Belarus (magazine #4 2014)

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

pp.

31—38

No.4 (967), 2014

BELARUS Magazine for you

Беларусь. Belarus

Politics, Economy, Culture

www.belarus-magazine.by

Such Hot May Ice

Events in Belarus and abroad

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contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 4 (967), 2014 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

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

Under arena roofs

Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

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Country — open for guests Ice Hockey

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Head coach and his team

World Championship in Minsk should become the best ever

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Ever craving victories

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Formula for great pucks Origins of mod-

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Visiting Victoria Visitors to Minsk’s host-

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ern Belarusian hockey

ing of the Ice Hockey World Championship will be accommodated at the four star Victoria and Victoria 2, at the President Hotel, at the Minsk and Planeta hotels, at the Bon Hotel and at the Renaissance, with 33 other hotels and nine hostels also offering beds

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Dinner is served: traditional draniki and toasted tsybriki

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Places to visit! How to spend your time in

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Good impression Minsk National Airport

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updated to top class

Place names The correct way of writing

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

the names of Belarusian cities, villages and streets in various languages

беларусь.belarus 2014

Publisher: “SB” editorial office

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Inspired lyrist of homeland

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This magazine has been printed at State Entertainment “Publishers “Belarus Printing House”.

Dream from stone

79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013

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Order No. 1042 Total circulation — 1936 copies (including 730 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 Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

Belarusian knows that May bring the Ice Hockey World Championship: the most prestigious sports event to ever be hosted by our country

gins with a stage, whilst the acquaintance of fans with a country begins with border checkpoints, stations and, of course, accommodation

Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish.

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.

Minsk during the Ice Hockey World Championship

Have you signed up to volunteers? Every

Student Village’s hospitality A theatre be-

Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova

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

Ah, Khanuma!..

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2014

editor’s note

Ice Hockey in our soul

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ver yone, from politicians and sports fans to ordinary citizens, is keenly anticipating the launch of the World Ice Hockey Championship, hosted

by Minsk. Match tickets are long sold out, while hotels are making the finishing touches in preparation for welcoming their guests.

The National Airport has been revamped, to offer the best levels of hospitality, and our border guards and customs officers have been rehearsing charming smiles before the mirror!

They are keen to break the stereotype of being too stern while asking their questions of those arriving. Of course, from April 25th to May 31st, those with tickets to matches will have no need for visas to gain entry into Belarus.

Almost everything is ready in our capital, with the ice rinks in top condition, ready for some spectacular play. The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, guarantees that the forthcoming championship will be the most successful in ice hockey history. Meeting the President of the International

Ice Hockey Federation, René Fasel, who is a member of the IIHF Executive Committee, he underlined that it ‘will be the best championship ever’. “A championship is a success when all tickets are sold and I can assure you that there won’t be a single vacant seat. I’m sure that you’ll be proud of this world championship,” he asserted.

It’s a true honour to be chosen to host any world championship: only an Olympiad is ranked higher. Naturally, there are many requirements to be fulfilled, including engineering facilities. Minsk’s ice must be maintained in the best condition throughout the event. Read more about the 2014 IIHF World Championship ice rinks in Under Arena Roofs.

You can learn more about the roots of modern Belarusian hockey in Formula for Great Pucks. In just 15 years, we’ve progressed incredibly, from four ice rinks to almost 20. Stadiums are under construction in large cities and smaller towns, bringing the sport to the wider population.

The national team of Belarus is constantly included among the top 15 worldwide, and came fourth at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games — ahead of known global leaders. It’s hoped that our Belarusian hockey players will confirm their high status, bringing delight to their multitude of fans.

Every Belarusian knows that May brings the Ice Hockey World Championship: the most prestigious sports event to ever be hosted by our country. Long anticipated, advertising for the tournament is all over the capital. However, the honour also brings challenges, to ensure that fans enjoy a smooth experience, in comfort o va and safety. If they nkrat Po can leave with a good N adezhda impression of Belarusian hospitality, and perhaps wider knowledge of our culture, the large team of organisers will know their job is done!

Of course, volunteers will be playing an important role, as you can read in Have You Signed Up To Volunteers.

Our magazine includes other articles on this grand sporting event. Hockey at the Heart of Everything! describes cultural opportunities open to visitors during the World Championship, with Viktar Korbut suggesting how best to promenade the capital and find a place to relax between matches. Minsk has a rich cultural heritage, as well as a contemporary artistic scene, as guests and participants of the 2014 IIHF Word Championship will soon discover.

By Viktor Kharkov

2014 беларусь.belarus

PANORAMA  Sound of capital metro Names of Minsk metro stations to be announced in Belarusian and English

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 No visa required if there’s a ticket Ticket to World Ice Hockey Championship brings single visa-free entry to Belarus

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etween April 25th and May 31st, official participants and guests of the tournament in Minsk will receive visafree entrance, notes Piotr Ryabukhin, of the 2014 IIHF World Championship Directorate. He explains that tourists will need to present their valid passport and match ticket (paper or electronic version) to border services on entry. He adds that fans will be able to enter on any date within the period, regardless of when their match is scheduled.

One ticket gives one single-entry visa-free visit to Belarus. The same rule applies to children, who either require

a match ticket or an advance visa.

Mr. Ryabukhin notes that officials and participants of the championship will also have visa-free entry, as long as they are listed on the accreditation system of the International Ice Hockey Federation, needing only to present their valid passport and accreditation certificate to border guards.

Leading up to the World Championship, visa-free entry will also apply to participants of test events conducted by the International Ice Hockey Federation, and to those arriving to inspect accommodation and championship organisation. Customs duties and value added tax are to be waived for items being imported to serve the Championship event.

ertain innovations are underway for t h e M i ns k metro, in time for World Ice Hockey Championship.

“A l l a n n o u n c e ments in carriages and at stations will be repeated in English, including names of stations. Recordings have already been made and now simply need to be downloaded, so that the system can be launched on April 20th,” explains Metro Head Rostislav Yurenya.

Mr. Yurenya adds, “Controllers and cashiers are being given 200 RussianEnglish and English-Russian phrase books, to help them speak with foreign visitors at a basic level. We’re also involving students from the Minsk State Linguistic University; volunteers will be placed on duty near controllers, to help fans at the championship find their way around an unfamiliar city.”

He notes that visitors accredited to the Ice Hockey World Championship will be able to travel free of charge, using specially coded cards, allowing them to pass through turnstiles.

notes Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Sports and Tourism, Cheslav Shulga.

The National Tourism Agency and the official tour operator of the

2014 IIHF World Championship, TsentrKurort, have developed more than 40 tourist routes in time for the world tournament, served by over 1,300 tour guides and interpreters, who have all taken training courses.

Audio guides in Chinese will soon be offered on double-decker tour buses around Minsk, with Mr. Shulga explaining, “We view China, Japan, Thailand and Singapore as serious markets for tourism, so we are keen to offer visitors from these countries something special.”

 Tourists to hear native language World Ice Hockey Championship guests to be offered excursions in Arabic, Chinese and Japanese

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ver 230 tour guides are ready to show guests of the 2014 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship around Belarus’ tourist sites, with excursions offered in several foreign languages.

“Our Belarusian excursion guides can communicate with tourists in English, as well as Arabic, Chinese and Japanese,”

беларусь.belarus 2014

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PANORAMA

During meeting of Alexander Lukashenko with Rene Fasel

Country — open for guests Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk should become the best ever

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resident of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has promised that the forthcoming Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk will be the best in the history of ice hockey. Mr. Lukashenko made this statement as he met the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and a member of the International Olympic Committee René Fasel, who’s been to Minsk on a one-day visit.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that René Fasel made a great personal contribution to the preparation for the championship. “You've visited Minsk many times, offered your advice and helped supervise the work,” noted the President. He thanked Mr. Fasel and his colleagues for the huge amount of work and support provided to Belarus during this period.

The President of Belarus also thanked Mr. Fasel for the courage that he and the International Ice Hockey Federation demonstrated in relation to Belarus and the World Championship in Minsk.

“I’m well aware of the pressure on the International Federation. You felt this pressure, too. Our hockey players are proud of the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation.

They say that he is a real man who declared that sport has nothing to do with politics; if the decision was made to hold the championship in Minsk, it means it will be held in Minsk,” said the Belarusian President.

“The pressure was really tough. To be honest, I even started doubting the outcome when the tensions were running high. I thought — is it possible that René Fasel will give up and back down? He held out,” added Mr. Lukashenko addressing the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation.

René Fasel admitted that there was a certain pressure on the Federation.

“However, our position is simple: we keep sport and politics apart and this position remains unchanged,” he said.

René Fasel expressed confidence that the World Championship in Minsk will be a great success and visitors and participants of the event will enjoy the hospitality and cordiality of Belarusian people and this great sport event.

Mr. Lukashenko noted that Minsk is ready for the Championship: the most advanced sports palaces were built to host the event; there are enough additional sports facilities where athletes can train at any time of the year; and the necessary infrastructure was created.

By Vladimir Mikheev

2014 беларусь.belarus

PANORAMA  Stands won’t be empty About 500,000 tickets sold for Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk

Alexander Ruzhechka

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 Hall of postal glory After reconstruction, Minsk central post office opens doors of its legendary Round Hall: a striking calling card of the capital

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ity residents have been waiting for the reopening of the building with impatience. As one of the first to be built after the Great Patriotic War, it soon celebrates its 60th anniversar y. The Director General of Belpochta, Irina Saksonova, tells us that the Ministry of Culture was closely involved in all aspects of rebuilding the site, maintaining its unique architectural spirit. Almost everything has been done ‘by hand’ rather than using hoisting cranes

 Maximum convenience of Internet access Free Wi-Fi for press centres and VIP-zones, for journalists accredited to Ice Hockey World Championship, in Minsk

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ournalists accredited to the Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk will be able to

беларусь.belarus 2014

or special equipment. S ome modern innovations did prove useful of course.

Tours of the Round Hall are likely to appeal to tourists. Meanwhile, as the Minister of Communications and Informatization, Sergey Popkov, emphasises, the updated hall now enjoys the latest technologies, to raise the efficiency of operators and the quality of services. Electronic queuing is designed to make waiting more bearable — especially as soft seating is provided. With 14 ‘windows’ offering over 60 services, the Round Hall is a model of postal operations. Around 10,000 customers are expected to enter the doors daily. enjoy free access to Wi-Fi throughout press centres and VIP-zones, as well as in hotels and other public places where Wi-Fi is offered.

Journalists will be able to buy Beltelecom cards and extra services at MinskArena and at ChizhovkaArena, from 10am until 11pm, as will fans. Wi-Fi cards of every value are to be on sale at all hotels being used by officials and accredited journalists.

evgeny Vorsin, Director of the Directorate for the 2014 IIHF World Championship, announced that about 500,000 tickets (of 685,000) have been sold, with about 70,000 bought by foreign fans. TsentrKurort (the official tour operator of the championship) reports that the ‘Fan Packet’ ticket option has proven most popular, with sales of family, corporative and VIP tickets also seeing sales.

The ‘Support our Sportsmen’ special offer is only for Belarusians.

 Game to be of interest all over the world Fans from Korea, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan arriving in Minsk for IIHF World Championship

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ost of the tickets purchased by foreign fans for the Ice Hockey World Championship have been bought

by Russian and Latvian sports enthusiasts: nearly all matches featuring those teams are expected to sell out. Of course, some of those buying tickets have no national team in the tournament: Belarus’ neighbours — Poles, Lithuanians and Ukrainians — are among them, as well as those from the UK, Austria, Spain and Belgium. Hockey fans from Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Pakistan, New Zealand, Nigeria and the Republic of Korea are visiting Belarus. Tickets are also being purchased by Germans, Slovaks, Czechs and Finns.

According to the latest data, fans from over 50 countries have purchased tickets for the international sporting event.

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u n d e r a r e n a r o o f s

World Championships are second only to the Olympics, requiring great organisation. The International Ice Hockey Federation studies every aspect of a country’s application to host a worldclass event. Fortunately, Minsk was found fully ‘up to the mark’ resulting in it being chosen for the forthcoming World Championship. It has two ice rinks of large enough size, boasting all the necessary facilities; moreover, both arenas are connected, in some way or another, with the World Championship.

Minsk-Arena Able to host 15,000 people, it opened in 2009 and took Belarus into the world ice-hockey elite; even rinks in Europe cannot compete. It has only a handful of rivals worldwide. Its attendance record is 17,100, and the unique arrangement of the stadium allows a cycle track and ice rink to be accommodated. Of course, it also offers locker-rooms, VIP-zones and cafes (hockey-themed). In readiness for the coming World Championship, special surveillance cameras have been fitted at entrances and locker-rooms now have additional power sockets, while the saunas have extra seating and hand-rails.

Fulfilling the wishes of various international commissions, the arena has improved the sliding cabins used by referees, and has replaced the kapron plugs on which hockey gates are fixed, for softer ones,

reducing the risk of injury. Flooring near the entrance way has also been improved and additional cabling has been fitted (some hundreds of kilometres) — in various thicknesses.

Naturally, the arena has been equipped to allow journalists to do their job: with work-stations and plenty of communication points, as well as high-speed Internet access and various equipment.

The arena is ready to cater to a full house of over 15,000 fans and about 350 journalists; of course, matches featuring the Belarusian team will be most popular. The arena has already proven itself in hosting international hockey, skating, basketball, handball and cycling competitions and is the home rink for Dinamo, which plays in the KHL. Those working at the complex know everything there is to know about hockey requirements, hosting semi-finals and finals for key competitions.

2014 беларусь.belarus

Chizhovka-Arena

The arena in the Chizhovka microdistrict recently opened its doors to sportsmen and fans, having been built specifically for the Ice Hockey World Championship. It has transformed the life of the whole region of the capital, being unrivalled in facilities, despite seating a more modest 8,800. It surpasses all international standards and is sure to busy hosting future sporting competitions.

Chizhovka-Arena is unique in appearance and technical facilities, being able to host not only ice hockey, short-track and skating competitions, as well as other ice sports, but a range of other events — from athletics to gymnastics. It can even be transformed to host concerts. According to the Canadian company which specialбеларусь.belarus 2014

Yevgeny Vorsin, Chairman of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation, tells us, “In applying to host the Ice Hockey World Championship, our country faced serious rivals.

Our success was bas ed up on our being able to quickly build a second big arena in the capital.

E x p e r i e n c e at M i n s k - A r e n a shows that both sports stadiums will be popular after the World Championship ends. Minsk is ready to provide teams with the best conditions for training and for holding matches.”

ises in creating such ice rinks, it takes just two hours to make the transformation at the USA’s biggest arena: Madison Square Garden in New York.

Minsk’s version has eight locker-rooms — all well equipped — and a small rink used for training pupils of sports schools and for public skating. Between the two rinks is a press centre, a conference room, and a leisure and entertainment zone with bowling, billiard rooms, saunas, cafes and restaurants, featuring large viewing windows over the main rink.

The arena happens to be situated in one of the most picturesque places in the capital, on the bank of Chizhovka’s reservoir; the grounds surrounding the complex allow fans to enjoy a walk in the open air.

By Ivan Komarov

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Schedule of the Ice Hockey World Championship 2014 games Chizhovka-Arena France

16:45

Canada

Slovakia

20:45

Czech Republic

Italy

12:45

Norway

Sweden

16:45

Denmark

Canada

20:45

Slovakia

France

12:45

Italy

Norway

16:45

Denmark

Minsk-Arena Friday 9th May Saturday 10th May Sunday 11th May

Sweden

20:45

Czech Republic

Slovakia

16:45

France

Monday

Czech Republic

20:45

Canada

Italy

16:45

Denmark

Switzerland

16:45

Russia

Belarus

20:45

USA

Kazakhstan

12:45

Germany

Finland

16:45

Latvia

USA

20:45

Switzerland

Germany

13:45

Latvia

Belarus

17:30

Kazakhstan

Finland

21:00

Russia

Switzerland

16:45

Belarus

12th May

Russia

20:45

USA

Tuesday

Germany

16:45

Finland

13th May

Kazakhstan

20:45

Latvia

Wednesday

Switzerland

16:45

Germany

Norway

20:45

Sweden

Czech Republic

16:45

Italy

Slovakia

20:45

Norway

14th May

Russia

20:45

Kazakhstan

Canada

16:45

Denmark

Thursday

USA

16:45

Latvia

Sweden

20:45

France

15th May

Finland

20:45

Belarus

Canada

16:45

Italy

USA

16:45

Kazakhstan

Sweden

20:45

Slovakia

Finland

20:45

Switzerland

Friday 16th May

France

12:45

Norway

Denmark

16:45

Czech Republic

Slovakia

20:45

Italy

Canada

16:45

Sweden

Sunday

Czech Republic

20:45

Norway

Denmark

16:45

France

19th May

Italy

20:45

Sweden

Norway

12:45

Canada

Denmark

16:45

Slovakia

Czech Republic

20:45

France

Latvia

12:45

Russia

Belarus

16:45

Germany

Switzerland

20:45

Kazakhstan

USA

16:45

Finland

18th May

Russia

20:45

Germany

Monday

Kazakhstan

16:45

Finland

Saturday 17th May

Tuesday 20th May

Latvia

20:45

Belarus

Germany

12:45

USA

Latvia

16:45

Switzerland

Russia

20:45

Belarus

16:00

First quarterfinal

Thursday

17:00

First quarterfinal

20:00

Second quarterfinal

22nd May

21:00

Second quarterfinal

Saturday

14:45

First semifinal

24th May

18:45

Second semifinal

Sunday

16:30

Third place match

25th May

21:00

Final

2014 беларусь.belarus

Head coach and his team In 2006, the national hockey team of Belarus gained its highest result to date in the World Championship, hosted by Latvia: sixth place. This success was in many respects predetermined by the new head coach’s innovative methods.

