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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No.2 (929), 2011 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

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

Editor: Viktor Kharkov

Pages of interesting dialogue

Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

CSTO opens security umbrella Belarus

Master’s expressive peculiarity Artist

Energy co-operation The commence-

Cultural year in focus Last year, the an-

chairs Collective Security Treaty Organisation in 2011

ment of the Belarusian Power Plant construction was officially announced at the minsk meeting of the First Vice Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko and the Rosatom’s Director General Sergey Kirienko

Pearl in the сentre of Europe

13 De-facto European integration Belarus strengthened by greater links to the global economy

20 26 32

44 46

Vladimir Maslennikov considers the native nature to be a source of never-ending artistic inspiration

cient city of Polotsk became Belarus’ first cultural capital and hosted various festivals, performances by the country’s best artists

Legacy becomes a priority Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House aims to revive artistic and moral traditions

Classics in any genre The music group Belarusy brings international hits to our national culture

53 Passport to victory The

citizenship of leading sports personalities is a delicate matter. In a country’s drive for sporting victory, it will reclothe a sports personality in its own colours, as any prominent couturier might do

Belye Rosy: 28 years later

Gems of scientific progress National

Design and Layout by Vadim Kondrashov, Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich 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 “Belarusian House of Press” Publishing Office” UE. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No.478 Total circulation — 2031 copies (including 777 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.

Academy of Sciences ‘generates’ precious stones and ‘magic’ milk

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

Price of marshes Natural treasures being

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

assessed worldwide over recent decades now include Belarus’ beautiful wetlands

Dreams coming true Sapegi Palace, which is located in Ruzhany in Brest Region, is being brought back to life with the restoration of the east wing now complete

For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

2011 беларусь.belarus

editor’s note

Mutual interests

he year has begun and the Government is doing its best to make the economy a true engine of progress towards new targets and achievements. Perhaps this sounds like an exaggeration, but it is true. Progress is impossible without hard work and efficiency. This is especially vital post-crisis, which is always a very painful time. However, longrun objectives have not been forgotten. One of these is for Belarus to become more firmly integrated into the global economic system. In this effort, our interests coincide with those of the other members of the Customs Union — Russia and Kazakhstan. Economic relations with the rest of Europe have always been a goal, as has the desire to join the World Trade Organisation. These are the components of a single co-ordinated process and its importance is emphasised in the article, De-Facto Integration. Much, if not everything, is built on mutual interests in the modern economy. They are the new dialectics. A prime example is the agreements on the assembly of Belarusian trams in Switzerland. The domestic producer tries to work with western companies to apply the most advanced technical processes to its operations; this, of course, is praise-worthy. Politics also relies on mutual interests. Opportunities for cooperation expand if partners have no fundamental disagreements and when an organisational structure is

беларусь.belarus 2011

developed for co-ordinated decisionmaking on political problems. This year, Belarus chairs the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) at quite a momentous time, when the topic of reform has become particularly urgent. CSTO Opens Security Umbrella describes the solutions to the most vital problems facing this regional organisation. However, the author of the article concludes that Belarus has already begun to actively reform the

CSTO with the support of other CSTO members and we can boldly forecast that by the end of B elarus’ chairmanship the organisation is certain to have become stronger. Smart and peaceful policies and building the economy always bring benefits to the people. If people begin to have better lives, it means that the symbiosis of political measures and economic

stimuli has worked well. It is pleasant to consider how far we have come. We can still remember a time when we had to stand in queues to buy things. Now, we read that Belarusian Railways has already launched Internet ticket sales. By clicking on a computer at home or in the office, you can easily buy a ticket. By 2015, twenty more hypermarkets will have been constructed in Minsk, simplifying life a great deal. Moreover, online Internet reservations at Belarusian hotels from any corner of the world will soon be available. In fact, according to the author of Touristic know-how, hotel rooms in the Belarusian capital can already be booked online. Very soon, we will be able to choose the cheapest and the most comfortable room online. All the hotels in the country will be consolidated in a single database. The creation of a national online booking system for tours and excursions is being created at the same time. In one word, the country is becoming very convenient for its citizens and for its guests. Feeling at home when visiting another country is a very strong indicator of hospitality, something that Belarus is able to offer. Our Republic also invites people to relax, admire our monuments and get acquainted with our cultural heritage, as explored in the article, Pearl in the Centre of Europe. As Belarusians usually say: ‘You are welcome!’

BY Viktor Kharkov, magazine editor Беларусь. Belarus

Panorama

Demographic reflection In the coming five years, Belarus’ birth rates should exceed the European average

verything matters in the social sphere. Each decision is anticipated by millions of people; their salaries, pensions, allowances and quality of life may depend upon a particular course of action. Accordingly, it’s extremely important to outline priorities wisely and weigh the risks.

create conditions for parents to be able to raise children without harming their own professional or personal growth. Ms. Shchetkina believes that ‘demographic processes could be and, more importantly, must be governed’. She mentions the results of Belarus’ 20072010 national demographic security

 Mission status Legal status of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees formalised in BelarusAt their spring session, our parliamentarians plan to ratify an agreement between Belarus and the UNHCR regarding co-operation and the legal status of the UNHCR Office and its personnel. A relevant bill is currently pending consideration within the profile commission

Alexander Ruzhechka

“Human potential is the most important factor of social-economic development,” explains the Labour and Social Protection Minister, Marianna Shchetkina. “Global demographic trends, primarily de-population and people’s ageing, have led to demographic security becoming a priority for the country’s national security.” With this in mind, cumulative birth rates should rise to 1.61.7 by 2015. According to the Minister, there’s no need to take European figures of 1.2-1.4 as an example. It’s necessary to reach a higher level, since the present birth rate ensures only 65.5 percent of the population’s reproduction. One of the most important state tasks is to

programme, most of the goals of which have been fulfilled. The birth rate reached 11.4 per thousand in 2010, while life expectancy rose. However, death rates remain high. At the present rate, in ten years’ time, Belarus’ population will have fallen by 540,000. “We need to stop this trend,” asserts the Minister. “It’s evident that, in coming years, the consequences of the 1990s demographic recession will manifest themselves. The process is already being seen: in 2010, our birth rate stood at 98.5 percent of 2009 figures, while the death rate stood at 101.7 percent. It’s vital to elaborate measures and adopt them promptly to ease the consequences of the demographic fall.”

elarus’ obligation to collaborate with the UNHCR is envisaged by the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1951 and ratified in May 2001. However, until now, there has been no agreement on interaction between the parties. The legal status of the UNHCR Office and its staff in Belarus was not formalised either. Of course, this has not prevented the UNHCR Office from carrying out its mission in our country. However, it has been registered not as an independent organisation, but as a structural subdivision of the UN Transitional Office in Belarus. This has led to an increase in administrative costs for both organisations and longer implementation periods for certain projects. Nearly 400 people in Belarus annually receive varied assistance from the UNCHR. More than 50 foreigners have been granted refugee status and accommodated in the hostels of Minsk, Mogilev, Stolbtsy and Pinsk. Once the agreement is ratified, the financing system of this international organisation and its projects in Belarus will become more transparent and efficient.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Panorama  Trust in banks According to National Bank, Belarusians have an average of Br2,566,000 (around $855) in bank accounts or certificates

 New dimension Belarusian universities and scientific centres to expand co-operation with Syrian scientists

oint projects have been outlined by specialists from the Belarusian State Technological University and Al-Baas University, of the Syrian Arab Republic. Relations are being developed in line with a memorandum of co-operation, signed in December 2010. The Belarusian National Technical University and the affiliated Polytechnik Technopark are to continue liaising with Syrian scientific centres. This year, Al-Baas University is expected to open a department of the Belarusian-Syrian Centre for Sci-Tech Co-operation. Scientists from our two countries are to discuss the results of their joint research and new projects at the first Belarus-Syria Sci-Tech Seminar, to be held in Minsk this May. They will explore the latest trends in advanced construction materials, prospects for laser technologies in medicine and engineering, and possibilities for partnership in bio-technologies.

n 2010, individual deposits in Belarusian Roubles and foreig n c ur rencies ros e by 26.5 percent, or over Br4.8 trillion, reaching Br23 trillion in early January 2011. Taking into consideration the money attracted by banks from nonresidents and relating to the placement of savings certificates and bonds, the figure stands at Br24.3 trillion (rising by Br5.6 trillion in a year). Last year, national currency deposits rose from Br8 trillion to Br9.8 trillion (or from $2.6bn to $3.2bn), with more savings placed in foreign currencies. Over one year, the sum increased by $0.9bn (from $3.5bn to almost $4.4bn in equivalent). According to the National Bank, as of January 1st, 2009, each Belarusian accounted for Br1,402,000 of savings, with deposits rising 1.8-fold over two years. This shows the population’s trust in the banking system.

Investment in favour of business Investment projects rise in Belarusbank’s credit portfolio

he Chair of Belarusbank’s Board, Nadezhda Yermakova, explains, “The Belarusian economy is developing, with technical re-equipment and construction of new enter-

беларусь.belarus 2011

 Finland’s capital becomes 37th From June 1st, 2011, National Airline Belavia to launch MinskHelsinki-Minsk regular flights

lights between Belarus and Finland are to run three times a week: on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. Tickets are already available from air transport agencies and from Belavia’s website, with fares starting at 199 Euros in both directions. The timetable is designed to connect with Belavia’s flights to Yerevan, Moscow and Tbilisi, attracting transit via Minsk and onward via Helsinki to the rest of Scandinavia, alongside SouthEastern Asia and North America. The new route for Belavia’s 2011 summer season will cover 37 cities in 22 Eurasian countries.

prises.” Over the past five years, the country’s largest financial establishment has taken part in over 100 projects dealing with production modernisation. In early 2011, its share of investment credits stood at 61 percent, with increasing volumes being allocated to industry, agriculture and construction. Last year, Belarusbank concluded 79 credit agreements (worth $530m in equivalent) to finance Belarusian companies’ investment projects. The purchase of Swiss Stadler trains, the reconstruction of Minsk’s Oktyabrskaya Hotel and the second stage of construction of Minsk’s Victoria Hotel accounted for the lion’s share.

Panorama

Global level of research Joint projects by scientists from Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova have been worthily assessed by a jury, at a contest organised by the National Academies of Sciences of our three states

 On regional scale Minsk, Soligorsk and Nesvizh districts lead in socio-economic development

h e t op t h re e e c on om i c leaders in Minsk Region see Minsk District occupying first place, followed by Soligorsk and Nesvizh. District activities were assessed by various criteria, including figures per person

ccording to the terms of the International Association of Academies of Sciences, the event is organised in rotation by Kiev, Minsk and Chisinau. This time, the Moldovans took the honour of summing up the results and determining the ultimate winners. Among those recognised were the authors of a joint microelectronics project in the sphere of natural sciences. In the area of technical sciences, the jury recognised researchers who have solved complex problems relating to the utilisation of thermal pollutants in power engineering and public service. Those investigating problems of sustainable development for national innovative systems won the contest among humanitarians. Diplomas and awards were bestowed upon Belarusian members of joint projects at a solemn ceremony at the National Academy of Sciences. The winners of the contest, first organised by the National Academy of Sciences in 2010, were named, including those working in foundry engineering, the diagnosis immune diseases among children and the synthesis of nano-materials. The most prestigious scientific nomination is probably ‘The Most Quoted Authors’. It’s pleasant that there were many nominees in this area, with the contest showing that the level of research being conducted at leading domestic scientific centres meets global standards.

 Cross-country vehicle called ‘glaidor’ Victor Saverchenko, a postgraduate student from the Heat and Mass Transfer Institute of the National Academy of Sciences, constructs new vehicle able to operate in hard-to-reach places

he young scientist explains that ‘glaidor’ (the name of the innovation) is similar to a motor bicycle or a scooter yet weighs considerably less, at around 30kg. It also boasts greater cross-country capability. “The new device is equipped with an aircraft engine and aerodynamic propeller thrust,”

employed in the economy and fulfilment of targets. New assessment methods are being developed for 2011, with targets altered to focus on entrepreneurial spirit and initiatives. Proposals are being prepared to implement the Year of Entrepreneurial Spirit in Minsk Region. “The boldest and most advanced ideas have been given the green light,” notes Alexander Turchin, the Chairman of Minsk Regional Executive Committee’s Economic Committee. The last five years have been rather tense for Minsk Region, but it has managed to amply fulfil several targets. A true breakthrough was seen in 2010. Over the past four years, industrial goods manufacture has risen 97.2 percent (up 145.9 percent over five years) bringing growth of more than 50 percent over a year. Mr. Saverchenko tells us. “Accordingly, it can run where neither a motor bicycle nor a scooter can.” ‘Glaidor’ is perfect to use across sand, snow and ice, travelling at up to 80km/h, and its high placed engine allows it to navigate water up to 60cm deep. Its bicycle pedals can be used to move it forward without the engine but the ‘glaidor’ is rather economical, hardly needing much petrol. According to the inventor, it’s perfect for forestry workers and ecologists wishing to patrol territories, as well as employees of the Emergency Ministry. Moreover, it should prove popular among the first response services, especially in traffic jams.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Influentialpolicy

CSTO opens security umbrella Belarus chairs Collective Security Treaty Organisation in 2011

lexander Lukashenko chairs the CSTO at a crucial time for the organisation. In recent years, its member states have witnessed a range of challenges to their security, such as the war in the Caucasus in August 2008. 2010 was notable for the coup and ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan. Even the forest fires in Russia — although not comparable to the events that took place in South Ossetia and Bishkek — were a serious threat to a CSTO member. This threat could have been confronted by collective action, but instead the organisation stood by, undermining its prestige in our country and abroad. As the President of Belarus noted when speaking about the situation in Kyrgyzstan, “We had not the forces, the means, or the powers…” And yet the very name of the organisation indicates that its members have

Changes were made to the constitution of the CSTO and a range of new agreements adopted. These, together with the political will demonstrated by the seven presidents, should soon make the CSTO a more effective body.

