ukraine occupied third place as our trading partner (Belarus was the seventh largest trading partner for Ukraine). That year, bilateral turnover reached almost $5bn — a significant figure, taking into account that, in the previous three years, it had already tripled. Growth has been unprecedented, so it’s no surprise that bilateral political relations have been actively developing…

Today’s goal is to restore trade lost during the global crisis. In 2009, turnover fell by almost 40 percent but, in the first months of 2010, it rose by almost 25 percent (in comparison to the pre-crisis period). Mr. Yanukovych believes we could achieve $4bn of mutual trade this year. Despite difficulties, another five joint enterprises have been launched.

Additionally, five more branded stores have opened — selling ‘Serge’ underwear and ‘Marusya’ children’s clothes. At present, over 100 commodity distribution networks are operational in Ukraine, selling Belarusian products. We are moving from direct trade to higher forms of co-operation. Assembly facilities for Belarusian tractors, lifts and other equipment have opened in Ukraine and

the recent presidential meeting aimed to inspire greater collaboration, including between businessmen.

Strategic decisions are another focus. Minsk and Kiev have already demonstrated their readiness to agree on the most complicated problems. Mr. Lukashenko agreed the ratification of an agreement on the Belarus-Ukraine state border, with procedures finalised by the Belarusian Parliament on the eve of Mr. Yanukovych’s visit. For a long time, the agreement remained signed but unratified as Minsk and Kiev could not settle the financial issues dating from Soviet times. Pleasingly, relations are now on a better footing, allowing practical issues to be solved.

The presidents’ face-to-face talks in Minsk lasted six hours. As Mr. Lukashenko noted on meeting his guest, the arrival of Mr. Yanukovych in Belarus ‘is not a courtesy visit but a respectful visit’. The presidents had no plans to conclude any grand agreements; the list of documents ready to be signed included only short agreements between culture ministries. However, the air was laden with expectation as the leaders chatted behind closed doors in the Presidential Residence’s Blue Hall.

As journalists readied their dictaphones, and cameras awaited Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Yanukovych, someone from the organisational staff suddenly ran into the room. “Where is the Energy Minster?

Call him quickly! Bring an additional chair for him,” he cried. Besides the heads of the two presidents’ administrations and foreign ministers, the presence of energy heads was suddenly needed, stirring speculation.

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Neighbours

During private talks Victor Yanukovych and Alexander Lukashenko confirmed their intent to actively cooperate

Of course, it’s no great surprise.

Not long ago, a tanker from Venezuela docked at Odessa, bringing 80,000 tonnes of light ‘Santa Barbara’ oil for Belarus’ Mozyr Refinery. If everything goes well — as it should do — supplies of raw fuel (so important for us) will be arriving via Ukraine for years to come.

In turn, Ukraine plans to generate $120-130m from the transit of four million tonnes of Venezuelan oil to Belarus (via its territory). This has been announced by Ukraine’s Transport and Communications Minister, Konstantin Efimenko. Kiev has proposed extremely profitable railway tariffs for Minsk. If the Odessa-Brody oil pipeline comes into operation, it will be a real breakthrough in the field of energy security — for Belarus and Ukraine. The latter has been

unable to fill this pipeline’s capacity alone, being obliged to run it in reverse mode — pumping Russian oil (from which it was initially planned to at least partially deviate).

Venezuelan oil is one avenue of cooperation. Kiev is also keen to liaise with Caracas, as Belarus has done.

Meanwhile, Hugo Chávez is interested in the new Ukrainian President. Belarus and Ukraine have broad opportunities open to them if they act together, since the lion’s share of oil products transits via our countries from Russia to the EU. A Ukrainian song tells us: ‘Together, we are rich’. Of course, it’s from another political age but the meaning remains topical. “I’m convinced that we’ll be able to change the geopolitical situation, making our geographical position work

to the benefit of our people,” noted Mr. Lukashenko. “We’ll always look for possibilities to unite — to protect our national interests,” added Mr. Yanukovych.

It’s impossible to ignore the fact that, on the eve of his leaving Kiev for Minsk, Mr. Yanukovych signed a document allowing the extension of the stationing of the Russian Black Sea fleet in Crimea for several decades. As he personally admitted, this was not an easy decision, perhaps as difficult as Hetman Khmelnitsky writing a letter to Russian Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich. There was no need to receive Mr. Yanukovych’s confession, since his appearance on the Verkhovna Rada Ukrainian TV Channel was telling. It’s not hard to imagine public feeling on this matter. However,

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Neighbours

Now we’ll be able to change the geopolitical situation, making our geographical position work to the benefit of our people Alexander Lukashenko the Kremlin left no other choice to the new Ukrainian President.

R e c e nt l y, U k r ai n e h a s b e e n purchasing Russian gas at the highest price in Europe — without taking into account the expense of transportation.

The previous contract with the Kremlin was tortuous for Ukraine, rather like being placed on the rack. However, it led to major chemical and other energy-intensive branches becoming unprofitable, with the hrivna losing strength against other currencies.

Most importantly, it was impossible to outline a good budget; consequently, it was impossible to receive promised anti-crisis loans from the IMF. Being well aware of the situation, Moscow decided to push Ukraine towards a compromise: the promise not to join NATO was not enough. Sevastopol is another important focus for Russia and the existing agreement was due to finish in 2017. Judging by Ukrainian law and public opinion, no foreign military would have been allowed to remain within the country’s territory.

Mr. Yanukovych went to Moscow to solve the economic problems of his country and, in this respect, he succeeded, receiving a discount of $40bn over ten years (he wrongly reproved himself at the press conference). Ukraine is receiving this money now but who knows what will happen in 25 or 30 years’ time. The President will change and, probably, energy sources will also shift. America has found an application for its shale gas and refused Russian supplies....

Russia is making an increasing number of demands of Ukraine, which

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are difficult to refuse. Moreover, Moscow isn’t satisfied with symbolic gestures — like the abolishment of national hero status for Stepan Bandera. Vladimir Putin wants to unite Naftogas and Gazprom (with ‘unite’ meaning ‘absorb’ — the two companies can hardly be compared). Even those on Mr. Yanukovych’s side have been taken aback by this incredible idea. In recent years, the pipeline has become a symbol of independence — like the Pylyp Orlyk Constitution (Ukrainians believe Hetman Pylup Orlyk made the first constitution worldwide, not just in Ukraine)…

Belarus and Ukraine would benefit from each other’s support in a range of issues. As Mr. Lukashenko stressed on summing up the long talks, with mutual respect and consideration of partners’ interests, a solution can be found to any problem. He hopes a broad programme can be formed, ‘significantly contributing to strengthening the sovereignty and independence of our countries, while greatly enhancing the role of our region across Europe’.

“Another party is nervous regarding our relations but we won’t turn against anyone,” noted Mr. Lukashenko.

“Belarus won’t become embroiled in geostrategic games; it’s not in our interests.

I doubt it’s to the benefit of Ukraine either. We have similar problems: we need to build our economies to raise living conditions to match those of the European states we border and those situated far away,” he added.

These two European leaders are well aware of the role their policy plays on the continent and, with this in mind, European affairs were discussed in much detail. The Belarusian President

mentioned the ‘road map’ (a notion common in Western diplomacy) which relates to developing bilateral relations, for example, in the sphere of electricity supply to the Baltic States.

Minsk and Kiev can and must speak in unification to the East and to the West. The Eastern Partnership is, of course, stalling now that Brussels is engaged in saving Greece and the Euro.

However, there are no grounds to doubt that this huge European structure will somehow ‘digest’ the Greek problem and return to its neighbours in the future. Belarus and Ukraine are offering the EU a range of projects which look beneficial to everyone within the Eastern Partnership.

Mr. Yanukovych also mentioned another European organisation with whom he believes liaisons are vital: the Council of Europe. “Much has been done to bring Belarusian legislation in line with that of Europe,” he admitted.

“You are gradually moving forward.”

According to the Ukrainian President, Belarus will soon become a Council of Europe member — although contacts between Minsk and Strasbourg are limited to the PACE initiative at present.

Mr. Yanukovych is the next potential chairman of the organisation, since Ukraine is to head the Council in 2012.

He notes that this will, ‘open new possibilities for the development of co-operation on issues interesting to both parties’.

Mr. Lukashenko has managed to establish trusting relations with the last two Ukrainian presidents, although Mr. Yanukovych and Mr. Yushchenko are not on friendly terms themselves.

Of course, we shouldn’t exaggerate the significance of Mr. Yanukovych’s Belarusian roots, although this adds a pleasant flavour to our relations.

Meanwhile, this year, Ukraine is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its Pylyp Orlyk Constitution. When schoolchildren in Kiev, Chernigov and Lvov study his life, they’ll discover that their famous Hetman was born not far from Minsk…

By Igor Kolchenko

Panorama  Prospective contacts Venezuela purchases another batch of Belarusian machinery

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Scientists make proposals Belarusian-Korean Centre for SciTech Co-operation planned for Minsk

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ur two countries’ scientists are soon to discuss the conditions of the project’s implementation. The Centre will support joint Belarusian-Korean research while promoting Belarusian developments to the Korean market. It also aims to establish new business ties between Belarusian scientific centres and Korean companies while inspiring new science-intensive manufactures.

Centre employees will be able to give consultations to businesses and individuals from both countries regarding the signing of contracts and agreements and the setting up of joint innovation structures and enterprises.

Centres of sci-tech co-operation are already operational at the Belarusian National Technical University’s Polytechnic Techno-park, founded jointly with Venezuelan, Kazakh and Syrian scientists. The Belarusian Centre for Sci-Tech Co-operation with Chinese Provinces is also functioning. “Collaboration with China’s provinces is developing dynamically,” notes Yuri Alexeyev, Director General of BNTU’s Polytechnic Techno-park. “For example, in the near future, we plan to implement a major research project to assess heat loss from buildings, with our two countries benefiting from the results.”

he President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, has delivered a speech at Caracas’ Municipal Theatre, announcing that his country plans to buy another thousand vehicles from Belarus.

The new shipment of Belarusian road-and-construction and autotransport machinery will reduce the dependence of Venezuela’s state construction companies on private firms renting their machinery at high tariffs.

The President’s speech was devoted to the signing of a decree to establish the State Import and Export Corporation (Corporacion E s t at a l d e Imp or t a c i on y Exportacion). “Only the state will be able to set up purchases from abroad,” Mr. Chávez stressed, adding that lower prices for construction machinery should bring lower prices for accommodation.

Between 2006 and 2010, Venezuela bought over 2,500 tractors from Belarus’ Minsk Tractor Works, in addition to 2,000 road-and-construction vehicles produced by Minsk Automobile Works and Amkodor.

Moreover, dozens of agricultural vehicles were bought, as well as 10 mobile units made by Gomel’s Seismotechnika (to conduct seismic investigations to find oil deposits) and several hydraulic self-propelled cranes (made by the Mogilev Plant of Transport Machine Building).

 Links in chain Iranian Azarab Ind. Co signs Industrial Development of Chalk Deposits — Podkamenie and Shirokow (Vetka district, Gomel region) investment agreement, including construction of cement plant and engineering-transport and social infrastructure

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he agreement was signed at Gomel Regional Executive Committee, during a visit by a delegation from Iran, headed by Minister of Industry and Mines Ali Akbar Mehrabyan. It was decided that the plant should produce a million tonnes of cement annually, with a capital injection of at least $200m. According to the agreement, the facility should open within 36 months of its registration with the Belarusian construction supervision agency. “ Ho w e v e r, I ’m c o nv i n c e d that it will happen earlier and we’ll be able to construct the plant within 24 months,” notes the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Committee, Vladimir Nadtochaev, adding that ‘the Vetka plant is to manufacture cement to European standards, ensuring success’.

The investor-company stresses that high-quality products are to be made at the plant, using the latest technologies and knowledge.

According to the Iranian Minister of Industry and Mines, the signing of the investment agreement is a landmark in our bilateral liaisons.

He believes the new facilities will prove profitable.

The Iranian delegation also visited the site of the future cement plant in the Vetka district to solemnly lay the first brick. The guests travelled to Svetlogorsk, where a shopping centre is being built (with the participation of Iranian Didas).

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Life new time

Renewed land Chernobyl’s radioactive particles fell onto almost every European country in April 1986 but Belarus was most contaminated. Its economic loss reached $235bn (or 32 annual budgets of the country) as a result

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his huge sum embraces the fields and forests m a d e r e d u n d a nt a s a result of the catastrophe, as well as closed production facilities, loss of manufacturing and people’s ill health. For the third decade, Belarus is spending funds on alleviating the consequences of that technogenic tragedy. So far, $18bn has been spent.

The fourth state programme (aimed at the elimination of the catastrophe’s consequences), due to finish this year, has received Br3 trillion alone and, in 2009, despite the global crisis, over Br922bn was spent.

Besides ensuring social protection for those affected by the Chernobyl accident (40 to 60 percent of the total sum has been spent in this direction so far) agriculture and forestry have b een given signif icant funding, allowing them to drive the main task of the five year programme: socialeconomic revival and sustainable development of affected districts. Of course, preserving social protection and radiation security is an ongoing concern but rehabilitation must give way to revival eventually. A new state programme for 2011-2015 is now being elaborated, focusing on these forward thinking goals.

The April of 1986 greatly affected the Belarusian agrarian sector, with around 20 percent of farm lands lost. Every year, this results in the loss of hundreds of millions of

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dollars. Cesium-137 has contaminated over a million of hectares of fields, while 350,000 hectares are spoiled by strontium. Nevertheless, by distributing lime and potassium and phosphate onto the contaminated territory, the volume of radionuclides in produce has reduced to a level within acceptable norms. Fertilisers have a very beneficial affect on the soil.

“Last year, we produced nothing which would fail to meet norms regarding radionuclide content,” stresses Gennady Antsipov, who heads Rehabilitation of the Affected Te r r i t o r i e s D e p a r t m e nt at t h e Belarusian Emergency Ministr y’s Department for Eradicating the Consequences of Chernobyl. “This proves that a material base has been created to guarantee that agricultural production meets norms. Further action should be supervised by those who aim to sustain this status for products.”

Norms regarding the content of radionuclides in food and water in Belarus are among the strictest in the world: they must be four times less in milk and ten times less in bread, in comparison with EU norms. Strict control over the quality of products grown on contaminated territories is being established at every level, covering raw materials and food processed for further sale. Hundreds of radiation control laboratories supervise the process, conducting over 3m tests annually.

In areas where lime, phosphorus and potassium have failed to help the soil grow clean produce, farms have been re-oriented to sustain horses or cattle. Meanwhile, corn and rape seed can be grown without accumulating so many radionuclides. Programmes to re-orient the most contaminated farms in Gomel and Mogilev regions have been implemented since 2002.