беларусь.belarus 2014

on the eve of the World Championship, it’s clear that Glen retains his openness and optimism.

To begin with, I should say that we aren’t training at the moment; rather, we’re getting back in shape. True training is yet to come.

As the players twist and turn on the ice, bombarding Vitaly Koval and Andrey Mezin as they take turns in goal, it all looks very serious.

The guys who’ve just arrived are as I expected; there aren’t any surprises.

Andrey Stepanov and

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Glen Hanlon

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Alexander Stadu b

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anadian Glen Hanlon’s strategies were a surprise to the players, used to the Soviet school of hockey, but soon began to bear fruit.

The team took on a new lease of life, showing more dynamic play, with more risk taking.

Mr. Hanlon’s coaching saw the squad rise at an ever-increasing rate and he was named among the sports personalities of the year. However, his contract with Dinamo Minsk, performing in the KHL, ended unexpectedly, due to ‘unsatisfactory results’; amid much speculation, he left the national team at his own free will a week later. He soon found a new place, coaching the Slovakian national squad, so his return in advance of the Ice Hockey World Championship surprised many: surely inspired by the arrival of new management at the Belarusian Hockey Federation. For the past year, he’s been working hard to create a ‘dream team’ capable of justifying the ambitious hopes of fans.

Here, he shares his thoughts on the team’s chances and how he’s approached the task of raising their game. Chatting

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Alexey Ugarov finished the season with their clubs a while back, so they are fresh, but those from the Gomel squad were only recently playing in the national championship — so they’re on the best form.

You seem more serious than in previous years of working with the national team. Are you feeling the pressure?

I really haven’t changed; at least, I’m no more serious minded than I was. I’ve always treated my work very seriously, although it may not be noticeable. In 2005, I just appeared in Belarus and everything was a novelty. There were so many new impressions and emotions.

Since then, much time has passed and we all know each other better. This time, I’ve been working with the national team for almost a whole year; last time, I was only making flying visits. According to my current contract, I should be in Belarus at least 200 days annually.

Believe me, this brings a serious aspect to the job!

Is there a lot of pressure? Do you feel that people expect something extraordinary from the team at the forthcoming tournament?

I’m not aware of pressure or any oppressive feelings — but there is a lot of excitement. It’s to be expected. If you go into a major competition without heightened emotions, there is no hope for you.

As coach, is it different training the team for a World Championship at home, compared with an event hosted abroad?

As to the training process, there’s no difference. We developed the system long ago, and stick to it. There is, of course, a psychological component — but it’s too early to speak about this. Matches begin on May 9th, so we have time ahead and several ‘friendly’ matches. Generally, we aren’t yet focusing on the World Championship.

My present goal is to gather the best Belarusian hockey players and to create conditions for them to practice

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effectively. As yet, we have only four defenders and eight forwards on the ice, but the guys are gradually arriving. Those who are already with us are trying to quickly improve their skills and physical readiness, which suits me.

There are some unexpected players on the team: for example, Timofey Filin, whom you once involved previously. Is this a chance for him to prove himself again, after nine years?

We need players, so are looking at those from Gomel and Metallurg Zhlobin. It’s more difficult for those who finished the season earlier to get in shape quickly. Nobody is invited onto the national team randomly and nobody can predict what will happen in a week’s time. Filin and the others who are here have the chance to play in the World Championship if they show their worth.

only for choosing the team but to give those novices something to aspire to.

Gomel defender Mikhail Khoromando, 23, will be playing in Norway. If he makes it onto the national squad it’s great; if not, it’s valuable international match experience. At any rate, he’ll learn something from it and he’ll see what he needs to work upon, so that he’s prepared next time. Older players, like Sergey Stas, are also going to Norway, having the chance to fight for a place on the national team, ready for the World Championship.

Everyone is eager to ascertain the composition of the final team.

You mustn’t have shared fans’ joy at Dinamo Minsk reaching the final of the Nadezhda Cup. It seriously threw my plans into confusion, as I’d been expecting us to

As to the training process, there’s no difference. We developed the system long ago, and stick to it.

There is, of course, a psychological component — but it’s too early to speak about this Do you think that any of the players from the regional teams will be able to ‘oust’ those who usually play for the national squad?

It will be difficult for them, and they know that we have some top players — such as Koltsov and Demagin — who are yet to join us. Our younger players will have the chance to prove their talent in ‘friendly’ matches in Norway; believe me, if we think they have more potential than those with greater experience, we’ll give them the chance to join the squad.

I always try to involve younger players in such matches, so they can show how they are progressing. It’s important not

begin training all together. However, it’s great that those players are in the final of the Nadezhda Cup. They’ll be on great form psychologically, having smelt victory. If they’d finished the season on March 5th, they’d have been off the ice competitively for a long time, which isn’t good news on the eve of the World Championship. The other side of the coin is that players are prone to injury when playing at a high level. Alexander Kitarov and Andrey Stas have already received injuries and I’d like us to avoid similar troubles in gathering our top players.

Could you tell us your top-five Belarusian players?

2014 беларусь.belarus

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At training

If I did, I’d be sure to offend someone: the sixth player or the second goalkeeper.

It would serve no purpose. In addition, it’s really hard for me to choose from among our goalkeepers. Whom would you include in this top-five?

The Kostitsyn brothers, Alexey Kalyuzhny, Mikhail Grabovski and, possibly, Andrey Mezin…

They are certainly top players and would be part of a ‘dream team’.

Choosing defenders is more difficult.

I was keen for Riсhard Lintner to join us, as I know him from the national team of Slovakia, and he’s playing really well for Dinamo Minsk. Sadly, he isn’t available. беларусь.belarus 2014

Is Andrey Kostitsyn lacking form?

He hasn’t been playing well for Traktor, which must bother you?

Not at all; I simply think he lacked practice. He is ‘fresh’ and, I hope, will play well for the national team. I don’t know Andrey’s relations with his regular team, but I thought him one of the best forwards at the December tournament in Switzerland. He’s been pushing himself to the limit during training, so I’m happy with him.

In advance of major tournaments, we often hear of our sports management setting goals for sportsmen. Do you know what they ‘expect’ this time?

To be honest, I don’t; nobody has mentioned it to me! My own goal is to

gain the very best from the team. It may sound predictable but I can only ask the players to give me all they have, to push themselves to the limit. Even during that memorable World Championship in 2006, in Riga, where we took sixth place, I didn’t urge the team towards any particular goal.

I just asked them to do their best.

We’re working on psychological preparation. I’m asking them to do all they can to make the country proud, so that they have nothing with which to reproach themselves after the championship. Fans should feel that they’ve seen the national team at its best. If they agree that this is so, I’ll be delighted.

By Dmitry Komashko

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TOPIC SUCH HOT MAY ICE

Ever craving victories With the Ice Hockey World Championship around the corner, our red-clad squad is ready to enter Minsk-Arena, with hopes of smashing their rivals, however great the challenge. On the threshold of the tournament, we present those hockey players playing significant roles within our team.

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x ander

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not street hockey; fans expect a certain level of play — which brings psychological pressure. We’ll strain every sinew to play our best.”

Other experienced goalkeepers on the squad are Vitaly Koval from Torpedo (Nizhny Novgorod) and Kevin Laland and Dmitry Milchakov from Dinamo (Minsk): with four fantastic hockey players, it’s no easy choice for the coach.

Minsk’s Dinamo players are mostly in defence: Andrey Filichkin and Ivan Usenko.

Ilya Kaznadey and his teammate Artur Gavrus are obliged to stand down, due to injury, making room for Sergey Stas (who returns after a ten year break from defending the national squad). Around the same age as Andrey Mezin, Sergey has

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t the beginning of the year, nostalgic hockey fans were delighted to hear that Andrey Mezin — who first played for the national team in 1996 — was joining the ranks of the squad once more, on release from Omsk’s Avangard. In 2013, he was recorded as the oldest goalkeeper in the Continental Hockey League who had let not a single goal past.

He last played for the national team in May 2012 and explains that the return of coach Glen Hanlon inspired his desire to play his part. He tells us, “I won’t conceal that Glen’s comeback influenced my decision. Perhaps I’m here thanks to him. We must all concentrate on the game, with fans acting in support, as the sixth skater. Of course, the World Championship is

a lot of experience, playing in various USA and German leagues, as well as for ‘Gomel’. Glen Hanlon views him as one of the best defensemen in the Belarusian Extra League. He’ll be playing alongside his brother, Andrey from Dinamo: 14 years his junior. The team also boasts Vladimir Denisov, of Torpedo, who is keen on bikes, and talented players such as Vladimir Denisov, Alexey Kalyuzhny, Konstantin Koltsov, and brothers Andrey and Sergey Kostitsyn.

The Kostitsyn brothers are capable of keeping rivals on their toes, regardless of Andrey Kostitsyn’s absence from recent matches with Chelyabinsk’s Traktor.

Having scored 103 goals across 398 National Hockey League matches, his experience is just what our team needs.

Meanwhile, forward Yegor Voronov is joining the national squad for the first time. Aged just 20, he’s been playing alongside Andrey in the NHL, and in the Youth Hockey League, for DinamoShinnik. Now, he’s sharing a lockerroom with his icons. It must seem like a dream come true! Yegor confesses, “I want to show my worth within the team. My father always inspires me by saying: ‘Go for it! Everything depends on you. Prove yourself!’ You’ve a limited 2014 беларусь.belarus

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number of chances, so use them! As the championship is being held in Minsk, we have the advantage of playing at home.

Our relatives and fans can come to our matches.”

W h i l e Vo r o n o v i s h o c k e y ’s ‘tomorrow’, much is expected of experienced forward Alexey Kalyuzhny. He smiles down from posters in Minsk, but has missed some training, due to injury.

However, having twice played for Russia’s champion team — Magnitogorsk’s Metallurg — his place on the squad is assured, as is that of Konstantin Koltsov, who plays for Atlant. Andrey Stepanov, currently with Khabarovsk’s Amur (and having played for Minsk’s Yunost previбеларусь.belarus 2014

ously) and Alexey Ugarov, who plays for Vladivostok’s Admiral, are also strong players in attack. Stepanov tells us, “It is wonderful that the current championship is taking place in Belarus. Everyone will see us, so we want to do all we can to demonstrate good hockey. Just because our rivals may arrive without their leaders doesn’t mean anything, since squads from Sweden, Canada, the USA, and Russia could create three teams of equal talent for the Olympics and for the World Championship. Everything depends on us.”

“The World Championship in Belarus is a festival for fans and for hockey players,” adds Alexey Ugarov. “As we move closer

to the time of the championship, we’re realising this more. I’m sure that it will be one of the best championships, because of its atmosphere and organisation. I know our managers well.”

It’s still unknown whether Mikhail Grabovski (our only current representative in the NHL) will return to play for the national team, since he is committed to the Washington Capitals for the time being. However, the Belarusian squad features several players from the KHL and from the home championship. It matters not who plays first and who remains on the substitutes’ bench, as long as the team is solid.

by Taras Shchiry

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Formula for great pucks Origins of modern Belarusian hockey

Anatoly Varivonchik — the first head coach

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capital about 25 years ago, establishing the second professional team, headed by coach Anatoly Varivonchik. He recollects, “I played for Minsk Torpedo and Dinamo for almost 20 years and, on retiring, began coaching Dinamo.

I wasn’t there for long, being offered the position of head coach for newly formed Progress-SHVSM in 1988: a merger between Minsk SKIF-SHVSM and Grodno SHVSM. While the young players in the capital might have enjoyed a single season in the lowest USSR league, those from Grodno had no such experience. However, finances were found for the team, which received sponsorship from local Progress Farm.

The head of the farm, Alexander Dubko, took charge of the squad, while his right hand was former SHVSM coach Leonid Kotok. Unfortunately, they are no longer alive today; they’d have been

Yaroslav Vanyukevich

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n May, for the first time, Minsk will host the World Ice Hockey Championship. It is a significant event for Belarus, being the first major international sports tournament for our country. Of course, we fully deserve the honour, having not only developed our hockey status but having built a great many facilities. Just 15 years ago, Belarus had four ice rinks: the number is now almost 20. Stadiums are under construction in large cities and smaller towns, bringing the sport to the wider population.

We shouldn’t forget our Belarusian hockey roots, which have their foundations in Minsk, Novopolotsk and Grodno. The latter picked up the baton from the

proud to see Minsk hosting the World Championship.”

Progress-SHVSM got off to a flying start, jumping from being an unknown novice team in the second league of the USSR Championship to the first. The team lacked its own ice rink, so had to host home matches in Minsk or in Lithuanian Elektrėnai. However, long-distance flights only rallied the young, ambitious players, and the Grodno squad was soon playing Leningrad SKA, Omsk Avangard, Magnitogorsk Metallurg, Novosibirsk Sibir and other legends of the KHL (second only to the transoceanic NHL).

In 1991, Progress-SHVSM enjoyed a successful season in the first league, aiming to enter the elite Soviet division.

They defeated Minsk Dinamo sensationally away, with a score of 4:2; it’s said that ardent fans are yet to forgive Grodno even today…

The Soviet Union collapsed, and the championship with it, inspiring ProgressSHVSM to be renamed as Neman. It was obliged to play in the lowest league of the open championship of Russia for four years, before the squad began driving forward Belarusian ice hockey.

Then, in 1998, 1999 and 2001, the team won gold medals, led by head coach Anatoly Varivonchik. He tells us, “The Ice Palace in Grodno was constructed only at the end of 1991, so the children’s school couldn’t train players for a long time. Minsk helped and I’m proud to say that we didn’t lose our talent. On the contrary, they received good training, 2014 беларусь.belarus

Yaroslav Vanyukevich

Matches with Grodno's Neman were exciting

fulfilled their potential and reached new sporting heights.”

M r. Va r i v o n c h i k c o nt i nu e s , “Alexander Andrievsky, Oleg Khmyl, Oleg Romanov, Oleg Antonenko, Vadim Bekbulatov, Sergey Shitkovsky, Vladimir Svito, Vladimir Kopat and other future players of the national team developed their sports skills with us. That first team, in 1988, featured Leonid Fatikov and Alexander Alekseev — who became real professionals, protecting the honour of the country in the national team for many years. Ruslan Salei, the best hockey player Belarus has ever seen, began with our Neman team. I met him at the skating rink in Gorky Park, aged 18; he’d just failed to qualify for Dinamo so I invited him to move to Grodno. He agreed, spending half a season with us, and really showing us his talent. Dinamo realised his potential and took him on, which later led to his outstanding career in the NHL, playing almost a thousand matches in the world’s top league.”

In 1997, Mr. Varivonchik began heading the national team of Belarus. беларусь.belarus 2014

The team was already strong, but lacked consistency. Its first serious test under its new coach was the Olympic qualifying tournament. It passed with flying colours, making it the country’s first entry to the Games, in 1998, in Japanese Nagano. The event was dramatic, starting with a breath-taking victory over the French, with a score of 4:0. Then, our team smashed the Germans 8:2. This was followed by a draw against Japan and our squad managed to reach the final eight, before succumbing to defeat.

1998 also saw our national team reach the final eight at the World Championship in Switzerland. It was an achievement only surpassed eight years later, when the squad finished in 6th place at the World Championship in Riga. By then, the national team was under the direction of another trainer: Canadian Glen Hanlon (the current coach, recently returned). Anatoly Varivonchik kept his position as head coach of the national squad for five years and retains the record for coaching the most matches with them.

