Belarus (magazine #7 2016)

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

pp. 31—38

No.7 (994), 2016 Беларусь. Belarus

belarus Magazine for you

ISSN 2415-394X

Politics, Economy, Culture

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Events in Belarus and abroad

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contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 7 (994), 2016 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

‘Roadmap’ of active actions

Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

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Tomorrow ever more visible On June

22nd and 23rd, the Palace of the Republic was the centre of the country’s public and political life, as well as its economic head­ quarters, hosting 2,500 delegates for the 5th All-Belarusian People’s Congress, dis­ cussing the draft 2016-2020 programme for socio-economic development

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Facebook ‘masquerade’

Country synonymous with peace Be­ larus plays important role in preserving stability in region

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Eco-friendly transport plan

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Important not to be late with discoveries Belarusians, who have greatly suf­

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Gratitude forever On June 22nd, thou­ sands of people walked the ‘Road of Me­ mory’, from Brest Fortress to Ceremonial Square

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Ashes fly to eternity Sonya Yaskevich

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Lessons by Dina Tomashevich

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“No borders, no customs offices — and it is great…” Belarus’ People’s Artist

tells of escaping death as a child, from Fas­ cist burning of her village...

— Vladimir Gostyukhin — has recently celebrated his 70th birthday. We met him to discuss his best roles, his participation in soap operas and his love of modern films

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Princess Tania visits Mir

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Pure art expressed via clothing The

25th Republican Fashion Mill, FestivalContest of Fashion and Photography, fea­ tures futuristic fantasies, strict functiona­ lity, hipster trousers and hand-made dresses from budding fashion designers

Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova 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. The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at State Entertainment “Publishers “Belarus Printing House”. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No. 1629 Total circulation — 1938 copies (including 787 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.

fered from the aftermath of Chernobyl, can hardly perceive it differently. However, when controlled, radiation can bring benefits

www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: belmag@sb.by

Village within the city Student Village

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

is a separate residential district on Minsk’s city map

We see and listen to each other For the first time, a teleconference unites twin cities of Minsk and Novosibirsk

беларусь.belarus 2016

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

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Pictures as facts from the country’s biography

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2016

editor’s note

Time, rich in events

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olitical activity continues all year round, there always being a need to make plans, and find solutions to difficult economic situations. There’s no time to lose when goals are ambitious. Much needs to be done today, not tomorrow. The All-Belarusian People’s Congress is obviously a vital political event in the calendar, determining the movement of the country for, at least, the coming five years. The collective position formed at such sessions is of principal importance. An event more international in character should be mentioned here: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, attended by Belarus as an observer for the first time recently. The country is gradually but confidently occupying a full place within influential global structures. Initially, the SCO focused primarily on interregional activities, aiming to suppress terrorism, separatism and extremism in Central Asia. In the course of its development, it has supplemented issues of security with economic aspects, including those relating to power engineering, transport, agribusiness, telecommunications, and humanitarian interaction. According to the President of Belarus, economic cooperation should be a central theme of the SCO interaction. This topic is further explored in ‘Roadmap’ of Active Actions. Life’s rich beauty covers all manner of spheres beyond the political, as we detail in Village Within the City. It states: ‘Just six years ago, there was a vacant plot on the outskirts of the city. However, proximity to the Belarusian State Medical University

and the underground has created a different landscape entirely. Seven beautiful high-rise buildings have now appeared, forming the ‘Student Village’. It took several years for the brand-new hostels to become surrounded by shops. A sports complex was built and, not long ago, a nursery opened, attracting babies not only from student families but from the neighbouring suburb of Brilevichi. A hotel, a clinic, various services, underground car parks and a cultural-and-entertainment centre will soon open there. Local infrastructure should rival that of some European university campuses.’ In gaining sovereignty in 1991, Belarus launched a new stage of development in national art. Years of independence have brought significant change to society and culture, launching rapid modernisation, and the realisation of intellectual and creative potential. The ‘Art of Sovereign Belarus’ exhibition at the National Art Museum reveals features of domestic art development against a legacy of traditions, as well as artistic succession and experimentation. Read Pictures as Facts from the Country’s Biography to learn more or, better still, visit the exhibition in person. It’s clearly worthwhile.

‘Roadmap’ of active actions

by VIKTOR KHARKOV

2016 беларусь.belarus

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS

The People’s Congress has been held for the fifth time, highlighting once more milestones in national development. This year’s All-Belarusian People’s Congress opened on June 22nd: an important date for every Belarusian, recalling the start of the Great Patriotic War. The symbolic anniversary is a time to unite, remembering our perseverance through hard times, the creation of our statehood, the protection of sovereignty and efforts to build a prosperous Belarus. Accordingly, the work of the congress began only after a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the Great Patriotic War.

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Everyone responsible for future

We face global challenges, economically and politically. What are the reasons for these hardships? What have we done right and what might we have done wrong? Most importantly, what can we expect of the future? What course will we next follow? The Congress’ aim was to answer all these questions, and the President deli­vered a speech. беларусь.belarus 2016

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS Ukraine.” Today, the global community sees Belarus as a proponent of regional security.

On development programme Speaking of Belarus’ programme of socio-economic development for 2016-2020, the President noted confidently that it’s a ‘programme of development, not stagnation’, ‘of the future, not the past’ and ‘of actions, not expectations’. He asserted, “We well understand that problems won’t resolve on their own. Crisis symptoms won’t disappear at the wave of a wand. This is why principles of progress and openness underlie the programme. We're relying on knowledge and technology. This is vital to solving current problems and moving forward.” The President emphasised, “It’s necessary to be sensitive to the moment, and to know and understand when radical steps can be taken. Indeed, they are sometimes required but what will happen if, at the very moment that we need to stick together, to organise ourselves, to prevent further decline and move carefully, as if we walk upon thin ice, we end by brea­ king it instead? It’s clear what will happen.”

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On people power

On security Our country is able to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. A set of measures is being implemented to improve our system of state border protection, mainly in the southern direction. New divisions have been deployed, an integrate border protection system is being created, up-todate armaments and machinery are being introduced. Mr. Lukashenko succinctly described security measures, saying that the existing system is ‘an efficient shield against terro­ rism, drug trafficking and illicit migration’. He added, “One of the most important tasks in the military sphere is provision of forces with the latest armaments and machinery, as is vital for the protection of the homeland. Our researchers, jointly with defence sector organizations, have been testing within densely populated Belarus (rather than at a deserted polygon site), the ‘Polonez’ multiple rocket launcher system: a worthy rival to international high-precision arms.” Military and related technical cooperation is set to continue with the Russian Federation regarding regional forces grouping, and via the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, and beyond. Mr. Lukashenko asserted, “Lea­ ding a peaceful and good neighbourhood policy, with the inadmissibility of using force in resolving international controversies, has enabled us to become the main platform for negotiations to settle the armed conflict in our dear

The All-Belarusian Congress is an effective mechanism of the people’s rule, the President believes. He states, “The right of each citizen to participate in managing state affairs is an integral requirement of the time.” The motto ‘Together, for strong and prosperous Belarus’ symbolises social continuity and unity for the sake of the Motherland. The All-Belarusian People’s Congress is, by right, one of the most important forms of direct democracy and a public institution of modern Belarus that has proven effective, providing open and honest dialogue with the people as a norm.

On forward-looking strategy Mr. Lukashenko stressed that ‘cardinal demolition and renovation’ is not the be all and end all. He underlined, “We should improve the path chosen and along which we have, quite successfully, completed two stages of recovery and stabilisation. At a certain stage, we’ll shift from ‘catching up’ to being ‘forward-looking’. To master new niches, we should work hard, even aggressively, and, most importantly, reduce costs as far as possible, to reduce the prime costs of production and to save financial resources.” What factors impede our moving forward? Primarily, low labour productivity, which has stood at $20,000 per head for the past three years. Another factor noted by the President is lack of innovation. He stated, “We’re almost three times behind highly developed countries regarding high technologies’ industrial prominence. We’re manufacturing goods with low added value and low perfor­ mance.” The third factor is an insufficiently effective in-

2016 беларусь.belarus

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS vestment strategy by individual enterprises and by whole industries.

On investments Within a five-year period, more than 80 large investment projects, worth more than $27bln, should be implemented in Belarus. The President commented that preferential loans for new projects and programmes would be given ‘fairly and openly through a singular operator’. He stated, “The main principle is allocation of funds on the basis of competition, with priority given to the return and reward of resources. External sources of finance, primarily foreign investments, will play a special role.” The volume of foreign investments into the economy of Belarus has grown 2.5 times over the past five years. By the amount of GDP per capita by purchasing power parity, Belarus is now among mid-level income nations, its indicator having risen from $5,200 in 1990 to $16,500 in 2010 and to almost $18,000 in 2015.

On modernisation The objective for the coming five years is to bridge certain gaps and occupy a niche in the global economy. New approa­ ches to economic modernisation and efficient public administration should be the basis for advancement. At present, 1,005 organisations account for almost half of the economy’s net assets, governed by ministries and concerns, yet contribute only a quarter of total revenue. Clearly, they lack efficiency, with Mr. Lukashenko mentioning poor management as a factor. He stressed, “Economic independence should be strengthened, and attention should be focused on preserving shareholder value and performance efficiency. Costs should be reduced to increase labour productivity.”

On ‘green’ economy and knowledge Transition to ‘green’ technologies and an economy of knowledge is on the agenda. The output of innovative production has more than quadrupled within a five-year period. The country boasts significant advancements in the high tech sphere, in particular, in the production of optical and laser appliances and automated control systems. A number of computer applications developed by Belarusian specialists are widely recognised globally and our country is second to none in the Commonwealth for export of computer and information services per capita. Regarding education, Belarus is among the top 30 deve­ loped countries, leading within the CIS. Its GDP almost doubled between 2000 and 2010, while real incomes more than tripled. Food security and many other significant issues have been solved. We have achieved indisputable success in social policy, as confirmed by our accomplishment of UN millennium deve­ lopment goals in 2015 and by the human development index,

беларусь.belarus 2016

which placed Belarus 50th among 200 countries in 2015 (up from the 68th place in 2000). “We’ve entered the group of countries with a high level of human development. Since 2014, for the first time in 20 years, the population of Belarus has begun to grow. Birth and mortality rates have practically equalised; the demographic scissors have closed. This is the result we’ve stri­ ven for, so we’re rightfully proud,” summarised the President.

On finances Systemic efforts to strengthen confidence in the Belarusian Rouble should be continued, believes the President. “Without keeping stable annual inflation rates below 5 percent it will be hard to revive the economy. The Government and the National Bank should continue systemic work to strengthen confidence in the Belarusian Rouble, ensuring steady growth of international reserves, maintaining them at a safe level, increasing the efficiency of budgetary expenses and reducing external public debt.”

On state apparatus Our country has among the most compact government machinery in the world, but its operation lacks efficiency. Comparing the cost of upkeep of Government machinery in various countries, Belarus boasts a lower percentage, of just 2 percent of GDP. In the European Union, this parameter is 3.5 times as large, and in Russia it is double. The necessity of cardinal improvement of the state go­ vernance system, to enhance its efficiency, has been long acknowledged, and a whole package of measures is required. The President believes that the best and most competent people should be engaged at Government institutions and that the prestige of public servants’ work should be increased. Globally, smart and energetic specialists are being head hunted and are being attracted by high salaries, incentives, and employment benefits. Mr. Lukashenko noted, “Optimisation of the state machine should not boil down to merely reducing the number of personnel. Public administration should be brought to a measu­ rably higher level. People should understand that the state is neither donor, nor controller, but a partner providing conditions for successful development of enterprises, regions and the country as a whole.” The President wishes public servants to show more independence in taking managerial decisions and, addressing the Head of the Presidential Administration, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Minsk Regional Executive Committee, ordered, “Submit me your proposals to reduce state apparatus by at least half, while formulating a system of measures on strict fulfilment of the adopted decisions.”

On science We should simplify the terms of commercialisation of research results. The President emphasises, “In priority areas,

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS in ten years’ time, we should be among the leading countries. Our primary objective is to increase the share of high-tech and mid-tech production. We need to move closer to the indicators shown by the world’s leading countries, bringing the high-tech sector to 5 percent and the mid-tech sector to 50 percent within the structure of the economy.” The President has urged large industrial associations and research organizations to create research centres for developing new materials.

need to encourage prospective personnel from university or, even, from schools, offering training programmes, internships and work experience at enterprises. They should try to spark interest in professions, enabling us to transform and ensure a confident future for the country.” Volunteer and student construction brigades will be deve­ loped further, with the leading youth organisation — the Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) — playing a central role in this major work.

On taxes

On nuclear power plant

Tax payment procedures should be set up to be as easy as possible, believes Mr. Lukashenko. “In rural areas, new enterprises will be exempt from profit tax and real estate tax for two years.” Centres promoting entrepreneurship should be set up in districts with a population larger than 30,000 people. He added, “All this will allow entrepreneurial development to grow, including across the regions, engaging more people in labour.”

The country’s power complex will be dynamically deve­ loping in the coming five years. From 2018 to 2020, both units of the Belarusian nuclear power plant will launch, creating around 2,000 new jobs. “This will be a step towards making energy resources cheaper, so will facilitate the growth of competitiveness of all economic sectors: industry, transport, and the sphere of services. Belarus needs to use the advantages of nuclear power engineering to form a cluster of energyintensive manufactures around the nuclear power plant. It’s necessary to form conditions to shift from the use of natural resources by enterprises and citizens (of gas and oil) to relatively cheap electricity,” explains the President.

On new jobs “Improving the structure of the economy inevitably leads to a reduction of labour [where it’s not needed]. To prevent a surge in unemployment, measures should be taken to enhance the work of employment services, providing retraining for specialists, and simplifying conditions for movement between regions and industries in search of employment. Most importantly, we need to create new, highly productive jobs. More than 250,000 jobs must be created within five years,” Mr. Lukashenko has underlined. For this purpose, competitive financial mechanisms should be employed. He stated, “Access to the financial instruments and markets of the European Union and the funds of international finance organizations are opening up through our banks. Domestic banks can now provide about $1bln of Chinese loans to private businesses.”

On youth Rejuvenation of executive personnel and the creation of conditions stimulating the younger generation’s skills are major areas for the organisational and ideological work of the Presidential Administration, and for all state powers. The President notes, “We must continue working to improve the system of support for talented and gifted youngsters, who boast leadership qualities, to reveal their creative potential.” Major attention should be directed towards respect for family values. The support of young families has always been and will remain a major state concern. When youngsters have good living conditions, they create their own families and have children, raising the chance of them remaining locally. State management bodies, large enterprises and businesses must more actively select and promote talented young people. “They

On Eurasian integration “In recent years, both Russia and Kazakhstan have set up a range of manufactures similar to those of Belarus, though we haven’t agreed on this. Such duplication creates excessive pressure on the common market of our states, since enterprises have to compete. It would be strategically more efficient to reinforce specialisation and to develop cooperative ties. What’s the sense in spending scarce resources to create what already exists? Production envisages a scientific and design school, as well as a system of professional personnel training. All involve great expenditure,” stresses Mr. Lukashenko. The Go­ vernment and designated officials must act to find solutions to issues facing statutory bodies within the Eurasian Economic Union.

On cooperation with the EU and USA “In order to develop dynamically, we need normal relations with the European Union and the USA. Recent years have seen a warming in our mutual relations. The move away from a policy of sanctions towards Belarus opens up new opportunities to develop collaboration and it would be a crime to ignore this,” notes the President. “We need to make up for lost time, reaching the level of relations with the EU and the USA that our EAEU and the CIS partners enjoy.” The European Union is the second most important market for Belarusian exports, so constructive, multi-faceted cooperation with the EU meets our national interests. “The key task for the future is complete normalisation of relations and

2016 беларусь.belarus

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS

On natural riches

the signing of a basic agreement between Belarus and the European Union,” adds the President.

The President has charged the Government with prepa­ ring a more active mining strategy, saying, “The country has a powerful investigative complex, having rich experience of geological prospecting, and development of deposits. Our strategy should reflect how best to use this potential for export.” Mr. Lukashenko has demanded that we make full use of potential at Belorusneft Production Association, at Belgorkhimprom Institute, and the Scientific and Practical Centre for Geology conducting research into new depo­sits and how we can generate revenue from helping other nations with extraction. He states, “We should convert our experience of geological prospecting and extraction, gained over many years, into currency. Inflow of investment resources and high technologies will allow all branches to move to a new level.”

On the CIS future The President is convinced that the Commonwealth of Independent States hasn’t exhausted its opportunities. “Integration processes within the CIS space are now experiencing difficult times. Sharing the opinion of the unconditional necessity of modernising the Commonwealth, we believe it’s reasonable to preserve it as an international organisation. The task is to reinforce economic interaction and make the CIS more attractive to its member states,” he asserts.

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On pensions “In this five-year period, we’ll start reforms, systematically improving our pension system. To keep the level of pensions and the regularity of payments, we must reconsider terms however. Pensions should stand at 40 percent of current ­average salary, as is the world standard,” Alexander Luka­ shenko asserted. Meanwhile, those who are disabled need to be cared for. He explained, "It’s an important task that we must solve. Over the coming five years, we’ll ensure that 3,500 sites countrywide become fully wheelchair-accessible.”

On relations with China

On exports

The President noted that, in recent years, Belarus has implemented strategic decisions to strengthen its economic ties with the People's Republic of China and has promoted an all-round strategic partnership. He stated, “It’s necessary that, in the near future, innovative and investment components define the character of our mutual relations with Great China. It’s vital that we generate well-thought out business ideas, taking into account market realities, creating investment projects to attract Chinese investors.”