Komarinsky farm, in Bragin district, is a bright example, being situated close to the epicentre of the technogenic catastrophe. Soon after the accident, there was much debate over whether to use the area for farming, since the soil was clearly heavily contaminated (also causing low fertility). Some proposed planting forests but this wouldn’t have created jobs for local residents. It became the first farm in the Gomel region to fully change its specialisation. Instead of producing grain and milk, it began cattle breeding. Its French ‘limousine’ cows’ meat is especially valuable and all meet radionuclide norms. It took several years for the loss making f ar m t o b e c om e prof it a b l e but meat production is also soon to be supplemented by selling thoroughbred cattle.

According to the Deputy Head of the Belarusian Emergency Ministry’s Department for Eradicating the Consequences of Chernobyl, Nikolay Tsybulko, 57 farms have been reoriented (comprising 12 percent of all those situated in contaminated areas).

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new time Lifee

The way the agro-town in the village of Lyaskovichi, Petrikov district, looks at present

Last year, about Br25bn was allocated for this purpose.

The joint Union State programme to overcome the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe is also contributing to revival. This year, the third joint Belarusian-Russian project finishes. Olga Lugovskaya, who heads Scientific Provision and International C o-op erat ion at t he B elar usian Emergency Ministry’s Department for Eradicating the Consequences of Chernobyl, tells us that six avenues are now under focus. These include growing fodder for horses and adding useful microelements to bread baking.

The development of new production facilities in Chernobyl affected

regions is a focus of the fifth state programme (2011-2015).

Belarusian forests have also been greatly affected by the catastrophe: almost 2m hectares, or 21 percent of the total. Many have been removed from economic activity but, of course, foresters, radiologists and engineers have been obliged to continue work in these areas. 53 forestries have appeared in the ‘zone’, with radiation monitoring being carefully conducted.

Larisa Karbanovich, the Director of Bellesrad — the national company for radiation control and radiation security, has been working to solve a range of problems, including reequipping forestr y organisations

within contaminated territories and developing software to allow radiation to be assessed promptly. The forestry industry has relied on budgetary financing and Union State funds, as has farming. The union of these two sources has helped quickly solve the problem of forest rehabilitation.

Recommendations are now being outlined to monitor radiation along the Belarusian-Russian border. Twenty permanent testing sites are located along this border and a list has been compiled of ways in which the Chernobyl accident has affected our economies. This has already been published in Russia and is soon to be released in Belarus. It outlines the past three years of study regarding

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Context changes to forests, agricultural land and water reservoirs, looking at radiation contamination. It should prove useful to specialists and residents of contaminated areas alike. It’s well known that we are most affected by ingesting contaminated food, with mushrooms, berries and wild fowl most affected. Campaigns to educate the population have been conducted since the early days of the catastrophe.

Every year, brochures are published to show the current radiation situation in each village and city, with data guiding local residents as to where to safely gather berries and mushrooms (and where they can swim in local rivers and ponds). In the past five years, about twenty forestries have received such brochures.

All data on the radiation situation in forests is also included in the Radioactive Contamination of Forests system, providing information on the level and distribution of soil contamination with Cesium-137 and gamma rays. In recent years, much work has been done to equip forestries to ensure public safety, including the building of towers to spot forest fires, and the purchase of modern fire-fighting equipment. Such fires send contaminated particles into the atmosphere, transporting them to other territories, and harming human health as people inhale them, alongside dust and ash. The forestries in the Narovlya, Chechersk and Krasnopolye districts, which have high levels of contamination (15 Curies and above) now have modern video surveillance systems to quickly detect places of ignition. Ms. Karbanovich tells us that, this year, the same equipment is to be supplied to the Vetka and Cherikov forestries.

In addition, some forestries have been provided with cars to patrol forests and tractors, to add minerals to woods.

Work in Chernobyl affected areas continues, and shall do so for many decades — to ensure safe forestry activity and public health.

By Lilia Khlystun

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Domestic household appliances enjoy popularity with buyers

Pattern of behaviour It’s increasingly clear that Belarusian citizens prefer to refrain from purchase rather than buy cheaper versions of products

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oday’s buyers have money to spend and are making more balanced, rational decisions. It won’t be long before companies will be able to respond purely to orders. MASMI conducted a survey in Belarus last year which showed some unusual trends: 41.8% of respondents admitted to looking for footwear and clothing bargains, with women prevailing.

Pensioners especially dominate when it comes to looking for a good price. A third of respondents endeavour to save money when buying larger household appliances.

Those over 21, and especially pensioners older than 55, are cutting their food bills while the purchase of a washing machine or a TV has been postponed by those in the 25-34 age bracket. The greatest number (42.6%) have reduced their spending on entertainment. 35.1% have cut expenditure on holidays are recreation while 18.6% have stopped buying smaller household appliances. 18.4% decided not to buy a car recently while 15.8% are cutting their transportation costs. 15.7% have reduced their communication bills and 10% have endeavoured to reduce utility bills.

Pro du c e rs of fo o dstu f f s c an learn from data collected by Novak Laboratory, coinciding with the Product of the Year Competition. Consumers in 2008 noted that they chose a product by quality, price, flavour, natural ingredients and health benefits. In 2009, those priorities remained almost unchanged; only the price and health benefits rose in status, with buyers giving slightly less consideration to quality and flavour.

Sociologists believe we shouldn’t make too many generalisations, since consumers respond differently depending on which specific group of commodities we refer to. However, price is not always the most important factor. The keystone of today’s consumption is a profoundly rational approach.

Only essentials find their way into our basket as we become ‘smart shoppers’.

It’s increasingly difficult for retailers to tempt us into buying items on the spur of the moment; the art of luring the subconscious requires more skill than ever.

By Tatjana Kozlova

Context

Mutual interest Volvo Truck Corporation ready to join Belarusian projects to manufacture and use road trains

“W

e are ready to co-operate,” announced the President of Volvo Truck Corporation, Staffan Jufors, at his Minsk press conference. “We are ready to work together. We are quickly gaining a foothold in Eastern Europe and are very keen to develop our interests in Belarus, ensuring mutual benefits from this partnership.” Mr. Jufors added that Volvo Truck Corporation is advancing its road train concept to EU countries. In

Still in request International payment systems are in demand

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elarusian residents have plenty of ways of sending and receiving money transfers, including postal and banking transfers and money transfers to banking cards. However, according to specialists, international money transfer systems enjoy the greatest popularity. According to the National Bank, Belarusian residents received almost 470,000 transfers — worth over $180m — in 2008 and H1 2009.

They sent around 217,000 transfers — worth $126m — over the same period.

2.2 times more transfers were made to the country, worth 1.4 times more in value, with $380 the average sum transferred to Belarus and $580 the average sent.

Money transfers in US dollars accounted for around 70 percent of the total volume, All transactions with around 25 percent are really quick performed in Russian

Australia, road trains have been used for some time, with the Corporation part of this business.

Speaking of prospects for co-operation with Belarusian specialists, Mr. Jufors noted t hat he has b e e n very impressed by the Belarusian multiunit road train and is eager to liaise in creating such vehicles in Belarus.

He explained, “We are considering helping make such vehicles in your country; we have a common interest here.” When asked

about the possibility of setting up a Volvo plant in Belarus, he stressed, “The Belarusian market is of great interest to Volvo, which is why we’re here.”

Vy a c h e s l a v D o v n a r, Belintertrans’ Director General and a member of the Business D e v e l o p m e nt Council under the aegis of the President of Belarus, tells us that the National Academy of Sciences has been working with MAZ experts to develop a modern multiunit road train.

roubles. Western Union, Migom and BLIZKO are currently the three most often used modes of transfer. “Citizens who have left to work abroad account for most funds being transferred to Belarus,” notes Olga Karnaukh, the Head of MTBank CJSC’s NonTrading Transactions Department.

“Over 70 percent of these come from Russia, with Ukraine, Italy, Israel and Kazakhstan ranked among the top five. Each has a relatively small share of just 3-4 percent.”

Ms. Karnaukh believes that most transfers from Belarus are payment for

goods or services, rather than transfers to relatives for material support.

According to the law, money transfers shouldn’t be connected with entrepreneurial activity, yet this often happens in reality. Private money transfers may be used to pay for delivered fruit and vegetables, as seen from the geography of countries of destination: Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova. Also, international money transfers are commonly used to pay for importing second-hand cars from Western European dealers.

According to expert assessments, l a s t y e a r, i n t e r n a tional money transfers worldwide, connected to foreign incomes, stood at around $300bn.

The Indians sent the greatest volume to their homeland, followed by the Chinese and Mexicans. From Russia, money tends to be sent to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Ukraine. During the crisis, the amount of money transfers dropped worldwide. However, economists forecast that a new upsurge may occur soon.

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Vitaliy Gil

Cooperation

‘Our relations are fuelled by passionate people’ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the Federative Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Andrei Giro, tells us about changes to Belarusians’ perception of Germany

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M

r. Ambassador, we are meeting on the eve of the Great Victory, celebrated by our country on May 9th. The Belarusian Embassy to Germany is located opposite Berlin’s Treptower Park, where the famous Soviet Cenotaph is situated. How far does the memory of that war unite us with the Germans? Do Germans today feel repentance in the same way as their fathers?

The theme of the Great Patriotic War leaves its mark, one way or another, on the status of bilateral relations and on their development. You’ve noted the variance of different generations’ perceptions. Sadly, modern German youngsters know little of WW2, since Germany lacks a special university course on it, unlike Belarus. For the older generation, the theme of repentance and confession has been fundamental. They personally remember that war and many lost relatives in those years. Accordingly, they perceive the war not only in terms of an aggressive attack on the Soviet Union but also in terms of their own personal, family drama. Not all Germans were active members of the National-Socialist Party; many were sent to the frontline unwillingly and died — as Soviet soldiers did.

There is no arguing with the fact that Nazi Germany unleashed war.

Similarly, former Soviets helped liberate the world from fascism. However, there are forces — including in the West — who try to revise and re-write history.

We (not only the Belarusian Embassy but also other missions accredited in Berlin representing Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan) are striving to counteract these attempts. For example, a press conference dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory was organised in Berlin by the Russian Embassy, with the participation of all CIS ambassadors. We distributed a press release regarding the contribution of Belarusians to the defeat of Nazi fascism. Using figures, facts and calculations, we outlined our economic contribution, showing that the Victory was the result of more than frontline

Cooperation operations. Many Belarusian enterprises were evacuated and thousands of people continued working in the Volga region, the Urals and the Middle East.

Of course, we are proud of our military contribution. If I’m not mistaken, 448 Belarusians are heroes of the Soviet Union. We know how many partisan brigades were operational; in 1943, they controlled almost 60 percent of Belarusian territory. This was undoubtedly a contribution to Victory. We are trying to inform the German public of this; older generations already understand. During the press conference, we focused on the fact that Germany was liberated not only by Russians, but also

by Belarusians, Ukrainians, Kazakhs and Georgians…

In the early 1990s, when independent Belarus appeared on the European map and its borders opened, German citizens began arriving, searching for the graves of their forefathers who had fought here.

Their aspirations to achieve reconciliation and give assistance have yielded fruit, including projects to alleviate the consequences of Chernobyl.

Of course, we don’t only associate Germany with the war. Economic strength, a reliable trade-economic partner and humanitarian assistance come to mind. Twenty years ago, the situation was different; we’ve come a long way. Nevertheless, people haven’t forgotten the war; I hope it will never be forgotten. Both in Belarus and Germany, people are taking care of monuments to dead soldiers. In the early 1990s, when an agreement on Germany’s union was signed, the USSR gave consent for the reunification of the German people. A special article was written, requiring Germany to attend to all Soviet monuments within the FRG. This obligation is fulfilled impeccably.

A special organisation is operational in Germany — the Union for the Care of Military Graves. We’ve established good co-operation. German activists are also restoring German cemeteries in Belarus.

It’s a humane approach, although I know that not everyone approves; some

veteran organisations do not support such projects. Local authorities are overseeing the work; people with a high level of civil responsibility allow Germans to take care of their graves.

The Union is pleased that cooperation with Belarus is developing fruitfully. Embassy representatives have been invited to attend all events connected with the memory of soldiers who died on the frontline, irrespective of their nationality. We accept these invitations with pleasure, as this is another element of mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Europeans, we’re liaising to battle illegal migration, drug and weapon smuggling.

All agree that the Belarusian-European border is the safest boundary; fewer illegal migrants arrive in the EU via Belarus’ border than any other. Our contribution is rooted in ensuring transit security for Europe.

With this in mind, we hope the German Government assesses the situation thoroughly and fairly rather than relying only on the historical past — despite its importance. We believe it sees modern Belarus’ contribution to European security, transit and trade. It’s no coincidence that our trade relations are develB elarus annually purchases at least oping successfully. In five years, Belarus$1 bn . of tools and equipment from just G e r m a ny t u r n o v e r Germany as seen in the past 10-15 years quadrupled, reaching a record $4bn in 2008.

Common opinion is that Belarus In 2009, it fell to $3.5bn — due to and Germany have ‘special’ relations the financial crisis. Nevertheless, our due to a feeling of guilt and that this exports increased 21 percent, with inspires public initiatives regarding Belarus selling $1bn of products to Chernobyl, alongside other civil, Germany. This was a good result. cultural and humanitarian ties. Is it Brandenburg’s Minister-President, true that this is what motivates the Matthias Platzeck, is visiting Minsk these German Government to a more active days. Last year, the Economy Minister of policy regarding Belarus?

Saxony paid an official visit. After a 13 Public organisations are influential in year break, the Economic Co-operation Germany, each trying to influence areas Council has recommenced its work. of policy, including foreign strategy. Trade is surpassing the political sphere, However, we believe that our mutual even setting the pace for the latter. relations stem not only from feelings of I won’t comment on Belarusianguilt but from a genuine assessment of German relations in isolation from the present political situation in Europe. B e l a r u s i a n - Eu rop e a n t i e s . T h e Not unfoundedly do we call Belarus a German Government has decided to ‘bridge’ between the East and the West. renew the work of the Business CoGermany may one day recognise us as operation Council, under pressure an important partner, as we are contrib- from evidence. Turnover is growing, as uting significantly to European security. is interest from business circles. Over We can already list the steps and 400 German companies have represeninitiatives we’ve taken in this direction. tations, joint ventures or 100 percent We’ve voluntarily refused to stock foreign companies in Belarus. German nuclear weapons and have made cuts to firms are interested in supplying tools, conventional armaments. Meanwhile, equipment and technologies here. in line with the Treaty on Conventional These products are in demand in Armed Forces in Europe, we’ve retired Belarus, where technical modernisamore tanks, weaponry and infantry tion is to the fore. Belarus annually than some countries combined. This is purchases at least $1bn of tools and our contribution to ensuring European equipment from Germany, as seen in security. Working well with our fellow the past 10-15 years.