During his 25 years of work in Grodno, Mr. Varivonchik only left the city for two years, to work in Gomel. He notes, “I took a strong liking to Grodno and those 16 years as head coach flew by. It was a thrilling job but I now have a new mission: managing the club. We share one purpose: to repeat last year’s achievement and become champions of Belarus for the fifth time. We have strong foundations, with an effective school for youngsters. Most of our players come from there and some of our students play for Minsk Dinamo: Artur Gavrus, Alexander Pavlovich, and goalkeeper Vitaly Koval. They, alongside some other Grodno hockey players (past and present) are members of the national team of Belarus, playing at the World Championship in Minsk this May.” Anatoly’s son, Igor, plays for Neman2 and is already part of the junior national team. His father notes, “At home, my wife and I constantly analyse his games: sometimes together, sometimes all three of us. We debate a great deal and, sometimes, even argue.”

By Iosif Popko

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Strong

Nadezhda Ponkratova

foundations for tournament Some have awaited the World Ice Hockey Championship for many months. The organising committee began its work long ago, creating the foundations upon which the event would be built. The aim is for Minsk’s hosting of the tournament to be the best in the history of World Championships.

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he Manager of the Directorate for the 2 0 1 4 Ic e Ho cke y World Championship, Piot r Ryabu k hin, shares his thoughts...

Can the Belarusian World Championship really become the best to date?

It’s difficult to speak about all time, but our championship can be compared to that held recently held in Sweden. Sadly, only 500 fans attended some matches — despite it being the World Championship! Fanzones were empty and there were no extra entertainments. From this point of view, we have an advantage.

Safety is another issue on which we’re focusing. In Sweden, I gained access to the VIP-sector without being asked to show my accreditation or ticket. Tightened security measures are being introduced for the World Championship in Minsk.

How did Sweden manage to do so badly?

The Hockey Federation was exclusively engaged in carrying out the championship. However, it’s always possible to miss small details when there’s so much to oversee. In our country, the tournament’s organisation is entrusted to a committee headed by the Prime Minister, and including members of the Hockey Federation, the Directorate for the Championship, the emergency response team and 11 various divisions (from arena management to volunteers). This branched structure is proving effective.

Which aspect has proven most difficult?

It’s difficult to consider every possible nuance. In Sweden, for example, power cables were simply attached to the floor with tape and sockets hung like bunches. We tackled such matters at the planning stage, detailing everything needed at our two main arenas — down to Internet sockets.

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Is it expensive to set up the Internet like that?

We’re offering wireless Internet at both arenas free of charge: wired access will cost nearly 100 Euros, but this is only a quarter of the fee charged at previous championships, which offered no free access at all. It has cost us over 110,000 Euros to set up Internet access at the arenas.

What are the main issues tackled in readiness for the World Championship?

We’ve updated the airport, assigned modern buses to teams, and have arranged the police to organise a convoy, as well as ensuring that hotels and arenas are offering the necessary facilities. I think we can say that we’re ready for the championship.

Do any of the national teams have special requirements?

Denmark wanted to ‘move’ from the Minsk Hotel into the Renaissance, which is expected to open soon. Six national teams are already allocated there. As for the rest: they’re content.

What can you say about ticket sales?

The International Ice Hockey Federation is keen to know that too: the semi-finals and finals are almost completely sold out.

When will all works be finished and do you plan a dress rehearsal?

We have a test game on May 8th and will gather information for journalists: reports from all the commissions. We don’t have a deadline as such: we simply need to be ready for the start of the World Championship.

Tell us more about media involvement.

There is so much to think of. The International Federation is in charge of accreditation so we need to co-ordinate lists of journalists with each nation’s national federation. We’ve had fewer difficulties in gathering press release materials: the official magazine for the tournament is ready for publication, беларусь.belarus 2014

In our country, the tournament’s organisation is entrusted to a committee headed by the Prime Minister, and including members of the Hockey Federation, the Directorate for the Championship, the emergency response team and 11 various divisions  There are 752 volunteers from among students: all with a good knowledge of foreign languages. Another 190 students, from the Medical University, are helping man first aid stations across the city.  Cafes and restaurants in Minsk can offer seating for around 75,000 people, and another 20,000 people may be served via public catering stalls.

as are other information booklets. The press is satisfied with the accommodation provided; some prefer to stay in four or five-star hotels, so they are arranging this independently. All hotels in Minsk have signed an agreement to hold prices during the World Championship to within 10 percent of December rates.

Has there been much interest from foreign fans?

As of today, representatives of 52 countries have bought tickets. Most are from Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

What will happen to spare tickets at the final moment?

Those for non-rating matches will be sold at half price to educational institutions and enterprises. It will be impossible to attend free of charge: it’s the policy of the International Hockey Federation.

We know that stalls will be selling tasty draniki and other snacks — but what about alcohol?

Alcohol won’t be sold at the arenas.

The World Championship is a smokefree zone too: covering both arenas and the fan-zones. It’s part of a social campaign. We’re ensuring full access for those with limited mobility, and have donated some places free of charge, as we have for some children from a Minsk children’s home. Those aged under 5 can accompany on their parent’s ticket — and this covers their visa-free entry.

The International Federation is being strict about not allowing official souvenir sales ahead of time: when will these appear?

It’s a difficult question. We’ve asked the Swedish firm making them to organise delivery quicker — since customs clearance is needed before distribution to shops and official points of sale. I think it won’t be long now, as the World Championship is close at hand. As each day passes, the excitement is growing.

By Dmitry Komashko

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Visiting Victoria Visitors to Minsk’s hosting of the Ice Hockey World Championship will be accommodated at the four star Victoria and Victoria 2, at the President Hotel, at the Minsk and Planeta hotels, at the Bon Hotel and at the Renaissance, with 33 other hotels and nine hostels also offering beds

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from Latvia, Germany, Switzerland, Finland and the USA. Victoria Hotel will accommodate players from Russia and Kazakhstan.

“Healthy sleep and food are the key for the players. We will do our best to ensure these,” notes the Marketing and Sales Department Head, Irina Dmukhovskaya.

Team members will be able to communicate with their fans and media representatives in conference halls and take a rest or enjoy a massage in the spa-centre. TV sets have been installed in the lobby-bar and hall, enabling anyone to watch the competitions.

In addition,

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he Vic tor ia and Victoria 2 hotels welcome guests in Pobediteley Avenue, not far from the MinskArena Cultural-and-Sports Complex. The Svisloch River and the picturesque Pobedy Park are situated on the opposite side of the avenue where everyone can take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquil environment. Victoria 2 opened its doors several weeks ago — on April 3rd and during the world event, it will host teams

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Exploring little-trodden paths...

Safari park soon to appear on former estate of Radziwill family, while visitors of Ice Hockey World Championship can visit partisan dugouts and unique zoological gardens

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Victoria 2 has a 20m swimming pool (unique for a four star hotel), ample parking and perfect driveways. Its proximity to Minsk-Arena is another evident advantage.

Both hotels have souvenir shops, offering Belarusian flax and wood produce. In early May, souvenirs with the championship’s logos will be on sale there. “Our guests usually love the Orsha Linen Mill’s products, and the handmade souvenirs,” explains Ms. Dmukhovskaya.

In mid-April, a large multi-functional business centre — Victoria Olymp — opened. It is here that the Championship’ Directorate members will stay. Local restaurants and hotels will offer Belarusian and Western European cuisine. Conference halls and rooms for talks are available in the building as well.

In April, two small hotels also opened in the city — Monastyrskaya and Na Zamkovoy, which house 48 and 26 guests respectively. Monastyrskaya (translated as ‘monastery’) did not receive its name accidentally. During the 17th19th century, a Bernardine Monastery existed on the site. Designers decided to preserve the 18th century interiors and, as Inna Varenko — Na Zamkovoy and Monastyrskaya Sales Department Head — says, “We believe that our hotel will enjoy popularity among tourists — espeбеларусь.belarus 2014

cially those coming from Europe. It is situated in the historical centre of the city and is surrounded by numerous architectural monuments. Belarus has quite a few business hotels, but ours is unique. Its rooms are equipped in former monastic cells and have wooden floors and window shutters. The atmosphere of the past reigns here, and only the modern sanitary facilities remind us of the time we actually live in.”

Many hotels are being opened these days — especially for the forthcoming championship. Speaking of whether they’ll enjoy demand, Ms. Dmukhovskaya notes, “Our city is expanding, and tourist flows are growing. New hotels are definitely needed. Moreover, guests should be attracted by perfect service and competitive prices — which we are doing now.

Our employees attentively service each visitor and we even keep ‘a guest history’, with information about our visitors’ preferences. We also offer discount programmes — as part of the red, silver and gold cards. A platinum card shall soon be introduced. The Victoria Hotel has been running for just seven years but already has many return guests. Some have returned more than fifty times!”

It’s obviously important to ensure that guests, for the championship and beyond, enjoy Belarusian hospitality.

tankovo safari park is setting up interactive routes through the site, including observation platforms.

These should open fully by the end of this year and are sure to prove a hit with animal lovers and those keen on wildlife photography.

During the Ice Hockey World Championship, guests will enjoy a special programme, taking them on a tour of partisan dugouts, a 500-yearold oak, the well-known militaryhistorical complex of Minsky Ukrepraion (Minsk Fortified) and Father Frost’s residence, in the Minsk Region. Visitors can also tour the zoological garden, with its 50 species of animals — including ostriches, peacocks, aurochs, llamas, a yak and a bear cub. Guests have access to a restaurant, banya bathhouse, cafe, 5D cinema, shooting gallery and rides.

The Radziwill family originally owned Stankovo, which later passed to the Hutten-Czapskis (until 1920).

Its huge private collection of coins, books and paintings is now held by the National Museum of Poland.

By Yulia Bukel

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Have you signed up to volunteers?

Every Belarusian knows that May bring the Ice Hockey World Championship: the most prestigious sports event to ever be hosted by our country

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ong anticipated, advertising for the tournament is all over the capital. Organisers have b e en work ing hard to ensure that visitors will enjoy the event in every respect: with comfortable accommodation and transport, tasty local cuisine and a sample of Belarusian culture. A host of local people have been learning phrases in foreign languages, to help with communication, and the city has been beautified, to make the best impression possible.

Competition as tough as for university places A staggering 4,000 people applied for volunteer positions for the tournament — and more would have been forthcoming had the deadline not been set for last September.

In total 1,050 volunteers have been chosen: all possessing a good command of Russian and English and with most having experience of large

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events. Even schoolchildren of 13 and pensioners submitted applications. Most of those chosen are under 25 — as at the Olympic Games in Sochi.

The manager of the volunteer programme, Maxim Koshkalda, tells us that there was no shortage of people willing to offer their help. Some were happy to meet their own expenses, such as driving people in their own car, filling up the tank themselves. At the Sochi Games, a few problems arose where drivers were unfamiliar with the city, relying on maps.

Meanwhile, all our drivers selected know Minsk perfectly: they could drive blindfolded! Their average age is nearly 35, with all having at least two years of driving experience.

Volunteers-legionaries Most of our volunteers are Belarusian, although some live abroad most of the time. About 10 percent are ‘true’ foreigners: most being Russians with experience of the Olympic Games. The tiny remainder includes a Latvian, a Slovak and a Czech volunteer.

Maxim Koshkalda explains that volunteers from Western Europe tend not to speak Russian well: an essential element. He admits, “It’s simply impossible to work at the World Ice Hockey Championship without knowing the Russian language. Even the application form for volunteering was in Russian. We conducted an experiment during last year’s European Boxing Championship, held in Minsk, taking on a German girl, Yulia Schumacher, who knew a little Russian. She had the necessar y skills and great desire but the language barrier rendered her diligence useless. So, we decided that fluency in Russian was an indispensable condition.”

Ready for hockey Volunteers have been trained in theory and practice across four areas: psychology of communication (taught by the Academy of Postgraduate Education and the Belarusian State Pedagogical University named after Maxim Tank); rights and responsibilities (led by experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who explained how to act in a variety of situations); language training 2014 беларусь.belarus

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(provided by Minsk State Linguistic University); and an information and tourist component, which covered knowledge of hockey, its history and game rules.

Practical experience was provided by volunteers going ‘on location’ — such as receiving visitors at the airport or railway station, or helping fans at the ice rinks. The Christmas hockey tournament provided valuable experience for many, as did the final national competition match between Yunost and Neman, at Chizhovka-Arena.

Volunteers are involved everywhere: during accreditation, at the press centre, in information centres, at the border, in hotels, and at the airport, railway stations and bus terminals, meeting visitors. Volunteers are also to help manage crowds of fans at the arenas and close by and, of course, there are many drivers. The most challenging and, perhaps, interesting of jobs is that of looking after a team, since these guides must accompany hockey players at all times: in their hotel, while training, at dinner and so on. They are responsible for ensuring that everything goes without a hitch and that players remain relaxed and comfortable.

Maxim Koshkalda assures us that volunteers will not be overloaded, “None of our volunteers will work more than forty hours per week. We’ve tried to plan the schedule in such a way that they have time to rest and carry out their duties at a high level.”

Volunteers gain a unique uniform with a cap, two polo shirts and a jacket, as well as money for food and travel on беларусь.belarus 2014

public transport. Those who need lodging will be provided for.

Of course, 1,050 people cannot arrive simultaneously, say, at Chizhovka-Arena, for dinner, so bank cards have been given.

Question of work and studies Of course, volunteers still have commitments to their work or studies but Mr. Koshkalda emphasises that allowances will be made, with institutes of higher education doing their best to accommodate students regarding timing of exams. Many employers view the participation of their employees as prestigious and some volunteers are simply taking some of their holiday time in May.

Volunteer opinion Yegor Zhukovsky, directing the team guides, worked as a volunteer in Poland during the 2012 European Football Championship and notes differences in volunteering in Western and Eastern Europe, saying, “In Western Europe, a lot of work is carried out by volunteers. About 80 percent of those at sports clubs are volunteers. Their work is regulated by state legislation, which denotes the concept of a ‘sports volunteer’. It’s early days for this in our country and other countries in Eastern Europe have the same problems, including lack of interest from residents. Such events as the World Championship may improve the situation.”

By Yan Zhur

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Student Village’s hospitality A theatre begins with a stage, whilst the acquaintance of fans with a country begins with border checkpoints, stations and, of course, accommodation

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uring the Ice Hockey World Championship, lots of people will be welcomed in both new hotels and those that are already operating. However, it is the Student Village which is likely to become a major ‘Mecca’ for fans, with its ability to accommodate around 5,000 people in its five hostels.

We decided to walk around the village to learn whether it’s ready for the tourist ‘invasion’.

Everything is ready to welcome guests at the Student Village

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Outside

This site is called ‘the village’, yet it would be probably more appropriate to use the word ‘town’, since it offers lots of services, including manicure, medical examinations and shoe repairs.

During the Championship, no one will be locking up the local facilities. Moreover, the number of opportunities is to be increased. One of the hospitality zones will be situated in the Student Village, which will be called a ‘Fan Village’ during the sporting event. Yelena Piskunova, who heads the Culture Section of the Department for Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs at the Minsk’s Moskovsky District Administration, is convinced that no one will be bored, “All the conditions for a comfortable stay for the World Championship guests will be created in the Student Village. To achieve this, hostels will throw open their doors, offering Internet access and other services. In early May, public catering pavilions and summer cafés will appear in the local hospitality zone. A hypermarket will also be opening on the eve of the Championship. A big zone for fan entertainment is also envisaged, with stage construction and a LED screen to be installed, in addition to contemporary lightning and sound equipment. During the World Championship, the hospitality zone will be functioning almost 24 hours a day.”

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Inside But what about the roofs above their heads? We should note that everything in the Student Village has been assessed as very high quality. Although it doesn’t have the aristocratic gloss of the five star hotels, it’s definitely worth its weight in gold. Its buildings look neat and friendly, like a buttoned up first grader during a solemn lineup on September 1st. It has everything necessary for life. Each block boasts a bathroom, toilet, kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven.

Those keen on active leisure pursuits won’t be bored either.

They can go to the gym, play table tennis or billiards. Until recently, students of the country’s largest universities used all these facilities for a small fee. They will return here after the hockey battles finish, but foreign guests will ‘run the show’ in the Student Village during the Ice Hockey World Championship.

Now, the last preparations to welcome the fans are being finished, with signs in English being hung, easing orientation for those from foreign states. Rooms are being cleaned and household chemicals delivered. Moreover, the recruitment of staff is also nearing its end. Before the world forum, the staff cleaned only common facilities, while students took care of their rooms themselves, as in other student hostels. Of course, беларусь.belarus 2014

Alexander Ruzhechka

Which artists will be performing?