The President has noted export development as a priority, since it substantially influences the country’s welfare. He emphasised that diversification and development of new commodity markets for goods and services are to the fore, to promote entry to new foreign markets and to strengthen Belarus’ position on traditional markets. He commented that the first year of work of the Eurasian Economic Union has seen some difficult moments. He is keen now to see us achieve realisation of agreements and to move ahead in eradicating restrictions to mutual trade. He stated, “Estimating the potential of traditional markets, we’ve come to the conclusion that we need to see a more significant presence for Belarusian goods and ser­ vices across Europe, Asia, the USA and Africa. It’s difficult, but necessary, to reorient exports from markets close by towards Asia, the USA and Africa. Our plan is to raise export revenue with distant countries by up to 52 percent.” To simplify loan procedures for export sales, the Deve­ lopment Bank is to create a specialised agency, using a onestop-shop principle. The diplomatic corps will be involved in helping promote exports, as will experts in the field of foreign trade, heads of enterprises and branches, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

On high technologies Several years ago, we began working in the field of information, with the first results already apparent. Accor­ding to the International Telecommunication Union, Belarus now outstrips all CIS countries and countries in Eastern Europe in terms of information-communication technologies. “We’re approaching the top-30 of the most developed countries in the world in this sphere, and it’s only the beginning. For the coming five years, we’ve set the ambitious task of becoming a leader in our region, and in Eastern Europe,” noted the President, adding, “Accelerated information is not just a trend; it’s a case of survival and competitiveness for the economy.”

беларусь.belarus 2016

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS number of such workers,” commented the President. Promotion of sports and fitness will continue, encouraging membership of clubs and sporting teams.

On agriculture The President underlines that major processing, through from raw ingredients to ready to eat products, will remain the focus, with necessary infrastructure receiving investment. Farming needs to reach its full potential, with entrepreneurship encouraged. At present, 9,000 people are employed in agriculture. “By 2020, we’ll need to have created at least another 3,500 new workplaces and to have tripled farm production,” stressed Mr. Lukashenko.

On education The system of education should not be isolated from the economy, as the President asserts, saying, “We must increase the practical orientation of education, especially regarding information technologies, so that workers understand all production stages. The idea of continuous education doesn’t mean that a person will be always a student. It’s a question of constant improvement and self-development.” Speaking about some aspects of the school syllabus, the President said that textbooks need to be clear and up to date. The Ministry of Education is tasked with creating new textbooks in the near future, working with ‘the best teachers’. The President is confident that young children have a huge capa­ city for learning, and should be stretched.

On state programmes “For the period from 2016 to 2020, more than twenty Go­ vernment programmes are planned, with nearly two thirds of budgetary funds invested into the social spheres of medicine, education, culture, support of families and social protection,” Mr. Lukashenko noted. The Head of State is adamant that all those who are vulnerable should receive state support, including via non-cash

On culture “Belarus is a citadel of traditional culture and morals and will always be so!” the President has asserted. “Workers of culture need to be encouraged to show initiative, rather than relying on the state. We can further promote the cultural sphere, and raise our tourist attractiveness.” Works of literature, music, art, theatre and film are urged to promote the traditional values of Belarusian society, to reflect our national spiritual experience.

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On Parliamentary elections

housing grants, with a view to softening the rising cost of utility bills. He underlined that reduced costs for services are needed to balance rising utility bills, alongside higher salaries and be­ nefits for vulnerable categories of citizens.

On health All public health services should focus on early diagnosis and high quality treatment across a wide spectrum of diseases. The President stated, “We must increase volumes of hi-tech medical aid, such as cardiac surgery and neurosurgery, surgical ophthalmology, transplantology, and endoprosthesis, as well as telemedicine, and remote monitoring of health.” A stage-by-stage transition to emphasis on local services is required, using general practitioners, ambulatory-polycli­ nic help, and nurses. “By 2020, we need to have doubled the

Our deputies are professional, competent citizens who have experience of successful work in their sphere and can solve tasks put before them. They are fair and decent, and able to keep their word, without swagger or arrogance. Those applying for a place in Parliament should have a constructive programme of action planned, with forethought, and an abi­lity to prioritise. Mr. Lukashenko stated, “I say directly, I’d like to see such people in the new structure of the Parliament. They’ll face heavy tasks in improving our legislation, developing co-operation with foreign partners, and strengthening Belarus within the international arena.”

On construction Over the coming five years, the country plans to construct over 18 million square metres of housing, including 1.55 million specifically for vulnerable citizens. Over the last five years, more than 25 million square metres of hou­ sing has been constructed, with efficiency and the transition to new technologies as a goal. Mr. Lukashenko noted that we need to export our construction services, through design or all the way through to final completion of a build. He is also keen to see individuals organising their own house building.

2016 беларусь.belarus

ALL-BELARUSIAN PEOPLE’S CONGRESS

Delegates take the floor  Vasily Revyako, Head of the Progress-Vertelishki Co-operative in Grodno Region: The programme for the country’s socio-economic development is setting the task of wisely reducing costs of production by at least 25 percent. In this way, we'll remain competitive on external markets, conducting a more flexible pricing policy. A priority for us is movement away from imported machinery in favour of domestic, and the use of mechanisms to considerably reduce expenditure on repair and purchase of spare parts.

This year, my hometown of Molodechno received status as the cultural capital of Belarus. A nation without culture cannot be rich. Cultural workers have far-reaching plans for the coming five-year period. At the Council of the Republic, we’re wor­ king on a code of culture, with members of the House of Representatives and the Government. This document will open broad prospects for attracting investments into the sphere of culture, based on public-private partnerships, and development of patronage traditions.

 Semen Shapiro, Chairman of Minsk Regional Executive Committee: We have chosen our path. And here is the result: over the past 20 years, independent Belarus has provided a high level of quality of life for its citizens. The people of Belarus showed truly historic wisdom at the election of the first head of their independent state. The development of a strong team of young professionals is at the heart of the essential achievements of Minsk Region. We find them and raise them. The average age of farm managers in recent years is under 30 years, while the average age of executive committee chairs is about 35. They are the future.

 Irina Shabuldaeva, a wall painter at Gomel’s House-Building Plant: We, construction workers, are ready to work longer hours, with due diligence, so recent news of the possibility of reduced volumes of housing built with state support is of concern to our team. Commercial construction of housing at this stage won’t cover falling volumes. We need to pay attention to this. It may be worthwhile to develop new forms of financing and support for citizens. Then, more people will have the chance to improve their housing, and will have employment. I say this not only for us, construction workers, but for other sectors of the economy. As a matter of fact, construction has always been the driving force. We also need to make training relevant, and to enhance the prestige of blue-collar jobs. We want to attract young people into the construction industry: not just those who don’t go to university or college, but those who deliberately choose the profession.

 Valery Gubarenko, Chairman of the Brest Regional Organisation of Veterans of the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans: We are fortunate in living in a country whose main achievements are peace and independence. This is why our sons are not being transported from hot spots around the globe in zinc coffins. The situation is not such everywhere in the world. Several countries are involved in military activity. Veterans of Brest Region, like all citizens of Belarus, are concerned about the geopolitical situation. We have no doubt that our country has everything we need to solidly maintain stability and security. Our army is equipped with modern equipment and weapons and is able to repel any aggressor. In conclusion, I wish to include the study of information about Brest Fortress and materials held by the Great Patriotic War Museum to be incorporated into educational syllabuses.  Svetlana Soroko, Director of the Palace of Culture in Molodechno, a member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly:

беларусь.belarus 2016

 Leonid Penkovsky, Chairman of Beshenkovichi Regional Executive Committee: Over the coming five years, it will be essential not only to maintain the current level, but to ensure further increase in output, while increasing quality and productivity. Satisfying objectives will be difficult without further state support for the agricultural sector, in the form of concessional loans, markups for manufactured goods, and deliveries of leasing equipment. I believe we should pay more attention to the development of farms, especially in branches such as sheep breeding, rabbit breeding, and fur farming. We have the chance to do so. It’s important to note that a modern plant producing medicine to treat cancer and other serious diseases is to launch in Beshenkovichi by the end of the year. Its products will be import-substitutional and oriented for export.

TOPICAL

Alexander Lukashenko:

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This forum has clearly demonstrated that the rule of the people is the most important instrument in taking decisions in Belarus

Tomorrow ever more visible On June 22nd and 23rd, the Palace of the Republic was the centre of the country’s public and political life, as well as its economic headquarters, hosting 2,500 delegates for the 5th All-Belarusian People’s Congress, discussing the draft 20162020 programme for socio-economic development

T

he forum brought together representatives of all strata of society, with heads, deputies and representatives of associations and parties acting as delegates, alongside factory and farm workers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, students and pensioners. Diplomats and foreign guests were also present. The majority of speeches focused on solving problems. Semen Shapiro, the

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Chairman of Minsk Regional Executive Committee, proposed, “The National Bank and the Government should ela­ borate a monetary policy to facilitate the attraction of capital, not to bank deposits but into the national economy. We must stop the ‘transfer’ of resources from enterprises via banks to those currently investing money in deposits.” The Director General of Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ), Fiodor Domotenko, notes that, this year, MTZ celebrates its 70th anniversary. It has made around

four million units of machinery in this time, with around three million expor­ ted, to more than 120 countries. One in ten universal tractors worldwide bears the ‘Belarus’ trademark. Valentin Baiko, an entrepreneur from Grodno, who heads Conte Spa, defies sceptics who berate our business conditions. The Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions, Mikhail Orda, spoke of protecting employment interests during this difficult economic period, while the Editor-in-Chief of Zvyazda Publishing Holding, Alexander Karlyukevich, pondered the role of the media in the life of society. The President, who attended each day of the Belarusian People’s Congress, listened attentively to each delegate, helping with explanations or expressing his own position. Mr. Lukashenko noted having solved a range of problematic issues, having supported delegates’ proposals to improve the system of professional education and to consider issues of business loans and promoting healthy living into the public consciousness. Many issues were raised in the sphere of professional training, with the President clearly expressing his point of view. He said, “We can lament as much as we like but we must train employees on-the-job. Not a single university, not a vocational training school, college or lyceum, can conduct all necessary trai­

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TOPICAL ning. It’s true everywhere around the world, that employees need additional training until they reach the necessary level of competence.” Mr. Lukashenko has asked that all proposals raised at the All-Belarusian People’s Congress be analysed and answered. In his closing speech, he underlined, “This forum has clearly demonstrated that the rule of the people is the most important instrument in taking decisions in Belarus. I like your business determination to work and the simultaneously easy and friendly atmosphere of this congress. We’ve already approved a long-term strategy for the country’s development and have adop­ ted programme documents for the co­ ming five years, while elaborating major guidelines for the country’s innovative renewal and economic modernisation, taking into account new world trends.” The President also thanked everyone responsible for the organization and conduct of the forum. At the end of the event, former submariner, Captain 1st rank Nikolay Yegorov, noted, “I’ve crossed four oceans and 25 seas, having seen and experienced a great deal. I have complete admiration for what I’ve heard at the Belarusian People’s Congress. I see that we will survive current difficulties. We just need to tighten our belts for a while, as they say. Naval practice shows that any power ends sooner or later, so all problems will disappear.” The address of participants of the 5th All-Belarusian People’s Congress echoed this: ‘We’re a nation, strong in spirit, and we’ll cope with any difficulties on the way to achieving dynamic development of our beloved Belarus.’ The restoration and provision of further sustainable economic growth as a basis for successful life for future generations were determined in the resolution of the 5th Belarusian People’s Congress as a key task for the coming five-year term. The resolution will be submitted to the President for consideration and for the adoption of necessary decisions.

Experts’ opinions  Georgy Grits, Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Scientific and Industrial Association: The speech of the Head of the State was traditionally strategic and broad ranging. At the same time, it seemed quite different from previous speeches. It’s a kind of flow chart. If you break down the speech into quotes, they can be regarded as guidelines to action. Of course, accomplishment of such ambitious tasks challenging the country demands the consolidation of society, business, and the Government. Without common goals and criteria for leaders, it’s impossible to achieve this consolidation.  Konstantin Shebeko, Doctor of Economics: Humanity, including Belarus, is facing the serious challenge of global technology transfer. Not everybody understands this yet but, in general, we already live in a new reality. In this situation, we have two options: either we, as a country, find an adequate response to this challenge, allowing us to be among those who move to the next stage; or we lose this chance. This is the price to be paid, and what we have discussed, including at this forum, are the priorities of education and those of the wider economy. This is our response to the challenge. The most important thing is the implementation of our agenda: how far we participate in the process actively and effectively.  Anatoly Bashmakov, Doctor of Economics: Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia make up the core of the major economic formation: the EEU. Together, we have enormous opportunities. However, at the present time, economic cooperation needs to be filled with humanitarian content. We are very close historically, mentally and morally.  Tatiana Sadovskaya, Candidate of Economic Sciences: It is important not to turn payment for labour into a simple welfare payment, which does not depend on the employee's contribution. We need rigorous application of state obligations in the field of social objectives, the achievement of greater social equa­lity, justice and prosperity. Health care, education, culture and social support systems should be built around families and individuals. At the same time, we need to nourish the idea that the state is not the giver, but is a partner providing facilities for the well-being of citizens. State strategy should be built upon social protection and social progress.  Alexander Mukha, Analyst: We must underline the importance of financial stability. We’re taking steps to reduce inflation: a strategic direction for the coming five years. By 2020, we aim to set this at no more than 5 percent per annum. The amount of money in the economy should correspond to the volume of the market for goods and ser­ vices. Moreover, low and predictable inflation fulfils the interests of all national economic entities: enterprises, the public and the state — as well as the interests of foreign investors, who will be injecting into our country more actively.

By Vladimir Khromov

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TOPICAL

Country synonymous with peace Belarus plays important role in preserving stability in region

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lobal economic turbulence and geopolitical stor ms app e ar from time to time, causing us to muse on our survival as an independent country, and our desire to reinforce our independence. That’s why it was very important at the All-Belarusian People’s Congress to analyse trends in world policy and to clearly determine major priorities of Belarus’ foreign political strategy. Over the last five years, the world has changed considerably, though our principles and obligations before partners have not. We haven’t hesitated in our preferences, nor betrayed anyone. We’ve continued to formulate our position openly and honestly, advocating fair world order, while remembering our national interests. Such principles are respected by the global community; it’s no accident that Minsk was chosen to host negotiations on Ukraine. Here, at the centre of Europe, on February 15th, 2015, after an intense 16-hour diplomatic marathon, the leaders of the ‘Normandy Four’ — Putin, Poroshenko, Merkel and Hollande — signed a Declaration laying the foundations for de-escalation of conflict in Ukraine. Doctor of Political Sciences Sergey Kizima says of our role in this process, “Belarus was the first to toll an alarm

Over the last five years, the world has changed considerably, though our principles and obligations before partners have not. We haven’t hesitated in our preferences, nor betrayed anyone

bell, was the first to see the scale of the impending catastrophe and was the first to propose realistic plans on how to freeze or stop this conflict.” As a result, the term ‘Minsk Agreements’ has firmly entered the lexicon of politicians; ‘Minsk’ has become syno­ nymous with ‘peace’. The peace-making efforts of our country have drastically changed Western perceptions, believes German politologist Reinhold Krumm. He says, “The lifting of sanctions from the political elite of Belarus is a step towards business cooperation between

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the EU and Belarus. The European Union has again seen Minsk as a partner trying to regulate relations between the West and the East. Even during the period of ‘freezing’ of relations, the West didn’t stop its cooperation with Belarus in such sensitive spheres as joint development of borders, the fight against drug trafficking and trans-boundary crimes. The EU never doubted that its borders to the East were reliably protected. The major task for coming years is to encourage the emerging trend of improving relations with the West, materialising concrete projects (from trade and investments to simplification of the visa regime).” The previous five years haven’t been in vain in the Eastern direction, as we’ve become a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and have accessed new markets in distant countries, making a true breakthrough in relations with China. A bright example is the launch of construction of the high-tech Great Stone Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park and Belarus’ joining of the ambitious Silk Road Economic Belt project. Without exaggeration, Minsk has a historical role as an economic, trade and logistics crossroads between the West and the East. Powerful China, being the second largest economy in the world, sees our country as a reliable and promising partner, as confirmed since our independence, with Belarus becoming an important player in regional policy. Nikolay Shchekin, a candidate of philosophical sciences, tells us, “It’s possible to survive in the contemporary world by implementing an integration paradigm of development and creating a multi-polar world order, despite the severest competition between states and between trans-national corporations, and despite aspirations by trans-national capital to impose its will. In this respect, Belarus is a wonderful illustration of a country for which the necessity of cooperation outstrips its aspiration to compete.” By Vladimir Velikhov

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Question and answer Hotline during the 5th All-Belarusian People’s Congress allows anyone to call with suggestions on social and economic development

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uring the forum, phone call statistics were disclosed by the Chairman of the House of Representatives, Vladimir Andreichenko, who noted that over 420 calls had been received by the end of the second day of the Assembly. Most touched upon the sphere of housing services and utilities and construction, although many concerned social policy and labour relations. Mr. Andreichenko underlined that operators had often accepted words of gratitude to organizations for assis­ tance provided. Some citizens brought up problems, such as the need for career guidance for schoolchildren, and the introduction of e-schools, the necessity of provision of housing for soldiers, the need for nationwide urban clean-up days, the promotion of a recycling culture, and the need for environmental packaging for food products. Mr. Andreichenko mentioned

that an interesting proposal had been received: to set up a Presidential Council of Young Scientists, to generate ideas for economic application. Some requests were more personal, such as that from a young man suffering with hip joint arthrosis, requiring stem cell treatment not yet available in Belarus. He needs expensive surgery available in a neighbouring country, and efforts are being made to facilitate this. Of course, requests may be personal while having the potential for nationwide reform. One wheelchair user from Minsk phoned to say that his building needs an access ramp, to allow mobility. All questions and requests are being processed, with some to be inclu­ ded into the outcome programme documents of the All-Belarusian People’s Congress. Every applicant will receive a detailed answer. By Olga Korneeva

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PERSPECTIVE

‘Roadmap’ of active actions Tashkent hosts summit of heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states — the first SCO summit to be attended by Belarus at top level in its new status as observer

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he President of Belarus has taken part in the summit, informing colleagues of Minsk’s vision for joint work. A year ago, our country gained observer status within this international structure. Speaking from the summit podium, Mr. Lukashenko noted Belarus’ aspiration to take an active role in the work of the organization, settling global and regional issues. Belarus’ sincere friends are members of this integration structure, founded in 2001. At present, six countries are state members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, six countries have observer status: Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan. In July 2015, heads of the SCO states decided, during the Ufa summit, to launch India and Pakistan’s application to join the SCO as full members. Iran has similar plans. Six countries are SCO dialogue partners: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka. Initially, the SCO focused primarily on inter-regional activities, aiming to suppress terrorism, separatism and extremism in Central Asia. In the course of its development, the organization has supplemented issues of security with

economic aspects, including those relating to power engineering, transport, agribusiness, telecommunications, and humanitarian interaction. Its member states are also actively interacting in

sci-tech, cultural, educational and tourist spheres. According to the President of Belarus, economic cooperation should be a central theme of the SCO interaction. He

Word-for-word From the speech of the President of Belarus at the SCO Heads of State Summit: Belarus attaches great political and economic significance to cooperation with the Asian region. We fully support the development of a new architecture of relations in Eurasia, taking into account the interests of all states on the continent. As an observer country with the SCO, we aren’t going to watch the game from the substitutes’ bench. Belarus is ready to become an active ‘field player’ within the organization, making a considerable contribution to its work, for the benefit of our people.