Introduction and conclusion

The CSTO made a close analysis of recent events within its member states. “Of course, the events in Kyrgyzstan were a challenge for us,” noted CSTO Secretary General, Nikolay Bordyuzha. “We qualified the mass disorder that took place there as an internal matter and, in line with the existing mandate, the CSTO had no right to intervene. On the other hand, the organisation should have reacted to the recent disorders on Manezhnaya Square in Moscow and to those that took place in Minsk, near its Government buildings…”

Changes were made to the constitution of the CSTO and a range of new agreements adopted. These, together

with the political will demonstrated by the seven presidents, should soon make the CSTO a more effective body pledged to protect each other. With this in mind, a re-evaluation of the CSTO was called for, leading to new mechanisms for dealing with modern challenges. At the Moscow Summit in December, agreement on reform of the CSTO was reached.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Nevertheless, Mr. Bordyuzha believes that the organisation has not been wholly inactive. When the events in Kyrgyzstan began to threaten the established order, the CSTO held consultations in Moscow (just one day later) with the secretaries of

the member states’ security councils and co-ordinated a joint plan of action. “We did not send troops into Bishkek. I’m convinced that was the right decision,” says Mr. Bordyuzha. “We decided to assist the country’s authorities and lawenforcement bodies and to help their economy, sending money and construction materials. We held political consultations. The foreign ministers of Russia and Kazakhstan visited Bishkek many times, while the presidents of those countries made announcements.” According to Mr. Bordyuzha, 2010 was a productive year: an important agreement on co-ordination with the UN was signed, while the CSTO was placed on a new legal footing, allowing it to develop further in the most effective manner.

Rules for document registration

Significant steps were taken in December during a session of the CSTO’s Collective Security Council. Over three dozen decisions were taken by this, the supreme body of the CSTO, mostly dealing with the formation of a crisis response system. The Collective Security Treaty was completely overhauled. For example, the obligation for collective action (covered by Article 4) will apply not only in cases of external aggression against one of the seven states, but also in the event of any other kind of armed attack, for example, by a gang of drug dealers. Article 6 allows for the deployment not only of the member states’ armed forces, but also of their law enforcement

Influentialpolicy agencies, special services, border guards and emergency services. In effect, the collective security arrangement now envisages not only joint responses to aggression from foreign states, but, for example, joint responses to terrorism as well as joint recovery operations in the wake of natural disasters. “It’s no need to say that this is a drastic breakage. Sincerely speaking, nothing pivotal has happened. In turn, we’ve had to speed up,” said Mr. Lukashenko regarding the decisions taken by the Collective Security Council.

Real forces

Agreements regulating the deployment of the recently established Collective Rapid Reaction Force were also signed in Moscow. The agreements make clear how the Rapid Reaction Force will cross borders in cases of emergency. In addition, they state where the troops will be located and which country will supply them. Decisions on militaryeconomic co-operation were also taken. These days, regular armies play a smaller role in ensuring order and stability and several European countries are cutting back their armed forces. For example, Germany has ended conscription and is now drastically cutting its army. Both NATO and the CSTO now emphasise mobile, compact and highly professional forces that can be quickly deployed. The CSTO’s timely formation of an operational reaction force was a landmark event under the previous chairmanship, held by Russia. The agreement establishing the Collective Rapid Reaction Force was concluded by five of the member states in 2009 at the Moscow Summit. Belarus signed the agreement on October 20th, 2010, after the resolution of a ‘milk war’ between Minsk and Moscow and the elimination of the threat to the country’s economic security. Uzbekistan is still considering the possibility of signing up to the agreement. The Collective Rapid Reaction Force comprises both mobile military divisions of the Armed Forces and

special purpose units of the Interior Ministry and security services, in addition to units from the Emergency Ministry. All member states that have signed the agreement have already allocated troops to the force, which, as Dmitry Medvedev announced, now totals 20,000, with Russia providing the majority of the troops. In line with the agreements, the operational collective reaction force

world was black-and-white. NATO and the Soviet Bloc ensured their security by similar methods — with ever-larger armies and through the arms race. Ten years ago, we witnessed the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Although this was a new challenge to our security, the situation was clear: it was ‘them’ (the terrorists) and ‘us’. Now, the situation has become more ambiguous and complex. Even NATO, a long-standing and powerful organisation, is actively

The events taking place in the international arena demonstrate that it is high time for the CSTO to develop, and change its mandate. It’s original raison d’etre, to counter external armed aggression, has disappeared. Troops are no longer necessary to influence another state; a country can employ information technology as well as finance a range of non-governmental organizations to undermine a state from inside may undertake pre-emptive military action, in addition to countering new challenges and threats — such as international terrorism and illegal drugs and weapons trafficking. They will also be used for clean-up operations and to provide humanitarian assistance, in addition to other tasks stipulated by the CSTO Collective Security Council. Commenting on the establishment of the Collective Rapid Reaction Force, Alexander Lukashenko noted, “This is a framework agreement. In no way does it harm our state. We will have military units which, following a joint decision, may be sent to a particular place; however, no one will send them if I’m against it.”

Lessons in security

The CSTO and other international organisations are concerned with protecting their states, and with finding effective mechanisms for doing so. Before the Cold War ended 20 years ago, the

seeking a new security concept. The Group of Wise Men, headed by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, is involved in developing proposals for a new Strategic Concept for NATO. Consultations are being held within the Alliance and with neighbouring partner states. The Head of the Belarusian Armed Forces’ General Staff, First Deputy Defence Minister Major General Piotr Tikhonovsky, went to Brussels in late January for such consultations. Belarus joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1995, just after it was established. The Alliance established PfP as a mechanism for co-operation with its neighbours. The programme is an integral part of a nascent European security system. Partnership for Peace encompasses 22 countries and a range of co-operation agreements which help it adapt to the peculiarities of a certain region. As a member of PfP, Belarus participates in constructive dialogue on security-related issues within NATO,

2011 беларусь.belarus

Influentialpolicy which is a very important aspect of ensuring the country’s national security. In its strategic development, the CSTO is developing in similar ways to NATO, with Minsk contributing to new ways of thinking. “For a long time, we have viewed ourselves as a militarypolitical union but, when the CSTO chairmanship passed to Belarus in 2006, we outlined an initiative which envisages the transformation of the CSTO into a structure able to confront the modern security challenges of its member states,” noted Mr. Bordyuzha. “We’ve shifted from a focus on military co-operation to ensuring safety in other areas of primary importance for our states.”

Food for thought

The events taking place in the international arena demonstrate that it is high time for the CSTO to develop, and change its mandate. It’s original raison d’être, to counter external armed aggression, has disappeared. Troops are no longer necessary to influence another state; a country can employ information technology as well as finance a range of non-governmental organisations to undermine a state from the inside. Mr. Bordyuzha believes that about a dozen states have been attacked in this way including Yugoslavia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Iran (where street riots lasted for over a month), Tunisia, Serbia and Moldova. In Chisinau, for example, people went to the streets, and broke into the Presidential Residence and the Parliament building. What concerns do our seven states now have? What challenges and threats do they consider to be of primary importance? What responses is the CSTO preparing? One major threat is illegal drug trafficking. A division of the CSTO was set up in 2006 to confront his threat, with responsibility for detecting and eliminating supply channels to our countries. The CSTO Co-ordination Council was established to counter human trafficking. In addition the Emergency Situations Co-ordination Council was established.

беларусь.belarus 2011

The CSTO is now also involved in IT security and, in 2009, a co-ordinated information technology policy was submitted to the Presidents of the CSTO member states, at the initiative of the CSTO Secretariat. The Centre of Information Technologies was set up in Moscow and, in September, it will start training specialists in the fields of IT and information counteraction, on the basis of Moscow State University programmes. The lecturers, in addition to IT specialists, will be drawn from the security services and law-enforcement bodies of all the CSTO member states. All of these spheres are very important and of no less significance than military co-operation. Undoubtedly, whatever agreements are adopted by the CSTO, whatever new structures are established under its aegis, whatever powerful armies its member states own, the core principle remains unchanged — this is the political will of its Heads of State. Only this can ensure the organisation’s viability and efficiency. Political co-operation within the CSTO is the basis of its existence. This includes enhancing solidarity between the states and mutual support in the international arena (in terms of protecting their national interests). “For example, when there was an attempt to promote an anti-Belarusian resolution to the UN Security Council, it failed to be promoted — owing to the co-ordination and mutual efforts of the CSTO delegations,” says Mr. Bordyuzha.

Welcome initiative

At the CSTO Summit in Moscow on December 10th, our delegation brought a list of initiatives to Moscow. These included strengthening the organisation and giving it more weight in the world during Belarus’ chairmanship. The President of Belarus did not hide that ‘someone does not wish to notice that such an organisation exists in the world’. When its representative meets someone — i.e. a NATO repre-

sentative, he should represent not only his own country. Everyone should know that our joint security pact stands behind this state. Belarus has advocated and still promotes the development of relations between the CSTO and other states, as well as other international organisations. The Chairman of the CSTO Collective Security Council, Alexander Lukashenko, stressed, “I’m convinced that we have what to propose and how to arouse interest among the bordering states and states on other continents. These initiatives are aimed at the expansion of the sphere of influence and enhancement of the organisation’s role on the international arena and regionally.” Minsk proposes to develop the coordination of the CSTO’s members states’

Influentialpolicy

CSTO is a structure capable of resolving security issues of the member states in general, on the highest level

foreign political co-operation, including with the UN. Since 2004, the seven states hold observer status at the General Assembly and new impetus to relations between these organisations was provided after a joint declaration on co-operation between the UN Secretariat and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation was signed in March 2010. The CSTO proposed to the UN that Afghan drug trafficking be labelled ‘a global threat’. Cocaine trafficking from Colombia already has that status. Meanwhile, some states don’t wish to recognize the continental threat caused by Afghan trafficking for some reason… Minsk proposes to concentrate the CSTO’s efforts on creating its peacekeeping potential. Training will be

vital, as well as suitable equipment and effective management systems. Belarus has considered the prospects for peacekeeping activities within the UN-CSTO context. In 2007, an agreement on the CSTO’s peacekeeping role was signed and has now come into force. “It’s time to shift from theory to practice. Our organisation should have an efficient peacekeeping component,” notes Mr. Lukashenko. At the UN General Assembly’s 65th session, he announced that the CSTO is ready to participate in UN peacekeeping operations. The CSTO already co-operates with many countries — i.e. with Iran (on joint action against drug trafficking). It liaises with the Ukrainian Parliament, while the Serbian Parliament is showing interest. There is no need for Serbia to join the

CSTO, as we are able to co-operate in certain areas and conduct joint projects. Other partner-states also exist and Minsk believes it’s high time to consider a partnership institute. Belarus’ proposals also include raising the CSTO’s international status and increasing the potential of its member states’ security forces. Minsk is now developing a programme of supplying the member states with modern and compatible weapons, in addition to special purpose means and other equipment. Belarus also proposes to equip the Collective Rapid Reaction Force with modern arms, raise international squadrons to full readiness for joint action, including rapid airlifts. In fact, the Collective Rapid Reaction Force is not merely troops but anti-terrorist forces. Mr. Lukashenko believes we have positive experience of training member states’ forces to work in co-operation with each other, thanks to the joint Belarusian-Russian strategic training operation, Zapad-2009 (West-2009), which brought together the armed forces of Armenia, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. In 2011, Russia will host joint operational training for the Belarusian and Russian armed forces, with other CSTO members welcomed. Minsk concentrates not only on military issues. It also hopes to strengthen other CSTO branches. The Belarusian address to the CSTO member states reads: ‘Taking into account the fact that the newly-established Collective Rapid Reaction Force will include units to deal with emergency situations, we think it appropriate to establish common regulations for their deployment in the event of emergency situations on CSTO member states’ territories.’ Belarus is now actively involved in reforming the CSTO, with support from other members of the organisation. It is fair to assume that as a result the country will be even stronger at the end of its CSTO chairmanship than it was at the beginning. By Igor Kolchenko

2011 беларусь.belarus

Modernproject

Belta

Energy co-operation The commencement of the Belarusian Power Plant construction was officially announced at the minsk meeting of the First Vice Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko and the Rosatom’s Director General Sergey Kirienko

he first power plant at the station, which will have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, is due to be opened no later than 2017. The construction is estimated to cost $67bn, the largest investment project in Belarus in recent years. The power station will provide 25 percent of the country’s needs, with some of the output expected to be exported to western markets.

Logical choice

Belarus has negotiated with companies in several countries as well as Russia, studying the possibilities of AmericanJapanese Westinghouse-Toshiba, FrenchGerman Areva-Siemens and Chinese partners. Initially, the experts noted that Russia’s Atomstroyexport JSC (which is part of Rosatom — author’s remark) is likely to act as the general contractor.

беларусь.belarus 2011

“I think that, politically, the issue is settled,” concluded Mr. Semashko at the above-mentioned meeting. A contract for the construction of the nuclear power plant is to be signed in May. In June, the Belarusian and Russian sides will conclude a credit agreement defining the mechanism for financing the project. In September, construction work will begin in Ostrovets District of Grodno Region. Rosatom’s experts greatly appreciate Belarus’ preparations for the construction and Mr. Kirienko especially praises the neutral impact of the project on the environment. “This meets all international norms,” he said, adding, “Public hearings have taken place, which is also very important for future construction.” Rosatom considers the Belarusian plant to be ‘the most modern project’. According to the experts, some of its tech-

nological solutions are not just better but unique in the world.

Transparent accounting

Minsk and Moscow have already agreed the cost construction for the nuclear power plant, which will be transparent. Rosatom says this is unprecedented, noting, “We’ll operate in Belarus according to the same rules as are applied in Russia. We’ve never worked this way with any foreign customer.” As a rule, companies involved in the construction of nuclear power plants are not open about the cost breakdown. A customer is proposed a final price, which is negotiated. However, it seems that Rosatom will have no commercial secrets in its relations with its Belarusian partners. The expenses for the project will be monitored by state authorities in Moscow and in Minsk. The parties will

Modernproject purchase equipment jointly and make joint decisions regarding construction... Rosatom plans to involve Belarusian builders completely. “Ever ything relating to construction assembly which is possible to do here, will be done here, and we will work hard to use local materials and equipment,” explained Mr. Kirienko. “About 30 percent of the large-scale orders for materials will go to Belarusian firms.” Rosatom went on to say that if it became clear that Belarusian firms could supply all the materials and work to a higher standard than Russian firms, and to do so at less cost, than it is quite possible that they could be invited to construct a Baltic nuclear power station in Kaliningrad Region.