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Cooperation Brandenburg’s PM is here to establish production using German capital. More active participation by German businesses in the energy sphere is under focus as well, primarily regarding renewable sources. I hope a draft document will soon appear to construct a park of wind turbines in the Minsk region, using German technologies and external financing. Moreover, our Parliament’s special commission is now studying a draft project on alternative energy, inspired by German experience.

I’d also like to note the huge significance of Mr. Platzeck’s proposals regarding education. Brandenburg is offering to train our mid-level managers, since they’ll define the future of our foreign economic activity. We need to teach them how to think in the modern way, mastering the art of business negotiations. They should also learn how to prepare business plans and so on, to meet Western standards. Brandenburg is offering to share its experience.

Logistics is another topic of study, as the Germans are experts in this field, ready to help set up logistics centres in Belarus. With the establishment of our Customs Union with Russia and Kazakhstan, the doorway is opened to these countries too. There are some interesting joint initiatives in the field of culture and environmental protection.

Brandenburg is in the east of Germany, geographically and mentally close to us. The Western Group of Forces was dislocated there some time ago. Mr. Platzeck resided in the area where Soviet soldiers lived for 35 years and still remembers the smell of diesel fuel.

However, if we wish to gain access to advanced technologies, we should also look further west of Berlin.

The German Government is constantly renewing our credit line.

Hermes guarantees exports of German equipment, insuring export risks. If it participates in a transaction, German suppliers feel more secure. Regarding loans (plafonds), Hermes looks primarily at Belarus’ economic situation, as well as

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our foreign debt and export potential. It decides whether we’ll be able to repay such loans.

In early 2009, we received $100m for particular projects, spending the money within two weeks. There were so many applications from German companies that the money was quickly spent. Accordingly, in late 2009, we received another $100m — also spent quickly. What does this mean? Firstly, it shows the reliability and steadfastness of Belarusian partners. We strictly follow our obligations to repay loans.

Our attitude towards credit repayment inspires new plafonds and our old ones are extended. Naturally, this is pleasing, as it opens paths to purchasing new equipment. Issues of export financing are being studied by Germany thoroughly, as exports are a serious priority for the nation.

At present, there is much talk of the German Chancellor realising her own ‘Eastern policy’. What place does Belarus occupy within it?

Firstly, the political elite and public alike view Belarus as an independent and sovereign state. On building its eastern policy, German diplomats and economists are taking this fact into consideration.

I’m not sure that Belarus occupies a special place in its Eastern policy

We don’t only associate Germany with the war.

Economic strength, a reliable tradeeconomic partner and humanitarian assistance come to mind but, in a regional context, our country is viewed equally alongside Ukraine and Moldova. These countries border the European Union, participate in the ‘Eastern Partnership’ programme and are included in the plan of action of border agreements. I don’t wish to exaggerate our

role but we should not be too modest. I hope we occupy the place we deserve.

Germany traditionally leads European affairs. Does it contribute to the promotion of Eastern Partnership projects? You recently discussed the issue at Berlin’s Heinrich Boell Foundation.

Was the discussion constructive?

The Polish-Swedish ‘E astern Partnership’ initiative is actively supported by Germany, which traditionally has its own interests in the East. As regards its present development, the situation is ambiguous. There are objective reasons hindering the realisation of the ‘Eastern Partnership’.

European bodies are being reformed while the Foreign Minister post is still being introduced. Additionally, the EU Foreign Affairs Council is still being established. Naturally, these disturbances are not to the benefit of the ‘Eastern Partnership’. Until the European Commission’s structure is well formed, we can hardly hope to see our projects treated seriously. Meanwhile, the second, third and fourth reasons depend on partner-countries’ activities.

We have various projects in our common basket though…

Last December, ‘Eastern Partnership’ foreign ministers met and we officially introduced our projects to the EC — preparedwiththeparticipationofBelarus, Lithuania, Ukraine and Poland. We did our best to propose ideas which would be profitable not only to Belarus, but to the whole of Europe. The construction of a high-speed Berlin-Moscow motorway was among them. Among other projects is the construction of transport corridor No.9, linking Klaipeda and Ukraine; it could also be extended to Bulgaria.

It would profit everyone, so deserves support. 700m euros have been allocated for the ‘Eastern Partnership’ but this won’t be enough; separate financing is needed, so much work lies ahead for us, our partners and EU diplomats.

We are slightly disappointed by the slow pace of the study of these projects.

No mechanisms have been elaborated for the study of our proposals, their

Cooperation assessment and decision making. This is why our efforts are concentrated on ensuring a concrete plan of action within the ‘Eastern Partnership’ programme.

Another meeting of foreign ministers is scheduled for May, in Sopòt. We hope to see concrete mechanisms elaborated for the fulfilment of practical projects.

As regards discussions at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, these featured an opinion exchange regarding the ‘Eastern Partnership’. The German Foreign Ministry — represented by the Head of the Department for Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova — believes it’s wrong to expect any results within a single year. According to him, patience is needed. A bright example is the initiative for EU southern neighbours — the ‘Mediterranean Dimension’. It has already surpassed the ‘Eastern Partnership’ in its intensity of ideas, meetings and contacts.

The German Foreign Ministry views the ‘Eastern Partnership’ programme as promising and successfully developing, so doesn’t share our scepticism regarding its slow pace. Moreover, it’s been noted that we lack a co-operative agreement with the EU; one was signed in 1995 but is yet to be ratified. This is always a focus of our meetings — both at governmental and parliamentary levels. In mid-April, the Belarusian Embassy to Germany, in Berlin, received official notification of the creation of a parliamentary group responsible for Bundestag liaisons with Belarus. We’ll continue to develop this very important sphere via our friends in this group.

Are they really our friends? Do they treat Belarus kindly?

They aren’t indifferent to Belarus.

They represent various political parties and have different views on the situation and on Belarus’ path of development, as is normal. We hope they’ll contribute to developing our relations.

I’ve long followed a small yet phenomenal example of friendship and mutual understanding: liaisons between a German school (from Saxony’s Pirna) and a Belarusian school. The pupils make exchange visits to do repairs, take holidays or give concerts. Do you agree

that many ties which began as humanitarian projects have matured beyond this and now encompass mutual interest and the exchange of values?

All projects involve real people, who are engines of ‘people’s diplomacy’. If people are interested and show initiative, the sphere of their projects grows.

Of course, many began as humanitarian assistance but, later, transformed into joint projects: economic, environmental and cultural. At present, 19 cities in Belarus and Germany are officially twinned. For instance, Vitebsk and Frankfurt an der Oder

The town of Nienburg alone has three intiative groups developing relations with Belarus, and there are hundreds of such examples… have been liaising for 20 years. We have schools, societies and clubs keeping in contact — at city and federal level. Ties which originate from simple means are usually more efficient and push politicians to make necessary decisions. The town of Nienburg alone has three initiative groups developing relations with Belarus. There are hundreds of such examples. The Embassy is not aware of all of them, as diplomats usually only join if problems arise.

You recently met the Sorbs who live near Dresden. Why? Of course, this was the call of my heart (smiling). Firstly, the theme of national minorities is vital to modern Europe.

The Sorbs are one of the few national minorities officially acknowledged by Germany. I met the head of the Sorbs’ Public Association and visited the famous library in Görlitz, to see a rare edition of the Bible, printed by Frantsisk Skorina. It was discovered by the Hornjoserbšćina (Upper Sorbian) Scientific Society in 2003; 1,316 pages of the Bible were

printed in Prague from 1517-1519 and were owned by Görlitz until 1527. This unique book is part of Belarusian culture and is a European treasure. We are now negotiating to return it to its Motherland, to show Belarusians. If our plans come to fruition, in 2012, in time to mark the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, the book will return. Moreover, the Sorbs are promising to attend Vitebsk’s ‘Slavonic Bazaar’. The Minister-President of the German Free State of Saxony, Stanislaw Tillich, is a Sorb, as is our Honorary Consul in Brandenburg. We speak almost the same language, as Belarusian and Sorbian are similar.

Finishing on a spiritual note, please tell us about Alexander Nevsky Church, in Potsdam.

I believe our Embassy staff visit often and that this unique church’s Prior is a Belarusian — Father Anatoly…

The Belarusian Orthodox Church is strongly represented in Germany. Everyone remembers that our Metropolitan Filaret once served there, as Archbishop of Berlin and Central Europe, the Patriarchal Exarch of Central Europe. When we discovered that there was a church near Berlin headed by a Belarusian, we were full of joy and pride.

Our Embassy staff attend the Christmas and Easter services.

Our Embassy often hosts cordial meetings, bringing together representatives of our twin-cities, Chernobyl charity workers and journalists. Such events attract attention to our work.

Interestingly, our Embassy in Berlin is among our ‘youngest’ in Europe, with staff boasting an average age of 40. They are well educated, with a modern outlook.

They know the German language and understand German mentality, so can communicate and express our position well. We promote ourselves as a European nation which knows and understands its role within Europe and can explain and defend its views. Eventually, this is how Belarus will be known worldwide.

Thank you for the interview.

By Nina Romanova

2010 беларусь.belarus

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Economy

Taste of useful product

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n 2008 and 2009, exports of dairy products exceeded $1bn in value. “We export more milk than tractors!” notes the Head of the Strategy Analytical Centre, Leonid Zaiko. “It’s logical, since a litre of milk sold to our major sales market of Russia costs the same as a litre of petrol.”

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, Russia is the largest importer of dairy products in the world; simultaneously, it is the largest buyer of Belarusian milk.

Despite a summer ‘milk conflict’, last year, over 80 percent of sales targeted the Russian market. The Director of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of System Research in the AgrarianIndustrial Complex, Valery Belsky, explains that falling numbers of milk livestock in Russia and Ukraine have benefitted Belarusian farms. “In early 2009, farmers in neighbouring states sent their cows to slaughter, due to falling sales prices. In autumn, when the milk glut ended, it became clear that Russia and Ukraine were short of

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milk. As a result, prices for all dairy products rose drastically. In Belarus, livestock is state regulated and this ‘conservatism’ has yielded fruit. We’ve saved our production volumes and generated profit on exports.”

In May 2009, stock exchange quotations for skimmed milk powder reached $1.5 per kilo (prime cost was $1.80). However, in November, it sold for $4 — due to the deficit in Russia.

This zigzagging within the market enabled Belarusian exporters to recoup their losses from the first six months of the year; they even generated profit.

The stock exchange price for cheese also rose — from $3.20 per kilo in May 2009 to $5.40 in February 2010.

According to the Agriculture and Food Minister, Semen Shapiro, cheeses are the most profitable dairy products. In April, President Lukashenko visited Luban Cheese-Making Plant, ordering its management to quickly redistribute milk and funds towards cheese production. The company’s experience shows that investments into new cheese-making lines quickly pay for themselves, within just 2-3 years.

Reuters

Long term state investments into the agrarian sector are already paying dividends. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food tells us that, in 2010, exports of agricultural products are set to double, reaching at least $3bn. Milk and dairy products account for the lion’s share, with Belarus becoming a strong market player in this segment

Last year, Belarus joined the top cheese exporters. The Institute of System Research in the AgrarianIndustrial Complex has used UN Food and Agriculture Organisation data to calculate that Belarus accounts for 6.8 percent of global cheese sales.

Belarus has even greater standing in global butter exports, accounting for 10.8 percent. “Butter is produced by most countries for domestic use rather than export,” explains Mr. Shapiro.

“However, last year’s deficit of butter in Russia and Ukraine enabled us to increase exports and become a global leader in the branch.”

In addition to cheese and butter, Belarus also sells large volumes of skimmed milk powder (6.7 percent of global exports). Moreover, we boast the largest geography of sales, exporting to Bangladesh, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore, Sudan, Syria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Mauritania, Senegal and, even, New Zealand (a leading producer of dairy

Economy

Warm investment climate Investment forum held as part of 12th International Brest: Commonwealth Trade Fair

A

Last year Belarus joined the leaders of major cheese exporters

products) last year. The geography of sales of whole milk products is narrower, with Russia and Ukraine being the major markets. Whole milk is not yet supplied to the European Union, as Belarusian and European standards differ. On January 1st, 2011, a technical regulation on ‘Milk and Milk Products: Security’ comes into law, enforcing Russian and EU technical regulations.

The Head of the State Food Inspection for Quality and Standardisation at the Ministry for Agriculture and Food, Sergey Lozhechnik, notes that the shift to new standards will require much investment. “In particular, we need to buy additional refrigerators to transport milking machines, as the new regulation stipulates that milk for processing must be kept at a temperature not exceeding 10 degrees.” Money is also needed to purchase new laboratory equipment and re-train specialists. Mr. Lozhechnik is convinced that these expenses are well justified, “Meeting EU requirements will allow our companies to supply their

products to the EU without technical barriers, creating future sales.”

Mr. Belsky views the situation differently, since meeting EU quality requirements does not guarantee exports to Europe. Last year, dairy products supplied to the EU were charged a minimum fee of 1,300-1,800 euros per tonne, which Mr. Belsky views as a prohibitive barrier.

“Nevertheless, it’s worth struggling for the right to supply our goods to the EU,” notes one major Belarusian dairy. “At the very least, we receive a European number, giving us advantages on our existing markets.”

“This is wise,” agrees Mr. Belsky.

“Moreover, if Belarus comes to share a free trade zone with the EU — as strategically outlined by the Eastern Partnership — such fees will be removed. This is why plants striving for European attestation are acting far-sightedly.” Belarus’ dairy industry is planning to increase its sales in coming years, gaining access to promising new markets.

By Vitaly Volyanyuk

lmost twenty countries took part in Brest region forum, finding out about its investment opportunities in the spheres of agriculture, manufacturing, construction, housing and utilities, power engineering, tourism and trade.

“Over the last year alone, Brest region has entered 19 new markets,” notes Konstantin Sumar, the Chairman of Brest Regional Executive Committee. “This is helping us attract investments into our region. Businessmen and diplomats from 14 foreign countries have visited us.

For example, three years ago, the Czech Republic didn’t perceive us as worthy of attention; this year, a powerful delegation, headed by the Deputy Finance Minister, attended the event. This proves that our investment climate is improving annually, bringing a positive effect.”

Italy also brought a large delegation, since an Italian industrial district is being set up in the Brest region. Czech businessmen are keen to co-operate with businesses in the region in machinebuilding and construction, and in future — in agriculture.