The list is still being formed, yet the total concept has been already developed. The programme is divided into several sections. From 12:00 to 18:00, creative groups of the district will perform, joined by Belarusian pop artistes, and contest programmes for fans will be organised. From 18:00 to 21:00, professional bands will be performing, as well as leading artistes from the Minsk theatres, KVN teams and others. From 21:00 to 24:00, there will be performances by cover-bands, duda fests, jazz and rock festivals while from 24:00 to 02:00, popular Belarusian DJs will be playing their tracks. During the opening and closing days, as well as during play-off decisive matches, the danced programme will last until 03:00.

The major goal during organisation of concert programmes within the hospitality zone is to show the multifaceted face of the country’s national culture. Alongside music broadcasts, TV channels, key moments of the hockey competitions and concert performances, the large LED screen will show video clips about Minsk, Belarus and its sights. Moreover, a ‘town of masters’ will be held, and trade pavilions, offering souvenirs to all those wishing to purchase them. The city will do everything to enable its guests to take many positive memories home with them.

The work of transport systems will also facilitate this. During the event, new routes are envisaged, with some of these connecting the Student Village with Chizhovka-Arena and Minsk-Arena, as well as the Minsk National Airport. Moreover, transport workers will significantly raise the frequency of many existing transport routes, so it won’t be difficult for fans to see the city.

Besides other services, there is a comfortable gym for guests

other approaches are used for the tourists, so there was a need to considerably expand the staff of each of the five buildings by employing housemaids, cleaners and concierges.

The approach towards personnel selection in the Student Village is serious, since this will greatly influence the tourist impression of our country, taking into account that lots of tourists are expected. According to the Head of the Corporate and Event Tourism Department at the Republican TsentrKurort Unitary Enterprise, Olga Gorbachevskaya, at present, the packages (tickets for matches and accommodation) have almost been sold out.

We are now only selling the few remaining packages. There are many accommodation options, but the most popular are those in the Student Village. The cheapest packages which include a visit to one game and staying here for one night, cost just 64 Euros — very affordable.

Which countries see the biggest demand for packages?

The geography is very vast. Among those who bought packages were included countries like Moldova, Iceland, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. However, 80 percent of packages were bought in Russia and Latvia, and residents from these states will primarily live in the fan village.

Regardless of their nationality, it will be comfortable there for everyone. During the check-in, each tourist will receive a paper ticket instead of electronic, a souvenir and the so called ‘fan map’, offering discounts in particular cafes, restaurants and filling stations.

Tickets that give fans the right to attend the Ice Hockey World Championship matches have the following inscription: ‘Your Holiday Is in Your Hands!’ Nothing should spoil it, either in the Student Village or anywhere else.

By Yuri Bakerenko

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Dinner is served:

traditional draniki and toasted tsybriki

What will be on offer at cafes and restaurants serving foreign tourists during the Ice Hockey World Championship, and at what price?

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read and circuses!’ is the famous demand of the Roman crowd, who sought food and entertainment from their rulers. Minsk will soon be filled with bustling fans, singing their hockey team songs. While our ice rinks will certainly be providing entertainment, what of food provision at our cafes and restaurants?

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The Ministry of Trade has advised the capital’s restaurateurs to serve at least eight national dishes during the tournament, and to chat to foreign visitors in English. Naturally, fans are likely to head to Karl Marx pedestrian street, so I headed there to ‘test the waters’. The nearest coffee house, where the interior is inspired by the style of a quaint British cottage, is close to the metro, serving European cuisine and a prevalence of British dishes: porridge,

omelette, toast, pancakes and traditional British pies. Breakfast can be had for just Br100,000 (about $10) while lunch costs around double the amount.

Service and cuisine are sure to meet hockey fans’ expectations, but it’s not hard to imagine how busy Minsk will become. Finding a table may present a problem in the centre, although there are over 1,500 cafes, restaurants and snackbars across the capital, able to feed over 70,000 people. In the evenings and at the weekends, the most popular destinations tend to become very busy, so how will they cope with an additional 15-20 thousand tourists seeking service?

I popped into a pizzeria on the main street, to discover whether they’ll be serving draniki and the expected eight national dishes on their menu. Deputy Director Vera Ledoshchuk tells us, “There’s plenty of time until May. By then, our menu will have gained new dishes, with emphasis on national recipes.”

In the next café, I’m told that Belarusian traditional dishes prevail: 2014 беларусь.belarus

borsch served in pots, sauerkraut soup, machanka, vereshchaka, six kinds of draniki, and Belarusian tsepeliny (dumplings). “We’re used to serving foreigners, as we’re near hotels and the railway station. People often ask for authentic dishes and want to sample Belarusian beer,” says Tatiana Kiseleva, the Deputy Director. “In May, we’ll focus on tourists arriving for the championship, being ready for orders in advance.”

Breakfast costs about Br50,000 (about $5), while lunch is about 100,000 ($10), and dinner 200,000-250,000 ($20-25).

It’s to be expected that cafes and restaurants located near the ice rinks will be most busy. Luckily, Minsk-Arena offers a shopping and entertainment centre, ArenaCity, nearby, with several eateries and a food court on the second floor. Diners can chose from six individual counters serving different menus and seat themselves in the central hall, which boats 400 seats. It is the first food court in Belarus.

Arena-City pizzeria can feed a great number of fans, assures manager Tatiana Getmanchik. Its dining room seats over 200 and, of course, it offers a take-away service. Most pizzas cost Br 50,000 (about $5). “We have 45 varieties of pizza and our Italian visitors have told us that ours is tastier than some served in their homeland.”

Belarusian culinary professionals are keen to help Minsk restaurateurs, with some projects developed especially for the championship — such as a guide entitled Sauces. These are an easy way to made simple dishes more tasty, as is popular in Europe. Several of the recipes are from remote corners of Belarus.

With our cafes and restaurants adopting such a positive attitude towards livening up menus, native Belarusians are sure to be attracted to try out dishes too: pechisto meat, fermented oat soup, pancakes made from pumpkin, rare pyzy and many other delicacies will be on sale, honouring the culinary heritage of our forebears.

All fans can enjoy matches Ice Hockey World Championship matches to be broadcast on big screens located in fan zones

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uring the forthcoming I c e H o c k e y Wo r l d Championship, in May, two fan-zones are to be set up in the capital: near Minsk-Arena and Chizhovka-Arena.

Fans can gather to celebrate, relax and chat between matches, while enjoying championship games shown on big screens. Each zone is to feature a concert platform, cafes and restaurants, as well as stalls selling souvenirs. There will even be mini-tournaments and fan competitions.

Three zones of hospitality are also being organised. The main venue will be near the Sports Palace on Pobediteley Avenue, featuring

several entertainments and places for relaxing. Fans will be able to hire boats on the river or try go-carting, on an indoor rink (used for skating in winter). The Student Village, on Dzerzhinsky Avenue, is to accommodate a great many fans, offering welldeveloped infrastructure, free and fast transportation to the centre of the city and ice arenas. Hostel cafeterias will be selling snacks outside during the event and visitors will be able to visit the Ice Palace in Brilevichi. The third zone is to be near the Ice Palace on Pritytsky Street, with skating, discos and food carts set up, as well as a small outside entertainment platform.

Arena-Belart in bright colours Belarusian Union of Artists’ sports themed exhibition to open on April 30th, at Palace of Arts, in advance of Ice Hockey World Championship

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he exhibition is to feature about a thousand works of fine art, decorative and applied art and sculpture, from across Belarus. The Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Union of Artists, Leonid Khobotov, tells us, “The Palace of Arts aims to create the feeling

of a sports arena within its walls.”

Although the event is sports themed, the exhibition is primarily devoted to art. Mr. Khobotov adds, “We’re interested in creative revelation and ‘truth’ in art; professional artists have no need to ‘illustrate’ events.”

By Svetlana Stasko

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TOPIC SUCH HOT MAY ICE

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rom May 9th-25th, Minsk will be hosting the World Ice Hockey Championship, gathering sports fans from around the world.

However, it’s also a city rich in cultural heritage, and modern arts. Between matches, take a stroll through its streets to discover unexpected treasures.

City origins in Svobody Square The most ancient part of Minsk is around Svobody Square, with its beautiful Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals and monasteries. During the Championship, the spacious area will host open-air exhibitions, fire-shows, dancing, tricks and concerts, while boasting an abundance of cafes and restaurants, as well as souvenir shops. A forum of street theatre is also planned — from May 9th-11th.

Vitaliy Gil

Museums: ten centuries of Belarusian art

Places to visit!

How to spend your time in Minsk during the Ice Hockey World Championship

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Svobody Square is also home to the Museum of Minsk City History: four of its halls are dedicated to interesting temporary exhibitions while the other six explore Minsk life from 1067 to the present day.

Meanwhile, the National Art Museum is hosting Ten Centuries of Art in Belarus, displaying a thousand years of masterpieces for the first time, gathered from galleries across Belarus.

On show are some examples of Marc Chagall’s works, as well as those by Chaim Soutine and Valenty Vankovich, and other world famous artists. The show is the work of 15 curators — and the best designers from Belarus, Lithuania and Russia. There is even a catalogue in Belarusian, Russian and English, with audio guides prepared.

During the World Championship, Minsk’s museums are to stay open beyond 7pm, until late at night, to encourage visitors. With over 20 2014 беларусь.belarus

museums to experience, all in the historical centre, nobody should be short of entertainment. The National History Museum and Museum of History of Theatrical and Musical Culture will be open until 9pm daily while the National Art Museum and the Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum may be open until midnight daily. The Yakub Kolas State Literary-Memorial Museum will welcome visitors until 11pm.

Minsk-Arena: not only for hockey fans Minsk-Arena hosts not only hockey but other sports — such as cyclists using its velodrome. The centre can be used by the public, for badminton and table tennis, while its gyms are equipped with the latest training apparatus, focusing on various muscle groups. A one-off visit to the gym costs from 3 to 8 Euros, for 1.5 hours. There’s even a steam room replicating the mountain air — helping treat sufferers of bronchial asthma and cardiovascular diseases. After your exertions, you can drop in to the cosy café, which serves an abundance of sweet treats and salads.

Komsomolskoe Lake and Pobedy Park: meeting the birds The road to Minsk-Arena from the centre of the city lies through Pobediteley Prospectus, passing Komsomolskoe Lake on the right, with Pobedy Park. Admire Ptichy Island (Bird Island) on the lake, spend time on the beach, or cycle in this tranquil setting, listening to the rustle of leaves and the splash of water.

With a breeze: the best view of the city Where do you need to go to find the best view of Minsk? Many tourists choose to ascend to the National Library’s viewpoint: the panorama is especially stunning by night, when the city lies illuminated before you — as if in a fairy tale.

It can be windy, so go warmly dressed. беларусь.belarus 2014

Souvenirs: searching for something unique

Many souvenirs are ‘Made in China’ but Minsk boasts original handicrafts, as well as foreign made magnets and other knick-knacks. For an authentic gift, buy straw or carved wood souvenirs, ceramics or embroidered items. There are so many forms of traditional Belarusian creativity.

The Gallery of National Arts and Crafts, located inside Minsk Concert Hall, is a great place to buy gifts, displaying items from 17 local factories, made by over 400 individual masters. Another good place to buy handmade souvenirs is Slavutyya Maistry (Famous Masters) Gallery, in the Troitsky Suburbs: the historical quarter of the city.

Bon appetite: where and when to have supper During the championship, most shops will be open until 10-11 pm while restaurants, cafes and bars will operate through the night, until 6am (except for those located in residential houses).

With skill Marina Mastashova, a leading spokeswoman for the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, tells us: “The official tour operator for the World Ice Hockey Championship, TsentrKurort, is offering visitors various excursions around the capital. There are about 20 to choose from — including ‘Minsk — capital of Belarus’ and ‘Sporting Minsk’. Beyond the city limits, tourists can visit ‘Khatyn Memorial Complex’, ‘Mir Castle’ and ‘Nesvizh Palace and Park Estate’.

Travel agency Drom-Tur is organising excursions on red double-decker buses, from the railway station. There are four sightseeing tours, with an audio-guide in eight languages (Russian, Belarusian, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese). Those in Russian and English are also available on regular capital city bus #1.”

 How does Minsk differ from other cities?  At the city’s centre, towards the end of Alexandrovsky public garden, is a former public lavatory — in the form of a miniature ‘palace’: said to be a copy of the home of a count who failed to pay his architect’s bill. The architect’s ‘punishment’ of the count was Minsk’s gain. The building now houses a ticket office for the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre.  Minsk’s main street is an impressive 12km long and has changed its name 15 times to date, currently being called Nezavisimosti Avenue. Minsk also has the biggest square in Europe: Independence Square (Ploshchad Nezavisimosti). Interestingly, Minsk boasts one of Europe’s oldest prisons: not dissimilar to Paris’ Bastille, it was built in 1825.

All those who visit are known to remark that Minsk is among the most well-groomed, clean cities across the former USSR.  Additionally, Minsk holds two military parades annually, devoted to the Second World War. One will take place on the opening day of the Ice Hockey World Championship — on May 9th. The second is held on July 3rd: on Independence Day.

By Viktar Korbut

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TOPIC SUCH HOT MAY ICE

Good

impression

Minsk National Airport updated to top class

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elarus is known internationally for its hospitality so it’s fitting that the National Airport should offer true comfort to all passing through. Journalists recently toured the new arrival lounge and further work continues at the terminal.

‘Horseshoe’ for luck In the shape of a ‘horseshoe’, construction of Minsk’s international airport began in the 1970s, aiming to

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cater for the 1980 Moscow Games: qualifying matches and quarterfinals were held in Minsk. Sadly, the terminal was not completed in time, although the runway was operational. Minsk2 operated with a temporary semi-

most advanced standards,” emphasises Director for Aviation Vladimir Kostin, from the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Belarus. “A major focus is our expansion of the interior of the terminal: by 9000 square metres.”

Zone of high comfort  Minsk National Airport can now serve 5,900,000 travellers (up from 2,200,000). circular hangar: originally planned as a sports centre for Sokol. Over time, the terminal received attention and is now being majorly updated, in readiness for the Ice Hockey World Championship.

“Our task is to allow arriving passengers to see a modern airport meeting the

Reconstruction of the National Airport is going at full speed, bringing a huge scale of transformation while allowing the airport to remain operational. The facade has been replaced, allowing light to flood in, even on the cloudiest of days. A new roof is in place, and the latest information, communication and fire alarm systems are being installed. Visitors can choose from several newspaper and souvenir stalls, and, as well as automatic beverage 2014 беларусь.belarus

Airline passengers to gain rail connection Passenger trains to serve National Airport

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vending machines, there’s a circular food court. Comfort is a priority, so new airconditioning systems are being fitted, and shops are scattered throughout the terminal — including in the departure and arrival zones.

In February, the new international arrival opened, supplementing a VIP hall for officials and delegations, which opened three months earlier — able to cater to 117 people. The departure and arrival areas have been revamped to allow friends and relatives to greet and ‘send off ’ their loved ones in comfort.

The airport also now boasts a 45 counter check-in zone (up from 26 counters) and can seat a thousand passengers. There are new escalators and lifts, including panoramic. Needless to say, the baggage system has also беларусь.belarus 2014

been modernised, purchased from the Netherlands.

A new electronic system of registration of passengers is being introduced, including single border and customs check-points and a ‘fast photo’ service for Belarusian visas. Paymentprocessing centres, cash dispensers and currency exchange offices will work around the clock, for the convenience of passengers.

The new airport, as the main gateway to the country for international visitors, is sure to make a positive impression during the Ice Hockey World Championship — and beyond.

insk National Airport is to be connected to the capital by late autumn. “The project to set up railway communication with Minsk National Airport has been already developed and the concept has been approved in the government. “We aim to settle everything by November 7th,” notes Belarus’ Minister of Transport and Communications, Anatoly Sivak.

Specialists explain that during the first stage modern diesel trains will be running along the existing rail line. It will be extended almost to the airport, with a station stopping short of the airport entrance by 550m; low-floored buses will connect passengers between the two.

After implementation of the first stage of the project, passengers and operating personnel will be delivered to the National Airport from Minsk, Borisov and Smolevichi. Eventually, extra track is to be laid to reach closer to the airport’s main building and the whole line to the airport will be electrified.