Not rivals but partners

The authorities in Moscow believe that it is important that the Belarusian power station and the plant that Russia is to build in the Baltic Region should not become rivals. “This might happen. This is why we are raising the question of establishing a joint company to sell electric power from Belarus to western markets,” explained the Russian Ambassador to Belarus, Alexander Surikov, last December. “This would help us avoid rivalry.”

in 2009, there has been a shortage of cheap electric power. A joint project of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland is expected to saturate the market, through the construction of a Visagina nuclear power plant. However, it is understood that construction will not start until 2013. Moreover, its financing is not yet secured. Many seriously doubt the viability of the four states’ partnership (for a start, Estonia has plans to build its own mini nuclear power plant). At the same time, Lithuania is unlikely to finance the construction of the plant without the help of its neighbours. Consequently, the Baltic and Belarusian stations have good export prospects. It is now vital to develop a mutually beneficial sales plan. The Deputy Energy Minister, Mikhail Mikhaduyk, recently announced that, after long talks, Belarus and Russia have reached an agreement to set up a joint venture to export electric power. “Our expert negotiators have secured a mutually acceptable arrangement that ensures the joint sale of electric power via jointly owned cross-border infrastructure on mutually beneficial terms,” he said. T h i s w a s an n ou n c e d i n December and, in January, Mr. Kirienko and M r. S e m a s h k o

Rosatom considers the Belarusian plant to be ‘the most modern project’. According to the experts, some of its technological solutions are not just better but unique in the world The construction of a Baltic nuclear power station in the Neman District of Kaliningrad Region started in 2009. It will generate 2,300 megawatts, with the launch planned for 2016 — almost simultaneously with the Belarusian plant. With this in mind, the establishment of a joint company to sell some of the generated electricity to the West seems a logical initiative. Since the Ignalina nuclear power station in the Baltic Region closed

announced that Minsk and Moscow would be signing an intergovernmental agreement on the parallel operation of our energy systems. This means that a Belarusian-Russian joint company will be set up this June to export electric power. As a result, all the main issues surrounding the construction of the nuclear power plant have been settled. The time for the practical application of the agreement has begun.

Result exceeds all expectations Scientists from Plasmoteg Scientific and Engineering Centre at National Academy of Sciences’ Physical-Technical Institute develop first electrolytic plasma polishing technology for magnesium goods

omestic specialists have long mastered electrolytic plasma polishing of goods made from noncorrosive and carbon steels, as well as aluminium and titanium. However, this is the first time that they’ve polished goods manufactured from magnesium. Foreign specialists, including those from the Korean Institute of Industrial Technology, are already taking interest in our innovation. S c i e nt i s t s b e l i e v e t h at t h e new Belarusian development has promise, with the world’s largest industrial manufacturers trying to enhance the quality of their produce by applying magnesium. The metal is popularly used in mobile phone pro duc t ion, b eing st rong, and shock and vibration resistant, while easily processed mechanically. Its major advantage is its density, since magnesium is almost 4.5 times lighter than steel and 1.5 times lighter than aluminium. For this reason, it is widely used in the manufacture of aircraft and automobiles, with magnesium alloys allowing the weight of vehicles to be reduced, allowing speedier acceleration. “Goods from magnesium should be polished before being covered with lacquer and paint; our technology is very useful for this purpose,” notes Plasmoteg’s Deputy Director, Nikolay Chekan. The successful promotion of the innovation is likely as scientific centres worldwide fail to pay much attention to the development of polishing technologies for magnesium goods.

By Vladimir Vasiliev

2011 беларусь.belarus

Belta

Economyprospects

Opportunities always available World Bank experts make positive forecast in analytical report on prospects of global economy

xperts believe that the global economy is shifting to a stage of slow yet stable growth. However, the trend will not be evenly spread, with developing states, as viewed by the West, becoming a driving force for economic revival. This year, such nations are likely to provide half of all global economic growth.

Paying for surfeit

The contrast between developed states and those with developing or transitory economies is huge. WB expert Hans Timmer speaks of ‘two worlds’; one witnesses a struggle against the consequences of the crisis and previous surfeit, while the other has already overcome the negative consequences. This year, China and India could become leaders of global economic growth, in addition to BRIC partners Russia and Brazil.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Within the CIS, B elarus and Uzbekistan lead steadily. According to WB predictions, this trend should continue, with a high pace of economic growth seen throughout 2011, reaching 6 and 7.3 percent respectively.

Offer and demand

“This is a classical forecast, based on a range of factors,” notes economist Leonid Zaiko. “The trend is evident, although it features a certain degree of relativity (on the basis of $1,000 per capita GDP, it’s easier to see ten percent growth, in comparison to $45,000 GDP). In the present situation of global development, those countries lead which see high dynamics of industrial development. In Belarus, just 30 percent of GDP originates from the sphere of services; however, we boast a large share of farming, so we ‘fit’ the concept. In Uzbekistan, industrialisation is the major aim of the state, with the country planning

to build about 400 new enterprises over the coming five years.” “Those countries which have suffered less from the global crisis are coming to the fore,” says Olga Kirvel, a candidate of economic sciences and associate professor at the International Economic Relations Department of the Belarusian State University. “The reviving economy requires more energy resources. Taking into consideration the global rise in oil prices, exporters of raw materials — such as Russia and Kazakhstan — see good prospects. Don’t forget that these are our partners within the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. The restoration of demand on their and others’ markets will favourably influence the growth of the Belarusian economy. We depend on exports so, if Russia, China and the EU grow, it will be to our favour.”

Innovative reserve

Ms. Kirvel believes that, to gain the greatest effect, it’s necessary to enhance the competitiveness of products, while quickly re-equipping manufacturing facilities (using credits, loans and investments). Foreign markets now need manufactures with a higher added value. In this respect, science intensive branches require attention: petro-chemistry, machine building, pharmaceuticals and computer technologies. However, experts warn that it’s too early to celebrate the end of the crisis on a global scale. They consider the growth of developed economies as being hampered by restructuring of the banking sector’s obligations, in addition to excessive consumer loans, high unemployment and the reduction of sectors which flourished during the economic upturn. Short-term, state debts in Europe, alongside inequality in currency exchange rates, could hamper economic revival. There is also the possibility that food will become less accessible, with underdeveloped regions facing increased poverty as food prices grow. However, this could be another chance for Belarus to raise exports. By Yevgeny Kolesnikov

Newreality

De-facto European integration

Belarus strengthened by greater links to the global economy

landmark event took place in early 2011 when Geneva hosted the first round of talks on a free trade agreement between Customs Union member states (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This agreement would amount not just to the creation of a new European bloc but to a true single economic space. Whatever speculation exists regarding Belarus’ ‘closedness’ or ‘isolation’, the facts indicate otherwise. The Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Foreign Economic Activity Department, Valery Sadokho, headed the Belarusian delegation in Geneva (February 4, 2010, appointed Ambassador Extraordinar y and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Vietnam by the Presidential Decree) . He believes that it is impossible to impede progress where mutual interests exist. He started his speech with a positive piece of news: talks in November on the conclusion of a free trade agreement with EFTA will be held in Minsk. Mr. Sadokho, please tell us about the talks. What did you feel was the attitude of the European interlocutors? I was very pleased to see a high level of representation, a clear organisation of the negotiations, and a warm and constructive attitude from everyone who took part in the talks. EFTA’s delegation was led by the Director General of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Department, Jan Farberk, with over 40 delegates and experts representing the EFTA member states (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland

and Lichtenstein). Of course, Norway and Switzerland play a major role here as these countries are 29th and 20th respectively in the global ranking of foreign trade volumes. These countries are not EU members so what is their relationship to the EU? Lichtenstein and Norway are members of the single market, through members h ip of t h e Eu rop e an Economic Area (EEA). The EU and EFTA signed an agreement on the establishment of the European

Their interest is primarily based on the Customs Union’s size — 140m people in Russia, 16m in Kazakhstan and 10m in Belarus add up to a huge market that is of great interest to EFTA. As I’ve said, EFTA has signed free trade agreements with a number of states, including in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The organisation is constantly seeking to develop. The interest is mutual, it should be added. We need new technologies and let’s not forget that

The marketing of a country is an enormous task, on which research institutes, promoters and professional organizations are all focused. Belarus is positioned as a stable and tolerant country, where everything is aimed at sustainable development and at saving and improving the environment

Economic Area in 1991. Switzerland has a similar relationship, having concluded a number of bilateral agreements on a free trade zone. In addition, the European Free Trade Association has concluded free trade agreements with many countr ies and regional ass o ciations around the world, and EFTA’s member states have been members of the WTO since 1995. Why are they interested in the Customs Union, which is a relatively new entity?

Norway and Switzerland are highly developed countries. A Belarusian company, Belkommunmash, and a Swiss company have already agreed to assemble Belarusian trams in Switzerland. O ur comp anies — Belkommunmash in particular — are striving to create the machinery of the future in order not to stagnate. They aim to co-operate with Western companies, using the most advanced technical solutions. I have no doubts that the interest is also mutual as regards the establishment of a free trade

2011 беларусь.belarus

Newreality In the first round of negotiations, we made a lot of progress on the issue of trade. We discussed the issue of exemptions, taking into account the structure of our trade. Norway of course is concerned with the trade in fish. Russia has great fish resources of its own and, naturally, is cautious regarding this issue. I said that Belarus is not afraid to discuss such tricky issues. We are convinced that joint approaches can and will be found to all of the challenges that will undoubtedly arise. Is this our first experience of integration with European states?

No doubt. It shou ld a ls o b e mentioned that, in addition to the direct participants in the negotiations, many experts attended the talks. Norway sent fifteen experts and Switzerland — eighteen. This underscores their very great interest. We discussed the core issues at a plenary session, while discussions on trade in industrial and agricultural goods, trade barriers, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, rules on the origin of goods, intellectual property and simplification of trade procedures were conducted at the expert level. EFTA came up with quite a striking new acronym for us, which was widely used by all parties during the talks — RUBEKA. Explanation of the acronym is presumably not necessary.

I’d rather not equate this experience to dealing with the European Union. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are not EU members but enjoy free trade with the EU; they wish to see a similar relationship with the Customs Union. That is an attractive model which is also very instructive. In our talk with the Norwegian Ambassador, she noted that they are aware that Belarus has some problems with the EU; however, she added that ‘we are interested in mutually beneficial trade and economic co-operation and we will follow this path with you’. This is truly a European experience for Belarus. The EFTA states have close ties with the EU and their trade turnover reaches about 70-80 percent. EFTA and the EU apply almost

identical sanitary and phyto-sanitary regulations in trade. Similarly, we are close to achieving European levels of quality in our products and competitiveness. This is why we are interested in application the same regulations. Moreover, it’s very important to us that co-operation with EFTA be based on WTO agreements, since the EFTA member states are also members of the World Trade Organisation and observe its rules. Their common approach to free trade has already been tested through their adherence to WTO rules. We are very much interested in this as well, as we also are on the path to joining the WTO.

Alexander Ruzhechka

zone. For Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein this will mean the opening of new eastern markets. For us, it will mean our turnover with the EFTA states reaching $0.5bn — four to five times more than with some states in Central and Eastern Europe. Truly, the interest is mutual; EFTA has expressed its readiness to establish a free trade zone with us in the future. The talks have reached an intermediate stage which involves finalising the details of the agreements reached so far. Does this mean that the Customs Union i s v ie wed as a potential partner?

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The organisation establishes clear rules for all of its members. Do you know that 155 states are already WTO members? They are all satisfied with these common rules. Why should we dislike them? We cannot claim that rules applied globally will be harmful to us. Of course, any situation has its pros and cons. However, it is better to know which rules most countries follow, while assessing the risks and advantages to us. For example, transparency is an important criterion for investors. If a country is a WTO member, then its economy is transparent. When that is the case, there is no need to prove anything: membership of this trade organisation speaks for itself. Through this experience are we creating the basis for operating in the global market?

Newreality approaches to dealing with issues and outlined a schedule for further work. The next round of talks will take place in Almaty, in April. Geneva will host the following round in August and in November we’ll see the EFTA representatives in Minsk. This is expected to be a very significant year for our cooperation with EFTA. Moreover, we hope that signing a free trade agreement with EFTA might coincide with our joining the WTO. A Single Economic Space is being established within the Customs Union, analogous to the European free trade area. Do you believe it is possible that

What matters is that we are interested. We have specialists, highly professional engineers and technicians who work at companies employing many thousands of people. But, at present, it’s impossible to establish a new manufacturing facility in any region, from nothing; a production school is needed. Furthermore, the Customs Union’s member states should pool their capital in order to strengthen their position on the global market. Does this mean that the fastest route to European integration for Belarus is through membership of

potential partners. Of course, other countries are looking at our experience with EFTA, which is the oldest and most respected European organisation, with huge international prestige. Our talks with EFTA, proceeding from the WTO agreements, have another positive side. They are a stimulus for all of us, including our ministries and exporting companies, to acquire a more detailed understanding of the WTO’s major requirements. During our work in Geneva we realised that we can achieve coordinated solutions to all problems. Conditions for the development of mutual respect and trust are created, even in everyday life, when people become acquainted and establish close contacts. We’ve established common

a single integrated association will appear in the future, uniting the Single Economic Space and the EU? Being Director of the Foreign Economic Activity Department, I don’t feel authorised to discuss politics. However, I can say that the first step would be for our states to join the WTO. We will then need to deal with the division of labour — including within the Customs Union. We have to establish joint structures, as transnational companies do. Belarus already has powerful enterprises, so efficient production clusters could be built on the basis of those. Meanwhile, oligarchic unions exist in Russia. They are probably not interested in modernisation of the Belarusian economy...

the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space, rather than through independent efforts? The negotiations have demonstrated our mutual interest with EFTA in establishing a free trade area. Since these states are situated in Europe, then, naturally, we are becoming more integrated into Europe. Some analysts, in assessing Belarus’ membership of unions created by Moscow and Vladimir Putin personally, warn of the danger of dependence on Russia. What do you think of this? Such theories may exist. However, it seems to me that we need to build on existing and potential trade and economic agreements. If you look at the history of the EU, you may recall that it was not established by politicians.