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states, “The SCO has huge economic potential, and the accession of such countries as India and Pakistan will enhance this potential even further.” Belarus shares the SCO’s approach to international security. “You’re well aware of the peace-loving and multi-vector foreign policy of Belarus, which aims to preserve stability and peace in our region,” asserted the President. “Today, as instability escalates and the number of regional conflicts is on the rise, the unity of states and their resolution to join efforts in addressing global issues are especially important.” The Belarusian Head of State is convinced that the SCO is a crucial negotiating platform for working out mechanisms of response to modern challenges and threats. “It’s especially important to join efforts to eradicate any manifestation of terrorism, extremism, organised crime, or drug trafficking, while preventing emergencies and conflicts,” underlined Mr. Lukashenko. Cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) should be a priority for SCO economic policy, noted the President of Belarus. “Yet, this theme is yet to be outlined within the SCO,” explained Mr. Lukashenko. In his words, the parties have many areas of common interest, and Belarus supports the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping. “Via the Chi-

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nese-Belarusian Great Stone Industrial Park, we’re demonstrating our readiness to become a key actor in this grand plan,” asserted the Belarusian Head of State. With its great industrial, scientific and innovative potential, Belarus has the opportunity to take part in mutually be­ neficial infrastructure projects currently being implemented or soon to be implemented via the SCO platform, including in the areas of transport, logistics and energy. “Holding leading positions in ensuring food security, we’re ready to share our practices,” said the President. “Our country is fully open to cooperation in the areas of industry, science, education, tourism and humanitarian works.” Mr. Lukashenko expressed confidence that this potential will be utilised to maximum effect within the SCO projects. A multi-lateral summit is always an ideal venue for holding bilateral mee­ tings. The first of such meetings took place between the President of Belarus and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping. It was Beijing’s support that helped Minsk receive its observer status. Mr. Lukashenko thanked the Chinese President for this, assuring him that Belarus is fully ready to reinforce its relations with the PRC and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. “We’re ready to be the ‘western gates’ of this organization,” explained the President.

Mr. Jinping thanked Mr. Lukashenko for successfully conducting the 5th Belarusian People’s Congress, saying, “I’m confident that, under your guidance, Belarus will attain new successes.” He then invited Mr. Lukashenko to travel to China on a state visit. During his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi, Mr. Lukashenko said that Belarus-India relations need additional impetus. Economic targets of cooperation were determined during the visit to Minsk by the Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee, last June: to reach $1bln of trade turnover. “To achieve this $1bln, we need to create an economic ‘roadmap’,” proposed Mr. Lukashenko; Narendra Damodardas Modi met this proposal with great interest. The President of Belarus has called for economic cooperation as the mainstream of interaction for the SCO member states. This is logical. Moreover, the SCO member states, observers and dialogue partners unite around 45 percent of the planet’s population. Minsk is keen to implement a whole range of joint major projects, such as the establishment of a SCO financial institute, to facilitate the creation of a me­ chanism of mutual settlements between countries in their national currencies. By Vasily Kharitonov

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FRESH AIR

Eco-friendly transport plan Vehicles on the road annually increasing in number, with over 4 million now keeping urban streets and highways busy, and leaving more than 90kg of harmful emissions per capita

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ctually, in recent years, the number of harmful emissions from this source of pollution is falling. According to Sergey Novoselov, who heads the Labour Safety and Eco­logy Department of the Belarusian Research Institute of Transport Transtekhnika (BelNIIT), between 2010 and 2014, emissions fell by 6.5 percent (by 881,000 tonnes), despite the number of vehicles having risen. This has become possible, since engines are now more eco-friendly, comments Mr. Novoselov, with domestic enterprises manufacturing buses operating to at least EURO-4 standards. “The same refers to fuel. Domestic producers now produce competitive goods which enjoy popularity abroad. It’s very

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important that they emit less sulphur and are easily finding a market abroad too,” he said. Nevertheless, there is some way to go before alternative fuels (such as na­ tural gas and electricity) dominate. This year, the Minsk bus fleet has received ten gas-fuelled buses, with emissions (according to experts) half that of petrol vehicles. Which figures do they refer to? For every thousand litres of liquid oil motor fuel, between 180kg and 300kg of carbonic oxide is released, alongside 20kg-40kg of hydrocarbons, and 25kg45kg of nitrogen oxide. Nevertheless, it may be still some time before we notice a difference in air quality of ci­ties.

Electro-buses are still at pre-production stage, with some privately owned models operational, alongside several arriving into the country via an international technical assistance project — ‘Supporting the Transition to a Green Economy in the Republic of Belarus’. Meanwhile, Belkommunmash’s two Е433 buses will appear in Minsk in late 2016, with eighteen more by 2018. Electro-transport is being hailed as the wave of the future, with Lithuania having received 30 million Euros from the EU to develop its electric fleet. Estonia, which has already completed such kind of programme, now has a thousand electric cars and a hundred charging stations. Of course, once Belarus’ nuclear power station launches, there will be little difficulty in finding electrical capacity

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FRESH AIR

for recharging stations. According to Olga Prudnikova, who heads the Production and Technical Board at Belenergo State Production Association, an extensive network of stations is planned, for use by private and public transport. Some may be sceptical, but think how we once felt on the introduction of mobile phones. Within five years, we may feel the same about electric transport. China, the EU, and the USA are already investing in this sphere, promoting sales via preferential purchase terms, for example, free parking and free recharging. Such vehicles are also given their own lane, and are exempt from ecological tax. These all sound very attractive. What can be offered in our country? So far, the only move Belarus has made to make electro-transport attractive is the possibility of dutyfree import. There is also huge scope to develop urban cycling in our country, with 1.5 million people reporting using a cycle. The number has grown since even five years ago but, as Mr. Novoselov admits, cycling is considered to be a pastime for teenagers, rather than a viable method of transport for working adults. Major cities do need to take action to avoid pollution from transport emissions, and to take measures to limit noise (traffic noise comprises 60-80

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percent of all urban noise at present). Innovative transport can improve the situation but what can be done with constantly growing number of cars? A way-out of the situation may be the limiting of the number of cars with access to central city locations, as in London for instance (where a congestion charge deters unnecessary road usage). The so-called ‘modal shift’ involves transferring passenger traffic from personal to public transport, via motorists leaving their cars at designated parking sites. Moscow is already seeing success with this approach. Are we ready to rely more on buses and trams? It’s still a big question. However, Mr. Novoselov says, “Buses use five times less energy per passenger than a personal car; trams and the metro use ten times less. Development of public and green transport (via bicycle infrastructure) will solve problems of cleanliness of air and traffic jams.” He argues that we don’t need new highways, we need alternative solutions.

Belkommunmash’s two Е433 buses will appear in Minsk in late 2016, with eighteen more by 2018

By Vera Artemieva

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EXPERIENCE OF INNOVATIONS

Important not to be late with discoveries In most cases, we view ‘radiation’ negatively, associating it with nuclear power station disasters. Belarusians, who have greatly suffered from the aftermath of Chernobyl, can hardly perceive it differently. However, when controlled, radiation can bring benefits, such as being used in radionuclide diagnostics — a vital treatment for some conditions.

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n world practice, radionuclide diagnostics (‘nuclear medicine’) will soon celebrate its 90th anniversary recently, ha­ving begun in 1927. Despite this, such techniques are yet to be widely applied in Belarus: we lack specialists and information on practical application. Generally, they supplement other research methods. “Modern doctors rely on examinations and tests to diagnose patients: x-ray computer tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and ultrasonic methods,” explains the Head of Minsk’s City Centre for Radionuclide Diagnostics, Vladimir Terekhov. Radionuclide research is a significant weapon in their arsenal, being able to detect myocardial ischemia and hidden ischemia at an early stage. This brings

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early treatment, avoiding such invasive method of examination as coronary angiography, which can be expensive and more risky. Naturally, it’s beneficial to reduce healthcare costs and to avoid additional extreme diagnostic interventions. In gaining a full picture of the nature of an illness, efficient treatments can be prescribed (for example, regarding ischemia) — even avoiding surgery. Preventative medicine can be deployed at an early stage, which may prove successful alone. For example, a patient undergoes examination before the first signs of ischemia and is offered a course of treatment. Afterwards, they are reexamined to determine in dynamics whether the treatment has helped. Radionuclide diagnostics can be used in cases of perfusion of brain tis-

sue, during circulatory problems and heart attack. Belarus actually leads in this sphere, with our Centre for Radionuclide Diagnostics (set up two years ago) studying perfusion of the myocardium and brain. Our methods are actively helping staff at the Republican Cardiology Scientific-Practical Centre operate on brachiocephalic arteries. Moreover, the method of differential diagnostics of renovascular and essential forms of hypertension (kidney or nonkidney pressure) has been modified and is actively implemented. Our staff have been twice awarded — including by the President of Belarus, and the Centre has published two monographs on radionuclide diagnostics while actively participating in lecturing. In the Soviet times, such specialists were trained in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev and, after

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EXPERIENCE OF INNOVATIONS the USSR’s collapse, our specialists were left on the sidelines. With this in mind, staff training is of vital importance. What does the future hold? Future is the launch of hybrid technologies and hybrid apparatuses which will be combining single-photon emission computer tomograph (the sphere of radionuclide diagnostics) and x-ray computer tomograph (roentgenology). This symbiosis of radionuclide and roentgen methods of examination — two in one — allows patients to speed up the process of examination. I would formulate the task of radionuclide diagnostics in the following way: radionuclide diagnostics allows us to gain roentgen tomography data, visualising the structure of organs. We can study their functional condition and peculiarities via onephoton emission tomography, receiving trustworthy and complete information on brain and heart function, the growth of cancers and other abnormalities at cell or sub-cell level. Such equipment will have several applications. At present, the world medicine practice goes away from one-type devices while launching those which combine several diagnostic directions. Another device will be uniting single-photon computer tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance. In Europe, leading companies like Siemens, Ge­neral Electric and Philips are involved in such development, combining nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray computer tomography and single-photon emission computer tomography. This will allow examination at molecular sub-cell level. Our country is keen to be at the cutting edge of such science. Mr. Terekhov advises me to speak to radiologist Anatoly Kharchenko, who has spent forty years in this profession. What importance do radionuclide diagnostics have? Are they really essential to medical progress? It’s not only my opinion but that of all those involved in roentgen research; ultra-sound allows us to see the construction of an organ’s tissue. Where heart attack might have been presumed previously, our method can locate other

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causes for heart malfunction — such as poor blood supply. We recently had a female patient whose ultra-sound and electrocardiogram results pointed to such a conclusion. Our method is unique and a valuable weapon in the medical arsenal. Several test results can be placed in a computer database, bringing a more accurate diagnosis. One day, we’d like to see ultra-sound diagnostics and radionuclide diagnostics used alongside traditional

Radionuclide research is a significant weapon in doctor's arsenal, being able to detect myocardial ischemia and hidden ischemia at an early stage. This brings early treatment, avoiding such invasive method of examination as coronary angiography, which can be expensive and more risky

clinical methods. We’re already working closely with doctors from clinics. Are achievements in this sphere significant? Experience comes from practice while methods develop from using new equipment. The first gamma ray chambers had a resolution of 3cm, but this is now down to 1cm — and even 1mm. Improved technology brings better accuracy — especially using computer processing software, databases and modelling.

We have specialists but training is a little haphazard. Doctors, engineers and nurses would benefit greatly from being taught at radionuclide diagnostics courses together, so that they could work in liaison. It’s something for the future.

*** Vladimir Terekhov hopes to see the City Centre for Radionuclide Diagnostics gain Republican status, via the setting up of methodical training and the accumulation of clinical practice. Naturally, the regions also need such experience, to allow patients countrywide to benefit. Mr. Terekhov is confident that the time will come but hopes that there is not too long to wait. By Vladimir Mikhailov

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CONVENIENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Village within the city Student Village is a separate residential district on Minsk’s city map

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ture is planned to rival some European university campuses. All non-resident students are eager to come to the Village — being attracted by its new houses which have nothing at all in common with the old dormitory style accommodation. Every student wants to live here but registration is not easy. University deans distribute places, with those enjoying privileges and demonstrating perfect results being admitted first. A sixth year student — Olga Sasimovich — will soon be sent to her first job and will have to leave her cozy ‘village’ room. “I have four years of experience of li­ ving in corridor type hostels. There is nothing to compare to it. Two years ago, I moved here. Many of my friends’ apartments are worse than our ‘village’ room. We all enjoy similar conditions: a common entrance hall

for the block, two rooms — for two and three, a separate bathroom and a well equipped kitchen,” she explained.

Settling in at number ten with a bag of potatoes Last year, hostel #10 of the Medical University (widely known as ‘desyatka’) was recognised as the best Minsk student dormitory. I can personally confirm it deserves the title. On opening the front door, one enters a spacious hall with sofas and a TV set. A canteen is to the left of the entrance, of course, it doesn’t offer home cooking but wholesome good food nonetheless. A utility area is on the ground floor. Students appreciate using its ten washing machines and five dryers — which are offered for free (they simply need to take their own washing powder). In order not to clutter their rooms, future doctors take their belongings (that they don’t need daily) to a storage room, while jars of jam and bags of potatoes can be kept in a vegetable warehouse. A health centre is located on the hostel’s ground floor; recently, a vaccination against influenza was offered there.

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ust six years ago, there was a vacant plot on the outskirts of the city. However, the proximity to the Belarusian State Medical University and the underground has created a different landscape entirely. Seven beautiful high-rise buildings have now appeared; the complex has been named ‘The Student Village’. It took several years for the brandnew hostels to be surrounded by shops and shopping centres. A sports complex was built and, not so long ago, a nursery opened in one of the annexes, attracting babies not only from student families but also from the neighbouring residential district of Brilevichi. A hotel, a clinic, consumer services, underground car parks and a cultural-and-entertainment centre will soon open in the youth city. The local infrast r uc-

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CONVENIENT INFRASTRUCTURE happen often — usually because of discipline problems — which are common amongst young men,” explains the Head of the hostel’s student council — Dmitry Karunin. “Some people consider that the rules don’t apply to them. Our demands are simple: don’t break the rules, tidy up your rooms and pay on time. It costs around Br216,000 (780 Russian Roubles) to stay in the hostel for a month.

Drama, art photo club and singing… The hallways of the Student Village dormitories resemble a contemporary art gallery — featuring photos and pain­ tings on the walls and intricate installations in the corridors. Creativity here is highly appreciated. Craft clubs work on the 12th floor which also houses a showroom. On visiting it, I was amazed to see a true folk museum — showca­sing luxurious flowers from beads, straw dolls and fashionable leather handbags. All of them were made by students, for whom the hostel is a ‘home from home’ for several years of their studies. While looking for my companion Olga in the hostel, I came across an inte­ resting place: the relaxation room — with a samovar and a TV set. Here, students usually receive guests: parents or friends — also using this room for celebrating their birthdays and other holidays. The gym was later presented proudly by Olga. It is equipped with everything necessary for training: barbells, and dumbbells and so on. She says that the gym is full each evening: girls come here for aerobics, fitness and cheerleading. “We are soon to open a ballroom dance studio,” says the hostel’s head — Zoya Gilko. “A professional dancer will work with our

Recalling and recording

Creativity is in favor at the Student Village

students; this will involve payment. Meanwhile, a variety of activities including film screenings — which the hostel’s student council organise — make life richer and more interesting; they are free.” Nobody forgets studies here either, with each floor offering rooms for pre­ paration. During study sessions, they are the most popular places; some students even need to bring their own chairs in order to have a seat!

Cheap and worthwhile I learnt it is possible to be thrown out of this ‘student paradise’. “This doesn’t

An unusual themed event was timed for the Student Day at one of the Minsk campus’s hostels. A student council of hostel #4 decided to create a whole trea­ sury of students’ memories. Young people were able to share their ‘exploits’ in the hand-written Diary of a Student, also sharing their attitudes to student life. As it turned out, this ‘memory book’ aroused great interest among youth. Some young people shared their memories on the brightest moments of their student life. Memories were recorded manually, without using the usual gadgets. At the end of the day, the hostel received its own ‘repository’ of student memories, in addition to a bright poster and a video devoted to the Student Day. The event is planned to be held annually and involve all hostels of the campus. By Kristina Khilko

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The Students’ Village has an interesting page in its history: the youth town transformed into a hostel for foreign fans during the World Hockey Championship in May 2014. “Guests appreciated our hostels,” admits the First Deputy Head of Moskovsky District’s Administration — Tatiana Kolyadko. “They thought that student accommodation wouldn’t provide much comfort. However, everything proved to be appreciated, our guest book is full of rave reviews.” It’s quite probable that the Olympic fairytale will come again to Minsk’s South-Western district. In 2019, the city will host another grand sports forum: The European Youth Olympic Festival. Students will be happy to welcome foreign guests in their ‘home’.