By Maxim Osipov

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PANORAMA  Postcard exchange campaign On threshold of Ice Hockey World Championship, Belpochta (Belarusian Post) prepares special selection of stamps and postcards

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 Children’s art inspired by hockey Visitors to Ice Hockey World Championship this May, in Minsk, may buy commemorative cards with children’s drawings

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he Children Draw Hockey contest invited Belarusian youngsters to help promote the sport, as well as healthy living and a sense of patriotism, explains Lilia Ananich, the First Deputy Minister of Information, who chaired the jury for the competition. Children were asked to think of how we are preparing for the forthcoming championship, with the best works to be exhibited in fan-zones during the competition. The best 20 will also be made in commemorative cards, with information on Belarusian hockey players on the reverse.

In total, 452 drawings were submitted for the competition, from all regions of

Belarus. Drawings and paintings were created in watercolour, gouache, oils, ink, coloured pencils and pastels.

The competition was judged in two age categories: 7-11 and 12-16. On Ice, by Polina Moiseenko, from the Krichev children’s school of fine arts, won the younger age group, while Inga Aderikho, from the Vytoki national fine art studio, in Slutsk, took first place among older pupils with her I Believe in You, Hockey Players of Belarus!

Jury member Vitaly Ortyukh, who designed the Ice Hockey World Championship ‘Volat’ mascot, tells us, “Some pictures grab your attention immediately and inspire you to look closer. However, the first impression is the most important.

All the pictures submitted bore a strong message, and a lot of energy, making it very difficult to choose our winners.”

 From the airport to the capital in the blink of an eye Buses are to run from Minsk National Airport into the city centre every 30 minutes during the Ice Hockey World Championship, with journeys taking just 15 minutes

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ccording to the Ministr y of Transport and Communications

n international online project encouraging people to exchange postcards and stamps is becoming increasingly popular, with Belarus ranked 6th worldwide for its number of dispatches, among 230 countries with registered users. Already, over a million postcards have been sent from Belarus, promoting greater knowledge of our beautiful country: vital in our Year of Hospitality.

Foreign participants in the project are sure to be interested in postcards dedicated to the Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk. The special edition cards will be 20 percent cheaper than usual postcards, to encourage purchase. of Belarus, route #300Э is already connecting Minsk with the National Airport, with the timetable set to meet aircraft. In April, Minsk Automobile Plant will deliver ten new luxury buses to serve the route.

In all, 150 new buses are serving the capital: 114 buses and 10 trolley buses were bought in 2013 with 36 more purchased from Minsk Automobile Works this year (for delivery in April). Teams are to receive exclusive access to 20 of the buses.

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Soyuz

Holiday for two houses People from Brest to Kuril Islands celebrated the Day of Unity

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elebrations devoted to unification of peoples of Belarus and Russia took place in all regions of the Union State. The Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army — the biggest theatrical stage of Europe — became the major venue of the holiday. The Chairman of Parliamentary

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Belarus — Russia

Assembly of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the Speaker of the State Duma, Sergey Naryshkin, read the greeting of the President of Russia, while the greeting of the President of Belarus, the Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, Alexander Lukashenko, was read by the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Viktor Guminsky.

The presentation of the Union State Literature and Art Award to the People’s Artiste of the USSR Vladimir Zeldin harmoniously fitted in with celebratory events. This good mission was performed by the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota.

All ‘tones’ of the holiday were high — starting with solemn chords of the Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, performed by the State Academic Symphony Orchestra (named after Svetlanov), which set the tone for a concert. On the stage it was possible to see a soloist of the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet

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Theatre of Belarus, Anatoly Sivko, with The Barber of Seville aria, alongside the soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia Alina Yarovaya who sang a waltz Kiss while the dance itself -- The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns -- was performed by international duo of the Bolshoi Theatre ballerina, Yelena Andrienko and Belarusian violoncellist, Ivan Renansky. Additional polyphony to the academic part was added by Vladimir Minin’s Chamber Chorus, and it was not the first time the band’s singing beautified the Russian-Belarusian holiday.

Parade of magnificent voices was continued by winners and participants of the national song contests. Тео — Yuri Vashchuk — has been the soloist of the National Academic Orchestra of Belarus under the leadership of Mikhail Finberg since he was 17. He will represent Belarus at the International Eurovision2014 Song Contest. Russian Tina Kuznetsova then picked up the baton; she is rich-voiced, eccentric, outstanding finalist of the Voice television project. At the end of the concert programme, Dmitry Malikov who is a frequenter of the Russian-Belarusian musical evenings, first played the piano, accompanying acrobatic miracles performed by the Russian Stuntmen group, and then sang his favourite Native Land. Strict and serious Nikolay Rastorguev and his Lyube group in four voices sang a capella — the song Raseya, My Raseya... Minsk Syabry, headed

by Anatoly Yarmolenko, were singing ballads with invariable melodiousness, tunefulness and warmth which creates sensation of brotherly shoulder.

This year, the Day of Unity was held in Belarusian capital in a classical format. Participants and visitors of the holiday were invited to a festive concert in the most prestigious capital hall of recently restored National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Here, on the stage, sounded greetings to the peoples of two countries from presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin. And then Belarusian and Russian artistes harmoniously supplemented each other, showing joint performances.

The celebrations were attended by Deputies of the State Secretary of the Union State, Ivan Bambiza and Anna Deiko, representatives of the public, diplomats and members of the Parliament, alongside veterans and young people. On the eve of the holiday, State Secretary of the Union State Grigory Rapota received in Minsk journalists in order to sum up some results of the Union State construction. In particular, he noted, “The project under the ‘Union State’ name is being realised rather productively. By order of heads of our states we’ve outlined the areas of further development. We’ve tackled many economic, social and political issues on which representatives of ministries and departments of the two countries worked. Now,

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this plan is in its final stage. I hope, it will be considered at the nearest session of the Union State’s Council of Ministers, and then by heads of our states. What affects the interests of all citizens of the Union State? First of all, these are the Union State scientific and technical programmes. Four of them are already finished while seven projects are currently being developed; two Union State programmes were launched in 2013. We received proposals regarding 20 topics on their possible inclusion into the category of the Union State programmes.

It is a big piece of work and more than half of the budget of the Union State is spent on it. We’ve approved a new order of adoption of programmes, which is more efficient. Two important agreements concerning interstate relations were signed: dealing with application of the GLONASS system and on co-operation in the military-technical sphere. Moreover, a new form of co-operation appeared covering a wide social group — a forum of technological institutes of higher education of Belarus and Russia. We’ve tried to hold such forums in Minsk in 2012 and 2013, and everyone was pleased with it. We will expand it. Co-operation in the area of student’s construction brigade was also renewed. In 2013, students worked on a construction site of the Belarusian nuclear power station and at Yamal. A three-volume edition of works by Alexander Pushkin during his Boldino period was facsimile-reproduced and we also released an almanac of young writers of Belarus and Russia.”

The State Secretary specified a top priority task — solving of range of issues formulated in the Union State Treaty. It concerns co-ordination of structurally-industrial policy, formation of single transport and energy space, and the expansion of production co-operation. As far as social sphere is concerned, it’s necessary to eliminate mismatches in rendering of planned medical aid to citizens of the neighbouring state and the transfer of pensions to military men from one country to another. The education system contains an agreement about equivalence of diplomas of institutes of higher education, while there are no such agreements on Master’s thesis and doctoral thesis. It is intended to work in these directions.

The holiday also involved huge territory of the Union State: from Kamchatka and Kuril Islands, the Amur Region, Tyumen, Yoshkar-Ola — to Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Stavropol, Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Sochi, and then Gomel, Vitebsk, Pinsk, Brest. Different concerts, fairs of Belarusian goods, meetings, lectures about history of relations of two peoples — all these will be remembered. Each of these activities was enjoyed by its participants.

By Nikolay Vladimirov

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Union State space programmes have clear targets

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Orbit of common interests

elarusian and Russian specialists in Earth remote sensing began liaising 15 years ago. To discover what has been achieved, let’s visit the Flight Control Centre of Belarus’ Earth Remote Sensing System, which maintains our connection with the Belarusian satellite, over 520km above the planet. More than 10,000 orbits have been completed in that time, delivering data on observations and on satellite equipment.

Such data has been proving invaluable to agrarians and forestry workers, alongside meteorologists, Ministry of Emergency specialists and land surveyors. Belarus and Russia each currently have one such satellite, transmitting black-andwhite images with up to 2m resolution. The two work in ‘twin’ combination, doubling the data available: the Russian satellite is called Canopus-B. The work of this space tandem, launched in 2012 via a Russian rocket carrier, is guided by national development programmes covering space exploration, as well as by a range of bilateral co-operative agreements. Financed from the Union State budget, the first such programme was Kosmos-BR: adopted in 1999. Since then, three joint projects have been implemented under the joint aegis of Russian partners and the United Institute of Informatics Problems at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Sergey Korenyako, Executive Director for Union State programmes on the Belarusian side, tells us that, in late 2013, the fourth programme began, entitled Monitoring-SG: operational until 2017. It foresees a significantly higher level of collaboration between Belarusian and Russian researchers, with Union State budget financing of up to 2.43bn Russian Roubles. беларусь.belarus 2014

Detailing the major targets of the latest Union State programme for cosmic space exploration, Mr. Korenyako underlines, “It envisages the creation of equipment for terrestrial testing of space systems and technologies; this is vital to enhancing reliability of satellites. No less important is the task of creating a new generation of targeting equipment for Earth remote sensing. Radiolocation systems need to be operational in all weathers and regardless of time of day. Moreover, we’ll create new technologies to enhance resolution quality from the satellite, as well as the quality of processed data, for transfer to customers. Finally, we’ll need to enhance our level of training and re-training for ‘space specialists’.”

Belarus and Russia now have a record number of partners in this field: around 60, including scientific-research institutes at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Belarusian State University, and leading scientific and scientific-production organisations at Roscosmos (Russian Federal Space Agency). It’s still too early to speak about results but there’s no doubt that these should be significant.

Assessing the role of Union State programmes, the Director General of the NAS’ United Institute of Informatics Problems, Alexander Tuzikov, notes their efficiency in financing scientific developments, meeting contemporary needs. He adds, “Such financing is allocated not only for our institute but for the whole branch across Belarus. Via joint programmes, we achieve targets otherwise impossible.” An even more efficient satellite to monitor the Earth is planned for the future, expanding the Belarusian-Russian space group.

By Vladimir Fiodorov

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During meeting of the Prime Minister of Belarus, Mikhail Myasnikovich, and the First Deputy Chairman of the Kemerovo Region, Maxim Makin

Direct ties are the strongest Regional co-operation receives new impulse for development

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uring the first stages of creation of the Union State trade-economic and cultural between B elar us and Russian regions have played a crucial role in its establishment. Now, the role of regional co-operation continues to be great, with the first months of this year being marked with active ‘return’ visits. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is convinced that direct contacts with the Russian regions can be called without exaggeration the basis for the countries’ trade-economic ties.

A typical example is interrelations between the two capitals — Minsk and

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Moscow, which embrace the widest range of business and cultural interaction. Due to this, in 2013, the mutual trade turnover reached $5.2bn and Belarus was ranked among top five most important business partners of the Russian capital. Recently, the palette of interaction has been expanded with new area — Belarusian metro workers began to construct a 3.4km metro section of the new station. For this, two legal entities with Belarusian participation have been registered in the Russian capital and professional staff has been formed. Minsk is also ready to design sites of Moscow transport system.

This issue has been one of the major during the session of the working group aiming to co-ordinate interaction between Belarus and Moscow, hosted by Minsk in March 2014.

There’re plenty of other examples.

For instance, 300 Minsk-made trolley buses carry passengers in Moscow while the technique of Minsk Automobile and Minsk Tractor Works, as well as Amkodor JSC, successfully work at the Russian capital’s sites. Moreover, a large-scale contract has been signed for the supply of two-storey electric trains of the Belarusian-Swiss production for transportation with the airports, located in the Moscow Region.

Prospects are even greater. Mr. Cheremin invited Belarusian partners to create ‘smart’ transport system, to develop healthcare and to take part in tenders and auctions, whose total number is to reach about 2,500 in 2014. How does Minsk Mayor see the Belarusian-Moscow relations?

Mr. Ladutko notes, “In 2013, MinskMoscow trade turnover has increased by 5 percent. In 2014, even greater growth is expected. This is possible only as a result of mutual trust.

Moscow residents are well aware of Belarusian meat and dairy products, bread and bakery, furniture and light industry goods. However, it’s necessary to seriously increase the share of innovative productions in the total volume of economic co-operation. These are scientific developments and contemporary goods on their basis.”

Mr. Cheremin also discussed prosp ec ts of co-op eration with Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Kalinin while members of the Moscow delegation outlined opportunities of new deliveries of goods at a number of Minsk enterprises. The next session of the working group aiming to co-ordinate Belarus-Moscow interaction is scheduled for October 2014 in the Russian capital.

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Meanwhile, Belarusian PM Mikhail Myasnikovich has met the delegation from the Kemerovo Region, headed by the First Deputy Chairman of the Kemerovo Region Maxim Makin. This region is among top ten largest Belarusian business partners in Russia and the Head of the Belarusian Government believes that mutual trade turnover can exceed $1bn during the current five-year plan.

In total, Belarus has treaties on direct trade-economicandculturalco-operation with almost all subjects of the Russian Federation, enabling the two countries to maintain mutual trade turnover at a high level of around $40bn and higher. This is also the result that each fact of reduction of mutual trade becomes a reason for critical analysis of the situation. A typical example is co-operation between Belarus and Mordovia. In 2013, mutual trade turnover totalled about $50bn — half of the previous year. During the visit to Belarus a representative delegation of Mordovia, headed by the Head of the Republic of Mordovia Vladimir Volkov, set a task to improve the situation. Mr. Volkov said that he intends to promote co-operative agreement to achieve rather concrete economic results, and he has found complete understanding in Minsk regarding this issue. In particular, the President of Belarus sees the way out in developing new areas of co-

operation while involving production, as well as sci-tech and staff potential, to manufacture high-tech competitive Belarusian-Russian produce.

The first session of the working group aiming to develop Belarus-Mordovia cooperation was dedicated to the search of new reserves, and several areas have been outlined for interaction, for example, between Minsk Automobile Works and Saransk Dump Truck Plant. Mr. Volkov assured that Minsk technique is well aware in Mordovia, which includes diverse trucks and buses. There’s desire to continue these purchases. However, why not to use the assembly opportunities of heavy-duty dump trucks and municipal vehicles in Saransk on the basis of MAZ vehicles? This issue is currently being studied.

Collaboration using the similar scheme with Minsk Tractor Works looks even more attractive. Its produce is an undisputed leader on the Mordovian fields, with each second tractor being produced in Belarus. There’s also an agreement on the assembly of MTZ vehicles on the premises of Sarex JSC, whose capacities reach 2,500 vehicles per year. The priority is to master more progressive energy-intensive models.

Moreover, the production of excavators and other attachments on the basis of MTZ goods can be organised, including for the needs of agriculture. Mr. Volkov also highly assessed Belarusian harvesters

There are plenty of examples of co-operation. Thus, 300 Minskmade trolley buses are used for carriage of passengers in Moscow

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and fodder machinery, manufactured by Gomselmash. However, he noted that it’s now time to set up in Mordovia branded service centres for prompt and qualitative repair and service of machinery.

In its turn, Belarus is keen to receive middle and large car casting. Mordovian enterprises also produce diverse lighting goods and other variants for co-operation are also possible. With this in mind, the guests have also visited Minsk Automobile Works, Minsk Tractor Works, Minsk Motor Plant and Amkodor JSC. Science, education and healthcare weren’t left without attention either, with prospects outlining for collaboration between the Belarusian State University and the Mordovia State University, alongside Mordovian Perinatal Centre and Minsk’s Mother and Child Centre. These are only several positions which are likely to be included into the plan of co-operative development for 2015-2017, which is currently being developed. The dialogue, started in Minsk, will continue in Saransk, where a large-scale Belarusian delegation will arrive to take part in the Business Mordovia exhibition. Saransk will also host the second session.

Belarusian representatives are also frequent guests in the Russian regions. Recently, Belarus’ Minister of Agriculture Leonid Zayats has visited the Amur Region, with negotiations ranging from ‘turn-key’ construction of contemporary dairy farm to participation in the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome. The decision has been also made to build 40 wooden houses of Belarusian assembly in this Russian region, which suffered from the flood.

In total, Belarusian-Russian interregional interaction is successfully developing, as was noted by the participants of the 36th session of the permanent seminar of the Belarus-Russia Union State’s Parliamentary Assembly, which discussed the experience, problems and prospects of interregional collaboration.