Belta

Really, for Belarus and our Customs Union partners it’s very important to start the process so that the world learns that we are open to co-operation and integration. This is not the first time that the Customs Union has attempted to establish a free trade agreement. We are negotiating with Serbia, Montenegro, Eg ypt, Syria, Vietnam and New Zealand. A dozen more countries will soon be added to this list, indicating the huge level of interest being shown in the Customs Union. This interest inspires its members to strengthen it further and make it even more attractive to

Domestic production variety of world interest

2011 беларусь.belarus

Newreality In fact, the coal, ore and metallurgical industries of six European nations established the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951, having decided to establish a common market. This is why we should proceed not from political impulses (which may be of a temporary nature) but rely on economic and investment co-operation, building on our potential in order to move forward. How many foreign firms operate in Belarus? 830 foreign organisations are registered with the Foreign Ministry of Belarus, with 44 percent of them coming from the EU. I think that such famous German firms as BASF, BAYER, BERLINCHEMIE, BOSCH, MOTOROLA and STRABAG have opened offices in Belarus not out of idle curiosity but in order to strengthen our mutually beneficial co-operation. The list is quite long and includes famous companies from France, the UK, the Netherlands and many other EU states. What can you say about companies receiving foreign invest-

Never-ending co-operation with foreign states

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ments? In your opinion, can foreign investors refuse to co-operate with Belarus because of certain political conditions? Over 5,000 businesses with foreign capital operate in the Republic of Belarus, including 2,800 joint ventures and about 2,400 foreign companies. 1,700 of them come from the EU. Out of those, Germany and Poland have 345 companies each. The USA is in third position, with 327 firms (both joint ventures and foreign companies). Joint companies have been established with German MAN Concern (producing cargo trucks) and Carl Zeiss (manufacturing optics). Additionally, such foreign companies as Coca-Cola Beverages Belarus, MacDonald’s, Unomedical (producing medical goods), Chess-Bel (oil products processing), Fresenius (medical equipment), Heineken (non-alcoholic and lowalcoholic drinks) and others operate in the Republic. Famous Russian companies

also invest in Belarus, such as Lukoil, Slavneft, Itera-Group, Gazprom JSC, Gazprombank, MTS JSC and others. Will investors divest themselves so easily? Never. Business follows profits, particularly where there is no criminal environment. B elarus should be striving to create ideal business conditions, which it is doing. According to the World Bank’s annual ‘Doing Business-2011’, Belarus was acknowledged as a leading global reformer of the last five years; the country is now among the top three most active reformers, based on its reforms in the business sector. Which machines are most popular among Belarusians? Those made by Bosch, Siemens and Philips. Our streets are full of Mercedes, BMWs, Volvos, Opels and Volkswagens. About twenty years ago, no foreign cars were seen in our streets, while Belarusians could only dream of Western white goods. These examples show that Belarus is becoming integrated into the international economy. Which countries invest most heavily in Belarus? Russia is our major investment partner, accounting for over half of all investments. What about European capital? Is it active in Belarus? Austria, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the UK, Switzerland and Germany lead, primarily injecting capital into infrastructure, mo dernisation of enterprises and the service sector. Our Government has developed a logistics system development programme, r u n n i ng u nt i l 2 0 1 5 . B e l ar u s i s actively working with investors from Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and other European states on projects under the programme. For example, AOI NV of Belgium is investing in the construction of a multi-modal logistical centre near Minsk National Airport. We are also building hotels for the 2014 IIHF World Championship.

Newreality What were the foreign trade results last year? We primarily exported to Russia, with exports reaching $9.8bn, then to the Netherlands ($2.7bn), Ukraine ($2.56bn), the UK ($984m), Latvia ($930m) and Poland ($886m). These figures represented a rise (over 2009’s figures) in Belarusian exports to Russia of $3bn (or 1.46fold), to Ukraine — of $870m (1.5fold), China — $300m (2.7-fold), Brazil —$260m (1.58-fold), the UK —$180m (1.22-fold), Kazakhstan —$150m (1.48-fold) and Poland — $63m (1.1-fold). Belarusian exports also registered a significant growth in trade with Venezuela, Serbia, Iran, the Czech Republic, the USA, Estonia, Canada, Turkey, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Sweden and Italy. Russia apart, we witnessed large sales of our MAZ vehicles in Ukraine, in addition to high turnovers from Amkodor, Kommunmash, Gomselmash. We also export elevators and food to Ukraine. We sold $7bn of machines and equipment to the EU, mostly to Poland, Lithuania, Germany, the Czech Republic and the UK. Lithuania primarily bought machiner y for cargo handling, including cranes and loaders. Germany purchased our cranes, loaders, tractors and electric equipment, while the Czech Republic imported our components for cars and tractors. Hungary bought tractors and tractor-trucks (accounting for 74 percent of the volume of our mutual t rade), w hi le France purchas e d spare parts for cars and tractors (55 percent). The figures you’ve mentioned indicate that our economy is doing quite well. We are selling complex machinery to Western Europe... We are competitive, but there is no need to increase volumes for all products. As regards food, our products offer good value for money. Remember when we had problems with Russia,

when it blocked access to its market of Belarusian milk and sugar products? We quickly found new export markets — in Pakistan, Indonesia, Venezuela, and elsewhere. In addition, we are seeing not only a diversification of markets, but also a change in our revenue sources. Our

we win ever y round and all the visitors realise that Belarus is great at generating talent! But seriously, such events are a kind of debutantes’ ball for the country. We are preparing hard for it, at every level. This will be Belarus’ global premiere. Given its geographical position, Belarus is very open to guests — in the widest sense of the word. I imagine that the country’s image has its roots in this hospitality to outsiders ...

We primarily export to Russia, with exports reaching $9.8bn, then to the Netherlands ($2.7bn), Ukraine ($2.56bn), the UK ($984m), Latvia ($930m) and Poland ($886m) Silicon Valley (the High-Tech Park) now exports $158m of services; 50 percent of our intellectual product goes to the USA and 30 percent — to the EU. With what product is Belarus associated? Is it the ‘Belarus’ tractor? Or the software sold to the USA and Europe by our young computer geniuses from Minsk? What products should Belarus promote on the global market? The marketing of a country is an enormous task, on which research institutes, promoters and professional organizations are all focussed. Belarus is positioned as a stable and tolerant country, where everything is aimed at sustainable development and at saving and improving the environment. However, sometimes a minor detail can eradicate or, conversely, significantly enhance the attributes of a state. A famous American singer was once invited to Israel and when she arrived, she exclaimed, “It’s so wonderful to breathe the air here!” Those words pushed Israel to the top of the tourist ratings. I imag ine guests ar r iv ing in Belarus for the World Championship;

Our country is situated between two of Europe’s largest regional associations — the Customs Union and the European Union. The role of Belarus as a transit state takes on a greater significance in this context. As a result, Brest and Grodno regions are ideal locations for the construction of logistical centres, storehouses, refrigerated facilities and infrastructure. Commodities will travel through this area, from West to East and vice versa, requiring customs clearance, packaging and storage. Financial services will also be needed. Belarus is gearing up, with higher educational establishments already training would-be logistics specialists. The companies situated in these areas will benefit from the development of the Customs Union. When Poland failed to join the EU, Italian and German investors constructed large warehouses near Bialystok, anticipating that a new border would be created there. The same is likely to happen in Belarus. Are you sure that this will be an economic boom? This will be a new reality. By Nina Romanova

2011 беларусь.belarus

Tradingskills

orldwide, export leasing is an efficient means of promoting sales of machinery abroad, allowing states to expand their influence over a new customer base. Buyers are able to buy goods under deferred payment terms, via a long-term financial lease. Belarus was the first within the post-Soviet space to launch export leasing and, judging by the results, the experiment is a success.

leases to foreign companies has greatly contributed to the promotion of domestic machine building. Last year, giants such as MTZ (Minsk Tractor Works), Gomselmash, MAZ (Minsk Automobile Works), B e l A Z ( B e l ar u s i an Autom o bi l e Works), Belkommunmash, Bobruisk Plant of Tractor Parts and Units and Bobruiskagromash delivered goods to foreign countries under leasing terms.

Market acquires unique aspects Export leasing could drive forward foreign trade “Domestic export leasing is at the start of a long and difficult path, but our first results indicate that it is an efficient means of promoting domestic machine building,” notes Irina Nassonova, who heads Financial Market Development at the Finance Ministry. She believes that granting

беларусь.belarus 2011

“Last year, we transferred 5,316 units of machinery and equipment — worth over $290m — under lease agreements,” reports Pavel Krupnov, who heads Promagroleasing. “Compared to 2009, volumes quadrupled.” Since Febr uar y 2010, Promagroleasing — a leasing operator

— has been supplying Belarus-made machinery to the CIS, EU and Africa, under international lease agreements. In total, 25 international lease agreements for Belarusian machinery — worth over $30m — were concluded in 2010. Most goods were delivered to our closest neighbours: Russia and Ukraine. However, alternative markets are being sought, with five BelAZ heavy duty dump trucks soon to begin operations in South-African Republic quarries. The Czech Republic is another promising new market for domestic trade expansion. In S e pte mb e r 2 0 0 9 , Promagroleasing JSC set up a joint BelarusianCzech firm, named the Bel-Czech Trade Company. A permanent exhibition of domestic machinery is on show in Czech Třebíč, while a central E u r o p e a n warehouse of spare parts is opening, to be used by all Belarusian goods dealers in the EU. According to Mr. Krupnov, the markets of Austria, France, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Netherlands are under focus by the joint BelarusianCzech venture. “We have the opportunity to reach Romania and Moldova via Ukraine, where we already supply goods, and a joint enterprise in Georgia is also being considered. This would allow us to sell Belarusian machinery under lease conditions to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey,” he explains. The expansion of Belarusian export leasing schemes is being discussed at state level, with around 30 percent of Industry Ministry manufactures to be exported under financial lease conditions by 2015. By Alexander Bestemyanov

Technologies

Call to the future Do coin-box telephones and old-fashioned radio and telegraph still have a place in our modern world?

he number of mobile subscribers of heav y telegraph devices; old in Belarus has already exceeded telegraph nodes, which previously 10m, while the number of regular used to occupy whole buildings, can Internet users is close to 5m. Under such now be housed easily in a few ordinary conditions, it’s hard for traditional types telecommunication cabinets,” notes of communication to survive: letters, Beltelecom. Meanwhile, taking into telegrams and wired-radio outlets. account the development of new However, they still have a role to play in communication means, the number of our age of electronic technologies. telegrams sent has fallen by approxiE-mails and SMS-messages seem to mately 3-fold countrywide, down to have replaced paper mail but the National around 5,000 daily. Statistical Committee of Belarus stresses The number of street coin-box that written corres-pondence actually telephones has also fallen across the rose from 2000 to 2009. Of course, country, with about 13,000 remaining business correspon-dence has increased (over 2,000 are installed in rural over the last decade but letters to friends areas). This ensures a certain social and loved ones, as well as congratulations standard but coin-box telephones can on various holidays, are still popular hardly compete with mobile phones. among our residents. Nevertheless, they are extremely useful Traditional postal services do need in some situations, since they can be to move with the times. Hybrid mails, used for reverse charge calls and uniting an electronic message with can receive incoming calls. an ordinary paper version, are one Over the last decade, the such evolutionary move, adapting number of mobile subscribers to the new situation. in our country has risen 200In Soviet times, wired radio fold (against about 50,000 was in almost ever y home; subscribers in 2000). now, plenty of rivals exist, However, the number of with the wired network in owners of fixed-line phones modern Belarus seeing only has also risen — by over losses. Its future 30 percent over is being discussed the same period, at state level, with to exceed 4m. Over the last decade, s om e prop o s i n g Ac c o r d i n g t o it be completely the number of mobile Beltelecom, this d i s - m a n t l e d , a s subscribers in our country rise will continue, in several foreign has risen 200-fold as housing countries. Others construction believe it can save rates are ever lives in emergency situations while growing. Each new flat can be connected some advocate using existing lines to to the Internet, allowing residents to connect subscribers to the Internet use interactive television, in addition (although the technical feasibility of to having a fixed-line phone at home. such a project remains questionable). Specialists believe that fixed-line phones What about the telegraph? “These still have some surprises up their sleeve, days, operators use computers instead boasting new technological features.

Everyday broadcast of digital content Digital content now widely accessible via cable networks and satellite television throughout Belarus

peaking at the opening of the an nu a l e x h i bit i on e nt it l e d Promising Technologies and Systems: Informatics, Telecommunications, S e c u r i t y, B e l a r u s ’ D e p u t y Information Minister, Alexander Slobodchuk, noted that digital television is available to over 80 percent of Belarusians. This enables them to watch 30 high quality channels (rather than 5 or 6). “Being at the centre of Europe, Belarus must actively develop its satellite television, promoting its possibilities and products to Europe and Asia,” he stressed, noting that the successful broadcasting of Belarus-TV via satellite allows us to distribute information to almost every corner of the planet. Satellite broadcasting on other state and non-state channels is planned for the future.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Research and development

National Academy of Sciences ‘generates’ precious stones and ‘magic’ milk

ladimir Merkulov heads the laboratory of superconductive materials physics at Belarus’ NationalAcademy of Sciences. He takes a small box from his safe and shows us two apparently similar precious stones that are transparent and red in colour, sitting on a velvet pad. He asks us to determine which of them is a fake. Try as we might, we fail to see any difference, even after scrutinising the stones in bright light and with the help of a microscope. Only a highly qualified specialist could do so as the beautiful natural red emerald and its analogue (made by Belarusian

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scientists) have no visible differences and their physicochemical properties differ very little. Moreover, the artificial stones boast fewer defects. The invention of synthetic red emeralds could quite easily be called a major contribution to global science… and to the jewellery business. Red emeralds are seldom found in the natural environment. Moreover, their deposits — concentrated only in the USA— are insignificant and scientists assume that they will be depleted sooner than oil. This is why jewellers are now ready to work with artificial stones and, in the near future, Belarusian scientists plan to deliver the first batches of these manmade red emeralds to domestic and foreign companies.