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INTELLECTUAL RESOURCE

Facebook ‘masquerade’ Marc Zuckerberg — who heads the world’s most popular social network — buys company behind Belarusian MSQRD application, which manipulates faces Leo transforms into a lion

News of Marc Zuckenberg’s purchase of Belarusian Masquerade Technologies is a true sensation, as the businessman is known for investing only in successful projects. The price is undisclosed but around $100-150 mln may have changed hands. “We’re grateful to all those who’ve congratulated the brilliant MSQRD team. They are stars!” wrote Belarusian IT-guru Yuri Gursky, on his Facebook page, supporting the young develo­pers.

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“They’re just 23-24 years old and I’ll stake a case of cognac that we haven’t heard the last of these guys.” The billionaire’s decision to buy the firm is clearly motivated by his realisation of the potential of the application and the team behind it. The application has become wildly popular since launched four months ago, being downloaded by 15 million users. Its success is likely to spread, as it’s now available for both iOS and Android. MSQRD offers fifty masks, inclu­ding animals and the faces of Leonardo Di-

Caprio, Johnny Depp, Donald Trump and David Bowie. Each mask can mimic facial expression and users can upload their own selfies for posterity. The application received huge publicity at the Oscars, when Leonardo Dicaprio’s mother tried on her son’s mask, as did various others at the awards ceremony.

Two day startup Incredibly, it took just two days for the developers to prepare their first version of the application, offering eight masks, including moustaches, a tiger

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INTELLECTUAL RESOURCE and a monkey. No money was spent on promotion and the team had no expectation of success, as Yevgeny Nevgen notes. Their friends were the first to test the application, and enjoyed it greatly, asking to download the application. He tells us, “We released our application on Christmas Eve and, importantly, media persons began using photos and videos from our programme. Famous rap music performer Basta was the first to bring it to public attention, when he posted his photo under a hare mask on Instagram. The former soloist of ‘Chai Vdvoem’ band, Stas Kostyushkin, tried on the face of Kochita Wurst, and that was the beginning of our success!” “Younger people mostly like the Stalin mask,” notes Mr. Nevgen. “However, it’s likely to be his moustache that makes him popular! Most have no idea who Stalin was, being unaware of him politically!” Fans are now inundating the developers with requests for masks: of Batman, Joker, the Hulk and other cinema characters. “Video-chats are part of the future,” Yevgeny is convinced. “However, unlike text messages — where smiles and stickers are normally used, video-communication lacks the chance to express

Minsker Yevgeny Shaposhnikov hides his money to encourage a sense of adventure

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tut.by

Batman and others

 Treasure hunt for Minskers

Masquerade Technologies was founded by Yevgeny Nevgen (on the left), Sergey Gonchar (in the foreground) and Yevgeny Zatepyakin in 2015. The first ‘real’ version of the MSQRD application was developed in just 48 hours. Mr. Nevgen is also a founder of SplitMetrics (Maps. me) and the creative director of the charitable auction of meetings — MaeSense

evgeny is so keen to persuade people into the ‘great outdoors’ that he has been hiding banknotes in capsules, using a special mobile app to encourage a treasure hunt. The mobile application contains photo-prompts to reveal the hiding places, and 16 capsules have been already found. Yevgeny tells us that, a year ago, he orga­ nised a similar hunt, and, at that time, gave prompts via his blog. He comments, “You enter the special code from the capsule into the application, so that everyone knows that the hiding place has been discovered.”

positive reactions. We’ve addressed this gap and our next version aims to enable users to create their own masks. Brazil and Japan use different characters, while we boast the largest catalogue.” By Kristina Khilko

Reference World of Tanks, Viber... and who’s next? Alexey Leshchev, the Deputy Dean of the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics’ Department of Computer Systems and Networks: Belarus has so many intellectual resources linked to IT, but needs conditions for development. The state is investing into human resources, organising all sort of Olympiads and IT tournaments. Higher education is producing qualified IT specialists (the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics offers high quality training) and Belarusian programmers are being very much encouraged. The High-Tech Park is holding onto specialists, enticing them to stay rather than move abroad. Talented young people receive good salaries, travel abroad on business trips and develop products gaining global popularity. Belarusian World of Tanks online game, Viber messenger and the MSQRD application confirm this. Surely, these are not our last developments.

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The organiser of the city quest plans to find sponsors for his franchise, and notes that a major bank is already showing interest, ho­ ping to allocate Br25mln for trea­ sure hunters. Yevgeny’s app allows hunters to purchase clues, such as the first letter of the street or the distance to the hiding place from the city centre. He plans to launch prompts abroad, while promising to make the search free of charge for Minsk residents.

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Vitaliy Gil

RECREATION

Summer now arriving True summer has come to Minsk but hasn’t caught city dwellers unaware, offering plenty of spots to relax in comfort

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omsomolskoe Lake, located in the north-western part of Minsk, is one of the most popular recreation places. This huge water reservoir occupies almost fifty hectares while the maximum depth in some places reaches 4.5m. The lake’s construction started in 1940, and native Minskers well remember its history. The pit was dug with hands, since there was no specialised equipment or technique at that time. Within a year a grand opening was planned, featuring wind orchestras, concert grounds and amusement rides. The red flag with a star had been installed directly in the centre of the lake. There were also plans to build a stadium, seating 10,000, enabling spectators to admire future rowing competitions. However, these plans were broken by the war. Now, present-day Komsomolskoe Lake, with its many recreational features and facilities, is a place where both tourist and locals can easily spend the entire day. For the actively-inclined,

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RECREATION the lake grounds feature bicycle paths, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts and an open-air training gym. Enjoy lunch on the char-grill barbecue facilities as you watch the catamarans on the lake. Children can enjoy the bouncy castles and playgrounds. Book a cruise on the double-decker ship, where you can take in the islands and the entire lake area. There are also many excellent cafes on-site. For the adventurous, there are camping areas, accessible only by catamaran — or swimming! The southern bank of Komsomolskoe Lake is well-known for Pobedy Park, which stretches over 200 hectares. It was opened to honour victory in the Great Patriotic War. One can enjoy shady areas, away from the midday sun, take in the diverse birdlife, and walk among the babbling fountains. There are many playground areas for children, and it is also the site for the famous Museum of the Great Patriotic War History. The Minsk — Hero-City Memorial is where we may conclude our tour around Komsomolskoe Lake. Annually, hundreds of Belarusians come here to celebrate Victory Day and Independence Day, as well as the New Year, marked with a traditional salute.

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or those who want to ‘take the waters’ without lea­ ving the city, visit Minsk’s Water Sports Palace. Surrounded by houses and Minsk’s bustling streets, its secluded terrace provides an enjoyable hideaway for relaxation. Featuring an open-air mineral water pool, as well as a shallow children’s swimming pool, one can soak up the sun on lounge chairs or spread a picnic blanket on the grass. Since its opening six years ago, it is wellknown to locals for launching the official ‘swimming season’ on the first day of summer. There are areas for volleyball and basketball courts, as well as playground for children. Popular with early risers, it is quieter in mid-afternoon.

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he opening of the Lebyazhy Aqua-Park was a much-awaited event for local residents. Belarus’ first water amusement park is one of the largest venues of its kind in the CIS and Europe’s fifth largest. Occupying 32,000sq.m, Lebyazhy is able to house almost 2,000 people. Its pass-through capacity in summer reaches almost 8,000 people and visitors total 2.5 million annually. Designed to cater to Minsk weather, the aqua-park is divided into two areas: an open-air venue for summer and a closed venue, open all year round. No matter your age or interest, there’s plenty here that will delight and amuse. Children and the young at heart will love the children’s entertainment centre, with its thrilling amusement rides. There’s also a ‘territory of beauty’, offering an impressive array of health and beauty, and a training gym. Life continues in the water park even at night due to lively parties. One can enjoy the beauty of the water reservoir from the park’s pierce and have a catamaran ride. Finally, one can also stay in the on-site hotel.

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Aqua-Park is the whole island of positive recreation and vivid impressions. Here it seems that the silence is deafening, and numerous greenery fills with oxygen and energy. Namely such nature will cover from the hustle and bustle of the city and will facilitate recreation

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RECREATION

Despite being located within the boundaries of the city of Minsk, the spacious park with its five beaches, gives a feeling that you’re somewhere in the countryside

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Vitaliy Pivovarchik

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nother popular water recreation spot is ­Tsnyanka water reservoir. Easily accessible by tram, buses, trolley buses and mini-buses will also take you there. Of natural origin, the water reservoir occupies almost a hundred hectares, while the depth of the lake reaches eight metres in some places. Initially created over three decades ago for industrial purposes, the Belarusians took a fancy to the place and turned the lake into a recreation zone. Despite being located within the boundaries of the city of Minsk, the spacious park with its five beaches, gives a feeling that you’re somewhere in the countryside. The Tsnyanka water reservoir has existed for 35 years already. Last year, a large-scale reconstruction was launched. As part of this, the administration of the district sought resident input into the re-naming of the five beaches. The new names now reflect the surrounds and atmosphere of the individual beaches.

2016 беларусь.belarus

RECREATION Piers have been built at the revamped lake site where one can hand-feed ducks enjoy the sunset views. Sports and observation grounds were also added in addition to bicycle paths, and all picnic and barbecue facilities were upgraded, adding char-grills and arbours, making it a popular past-time for outdoor eating all year round. A distinguishing feature to this location is the absence of cafes or shops, and perhaps this contributes to its peaceful countryside atmosphere. But at the height of summer, people are able to taste ice cream, since local authorities have envisaged an opportunity to connect equipment to the electrical grid. Traditionally, Tsnyanka Lake is also the site for baptismal swimming. Each year, in January the amateurs of extreme types of cold-water training ritually swim there. In recent years they were joined by employees of the Emergency Ministry for whom the ancient custom has become a professional tradition. In spring, the arrival of swans to Tsnyanka Lake is eagerly anticipated and sightseers may enjoy feeding them. The swan’s graceful antics are always of special delight to young visitors.

By Alisa Krasovskaya

Vitaliy Gil

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ne of the city’s largest fountains is located near the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Its capacity is 300,000 litres — enough to fill a stan­ dard size swimming pool. Meanwhile, Minsk’s oldest fountain, ‘The Boy with a Swan’, located in the Alexandrovsky Park, is more than 140 years old Constructed to honour the first water pipe in Minsk, it is a well-known landmark. One of the most visually striking fountains, located in Nezavisimosti Avenue, is worth visiting at night, when its 512 sprays are beautifully illuminated with many colours. 200kW of electricity is needed for this nightly light-show — similar to switching on simultaneously 200 electric kettles though the ‘Parus’ fountain at Komsomolskoe Lake consumes four times more energy. The romantically-inclined may like to visit ‘Yunost’ fountain, with its fragile sculpture of a boy and girl, drinking together from a bowl of water. Located near St. Simeon and Helen Roman Catholic Church, it is said that if a person rubs the knee of one of the statues all troubles will disappear from personal life. Another beautiful sculptural composition can be seen in the Yanka Kupala Park near the Circus, with bronze figures of young girls bending and throwing wreaths into the water. This depicts an old tradition to attract a bridegroom on the Kupalie holiday.

Minsk’s oldest fountain, ‘The Boy with a Swan’, located in the Alexandrovsky Park, is more than 140 years old Constructed to honour the first water pipe in Minsk, it is a well-known landmark

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Sworn brothers

We see and listen to each other Novosibirsk Nadezhda Ponkratova

Minsk

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For the first time, a teleconference unites twin cities of Minsk and Novosibirsk

n early April, Belarus and Russia celebrated the 20th anniversary since the signing of first agreements leading to the establishment of the Union State. Residents of Novosibirsk and Belarus have be­nefited greatly from the liaison in recent years, as noted during a teleconference between the twin cities of Minsk and Novosibirsk, recently held on the eve of the jubilee. The big hall of the Novosibirsk Ma­ yor’s Office, graced with national flags of Russia and Belarus, gathered deputies of the city council, headed by Mayor Anatoly Lokot, as well as heads of the city’s district administrations, employees of Novosibirsk’s Centre of Belarusian Culture, and representatives of nationalcultural autonomies of Belarusians, and

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those from public and cultural organisations and businesses. The Counsellor and the Head of the Embassy of Belarus to the Russian Fe­deration, in Novosibirsk, Sergey ­Pyatkov, attended the event, alongside Nikolay Afanasov, of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Novosibirsk. They were joined by representatives of city authorities, headed by Mayor Andrey Shorets, and by various members of public and cultural organizations, as well as figures from the business community and various well-known Belarusians. In the welcome speeches, it was no­ ted that brotherly relations rely on wide cooperation. Mr. Shorets underlined, “Despite having been building reliable and friendly relations with Novosibirsk for some time, our official twin city status has brought a new level of liaison.

Great opportunities are opening up before us, for comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation.” Prospects for further work were discussed in detail, and the necessity of good communication emphasised. Collaboration between Belarus and various Russian regions of Siberia is well established, across the spheres of trade and investment, science and culture, as noted by participants of the video conference. Mr. Pyatkov mentioned the need for expertise sharing, against a background of global market instability. He believes that collaboration is vital to increase trade turnover between our countries, and is keen to see a programme of Russian-Belarusian information sharing. Undoubtedly, this will promote a positive image for Belarus and raise interest among Russian business partners.

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Sworn brothers used to head the Russian Academy of Sciences’ branch in Novosibirsk. Joint efforts by scientists have yielded fruit in the spheres of power engineering and crop breeding. Belarus is keen to learn from Siberian experience in oil processing, since large oil processing facilities operate in Belarus. Meanwhile, Siberian scientists are keen on closer collaboration with colleagues in the sphere of engineering biotechnologies and in the production of medications, as well as fertilisers and agro-related items. How can we coordinate the work of scientists in future? There are plans to set up a centre to coordinate the work of

Relations with the help of modern technologies were designed for the good of the cause. By the way, it was noted that today it is important not only to see, hear, but also to understand each other, feel where we can be mutually useful

academic institutes across Belarus and Russia. Moreover, an award bearing the name of the outstanding Novosibirsk scientist and academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Valentin Koptyug, is bestowed upon Siberian and Novosibirsk scientists for joint scientific achievements. In 2001, a bust to academician Koptyug was installed in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, on an avenue bearing his name. City authorities of Minsk and Novosibirsk may also consider commemorating his memory by installing a monument in his historical homeland, in Belarus. During the tele-conference, much was spoken of paths to developing cultural ties between Novosibirsk and Minsk. According to Anna Tereshkova, the Head of the Department for Culture, Sport and Youth Policy with the Novosibirsk Mayoral Office, many Belarusians and Russians share not only their Christian belief but have common roots and cultural traditions. She has invited Minskers to attend the City Day and to the Day of Baptism of Rus, as well as to visit for other holidays, in which Siberian Belarusians take an active part, together with native Siberians. Some are already descendants of Siberians, since their ancestors left their historical homeland more than century ago. Cultural exchange is a two-way road, since Belarusians regularly invite those

Yelizaveta Dobritskaya

Much has been spoken of the role played by the Days of the Republic of Belarus in Siberia, which were held in No­ vosibirsk last autumn. A great number of visitors were able to view our machinery, alongside industrial and food products being supplied from Belarus. In mastering new sales markets, Belarusian enterprises are already making a major contribution to Novosibirsk Region’s agro-industrial complex. Naturally, Belarusian manufactu­rers attend hoping to find trade partners. Around thirty Belarusian enterprises presented their goods at the trade fair in 2015, including footwear and clothes, as well as meat and dairy produce, confectionery, sweets and chocolate. In 2014, only six enterprises took part. Mr. Shorets tells us that around 250 Minsk enterprises are trading in the region, with trade turnover between Minsk and Novosibirsk Region exceeding $60mln last year. Major exports were tractors, oil and oil products, computing machinery and transformers. The First Secretary of the Russian Embassy to Belarus, Andrey Greshni­kov, notes that long years of cooperation connect the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Famous Belarus-born scientist Valentin Koptyug, whose father was born in Vitebsk Region but was forced to leave in the repressive Stalin years,

беларусь.belarus 2016

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Sworn brothers

There are plans to set up a centre to coordinate the work of academic institutes across Belarus and Russia. Moreover, an award bearing the name of the outstanding Novosibirsk scientist and academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Valentin Koptyug, is bestowed upon Siberian and Novosibirsk scientists for joint scientific achievements from Novosibirsk to attend their folk more can always be achieved, and we are craft festivals. Official delegations, as keen to develop new forms of Belaruwell as creative groups, arrive annually sian-Russian co-operation. Various inin early July to celebrate Belarus’ Inde- teresting ideas were expressed, alongside pendence Day, in Minsk and in other proposals to develop bilateral relations: cities countrywide. Days of Belarusian Cinema in Siberia; Alexander Loguteko and Lyudmila the exchange of tours of Novosibirsk Schastlivenko, who head the Belaru- and Belarusian theatres, and concert sian Cultural and Enlightening Centre groups; artistic exhibitions; and student (named after Saint Yevfrosiniya Pol- construction brigades. otskaya) tells us in detail about their The Chair of the Novosibirsk Reclose co-operation. The Centre is gional National and Cultural Auknown to conduct major work in tonomy, Nadezhda Santsevich, has Novosibirsk and has facilitated made several proposals, including Minsk and Novosibirsk in bewishing to make better known coming twin cities. the results of bilateral coThe recently appointed operation between Minsk young director of the No­ and Novosibirsk. She has vosibirsk Centre of Belasuggested such channels as photo exhibitions in rusian Culture, Anastasia Trubenkova, has visited the metro and in city Belarus several times, and squares, exhibitions of li­ has many creative plans terature, and publications in and bright impressions. The the media about our twin city relations. ta­lented singer, who heads Ms. Santsevich believes the ‘Ivalen’ children’s choir, has Belarusian roots, though that Siberians and Belarusians have much to share. For examborn in Siberia. Her experience, and that of her relatives, ple, not everyone in Belarus provides a clear example of knows about Siberians from Chernobyl, or about those who close Belarusian-Russian relations and the power of fought on Belarusian territory cultural ties. during the Great Patriotic War, Participants of the aiding in our liberation. tele-conference discussed The exchange of post the exchange of creative honour guards at the Etergroups, joint crafts exhibinal Flame between those Monument to Valentin Koptyug tions and master classes, as in Novosibirsk and Minsk in Novosibirsk well as efforts to enhance has the potential to the level of amateur play a huge role groups. Of course, in the patriotic