By Vladimir Bibikov

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oungsters’ help at the country’s major construction sites is a long-lasting tradition, with a recent new lease of life, thanks to a Presidential decree. The Belarusian nuclear power station currently being built in the west of the Republic, under tender to a Russian agency, has been declared an All-Belarusian Youth Construction Site. This indicates the state’s trust in its younger generation, while enabling young people to show their capability to build their future.

Student construction brigades were first established in Belarus over fifty years ago, numbering around 30,000 at their peak. Moreover, the movement was international: thousands of Belarusian young people worked at sites across Russia and across the Soviet Union, and vice versa. In 2013, a joint Belarusian-Russian student brigade — Energetik — worked at

At present, around 58,000 young people are part of the Belarusian construction brigade movement, having joined as volunteers: in total, the brigade numbers 100,000-120,000.

Speaking of the potential of the All-Belarusian Youth Construction Site, BRSM Second Secretary Andrey Belyakov notes, “We plan to send our best students — who demonstrate the highest results in their studies and public works — to the nuclear power station. As in 2013, most will be involved in constructing accommodation and public buildings, as well as taking part in general building works requiring no special skills. It gives them the opportunity to earn a good salary and learn new skills. Those studying construction or nuclear energy, at the Belarusian State University, the Belarusian National Technical University and other institutions, are likely to be especially interested in working at our nuclear power station’s

Brigade receives order Belta

Belarusian nuclear power station becomes Union State youth construction site the Belarusian nuclear power station for almost two months, uniting 20 students from the Obninsk Nuclear Energy Institute and 40 from Grodno State University and ProfessionalTechnical College of Light Industry.

Young people were involved in building residential houses at the new town for energy workers and builders, and developed grassplots around the station, laying paving, painting walls and batteries and sweeping. In addition, 85 Belarusian students worked at the Bovanenkovo All-Russian Student Construction Site, in the Yamal Peninsula. Last year around 1,200 Belarusian young people worked across Russia, making new friends and establishing new contacts. Youngsters from both countries learn useful skills in this way and can earn worthy salaries.

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site. They can make new friends and test their abilities, while taking part in various sports competitions and cultural events in their free time. There will also be excursions dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Fascists.”

Russian students on site will be able to gain closer acquaintance with Belarus, learning of its glorious past: in accordance with an agreement signed between the Belarusian Republican Youth Union’s Central Committee and the Russian Student Brigades Public Association. Such friendly liaisons are worthwhile alone. All student income is tax-free and medical examinations are provided free of charge. Employers hiring students also enjoy privileges.

By Vladimir Yakovlev

2014 беларусь.belarus

Three volumes of inspiration Belarusian libraries receive unique facsimile editions

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he State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, has donated three reproduction volumes of works by Alexander Pushkin, written during the ‘Boldino Autumn’ — to the National Library of Belarus. Gifts have also been presented to the Ministry of Culture, and to other main libraries and universities.

The preciousness of this edition is difficult to overestimate for literary historians, poets and simply those keen on philology. They have been given an opportunity to look into creative laboratory of the genuine poet without leaving their native cities and often even their universities. This is especially important for philologists who constantly take part in international contest of philology amateurs and claim awards. Alexander Pushkin is known to be one of the ‘lawmakers’ of contemporary Russian language. The edition is also unique in generalising poetic sketches, made on separate pieces of paper, unlike widely famous poetic notebooks of Pushkin. Three months, spent by the poet in Boldino, were very efficient, resulting in the appearance of беларусь.belarus 2014

Belkin’s Tales and Little Tragedies cycle, as well as over 20 wonderful poets and critical articles… Pushkin also finished his Eugene Onegin there — this alone would be enough to enter the history of the Russian literature forever.

The Standing Committee of the Union State wishes to promote appreciation of the great poet. On donating the precious gift to Belarusian workers of the cultural sphere, Mr. Rapota noted, “The idea originated during the visit to the Pushkin House in St. Petersburg whose administration asked to support the release of the unique collection. We’ve approved this issue with the ministries of culture of Belarus and Russia and found support in both cases, since it’s difficult to overestimate the role of Pushkin in Russia and Belarus.

This has enabled to allocate necessary financing from the Union State budget. Previously, only few specialists could see the originals of the manuscripts, let alone working with them.

Meanwhile, a facsimile release is more desirable for manuscripts, as it is ‘non-damaging’.”

Thus, Mr. Rapota was captivated by the idea to make the poetic legacy of the genius a public domain. Previously, he visited Boldino several times and was keen to learn what could inspire the poet so greatly. Wonderful central-Russian nature? Retired life in the rural estate? The donation of the unique edition to those who are able to worthily assess it and use it for the development of Belarusian-Russian cultural relations grew into a discussion dedicated to this topic. Mr. Rapota said that he ‘oversaw’ the idea of artistic plein airs for Belarusian and Russian children who are keen on painting in Boldino; these are now held in Ilya Repin’s Zdravnevo Estate and an indispensable part of the Salvianski Bazaar in Vitebsk Arts Festival. This tradition will be continued and, in 2014, the exposition, located at the Belarusian estate of the Russian painter, will be expanded with 18 pictures by the Itinerant painters. This was agreed between Grigory Rapota and Belarus’ Minister of Culture Boris Svetlov.

Other Union State projects of big culturological importance have been also discussed, including popularisation of the creativity of Marc Chagall — a painter with a world name whose destiny is closely connected with Vitebsk — within the Union State. Moreover, in 2015, a memorial plaque is to be installed in Minsk, dedicated to prominent Soviet airwoman Valentina Grizodubova to mark the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory while a monument to outstanding Belarusian enlightener Simeon Polotsky will be unveiled in Moscow.

On receiving three volumes of Alexander Pushkin, the Director of the National Library of Belarus, Roman Motulsky, didn’t leave the favour unanswered and donated a return gift to the State Secretary — a facsimile edition of the unique Belarusian Bukvar (ABC Book) which was first released back in 1767.

By Viktor Andreev

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Vitaliy Gil

Ivan Misko:

‘I’m sure that we’re not alone in the Universe’ Laureate of Union State Award tells us about his creativity and heroes

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he laureates of the Union State Award for Literature and Art for 2013-2014 were recently announced: People’s Artiste of the USSR Vladimir Zeldin, Russian art critic Inessa Slyunkova and People’s Artiste of Belarus Ivan Misko. The latter is recognised for his sculptural series devoted to those who have conquered space.

Cosmonauts have been his inspiration for many years and, in July, during the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk Festival, he received a prize from the Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.

Ivan Yakimovich, we hasten to congratulate you! Firstly, on your Union State award and, secondly, on your personal exhibition dedicated to Cosmonautics Day. How is your work going on the bust of Oleg Novitsky?

I’m on my third version of the bust, which I’ve created at my personal initiative, rather than to order. It’s proving a challenge.

I work independently, so I need sponsors, but I’ll certainly finish it in time for Cosmonautics Day. We hear that you’d like to create an avenue in Minsk, dedicated to ‘space’ heroes — on Kosmonavtov Street (Cosmonauts’ Street).

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Yes, I dream of every cosmonaut coming to Minsk planting a tree there. We could also have a Space Café, featuring a real ‘space menu’. There could be a sculptural-thematic relief devoted to Piotr Klimuk, Vladimir Kovalenok and Oleg Novitsky on the front wall. For financial reasons, my dreams are not yet reality but I’m sure they’ll come true one day.

There must be almost a hundred busts of cosmonauts on your shelf.

To tell the truth, I’ve never counted them, having no need to do so. You may be right; there could be over a hundred.

How did you come to be so inspired by space? It’s said that you’ve sculpted almost every former Soviet cosmonaut.

I remember hearing a radio announcer say that the life of the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, had come to a tragic end. Suddenly, I had a burning desire to preserve the image of this outstanding person, for future generations. I found several photos and sculpted until morning, while listening to mourning music. Gagarin’s mother, Anna Timofeevna, on seeing the work, asked me to transfer the sculpture to her son’s home: to the city of Gagarin. Her request was such an honour.

Then, thanks to Piotr Klimuk, I was invited to set up in Star City. From then onwards, I was hooked on the space theme.

Have you ever been in a centrifuge?

Yes — but it made me feel sick for several days. I was walking through Star City as if I was drunk. I completely lost my coordination. It’s not for nothing that only those in the peak of health — physically and mentally — are sent into space. Space is not our natural human habitat; we lose our muscle strength and become weak. I want to give Oleg Novitsky some plasticine to take into space, so that he can sculpt there.

If he suddenly meets an alien, he can sculpt any figure necessary for them. Can you imagine how valuable that would be!

Do you believe in alien life?

Certainly! I feel sure that we aren’t alone in our Universe. I don’t know whether there are any creatures similar to us but I’m absolutely sure of the existence of some form of life.

Do you read books on ufology during your spare time?

No — I tend to read newspapers and magazines about gardening. I’m a gardening addict; I adore planting trees and flowers during the summer, in the countryside.

You also collect autographs. Do you have any new ones?

Of course! Look at the door and mirror: they’re covered in autographs — from cosmonauts, actors, sportsmen, scientists and military people. Their value is that most aren’t on paper. They’re inscribed in plasticine or cast in bronze. They’ll remain forever, as a legacy. Recently, my workshop received museum status: it’s called the Ivan Misko workshop-museum. I’m its only employee: a living exhibit! I still try to keep working rather than staying in bed; I try not to be lazy. I have a lot I still want to achieve.

By Yuliana Leonovich

2014 беларусь.belarus

Place names The correct way of writing the names of Belarusian cities, villages and streets in various languages

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he Parli ament of Belarus plans to discuss changing the law to specify how names of settlements should be spelt in the Belarusian, Russian and Latin alphabet.

Since our state is located at the centre of Europe yet desires to keep its national heritage, it wishes to be open and clear to its neighbours — from the West and the East. This is especially relevant in advance of the Ice Hockey World Championship, which begins in Minsk on May 9th. Transport signs have been made in Belarusian and English — thanks to the efforts of linguists in translating Belarusian names into foreign languages - while metro stops are to be announced in two languages. беларусь.belarus 2014

In 2012, the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) passed a resolution approving principles of Romanisation of Belarusian geographical names (using the Latin alphabet) — as first adopted in 2000 and amended in 2007.

The UNGEGN recommended this system for use all over the world as an ‘international system of Romanisation of Belarusian geographical names’.

However, in spite of these rules, certain difficulties remain, inspiring discussion in Minsk, in March, at the conference of the Republican Toponymical Commission of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

The Chairman of the Commission, Igor Kopylov, the Academic Secretary of the NAS’ Institute of Language and Literature (named after Yakub Kolas and Yanka Kupala) here shares the outcomes of that conference and his personal views.

In 2010, the law ‘On Geographical Names’ came into force, establishing consistency in naming settlements and places within Belarus. In Brest, for example, Rodnikovaya, Klyuchevaya, and Krinichnaya streets all become, in

Vitaliy Gil

TOPONYMY

translation into Belarusian, Krinichnaya.

They were written in Russian long ago but are now named in Belarusian and are transliterated using the Cyrillic or Latin alphabet.

What changes w ill national toponymy bring in future?

The Council of Ministers is debating change to the law ‘On Geographical Names’. The project was developed by the State Property Committee and has been examined by the Toponymical Commission, which has suggest amending article 17 of the law, to read: ‘In Belarus, names of geographical places are given in the Belarusian language, from which they are translated into Russian. Names of geographical places are subject to state recording in Belarusian and Russian languages. Rules and methods of translation of names of geographical places from the Belarusian language into Russian, and into other languages, are defined by the State Property Committee.’

We suggest amending article 18 to read: ‘Names of geographical places on informa- page

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tion boards and on road signs and other signs are written in Belarus in Belarusian and, if necessary, in Latin alphabet — from the Belarusian form of writing’.

How long has the Republican Toponymical Commission under the National Academy of Sciences existed?

The Commission was created by decree, by the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences of the BSSR, on September 27th, 1991. Its main aim is the revival, preservation and ordering of Belarusian toponymy, and the development of rules for translation into other languages. It includes instructions on transliteration of geographical place names in Belarus using the Latin alphabet, as well as rules for translation into Russian, and rules of translation of geographical names from Ukraine, Latvia and Lithuania into the Belarusian language. We have a series of regulatory reference books entitled ‘Names of Settlements of Belarus’, which contain a complete list of names of settlements in Belarusian Cyrillic and the Latin alphabet, as well as in Russian.

Which problems remain unresolved?

The toponymical system of Belarus has numerous alternatives, due to Belarusian history. From the 17th century, many ancient Belarusian geographical place names became recorded on maps and other official written sources in Polish — such as Bzhegi, Vulka, Brest, Grodna, and Navagrudak.

Nobody cared about exact translations of Belarusian proper nouns, hydronyms and microtoponyms into Russian. So, we gained Ivanovichi instead of Ivanichi, Pushkino instead of Pukshina, Barbarovo instead of Barbarov, Cheremushki instead of Charemushniki, Babionka instead of Babenka, Miory instead of Mery, and Liozno instead of Lezna.

In Soviet times, all Belarusian toponyms were translated into Russian but, even then, no comprehensive official lists of names existed. The Russian form was used in translations of geographical place names in Belarus, which generated inconsistencies in translation into Belarusian: Deraki — Dzyaraki, Dzeraki; Kamenets — Kamenets, Kamyanets; Komki — Komki, Kamki.

What is to be done with names which differ in Russian and Belarusian? Do we transliterate or translate them?

Earlier, names were simply translated from Russian into Belarusian: Trudovaya — Rabochaya; Labour — Worker.

As a re s u lt , there were often two names for one word:

Dvigatel — Rukhavik; Krasnyi Pakhar — Chyrvony Araty; Romashki — Ramonki; and Oktyabr — Kastrychnik.

Toponyms no longer fulfil their original function: serving as an unequivocal landmark. Dyyamentavya (brilliant) Street is translated from Belarusian into Russian as Almaznaya (diamond). However, diamond is a raw natural mineral, while a brilliant is a cut and sparkling diamond. The true Russian equivalent to dyyament (brilliant) is ‘diamant’ so where has Almaznaya come from?

Yaravaya Street is translated into Russian as Ovrazhnaya: the word ‘yar’ has various meanings: a steep riverbank, a lake, the slope of a ravine or a ravine’s hollow. We have no idea why ‘ravine’ was chosen. There are more questions than answers.

The approach applied to usual words cannot be used for toponyms, since their meaning grows gradually, through history; it’s almost impossible to ju s t i f y any on e choice since many words are from a l on g - for g ott e n age — or have changed in meaning

Belta

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2014 беларусь.belarus

TOPONYMY over the years. Names reflect a nation’s individual history.

Which is the correct way to translate geog raphical place names from Belarusian language into Russian?

We can combine two ways. The first is transliteration: v. Zhusiny — v. Zhusiny; v. Traigi — v. Traigi.

The second is transliteration by replacing separate elements of morphemes: s. Baraulyany — s. Borovlyany; Str. Pryvabnaya — Str. Privabnaya; Igumenski high way — Igumensky high way.

Some names should not be translated, but transcribed according to the rules of Belarusian spelling: v. Kastrychnik — d. Kastrichnik; v. Chyrvonaya Zorka — d. Chirvonaya Zorka.

Disputes will always arise. Shpalernaya Street is Oboinaya in Russian, while Chygunachnaya is Zheleznodorozhnaya, and Gandlevaya is Torgovaya. The names sound utterly different — as if they are different streets...

One solution is, with all due respect to the Russian language, to give priority to national (Belarusian) toponymy in national (Belarusian) language — to preserve the historical and cultural value of place names. Rather than translate Pratsounaya Street as Trudovaya, we can transliterate it to Pratsovnaya, or Chygunachnaya, and use Chigunochnaya instead of Zheleznodorozhnaya. If local authorities are unsure as to which name to choose, or how to write it in Belarusian or Russian, they need only ask the Toponymical Commission. We can assess how the name fits into toponymical systems, and how it is translated from one language into another, as well as how it would be used in linguistic practice.

By Viktar Korbut

беларусь.belarus 2014

 We call your attention to the most difficult examples of translation of names of streets from Belarusian into the Russian language.

Lunnaya — Mesyachnaya, Mesyatsovaya, Lunnaya; Otradnaya — Utseshnaya, Utseshlivaya, Pryemnaya, Atradnaya; Chistoprudnaya — Chystaprudnaya, Chystasazhalkavaya; Roshchinskaya — Roshchynskaya, Gaevaya; Putevaya — Putsyavaya, Darozhnaya; and Lazurnaya — Lazurnaya.