Vitaliy Gil

Gems of scientific progress

Specialists from the ScientificPractical Centre keep the technology used in making the stones a secret. They tell us only that beryllium oxide is the basic material. However, success has not come accidentally to the Belarusian scientists. Their research in the field of high-pressure physics and superconductivity combined with super-hard materials has received global recognition and, as a result of their research, they have developed the technology to make artificial rubies and ‘natural’ emeralds. These have been produced to order from jewellers and toolmakers from all over the world. Belarus’ latest development is another great achievement. Let’s move from the laboratory to a goat farm. At first sight, there is nothing extraordinary about the animals here; they all have horns and beards! They all give milk, which is known for its ideal dietary properties. Their milk is hypoallergenic, contains many vitamins and nutrients and is digested better than cow’s milk. A question arises: what is the role of science with regards to goat’s milk? The answer: Belarusian scientists recently announced that they have bred ‘wonderful’ goats whose milk can be used to produce drugs that will significantly reduce the number of deaths from heart attacks. Additionally, new medicines will treat babies with dangerous gastro-enteritis as well as cancer sufferers. Another side-benefit will be advances in perfume-making. Moreover, this milk will be used to make compounds for bottle-feeding (similar to human breast milk). This is all possible due to a gene that has been isolated in the goat which is responsible for the production of lactoferin. This miraculous substance contains small quantities of colostrum, found in mother’s milk. Several drops of colostrum would be enough to protect a baby from hazardous microbes and viruses. Later, a child’s own immune system is activated. However, for obvious reasons, it is impossible to extract this wonderful substance from human milk in large quantities — but genetically modified goats can help. This year, the construction of a

Researchrecruitment farm for 250 milking animals and 500 kids will begin near Zhodino in Belarus. In addition, an experimental processing laboratory will be built where lactoferin will be produced for the further production of medications and food. This news has recently been announced by Alexander Budevich, the Head of the Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetic Engineering at the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific-Practical Centre for Cattle Breeding, and is likely to become a global sensation. Close scientific collaboration has enabled specialists to obtain this unique natural material artificially. Staff from the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Gene Biology have developed its ‘genetic construction’; using this, Belarusian scientists have introduced a human protein into animals. Of almost 300 tests, only a few proved successful, but two goats were born: Lucky 1 and Lucky 2. These were found to have the desired valuable properties and even passed these on to further generations of goats, which, in 2010, grew into a herd numbering several hundred. However, only a number of shegoats were found to have human lacto-

buy highly productive thoroughbred animals, while exploring technologies for breeding transgenic animals. Work is also needed on extracting lactoferin from their milk and on deriving medicine from it. Tests will begin in due course, likely to continue for about five years. However, there is no doubt in the scientific world of the Belarusian scientists’ achievements. Apart from this, Belarus is among the elite states involved in supercomputer development. Not long ago, scientists from the National Academy of Sciences’ United Institute of Informatics Problems achieved another significant result in this sphere. Their supercomputer — based on 12-nuclei processors and graphic processor-accelerators — has proved to be the most productive configuration among Belarusian computers; moreover, it ranked first in the global rating of the number of points scored during oneday calculations. This is a significant contribution to the development of technologies which make it possible to conduct super-quick calculations for universities and enterprises (linked into a single computer network). Belarus

Belarusian scientists recently announced that they have bred ‘wonderful’ goats whose milk can be used to produce drugs that will significantly reduce the number of deaths from heart attacks ferin in their milk. These record-making animals have up to six grams per litre of this substance (each gram costs around $2,000 on the global market). No doubt, these goats have ‘golden’ horns and hoofs! However, the First Deputy Director of the Scientific-Practical Cattle Breeding Centre at the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences, Ivan Sheiko, believes that much work lies ahead. The experiment is in its initial stages and it will now be necessary to

also plans to master the production of some components for supercomputers. Information-, communication- and bio-technologies, in addition to the latest physical processes, are recognised in Belarus as the most important avenues for scientific research from 2011 — 2015. This has recently been stressed by the First Deputy of the State Committee for Science and Technologies of Belarus, Vladimir Nedilko.

New address for innovations National Technology Transfer Centre (TTC) to open two branch offices in China this year

ne office is to open in Beijing, with support from the Scientific and Technical Exchange Centre of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, while another is to appear in Harbin. The expansion of the TTC network will help promote Belarusian scientific developments on the Chinese market, attracting investments for joint Belarusian-Chinese projects and enhancing business contacts between Belarusian and Chinese scientific organisations and industrial enterprises. Belarusian TTCs already operate in Chinese Shanghai and Changchun, with their services enjoying demand. “We plan to further develop and expand our network — both in Belarus and abroad,” explains the Director of the National Technology Transfer Centre, Alexander Uspensky. “New centres significantly contribute to the strengthening of ties between science and industry, while introducing the latest scientific innovations.” The National Technology Transfer Centre encourages prospective customers to buy Belarusian innovations and has 26 branch offices — in Minsk, Brest, Mogilev, Gomel, Grodno and other cities. Their specialists give recommendations to scientific institutions and educational establishments relating to innovation and investment projects.

By Vladimir Bibikov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Personnelrecruitment

In need of qualified staff Amendments to employment policy planned

Unemployment under control

Caterine Shaposhnikova

In the most complicated period of the crisis, Belarus managed to ensure employment and social protection for its population. At present, the level of unemployment among these eligible for work stands at 0.7 percent, compared to 7.5 percent in Germany and 7.9 percent in the UK. In Russia, the figure stands at 9.2 percent, while being 9.4 percent in Poland and 13 percent in Lithuania. PM Mikhail Myasnikovich recently stressed, at a governmental meeting, that no mass dismissals or raised unemployment are expected in Belarus in the coming days.

he country has plenty of jobs available, with more advertisements on the metro promoting new jobs than goods and services! In fact, there are just 33,000 unemployed registered countrywide

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at the moment, compared to 48,000 vacancies. In many cases, employers are ready to pay good wages, offering social guarantees, pleasant working conditions and a chance of a real career. Naturally, small towns and villages have fewer jobs available.

Market places tough demand

Naturally, it makes no sense to employ everyone in factories; it’s unprofitable for the state, society and employees. For the coming five years, the target is to raise labour productivity 1.6-fold, without reducing the number of staff. “While encouraging innovative modernisation, the state must ensure employment of its citizens and their involvement in highly productive labour,” Mr. Myasnikovich noted. “We are speaking of the creation of one million jobs, with each person adding value of $60,000 (under the parity of purchasing power). In Belarus, this figure is now 2.45 times lower than the EU average. We should reach Poland’s level by 2015.”

Teaching those in need

This year, 175,000 new jobs are to be created, with focus placed on raising

Creativityproducts the qualification and re-training of staff, supporting innovative development and remedying the current lack of highly qualified employees. The state is to aid the unemployed in setting up their own businesses, in the field of services, agroecotourism and crafts. Those who have lost jobs as a result of their company’s modernisation and have been re-trained are to receive increased allowances. In turn, those firms organising training for their personnel (under threat of dismissal) will receive funding from the employment fund.

A job does not make a man

The changing labour market has brought new professions into demand, with integrated construction-related professions especially required. Meanwhile, 2.5 times fewer people are to be trained for jobs less in demand -- such as secretaries. In all, 27 small towns are receiving extra help, with the districts of Luninets, Stolin, Pinsk, Mozyr, Zhitkovichi, Petrikov and Narovlya receiving special attentionfromthe2011-2015Programme for Pripyat Polesie Development. By Konstantin Ilmarionov

On the topic  B r i t i s h Fa s t Fu t u r e h a s

compiled a list of professions expected to be in demand by 2030, proceeding from the forecasts of leading futurologists. These include such ‘exotic’ specialities as cloning human body parts or managing the ageing process, farmers of genetically modified agricultural products and animals, virtual teachers, lawyers and attorneys, and those involved in personal design and promotion of personal brands. Another intriguing future profession will be the job of expanding human memory.On average, each of us is likely to enjoy 8-10 jobs in our life time.

Modern trends Belarus’ largest knitwear manufacturing company has begun technical modernisation. It’s good news for customers, since domestically produced knitwear is likely to become even more fashionable, following the latest trends

espite Belarus having many specialised factories, Pinsk’s Polesie is the most famous for Belarusian knitwear, being the largest in the CIS. Only four such firms operated in Soviet times: two based in Russia, and Latvia and Belarus having one each. However, after the USSR’s collapse, only Polesie, in Belarusian Pinsk, survived, thanks to state support. In recent years, the Polesie firm has been losing female customers, although knitwear for men and children has remained popular. Using equipment from the 1960s, it was difficult to produce garments to suit the latest fashions, inspiring women to shop elsewhere. Now, twelve new German flat-knitting machines have been installed, allowing the factory to update its designs. “Our customers will be able to enjoy absolutely ne w d e s i g ns , weaves and patterns of k n i t w e a r ,” stresses Polesie J S C ’s

D i r e c t o r, M a r i a Dubrovskaya. The new equipment is already used by many European manufacturers. “We’ve purchased

Italian yarn for the new machines, which differs from ours in composition, softness and surface characteristics. Our new products will boast not only modern designs but will be of an absolutely different appearance.” T h e d i f fe re n c e b e t we e n t h e equipment of the past and present is huge. For example, the 1960s machines require manual adjustment for each model, which can take up to ten days. Modern, computerised equipment takes only a few seconds to ‘read’ all the information from an e-carrier and adjust its programme. One and the same machine can knit simple and complicated patterns using different techniques, combining various colours and thicknesses of yarn; previously, this was impossible. New knitwear is already being appreciated at Russian fairs, with the factory establishing contacts with about fifty new partners, who are keen to sell its manufactures in Ru s s i a n shops. Polesie plans to further update its equipment; by 2012, a new batch of ‘smart’ machines should be in place, including unique tools produced by a German firm especially for Polesie. By Anna Potvorova

2011 беларусь.belarus

Context

Future connected with science

When initiative is encouraged Minsk authorities plan to alter approaches

ear of Entrepreneurial Spirit is to help reach compromise between authorities and entrepreneurs and Minsk’s Mayoral Office is ready to support the initiative. “Entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurship are similar words. We want all regional administrations to re-think their relations with small, medium-sized and large businesses,” notes Alexander Kalinovsky, the Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee’s Economic Committee and Head of the Entrepreneurship Department. “Entrepreneurial spirit isn’t a tangible notion, but refers primarily to reforming the work of all services, to support private initiative.” A serious programme is being launched to create business incubators in the capital’s districts, as well as establishing infrastructure to support young people keen to open their own business. A favourable environment for entrepreneurs is needed, allowing medium-sized businesses to create or

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expand their manufactures. Such firms producing export-oriented, import-substitution and innovation-oriented goods are to be most encouraged, receiving loans on beneficial terms. Allocating land lots to construct buildings is another promising area, supporting private initiative. Mr. Kalinovsky notes that, in late 2010, a Consultative Council to Support Entrepreneurship was set up at Minsk’s City Executive Committee, comprising officials and representatives from Minsk’s business community. “The task of an official is to remove obstacles hindering entrepreneurial spirit,” emphasises Vladimir Koltovich, the Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee. “We should not envy entrepreneurs; rather, we should assist them. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs should respect officials and follow the law.” According to Mr. Koltovich, in 2010, there were 89,000 small businesses in the Belarusian capital, accounting for 25 percent of tax revenue.

Belta

Belarusian National Technical University negotiates the establishment of joint sci-tech centres with SAR, Germany, China, Vietnam, Austria, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine and Poland

“M

odern highly qualified engineering staff are the basis for solving the most complicated issues defining the development of any state,” believes BNTU Rector Boris Khrustalev, an academician, doctor of technical sciences and professor. “In this respect, one of the BNTU’s most important tasks is the realisation of staff potential, meeting global political, economic and technological standards. The establishment of scientific-training centres, jointly with leading universities in the SAR, Germany and other states, will help us train our students using the latest developments and scientific achievements.” The BNTU liaises with over 100 universities from 32 countries. Having preserved its academic school, Belarus’ major technical university reacts promptly to economic challenges, offering three new specialities annually (there are 85 in total at present). The latest — such as geodesy, ship building and nuclear physics — are proving popular with applicants. It is also the only Belarusian university to train military economists and sports engineering specialists. The BNTU has been regularly taking part in the Hannover Fair.