During the meeting between the leadership of Brest Regional Executive Committee and Czech business circles, Czech Deputy Finance Minister, Jan Málek, noted that his country sees Belarus’ investment potential as rather promising. Mr. Málek positively assesses the efforts of the Belarusian government to liberalise the economy. According to him, Belarus has formed favourable legal conditions for investors’ activities, as proven by increasing interest from Czech businessmen as a whole and towards the Brest region in particular. At present, 33 enterprises using the Czech capital are operating in the region. In total, the Brest region maintains trade-economic relations with over 100 countries.

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Science

Research into broad co-authorship Genome Multi-Access Centre set up at Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Genetics and Cytology

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he new centre will boast equipment for genome research, expanding Belarusian scientists’ opportunities for DNA-diagnostic work and exploring our genetic predisposition towards certain diseases while developing new DNA-technologies for animal breeding and agriculture. These should promote the genetic marking of micro-organisms and DNA-identification of agricultural crops and animals.

Investigations are usually conducted at the institutes for Genetics and Cytology, Biophysics and Cell Engineering, Experimental Botany, and Forest at the National Academy of Sciences. Specialists will receive access to the new centre’s resources, eliminating the need to purchase expensive ite ms for e a ch establishment.

Multi-access centres are currently being set up by scientific institutes and centres all over the globe. “Such structures ensure we can conduct wide ranging research using contemporar y, exp ensive

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equipment,” notes the leading research officer at the Institute’s National Coordination Biosafety Centre, Boris Anoshenko. “Such centres ensure that top specialists in a narrow field of research concentrate in one place.”

The National Academy of Sciences is to establish a co-ordination council for genome and genetic-engineering, set up on the premises of the NAS’ Biological and Agrarian Sciences departments.

Belarus’ leading specialists in genomics, genetic engineering, agriculture and biosafety will debate a wide range of problems relating to genetic selection and the creation and use of genetically modified organisms for commercial purposes.

The co-ordination council will also elaborate a concept to enhance the efficiency of hybrid crops and animal breeds, using the latest achievements in Belarusian biotechnology.

By Anna Bogrova

Calculating resource with reserve SKIF K-500 supercomputer launched to provide scientific support for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus — on the basis of the United Energy and Nuclear Research Institute Sosny of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

T

he supercomputer will enable Belarusian scientists to make calculations required for the nuclear station construction, including calculations required for creating and assimilating innovations for raising the radiation and ecological security at the station. The SKIF is be used to work out methods to control the quality of the equipment at the future nuclear power plant, and to improve radioactive waste treatment technologies, as well as analyse and model operational parameters of the power plant equipment through its life cycle. The United Energy and Nuclear Research Institute Sosny will use the supercomputer to assess the security and improve the performance of the future nuclear power plant, jointly with the United Institute of Informatics Problems and the Belarusian State University.

Designed by Belarusian and Russian specialists, the high-performance computer systems SKIF represent a cutting edge achievement in computer design in the CIS. Thanks to it, Belarus is now one of the world’s computer elite.

The SKIF K-500 computer was created in 2003 and became the first BelarusianRussian computer on the list of the world’s top 500 supercomputers.

Science

Svetlana Abetkovskaya’s nano-world

Searching for new residents Belarus negotiates to attract investments from Russia, Asia and the Baltic States for Advanced Technology Park projects

Svetlana Abetkovskaya — a specialist in scanning probe microscopy — is studying the micro-world with the help of a special microscope

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he Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences, Sergei Rakhmanov, tells us, “As yet, we haven’t targeted the USA but hope to conduct negotiations with it in future.

Our initial aim is to apply our existing achievements in a practical fashion, in various branches of the economy,” he stresses. He explains that Belarus is ready to offer potential investors a wide range of innovations for application at the Park, including up-to-date laser and LED technologies.

Speaking of LED technologies in Belarus, Mr. Rakhmanov notes that the country has considerably advanced in this area. Jointly with Russia, Belarus has set up joint LED equipment manufacture. Additionally, we’ve been developing co-operation with Phillips. “We’re following Asian market trends closely, as the region has recently made great headway in LED technologies,” Mr. Rakhmanov remarks.

According to preliminary estimates, Belarus’ Advanced Technology Park will be able to produce over $200m of products every year. The National Academy of Sciences has prepared a set of documents necessary for the formation of the new structure. Park residents are expected to specialise in three major areas — laser technologies, microelectronics and optics. It is expected that over 90 percent of manufactures will be exported.

T

Deep co-operation Last year, Belarusian National Academy of Science organisations produced over $100m of science-intensive products

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ccording to Mikhail Myasnikovich, the Chairman of the Academy’s Presidium, Belarus has finished reforming its scientific sphere, raising the share of applied scientific investigations while setting up new scientific-practical centres and associations. “However, there’s no operational innovative cycle yet, as there’s no strategy for technological development, as stipulated by the President in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Belarusian People and to the National Assembly,” notes Mr. Myasnikovich.

The strategy for scientific research until 2015 envisages the development in Belarus of space and information technologies, power engineering, and nano- and bio-technologies. Over 1,500 advanced technologies are to be elaborated and 30 enterprises and manufacturing facilities will be modernised. To achieve these goals, in depth co-operation is planned with trans-national companies, to accumulate the world’s best achievements and adapt them to needs in Belarus.

he end of its probe needle is thousands of times smaller than a micron, acting as a ‘nano-manipulator’. Data is sent to a computer, which transforms it into 3D images. The method was invented in 1982 and is being actively applied in science.

Last year, Madrid hosted the SPMage09 Scanning Probe Microscopy Image C omp etition, w here Ms. Abetkovskaya’s Winter Nano-fishing nano-photography was awarded third prize. Scientists from Singapore and the USA took first and second place but Ms. Abetkovskaya beat the organisers of the event — the Spanish — alongside 200 other entrants from 30 countries.

As a child, Svetlana preferred robots to dolls, but never dreamt of becoming a scientist. However, in due course, she entered the Mechanical-Mathematical Department at the Belarusian State University, going on to complete postgraduate courses. She then took a job at the nanoprocess laboratory of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Heat and Mass Transfer. She w a s aw a r d e d a Presidential scholarship for developing methods of dynamic force spectroscopy (used to determine the physical and mechanical properties of materials in nano-volumes).

2010 беларусь.belarus

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expo — 2010

In Shanghai, On Europe Square

Have you seen any surprises?

Shanghai EXPO boasts 140 pavilions: national, regional and thematic, as well as those belonging to international organisations and large corporations. 89 participating countries are competing to attract the greatest number of visitors; therefore, everyone invents something original, stressing their uniqueness.

This is the way countries’ reputations are created.

Denmark has decided to bring its most recognisable symbol – the statue of the Little Mermaid. Since its creation in 1913, this is its first foreign trip.

Meanwhile, the stone, where she sits in Copenhagen, wasn’t left lonely; the Chinese manufactured and installed an exact copy, inscribed ‘Made in China’.

France has brought original pictures

by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Manet and Gauguin, as well as Rodin and Millet’s sculptures, transporting them on a special charter flight. Meanwhile, the Belgians are so proud of their chocolate that they are creating delicious masterpieces in front of visitors, each in the shape of Chinese landmarks, honouring their hosts. Their major trump card is their diamonds however (Belgium is the world leader in diamond processing); who can resist drawing near their pavilion to admire t he s ele c t ion of sparkling treasures?

Last year,

What is an EXPO?

Unlike most trade fairs, it’s far more than a display of economic achievements. Of course, every country is keen to show itself to best advantage – while ascertaining others’ success and looking for possibilities of sharing knowledge and gaining new partnerships. Similar exhibitions are organised every five years, with the last taking place in Japanese Aichi in 2005, tackling Nature’s Wisdom.

Belarus usually shares its tractor production, alongside its world famous BelAZ heavy-duty dump trucks, but this year’s EXPO has a unique theme: urban living. By late 2010, 55 percent of our planet’s population is expected to reside in cities, so the problem of ensuring comfortable urban living is to the fore. The EXPO gives each country the chance to share its own experience on improving the urban environment.

The Shanghai EXPO has already set two records: covering the greatest area to date (5.28sq.km) and boasting the greatest number of participants: 246.

Landmarks in history

Technologies (new and, even, revolutionary for their time) have ‘produced’ world fairs. The first took place in 1851 in London, initiated by British Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who

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was keen on progress. It took place in Hyde Park and was known as ‘The Great Exhibition of Works of Industry from all Continents’. Since it was a great success, it was repeated in Paris four years later.

The first EXPOs weren’t organised regularly and were primarily hosted by Europe. However, in 1876, the exposition was held in Philadelphia, and, in 1928, the International Exhibitions Bureau was set up – an organisation covering all international exhibitions.

Until about 1938, industrialisation and new technologies remained the major topic of world fairs. Telephone and television debuted at the World Expo. The New York World Fair in 1939 boasted the topic Building the World of Tomorrow, with the major accent moving from innovations to culture.

After WWII, humanity began actively searching for areas of common interest, with Stockholm tackling Sports in 1949.

Since1988’s Brisbane (Australia) fair, the accent has changed again, with the event becoming a platform for nations to improve their image in the eyes of the numerous visitors and other participants.

If a country wishes to make a name for itself and promote its attractiveness and potential, it must attend the World Fair.

Today, it’s the best venue for creating a national reputation.

Reuters

If you’ve been considering touring the globe, why not visit Shanghai’s EXPO-2010, which opened in May? It’ll be much easier and you’ll certainly gain a flavour of the diversity of our world. Of course, you’ll also be able to view Belarus’ stand

Belarus pavilion in the world expo in Shanghai

expo — 2010 Belgium announced a competition for the best knowledge of its country, giving the winner a diamond as their prize.

The facade of Czech pavilion is decorated with pucks, indicating its status in the world of hockey, while Finland has built a sauna in its pavilion.

Lithuania has installed a basketball court. Due to Yao Ming playing in the NBA, basketball is popular in China; the national squad is coached by an America-born Lithuanian.

Undoubtedly, the most popular pavilion is Chinese ‘Crown of the East’, decked out in red. China possesses great experience of urban development, having boasted great cities for many centuries, each well-planned and functioning, despite their huge populations.

Even now, the Heavenly Empire has announced a contest for large-scale and speedy urbanisation. Economists are concerned that, in 30 years’ time, the country’s urban population will have risen by another 400m. The ‘Crown of the East’ pavilion will remain in China forever, with a museum founded there after the exhibition finishes.

Crossroads of Europe

Belarus’ pavilion has much to surprise and impress visitors, although our budget is relatively small (around $2m). Neighbouring Poland

has spent $3m alone on its pavilion construction. Despite our natural limitations, we hope that the Chinese will remember us.

Location is vital both in geography and at the EXPO Park. Our republic is known to boast one of the most favourable European crossroad locations while our pavilion at EXPO is located on Europe Square. We neighbour a big concert stage on one side, hosting performances several times a day, and have a huge restaurant on the other, serving dishes from dozens of different countries. The Chinese say ‘Location is all’ and we agree.

The major theme of the Belarusian display is ‘Building the Future on the Values and Traditions of the Past’.

Belarus is celebrating its past, as well as its future and present, showing its economic potential via contemporary electronic and information systems and virtual multi-media technologies.

The country is showing the beauty of its nature and cities, in addition to technological and innovative achievements.

“We want to show ourselves as a comfortable European state,” notes the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to China, H.E. Mr. Anatoly Tozik. “We are a country with plenty of clean, good drinking water, pure air for breathing and small, beautiful forests, well-cared for fields and good roads, as well as cosy towns and cities, where people feel comfortable.” We – Belarusians – take all these treasures (air, water and forests) for granted but many other countries (including China, which is threatened by a shortage of drinking water in the near future) lack such resources. Accordingly, we are guaranteed to receive attention (and people may even be surprised).

The facade of the Belarusian pavilion is wonderfully photogenic, with Chinese visitors almost queuing to take photos against its background. It’s decorated with drawings of our cities and towns, as well as native landscapes.

If we ask the Chinese which Belarusians they know, they’ll tell you two names: Lukashenko and

Samsonov. Vladimir Samsonov is a famous table tennis player, who has beaten Chinese sportsmen many times in their favourite sport. They are ‘rich’ in ping pong medals. His friendly match against one of the strongest players from China’s national team, scheduled during the exhibition, is likely to arouse great interest. Meanwhile, Beijing Olympic canoeing champions, brothers Andrey and Alexander Bogdanovich, are to conduct joint training with Chinese athletes, giving master classes at the Shanghai Water Sports Centre.

We even have a souvenir shop, offering linen tablecloths and napkins, as well as straw items and other traditional Belarusian crafts. During the first days of EXPO, these were bought with great enthusiasm and we had to considerably increase our orders.

“We’re aiming to organise live music and dance performances at the centre of our pavilion every day,” notes Mr. Tozik.

“The Chinese are keen on ethnography, national culture, clothes, music and dance, so I think we’ll attract them with these pursuits. We’ll show our kinship with the Chinese spirit in this way.”

During the six months of the World Fair, Belarus’ pavilion will present all six regions of our country. This marathon was begun by Brest region, followed

by Vitebsk region in June and Gomel region in July. August will be dedicated to Grodno region, with Mogilev and Minsk regions being next in line. These will include performances by dance groups and singing bands and, of course, business visits. The first days of the event saw our Belarusians in national costume drawing attention from EXPO visitors.

Each delegation will visit the Belarusian pavilion and will go to one of the Chinese provinces to set up contacts and sign contracts. We’re expecting significant results from the image-oriented event.

“Let’s hope that Belarus leaves its mark on EXPO history,” notes Mr. Tozik. We also hope for this and wish success to the World Fair and to the Belarusian pavilion.

By Inessa Pleskachevskaya

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Press-code

Festival for press

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беларусь.belarus 2010

Alexander Ruzhechka

Adults and children alike were keen to sit at the computer’s wheel, exercising daredevil feats as their fathers and grandfather before them.

The Mass Media in Belarus exhibition reveals the latest opportunities open to journalists, publishers and print distributors, allowing them to show off their achievements and reveal their creative potential. Additionally, it’s a wonderful forum to allow Belarusian and foreign colleagues to share experience and set up new business contacts, International Mass Media in Belarus Exhibition discussing professional issues at round tables, conferences and workshops. welcomes guests for 14th time The international Content and Telecommunications salon took place for the first time at the fair, with media representatives gaining acquaintance with the latest communication approaches and discussing how these can be used in today’s media distribution.

The number of participants increases annually and, this year, the exhibition brought together media from Russia, Ukraine, China, India, Cuba, Iran and other countries, each keen on mutually beneficial co-operation with Belarusian colleagues. “The exhibition nurtures closer contact between countries,” notes the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Ramesh Chander. “This enables exhibitors to share experience in journalism and culture.”