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and spiritual-moral education of the younger generation. The best pupils from school #120 (who were also present during the tele-meeting) have been awarded the honour, arriving in Minsk this summer. We’re working for the future and will be constantly moving to meet each other half way, noted Anatoly Lokot and Andrey Shorets, heads of Novosibirsk and Minsk, speaking towards the end of the tele-conference, that was both business-like and friendly. Those from Novosibirsk thanked Minskers for initiating the event as an efficient form of communication and expressed their desire to continue. Joint proposals have been agreed, including an exchange of delegations of post honour guards: on May 9th, the Minsk delegation visited Novosibirsk, while that of Novosibirsk will attend Minsk on June 22nd. Our twin cities will exchange creative groups for City Day, for the ‘Slavic Farmstead’ Festival of Slavic Culture in Novosibirsk, and for the Day of Baptism of Rus and Unity of Slavonic Nations. A traditional trade fair of Belarusian goods — Days of Belarus in Siberia — is sche­ duled for October, featuring the Festival of Belarusian Culture, alongside an exhibition of literature, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Union State and Days of Belarusian Cinema. On the Day of Unity of Peoples of Belarus and Russia, a major festive concert was held in Novosibirsk, organised by the Novosibirsk’s Centre of Belarusian Culture. On the eve of the event, a traditional festival-contest of children’s amateur creativity — ‘Storks, Bring Spring from Polesie to Siberia!’ — was held for the tenth time. The concert featured winners of the contest: dan­cers, singers, musicians and masters of folk crafts, with Russian and Belarusian songs performed. The Belaya Rus song stirred emotions, as it always does at the festival, with such lyrics as: ‘When bells ring in Khatyn/ Russia hears their mournful chime’. By Lyudmila Belyavskaya, Novosibirsk’s Centre of Belarusian Culture

2016 беларусь.belarus

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

Grigory Rapota presents programme for the Union State development to the Union parliamentarians

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Vitaliy Gil

Ten steps forward

t the 50th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, which recently took place in Minsk, deputies assessed the results of the last twenty years of legislative activity, and discussed crucial aspects of ongoing development for the Union State. Opening the session, Sergey Naryshkin, Chairman of the State Duma, Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, noted, “In the course of 20 years, much has been achieved to ensure legislative support of the Union. The contractual framework comprises about 200 agreements. Cooperation between military, technical and defensive areas is developing effectively, with equal rights for citizens of Belarus and Russia ensured in the labour sphere. The high level of the Union integration has opened the way for the creation and activity of the Eurasian Economic Union…” It is true that much has already been achieved, with hundreds of vital integration initiatives entering legislation, across the most significant and sensitive socio-economic spheres. Russians and Belarusians no longer feel like foreigners in each other’s territory. The elimination of the interstate border, and the creation of a single customs space, which Kazakhstan and some other former USSR republics later joined, have contri­ buted significantly to this positive intercultural shift between our two countries. Additionally, equal rights for citizens of Belarus and Russia have been established across significant areas:

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including choice of place of residence, work and study, pension provision, and medical aid entitlement. These achievements were noted in President Luka­shenko’s greeting to parliamentarians. As Chairman of the High Council for the Union State, Mr. Lukashenko expressed confidence that they will make a weighty contribution towards legislative support, continuing to build the Union State. The greeting was read by Vladimir Andreichenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives for the National Assembly of Belarus, who is also the First Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly. Parliamentarians have a fundamental approach to discus­ sing the results of joint activity, aimed at implementing priorities for the Union State development. A corresponding document on this topic was previously accepted by the Council of Ministers of the Union State and has become the basis for the work of all its bodies and structures. Major joint work by the Standing Committee of the Union State, Belarusian and Russian experts, governments and parliaments lies behind the many tasks solved so far, completely or partially. Life continually raises new issues and defines aims, requi­ ring clear understanding of long-term goals and strategies, necessitating pragmatism and a practical course of action. The State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, led discussion in this vein. In his conceptual report, he set out the Union State programme for development for the foreseeable

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future, which contains ten points of action. Mr. Rapota stated, “We are shaping and implementing a single industrial policy. We need to develop trade and economic relations, creating new conditions as necessary, while developing small and medium-sized businesses. We’re extending scientific-technical cooperation, creating a single transport space and forming a single energy space, as well as a single information field. Creation of a single migratory and visa space continues. It’s vital to provide the Union State with property accounting, aimed primarily at Union scientifictechnical programmes financed from Unions State funds. Finally, we’ll continue to improve cooperation in the military and political spheres.” As to the feasibility of accompli­ shing these huge goals, Mr. Rapota asserts that the formation of a single industrial policy is essential, the need having emerged several years ago. Attempts to create a single platform for Union State industry have been made several times, including moves to create transnational industrial companies from leading enterprises, such as MAZ-KAMAZ. Even though practical implementation is yet to begin, the idea of consolidation of resource potential for our two countries is clearly wise, to support production development. The Ministries of Industry of Russia and Belarus have confirmed the creation of a joint engineering centre for machine tool building, which Mr. Rapota praises as being important ‘to trigger mechanisms for implementing innovations’. Development of trade and economic relations relies on removing barriers to the free movement of goods and ser­vices and the creation of equal conditions for economic entities’ activity in a single Union space. Among other things, it is important to provide equal access to state procurements. We shouldn’t shy away from the fact that, sometimes, at regional level, local goods producers’ interests are lobbied, while the possibilities of ‘foreigners’ are limited. The problem could be solved by granting ‘local goods producer status’ to enterprises from our two countries; the State Secretary notes this as not only a legal but an economic issue. Recognition of local goods producers from the other state requires rethinking of stereotypes. In particular, we need to learn to market joint production goods as belonging to the Union State.

In our modern society, a country’s social well-being and competitive ability relies on the application of innovations. The Union State has a powerful tool for implementing priority scientific and technical developments: the Union programmes. At present, ten such Belarusian-Russian projects are being carried out under the patronage of the Standing Committee, and the same number are undergoing coordination and confirmation. About 3 billion Russian Roubles are being spent on the Union programmes annually, which is approximately half of the Union State budget. Importantly, emphasis is being placed on effective commercial benefits. Payoff periods and possible economic effects are the main arguments at the stage of development and adoption of new programmes. The Union State development requires ongoing effort, including in the sphere of creating a single transport space. We are working towards removing barriers to movement of cargo from Belarus and Russia into third countries and movement in the opposite direction. Additionally, we are implementing a huge investment project, building the first nuclear power station in Belarus, using Russian technologies. This should considerably strengthen our single energy space. Though, as Mr. Rapota notes, there is still some way to go to formulate criteria for various spheres of activity, with parliamentarians needing to contribute to this advancement. Various participants agreed with this stance, calling upon colleagues to focus on strengthening the Union State economy. The Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly, Vladimir Andreichenko, commented, “The Union State could have more weight were it to pay greater attention to implementing a coordinated industrial policy, creating equal conditions for economic entities, and making a single tariff for energy carriers. We need to make better use of our experience of interregional cooperation. The results of the recent Parliamentary Assembly session and the 3rd Forum of Regions and Russia are evidence of great potential.” Parliamentarians stated their decisions in the resulting document of the session, which has been sent to the legislative bodies of Belarus and Russia, the Council of Ministers of the Union State and others.

Major joint work by the Standing Committee of the Union State, Belarusian and Russian experts, governments and parliaments lies behind the many tasks solved so far, completely or partially

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By Vladimir Bibikov

2016 беларусь.belarus

A new road The Union State programme gives Belarusian-Russian automotive industry a global presence

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he Union automotive industry cannot ignore the pressure of foreign competitors. A quick survey of any major road verifies that foreign passenger cars and trucks drive by in a continuous stream. There are both financial and economic reasons for their dominant presence. Experts insist that success in today’s industry is determined primarily by two components: quality and efficiency of production. In particular, outdated, inefficient technologies push our equipment off the world highway. The level of technological expertise level lags behind, and attention to comfort in design is also inadequate by foreign market standards. The fuel saving device, braking system, even the electric window regulator — behind all these features are ‘intelligent’ electronic microchips or similar devices. All these features are specialised products, which for many years were considered unnecessary to develop for our local automotive industry. As a result, we have lost both time and a substantial part of the market. This challenging issue has been repeatedly discussed, with the participation of experts in the Standing Committee of the Union State, and now a solution for what is termed a ‘breakthrough’ task has been established. With the aid of scientific and technical programmes financed from the Union budget, and in accordance with the Decision of the Council of Ministers of the Union State adopted in May 2016, a programme, code-named ‘Autoelectronics’, is being launched to develop electronic components for control and safety automobile systems. Just before code-name ‘Autoelectronics’ was conceived, Integral OJSC in Minsk held a large-scale Belarusian-Russian meeting. The goal was to kick-start procedures immediately after adopting the programme. Specific contractors of the various programme sections were determined on a competitive basis. From the Belarusian side, Integral OJSC began the selection of participants while Scientific and Production Enterprise Radar MMS OJSC, well-known for its high-tech developments in the transport sector, was engaged from the Russian side. The Ministry of Industry for Belarus, the programme’s state customer, outlined details of the scientific and technical problems that will need to be jointly tackled. The primary goal will be to achieve a technical level of parity with western automo-

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tive vehicles, based on domestic developments in order to provide a large-scale import substitution. Currently, Belarus and Russia use the Euro-4 environmental standard for automotive vehicles. At the same time, Euro5 and Euro-6 vehicles are produced in Western Europe. It is necessary to improve production standards to achieve these indicators without spending hundreds of millions of dollars on imported components and parts. In order to make this a viable production target, four main areas of scientific and technical research were identified for the focus of Belarusian and Russian scientists and specialists. They include traffic management systems for automotive vehicles, intelligent security systems, electrical equipment control systems, information collection systems and sensors. The research focus has been agreed upon by leading scientific centres, inclu­ ding the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Communications, along with other key agencies from both countries. The participating enterprises and organizations in the programme have now been determined. The Belarusian participants are Minsk Automobile Works, Minsk Motor Plant, the Wheeled Wheel Tractor Plant and BELAZ. The Russian participants are the leading automotive enterprises KAMAZ, GAZ, and Ural JSC. They will prepare design specifications, which will then be implemented into microchips by various electro­nics specialist companies. In addition to the Minsk-based Integral, those companies in Belarus will include MPOVT OJSC, Horizont Holding Management Company and its enterprises, and Izmeritel JSC in Vitebsk. Over the next four years, a total of about forty baseline technologies for the production of automotive electronic components are to be developed with the substantial funding allocated from the Union State budget. Now the next urgent but exciting task lies ahead: the creation of a safe automobile for the future. By Vladimir Yakovlev

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Belta

A hearty welcome The Union State provides recreation & rehabilitation to those most in need

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nion State funding supports the rehabilitation and recreation of two significant demographics affected by disaster: the children of regions heavily affected by the Chernobyl disaster and disabled participants of the Great Patriotic War. Both groups are given the opportunity each year to experience the best Belarusian and Russian resorts, via state-funded ‘packages’, receiving much-needed medical care, rest, and recreation. At the beginning of each year, top Belarusian and Russian resorts compete for the tender, organized at by the Standing Committee of the Union State. This year, the winning tenders went to one Russian and two Belarusian resorts — Zhemchuzhina, Svitanak and Shakhtinsky Tekstilshchik — which will soon be welcoming children living in territories most adversely affected by the Chernobyl disaster. More than 1,500

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children from Gomel, Mogilev, Brest, Grodno, Bryansk, Tula and Kaluga Regions will receive the state-funded assistance. The children will benefit from three weeks of new friends, a variety of wonderful leisure activities, seminars, and the best in medical treatments and rehabilitation procedures — experiences they will be sure to treasure for a long time. Almost fifteen years have passed since the Union State began funding this initiative in 2002, when they first financed recreation and rehabilitation of children from territories conta­ minated with radionuclides. Since then, about 17,000 children have benefitted, and this year will be no exception. About 40 million Russian Roubles have been allocated to assist children from Chernobyl regions. To meet the strict selection criteria, a resort must have upto-date facilities and amenities, but also devise an informative cultural programme for the children. The topic of the Union State must feature prominently in the programme, enabling children to widen their historical knowledge of the two countries, and experience the national and cultural traditions of their neighbouring nation — inevitably making friendships and strengthening connections between the children of both countries. The ratio between quality of the overall programme and price is, of course, also a factor. Zhemchuzhina, a recreation and rehabilitation centre near Lepel of Vitebsk Region, successfully met the criteria. The resort could be considered a long-term participant in the programme — they have been welcoming young Belarusians and Russians for the past thirteen years, hosting over 2,500 children

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in that time. This year, from September to November, Union package tours to the resort have been awarded to 413 children, including 233 from Bryansk, Kaluga and Tula. Centre Director Vera Zakrevskaya is rightly proud of their continued participation in the project, saying, “It’s an honour to welcome children within the Union programme, and we do our utmost to honour that trust. We have highly qualified doctors working at the centre, including specific specialists, catering particularly to the children’s requirements. We have the most modern equipment. Due to the support of the Department for Liquidation of Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident at the Emergency Ministry of the Belarus Republic, the treatment and rehabilitation base is continuously updated. Special attention is paid to nutrition and diet. Here, children have six meals a day, and a special menu has been developed to remove radionuclides from the organism and strengthen the immune system. The menu consists only of natural products and ingredients.” The topic of the Union State has a prominent place within the cultural programme of Zhemchuzhina. Their library contains over two thousand books presented by the Standing Committee. The leisure and cultural activities include guest speakers of note, roundtables, sporting competitions, excursions to Vitebsk, visits to Khatyn Memorial Complex, Minsk, and Berezinsky Reserve. Svitanak, a resort near Pinsk, is welcoming Union State groups of children for the second time. The first time was in 2014. Last year, Svitanak also participated in the tender but was unsuccessful The centre resolved to prepare more carefully for this year’s tender, and it welcomed its first visitors on June 15th, comprising seventy-four children from Tula and Bryansk. In late August, a smaller group of twenty-six children from Kaluga are expected. Comfortable rooms, good sports amenities, an up-to-date medical centre, and six meals a day are provided for the children to improve their health and gain strength. The Director of Svitanak Valentina Begeba pays equal attention to comfortable accommodation, recreation, and the cultural and entertainment programme, “In the first week, the pupils went on a tour to Pinsk and watched a play at a local theatre. There were enthusiastic responses to a visit to Belo­vezhskaya Pushcha. Coming up is the Union State Day — which we are all actively preparing for. It should be noted that at Svitanak, Belarusian children stay together with Russian ones.” Department Head of the Republican Centre for Recuperation and Health Resort Treatment of Population of Belarus Lyudmila Golubovich says, “Winning the tender for children rehabilitation and recreation centres was not really a surprise. In the last couple of years, the centre’s facilities and amenities have been significantly updated thanks to funds from the ­Union budget, allocated within the 4th joint Belarusian and Russian Chernobyl programme. Medical equipment and buses

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to transport the children were purchased. The funding really assists rehabilitation and recreation centres to provide a higher level of services to children.” In late August, 170 pupils from Belarus are heading to the Black Sea, to stay at recreation pension Shakhtinsky Tekstilshchik. Like Belarusian Zhemchuzhina, this recreation complex is a pioneer in recreation and rehabilitation. It has been welco­ ming children since 2003. Once again, the theme of the Union State is strongly incorporated into the programme, especially designed for the Russian and Belarusian children. Among many memorable events, are the ‘Union State Days’ with themed evenings, intellectual games, contests, concerts, sport competitions, quizzes and roundtables. This important social project of the Union State has one more directive: to aid rehabilitation of the veterans and disabled participants of the Great Patriotic War. This year, 132 pa­ ckage tours to resorts have been allocated to Belarusian veterans with funding from the Union State. Successful in the tender organised by the Standing Committee of the Union State for 2016 were: Sosnovy Bor near Minsk, Porechie near Grodno, and Chabarok near Baranovichi. Successful Russian resorts and sanatoriums were: Peredelkino, a cardiological sanatorium centre near Moscow, and Karacharovo sanatorium recreation centre in Tver Region. Five Belarusian veterans, medically assessed as fit enough to travel, are to visit the Russian Peredelkino resort. The remaining 127 veterans will enjoy stays at Belarusian sanatoriums closer to home. In May, nineteen veterans were welcomed at Chabarok sanatorium. Sanatorium director Lyudmila Belokhvostik stated that apart from medical and rehabilitation procedures, they were also offered a rich cultural programme. Thirty more Russian veterans will arrive in September. The resort is honoured to have won the tender for the se­cond year in succession, and in total will receive eighty-two veterans and disabled participants of the Great Patriotic War into their care. By Lilia Khlystun

 Between 2002 and 2015, sanatorium, resort treatment and rehabilitation was provided to 5,775 children and 1,522 veterans and disabled participants of the Great Patriotic War living in Belarus courtesy of Union State funds.  Over 3,000 Russian veterans and disabled participants of the Great Patriotic War were rendered sanatorium and resort treatment services at Belarusian resorts. In addition, more than 7,000 children from radionuclide-contaminated regions of Tula, Kaluga and Bryansk Regions, benefitted from the programme.