Context

‘Busel’, ‘Grach’ and others meteorological observations and the prevention of unsanctioned forest devastation and poaching, to state border control and traffic monitoring. Scientists are now studying demand for the devices, negotiating with potential c u s t om e r s . At present,

supplies are headed primarily to the domestic market but the innovation is sure to become an export success. The range is being further improved, with medium and large classes currently under design by the Physical-Technical Institute. In particular, a 100kg model is being created — more functional and stronger than its predecessors, enabling it to cover longer distances at greater speed.

group proposed to assess universities based on their web presence in the belief that universities are best represented on the Internet. Other rankings conduct detailed analyses via polls of employers, under-graduates and graduates. “As a rule, these rankings analyse fewer educational establishments, primarily covering the English-speaking world, while the remainder are very narrowly-focussed, for example on educational programmes, on the provision of hostel accommodation or on employers’ opinions,” notes BSU Rector, Sergei Ablameiko. “The Webometrics ranking assesses a university’s web presence, encompassing the website design as well as the presence of scientific publications by the university’s professors, scientists and students, home pages created by the professors and administrators, as well as any events and campaigns happening at the university. This is the most complete analysis of university activities, regardless of their geographical location.” The ranking is reviewed twice a year, in January and July. “Back in early 2009, we decided that it would be useful for us

to be included in this ranking,” continues Mr. Ablameiko. “We worked hard on our web presentation and, as a result, our position began to improve. At first, we were ranked 1,916th but have now reached 1,474th place. Of course, we’d like to be among the top 100.” The Ivan Franko National University of Lvov, ranked 1,443rd, was recognised as the best university in Ukraine, with other Ukrainian universities being placed much lower. The Lomonosov Moscow State University (Russia) is ranked 386th while St. Petersburg University occupies 738th position. “There’s a special group at the BSU, which analyses this ranking and monitors the relative positions of other Belarusian universities,” explains Mr. Ablameiko. “I think that the presence of Belarusian universities in such rankings is vital, because this is a source of information for foreign students.” As far as the export of educational services is concerned, in 2010, BSU earned $4m — a third of all the money earned by the country’s education system. At present, 2,030 foreigners study at BSU.

he first batch of domestic ultralight pilotless aircraft has been produced, including the ‘Busel’ craft, weighing around 6kg. It uses the most advanced fine precision mechanics, optimal control methods, optics and other innovations, while being able to fly at up to 100km/h for up to an hour. Its electrical engine ensures an almost noiseless flight and it should be perfect for monitoring missions. The range of Belarusian pilotless aircraft also includes the ‘Strizh’, ‘Grach’ and ‘Mishen’, each differing in purpose and function. They are designed for wide application: from forecasting emergency situations, making atmospheric and

Rankings influence students’ choice The inclusion of Belarusian universities in world rankings attracts interest from foreign students

he Belarusian State University has been ranked 1,474th among the top 1,500 universities in the world by Webometrics. The Webometrics ranking of world universities is considered to be one of the most authoritative rankings worldwide. It is compiled by the Cybermetrics Lab research group of the Spanish National Research Council (part of the Spanish Science and Education Ministry) and ranks over 12,000 universities out of the almost 18,000 universities registered on the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The best method of assessing the performance of universities has long been debated. In 2004, the Spanish research

Belta

Belarus’ first manufacture of pilotless aircraft launched at National Academy of Sciences’ Physical-Technical Institute, in Minsk

2011 беларусь.belarus

Ecosystemexperiment

Price of marshes

Natural treasures being assessed worldwide over recent decades now include Belarus’ beautiful wetlands

n experiment of the kind has been for the first time conduced in Belarus, as part of the United Nations Development Programme / Global Environment Facility’s project — entitled Creating Conditions for Sustainable Functioning of the System of Protected Marshlands in Belarusian Polesie, which is supported by the Ministry of Nature Resources and Environmental Protection. Daniel L. McFadden’s method for analysing discrete choice is being applied, for which he has won a Noble Prize. Zvanets marsh in Brest region, the largest European lowland bog (covering 16,500 hectares) is being studied. Zvanets received global recognition in the late 20th century when a small bird believed to be extinct — an aquatic warbler — was discovered. At least 30 percent of the world’s aquatic warblers global live in Zvanets. In the mid-1980s, many

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feared for their habitat, since regular haymowing had ceased, causing the open spaces loved by the aquatic warbler to become overgrown with bushes and reeds. Measures are to be taken to actively protect the birds’ environment, with brush cut regularly. Both farms in the region, and local villagers, lack any economic motivation for haymowing at the marsh; they are satisfied with the hay collected from the existing fields. Specialists from the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus have joined staff and volunteers from the APB-BirdLife Belarus Public Association and foreign consultants in defining the financial benefits of preserving these unique open marshlands. Local people were asked to choose from various scenarios regarding welfare, with each being described with a range of characteristics, including ‘value’. The results have been used by the project to suggest four variants for Zvanets’ protection, each with its own ‘cost’.

The current value of Zvanets — as voiced by 570 Belarusians — is about $30,000 per hectare per year. This figure seems quite possible for the largest natural marsh in Europe. Taking into consideration that most respondents had never been to Zvanets, the lion’s share of this perceived value is unrelated to any utilitarian use of the bog; rather, the figure reflects its intrinsic value. The preservation of the open marsh’s ecosystem is important not only regarding nature protection but also from the point of venue of potential tourist revenue. Assessment of this area of natural beauty is to continue, as stipulated by a new strategy to preserve and sustain biological diversity, running from 20112020. State bodies and organisations involved in nature preservation will use the results to guide them in ensuring that such national treasures are utilised to the utmost. By Alexander Kopylev

Informationterminal

Comfortable holidaying in countryside Over the past three years, the number of farmsteads in Grodno Region has risen six-fold

lmost two hundred farmsteads are now welcoming tourists in this picturesque western

Polesie residents glad to welcome tourists Pripyat Polesie to become Belarus’ cultural-tourist brand

ripyat Polesie is famous for its landscapes, with unique lowland oak forests and folk traditions fascinating tourists. The region has its own cultural identity. Moreover, some of the villages in the region become islands during floods, making them especially interesting for tourists. “It would be wonderful for tourists to boat through these unique villages, whose houses are thatched. They

region of the country, with the largest number in Grodno district: over 50. This high pace of growth is largely due to the state’s efforts to create favourable conditions for agro-tourism; in recent years, Belagroprombank has allocated $10m for this purpose in Grodno region. Additionally, Grodno region’s Farmsteads public association has recently been set up, to assist entrepreneurs wishing to work in this field. Regional policy now aims to focus on raising the quantity and quality of tourist services, with investors invited to invest into new tourist sites, hotels and roadside services. Belarus is also to actively participate in international e x h i bit i on s , w h i l e organising advertising tours for foreign media and t ou r i s t bu s i n e s s representatives. could also chat with Polesie residents,” explains the Head of Marketing and Publishing Activity Department at the National Tourism Agency, Valery Boldyrev. “The area rather resembles Japan, which was a closed island for a long time. In fact, Pripyat Polesie is among the few Belarusian regions where authentic cultural traditions have been preserved.” Pripyat Polesie includes three districts of Brest region and four districts of Gomel region. The State Programme for Socio-Economic Development and Use of Natural Resources (running from 2010-2015) aims to support the social and economic development of the region. Resources are to be used wisely, with investments attracted and favourable living conditions created for residents.

Unexpected landscape Garden boasting trees of unusual shapes to appear in Minsk

t present, a range of garden trees is being developed, with their crowns likely to be spherical, drooping and creeping, via grafting, rather than cutting. The garden will boast weeping elms, ball-shaped larches, hawthorns with spherical double flowers and ballshaped maples, among others. The project is being fulfilled by the Central Botanical Garden and Minskzelenstroy enterprise, which is soon to determine the site for planting trees. “The garden will occupy approximately one hectare and needs to be on an existing, prominent green site,” notes Igor Garanovich, who heads the woody plant introduction laboratory at the National Academy of Sciences’ Central Botanical Garden. He notes that 1.5-2m saplings will be planted in late April. In future, other unusual gardens are to be created in the Belarusian capital, including those with lilacs and a continuously blooming garden filled with forsythia, shrubby cinquefoil, lilac, jasmine and other shrubs, ensuring flowering from April to September. An evergreen garden of cedars, junipers and cypresses is also planned.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artur Prupas

Export of services

Touristic know-how In the near future, Belarusian hotel bookings will be available online from anywhere in the world

rom February, any hotel in Minsk, or elsewhere in Belarus, will be available for booking via the Internet, in addition to bookings being taken by phone. All hotels countrywide will be available on a single database (at http://

belarustourism.by). Simultaneously, a national system of online booking of excursions and tours is being prepared, supervised by the National Tourism Agency. Valery Boldyrev, the Head of Marketing Activity Department at the National Tourism Agency, tells us more. The project should enable Belarusian hotels to work to global booking standards, increasing the country’s popularity. Belarusian hotels will become available to hundreds of thousands of foreign tour-operators and tourists. The scheme has no intermediaries, who

Reference  Generation_P Consulting — a resident of the High-Tech Park

— is providing technical support to the single tourist information network. The Belarusian company has developed unique software to automate the work of Travel Suite tourist companies. “This development is unique in the CIS,” Alexey Glamozda, Generation_P Consulting’s Deputy Director, assures us. “The innovation is already successfully used in some countries in Europe and Northern America.”

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require additional time and money. From now on, each hotel can independently register with the database, with potential guests seeing real prices on the monitor of their computer. Accordingly, they can immediately book a room, paying by card, receiving email confirmation of their booking. The Belarusian touristinformation network will thereby join the international database of

News hotels. People will be able to search the database from their own computers, or mobile phone or from a special terminal (soon to appear at Minsk National Airport, railways stations and trading centres). If I were a tourist using the online booking service for the first time, what would I do? You just need to choose a hotel, viewing available rooms and choosing the one you like. To book, you give your personal data and the number of your card account, so that one night’s stay at the hotel can be reser ved from your account. You’ll be able to pay on arrival but your card gives a guarantee. If you fail to arrive, this amount is deducted by the hotel; the scheme works in most countries. Are Belarusian hotels ready for this system? L arge and small hotels alike are now ready to join the system. However, the first thing they need to do is conform to European terms regarding prices and discounts. Of course, online bookings don’t limit a hotel in its distribution of rooms. Is the project aimed at foreign tourists? Yes. The project primarily focuses on raising incoming tourism. As soon as the number of hotels on the national online booking system reaches 30-40, we’ll be able to connect it to global systems, like HotelsPro or Booking.com. This step will allow Belarusian hotels to access a wider audience. A tourist from New Zealand, for example, will be able to easily book a room at a Minsk hotel, for any day and at any moment. The development of the online booking system is just one stage in establishing of a single tourist information network, under the aegis of the National Tourism Agency. Visitors to the belarustourism.by website will also be able to book a guide-translator or a tour guide, to accompany them on an excursion or a tour they’ve chosen. Transport services are also to be available for online booking soon. By Victor Anikeenko

Electronic tables Electronic tables to appear at public transport stops in Belarusian capital this year

insktrans’ chief engineer, Boris Demidovich, explains that the tables will indicate the time of arrival of the next bus, trolley bus or tram, installed initially at the busiest stops, on central streets and avenues. The e quipment is being supplied by Minsk Electromechanical

Plant, with the first sample arriving by late February. The instalment of e-tables on Minsk streets is an important part of the new automated system for the city’s public transport dispatching control. This major project envisages equipping driver’s cabins (of buses, trolley buses and trams) with GPS navigation terminals, allowing their location and route to be tracked, in real time. Additionally, drivers will be able to see the times of other vehicles, running ahead or behind schedule. About 1,700 GPS systems have a l re a dy b e e n installed and, by late March, all city transport will have them. In April, Minsktrans will begin installing navigation devices on i nt e r- c it y a n d suburban buses.

Tickets sold online Belarusian Railways sells tickets via Internet

assengers can now buy tickets using their bank cards, although this service is currently available only to Belarusbank card holders. The website www.poezd.rw.by gives information on the train timetable, fares and availability of seats. Tickets may be purchased for both domestic and international routes. Paying via Internet banking, passengers receive a unique 14-digit code, which is

then used to collect a ticket from railway ticket offices at any convenient time. The service can be used from 45 days from the departure date, up until one hour before departure.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Places of interest

Pearl in the сentre of Europe Mir Castle, a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, is open after its restoration and is ready to welcome 500,000 tourists this year

y late 2010, after three decades of restoration works, the castle in Mir, located 100km from Minsk, was completely restored. This architectural monument was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourists visited despite the fact that for many years it could be admired only from the exterior. Only the workers repairing the 16th century walls could enter the building. This is one of the few castles in Belarus to have survived repeated attacks and has survived until modern times, badly broken, but not ruined. Today, it has become one of the symbols of Belarus. According to specialists from the tourist industry, this is the most frequently visited architectural monument in our country. It is no coincidence that the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko personally unveiled the renovated building on December 16th, 2010.

Walls wrapped in legend

Belta

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who took part in the opening ceremony of the restored fortress, expressed the hope that the number of tourists visiting Mir Castle after the restoration would increase considerably. Experts from abroad expressed the same opinion. Director of the National Art Museum of Lithuania, Romualdas Budrys, who attended the opening, said, “There is much to see here and Mir will be visited by tourists from neighbouring states and elsewhere. I personally enjoy it

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here very much. I hope that the celebrations, which started here after all the halls and towers were opened, will continue for everyone who visits this fortress in future and becomes acquainted with its displays. The visitors will be absolutely charmed.” Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko, believes that Mir Castle is a stone witness to the fact that Belarus has always been at the heart of Europe and at the centre of European culture. The fortress was constructed in the gothic, baroque and renaissance styles typical of Western European architecture and reinterpreted by Belarusian architects many centuries ago. The exact date of the start of construction, begun by the owner of the estate, Yuri Ilyinich, isn’t known; however, it is unlikely that it began before 1522. The castle is square with, originally, four towers connected by walls, each of which is 75m long. The towers, identical in shape, vary only in their height: from 23 to 25m, while the height of the defensive walls is from 10-12m. The main wall faces Vilnius — the ancient capital of Lithuania and Belarus - and has an additional tower in the middle, which is the entrance to the castle. This is the fifth tower, striking for its beauty and elegance. Its basement once housed a prison and there was a chapel on the second floor. From here a metal drawbridge, protecting the castle from unexpected guests, could be lowered. The construction of the castle required significant funds, but nobody knows the reason for which it was originally built. This place had always been quiet and far from wars, so its construction was solely a matter of prestige. Later, it survived attacks from Swedish, French and Russian troops, so it was fortunate that its walls were built with loop-holes and military galleries so it was ready for military action. Until 1568, Mir Castle was owned by the Ilyinich dukes, then by the Radziwiłłs (until 1828) and the Wittgensteins (until 1891). The last owners of the castle were the Svyatopolk-Mirskie dukes (until 1939) after which the castle came into the ownership of the state. From 1989, it has been a branch of the National Art Museum of Belarus.

Places of interest In the second half of the 16th century, Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł Sierotka surrounded the castle with a 9m deep earth bank, which has only partially survived. Radziwiłł also ordered that a moat be dug, which was then filled with water from the River Miranka. The duke also commissioned Polish architect Marcin Zaborowski to build a threestorey palace inside the castle walls. This palace has survived until the present day, although badly destroyed and significant funds and a great deal of effort were expended on its restoration. In the 1730s, there was a Ceremonial Hall in the palace, as well as a Ballroom and a Portrait Gallery. Citrus trees, fig trees, cypresses, box trees, mahoganies and laurels grew in the nearby Italian garden. In 1785, Belarus-born Stanisław August Poniatowski, the King of Rzecz Pospolita — a united PolishBelarusian state - visited the residence. In the 19th century, the castle was neglected until its new owner Nikolay Svyatopolk-Mirsky began its restoration. The son of Nikolay, Mikhail — a multilingual diplomat at the court of the Russian Emperor - continued the reconstruction. The duke’s efforts were highly praised by the President of Poland, Ignacy Mościcki, who visited the fortress in 1929 (at that time Mir belonged to Poland). During the German fascist occupation the castle housed a Jewish ghetto and a prisoner-of-war camp. From 1944 to 1956, people lived in the fortress, leading to the loss of some of its interior decorations.