Many states have debuted this year, with Cuba taking part for the first time. Its stand offered daily Cuban newspapers, as well as its most popular and oldest magazine The Belarus magazine enjoys its readership — Bohemia (1908). “Participation in the event is of great importance to ach year, in early May, This year’s exhibition has been us. It helps us present Cuba, showing the BelExpo National dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the our current achievements,” asserts E x h i b i t i o n C e n t r e Great Victory, with the theme evident the Ambassador Extraordinary and turns into a huge post on most stands. For example, BelTA Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus, office box. Newspapers News Agency organised a photo exhibi- H.E. Mr. Alfredo Nieves Portuondo. and magazines from around the tion entitled Winners, showing shots of “I read Belarusian newspapers daily world — public, political, adver- those who bravely fought for the sake of — Internet and printed versions — and tising, sporting, military and chil- our peaceful future. The military media learn much about culture, sports and dren’s — go on show, with electronic organised a ‘field kitchen trailer’ for economy. I think that very professional media, TV and radio programmes visitors and an ‘IL-2. Attack Aircraft’ journalists work in Belarus.”

By Lyudmila Minkevich also presenting themselves. tournament using a military simulator.

Province

A cathedral in Rakov

Village with history of a city Rakov is a wonderful place. Once, it was a big city — a rezidence of the Ogiński noble family. It was a cultural, religious and economic centre. Today, it’s just a village, located 40km from Minsk. However, it boasts rich history and an intense present

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ilver water runs like a thread through my fingers, sparkling in the sun. The water is truly silver, since it contains a great deal of silver ions, as shown by the chemical analysis of its spring, which appeared in Rakov’s outskirts hundreds of years ago. According to legend, the Mother of God appeared to an old, blind Rakov resident in his dream, pointing to the location of the new spring. He recovered his sight

after washing his eyes in the water and residents decided to construct a chapel over the miraculous spring. Since then, people from throughout Belarus have travelled to the holy spring to pray and ask for healing. Rural residents believe that the Mother of God has saved their home many times. I begin my travels through ancient Rakov from this holy site.

Home to crawfish

I’ve heard plenty of stories about the origin of this unusual name. Some people say that a great many crawfish used to live in the rivers of the Ptich and Isloch, enlacing Rakov like ‘blue ribbons’. The rivers are located directly in the watershed of the Black and Baltic seas. Others argue that crawfish like clean, warm and quiet waters while the local rivers are cold and fast flowing. Some connect the name with the Belarusian word ‘raka’, or the first settler, named Rak, or, even, the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra.

Belarusian ‘mountaineers’

Rakov residents refer to themselves as ‘mountaineers’ for several reasons. Walking through the village’s hilly terrain you can’t but feel the traces of the glacier which passed through thousands of years ago. Not far from Rakov is Belarus’ highest p oint — Dzerzhinskaya Mountain, known as the holy mountain. High mounds and an ancient citadel with the remains of a sacrificial altar grace mountainous area.

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Province They say that Lithuanian high priests are buried in these mounds while Polish writer Eliza Orzeszkowa called Rakov a ‘Lithuanian Athens’.

Capital of region

Rakov should have been inhabited since the earliest days of man, yet was only first mentioned in written chronicles in the 15th century — noted as a place owned by the great Lithuanian dukes. 150 years later, it became a private town at the centre of Rakov county, with a castle, governor and constitution. The latter contained some very amusing rules, prohibiting young people from marrying anyone who didn’t reside in the county.

At that time, Rakov comprised the same population as today’s Nesvizh, Slutsk and Gomel. Famous Belarusian nobleman and composer Michał Kleofas Ogiński also owned Rakov county for some time.

‘Cultural’ place

In late 18th century, Rakov joined the Russian Empire and became a village again. At first, Yekaterina II presented Rakov to General and Field Marshal Piotr Saltykov, the uncle of famous Russian writer Saltykov-Shchedrin. Saltykov later sold it to Marian Zdziechowski, professor at Krakow and Vilno universities. At that time, verses and songs were often heard on the Zdziechowski

with smugglers and spies from all over the world. Textiles, spirit and drugs were smuggled from Poland to the Soviet Union, with gold, fur and precious stones moving in the opposite direction. An intelligence officer, who camouflaged himself as a smuggler, wrote a 500 page book about this ‘golden age’. The Lover of Ursa Major, written by

Super Anna

Rakov reached its height of power in the 17th century, when it was owned by the Sanguszko family. It had a printing house, a wooden Ramon Catholic church, and Basilian and Dominican monasteries.

Anna Sanguszko — the wife of one of the Radziwiłłs — set up the manufacture of ceramic ware in her native city, which enjoyed great popularity all over Belarus.

“Anna was a legend,” notes local historian and artist Felix Yanushkevich.

“Despite her difficult fate — she lost her husband and children early — she was very entrepreneurial. Alongside Rakov ceramic ware, she established the production of Slutsk sashes, Korelichi tapestries and Urechie-Naliboki glass. She even employed foreigners at her manufacturing facilities. She possessed a rich collection of Chinese porcelain, as seen from inventory lists. She may have even brought Chinese masters to her workshops to teach Belarusians new techniques.”

Ceramic pots, angel figurines and baking dishes are still found buried beneath Rakov. When a gas pipeline was laid via the village, Mr. Yanushkevich uncovered around 100kg of ‘ceramic gold’ from the trenches.

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family estate, since they enjoyed gathering famous literary men and musicians.

Industry was developing well in Rakov, with workshops making agricultural machinery, as well as mills, wood-sawing, brick factories and breweries operating.

‘Polish El Dorado’

After Rakov joined Poland in 1921, this place, where the Belarusian-Polish border used to run, became a favourite

Sergiusz Piasecki in 1937 while in prison, has been translated into 17 languages and was even nominated for the Noble Prize.

Until 1939, Rakov had 134 shops, 96 restaurants, 4 brothels and hundreds of kilograms of gold in circulation!

‘Belarusian Sochi’

War and Soviet councils took the wind out of Rakov’s sails, leaving just 500 out of 3,500 residents. Once noisy and wealthy, it became a modest village. Today, Rakov has

Province neither factories nor workshops. It doesn’t even boast a kolkhoz (a large collective farm). However, its residents are proud of their clean air and wonderful landscapes.

They even joke that they could walk the streets naked without being bitten by a mosquito. From being the capital of the county and a Polish

Folk ensemble “Gastinets”

smugglinghaven,Rakovisnowacultural and administrative centre of a resort zone. Spas, guesthouses and children’s holiday camps surround it on every side.

Architectural pearls

Rakov residents like to say that their village is protected by God’s Mother.

Wars have ravaged its architecture but its churches have completely survived, as if some invisible hand has drawn away the falling shells. Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church, built in 1793, is snow-white, like a baby’s christening clothes. Parishioners are welcomed by an arch brama (gates) with a bell, constructed to honour the 25th anniversary of the abolishment of serfdom. The neo-gothic Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Dominic Catholic Church is located opposite, straining its sharp towers towards

sky. It was built in the early 20th century from yellow brick, especially brought from Lithuania. A pretty brick building, located on the River Isloch’s picturesque bank, is the youngest Evangelical church building in Belarus. Rakov has always been a multiconfessional and faith-tolerant settlement.

Museum in the garden

A complex of several-storey red-brick buildings, constructed in an unusual style in a Rakov resident’s garden, stands out against the village’s architectural landscape.

A large inscription on the façade reads: ‘Museum. Art-Gallery’. However, it’s hard to believe that a village can really boast a high level cultural institution; cows walk the streets, swishing their tails and dogs run a little wild. I decided to check.

The patio is protected by a large, aristocratic-looking greyhound, yet guests shouldn’t be afraid, since it’s made from bronze. The same sculpture is installed in Nesvizh — created by Valerian Yanushkevich, a brother of the museum’s owner. Felix Yanushkevich — a candidate of art history, a restorer, a famous artist (his pictures are hung even in the Tretyakov Gallery) — owns the venue. He’s drawn frescoes at the entrance of one of his gallery halls. I have to distract him but he’s pleased to show me around, telling me wonderful stories from Rakov’s history.

The gallery showcases Felix’s works, as well as pieces by his no less talented brothers.

Moreover, it holds ancient documents, furniture, musical instruments, ceramic ware and fragments of Slutsk sashes, which describe the life of Belarusian ancestors to visitors. Today, the gallery boasts over 12,000 exhibits, yet everything began with a small collection of ceramic ware, gathered by Felix for this thesis paper, and with copper barrels, accidentally found in a basement.

“I’ve become ‘involved’,” smiles Mr. Yanushkevich. “Living in the city, I’ve understood that I can’t do without the place where I was born and which preserves the history of my family and my homeland. I’ve returned and now try to encourage other people by familiarising them with Rakov’s history and the beauty of this Belarusian village.”

Moreover, Felix is developing ecotourism, with tourists from Israel, Holland and Italy arriving at his home, breathing fresh village air, relaxing in the banya and tasting Belarusian smoked meat delicacies.

Songs from Rakov’s outskirts

It’s better to visit Rakov on the eve of some Belarusian holiday. Just sit on the banks of the Ptich or Isloch and listen.

Besides bird song, you’ll hear the pure voices of Rakov residents, singing melodic folk songs. Today, the Gostinets folk ensemble is rehearsing. The group was founded at the Rakov Centre of Culture in 1998 and initially comprised just three sisters; it now unites over 15 members and has been awarded a ‘People’s’ title.

It’s popular in Belarus and abroad. Two years ago, its artists were awarded the Grand Prix at the International Festival of Family Bands in Murmansk. A year ago, the ensemble was given the Special Award of the President of Belarus.

Gostinets performs at every kind of festival, alongside family celebrations.

“Kupalie is the biggest holiday celebrated in Rakov,” explains Yelizaveta Petrovskaya, who heads Gostinets. “First, folklore enthusiasts visit Rakov residents with songs and a ‘Kupalie tree’, inviting everyone to join in the celebrations. They gather all their old, unwanted possessions to later burn on a fire. Traditionally, we celebrate in the evening, dancing in circles in the rye fields, playing games and singing songs until the early morning. As the sun rises, young boys and girls roll in the dew and the girls throw headdresses into the river. Almost the entire village comes to celebrate the holiday, since Rakov residents venerate their history and traditions.”

We won’t say goodbye

Silver water is running through my fingers again. I couldn’t help but go to the holy spring on my return, revisiting the place where we began. What will happen if I drop a coin? They say it means that you’re sure to return. I certainly wish to come back, since I’ve truly enjoyed seeing this unusual village with the history of a city.

By Lyudmila Minkevich

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Traditions

Names guide our destiny Belarusian names popular today

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hy are some first names and family names p opu l ar while others are already forgotten?

I learn about the history of Belarusians’ family names at the National Academy of Sciences and ask a registry office about popular names.

Twenty percent belong to nobility

If there is such a nation as Belarus then there should be purely Belarusian family names. In the mid-20th century, academician Nikolay Birillo began searching for Belarusian family names at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Language and Literature.

Since then, his works have been addressed by those wishing to know the origins of their name.

Yanka True Belarusian Kupala family names end with ‘vich’, such as Mitskevich or Ya n u s h k e v i c h .

Mr. Birillo also a s s e r t e d t h at such family

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names denote n o b l e l i n e a g e and that these account for over 10 percent of Belarusians! The same number of people have family names ending with ‘sky’ — also denoting nobility: Dubrovsky, Ivanovsky or Pavlovsky. Those with ‘vich’ and ‘sky’ mostly live in the west of the country, while some reside in Poland and Lithuania. Scientists say that names ending ‘vich’ appeared in the 15th century while those with ‘sky’ date back to the 17th century. Meanwhile, names ending with ‘ov’ — such as Ivanov — only appeared in the 19th century; they are similar to those met in Russia and Ukraine.

Belarusian family names are certainly to be found in neighbouring

Francisk Skoryna

countries but are there any which are specific only to our republic?

National colour

“It isn’t useful to distinguish family names on the basis of their ‘nationality’,” notes researcher Yulia Gurskaya.

She is continuing Mr. Birillo’s studies and says, “It’s an undisputable truth that neighbouring nations have many similar family names. People always move from one place to another.

When we speak about Belarusian family names, we mean those typical here for at least a century. Such names are common and are often found on ancient birth certificates and charters.

Family names of Jews and Tartars who settled in our country over 600 years

Traditions ago are also Belarusian family names.

However, there is another approach — to consider only those names which can be explained in Belarusian language. If this method is applied then most family names in modern Belarus are viewed as foreign.”

Belarusian names do boast unique national features, being formed from the name of professions, animals and plants: Gonchar (potter), Kravets (tailor), Doilid (architect), Zhaba (frog), Kruk (crow) and Burak (beetroot). Later, these simple names were supplemented with specific endings — depending on the locality: ‘eiko’ (Domeiko), ‘ushko’ (Adamushko), ‘ik’ (Davydik), ‘ut’ (Klimut), ‘ul’ (Matsul) or ‘un’ (Vaitkun).

As a result, more complicated family names appeared.

Mr. Birillo believed he had found the most unique Belarusian family names — those ending with ‘enya’, such as Adamenya, Gerasimenya and Denisenya. About one percent of the population have these, living only in Minsk, Gomel and Brest regions.

Some such families are found in Polish Bialystok purely because many Belarusians live there. Mr. Birillo failed to publish many of his studies but deciphered about 20,000 family names in Belarus. Many more remain unstudied.

Eva without Adam

Last year, sixteen girls in Minsk were name d Ev a , but there were no Adams registered. It’s no secret that there are more women in Belarus than men, as shown by the 2009 Adam Mitskevich census. However, the distribution of a name depends not only on gender ratio; fashion is crucial.

Natalia Baranova, the Head of the Registry Office in Minsk’s Moskovsky

district, has been registering newborns for 25 years. She knows all there is to know and tells us which names are popular today, “The same names do not remain popular forever. I was named Natasha, which was extremely popular about half a century ago; now it isn’t.

When I was young, many girls were named Tatiana, Svetlana and Lyudmila.

However, almost no Lyudmilas are registered now. Where have they gone? Film and book characters have always been popular and, today, parents are choosing names relating to the church calendar.

Unusual cases do occur. One young man — named Alexander — wanted to change his patronymic as he wasn’t keen on being called San Sanych. This was an important reason of course. He became Alexeevich instead of Alexandrovich.

Later, on entering a theological seminary, he was told he’d committed a sin in rejecting his true patronymic, so he returned to us to change it back.”