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Union State continues work on overcoming consequences of Chernobyl accident

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vercoming the consequences of the Chernobyl accident is a mutual problem and concern of the Union State. Belarus and Russia have been sol­ ving this challenging task together for 20 years. This year, the fourth ‘Chernobyl’ programme is completed, with the fifth soon to launch, covering the period up to 2021. Its draft concept was considered at a session of the Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia regarding ecology, natural resource ma­ nagement and rectification of the consequences of the accident. Held on June 28th, at Zhodino’s RUE ‘Research and Practical Centre of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus for Arable Farming’, it was attended by the Deputy State Secretary of the Union State, Ivan Bambiza. Drawing conclusions regarding this year’s achievements, it was noted that not all organizations have taken a responsible approach towards carrying out of the planned tasks. Rospotrebnadzor, Minselkhoz and the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia have already fully used funds allocated for the first halfyear, while the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia has used 79.4% of its allocated budget. The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus has used 72.7%. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health of Russia and Rosleskhoz are yet to implement any plans. Mr. Bambiza has asked that the situation be brought into hand, with chiefs hindering the process admonished. He states that regulations must be ‘accurately carried out’. The main message of the new programme was read by the Chairman of the Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly, Ale­ xander Popkov, stating that public health is of paramount importance. This year alone, 809 Russians and Belarusians exposed to radiation as a consequence of the Chernobyl NPP accident will receive medical aid, funded from the Union State budget. In accordance with the Union programme, three institutions are hosting patients: the Nikiforov Russian Centre of

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Belta

Moving to the fifth level At RSPC for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology in Gomel, doctors use the most modern equipment

Emergency and Radiation Medicine of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in St. Petersburg; the Medical Radiological Scientific Centre named after A.F. Tsyba (a branch of the Federal Medical Research Centre named after P.A. Hertsen of the Ministry of Health of Russia in Obninsk); and the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology in Gomel. The new programme focuses on further development of a single Chernobyl register, developing methods and criteria for identifying risk groups, and for implementing the latest specialized and high-technology medical aid. Methodological approaches to treatment and rehabilitation should be the same. It’s time to create a single list of diseases which have emerged because of radiation from the accident. The Belarusian list has 18 ailments, while the Russian has 150. Parliamentarians have approved the idea of creating a single code of foodstuffs, paying special attention to food for children. The new programme includes measures to produce foods able to improve the health of those living with the consequences of exposure to Chernobyl radiation. Nutritional quality depends on soil fertility and the level of applied technologies, so scientists have developed 70 fertilisers, taking into account various needs. We need to accelerate their introduction, to minimise the presence of radionuclides in food. The new programme also stipulates development of fo­restry, to provide effective protection from forest fire, and increase the level of radiation protection for forestry workers, and the public, while using contaminated forest territories more effectively. Automated, remote controlled vehicles are one way forward. Mr. Bambiza urges a responsible approach, saying, “We don’t need the programme for its own sake. We shall move forward.” The draft concept of the new programme will be ready by September 1st of this year. By Natalia Tyshkevich

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The signing ceremony was followed by a ‘roundtable’ devo­ ted to the five hundredth anniversary of the Belarusian and East Slavic printing, and the heritage of Simeon Polotsky and Frantsisk Skorina. Both figures are honoured throughout the Slavic space. “It is not by chance,” states the Minister of Information, Lilia Ananich, “that under the auspices of the ‘Minsk initia-

Building cultural bridges with books

Tatiana Stolyarova

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ecently, the National Library of Belarus celebrated its tenth anniversary in the new building. The library, renowned for its unique architectural design resembling a crystalline structure, is referred to by locals as ‘the diamond of knowledge’, and has become a Minsk tourist attraction.

The Union State Standing Committee and the National Library of Belarus develop joint projects The anniversary eve marked another important milestone: the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Union State Standing Committee and the National Library of Belarus. The Committee has a long-standing friendship with the main Belarusian library, solidified by the fact that the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota is a great appreciator of books and is interested in preserving their history. A few years ago he presen­ ted the National Library with a unique facsimile edition of Pushkin, consisting of three volumes of works written during the so-called Boldino autumn. Mr. Rapota said that the idea to make the manuscripts of the great poet available for study came to him when he visited the Pushkin House in St. Petersburg. His idea was enthusiastically received by both Belarusian and Russian communities. The signing of the Agreement was honoured with gifts to the library funds: facsimile editions of several works written by Simeon Polotsky. Grigory Rapota astutely observed that Simeon as a literary figure could be seen as a symbol of intersection between Belarusian and Russian cultures. Director of the National Library Roman Motulsky spoke on issues of mutual concern to the library and the Union State. He stated the most important and far-reaching project is the creation of a unified Eurasian library system. Acknowledgements were made to the Standing Committee for the ongoing contributions to library funds of editions documenting the Committee’s activities. This contribution is featuring in the library’s current exhibition: ‘The Union State of Belarus and Russia’. Included in the public display are fifty editions from compilations of legal documents, books on historical links between the Belarusian and Russian nations and travel guides featuring ancient Slavic cities such as Polotsk, Smolensk, Rzhev and Slutsk. Another important joint project is the creation of the digital library for the Union State.

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tives’, the best books of Skoriniana edited in Belarus will be transferred to libraries of the neighbouring countries. And certain projects to memorialise Skorina and celebrate the anniversary of Belarusian printing will be supported by the Standing Committee of the Union State.” “What a sacred place Polotsk is; how many genius people were born there!” Grigory Rapota remarked. Apart from Frantsisk Skorina’s books, to be released in twenty-two volumes, the National Library of Belarus releases other rare facsimile editions, that are deemed culturally valuable to both nations. Among them is the ABC Dictionary of 1767, edited by Orthodox brothers in Vilno. It should be noted that this very book was presented to Grigory Rapota by Roman Motulsky at the agreement signing ceremony. The Turov Gospel and the Polotsk Gospel are sacred books for the entire Slavic world. Now, they can become joint projects. A joint project nurturing new and contemporary writers has also breathed fresh life into the current library collection. Last year, many talented young literati from both Belarus and Russia attended an awards ceremony, held here in ‘the diamond of knowledge”. Jointly initiated by the Union State Standing Committee and the National Library, ‘The Friendship Bridge’ was conceived to acknowledge, encou­rage and publish current and emerging writers. Submissions from the competition were edited together by the Union State Standing Committee into a substantial literary almanac, 350 pages in length. This was then distributed amongst Belarusian and Russian libraries. Due to the outstanding success of this initiative, more joint projects are anticipated in the future. By Lyudmila Ivanova

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Sergey Loziuk

Lilac branch of remembrance Belarusian scientists’ ‘Lilacs of Victory’ project to help preserve memory of heroic deeds of fathers and grandfathers

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ymbolically, and heartwarmingly, on the eve of July 3rd (the day on which we recall the liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders) Minsk Botanical Garden gained a new avenue, of lilac bushes named in honour of ‘military’ deeds. The Belarusian grown seedlings have been planted on Partisan Glade, to mark Independence Day, their genetic DNA gathered by Belarusian, Russian and Ukrainian botanists, from various corners of the former Soviet Union. ‘Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya’, ‘Marshal Zhukov’, and ‘Captain Gastello’ varieties, bred by prominent Soviet self-taught selectionist Leonid Kolesnikov, are blossoming again, brin­ging delight to citizens of hero-cities and those of military glory. Several memorable avenues have already appeared and more are being planted, via the ‘Lilacs of Victory’ project. The initiators have received the prestigious ‘Stars of the Community’ award: academician of the National Academy

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of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Reshetnikov, Director of the Central Botanical Garden of Belarus Vladimir Titok, and the Head of the Laboratory for Applied Biochemistry, Yelena Spiridovich. The award is given to those who have made considerable contributions to science, music, and film, and was this year presented at the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre in Minsk. Other laureates included famous actor and stage director Yuri Solomin, Azerbaijani pianist Farhad Badalbeyli, Kyrgyz composer Muratbek Begaliev, Tadjik artist Vafo Nazarov, and the Director of the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan Umuktan Munalbaeva. On the eve of the ceremony, all those receiving awards joined forces to plant the lilac bushes. “Work done, have your fun,” joked the Director of the Botanical Garden, Vladimir Titok, handing out shovels and watering pots. Like some ­others, actor Yuri Solomin confessed that it was his first attempt at planting a sapling, but he did well, being entrusted with the ‘Valentina Grizodubova’ variety, named after the first woman to receive the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, for her bravery in piloting planes. Within a few years, the sapling will be ready to bloom, delighting visitors to the Botanical Garden each May. Yuri recalls the stories of partisans he heard as a child, and remarks that the ‘Lilacs of Victory’ project will help future generations remember the great heroic deeds of all those who fought. Farhad Badalbeyli, who visited ‘Khatyn’ the day before, also planted a seedling. He underlines, “It’s important for us to remember history. Today, there are so many wars and there is so much bloodshed around the world. Meanwhile, Belarus is comfor­ table and quiet, which should be valued.” All those who took part in planting the avenue were presented with commemorative certificates and were promised that the young lilac bushes will be well cared for, like the memories of war-fallen loved ones. At the CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund, it was noted that the ‘Lilacs of Victory’ project is the only noncommercial project to unite modern biotechnologies in crop growing with patriotism. Marshal Alexander Vasilevsky, pilot Alexey Maresyev (upon whom the hero of the ‘Story of a Real Man’ is modelled), and Captain Nikolay Gastello (who sent his burning aircraft into an enemy column near Minsk at the start of the war) are long gone. However, we have not forgotten them. In gratitude for the peaceful sky over our heads, these lilacs, as symbols of the Great Victory of May 1945, blossom in Volgograd, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sevastopol, Kerch, Kiev, Odessa and Minsk. By Inna Kabysheva

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Belta

MEMORABLE

Gratitude forever On June 22nd, thousands of people walked the ‘Road of Memory’, from Brest Fortress to Ceremonial Square, accompanied by the sounds of the shots from military chronicles and from the film Immortal Harrison. Countrymen from Russia, and from across the CIS and beyond gathered in this sacred place, answering the call of their hearts, to pay tribute to the memory of Red Army soldiers. Those defenders of the Homeland fought heroically in Brest 75 years ago, on June 22nd, 1941.

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t 4am sharp, ‘The Candle of Memory’ was lit near the Eternal Flame and, at 5.30am, shots rang out to recall the German invasion all those years ago, from Kobrin Fortification. Over 500 people from military-historical clubs took part: a record number. Hailing from 26 regions across Russia and almost all of Belarus, as well as from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Japan, the USA, Israel, Bulgaria, Spain, France and Poland, they recreated landmark events from the defence of Brest Fortress. Heroes were also commemorated in other cities, with 22 illuminated

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wreaths of fir branches thrown into the River Nieman in Grodno at 4am. The city’s Belarusian Republican Youth Union initiated ‘No One is Forgotten, Nothing is Forgotten’, to bring toge­ ther youth movement activists, Grodno residents, and a delegation from neighbouring Ukraine. The wreath laying ceremony began at 6a.m. in Gomel, at each site where German invaders were met in the summer of 1941. Several buses brought young people and representatives of public associations, to create a caravan of memory, touring each site at which the fiercest fighting occurred: in the villages of Pokolyubichi and Ko-

styukovka. There, Gomel soldiers tried hard to hold back Guderian’s tanks. The ‘Candle of Memory’ event began at 4am in Dokshitsy and Orsha, with events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War, then moving to the agrotown of Kopti, in Vitebsk District. It hosted a ceremony of reburial of remains of Red Army soldiers. A requiem meeting was organised at Buinichi Field Memorial, in Mogilev, which hosted the consecration of the site chosen for construction of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist Church. By Alexander Mityukov

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UNFORGETTABLE

Ashes fly to eternity Sonya Yaskevich tells of escaping death as a child, from Fascist burning of her village

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of the fighting spirit, and courage, of Belarusian people. Fascist executioners tried hard to destroy everyone and everything in Khatyn, but failed to do so, since several residents escaped. Five were children: Volodya Yaskevich, his little sister Sonya, Anton Baranovsky, Alexander Zhelobkovich, and Victor Zhelobkovich. Since the day of the opening of the memorial complex, I’ve collected materials on the tragedy of Khatyn, visiting many times with various delegations, inclu­ ding those from abroad. When I tell them that Khatyn children who escaped now have their own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, people can

Vitaliy Gil

ofia (Sonya) Antonovna remembers little of those awful events, which occurred 73 years ago. However, the painful memory of Khatyn lives in our hearts: that small village burnt by Fascists, with its residents. Aged just 9 years old, she had limited understan­ding of what happened. However, now in her 90s, she feels the approaching March anniversary with trepidation. Belarusian Khatyn didn’t die on that day. In fact, it continues to live, despite the murder of 149 residents. Their death stands as an enduring symbol

Sofia Yaskevich, who survived the burning of Khatyn village

Obelisk in Khatyn

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2016 беларусь.belarus

UNFORGETTABLE

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their son, Oleg, Sofia's great-grandson, is just three years old. Sophia’s younger son, Fiokhin Alexander, has long worked as a gas welder. Unfortunately, Sofia finds it difficult to talk these days, so her son, Igor, chatted with me instead. Does your Mother ever recollect Khatyn? Does she want to return? It’s difficult for her. Yet, in spite of her health and age, she summoned the energy to visit Khatyn last year. I took her, with my daughter Yelena. We spent some time where the house used to stand, and placed flowers. Mother cried a great deal. What was your own reaction to your Mother's grief? It was painful. Yelena is anxious for her grandmother. My grandson is still small but, when he grows up, we’ll take him to Khatyn. We’ll try to do so on Victory Day, when it will be warm... English poet Pam Meister wrote emotionally about Belarusian Khatyn: Heart, calm down. Die down for a minute, cool down, Acquire courage and resoluteness... Ashes and your grief, Khatyn, Will teach us much. Courageous, you will not allow, That again the innocent old people and children die in fiery villages And that bells hysterically ring On an incinerated planet. Our modern world remains disturbing, with much conflict, and innocent citizens falling victim. When the bells of Khatyn toll it is not only for our painful memories, but in warning. The witnesses of the Khatyn tragedy live; Sofia Antonovna remains with us, and we have a duty to remember. By Mikhail Shimansky Vita liy Piv ovarchik

hardly believe it. “How did they escape that hell?" they exclaim. "When all others were burnt alive...” Especially mistrustful are those who come from abroad. They ask me to repeat the facts, finding it difficult to believe that anyone could have escaped the grip of the Fascist plan. That those children of Khatyn managed to do so perhaps shows a higher justice. They remain witnesses of the tragedy, decades on. Only two of those five remain: Sofia Yaskevich (married name Fiokhina) and Victor Zhelobkovich. I’ve known Sofia's family for a long time and have tried to write down everything she’s told me about March 22nd, 1943, and about what happened afterwards. Each time I’ve listened, I’ve felt terrible pain through my heart: how could she endure all that befell her? At that time, two families shared her home: her father Anton Antonovich and mother Yelena Sidorovna, with her younger sisters Vanda and Nadezhda, and her older sister Vera, with husband Victor and little son Vladik (aged only seven weeks) All were burnt alive... “My brother Volodya and I stayed the night with my aunt Anna Sidorovna,” Sofia recollects. "When people in the village started shouting that the Germans had come, Volodya ran out of the house and rushed into the field. He was shot at but not hit, and managed to hide. I remained with my aunt, who didn’t know what to do, because she was frightened. She locked the door, but the Germans were already knocking. My aunt had time to throw me into the cellar, and was immediately shot. The Germans found nobody in the house, and didn’t notice the cellar. They then left the house.” I was sitting, afraid to move, when smoke began pouring into the cellar, and I started to choke. I had to get out but feared being seen by the Germans! At last, I emerged from the cellar, it being impossible to stay there. All that I saw at that moment filled me with horror and fear. All the houses were burning. There was smoke and fire, and I heard shots and terrible cries. I decided to run from the house of dense smoke, and the Germans didn’t notice me. I got out of the village, and ran to an isolated farmstead, where I saw my brother Volodya, and we escaped together... Good people took care of Volodya and Sofia at first, then they went to an aunt. At last, they were taken to a children’s home. After the war, Sofia finished vocational school, and worked as a telegraphist in Brest Region, before becoming a postwoman in Minsk. In 1964, she married Nikolay Fiokhin, who was born in Vladimir Region. They received an apartment and, for many years, worked in Minsk: Sofia with the post office, and Nikolay as a metalworker at a factory. In 1983, she had to retire due to ill health. The Yaskevich family, from Khatyn, was large; these days, Sofia's family is large too. Her elder son, Igor Nikolaevich, has worked as a mechanic at a Minsk poultry farm for 22 years. His wife, Natalia Alexeevna, has also worked at the enterprise for many years. Their daughter, Yelena, is an economist while

List of Sofia Yaskevich's relatives, who died in the fire

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THE BEST OF THE BEST

LESSONS

by Dina Tomashevich Last summer, the results of a new competition by the Union State for teachers entitled ‘The Great Patriotic War: Lessons and the History of Victory’, were summed up. Young history teachers under the age of 28 were among the participants. They developed a sample lesson plan and provided it to the jury. A secondary school teacher, from Vitebsk School’s Verkhnedvinsk, Tomashevich Dina, dedicated her lesson to the military photojournalist Khandogin Nikolay, who worked in besieged Leningrad. The organisers of the contest appreciated the teacher’s development of the theme of personal and collective heroism during the war and her original description of the facts. As a result, Dina was placed third. Recently, our reporter met the talented teacher.