39 treasure-filled rooms

In 1970, interim conservation measures of Mir Castle’s ruins were undertaken. In 1982, new restoration works were launched, but they only truly got underway in 2003, when huge funds were allocated from the state budget — around $30m. Specialists from the Culture Ministry’s Belrestavratsiya enterprise did the restoration work, relying on archive data. If you happen to visit the castle, be prepared to spend all day visiting the 39 museum exhibitions, which allow visitors to learn about the history of the

ducal families and their way of life, and to admire the unique furniture, collection of weapons, reconstructions of knights’ armour and ancient musical instruments. 867 unique artefacts from the 17th19th century were purchased to adorn the castle. These include truly rare exhibits, e.g., a Slutsk sash and 17th-18th century Flemish carpets. The latter are interesting for their depiction of A European Buffalo Hunt. Most European buffaloes disappeared in the 15th century, but these could be seen in the Belarusian forests in the 16th century. In the 1490s, the young first owner of Mir Castle, Yuri Ilyinich, took part in European buffalo hunting. The last European buffalo was killed on Belarusian territory — in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha in 1627. A u n i q u e e x h i bit — the European buffalo’s horns, found in Belarus — are a true

year old princess Sonechka and, in 1898, duke Nikolay himself was found on its bank. Both were buried in a family vault not far from the pond. During reconstruction conducted at the time of Mikhail Svyatopolk-Mirsky, two skeletons were unearthed when the floor was broken up. The owner later ordered them reburied in an Orthodox cemetery. According to legend, at midnight on New Year’s eve, the clang of swords and whispering can still be heard… There are rumours that a tunnel, along which even a three-horse carriage could be drawn, connects the castles in Mir and Nesvizh. However, investigations, including a helicopter flight over the supposed underground corridor linking the two castles, failed to prove its existence. Me a nw h i l e , t h e legends persist and on

In the 1730s, there was a Ceremonial Hall in the palace, as well as a Ballroom and a Portrait Gallery. Citrus trees, fig trees, cypresses, box trees, mahoga-nies and laurels grew in the nearby Italian garden. In 1785, Belarus-born Stanisław August Poniatowski, the King of Rzecz Pospolita — a united Polish-Belarusian state - visited the residence rarity in the castle, gracing the walls of the Stolovaya Izba (Dining Hall).

Fact or fairy tale?

As any other castle, the fortress in Mir is rich in legends filling the place with medieval spirits and attracting tourists. A beautiful garden used to be situated to the right of the castle, but in the late 19th century the new owner of the castle, Nikolay Svyatopolk-Mirsky, ordered it cut out and created a pond in its place. According to one story, the duke soon had a dream in which a strange woman cursed his family. According to another, the mother of one of the woodcutters came to the duke and said that, from now on, one person would drown in his pond every year for each tree that was felled. The first victim of the pond was 12

visiting Mir Castle you will be able to confirm for yourself whether they are true or false. Reconstruction continues at Mir Castle. The fortress has been restored, but, according to Igor Chernyavsky, who heads the Culture Ministry’s Department for Protection of Restoration, this was only the first stage in the renovation. Many projects to develop the castle’s surroundings are planned. By 2013, the Italian Renaissance Garden will have been restored, in addition to the English park and pond. The castle estate will become a true ‘Mecca’ for history lovers and those keen on relaxing in the countryside. Several rural guesthouses already operate near the castle and new cafes open each year in Mir. High demand for a romantic and beautiful getaway creates supply. By Viktar Korbut

2011 беларусь.belarus

History vs present

Dreams coming true

Y 32

Ancient remains attract tourists' attention

ou can touch the bricks, close your eyes and interrogate silent witnesses about how the palace — the residence of the famous Belarusian Sapegi family

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Belta

Sapegi Palace, which is located in Ruzhany in Brest Region, is being brought back to life with the restoration of the east wing now complete. A museum was opened in late January and the west wing will be undergoing reconstruction this year

— looked originally. Who came to visit? Which wines did the hosts prefer? Who were the guests of honour at their balls? RuslanKniga,DirectoroftheRuzhany Sapegi Palace Museum, interrupts my attempts to penetrate into ancient times and invites me in. The young director is a historian by education and comes from Pruzhany District. Until his appointment, he worked for Pruzhany District

Executive Committee as a specialist in the protection of historical and cultural heritage. Ruslan opens a massive door and we find ourselves in the east wing. Just two years ago it was in ruins, but now its interior truly resembles a medieval palace, with a massive dark ceiling, metal chandeliers, windows with metal bolts and a pine staircase. Lace curtains and drapes, as well as chairs and armchairs, were especially made to order for the palace. The atmosphere and interior perfectly fit the epoch. After such an introduction, one hopes to see something truly exceptional — a certain large goblet, known as ‘Ivan’, for example, which was used by the Sapegi family to serve King Sigismund I. But that goblet, which was at Ruzhany for over two centuries, was taken to Russia just like most of the local area’s treasures. “At present, we can’t boast original artefacts,” notes Ruslan. “Precious items connected to the Sapegi family are now in Russia, Poland, Lithuania and France. Our neighbours are not in a hurry to part with these rarities. Some small items from the palace, found in Soviet times, are in the possession of local residents who don’t tend to return them either. Anyway, we’re negotiating with individuals and conducting searches in the archives.” According to the reproduction of an ancient map on one of the museum’s walls, Rozhana (the town’s name until Soviet times) is located almost in the centre of Europe. Kovel in Ukraine and Slowatycze in Poland appear to be nearby towns. In fact, they are hundreds of kilometres away — but we mustn’t judge the medieval mapmakers too harshly. In

History vs present any case, Ruzhany has always enjoyed a favourable geographical location. As I looked at the reproductions depicting members of the prominent Sapegi family, Ruslan continued, “These are temporary copies. Grodno painters make portraits in oil.” At present, the most important exhibit is a model of the 18th century palace, created by students at Brest’s Technical University. Another original is a recent Lithuanian work dedicated to the Sapegi. Ruzhany elders call themselves ‘litviny’. Their neighbours are Belarusians, Poles, Jews and Gypsies and evidence of their various faiths is immediately evident, with a Catholic church, an Orthodox church and a synagogue standing close to each other in the centre of Ruzhany. Unfortunately, the synagogue is crumbling while scaffolding surrounds St. Peter and Paul Church. The pearl of Ruzhany square is St. Trinity Catholic Church, built in 1617 by the Sapegi. With the permission of the local Roman Catholic priest, Janusz, Ruslan and I were allowed to view the church’s artefacts. The historian directed my attention to the depiction of the ‘Lis’ coat of arms (the Sapegi family coat of arms) and to one of the ancient seats, which depicts a coat of arms of the Karpiński family. “It’s likely to have been brought from the Catholic church in Lyskovo. The church there was destroyed but the grave of Franciszek Karpiński, a 19th century poet and playwright, was preserved in the courtyard,” notes Ruslan. Ruslan is assured that Ruzhany’s sights will attract tourists, who will be able to visit Ruzhany Palace, the Catholic and Orthodox churches, a synagogue, the Pruzhany ‘palatsyk’ — a museum-estate in Pruzhany — and ancient Lyskovo, with its ruins of Catholic churches and several mounds. Kościuszko’s estate and the Puslowski Kossovo Palace, which is also undergoing reconstruction, are not far from Ruzhany. This ‘golden ring’ may grow with the addition of the Ruzhansky children’s sanatorium at Lake Papernya,

where many Russians — potential tourists — come to rest. The Chairman of the Ruzhany District Executive Committee, Alexander Yurkevich, is a major force behind the restoration of the ‘Belarusian Versailles’ as the palace is known because of its beauty — even in ruins — and because of its architectural similarity to the French palace. He encouraged small businesses to develop the area around the palace and a hotel, cafes and shops will soon open. A souvenir shop is already in operation, housed in the east wing and mainly offering local crafts. Nearly all of the souvenirs carry images of the palace or of the Sapegi coat of arms, in other words have a clear reference to the history of the place. Once restored, the west wing will be used for wedding ceremonies. In addition, artists will have an opportunity to exhibit their works, poets will be

able to organise readings and actors will have an opportunity to perform here. All of these projects should be brought to fruition very soon … Meanwhile, there is still a lot of work to do on the palace itself. A sculpture will soon be installed over the gates as in the time of the Sapegis. The question is, which figure will grace the arch? A broken pedestal can be seen in one of Napoleon Orda’s engravings, while architect Jan Becker’s design has a female statue pointing to the Carthusian Monastery in Bereza, where a family vault of the Sapegi family is located. The original coat of arms has been taken down from the gates in order to be restored and has been temporarily replaced with a copy. Curiously, the ancient coat of arms was made from a conifer (probably a fur tree), rather than from bog oak, as was previously thought. By Valentina Kozlovich

 In 1598, Ruzhany was acquired by the Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of

Lithuania, Lev Sapega. In the early 17th century, a castle was built there and in the 18th century, Alexander Sapega constructed a palace estate. In 1831, the Russian treasury confiscated all of the Sapegis’ possessions because the family had supported the liberation uprising. These artefacts included the treasures of the palace at Ruzhany — the so-called ‘Sapegi collection’ — works of European art, rare weapons, war trophies, gold and silver tableware, family relics, gifts received from monarchs and precious books. In 1933, Poland’s Foreign Minister was Eustachy Kajetan Sapega, and Ruzhany was returned to the family. The owner at that time was his eldest son, Jan, who launched the restoration of the palace. In autumn 1939, the estate was subsumed into the BSSR under nationalisation. The Ruzhany Palace Estate has been under state protection since 1953 and in 1988 it was named a monument of national importance.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artpersonality

Master’s expressive peculiarity Artist Vladimir Maslennikov considers the native nature to be a source of never-ending artistic inspiration

he Maslennikovs are a wellknown family among art lovers and other painters. Pavel Maslennikov, a People’s Artist of Belarus, provided the impetus for his son, Vladimir Maslennikov, who is now a dynamic follower of his father’s traditions. O f c ou r s e, Vladimir has his own artistic identity, his works being recognisable and interesting in theirownright. Howe ver, it’s n ot

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possible to shake off the notion of ‘a dynasty’. The Maslennikovs are always gaining new followers, whom we’ll discuss later in this article. We met Vladimir Maslennikov at his workshop but already, by the eve of our meeting and discussion about art and dynasty, I had formed my view of him as an artist. Mr. Maslennikov belongs to the generation of Belarusian artists whose artistry has absorbed the best traditions of the national artistic school. Each of his paintings is full of harmonious colour. His palette is restrained and reflects the calm colours of Belarusian nature. The world of beauty is reflected in every aspect of Vladimir’s art — including portraits and epic landscapes of our native land. For over 25 years, Mr. Maslennikov has been exploring the well-known and undiscovered corners of Belarus, depicting them in his pictures. He is constantly searching for new motifs, which he eventually finds. Long ago he realised that his native land can amaze the artist with its unusual natural landscapes. Mr. Maslennikov has his own style of landscape drawing, focusing on the depiction of boundless natural space. The talented Belarusian artist has made many discoveries, allowing him to employ new artistic flourishes. The idea of boundless space, implicit in his landscapes, is reflected in his depiction of a soaring sky, which enthrals with its blue cosmic beauty.

The artist also uses his own unique symbolic compositions; the sky is interspersed with mountains of dark clouds cut by the sun’s rays. Such drawings add significance and expressiveness to the portrayal of his native land, matching its beauty, clean lines and originality. What led you to become an artist? When did that happen? My father was an artist and this played a key role. As for when it happened, I recall myself at the age of four. I used to say then that I would become an artist and a driver. And so it happened. I’m a passionate driver now, having learnt how to drive at the age of 13. I suppose that it is not simple to live in the shadow of such a star as your father — People’s Artist of Belarus, Pavel Maslennikov. You are an independent painter — Vladimir Maslennikov. How do you manage to have your own style of drawing? What helps you to remain an original artist? It’s not easy, I must admit — especially when I was young, and just graduating from University. I have spent almost half of my life proving that I’m not just a son of Pavel Maslennikov, but also an independent artist. With this in mind, I didn’t exhibit my landscape paintings for several years after graduating from University. I exhibited my portraits with the express wish not to be compared with my father. Later, I shifted to landscapes as they are close to my soul. Nevertheless, I also draw portraits. What impressed you about your father’s artistry?