Gift from Virgin Mary

Among the rarest names are Taisia, Dominika, Karolina and Evelina. Vera, Nadezhda and Lyubov are also less popular, unlike Sofia (translated from the Greek as wise). Other leading names for girls are Darya, Anastasia, Anna, Maria, Polina, Yelizaveta, Ksenia, Alexandra and Vi c t o r i a . Fo r b o y s , Alexander is popular, while Victor has lost its popularity.

Vladislav, Artem, Ivan, Yegor, Maxim, Alexey, Nikita, Ilya and Daniil are also very fashionable at present.

Double names are rarely met, apart from in the Catholic regions of Brest and Grodno. However, an interesting case has been registered in Minsk. A 28 year old mother and 32 year old father named

t h e i r d au g ht e r Ye l i z a v e t a — inventing it long before the birth of their little girl.

However, the baby was born needing help to breathe.

Her mother pr aye d t o t he Virg in Mary and a miracle happened; t heir daug hter recovered. The parents then Mark Chagall decided to add another name, so their daughter became Yelizaveta-Maria — in honour of the saint who saved her life.

Responsible choice

Most Belarusian names are Christian in their origin and among them are official and colloquial forms. A man may be named Ivan in his passport but be called Yan or Yanka at home. Alexander can become Ales in Belarusian while Alexandra can be shortened to Alesya.

Specific national names can be denoted in passports but Ms. Baranova seldom meets such requests. “Belarusians are conservative in name choosing and people love it when their passport name coincides with Todeush Kostyushko that given du r i n g baptism and that used at home. Belarusians are responsible in selecting names, as they see t h e m n ot as labels but as names that may govern d e s t i n y,” she says.

By Viktar Korbut

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ecotourism

Sea of Herodotus Polesie becomes centre of exotic tourism

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he area can be compared wit h t he myster ious Amazonia: it has a great river — the Pripyat, and villages along its banks, where people live as their ancestors did.

Here, nature is not subordinate to man.

The marshy forests of the Zhitkovichi district (Gomel region) are always prone to flooding, becoming a large water meadow, behind which ancient Turov is situated. Polesie is a mysterious land, as tourists are hurrying to see for themselves.

Jumping on a croaking trampoline

The Belarusian marshes — upland and lowland — are the largest in Europe. “Nowhere else are there such bogs,” asserts Sergey Zagadsky, General Director of the Federation of Trade Unions’ tourism company, Minsktourist. He notes proudly, “Each Belarusian marsh has its own unique ‘face’; some are covered with grass, others with moss. In some places, the forest grows on the marshes; in others, there are hillocks. There are also marshes with lakes, where our national bird — the stork — lives.” We should embrace the stereotype of Belarusians as ‘people living on marshes’.

Valeria Klitsounova, the Chair of the Republican Public Association Country Escape, tells us, “A couple of years ago, Dutch cyclists came to

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enjoy our marshes.” Valeria organised their tour, being a founder of domestic rural tourism. She launched it in the 1990s, with her husband Yevgeny Budinas. “I asked the Dutch to leave their bicycles in the forest and took them along a wooden path to the depths of the marsh. The boardwalk was as springy as a trampoline. Seven thousand years were beneath our feet (a 70cm layer of peat which annually rises by only 1cm).

Everything was squelching.”

Visiting Firedrake

Staff at the Srednyaya Pripyat and Olmany Wetlands Reser ve began bringing tourists to their site in 2006.

Olmany Wetlands cover 94,000 hectares in the Stolin district. It is an outlandish area, where legends predate the birth of Christ. Historians assure us that, in ancient times, the Herodotus Sea was situated here, while fairytale writers state that famous fairytale character Firedrake lived on the banks of the local River Goryn.

Ivan Yakhnovets, Director of the Srednyaya Pripyat and Olmany Wetlands Reserve, is keen to develop agro-ecotourism in the district. “More guests are arriving, who we accommodate in local village houses or send to the Stolin hotel (a standard room there costs 15 euros and a deluxe 30 euros). This brings signifi-

cant income to the district, so it’s better for them to remain in the Reserve,” he explains. Ivan’s words prove that he is a true host, who loves nature.

Stolin, Luninets and Pinsk districts are included within the 2010-2015 state programme for Pripyat’s Polesie development. With this in mind, Mr. Yakhnovets’ initiatives are likely to receive support at a high level. The Chairman of Stolin District Executive Committee, Alexey Demko, agrees, “Our land boasts unique landscapes and ethnic features. It would be a sin not to use them. We already have several guesthouses but it’s not enough. Another is being established not far from the village of Semigostichi, which is a tourist base.

According to the programme, natural sites of Republican and local significance — such as Mankovichsky and Nizhneterebyazhovsky — are to be reconstructed. Meanwhile, new excursion routes are being developed, encompassing our unique marshes.

We have much to show guests.”

On the banks of the Lva

I’m convinced that tourist paths have already been laid here — popular with B elarusians and foreigners alike. “A group of nine Germans visited us,” recalls Mr. Yakhnovets.

“Our route began in Stolin, near the old synagogue — a former centre of

ecotourism

The Polesie marsh is unique in its colours

Orthodox Judaism, like Old Believers for Christians. They showed great interest in the Jewish legacy.”

“D o es t his me an t hat marsh trips extend far beyond the bogs?”

I ask. “Of course,” replies my guide, adding, “The route includes a walk through Mankovichi Park, laid by the Radziwills, which is home to 35 plants brought from all over the world. As you see, people on the marshes were surrounded not just by frogs and beavers. This land has given birth to a rich cultural harvest! Farther on, we take bicycles or a bus to pass along four rivers: the Kopanets (laid by the Radziwills), Goryn, Chakva and Lva. The first stop is made in the village of Olshany, where life has changed little in hundreds of years. Local villagers gather cranberries to sell. Famous

Russian writer Ivan Kuprin wrote his Olesya while sitting on a bench near the local, century-old church.”

On taking a book by Kuprin from the shelf, I find his Polesie-written novel. Here is an extract brightly illustrating the Olshany villagers: ‘On seeing me, they took off their caps, even at a distance. On approaching me, they gloomily pronounced ‘Gai bug’ — which meant ‘Godwilling’.

When I first tried to talk to them, they looked at me with surprise — refusing to understand the easiest questions.

They were attempting to kiss my hand — an old custom from Polish serfdom’.

“People have changed,” notes Ivan.

“They are freedom loving and enterprising — making money from selling cranberries, building guesthouses and opening amateur museums.”

Grilled beaver

The village of Olshanskaya Koshara is situated in the middle of Olshany marshes, and boasts a guesthouse.

Beyond, the landscape changes, with the reclaimed area giving way to marshes.

Tourists are given rubber shoes to walk through the marsh. “Won’t we fall in?”

I wonder. The guide jokes, “We can let you fall — for extra payment. The marsh isn’t deep, so you won’t get bogged down.

However, we’re planning to build a road.

People are well-educated now and they don’t want to wade through mud.”

The goal of our journey through the marshes is to see Lake Bolshoe Somino, which is home to catfish. It’s unusual, since the lake isn’t connected to any rivers. Scientists suggest that it’s ‘fed’ from underground springs. There are two crosses — also worth seeing. There

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ecotourism is a century old legend regarding the daughter of a local priest. She wished to marry a common man, which her father forbade. He chased the young man away, who ran into the marshes, and the girl followed and fell into the bog. Only then did the father realise his mistake and, in honour of his daughter, erected a cross.

Several years ago, it fell into the water, so local villagers established a new cross and strengthened the original.

It feels quite romantic to walk through the marshes in rubber shoes and you can even hire a marsh-rider (able to drive and sail, with seats for four). A motor boat is also available, enabling tourists to see century-old oak trees, fallen into the river, and beavers.

Ivan surprises me by offering grilled beaver meat, noting, “Not everyone likes it but it’s similar to chicken — although twice as expensive.” Cucumbers are the usual treat, since the Stolin district is Belarus’ leading cultivator of this vegetable.

To say farewell to the marshes, Mr. Yakhnovets invites me to climb the former Olmany command post, opening up a wonderful panorama of the whole of Polesie. The tower is 52m tall.

Living under a thatched roof

Famous photographer and traveller Sergey Plytkevich loves Polesie very A great deal of mushrooms to gather in Polesie

much. He was born here and returns every year to take photographs. Mr. Plytkevich believes the world is yet to discover this land, “Its inaccessibility has cut off the culture of Polesie from outside influences — from globalisation. Old customs have been preserved, as have its landscapes, flora and fauna. Man cannot master these huge forests, using them for his own needs. However, in the 20th century, good roads were laid, allowing tourists to see local exotic sites.”

Kudrichi is a typical Polesie village, which has remained untouched since the 19th century. Located where the Yaselda flows into the Pripyat, the village is often flooded; people live on islands for some of the year. When the water recedes, natural sediment is left behind, fertilising the land and ensuring rich harvests. Nature provides everything for a good life. Kudrichi is unique, having preserved much which is viewed as obsolete in modern life, such as thatched roofs and home-made utensils.

Mr. Plytkevich is convinced that Kudrichi has great tourist potential.

“Let’s take Tunis as an example, famous for its Berber villages. Visitors are shown elementary crafts, such as grinding flour and the work of potters. However, these are recreated especially for tourists; in Kudrichi, we still genuinely live like this. Unlike other countries, there’s no need to invent. We’ve preserved our ancient folk way of life,” he stresses.

Pinsk is only 17km from Kudrichi, so it’s possible to spend the night in the city while visiting the wonderful village as a day excursion. Pinsk itself has much to offer tourists, be they Poles, Germans, Russians or Israelis.

There’s no other place in Belarus which better combines the past and the present, civilisation and ancient ways. Polesie has all these attractions.

By Viktar Korbut

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‘Polonaise’ on water New cruise route launched in Brest region, as pleasure boat ‘Polonaise’ travels along one of the most picturesque lakes in the area — the Vygonoshchanskoe

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ake Vygonoshchanskoe is one of the most interesting ecologically in the Brest Region, being the largest unspoilt natural lake within Europe’s main watershed — between the basins of the Baltic and Black seas. 250 years ago, it connected the Nieman and Pripyat and is now the third largest natural reservoir in Polesie (behind Chervonoe and Svityaz lakes in Ukraine). It is situated within a reserve of national significance (of the same name) and a Mesolithic village is found on its north-eastern bank.

Cruiser “Polonaise”

The cruise on Lake Vygonoshchanskoe is part of a major programme to reconstruct Oginsky Canal, including infrastructure development in the region. The project — running until 2011 — is financed from central and regional budgets.

The motorboat (seating 50) was made by Pinsk’s Ship Making Plant during the programme’s first stage, and a berth and offshore recreation zone have been created. In addition to the reconstruction of Oginsky Canal (part of which is to become navigable), the project envisages the construction of a recreation zone and an amphitheatre on Lake Vulkovskoe, as well as accommodation for tourists and an administrative building on Lake Bobrovicheskoe.

ecology routese

Talents explore environment New art project in Belarus dedicated to International Year of Biodiversity

Belta

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A pair of black-cocks in Berezinsky Reserve

Unanimously ‘for’

he Biosphere-2010 art project explores plants, animals and people: our complex interrelations and problems of co-existence on the planet. It is the third joint project by the University of Culture Art Gallery and the United Nations Office in Belarus, organised as part of the International Year of Biological Diversity, announced by the UN General Assembly.

Works will be on show at the gallery from May 22nd (International Biodiversity Day) to June 5th (World Environment Day). The project aims to attract the attention of the

European experts decide to extend Council of Europe Diploma for Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve until 2020

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he Group of Specialists on the European Diploma of Protected Areas recently debated the extension of the Diploma of the Council of Europe for the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve. The meeting took place in Strasburg, France. “The session unanimously approved a draft resolution to prolong the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve’s European Diploma until September 11th, 2020,” explains the Reserve’s Deputy Director for Scientific Research, Valery Ivkovich.

The draft resolution asserts one condition to retain Diploma status: the preservation regime must remain unchanged. The document includes proposals to continue funding to preserve biological diversity, while studying the migration of mammals, carrying out scientific research and preventing the negative impact of traffic from Minsk-Vitebsk motorway.

Animal migration between the Reserve and its protected area is to be studied,

while controlling tourism development.

The draft resolution will be submitted to the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe in June. “After the document is approved, the European Diploma for the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve will come into force,” notes Mr. Ivkovich.

The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is the oldest protected area in Belarus, part of our natural legacy. It occupies 1,200 square km and includes forest, marshland, flood meadows, lakes and rivers. With its biodiversity and unique natural habitats, it’s of special importance to Belarus and Europe.

The Diploma of the Council of Europe is a prestigious award acknowledging the successes of national parks and nature protecting reserves. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve received the Diploma in 1995 for its successful preservation of its wild nature. Since then, the Diploma has been renewed twice (in 2005 last). It expires this year.

By Galina Potemkina

Belarusian public to one of the most important problems of our times - the preservation of the Earth’s biological diversity. It is precious and, unfortunately, a very fragile wealth. The event is bringing together the efforts of creative youngsters and acknowledged masters in visual and decorative arts. As in previous years, sketches, photos, sculptures, paintings and artistic artefacts will be impressing Minsk audiences with their originality and evidence of talent.

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Moment of sincerity

Creativity as way of life Yuri Sokhar is a theatre critic, an Honoured Doctor of Charles University in Prague, a professor and a former actor with the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre.

He can’t imagine life without creative endeavours

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e all have our own style and paths of s e l f - e x pre s sion, as does Yuri.

He is the author of numerous books and articles about the theatre, artists and plays. One is dedicated to the great Albert Einstein; Don’t be Sad, Albert! was staged at the Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre in autumn, when Vitebsk theatre played in Minsk. Yuri attended the opening night, arriving from Prague. He is spending more time in Belarus these days, in his country house in the suburbs of Berezino (Minsk region) where he can enjoy looking at woods, meadows and the full-flowing River Berezina from his windows. “I don’t have words for its beauty,” he asserts. “I can breathe and write more easily there.”

We begin our interview by discussing Yuri’s creativity, his source of purification and enrichment. It helps him to find himself and to better understand people and life. We also try to define why people are inspired to creative endeavours.

On the day of our meeting, the River Berezina looks very beautiful. The scent of tender green foliage wafts through the air, accompanied by that of coltsfoot and dandelion, and plum and bird cherry trees in bloom. The natural, fresh smell

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of the river joins them. These fragrances stir the soul, inspiring sincerity. Even in the office, these accents of spring steer our discussion. I hope that Yuri Sokhar’s reflections on creativity and on his life will be interesting not only for me, but also for our readers.

inspires us, as I realised rather early.

My parents gave me a powerful and beautiful singing voice, so I sang from very early childhood. I remember how amazed I was to see people’s faces grow calm under the influence of singing.