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ina has kindly invited me to attend a lesson in her 8B class, devoted to Rzecz Pospolita and Belarus as its part in the 16th-18th century. The teacher emotionally described the lives of the villagers of the time, the history of small towns (which were communities for artisans and trades people) and their turning into cities that gained the Magdeburg Charter. Dina says that the times of the Rzecz Pospolita and Grand Duchy of

Lithuania are her favourite topics on the school curriculum devoted to the history of the native land. “I acquired this love owing to the wonderful teachers of the Polotsk State University’s History Department where I studied. I was born in Miory District’s Uzmeny, graduating from the local se­condary school. My village is situated 10km from Verkhnedvinsk. After entering the University, I faced an inte­resting situation. On leaving small towns for large cities, my peers mostly used to speak Belarusian less — turning to Russian. However, almost all lectures at the Polotsk State University were in Belarusian. I began attending its history and culture club — Knyazhich — and became interested in Belarusian ethnography.

Sergey Golesnik

Heaven-sent teacher

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The lessons of Ms. Tomashevich, who lectures to 5th-11th grade pupils, begin at 8a.m. To get to school in time, we have to get up at six. Dina usually drives her small Peugeot 206 but, sadly, it has broken down. Many travel to their jobs to the district centre from Uzmeny in the morning. After six lessons of history, the teacher held ‘a class hour’ and then talked to pupils’ parents. We were able to continue our talk after 3p.m.

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How did you become a participant in the Union State contest? There are only a few young tea­chers of history in Verkhnedvinsk. When I was asked to defend the honour of our district, I consulted our school counsellor: Natalia Tomashevich. Interestingly, she does not only bear the same family name but is also my former teacher. She was my history teacher in Uzmeny and then moved to Verkhnedvinsk. Natalia is a true heaven-sent teacher. In Uzmen, she established a school museum, where we senior school pupils prepared stands, placing ourselves in the role of guides. I chose my profession owing to her influence. As regards the Union State contest, it was Ms. Tomashevich who advised me on the choice of topic. I learnt that the military press photographer Khandogin lived in the village of Volyntsy (in Verkhnedvinsk District) before the war. On the eve of the Great Patriotic War, he served in Leningrad Military District. When the Germans attacked the Soviet Union, he was appointed a military photographer for the central army newspaper: ‘Krasnaya Zvezda’ (Red Star). After the victory, he stayed in Leningrad but often came to his small homeland — also meeting schoolchildren and corresponding with them. He died in 1989 and was buried in his native Volyntsy. What did you appreciate most in the awards ceremony? I was awarded a letter of recognition, an e-tablet and large, beautifully illustrated books about the Great Patriotic War. In addition, all finalists were invited to organised excursions and seminars. I mostly appreciated communicating with Yuri Vyazemsky — the host of the ‘Umniki i Umnitsy’ (Clever Boys and Clever Girls) TV programme, as well as a master class by the Honoured Teacher of Russia — Igor Karachentsev. The latter offered us a demonstration lesson, revealing the soul of his native St. Petersburg via the prism of besieged Leningrad. He masterfully linked the war with our modern times; all listeners, including me, were enraptured.

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Sergey Golesnik

THE BEST OF THE BEST

Remarkably, there are young talented colleagues with whom it’s possible to share the accumulated material School of lecturing in the hinterland

In Verkhnedvinsk, Ms. Tomashevich is in her third year. Previously, she was a village teacher in Ushachi District’s Kosari (where she was sent after graduating from the University). The young woman admits that the hinterland has its advantages as well, “Life, including school, was moving slowly. However, I was not provided with accommodation in Ushachi and, it was virtually impossible to rent a flat earning just Br4m (around 14,500 Russian Roubles). I had the chance to be employed at the district culture department: I was invited there after my pupils won a regional festival of folk art (they danced and I sang during the competition). Although the proposed salary was even lower, I was ready to stay in Ushachi District. Unfortunately, my father fell seriously ill and I had to move closer to him.” Dina treats everything related to her school subject seriously, “It seems to me that pupils view history as a minor subject: they think that it’s enough to learn a paragraph and answer! I want them to

understand and analyse it. Sadly, there is little time for this at school: two history lessons per week (world history and the history of Belarus) are not enough. Moreover, there is no exam after the 9th year at school — which doesn’t contribute to the promotion of the subject. I want to awaken young people’s national consciousness, ensuring they are proud of their country and its history.” We said goodbye about six in the evening. Dina hurried to the District House of Culture for the rehearsal of the ‘Yarytsa’ ensemble, which performs Belarusian folk songs at the ‘Slavianski Bazaar’, the festival of village workers — ‘Dazhynki’, and many other contests. Singing is probably Dina’s main hobby. She also loves to embroider, grow flowers and read. Among her favourite books are ‘Ears Under Your Sickle’ and ‘The Wild Hunt of King Stakh’ by Vladimir Korotkevich. She plans to go travelling in summer, visiting Nesvizh, Vilnius and St. Petersburg — the cities which occupy a great role in Belarusian history.

Colleagues Larisa Devyakovich is a history teacher in Verkhnedvinsk’s school #2, the superintendent of the school history museum and a teacher with over 40 years experience. She comments, “I was extremely happy with Dina’s success. Remarkably, there are young talented colleagues with whom it’s possible to share the accumulated material. Our museum keeps many unique exhibits. Among them are documents dealing with the activities of a special guerrilla unit of the BSSR’s People’s Commissariat for State Security — Combat and the Proshkovskaya Komsomol international underground organisation (a monument to it is erected near the Mound of Friendship). There, by the Mound, we former soldiers of the 119th Infantry Division of the Order of Suvorov which freed Verkhnedvinsk from Nazi invaders in 1944. Some of them came from Russia. With this in view, our students are aware of the joint heroic struggle of Soviet people during the war not just from textbooks. By Sergey Golesnik

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INSIGHT

No borders, no customs offices — and it is great…

Belarus’ People’s Artist — Vladimir Gostyukhin — has recently celebrated his 70th birthday. We met him to discuss his best roles, his participation in soap operas and his love of modern films.

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INSIGHT

Relationships are the key Mr. Gostyukhin, you are often critical of Russian cinematography. Why do you dislike it? Modern cinema has transformed into entertainment and attraction only: while possessing a great amount of clever technology, it has lost the dynamics of the actors, deep psychological feelings and complicated human interrelations. The passionate cinematograph — natural in the Soviet times — is in the past. The films shot by great directors can be watched over and over again. It’s hardly possible to turn off a screen if Gerasimov’s ‘Quiet Don’ or Bondarchuk’s ‘War and Peace’ are shown. You recently directed the ‘Eye for an Eye’ film where you played a key character. What does this mean to you? This is the latest masterpiece by an outstanding master: Gennady Poloka. The film was based on Boris Lavrenev’s ‘Seventh Companion’ novel; it’s the story of a white general from a noble family and an entrenched Bolshevik who is a victim and an assassin. In the times of the red-and-white terror — after an attempt upon Lenin’s life, former Tsar officers were killed throughout Russia. My character led their execution in Mogilev. A connection emerges between this ordinary Bolshevik and the tsar ge­neral: they realise intuitively that both represent a single nation and feel an affinity with each other. The idea of unity is close to the director: his grandfathers fought in opposite camps during the Civil War. “These all are superficial; human relations are the key,” Mr. Poloka used to tell me during our work. “It’s madness to kill each other.” We showed our ‘Eye for an Eye’ se­ veral times at city festivals, screening it twice in Moscow. I saw audiences with red eyes after they had seen the film. There was no advertising of our work; we shot the film in Belarus on a very

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low budget. The shooting was stopped for a while and I had to ask Alexander Lukashenko for help. “Continue your work,” he told us after watching scenes from the film.

Personal driver for Father Frost Which of your previous works do you admire most of all? I loved shooting Sergey Ovcharov’s ‘Left-Hander’. He directs parables in the form of crazy grotesque. Some audiences couldn’t understand his style but if they were lucky, they got a real shock. I’m happy to have the chance to participate in films of this kind. I also love my soap opera roles. They take a lot of time as I like to work out all the psychological nuances in the character. I recall my work in ­Alexander Zamyatin’s ‘In Forests and Mountains’ series based upon Melnikov-Pechersky’s text. I played a Volga merchant. The director coped with the material superbly and it was a pleasure to work with him. While working, we were able to observe how he was moulding the characters, despite a strict soap opera format. I enjoyed shooting in the four-episode ‘Doctor Death’; I played a bad guy — a former criminal from the 1990s — who’s become a confident businessman. The character was interesting to me. The writers decided to simplify the story by the end of the film — finishing it with a shooting. It was also interesting to play the role of an investigator at the general prosecutor’s office, in the ‘Comrade Head’ series. Corruption among top officials is actively discussed now but Gennady Kayumov shot a film on the problem in 2005. It was viewed with suspicion but I love it: the film is brave as it reveals officials’ corruption. What can you say about your participation in Ascension? This film is the epitome of my ci­ nema work. This was thanks to a great director in times when I struggled for

At shooting of film ‘Fir Trees 1914’

In series ‘Long-Haul Truckers’

In the role of uncle Frol in film ‘Vlastimir’

At shooting of film ‘To Cure the Fear’

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INSIGHT

In the role of uncle Frol in film ‘Vlastimir’

parts. An actor fell ill and Boris Morozov — who is now the theatre’s chief director — invited me to the perfor­ mance. Additionally, Larisa Shepitko suggested me for ‘Ascension’ — based on Vasil Bykov’s ‘Sotnikov’ play. Vysotsky and Gubenko attempted to receive the role of Rybak but Larisa took a risk with unfamiliar artistes — choosing me and Boris Plotnikov, from Sverdlov’s Young Spectator Theatre. Our film was awarded a ‘Golden Bear’ in Berlin, the festivals were attended by Larisa and Boris. After ‘Ascension’, I began working on the ‘Wal­ king along Troubles’ series. What are you working on now? I play Father Frost in a children’s fairy-tale; it’s a fantasy. The head of Father Frosts’ Corporation is performed by Fiodor Bondarchuk. We travel by Volga car which is transformed into a sleigh and vice versa. I have virtually no lines!

In film ‘The First after God’

At shooting of film ‘Second Lieutenant Romashov’

Homeland: Feeling at home in Moscow and Minsk You love to recite Sergey Yesenin’s poems at your artistic parties. How did you come to enjoy his poetry? A teacher at an amateur theatre introduced me to the poet’s work. I began reading Yesenin and read all of his works that were published at that time. The poet seemed so close to me and touched my soul so greatly, that he became a part of me for the rest of my life.

I understand him while I’m reci­ ting his poems on stage. I see people’s emotions. I do not actually recite ­Yesenin but tell stories of his poems: on behalf of a miller and his wife, or on behalf of Pron Oglobin. Our Studio also stages a musical-poetic composition based on his ‘Anna Snegina’; which has enjoyed great success. We staged it in Moscow’s Taganka Theatre and the local audience welcomed us warmly. Do you often visit your native Yekaterinburg? I hosted the solemn ‘Heroes of Russia’ party for three years in a row there — jointly with Valery Zolotukhin and Boris Galkin. The city has changed since I left it. However, some places have remained the same. I once visited it to celebrate my father’s anniversary, and visited all of them. Russia and Belarus have recently celebrated the Day of Unity… I’m happy that we are building the Union State and I see many advantages in this. I especially appreciate the fact that I can come to my homeland as to my home — facing no problems: no borders and no customs which is great. I’d personally love to live as in the past — sharing a single state. How did you celebrate your recent jubilee? Don’t ask me: I’ve already forgotten. By Nina Kataeva

Reference Vladimir Gostyukhin is a Soviet and Belarusian cinema and theatre actor and a film director. He was born in 1946 in Sverdlovsk. He graduated from the Russian Institute of Theatre Art and worked in the Soviet Army Theatre. Since 1982, he’s been employed at the Minsk Film Actors’ Studio. Vladimir played in a hundred films — including ‘Ascension’, ‘Time Has Chosen Us’, ‘The Bank’, ‘Left-Hander’, ‘Urga: Territory of Love’. His character of Ivanych — in the ‘Long-Haul Truckers’ series — brought him the adulation of the public. At shooting of film ‘Junkers’

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HOPES

Son for father Dmitry Asanov brings home bronze and silver from Baku’s European Games and Doha’s World Championships while experts have no doubt that the medal feast will continue in Brazil

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The main thing that distracts me during a fight is my opponent’s hands; I try to concentrate only on them. What’s your boxing style? There are three types of boxers: ‘players, spoilers and punchers’. The former have the advantage of speed and technique. The second rely on powerful blows and the latter use cunning tricks to hamper their rival and ensure their own kicks.

Dmitry Asanov (on the right) was born in Molodechno in 1996. He is a master of sports of international class, performing in the under 56kg weight category. Dmitry is a European champion among juniors, a bronze winner of the 2015 World Championship, a silver holder of the 2015 First European Games and a champion of Belarus.

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Your father, Sergey Asanov, is a famous boxing coach and referee. Did this inspire you to enter the ring? On the contrary, my father was ca­ tegorically against the idea. I tried various sports as a child, including track and field athletics, judo and football. Howe­ ver, I continued to be attracted to the ring. Every day, I went to the gym, watching my father’s trainees boxing. Finally, he gave up and accepted me into his group. By the age of 12, I was participating in competitions, fighting against guys four years older than me. I attended a European championship for schoolchildren, winning my first international medal. What do you expect from your Rio de Janeiro performance? I hope to win. However, it’s impossible to predict anything in sport: it’s a recipe for disappointment. I’m working madly at the moment, with two training sessions daily, plus morning exercises, which are more training. I only rest on Sundays, when I sleep in and then meet friends. Some call boxing a punchfest. What do you think? Not at all. People who say such things have no understanding of our sport. Boxing is like chess, with an element of art. It’s a fascinating game. I try to enter the ring with a cool head, rather than showing off. Underestimating your rival can cost a great deal.

Which are you? I’m a ‘player’. I prefer to rely on accuracy in the ring, to lose as few kicks as possible, and to attack as accurately as I can. Sadly, this is one of my major problems. I defend skillfully but often fail to attack in return. I’m sure that I’ll manage to solve this problem by the time the Olympics begin. What are your interests, apart from boxing? I’m fond of music and football — being a fan of Chelsea. I’m also a Belarusian State University of Physical Culture and Sports student. I’m a member of a band, called ‘Location-67’. Location is the historical name of my native Molodechno, while 67 is the reverse telephone code of 76. We are a duo: my friend composes and I write and perform rap. We’ve already recorded several tracks. Apart from winning an ­Olympic medal, I plan to promote sport in Belarus. I want modern children to enjoy a true childhood, as I did, playing football and hockey with my friends. Modern children are extremely focused on themselves, failing to even know their neighbours, which is horrible, in my view. We need to do something to reverse this trend and sport is the best remedy. Should a professional boxer be ruthless and merciless? He should primarily be a good person who refrains from applying his fighting skills outside the ring. By Elvira Goroshko

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PECULIARITY

Princesse Tania de Bourbon Parme is a direct descendant of Louis XIV and cousin to almost every European king or queen. Behind her title is a charming 55-year-old brunette, who owns her own fashion brand, and an ambassador of couturier Denis Durand fashion house. She is also President of the French L'Art Autrement Dit Association. She recently joined her husband, Louis Arnaud L'Herbier, in visiting Belarus for the first time, joined by old friend Denis Duran, to launch the French-Belarusian Mir Couture fashion event, and to tour the princely home of the Radziwiłł family.

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Princess Tania visits Mir

Princesse Tania de Bourbon Parme and French couturier Denis Durand during the grand opening at Mir Castle

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PECULIARITY

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efore visiting Mir, the Princess ­ examined her family tree and found that she is related to this family too. She notes, " S ou rc e s l e a d t o the line of kings of Denmark and Greece. My aunt, the granddaughter of George I of Greece, is Tatiana Radziwiłł. When Denis Durand told me that the exhibition of his dresses would be held in the castle once lived in by the Radziwiłł family, I decided that Fate was commanding me to attend. I simply couldn’t refuse the invitation to visit Belarus. The master of French fashion first visited our country three years ago, to attend the launch of the twentieth ‘Listapad’ Film Festival. Belarusian stars of theatre and cinema wore his magnificent dresses on the red carpet. This time, the couturier preferred a stationary exhibition of his work, saying, “The collection is being shown exclusively on mannequins, so that visitors can see all the tiny details of fabric and accessories: all that usually goes unnoticed on the runway.” The ‘Mir Couture’ exhibition is being located under the arches of the castle, in the attic, but not because the main reception rooms lacked enough space for fifteen dresses. Monsieur Durand asked organisers to find him something traditionally Belarusian, and notes his delight, commenting, “This intimate atmosphere helps the dresses to sparkle; in a big hall, they’d be slightly lost. Besides which, there’s an authentic atmosphere within these walls.” The French-Belarusian project involves Minsk fashionable designer Apti

The Embassador of Belarus to France P.Latushko at the presentation

Eziev, as co-author of several silhouettes. His task was to supplement the classical style of Durand with elements from leather and metal. Meanwhile, jewellery brand Zorka has also joined the project, in addition to designer Oksana Vinogradova, who heads the ‘Heartiness’ hand-­weaving label. The couturier has created a modest, but stylish wedding dress from their fabric. Denis Durand has also created one more dress, which was introduced by Princess Tania Bourbon at the exhibition in Mir. The Princess noted, “I’ve liaised with Denis for many years. How many of his dresses are there in my collection? About ten, I think. But I hope that more are to come. In everyday life, I prefer to dress modestly. I spend a lot of time at my desk

but do wear refined evening dresses on occasion, so it’s a pleasure to wear those made by my friend Denis.” It is planned that, after Mir, the dresses will travel to the French Riviera of Cannes. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France, H.E. Pavel Latushko, also attended the grand opening in Mir, commenting, “It’s symbolic that two major projects in the field of culture are being held in Belarus and France simultaneously. On the same day, during the 1st Belarusian Theatre Season in Paris, our Kupala Theatre introduced a performance called ‘Art’, while here, at Mir Castle, we have an exhibition by French couturier Denis Durand. Minsk has also hosted Belarusian-French consultations by our ministries of foreign affairs. All this shows the dynamics of our relations. It’s important that cultural, economic and political components intertwine.” By Yulia Leonova

*** The exhibition of evening and wedding dresses, ‘Mir Couture’, will be held in the castle until September 15th, 2016. The project will then go to France.