Rules of transliteration for geographical place names of Belarus, officially adopted in Belarus and approved in 2012 by the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) А а A a Аршанскi — Aršanski Б б B b Бешанковiчы — Biešankovičy В в V v Вiцебск — Viciebsk Г г H h Гомель — Homieĺ, Гаўя — Haŭja Д д D d Добруш — Dobruš Е е Je je* Ельск — Jeĺsk, Бабаедава — Babajedava ie** Венцавiчы — Viencavičy Ё ё Jo jo* Ёды — Jody, Вераб’ёвiчы — Vierabjovičy io** Мёры — Miory Ж ж Ž ž Жодзiшкi — Žodziški З з Z z Зэльва — Zeĺva I i I i Iванава — Ivanava, Iўе — Iŭje Й й J j Лагойск — Lahojsk К к К k Круглае — Kruhlaje Л л L l Лошыца — Lošyca, Любань — Liubań М м M m Магiлёў — Mahilioŭ Н н N n Нясвiж — Niasviž О о O o Орша — Orša П п P p Паставы — Pastavy Р р R r Рагачоў — Rahačoŭ С с S s Смаргонь — Smarhoń Т т T t Талачын — Talačyn У у U u Узда — Uzda Ў ў Ŭ ŭ Шаркаўшчына — Šarkaŭščyna Ф ф F f Фанiпаль — Fanipaĺ Х х Ch ch Хоцiмск — Chocimsk Ц ц C c Цёмны Лес — Ciomny Lies Ч ч Č č Чавусы — Čavusy Ш ш Š š Шумiлiна — Šumilina Ы ы Y y Чыгiрынка — Čyhirynka Ь ь accent on the previous consonant Друць — Druć Э э E e Чачэрск — Čačersk Ю ю Ju ju* Юхнаўка — Juchnaŭka, Гаюцiна — Hajucina iu** Цюрлi — Ciurli, Любонiчы — Liuboničy Я я Ja ja* Ямнае — Jamnaje, Баяры — Bajary ia** Bаляр’яны — Valiarjany, Вязынка — Viazynka ‘ not translated. *Used at the beginning of a word, and after vowels and apostrophes and dividing soft signs and after the letter ‘в’ ** Used after consonants.

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ART | PERSONALITY

Inspired lyrist of homeland Ten Centuries of Art in Belarus is an exhibition unprecedented in scale.

Hosted by the National Art Museum, it presents works by Valery Shkarubo, among those by other modern Belarusian artists. Mr. Shkarubo has his own original, creative style and pictorial manner, as well as his own subtle philosophy. He recently gained the title of Honoured Worker of Arts of Belarus: a high mark of respect for his professionalism and cultural achievements.

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2014 беларусь.belarus

I

’ve known Valery Shkarubo for some time. He’s charming, modest, and frank in his judgements.

He rarely ma kes cate gorical statements, as if unwilling to pronounce on the world. Visiting his studio, I find it cosy, being full of his pictures. They hang on the walls alongside those of colleagues he admires. My last visit was just after Valery had received his high title and I couldn’t help provoking him, to see if his manner might have changed.

Did anything change for you on hearing of your Honoured Worker of Arts title?

Life has not changed in any discernible way and I don’t think it ever will do. Artists need to work independently, and quietly, regardless of outward recognition and whatever the weather.

Your soul should always be ready to work, being driven by inner motivation, rather than a desire to satisfy another.

Do you feel any burden of responsibility from the title?

Such titles are like ‘moral compensation’ to an artist. Anyone working in any sphere may deserve to gain recognition, but those in creative professionals especially so. Without awards, titles and privileges, there would be only financial reward for work. It’s not a good idea to be motivated solely by a desire for money. Rich artists are not generally the best, since money is not the wisest judge of merit.

During the early years of Perestroika, many in Belarus and Russia called for past titles to be revoked.

Fortunately, such debate soon died down. We cannot live by bread alone — or part of us would die, and society would suffer.

How do you view your title?

It is a great honour and brings responsibility. I like to believe that such titles are true recognition of merit: an award from the state, but also an award to art itself. Titles inspire patriotism, which is also valuable: it makes me an беларусь.belarus 2014

ART | PERSONALITY artist-citizen of Belarus. This title is very important to me: even, the most important thing.

Do you ever think of retiring, now that you’ve received your honoured title?

On the contrary, I feel deeply inspired to create even more, feeling a serious responsibility to my country.

What are you working on at the moment?

As always, I’m working on a landscape.

It’s the genre I find simplest and most challenging. Many do view it as an easy genre, which can be true superficially.

However, I treat it seriously, giving deep consideration to every nuance. I wish to show the complexity of the human soul: our mood, condition, depth, philosophy and ‘national’ spirit. All this can be shown through landscape painting and page

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Autumn. 2013

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Forest road. 2013

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it’s an inexhaustible theme. The more I work on a landscape, the more I feel that there is so much more to explore. I didn’t feel this way about it early in my career; gradually, over the years, I’ve realised that I have many thoughts to express. Meanwhile, I have no idea how I’ll have time to achieve everything!

Perfection can never be achieved, so how do you relate to ‘perfection’ as an artist?

We always aim for perfection — from first creating a sketch, to trying up to ten designs in the studio. Each effort is better than the last. It’s only when you believe that you can do no more with an image that it’s ‘ideal’: at least for that moment. After some time, you begin to see errors. It’s just the way of life; there’s nothing to be done.

You tend to explore simple plots: nature, trees and rippling water…

It’s almost impossible to convey what I’m seeking. I do paint nature, but all my landscapes are invented, inspired by what I’ve seen: a cloud, a house and grass. I’m trying to create a certain mood but it’s hard for me to judge whether I’m successful. I try to treat my work seriously, so I do hear people comment that my canvases can be rather sombre,

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On the wind. 2012

lacking optimism. While I’m painting, deeply serious thoughts enter my head — even philosophical thoughts. They aren’t thoughts which bring about a cheerful landscape! I like painting evening light, since it seems to me to be the most thought-provoking time of day. An artist doesn’t just copy nature; he creates a reflection with his brush. I think my reflections are most true when portrayed in a sad, grey environment.

You are among those modern artists featured at the Ten Centuries of Art in Belarus exhibition. Do you view this as a great honour?

Certainly, it’s extremely prestigious.

Very few artists are represented and it’s a huge honour to enter this narrow circle. Maybe, it’s even undeserved and there are artists better than me not in the exhibition. This is my opinion but I’m not among the organisers. I was asked to exhibit my work and I certainly find this recognition delightful.

W hat i s y our e st imat i on of Belarusian art?

We have much to show and I’m sure could have filled a far greater space. It’s quite cramped here. If we had three times the space, we’d be able to show the full richness of Belarusian art. We could fill the whole museum were it possible.

Do cer tain images dominate your landscapes? Forests or roads for example?

All revolve around the idea of our Motherland. That’s all. Our Belarus is seen in its roads and trees, the water, fields, woods and so on. All are Belarus.

The most important thing is to paint from your soul the images within yourself. It’s not my style to be artificial.

Which symbols do you return to?

It’s possible to create a road to symbolise all our roads. As long as it strikes you as genuine, it’s fine.

Do you plan a personal exhibition soon?

Perhaps in four years’ time.

Meanwhile, I need to work.

You’ve enjoyed exhibitions earlier.

I’ve had several in Minsk — and abroad.

Each time has distinctive features.

Is today an inspiring time for artists?

We are inspired by our inner world, rather than by external events. This is true for me at least. Maybe some artists need to be shaken-up or impressed by a spectacular event: something grand.

I don’t need that at all; in fact, it’s a hindrance. My perception of life is tranquil. I don’t need events to inspire my creativity.

2014 беларусь.belarus

ART | PERSONALITY

Do you have favourite works?

I’ve worked long and hard on some, returning to them as favourites, until something satisfactory in terms of perfection appeared. They are small in number and I don’t want to part with them.

You have many works by other artists in your studio. What made you choose them?

Purely my personal preference: they give me pleasure to look at them. They aren’t a collection but all are landscapes — which are close to my heart.

You paint Belarus’ countryside. If you had been born elsewhere, do you think you would have been inspired to become an artist in the same way?

I’ve travelled abroad, always drawing — but these don’t tend to become paintings, remaining as sketches. A huge distance separates the two: in time and effort. You can only paint when your soul has been touched; otherwise, you simply create a picture with little depth. When I painted in Russia, I tried to find places similar to Belarus: locations close spiritually. In Japan, China, Italy or Austria, there aren’t any places like ours. Of course, it’s interesting to see new places, with local colour, since this allows us to look at Belarus with fresh eyes, considering беларусь.belarus 2014

Snow on the path. 2013

Trees. 2013

our landscape more deeply. I’ve painted a great deal across the UK, which is beautiful — but not ours.

Are your origins vital to your work?

Certainly; I cannot do without them.

Your works are sold in Belarus and abroad. What attracts buyers do you think?

I’ve painted scener y abroad: mountains and seas - in China and Italy.

Foreigners coming to Belarus aren’t interested in such works, wishing only to see those depicting our Belarusian countryside. I’ve shown Chinese visitors my paintings of their mountains and they laugh, asking only to see paintings of Belarus. Our national art is valuable and gives us a place in global art.

Landscapes are the ultimate genre in which to present Belarusian national art. Gavriil Vashchenko used to say that how you paint isn’t important; rather, you should portray your native land — your place of birth, where you grew up.

As I grow older, the more I’m convinced that he was correct. I have no desire to travel abroad anymore, in search of other experiences. It may be my age but I’m content to remain in Belarus, living and painting here and holding my exhibitions here. I just want to be at home: for work, creativity and exhibitions.

I’m not against the occasional trip - to see something new or to hold a small exhibition — but my life cannot revolve around that. I need to be in one place: my homeland.

Is recognition important for an artist?

It’s vital that an artist does not become too focused on winning titles or awards, since this can affect your creativity. You need to feel free. There are three stages or ‘degrees’ of recognition: from colleagues, from the state and from the public. It’s a rare privilege when all coincide: when your colleagues respect you, when you have public popularity, and when the state recognises you.

Often, only one of the three exists. It’s important not to aspire to any of these; just see what comes.

Valery Shkarubo’s biography. Born in December, 1957, in the city of Borisov, in the Minsk Region, he graduated from the Belarusian Theatrical-Artistic Institute (now the Belarusian Academy of Arts). In 1989, he became a member of the Union of Artists of Belarus. In 2002, he received the State Award for Literature, Arts and Architecture — for his Eternal series. In 2008 he was awarded with Francysk page Skorina Medal.

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ART | PERSONALITY

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alery Shkarubo is a recognised a r t i s t . He i s a landscape painter and philosopher and views his p ar t icip at ion in the Venice Biennale (together with a small group of artists) as the high point of his career, not including the newly launched Ten Centuries of Art of Belarus exhibition.

He notes that all great artists of the 20th century — including Picasso and Chagall — viewed taking part in this biennale as an honour. “Seven artists joined me in taking part, representing Belarus for the first time in 110 years.

It was most prestigious, being held in the very centre of Venice, visited by thousands of people,” he recollects with delight.

Early in your career, like others, were you tempted to copy the style of wellknown artists?

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Ever y novice starts like this.

When I was young, I looked up to certain fine arts legends and wanted to imitate them: Belarusian B y a l y n it s k y - B i r u l y a , A m e r i c a n Andrew Wyeth and Russian Gritsai.

They remain unsurpassed in my eyes.

I created many works similar in style to theirs but I soon understood that I couldn’t continue imitating, looking at the world with their eyes. I decided to clear my mind and imagine that no other art existed: only nature and I. These days, I’m uninfluenced by any art school.

When did you find your own, original style?

Probably, about 20 years ago: no less than five years after graduating from the art institute. While studying, your teachers strongly influence you; student works are always a reflection of what their teachers convey to them. After graduating, I spent five years finding my own path. I began by painting abstract works, which we were

taught were fashionable and modern. I then engaged in formal composition and, finally, after six or seven years, I began work seriously.

Do you work entirely in the landscape genre? What deep essence is it that you see in nature?

Your question already contains the answer: in landscape, as in no other genre, I see depth. I don’t see this in still-life works or portraits. I cannot paint still-life works with deep essence, but I can do so with landscapes. It does not matter what is depicted on canvas, but what stands behind. It is necessary to feel something: the suffering and concerns of the artist should be visible on canvas. You can express all this in a landscape, which is a riddle, or sacrament of nature. It is the most important thing that can be in art.

My individuality came not in the pursuit of originality or shocking behaviour, but in my gradual and intelligent search for myself and for the expression of my interpretation of the

On the water. 2007

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ART | PERSONALITY

Bright day. 2009

world, in my own way. Step by step, I removed myself from being a slave to imitation.

Are there any other genres in which you could work?

Probably, but landscape is the most philosophical genre. Almost all artists paint landscapes. It has always been so.

Many consider landscape to be an easy genre. Within apparent simplicity is depth; I’m only starting to comprehend this riddle. Unlike any other genre, I see mystery and depth.

Landscapes are my means of selfexpression and self-comprehension. I can show a world of ideas, images and feelings.

How do images come to you?

When I begin a landscape, I create an image in advance: a full picture in my mind of everything I want to include. I visualise the whole plot needed to convey a certain mood and condition. I search for what I need and, in truth, the season, time of the day and actual elements are беларусь.belarus 2014

secondary. The image in my head is what I’m aiming for.

Would you like to teach others?

I think not. I would like people to feel everything that I felt when I painted a work but influencing and educating others is too difficult.

From your travels, how does the countryside abroad compare with here?

I’ve visited a lot of places and have travelled across various countries — some exotic. I’ve seen many landscapes, and have sketched almost everywhere.

However, the most successful drawings were those in which I saw something similar to Belarus. Sometimes, nature is so beautiful that there’s little for an artist to do but copy what they see. Our countryside is less dazzling: more reserved. I like it more though, as it’s thoughtful, with subtlety of palette.

Do you philosophise in your works?

When you work, you always reflect: on the eternal and complex. I tend to always paint nature: that which exists

today, existed before and will continue to exist when we are gone. I try not to paint temporary things, as they lack interest for me. I agree with the phrase ‘life is short, art is eternal’. I want to leave an eternal legacy.

You often depict roads.

This is because they symbolise movement and movement infers life.

Thousands walk along or drive on roads daily, each with their own worries. In painting a road, I create something with which everyone can relate; it draws us in, making us ponder infinity.

So roads symbolise life?

Yes. Moreover, they will always have relevance. You can paint them forever.

How do you feel when you are in the countryside?

Nature bewitches me. I feel as if it has a real presence, captivating me.

Everyone reacts strongly to a wonderful landscape. However, it’s when I’m alone in my studio, without even the radio, that I feel most at ease.

By Viktor Mikhailov

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Premiere

Ah, Khanuma!..

Alexander Dmitriyev

Musical comedy Tricks of Khanuma premieres at National Academic Drama Theatre named after Gorky for International Day of Theatre

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Youth of the theatre performs excellent 2014 беларусь.belarus

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he National Academic DramaTheatre — popularly called the R u s s i a n Theatre — has staged many wonderful s h ow s ov e r the years. It always fascinates me to see how the audience behaves when the final curtain closes. Of course, there is applause, but this can range from polite clapping to thunderous enthusiasm. Certainly, the passion with which this is delivered indicates spectators’ reception of the show, and is a tribute to the work of the actors and director. Being extremely well-mannered, Belarusian audience would never display obvious dislike — such as heckling or ‘booing’ a show: their pleasure or distaste is evinced purely in their applause.

Tricks of Khanuma at the Russian Theatre!

There was a full house for the premiere, including critics and journalists, as well as theatrical teachers from the Academy of Arts and the University of Culture, and actors and directors from various theatres: from Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Grodno and Vitebsk.

This sophisticated audience would have had no qualm in showing chilling restraint in their applause had they disliked the performance. Fortunately, their appreciation was generous, even accompanied by shouts of ‘Bravo’ and the delivery of floral bouquets.

I noticed only one face showing polite restraint and surprise: a theatrical critic from the Czech Republic.

Sitting nearby, I heard him ask the purpose of such a show. Pondering the answer, I realised that this wonderful comedy by Avksenty Tsagareli — a Georgian classic — ser ves its own purpose беларусь.belarus 2014

Premiere purely in entertaining. It represents all aspects of the human condition, with jokes on such themes as Georgian dignity. Meanwhile, Giya Kancheli’s score, arranged by Tariel Maisuradze, is utterly uplifting. This is a performance nourishing the mind and soul.

Sergey Kovalchik, the producer, uses comedy with great discernment, so that the show does not descend into farce. We are presented with the ‘surface’ and are left to perceive the truth below. One of the play’s themes is the universal truth that money cannot buy love.