Even those with few obvious attractions become beautiful when they sing. I’ve seen it happen often before, not recognising even those I know well. Naturally, I don’t tend to contemplate the philosophy of creativity at such times and have never tried before to explain why we (or I) need to be creative.  In my post-war peasant childhood, along with songs, I experienced hunger and cold, humiliation and offences. I was born and raised in the Ukrainian backwoods, in Kharkov region. My father, Maxim Gavrilovich Sokhar, perished during the war, on March 8th, 1944; he threw himself on an enemy pillbox gunport, unintentionally (or deliberately — we’ll never know) dooming his young wife to widowhood and his little sons to the bitterness of being fatherless.

Theater has just taken up the new writing

 The beauty I see here can’t but inspire creativity! When I’m in the country, I believe I’m led by Somebody who wants us to remember our inherited creative talents. I’m ever surprised by how nature

 My wise mother, hardworking Anna Alexeevna, brought me up well.

I graduated from the vocational school, worked at a local factory and served in the army. My army service marked the beginning of my life in Belarus, since I sang in an army band and was sent to

Ivan Zhdanovich

Moment of sincerity

The dramatist Yuri Sokhar (left) and Einstein’s part performer Gennadiy Gayduk after the opening night

Minsk to gain admittance to the conservatoire. I earned the highest grades in every subject, except for solfeggio [sight reading of sheet music] which I failed.

I felt offended and decided to enter the actors’ faculty at the Theatre Art Institute [today the Academy of Arts].

Master teacher Dmitry Orlov admitted me without exams.  I would have succeeded as an actor but for my love of freedom. This doesn’t mean that I’m not easy to get on with or have a difficult character. The point is that an actor’s profession is dependent on circumstance and other people: playwrights, directors, administrators, audiences and, finally, money. My natural character can’t stand dependency. Therefore, having worked three

years at the Kupala Theatre, I left the stage. Nevertheless, I kept my love for the theatre, as you can see from my books and articles dedicated to the stage, alongside performance reviews and from my plays. My ‘Masters of Arts’ book contains fifty essays on the creative lives of outstanding Belarusian actors, producers, theatre artists, art critics and filmmakers.  My entire life is connected with creativity. I believe we need to direct our energy towards peaceful and constructive outlets. If I have no path for my creative energy, my spiritual and physical well being is jeopardised. Of course, you may start chopping wood, like Adriano Celentano’s character in ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ [a 1980s Italian film version

of Shakespeare’s comedy — author].

When I was working as director of the House of Arts, I tried to organise everything to ensure maximum creativity. We hosted recitals by young actors and stage veterans, exhibitions of stage artists, literary readings, monologues, producer master classes and meetings with outstanding theatre and cinema figures.

I’d be happy to see such an Actor’s House in Belarus again.  Striving for creativity has inspired me to try research. When we learn something new, we broaden our mind and gain better understanding of the world. Accordingly, we are enriched.

Before becoming a playwright, I published several books and numerous scientific works on the art of theatre; I

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Moment of sincerity was working at the Theatre Department of the Institute of Art, Ethnography and Folklore, of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. There, I gained my post-graduate degree. I took part in creating a multi-volume edition, entitled ‘The History of Belarusian Theatre’. It took many years, and taught me how to meticulously gather facts.  This skill was useful when I began collecting facts for my play about Einstein; I used the Prague State Archive and the Vienna State Archive. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to reach Zurich, where Einstein was born and lived for some time. I was promoted to senior researcher at the Arts Institute and, later, was invited to lead the Department of Stage Direction and Acting at the Minsk Culture Institute [today, the University of Culture and Arts — author]. There,

I finished my doctoral studies and became a professor.  Raising children is also creative. I’m not reinventing the wheel in saying this. It involves much higher responsibility than writing a play. If you create a bad play, it might never be staged or read; if you fail to raise a child well, this is a problem or, even, a tragedy — for the child and for society. Without false modesty, I can say that I’m not a bad father, husband or grandpa. My daughter Anna, who married a Frenchman and now lives in Orleans, has given me three grandchildren — Gieyem, Jerome and Antoine. My son Maxim decided to study in Europe; he attended school and university in Prague. This is how I came to sign a contract with Charles University and began teaching the history of world culture. The Czech Republic is a calm

The personality of Albert Einstein inspired not only the author of the play but the actors as well, who now eagerly perform in the play ‘Hello, Albert!’.

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Slavic country with a mild climate and kind, honest people. It’s easy to reside there. Later, Maxim took a holiday in Belarus and married a girl from Berezino.

Today, he is the creative director of the Wincenty Dunin-Marcinkiewicz Theatre in Bobruisk. They are raising two sons and are expecting a daughter.  I do nothing special in bringing up my grandchildren. Firstly, I believe this is the direct responsibility of their parents.

Secondly, I’m convinced that you can’t teach anyone anything, you can only impart the basic social skills. Everything else a child learns from watching your life style and that of other people. We reveal our nature in the way we behave. We should encourage children’s creativity, being careful not to suppress talent by imposing our own vision. We should guide children in a positive direction, while allowing them to be led by their own free will.

Moment of sincerity

 Why have I used Einstein as my muse? Not for his theories as a physicist or as the inventor of quantum theory but because of his innovative spirit. He was a tireless fighter for peace, a talented violinist, preferring the music of Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven, and was incredibly kind. He was also known as a fearless sailor; he used to take to the open sea in his yacht to talk to the Universe.  As any parent loves his child, a creative person feels affection for his works. I like my play, which is a realistic, intellectual piece of work founded on the true lives of historical figures: Einstein, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Niels Bohr, Sigmund Freud, Enrico Fermi and other world science luminaries.

One of Prague’s best theatres (Liberec) staged it st r i c t ly,

with verbose monologues and passionate dialogues. The performance lasted 2 hours and 24 minutes. I personally saw that the audience was inspired by my work.  ‘Don’t be Sad, Albert!’ has been staged in Vitebsk by director Vitaly Barkovsky, who has a reputation as a modernist and avant-garde artist, both at home and abroad. He treated the play as a vehicle to realise his own concept, so only partially based his work on the original form. He stayed loyal to his creative principles, reducing the text by more than half. His vision is full of incredible fantasy, with dominating symbols and extravagant allegories. I accepted this interpretation, since his spectacular performance didn’t violate the basis of my own idea. Music, poetry, drama, passion, tears and love are fully present in the production. As far as real characters are concerned, they are presented symbolically; nevertheless, he hasn’t diminished their historical significance. Minsk audience received the play with calm respect, trying to comprehenditsEuropean aesthetics.

Indeed, the performance isn’t for everyone.

It’s most likely to appeal to intellectuals who value the ideal of living for art.  Why do I need creativity? I’m often asked this. The answer is simple: this is my lifestyle. Perhaps, also, it gives me some courage. Creativity adds more sense to my life, and helps me to find and understand this sense. Every day of your life can bring something new, if you know how to value life as a gift — even when everything seems routine at first glance. When I write, I open something new to myself. Recently, I finished a play entitled ‘Nero’. To be honest, working on it was both emotionally stressful and thrilling. I was greatly surprised to find myself writing a historical drama about Nero in verse. It’s been an amazing ride! (anyone who writes will understand me). I adore this emotional state! Nero had a reputation as a bloodthirsty tyrant, but my play shows him in a different light — as a man who is unloved.

Even his mother, wife and teacher betray him. This is what inspires his revenge… I don’t blame him for his actions. I hope that the play will be interesting to audiences at home and abroad.  My ancestors on my mother’s side were churchmen. My grandfather, Alexey Zinovievich, was a church precentor, heading a large cathedral choir. He was a very kind man. When I was a child, he told me a poetic folk legend.

He said that, at the end of May, at the very culmination of nature’s triumph, a ‘thundery summer night’ occurs, when lightning fills the sky and the oak tree blushes with white-pink light for a few seconds. I was hugely impressed with this beautiful fiction and spent many years watching oak trees in anticipation. I used the idea in my play about Einstein. My grandfather taught me how to see primordial beauty in nature and to preserve God in my soul. Even today, I believe that, in real life, an oak tree might blush with divine fluorescence during a thunder storm.

Aloizas Yunevich

I’m confident that Einstein would never have become Einstein if his parents hadn’t given him free reign.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

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Creativity cooperation

Shandong and Vitebsk brought closer Young Chinese artist devotes series of works to Belarusian city

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n early April, an exhibition of works by young Chinese painter Yang Liming opened at Vitebsk’s regional librar y. The series e nt it l e d Shand ong .

Vitebsk — is

dedicated to the Belarusian regional centre, where he has learnt much and acquired many good friends.

Yang Liming was born in China’s Shandong province. Two years ago, he graduated from the Art History School at the East China Institute of Technology in Fuzhou, arriving in Vitebsk to bring his dream to life.

He wished to master the secrets of European drawing and painting, so enrolled on a preparatory

course a t P. M a she rov Vi tebsk State University’s Art and Graphic Department for a year. He then applied for a Master’s degree, having learnt to speak Russian rather well and achieved Yan Liming at the opening of the exhibition

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definite success in the creative sphere.

He didn’t just create works for his course, but indulged his own passion for art, specialising in painting and the realistic style.

“C ontemporar y painting dominates in China, while you have a completely different school — traditional and classical,” notes Yang, comparing the tuition systems in our countries. “I’ve learnt to work in the realistic manner in Belarus.

I’m very grateful to my teachers — wonderful artists — who helped me realise my dream.

My exhibition has taken place largely due to the efforts of Grigory Fedkov, who taught me painting and composition, to Vasily Nesterenko, a teacher of d r aw i ng , an d t o Valentin Klimovich, who headed my diploma project.”

The teachers of the young Chinese painter speak of him as hard-working and capable. He has shown stubborn determination, while making progress ‘in leaps and bounds’. They also note his sensitivity and kindness, calling him the most responsive boy in the group. His first word learnt in Russian was ‘to help’.

Now, the 25 year old painter speaks Russian well and has no need of an interpreter. At his exhibition, he spoke for himself. Asked what

cooperation Creativitye he most remembers from his life in Vitebsk, he smiles, “I particularly like Belarusian nature. It’s very beautiful here!” He has tried to reflect the beauty of Belarusian nature in such lyrical works as First Snow, Winter Night and Vitebsk Motif. Of two dozen pictures being showcased at the exhibition, landscapes account for the greatest share. The remainder are still life paintings, created during the last year in Vitebsk. The artist hasn’t forgotten his homeland, allowing us to compare images of Vitebsk region with those of Shandong province.

At present, Yang is finishing h i s Ma s t e r’s d e g re e at Vit e b s k State University’s Art and Graphic D ep ar t ment in t he ‘t he or y and methods of education and upbringing’.

Valentin Klimovich, a candidate of sciences and an associate professor at the Pictorial Art Chair, tells us that Yang’s thesis will be connected with painting techniques.

“China is keen to master our European school of drawing, painting and music,” adds Mr. Klimovich. “With this aim, Chinese students arrive in Belarus to study. Currently, around 20 Chinese students study at our department.” This year, VSU’s Art and Graphic Department is preparing to welcome about 40 more students from China. They’ll come to Vitebsk after graduating from Hohhot Professional Institute and will become fourth year students.

In June, Yang Liming will defend his thesis and receive a Master’s diploma. He plans to return to Shandong, on China’s eastern coast, famous for its cultural traditions. It’s known worldwide as the home of the great ancient thinker and enlightener Confucius, as well as many other talented poets, artists and philosophers. Once home, Yang plans to teach and to continue creating landscapes. “Wherever I go, Vitebsk city, its residents, university and teachers will remain in my heart forever, alongside my personal exhibition,” he muses.

By Tatiana Solovieva

With regard to the future Belarus and Japan to organise international conference dedicated to youth problems, this autumn in Minsk

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he hosting of the conference was discussed by the Chair of the Presidium of the Belarusian Society of Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, Nina Ivanova, and the Chairman of the Japan Eurasia Society, Hiroshi Kubota, joined by Professor Masanao Takeda, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and President of Sapporo Japan Eurasia Society (of the Hokkaido Federation).

Representatives from around 20 countries, including those from Europe and the CIS, will be invited to take part in the forum.

Minsk’s House of Friendship hosted a Belarusian-Japanese evening, featuring songs and verses in Japanese. Students of Japanese from the Belarusian State University’s International Relations Department recited Yakub Kolas’ My Native Corner in Belarusian and Japanese.

Japanese language teacher Akira Furusava noted the great interest of Belarusian youngsters in Japanese culture and literature. A member of the Board of the Belarus-Japan Association and Chairman of the Nagasaki Bell Memorial Foundation, Yuri Popov, told the audience about the history of this monument, situated in Nezavisimosti Square.

Those present at the event also enjoyed an exhibition by Japanese artist Ando Hiroshige (who works in colour wood engraving). A musical programme was also prepared by teachers from the Maxim Tank Belarusian State Pedagogical University.

On high note Gomel Philharmonic Orchestra to accompany famous Russian tenors

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he new concert programme has been prepared by members of the Pop Symphonic Orchestra at the Gomel Regional Philharmonic, headed by conductor Stanislav Shnyr, jointly with laureates of the Russian National Heritage Award — artists of the Tenors of the 21st Century art project, which features leading soloists from Russia’s top theatres. The programme is dedicated to the memory of Luciano Pavarotti, with the first concerts hosted by Riga (Latvia).

In May, the tour will travel to Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk and Minsk, as well as Estonian Tallinn.

The programme of the concert features 20th century world hits, as well as arias from famous operettas: The Bat

by Strauss, Donna Juanita by Franz von Suppé, The Land of Smiles by Franz Lehár and The Fair Maid of Perth by Bizet. The Pop Symphonic Orchestra of Gomel’s Regional Philharmonic accompanied the performances of the Tenors of the 21st Century in Gomel and large district centres of the Gomel region last September and October. It was an unforgettable event, with lovers of opera showing keen interest to this year’s performance even before the concert was announced.

In past years, Philharmonic artistes have included famous Belarusian Syabry, accordion player Valery Kovtun, world famous jazzman Eddie Rosner and singer and composer Alexander Gradsky.

The creative career of Russian singer Alexander Buinov also began here.

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Calling card

Woven straw doll makes the perfect souvenir National crafts are Belarusian calling cards

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ver y time I visit my Lithuanian relatives, I know just what to bring as a gift. I remember their requesttobring‘something Belarusian’ and immediately go to one of Belkhudozhpromysly’s shops.

I’m always delighted at the embarrassment of riches in Kuferachak store.

This time, I see a wooden box embellished with Belarusian ornaments in straw; it will be ideal for my sister’s costume jewellery. My aunt will be glad to receive linen napkins in a traditional red colour. I’ll give my uncle a ceramic statuette: a cheerful, whiskered man.