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FASHION FESTIVAL

Pure art expressed via clothing

Educational drive For a long time, leading the way in the country’s fashion industry has been Minsk’s prerogative. It may seem that those from the provinces are at a di­ sadvantage. However, Fashion Mill tours the regions to locate talented designers, helping them take their first steps and make a name while studying. Of course, a fashion designer’s reputation must be ‘earned’ as early as possible. In recent years, Fashion Mill has transformed from a small artistic venture into a major cultural-educational project. This year’s early round saw 648 applications from all over Belarus, and the figure is growing annually. Those admitted to the next round receive all possible support and assistance, with 88 collections reaching the final round: enough to challenge the jury. Naturally, their professional eye is able to discern talent and skill more easily than the untrained. Pursuing a career in fashion design takes time and is expensive. Young de-

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signer Ilya Kivaka, from Baranovichi, admits that he wouldn’t have been able to participate in the competition wi­ thout the assistance of his educational establishment. “I’m 20 and study at Baranovichi State Professional-Technical College, specialising in fashion design. I adore my specialty, having been always fond of drawing and inventing something new. This is my first participation in Fashion Mill and I’m so thankful to all who’ve helped me. College heads have provided me with fabrics, allowing me to keep my costs low,” he comments.

Fashion for children leads As is traditional, the Festival ga­ thered many foreign guests — including fashion designers, heads of fashion schools and the jury. All attentively inspected the collections, selecting those who’ll later take foreign internships and take part in international contests. Sanita Blomniece, who represents Latvia’s Habitus Baltia fashion contest, admits her goal, saying, “We’ve been li-

Tatiana Stolyarova

The 25th Republican Fashion Mill, FestivalContest of Fashion and Photography, features futuristic fantasies, strict functionality, hipster trousers and handmade dresses from budding fashion designers

aising with the Fashion Mill for several years and, annually, invite a contestant to the finals of our international Habitus Baltia contest, hosted by Riga. I’m here for the second time. Last year, I really enjoyed the children’s collections and wish to select a designer in this category this time.” Truly, Belarusians are among the leaders in the ‘children’s sphere’. Svetlana Vorobieva (from Gomel), Kristina Gagutskaya and Anastasiya Dorozhkina (from Vitebsk), Alina Daineko (from Svetlogorsk) and other designers

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FASHION FESTIVAL

offered fashionable solutions for children: cosy jumpers — suitable for holidays and playgrounds — and gorgeous princess costumes. Some designers present collections ready for industrial manufacturing. Among them is Yulia Golyakh, from Zhodino, who works at Svitanak JSC and showed off a wonderful collection of clothes for girls. No doubt, they’d sell well in the shops. Our industry needs such an approach: we can’t all afford haute couture clothes yet we want our children to look fashionable.

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Strong and stylish Foreign guests often note their surprise at Fashion Mill championing men’s collections. Tatiana Mikhalkova notes that it’s a true challenge to find desig­ners of men’s clothes for Russia’s international Russian Silhouette contest. It might seem strange, since Russia occupies such a huge territory in comparison to Belarus. Alexandra Zhuk and Darina Koval presented a collection for trendy urbanites while Polina Zyuzgina, from Bo-

bruisk, created brutal megapolis angels, dressed in thick jackets with leather detailing. Meanwhile, duo Anna Gladkaya and Irina Krivodubskaya impressed everyone with their New World Warriors collection, embracing avant-garde steampunk, with leather cylinders and goggles, paintings and collage. The ‘postapocalyptic’ approach looked ready to appear in a film blockbuster. Even jury members were taking photos on their phones. Clothes can be art, deserving applause! By Irina Yevseeva

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EXPOSITION

Pictures as facts from the country’s biography ‘Art of Sovereign Belarus’ exhibition at National Art Museum reveals features of domestic art development against legacy of traditions and modernity, as well as artistic succession and experimental searches

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he sovereignty gained by the Republic of Belarus in 1991 launched a new stage in the development of our national art culture. Years of independence have brought significant change to society and culture, launching a process of rapid modernisation, and the realisation of intellectual and creative potential in art and culture. The opportunity for free creative expression, beyond ideology and censorship, has allowed unprecedented innovation. Meanwhile, our socio-cultural transformation has marked a transition from unified socialist realism and aesthetic conception to diversity of artistic ideas, movements, genres, forms and individual styles. The visual art of this period reflects the fundamental spiritual and moral challenges of modernity, interpreting key elements within the public conscience, forming new trends. We have been exploring our national identity within the context of Belarusian culture. Research has resulted in new fin­ dings, informing gaps in our national history and ethnography. The artists

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of independent Belarus are eager to preserve the traditions of Belarusian antiquity, their artworks often accentuating our cultural roots. Inspired by ethno-cultural traditions, folk customs and fable heritage, they give us new interpretation of folk holidays, legends, tales and parables. The works of Nikolay Seleshchuk, Zoya Litvinova, Nikolay Bushchik, Va­ sily Kostyuchenko, Vladimir Kozhukh and Sergey Timokhov combine various ethno-cultural elements: traditional signs and symbols enter the context of contemporary art, coexisting with

avant-garde expressive techniques and principles, offering new, modern interpretations. The ‘Art of Sovereign Belaru’s exhibition at the country’s main museum reminds us of these trends. Belarusian artists’ have helped promote preservation of our traditions through historical themes and motifs, many of which are undeservedly forgotten from our cultural heritage, despite having touched generations. These are the main art trends of our independent Belarus. Mikhail Savitsky, Lev Gumilevsky, Ivan Misko, Svetlana Gorbunova and Alexander Chigrin often portray

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EXPOSITION

The exhibition didn’t leave visitors, especially the youth, untouched

historical figures and symbolic events from the past, while Mikhail Basalyga, Vladimir Basalyga and Vladimir Savich refer to magnificent historical victories, significant events for the nation and le­ gends about glorious heroes. Meanwhile, Vladimir Tovstik and Georgy Sitnitsa enliven famous architectural monuments and historical images using an intricate postmodern labyrinth of thought. The search for new spiritual foundations for the development of society has brought about the revival of religious themes in Belarusian painting, attracting older artists (such People’s Artists of Belarus Mikhail Savitsky and Gavriil Vashchenko) and ‘new wave’ artists (such as Natalia Zaloznaya and Igor Tishin). The general scope of Belarusian art goes beyond historical themes and national revival rends, including the avant-garde, with strong local traditions. For many Belarusian artists, our avant-garde heritage is a key influence, with abstract forms prevalent in the work of Anatoly Kuznetsov, Zoya Litvinova, Sergey Kiryushchenko and Galina Gorovaya. Undoubtedly, since independence, we’ve introduced new meaning into all art forms: sculpture, graphics, and decorative and applied arts, as well as

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painting. Many of the exhibited authors explore historical figures and archaic motifs, combining traditional and innovative forms to express our cultural identity. A common opinion among Belarusian painters is that Vitaly Tsvirko was and continues to be an unrivalled master of landscape. The creativity of this master is a true phenomenon in Belarus’ artistic culture which divided the existence of the landscape genre in the domestic pictorial art into ‘before’ Tsvirko and the way it’s currently developing. Vitaly Tsvirko is rightfully consi­ dered to be an innovator and a pathfinder in creating a special type of lyrical landscape — previously unknown in Belarusian art. It is the genre of landscape where Vitaly Tsvirko has revealed the best sides of his gift, the character of Belarusian nature and his philosophical contemplations. He was able to catch the most important in each motif which comprised its essence; however, he skilfully generalised his live and bright impressions with contemporary figurative devices. The artist has created epic canvases which have become classical pieces of Belarusian painting. External signs of time are almost always

absent in Vitaly Tsvirko’s works. Meanwhile, the graphic structure of his pictures, originality of compositional solutions, powerful colours and expressive strokes completely correspond to the spirit of the epoch in which the maestro lived and created. By his creativity this outstanding painter primarily laid the traditions of contemporary Belarusian landscape painting. Being a bright, talented and active person, Vitaly Tsvirko has brilliantly revealed himself as a teacher by bringing up a whole range of pupils, many of whom later made their unique contribution into the development of domestic art. Probably, the school of Belarusian painting wouldn’t have formed in the form it now has without Vitaly Tsvirko. Among his numerous pupils he especially distinguished Leonid Shchemelev, Dmitry Aleinik, Boris Arakcheev, Nikolay Kazakevich, Georgy Poplavsky and Ivan Rei — those who later have also made bright names for themselves. “He was passionate about everything,” recollects Mr. Shchemelev.” In late 1950s, an exhibition at the Dresden Gallery in Moscow attracted thousands of people from all over the Soviet ­Union.

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EXPOSITION

You had to queue for several days to see it. Mr. Tsvirko organised our trip to this exhibition, allowing us (a while group of students from Minsk) to spend several days in Moscow viewing free of charge. We had great respect for his efforts on our behalf.” The roots of Vitaly Tsvirko’s creati­ vity lead to the distant time of his youth spent in Gomel Region. The charm of rural paints, as well as poetic and melodious motifs of nature, has left an imprint in the young boy’s heart. The post-revolutionary village, where life was busting and where young people were trying to realise their dreams, has opened the road for Vitaly Tsvirko into an alluring and unknown world of art. His fancy for painting has led the would-be painter into Vitebsk Art College which he finished in 1932. In 1935, he took part in the artistic exhibition in Moscow and his success there resulted in his entering the Moscow State Academy Art Institute (named after Surikov). At present, Vitaly Tsvirko’s works are kept at the National Art Museum of Belarus, the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow and other museums of the Russian Federation, as well as in the collections of the Belarusian Union of Artists, the Modern Fine Arts Museum in Minsk, the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War History, local museums in Belarus, alongside private collections in our country and abroad.

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The collection of the National Art Museum is one of the largest, boasting 156 works by Vitaly Tsvirko. Actually, Leonid Shchemelev’s creativity enables us to see incredible beauty in our landscapes and diversity in our environment, as well as dignity and nobility in human nature. His art is fascinating in its natural simplicity, having charm and beauty; his works are natural in every sense. Today, he is widely known as a master of contemporary Belarusian art, having been awarded the title of People’s Artist and laureate of the State Award of the Republic of Belarus. He has received the prestigious Frantsisk Skorina Medal and has enjoyed dozens of personal exhibitions at home and abroad, while taking part in international artistic forums. His pieces have been acquired by museums and galle­ries across the globe, as well as by private collectors in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Iran and Israel. Leonid Shchemelev is an artist whose professional experience has enriched the development of Belarusian pictorial culture. He is a master who has influenced the creativity of modern Belarusian painters in so many ways. Our conversation at his studio was dedicated to this topic.

I was lucky. I was born in Vitebsk — a city of painters. In my childhood, I was surrounded by lovers of painting. They were amateurs, yet I learnt about colour, canvases and the aroma of fresh paint early on. The Dvina River was nearby and it’s still sacred to me. My impressions from childhood are connected with the delights of winter skiing, summer joys on the bank of the Dvina River, trips to my granny’s village and, of course, cinema. All were interrupted by the war. In 1941, I went to the front, as everyone did. In 1943, I was badly wounded, near Mozyr. Later, I returned to the front after being released from hospital, fighting for Belarus’ liberation. I experienced difficult times during that terrible war. However, fate saved me and I began to study at Minsk’s Art School. I then worked as a teacher and, finally, entered the Art Institute in Minsk. I was lucky again in becoming a pupil of Vitaly Tsvirko. Being a prominent artist and teacher, he gave me the opportunity to see the world as I now understand it. I took to heart my first creative failures but soon began to exhibit at various exhibitions in Minsk, Moscow and elsewhere. Today, as ever, I work and rejoice at the successes of my children

From the autobiography of People’s Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev:

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EXPOSITION and grandchildren. The life of an artist is the best created by God, in my view. My delight at the world, full of wonderful paradoxes, expressed through joyful creativity, makes me happy. Your teacher, Vitaly Tsvirko, preferred to avoid public appearances; his paintings spoke louder than his words. Which category of artist do you belong to? I belong to those who love their profession and, if necessary, can express themselves simply in common language. Of course, I don’t study my own creativity or that of others. However, I do have a lot to say about Vitaly Tsvirko, as I am both grateful to him and admire him as an artist and as a person. When you study long and hard, you have many teachers. However, only one fundamentally guides you down your long and difficult road towards becoming an artist, helping you appreciate your own role in art and your degree of responsibility. Vitaly Tsvirko was such a teacher for me. Being a great painter, he was able to give lessons in professional mastery, as well as sharing his human kindness and love for nature, which he felt sharply. Maybe this is why landscapes and the moods of nature prevail in your works?

беларусь.belarus 2016

I have few ‘pure’ landscapes among my works; I tend to use landscapes for the composition’s background, with people or animals in the foreground. These complement and revive the landscape, while being logically connected with it, creating a picture. I’m searching for an accurate portrayal of life rather than seeking to explore a theme. I try to show my audience life itself and don’t invent anything. How do you view the days when social realism ruled? Talented masters always find ways to realise their creativity, making true masterpieces. One of the greatest drawbacks of social realism was the way that privileges, knowledge and posts were unfairly distributed. Of course, a painter’s own personality had a role to play in whether they succumbed to temptation; not everyone became infected with the disease. I find it difficult to say how many pictures I dedicated to the historical-revolutionary theme, as such works aren’t limited to showing the act of shooting people. Sometimes, a single face can show the fate of a whole generation. Judging by your biography, you’ve toured a great deal of the Soviet Union, as well as visiting Europe and Asia. What did you gain from these trips as an artist and for what were you searching? I toured a lot — mostly through the former Soviet Union’s fifteen republics.

Only the Far East remains. I also toured elsewhere; each trip resulted in a vast amount of artistic material. The most precious aspect was the chance to compare my new experiences with my knowledge of Belarus. I wanted to dedicate most of my pieces to Belarus and was keen to understand what ‘nourishes’ the creativity of outstanding artists in the USSR and abroad. What brings them popularity? Do you know what I found? I realised the enduring truth that professional art grows, nourishes and blossoms only on its native soil, borne from folk culture and traditions. A painter can only achieve remarkable heights if they focus on what makes them unique, beco­ming well-known at home and achieving global recognition (becoming ‘supranational’). Artists should present their own perception of their native legacy as pan-European art. You’ve said that you received the opportunity to compare and contrast your homeland with what you experienced abroad. How does Belarus differ from other states and how might it appear to someone newly arrived? The first thing that should strike everyone is Belarus’ countryside; the land is covered in pure, spring-fed lakes and a network of small and large rivers crossing its length and breadth. These ensure that nature remains fresh and lush. You can’t help but notice. Our nature doesn’t fade; it only changes colour depen­ding

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EXPOSITION

on the season, remaining vivid. The rich greenery of spring and summer is replaced by the wonderful shades of autumn: both solemn and cheerful. In winter, white snow and frost lace the trees irresistibly. Our nature is unique. It’s never tired, outworn from the Sun or clutched from severe frosts; it’s always live and fresh. This may explain why there are so many landscape painters among Belarusian artists. You also have many portraits of those dear to you among your works. Like all artists, I choose to paint what I love, for my own enjoyment. I love those close to me, so draw them with pleasure. I create portraits of those close to me in spirit and convictions with no less pleasure. In my opinion, they are good as they are. I’ve seen your still-life paintings at many art exhibitions over the years. You have several here in the studio; they’re bright, emotional and beautiful, as are most of your works. Aren’t you embarrassed by the word ‘beautiful’ — recently used by critics in the same manner as ‘pretty’ and ‘with public appeal’? I believe that beauty is a feature and function of art. It’s said that ‘beauty will

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The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the work of artists across various generations. The exhibited pieces are original and unique, yet united in embracing our country’s independence, with its rich historical legacy and eye to the future save the world’ so why should we treat it negatively? Any work of art should be primarily beautiful, being created by an artist. Nature is beautiful and good, being filled with colour. Without this palette, life would be a desert. A good

painter once said that we should learn from nature, emulating it to create true art. Folk art reveres beauty. It can never be incorrect to imitate what is beautiful in nature. How do you manage to stay positive in these difficult times? It’s always difficult to be an artist. I’ve experienced obstacles and losses and suffering, having lived through the challenging post-war years. These hardened me for my whole life. Today presents no difficulties for me compared to the past. Others still need my art, and I’m happy for it to bring joy, being displayed at exhibitions and in books. As long as people are alive, they’ll desire the beautiful, spiritual and perfect — under even the most difficult conditions. They are the characters of my works and I believe in them. Undoubtedly, the pictorial art of Belarus is a dynamically developing system in which traditional types and innovation forms supplement each other and brightly express the features of cultural identity. Probably, this is the reason why there’s no dominating stylistic trend. We see examples of classical realism and geometrical abstraction, impressionism and expressionism, across sculpture and canvases. Contemporary Belarusian art has many faces. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the work of artists across various generations and demonstrating diverse techniques, whether classical or experimental. They address our values, seeking to express their love for Belarus through art. Among them are M. Savitsky, G. Vashchenko, V. Gromyko, P. Maslenikov, A. Kishchenko, M. Dantsig, V. Stelmashonok, and A. Baranovsky, not to mention Presidential scholarship holders O. Melnik-Malakhova and R. Sustov (awarded by the Special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for the Support of Talented Youth). The exhibited pieces are original and unique, yet united in embracing our country’s independence, with its rich historical legacy and eye to the future. By Veniamin Mikheev

2016 беларусь.belarus

M. Bushchyk. ‘Kupalie Morning.’ Central part of triptych ‘Thinking about Motherland.’ Canvas, oil. 2002