Kovalchik announced long before the premiere, du r i ng an i nte r v i e w with ONT TV Channel: ‘Each artist has the right to their own interpretation.

Khanuma’s plot takes place in a market, repre-

senting all spheres of life. There, you can buy a woman, but not her love’.

This theme is at the heart of the performance; so strong is it that any uneven singing or speech intonations, or any shortage of comedy can be forgiven. With time, the Russian Theatre’s talented actors — young and mature alike — will perfect all.

The plot tells of a well-born prince who squanders his wealth, so urgently desires a bride with a dowry.

A rich merchant is ready to marry off his beautiful young daughter to the prince, to gain a royal connection, but the girl is already in love — with her cousin, who teaches her music. Khanuma, Tiflis’ matchmaker, steps in.

Once the performance has been given five or six times, it will be perfect.

At the moment, the characters’ emotions seem to run a little h i g h . P e o p l e ’s Artiste Olga Klebanovich, who plays Khanuma, tells us, “ We are

Olga Klebanovich in the role of Khanuma

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Prince (Vladimir Shelestov) is in shock of Khanuma pseudo-bride, Akop (Alexander Tkachenok) laughs at it

trying to gauge our audience — as if testing the temperature of water.”

The play is swift in tempo and rhythm, so that it can be hard to catch more than the main points. Ms. Klebanovich portrays Khanuma with sincerity and psychological depth, so that we believe in the internal life of her character. She is strong, clever, experienced and inventive, intriguing to bend Fate her way. She uses comic trickery to direct the action, creating her own theatre within the theatre.

Her appearance on stage in tutu and pink a la pointes ballerina shoes in the second act is a delight to behold, as she takes the place of the merchant’s daughter. Tears of laughter soon bring stomach cramps. Such a performance is worthy of respect and admiration, as Klebanovich squeezes her ample figure into the little ballerina costume.

Yelena Pastrevich plays Tekle — the sister of the prince: a haughty aristo-

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cratic lady, who has seen better days.

It is one of her first leading roles but she plays with utter sincerity, plotting to ensure that her brother marries a good dowry — regardless of love. She wants only to return to her former comfortable existence. The nervous tremble of desire is almost palpable.

I also love Oksana Lesnaya’s Kabato; the aggressive matchmaker-rival of Khanuma. She enters the stage with the power of a whirlwind and a passionate, almost childishly impetuous desire to beat Khanuma, although we never feel that she has this within her power. Olga laughs that her Khanuma is undefeatable, being stronger and more experienced. “She is inspired not by the promise of financial reward, as is the case for Kabato; rather, she believes in the preservation of true love — although she certainly needs money,” adds Olga.

Akop, the prince’s bailiff, is played

by Alexander Tkachenok. He describes

Alexander Dmitriyev

Premiere

his character as an ‘eagle’ and as an ‘independent highlander’. Despite being a self-professed misogynist, he begins to warm to Khanuma, finding in her a match for his own wit. As the plot progresses, we gradually see a different side to him. Mr. Tkachenok says, “He spreads his wings, revealing the gentle soul of a poet.” Akop is an intriguing character, with much depth, inspiring us to wonder about his true nature and motivations. Only in his final duet with Khanuma do we see his heart. He and Khanuma enjoy a mature love, which is just as blessed as that found by the young lovers.

Ms. Klebanovich has a kind word for all the cast: Andrey Senkin (Kote — the nephew of the prince) is inimitable; Yulia Kadushkevich (Sona) is gentle and lyrical; and Andrey Zakharevich (Mikich Kotryants, father of Sona) is grand in stature — as is young Vasily Grechukhin (Timote).

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Premiere

Kabato (Oksana Lesnaya) dreams of taking advantage of Khanuma

It’s difficult not to agree. Olga also speaks well of the ‘second cast’: Ruslan Chernetsky (Mikich Kotryants), Oleg Kots (Timote), Anatoly Golub (Akop) and Yelena Stetsenko (Sona). All are sensitive to the mood of the audience.

Eduard Goryachy, Igor Andreev and Andrey Dudarenko play three princes who are friends with our aspiring royal — showing charm even in the rather long bath scene. Vladimir Shelestov, Honoured Artiste of Belarus, plays the money-squandering prince. Mr. Shelestov was a magnificent Napoleon in His Majesty’s Adjutant (no longer in the theatre’s repertoire) but his prince leaves a little to be desired. He appeared tired at the performance, as if missing his vital spark. He was rather the ‘odd one out’ among the cast.

Sergey Kovalchik has built a special world, full of Georgian flavour. The actors’ use of Georgian intonation is subtle, so there is no temptation беларусь.belarus 2014

Khanuma will win! Kote (Andrey Senkin) and Sona (Yulia Kadushkevich) believe in it

to laugh at them; the ‘Georgians’ are worthy of our respect. Sergey tells us that he visited Georgia in 1980, on tour, performing Sign of Misfortune, by Vasil Bykov. Since then, he’s had a soft spot for Georgians. He smiles, “I love Khanuma, as she’s such a vivid national character — as I can empathise with.

I recollected the melody of Georgian speech in creating her. We don’t live in Georgia but we still need to feel the force of love: that marriage is not a place for compromise. Love should never be betrayed.”

Alla Sorokina’s sets and Maria Gerasimovich’s costumes also bring Georgia to life. Many of the men wear hammered metal accessories, and shaggy sheepskin papakhas hats, tilted over their eyes. Meanwhile, Khanuma has a stylised bag-bandolier on her belt. There are wineskins covering the wine, horns for drinking wine, and sheathed knives. Song and dance fill

the stage, as do jokes, delicate irony and vaudeville style humour.

Olga Klebanovich tells us, “We worked with huge inspiration. Sergey Kovalchik inspired us all. He’s like a geyser, inimitable in his desire to create a real legacy. His dynamism and optimism are infectious; he ran about the stage to show us how to behave. It was easy to believe in our success and we embraced the Georgian temperament with delight, doing everything our director and ballet master asked of us. I can’t deny that it was hard work but our spirits soared during rehearsals, helping us to overcome any weariness …”

In conclusion, I must say that the show is bewitchingly bright and beautiful, with a healthy charge of cheerfulness. It’s sure to enjoy a long run of success.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

Tricks of Khanuma is sold out for several months already.

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MASTER

Dream from stone We met in 2006 almost accidentally, in Chinese Harbin, at one of the most prestigious ice sculpture contests worldwide. Belarusian sculptor Viktor Kopach was participating alongside Maxim Petrul and Konstantin Muzhev. China seemed mysterious and exotic and, as it turned out, their time there was guided by Fate.

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iktor Kopach boasts ten sculptures across China — more than in his native Belarus.

We met in Minsk to discuss his creativity and life’s work, where Viktor admitted that, in the 1990s, on completing his studies at the Academy of Arts, following time at Art School, he was left without employment. He had devoted 10 years to his education, with parents and teachers placing every hope in him. He notes, “Nobody needed us; it was simply horrible. On entering the Academy, the situation was different. Our teachers assured us that painters and sculptors had plenty of commissions and enjoyed self-fulfilment. However, when we graduated, everything changed. While our senior colleagues had their own connections and a reputation, we had nothing. Many of us dropped out from the profession or tried to adapt.”

We all remember the 1990s. Few remained in their profession and, today, there are no more than 80 sculptors in the Union of Artists of Belarus. Viktor believes this In 2013 at International Sculpture Exhibition Viktor Kopach’s “Circulation in the nature” artwork occupied the third place and is installed in International Garden EXPO today

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is far too few, since our country boasts about 10 million residents. However, he admits sadly that even these sculptors lack commissions commensurate with their abilities.

You’ve visited China many times and have wide experience there, where they are keen to develop town sculpture.

We don’t have enough town sculptures while China is the fastest growing country and is keen to develop all branches. They love sculpture and their towns are being developed at an extremely rapid pace, with new parks planted, filled with sculptures. These help to create a pleasant environment, bridging the gap between nature and urban living.

Why is it that we have different sculptural traditions?

Theirs are stronger. They particularly like stone — in its natural form and in sculpture. They also like bronze, wood and various other sculptural materials.

The biggest sculptural park worldwide is situated in Changchun (Minsk’s twin town) — as confirmed

by UNESCO. I’ve visited it, spending hours wandering among sculptures created by artists from all over the globe. It’s a fabulous feeling to see such a ‘symposium’; sculptors from around the whole world gathered there for some months, working side by side, exchanging experiences and chatting.

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MASTER

During work at International Sculpture Symposium in Urumqi (China)

This International S culpture Symposium was created at the initiative of Karl Prantl, in Austria in 1959.

The aim is to promote communication and exchange between members of the International Community of Sculpture, and to promote international dialogue.

The event is young but, as experience in China shows, it’s growing in strength.

In China, architectural symposiums have become major events, with the state helping in their organisation. It is important to note that all works created during a symposium stay where they are set, which has brought about a great many sculptural parks across China.

Changchun’s park even has a sculpture of mine: Viktor Kopach.

When I was in Changchun, I met sculptors and painters from various states — even from the islands of Oceania: беларусь.belarus 2014

I believe that our school has maintained its traditions while evolving.

Recent trends have moved away from the figurative — towards formal abstract, portraying concepts

Kiribati, Guam, American Samoa and New Caledonia. I met those from tiny Caribbean Islands too: Aruba, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines and Barbuda.

It’s amazing to meet and work with so many nationalities — since you could never meet them all through normal travel. You experience their national traditions all in one place. It’s important to communicate, of course. Ten of my works are now sited in China, across various regions. I don’t know how it happened really!

Sculptural symposiums differ in form, matter and financing, being organised by municipalities of towns and by private organisations — including by universities. Viktor Kopach’s sculptures stand in universities in China (the 100th anniversary of the most prestigious university page

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MASTER

Viktor Kopach’s sculpture “Passion” is installed in the Sculpture park in Beijing

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Tsinghua — brought 53 —a contest won by the

Belarusian artist) and in Turkey.

Universities with art faculties organise such symposiums so that their students can learn from famous sculptors, working alongside them. In China, the symposiums are grand affairs, sponsored by the government, and leaving behind a legacy of sculptural parks.

Does every symposium have a theme?

As a rule, yes — but, in China, the theme is usually wider than at most European symposiums. Organisers also choose various mediums rather than taking just one direction.

Are you invited as a representative of the Belarusian school of sculpture?

How would you describe our school?

Mostly, I’m invited as a representative of Belarus: honour and respon-

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Artists need to be needed; it inspires us and gives us strength.

It’s an amazing feeling to have others recognise your talent.

Symposiums are a wonderful way of receiving public feedback

sibility. Many judge the level of our sculptural traditions by my work, so I am a representative of our school and our nation. Our school has its features but is less recognisable than some others — such as the Georgian or Baltic. Many of our leading sculptors — Alexey Glebov, Zair Azgur, Andrey Bembel and Sergey Selikhanov — studied under Mikhail Kerzin - who was a graduate of the Petersburg Academy of Arts. Obviously, Russian art has influenced Belarusian sculpture. My teachers studied under these outstanding sculptors, so every generation has brought its vision and new approaches to existing traditions, gradually widening the style and diversity. I believe that our school has maintained its traditions while evolving. Recent trends have moved 2014 беларусь.belarus

MASTER away from the figurative — towards formal abstract, portraying concepts.

Where else are your works found apart from China?

In South Korea, Syria, Turkey, Thailand, Brazil, Russia and Spain. Asian countries are famous for their love of stone. This has always ‘struck me’ — and won me over. There is strength in this.

What is stone? A fortress, a house, protection and stability: all these things together. Asia enjoys a natural environment of mountains and stones, while we have wood. My love of stone led me to these Asian regions. Artists need to feel needed; it inspires us and gives us strength. It’s an amazing feeling to have others recognise your talent. Symposiums are a wonderful way of receiving public feedback. You fly to China, thousands of kilometres, and have the joy of stones nearby. You work with people from China, chatting with those who know stone and love it. You work and then see an immediate reaction from others. You spend all day and all evening doing what you love and it brings new understanding. It changes you and the quality of your work: your perception of the world and of your sculpture. Life is like an exam, in which your efforts are always being compared to others.

Sculpture is very much akin to craftsmanship, since you rely on your hands. I won’t ask about your inspiration, knowing that your mind is occupied by thoughts rarely occurring to the rest of us. You simply work every day and inspiration comes to you.

Quite so. Inspiration occurs when you feel strength and when you feel that something particular is intended. It has a life of its own which guides you. It’s much easier and faster to depict your inspiration on canvas; sculpture takes more time. Some months may elapse between an idea and its realisation, since there

are various stages: you have to saw boards, make armatures, prepare your clay, create your clay mould, remove the form, refine your plaster cast or wax, and condition and patinate the bronze. An idea must be vivid to survive to the end.

Your whole family is creative: your wife is a painter and your three children draw.

Perhaps the children will follow in our footsteps. We don’t force them but everyone draws. There are a lot of exhibitions… They may choose another path but, for now, they draw.

Is your family calm? Artists are said to have bad tempers…

I think it’s easier to live in an artistic family. My wife comes from a family of painters so it’s what she knows best: nothing is constant.

Sometimes you have bread and butter, sometimes you don’t.

Sometimes you have commissions and sometimes you don’t. She grew up understanding this — in her father’s studio. It is part of life for her. Of course, dayto-day problems can wear you down and some pity her for

not having much money in the family — speaking behind my back. Nevertheless, we have the excitement of new trips and new victories. From outside, it seems difficult, but it holds us together. I dedicate time to creation while my wife focuses on the children, as is natural. However, she was inspired over the summer, leading to an exciting exhibition.

Is your family your foundation stone?

Family is very important. Early in life, your desire to create art is like a burden.

Children bring strength and give understanding, as well as a new sense of motivation.

What does happiness mean for you?

Happiness is healthy children and when all is well: you have the opportunity to conduct your labours of love. You come to your studio to work each day and know that you are expected home each evening. This is happiness for me.

By Inessa Pleskachevskaya

Viktor Kopach’s sculpture “Trinity” in Chinese town Tongling

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MOSAIC

 Imaginary life of wooden figurines Viktor Aslyuk’s Wooden People documentary wins Grand Prix at 9th International Film Festival of Art Trades, in French Montpellier

 Bright exhibitions at unusual time

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ooden People tells the story of an old craftsman, Nikolay Tarasyuk, who lives alone in an empty village. He brings his world back to life by carving hundreds of wooden figurines. Nikolay and his wooden people live a colourful, happy but fictional life.

Double portion of Night of Museums prepared for Ice Hockey World Championship

The Grand Prix at the International Film Festival of Art Trades in Montpellier is the fifth major award for the popular documentary. The film has taken part in over a dozen film festivals: in Belarus, Russia, France, Italy, Germany and Canada.

Wooden People, by Viktor Aslyuk, was recently screened at the Days of Ethnographic Film, in Ljubljana (Slovenia).

 Fan zones filled with exciting events Programme of cultural activities ready for Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk

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ultural activities planned include museum and exhibition projects, open-air and indoor concerts, various performances, and displays by masters of arts and crafts.

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Best vocalist to be chosen in Belarus in May

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he Night of Museums international campaign is held in midMay, allowing visitors to visit during the hours of darkness, and giving a new feel to familiar places. As the forthcoming hockey tournament is being hosted by Belarus in May, the National Art Museum has decided to organise the Night of Museums event to coincide.

Cultural institutions across the Belarusian capital are taking part, as well as those in district and regional centres, including Nesvizh National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, Mir Castle Complex, Gomel’s Palace and Park Ensemble, Polotsk’s National Historical and Cultural Museum.

 Motivation to sing well nd Open Vocalist Contest (named after Stanislav Moniusko) is to be hosted by the Belarusian State Academic Musical Theatre between 8th and 12th May. Student singers at higher education establishments across Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic will compete for the title of ‘best singer’ and $1,500. The runner up will receive $1,000 while the singer in third position will be given $500.

The contest is to have three stages: 24 musicians in the first round; 12 in the second; and 6 in the final. The international jury is being headed by Honoured Artiste Viktor Skorobogatov, the Art Director of Belarusian Capella.

The contest will end with a concertof laureates and diploma winners (every diploma winner will receive $300) in Cherven, the Minsk Region.

Minsk’s Gorky and Chelyuskintsev parks will be hosting events, with stands and pavilions much in demand.

The Belarusian State Academy of Arts and, even, BelAZ JSC plan displays and the Spadchyna Belarusi (Heritage of Belarus) project is sure to prove popular. Minsk residents and guests of the capital will see about 100 reproductions from the photo album of the same name, by journalists Alexander Alexeev and Oleg Lukashevich.

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