My small niece will love a beautiful Belarusian doll, made from woven straw.

It looks like it has arrived straight out of a fairytale…

The shop offers plenty of items made from straw and willow, as well as painted timber, embroidered rushniks, table cloths, national shirts and belts. Each is symbolic of Belarus and of our national traditions, carried down through the centuries…

In 1993, Belkhudozhpromysly — a state concern and the country’s major manufacturer of such souvenirs — was founded to revive old crafts. It now unites 18 enterprises from various corners of the republic, employing hundreds of artists and handymen, who create unique items. They rely on their great mastery and unlimited imagination.

“Among our enterprises, we have many which are narrowly-specialised.

Radoshkovichi Belkhudozhkeramika manufactures only ceramic items, while Brest’s Slavyanka creates only wooden boxes and backgammon and chess sets,” explains Belkhudozhpromysly Director General Andrey Shamshura. “Others, like Mozyr’s factory, works with fabrics, willow and ceramics.”

Most of Belkhudozhpromysly’s goods are hand-made and are original. They reflect their masters’ souls. People, not machines, work with natural materials, creating souvenirs which are each individual, with their own particular flavour.

During the creative process, an artist can

Exposition generate new ideas, leading to changes in design, expanding the range of goods.

Belkhudozhpromysly currently produces over 50,000 items. Each new piece has to be approved by the artistic council before being launched into manufacture, with experts verifying whether it truly meets Belarusian traditions. To stimulate our craftspeople, Belkhudozhpromysly and the Culture Ministry are organising a nationwide contest to design the best Belarusian souvenir this year.

Goods created by Belkhudozhpromysly masters enjoy steady demand, with most Belarusian homes boasting a box, a table cloth, a vase, a basket or some other piece of national folk art. This can be easily explained. Such items were an indispensable part of our grandmothers and grandfathers’ lives, so they can’t be forgotten by us, their descendants.

Original national dolls, for example, arouse great interest among buyers — not only because they’re beautiful. These crafts continue the ancient traditions of past times. Peasants used to make children’s toys from straw, flax tow and patchwork.

Foreign tourists are truly delighted

by Belarusian crafts.

“Foreig ners

are frequent guests at our shop,” admits Kuferachak saleswoman Nina Demianchik.

“It’s no surprise. On visiting a foreign country, people always want to return with a souvenir.” A statue of the Eiffel Tower is usually bought in France, while an image of Cologne Cathedral is acquired in Germany. Belarus is famous worldwide for its crafts.

Ms. D emianchik’s colle ague, Svetlana Borisenok, tells us, “We sell everything: from dolls and ceramic items to national costumes and linen bedclothes. Customers don’t just buy without consideration; they ask about the meaning. They want to understand each item. For example, a straw broom symbolises prosperity in the home while a stork, depicted on a panel, brings family well-being.”

B elarusian stands at international exhibitions abroad always take Belkhudozhpromysly goods, since they represent our country to the rest of the world.

“Our items are currently on show in Moscow, as part of the Year of Belarus in Russia. We have a large exposition scheduled for Shanghai in summer,” notes Mr. Shamshura. “Similar trips help find wholesale buyers for our products and generate profit, since we are entering a new market. However, the major goal is to spread Belarusian culture abroad.”

B elarus is associated worldwide with original embroidered items, and those made from straw and willow, alongside similar crafts. The republic is one of the few countries which has managed to preser ve its folk crafts. This truly distinguishes us, while attracting tourists and foreign relatives, like mine. I hope my relatives will enjoy my gifts, since these are of Belarusian origin, as they wished.

elarus’ Culture Ministry is showcasing 42 photos of Belarusian monuments, shot by Yuri Ivanov, Sergey Plytkevich and Vladimir Bogdanov. The works detail the beauty of our native Belarus explains Vladimir Rylatko, Belarus’ First Deputy Culture Minister.

“Photographers have viewed these monuments and landscapes with their heart, sharing their passion with their audience,” notes Mr. Rylatko.

The photos of magical Belarus are to tour Egypt, Syria, Armenia and Azerbaijan as part of a programme to familiarise foreign audiences with Belarusian culture. The current exhibition contains photos depicting only a small part of the country’s historical and cultural heritage: the castles of Mir, Nesvizh, Novogrudok and Lida, as well as Minsk and Shklov tower halls, Polotsk’s Sofia Cathedral and St. Boris and Hleb’s Church. At present, the State Register of Historical and Cultural Values covers 4,911 monuments of archaeology, architecture, city construction, history, art and reserved sites.

By Lyudmila Minkevich

By Zhanna Komarova

Travel through reserves Magic Belarus photo exhibition to tour many countries — V. Rylatko

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Date

Novel of knights 600th anniversary of Battle of Grunewald inspires interest in medieval history

2010

is setting a record for the number of medieval culture festivals. In May, Belarus’ cultural capital of Polotsk hosted a grand show, Rubon, featuring knights’ battles; the siege of the Upper Castle was reconstructed. This summer, Minsk’s old suburb of Loshitsa joins ancient Zaslavl and the village of Benyuny (in Oshmyany district) in hosting theatrical shows from past epochs. The country is plunging into the Middle Ages, with the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald as the high point. This is to take place in late June in Novogrudok and will continue in Lida, in September. The festival is being organised by regional authorities and the Culture Ministry, with official representatives from Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine invited.

21st century knights

Novogrudok is an ideal site to celebrate the events of 1410 — when Belarusians, Lithuanians, Poles and Ukrainians defended their independence. The united troops of our four nations smashed crusaders, w ho t r i e d to s e i z e ou r E aste r n European countries. Warriors from Novogrudok contributed to the joint victory and the ruins of the local castle still remember those hard times. Celebrations are to take place inside its reconstructed walls.

“We’re used to hosting medieval culture festivals; this year will be our fifth. Traditionally, the major attraction is a knights’ tournament, held near Zamkovaya Hill — where real battles once took place,” stresses Alexander Karachan, the Head of the Novogrudok District Executive Committee’s Culture

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Department. “Moreover, in 1408, Novogrudok Castle hosted a secret meeting between Grand Duke Vytautas and Polish King Jagailo; they agreed to begin a war against the crusaders, which led to Novogrudok troops fighting in the Battle of Grunewald. A commemorative plaque to honour the event is installed in Farny Catholic Church.”

The festival will bring together over 10 military-patriotic clubs, as well as stuntmen, horsemen and archers and medieval music and dance bands from Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic and Russia. Concerts of contemporary music, inspired by medieval motifs, will also take place.

Organisers plan to create the impression that we are in the Middle Ages. Daily life is to be restored in the streets, with a fair of folk crafts opening and 14th century cuisine offered.

Major events are to take place on June 26th, when the festival will begin with a theatrical parade featuring Duke Vytautas and King Jagailo, surrounded by their noble retinue. Zamkovaya Hill will host performances by historical reconstruction clubs, as well as musicians, and a fire-show. Farny Catholic Church will premiere Grunewald — a musical fantasy, featuring the organ and kettledrums. The Siege of Novogrudok Castle by the Crusaders is to be staged as part of the festival, becoming a major event.

The National Concert Orchestra of Belarus, headed by Mikhail Finberg, is also scheduled to play on the same day in the city square.

Minsk is also celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald, with a knights’ parade marching from the Town Hall to the Palace of Sports. Members of Belarusian knights’ clubs will be officially

Date

Desire to experience the historic past

sent to Grunewald Field, in Poland, where Belarusians are to participate in a grand European festival, from July 15th-18th.

Never ending theme

Jointly with foreign colleagues, we are discussing how the Battle of Grunewald has influenced today’s nations. The National Academy of Sciences’ History Institute and the Belarusian State University’s Historical Department have already hosted scientific conferences. We only began studying the Battle of Grunewald in the 1990s. “So far, there has been much room for discussion,” explains Georgy Galenchenko, Doctor of Historical Sciences and an employee at the National Academy of Sciences. “The outcome of the battle is known but we are still studying how many soldiers participated. We are ready to find answers.”

All researchers agree that the Battle of Grunewald was an unusual event for the Middle Ages. “It was one of the largest battles,” stresses Ruslan Gagua, a Candidate of Historical Sciences and an Associate Professor at Polesie State University. “Some historians say the crusaders’ army numbered 35,000.

In reality, the figure was smaller; according to medieval sources, around 12,000 knights.”

The Battle of Grunewald is also of interest to the modern military. “Its history is taught to students at the Military Academy and at the military departments of civil universities — as part of the ‘Military History’ discipline,” notes Lieutenant Colonel Vitaly Chirvinsky, who heads Military-Historical Work and Heraldry, on the Armed Forces’ Military-Scientific Committee. “The Battle of Grunewald: Historical and Military-Strategic Aspects textbook is soon to be published. The MilitaryScientific Committee also plans to prepare a series of posters on Belarusian military history. The book is unlikely to be read by everyone, but the poster will be seen by all.”

A badge dedicated to the Battle of Grunewald’s 600th anniversary has already been designed, advised upon by the Presidential Heraldic Council. It’s yet to be decided whether it will be used by the Armed Forces or as a state commemorative medal.

Time to gather stones

In recent years, the society’s interest in the medieval past has grown, with restoration works increasingly active.

Soon after the Grunewald celebrations, the old castle in Novogrudok will receive extra attention towards its restoration.

Every year, this architectural monument is visited by 100,000 tourists.

The Culture Ministry has already received a project regarding the castle’s restoration — headed by Sergey Drushchits. Works are due to cost 1.25m Euros. “Part of this sum has already been allocated from the state budget,” explains Igor Chernyavsky, the Head

of the Culture Ministry’s Department for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage and Restoration.

“First, Zamkovaya Hill’s banks are to be strengthened, alongside the two towers’ ruins. Then, archaeological works will begin, enabling us to discover remains of other buildings underground. In future, a museum exhibition may be set up in the cellar and on the fortress’ first floor.

Infrastructure for visitors will appear near Zamkovaya Hill.”

Reconstruction of a similar fortress is almost complete in Lida. Built in the 14th century to protect city residents from crusader attacks, the citadel will gain its original appearance in September, in time for the Republican Dozhinki Harvest Festival. Knights’ festivals were organised here back in 2005 and 2007.

The castle’s tower hosts a museum and shows often take place — such as King Jagailo’s Wedding. Jagailo headed the troops of Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus during the Battle of Grunewald.

Yaroslav Mikovoz, the Deputy Chairman of the Lida District Executive Committee, is convinced that the restoration will replicate the castle’s original appearance, as it was in Jagailo’s time.

“According to the project, its walls are being revamped. Additionally, a blacksmith’s shop is to be restored in the courtyard — in addition to barracks and two wells. Archaeologists found traces of their existence in the 1970s. Staircases are to be restored in the major ‘museum’ tower, while the destroyed tower will house a café and souvenir shop,” he says.

A grand total of 2,425,000 euros has been allocated for the project.

In September, Lida Castle will celebrate the Battle of Grunewald’s 600th anniversary. As part of Dozhinki, the Dainava military-historical club is to join the Lida Historical-Art Museum and Svyatovit tourist company in created Crusading Grunewald. Audiences will see scenes from the past, such as how Lida knights prepared for the historical battle.

Each Belarusian region has something to recall from those past times.

By Viktar Korbut

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Contests

Royal appearance

Reuters

Lyudmila Yakimovich named country’s most beautiful woman in national Miss Belarus pageant

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yudmila, 22, is 1.72m tall an d h e r m e a s u re m e nt s form a traditional hourglass (bust 83cm, waist 59cm and hips 89cm). She boasts a dazzling smile and the grace of a deer. Undoubtedly, European glossy magazines will take an interest in this Belarusian brunette but Lyudmila has no plans to move; she loves her native Grodno, which she calls her ‘small Paris’.

M s . Ya k i mov i ch t r u ly l o ok s Parisian, being delicate and refined, in European style. However, her heart is filled with love for Sergey, who awaits her in Grodno. Ms. Yakimovich has been a leader since childhood, boasting a first degree in swimming, and is now studying to become a psychologist. She’s enjoyed being photographed from a young age, so it’s no wonder that she was awarded the ‘Miss Photo’ title during the selection rounds of the Miss Belarus competition. She thought that this would be the end of her titles, yet

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the most photogenic Belarusian was also recognised as the country’s Queen of Beauty.

In addition to her unique crown, made from white gold and covered in around 500,000 precious and semi-precious stones, Ms. Yakimovich has been awarded Br50m and the right to represent the countr y at international beauty pageants. In particular, Lyudmila will take part in Miss World. Miss Belarus 2008, Olga Khizhinkova presented her with her crown.

21 year old Anna Kindruk of Pinsk is the 1st Runner Up, winning Br20m, while 20 year old Anastasia Kharlanova of Gomel is 2nd Runner Up, claiming Br10m. The National Miss Belarus Beauty Pageant has been organised since 1998, running every other year. This time, 31 contestants were selected during auditions countrywide, competing for the crown. The jury at the final event included Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko, Miss Intercontinental Hannelly Quintero of Venezuela, singers Sergey Lazarev and F.R. David, pianist Robert Wells, actor Rostislav Yankovsky and Olympic champion Alexey Grishin. The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, also attended the event.

Lyudmila Yakimovich will be the face of Belarus for the next two years, representing our country abroad. She has never travelled abroad, except to neighbouring Poland, Lithuania and Russia. “I haven’t even taken a plane!” she adds.

Opinions of jury members at the Miss Belarus-2010 Contest

Pavel Latushko, Belarus’ Culture Minister: It’s usually very cold at the Sports Palace; however, this time, it was hot.

The country’s most beautiful young girls radiated so much warmth. I’ve never experienced such emotions at the same time. It’s evident that our country boasts the most beautiful women in the world.

Robert Wells, a Swedish pianist and a participant of the Belarusian team at Eurovision-2010: Before I saw Belarusian beauties, I, like all Swedes, was convinced that the most beautiful women lived in Sweden.

However, we are sadly mistaken.

The most beautiful women reside in Belarus. Ten points weren’t enough for me to assess the beauty of each entrant at the ‘Miss Belarus’ Beauty Pageant.

Hannelly Quintero of Venezuela, winner of Miss Intercontinental2009: I’ve arrived from Venezuela to support the Belarusian girls in the contest and wish to say that the most vital aspect isn’t winning the crown.

You represent your country worldwide, which is a great responsibility.

S e r g e y L a z a re v, a Ru s s i a n singer: This is my first time judging a women’s beauty contest and it was difficult to choose only one winner. I felt very nervous for the girls, as I think they all deserved to win.

By Viktar Karafa