Artpersonality

Belarusian Vast Land, 2004

I was impressed by his industry. He worked hard all his life and he always took me to his open-air drawing sessions when I was a child. I could not help but start to love landscapes. We toured all of Belarus and, when travelling to the Crimea, we always took canvases, cardboard and sketchbook easels. In Gurzuf, everyone went to the beach but we went to the mountains to draw. In those days, we painted up to four pictures each day. This has become my habit and now I never travel without my sketchbook easels. In our younger days, I travelled to the Crimea with my wife; even then I took a sketchbook easel, although nobody encouraged me to take my easel. You draw Belarusian nature and landscapes even now. Do you feel close to your land? Do you wish to express these feelings via your work? Or do you paint whatever you like? Actually, I almost never leave Belarus these days, spending time with my family, at the summer cottage or in the village. However, Belarus has so many wonderful places; there are meadows,

lakes, hills. Each state of Belarusian nature is wonderful in its own way, including the snow, rain and sunshine. I love my homeland very much. Artist Vladimir Maslennikov views Belarusian nature as an infinite source of artistic inspiration. With him, the aspiration for a lofty and harmonious perception of reality dominates. The artist wishes to feel a living connection between nature, as it is today, and pre-historic eras when the mythological connection between of all the phenomena of life was created. This artistic philosophy comes through in Maslennikov’s constant renewal of his artistic methods and approaches. For example, Vladimir always stresses the colourful concord of every motif of his native land through their spring or summer flowering — when bright colours look revived in the sunshine and the green meadows, against a blue sky. Mr. Maslennikov is among the few modern Belarusian artists to have perfectly mastered the grace of warm and cold colours. He manages wonderfully to depict space and the sun’s rays on green leaves, fields full of shoots and the living

mirror of the surface of the water. His landscapes proclaim life, in their colours and images. They are always close to our souls, arousing tenderness and generating a feeling of beauty in our minds. Apart from endless panoramas, the artist often depicts the serenity of quiet places, forest paths and birch forests. These scenes are full of delicate inner calm and could be called ‘islands’ of natural impressions as often formed in early childhood. These picturesque motifs are in demand among our contemporaries, many of whom have left their natural environment (where they were born and spent their childhood) to live in cities. The artist clearly realises this problem and is doing his best to expand the margins of their ‘concrete reality’ and, thanks to his artistic skills, bring back feelings and emotions that remind them of nature’s green kingdom. Do you prefer to paint large canvases or does the size of a picture matter little to you? I paint different size canvasses, but love large pictures. These enable me to stretch artistically. Most of my themes

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artpersonality

At the Lakeside, 2003.

are epic; they are panoramic landscapes, which require a large format. Did your father see your works? Did you share artistic opinions with each other? If so, how was that? Did your father point out any faults you might have had? On the one hand, my father seldom praised me. He believed that it’s not enough for a person to graduate from University to become a professional artist. Experience is essential. When I had my first success, my father did not interfere with my work, although we shared a workshop. He commented only after I asked him to. Although he had a strong personality, he was gentle. His praise took an allegoric form. For example, he might come home from an exhibition of my work and tell me, “You know, my guys (this is how his generation of artists referred to each other) have told me: “Pavel, your son stands out from his generation.” This was the highest praise. Was it pleasant for you to hear such praise? Of course. Moreover, I realised that it was praise indeed, as I knew my father’s character. This was a kind of recognition. I respected my father so much, that

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the highest praise for me was the praise that he gave. If he acknowledged my work, then it meant it was not bad. The same could be said about my son (Pavel Maslennikov is a grandson of Pavel Maslennikov — author’s remark). When he studied at the Academy I went to see his pictures and said, “You’ve grown up.” He did not receive excellent marks then but, after the exam, Pavel approached me and said, “It doesn’t matter to me how they assessed my work. For the first time I heard you say that you think that I have done some good paintings. At art school, I often received high marks, but you always scolded me then.” As you’ve s aid, your s on i s also following the same path. The Maslennikov dynasty goes on. Why has your son decided to become an artist, in your opinion? I can say more: my younger son — Alexey — is studying design now, and my daughter-in-law is also an artist. As regards Pavel, he loved to be in my workshop even at the age of five. His profession was probably predetermined. I can advise him in this field and, of course, he is successful. When I was a child, I also dreamt of becoming an artist, although I hardly understood what that

meant. At that time, my father worked as an artistic director in the theatre. You could say that I grew up in the Opera Theatre. Really, a living example is a very great influence. Your father was painting in different times. How do you characterise the evolution of art since then? Has the process changed? Probably. In the last 30 years, more trends have appeared. I’m a realist but think it’s good when many trends co-exist in art. It’s good that we are different. Is the present time favourable for art? We had state-commissioned art in Soviet times. Some people loved it. Now, all art is individual. Some artists are in demand, while others are not. My art is doing well at present. The state supports me and my works sell well. It is good when there is a need for art. Do you take market conditions into account? Do you wish for a painting to be loved by others? Or do you paint only what you love? Happily, the pictures that I wish to paint are generally loved by others. This is happiness. What is your artistic credo? To depict the truth of life. Do you mostly adhere to realism in your paintings? I paint from nature. I’ve painted hundreds of sketches, depicting different corners of Belarus. Like small springs form a huge river, these pictures drawn from nature are the basis for a large landscape which reflects the beauty of our native land. The key is to make those who see the work want to visit the place depicted in it. Once, I invented an environment, painting not from nature. The picture was entitled ‘Lepel Lakes’ (a district in Vitebsk Region — author’s remark). A driver — who was taking pictures to an exhibition —asked me, “What are these?” I replied, “These are Lepel’s lakes.” The man then said, “You are right. I went fishing there.” But it was in reality an invented place... A work should be recognisable. Only then might a person wish to walk in the surroundings that are depicted. I try

Artpersonality to pass on my feelings and emotional perception of the nature to the audience, via my works. Does success come easily to you? It varies. One work might be easy to paint, while another requires much more time and effort in the composition. I can work hard but fail in the long run. This seldom happens though. Is the realistic style current? In Europe, pictorial art primarily focuses on abstract forms. Do you think we should be proud to have the realistic school of painting and artists who represent this genre so well? I think we must be proud. However, realistic painting is losing its position. Fewer young people master this art now. Those who paint realistically often demonstrate a low level of professionalism. However, I don’t advocate the division between realistic and nonrealistic art. Professionalism is the key. As long as art is done professionally, it doesn’t matter which genre the artist chooses. Some Italians visited me once. They once had a wonderful school of pictorial art, but it has disappeared. We in turn have such a school, with good training offered at the Arts Academy. You can easily compare as you have worked as a teacher for many years.

You have observed the next generation. What is the future of our pictorial art, in your opinion? I think people must be trained. It’s their business how they work in the future, after they have completed their education; however, professional training is vital. An artist must be able to draw everything. They should shift to new trends not because they can draw, but because it is their personal choice. They should actively wish to work in a certain way!. What is your opinion of exhibitions? I graduated from the Art Institute and have participated in almost all the Republican exhibitions. These include group shows and my personal exhibitions (I have had at least five of them). I exhibit my works all the time and believe that this is the right thing to do — it allows me to see myself amongst other artists. A work might look fine in isolation but may appear less interesting at an exhibition, or vice versa. Exhibitions are necessary for us to see ourselves, they help artists to assess themselves objectively. What do you think about the future of our modern fine arts? I think everything will be fine. The older generation loves to say that today’s Peace of the Day, 2005

youngsters differ from them. However, I think young people resemble us as we were in the past. I’m an optimist. Are you self-critical? I’m extremely self-critical. It even hampers me. What is the key to your art? To i mprove i n t he d i re c t i on which I am now following. There is no limit for the sky. I want to draw landscapes, portraits and, probably, still lifes. I’m experimenting with dif ferent genres. I love to draw p or t r ait s ve r y mu ch , d e pi c t i ng different images and characters. Can you draw anyone’s portrait? Yes - but I only paint those who are interesting to me. Most often I draw my family: my parents, children and sister. It’s always interesting to paint when a person looks interesting both spiritually and in appearance. Vladimir is considered to be a perfect observer and fine psychologist in the genre of portrait painting. He depicts people whom he knows well and loves: primarily, these are very warm and attractive portraits of his father, mother and sister. The artist always depicts the best personal qualities in his models and his portrait gallery is ever expanding, with new images of his contemporaries who wish to have their portraits taken by this talented master. Are you aware of artistic failures or of artistic paralysis? Of course, failures happen. However, they are relative. I can consider a work unsuccessful but the audience might not notice it, and vice versa. As regards artistic paralysis, I can say that work is essential. Some people say that it’s necessary to wait for a muse, but it might not come. I think inspiration comes as soon as an artist takes a brush in his or her hand. There is a museum dedicated to your father in Mogilev. How many works does it hold? Is the museum popular? Do his pictures enable audiences to learn more about the artist Pavel Maslennikov? The Regional Art Musuem named after Maslennikov has many works by my father. A whole wing of the building

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artpersonality

March, 2006

is dedicated to the People’s Artist of Belarus’ personal gallery, consisting of three halls and a memorial room. The museum has many pictures, as my father personally sent many of his works there. After his death I also donated over forty works, in addition to sketches of decorations and costumes. The collection is rich and I think it includes my father’s best works. He sent almost all the pictures from his 1980s show, which were important works. Earlier, my father organised exhibitions in Minsk but later moved to Mogilev and donated all his pictures to the city. A gallery was opened and, after my father’s death, it was named after him. I visit it every year. The gallery hosts international art fairs, which artists from CIS and far beyond attend. Painters from Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Serbia and France have visited, and schoolchildren also come quite often and they all admire the work. Travelling exhibitions, accompanied by lectures, are even organised. The work is in full swing there. The museum is situated in a very interesting building. It was constructed in the 20th century, but has recently been wonderfully restored and repaired. I also have over 40 of my own works there. Vladimir’s artistic endeavours allow him to find possible answers to topical

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philosophical questions relating to art. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Mr. Maslennikov is one of the most outstanding Belarusian masters of modern landscapes. The creator of such significant works as Belarusian Vastness, Polotsk Distances, Lake Land is purposefully developing an epic cycle dedicated to Belarusian nature. He is at the peak of his artistic force and each of his new works adds new material to his artistic legacy. Can an artist make money by painting pictures today? You’ve mentioned state commissions, which are no longer placed. Is this better or worse for an artist? When I had state commissions, fewer of my other paintings were sold. At present, I have no commissions but sell more paintings to organisations or ordinary people. If an artist fails to sell his works, then he is unable to support his family, buy the materials necessary for painting or even pay for his workshop. Do you pay attention to art coming out of other countries? I can judge only on the basis of art exhibitions organised in our country, which exhibit primarily realistic art. Artists from all over the world use different trends, but Russia, Belarus and Ukraine have the strongest traditions of the realistic school.

Belarusian artists worthily represent our realistic school and demonstrate a high professional level. Mr. Maslennikov’s landscapes deserve special attention. The works he painted in the past and those he draws now are true poetic novels, created with huge mastery and excellent artistic taste. The most wonderful of them are those in which the native land is praised and nature is admired. Vladimir loves landscapes that help him to fully express his artistic personality, inner yearnings and achievements. His works are poetic and connoisseurs and ordinary fans are very fond of this aspect. Mr. Maslennikov’s landscapes are truthful, full of lyrical approaches and images. The author can be recognised immediately, even without looking at his signature; this is due to his style of drawing, which harmoniously unites the preciseness of life depiction with a deep lyrical attitude. More importantly, Mr. Maslennikov’s artistry stands out for its national colour. The artist has perfectly studied his native land. He sees so much that is wonderful in the surrounding environment that he does not need to travel far. He finds themes for his pictures near Minsk, in the Mogilev Region. Each time, his works arouse new feelings in the audience; even those who are not artistically inclined start to look more attentively at the world and to love it more passionately. Do you impose your style on anyone? Never. I would not want anyone to draw in the same way as I do. In recent decades, I’ve seen many copies of my works, in different places. Why should we impose our style on anyone else? On the contrary, an artist should try to find his own niche. I call upon everyone to do his or her own work, trying to improve and to be successful. The more difference there is between the work of artists, the better. It often happens that an artist’s first works look more interesting than his or her later works. What is your story? Did

Artpersonality you have a different perception of the world in your youth? Much is perceived differently in our student years. I once loved Renato Guttuso very much and made compositions similar to his style. I then worked less consciously and hesitated a lot. I also loved Čiurlionis and copied his style as well. This was my search. However, I eventually arrived at my own style. I’m improving over the course of my life. The works I painted 25 years ago are much weaker in comparison to my present paintings. I think I am following the correct path. I’m advancing gradually, without any long leaps. Pictures differ. Some of them might bring nothing to an audience’s hearts and minds because they focus on an accidental choice of motif and an intentional carelessness of form. Mr. Maslennikov’s drawings are different. They reveal the master’s culture and faultless sharpness of vision. He carefully selects everything that is typical of our nature, which generates anxiety in our souls, while attracting us with the blue horizon and broad rivers... Aren’t you tired of painting? It’s a pleasure for me. I think I’m a happy man — like many other artists who do their favourite job. They love this

business which sometimes even brings in money. This is happiness. When I’m tired, I go to my summer cottage. I have a workshop there as well. I might take a weeklong break, spending it without paints and brushes. I’m not a hunter or fisherman. My passion is automobiles. If I fail to drive for a week, then I feel my hands begin to itch. Do your works have a collective image? Yes, of course. I think that such large formats as I use cannot depict real objects drawn from nature. These are compositions. Look at this for example. It’s called ‘My Belarus’. This is a collective image, depicting our fields and lakes. As you can see, I often paint water. Lakes, forests and meadows form our Belarus. This picture is finished and has already been showcased at the ‘Traditions and Modern Days’ exhibition. Vladimir depicts space in his pictures in an interesting way. The foreground dominates, with forests and meadows depicted in the background. The pictures all depict the grandeur of our native land. They are full of broad open spaces, the artist being able to hear the voices of nature, and to find the unique features and national character in nature. The objective beauty of the world — seen and Lake District, 2010

Last Photo of Peaceful Times, 2005

reflected in a picture — overcomes us and arouses feelings and deep emotions in people. Vladimir’s landscapes encompass all of these features. Do you plan to organise a personal show in the near future? I had personal exhibitions in the past — hosted by the Palace of the Republic, the Arts Palace, the Mogilev Regional Art Museum, Minsk’s Mastatstva Gallery and the Belarusian University of Physical Culture. Is a personal exhibition a large responsibility? There is no hurry in preparing a personal show. I usually think the concept over for a year in advance. I need to know the building in which it will take place. It’s also important for me to know a lot about the planned exhibition in order to select the works that I will exhibit. Usually I need a particular selection of pictures so that they look harmonious. In brief, a personal exhibition is a very complicated process that requires an artistic approach. When speaking about Vladimir Maslennikov’s pictures, we can’t but think of the national colour peculiar to his art. He is a Belarusian artist, who feels huge sympathy for the country’s history, culture and nature. By Victor Mikhailov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artur Prupas

Region

Cultural year in focus Last year, the ancient city of Polotsk became Belarus’ first cultural capital and hosted various festivals, performances by the country’s best artists, competitions and national and international exhibitions. In late January 2011, Belarus’ second largest city — Gomel — took up the ‘cultural baton’

Belta

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h e Cu ltu r a l C apit a l of Belarus event, announced last y e a r, a i m s t o m a k e t he nat ion’s hig hest cultural achievements accessible to everyone in the country. The experience of other European countries has been used to develop the project. In 2010, Polotsk hosted over 50 landmark events, including performances by the Belarusian State Dance Company, Khoroshki, and the band Pesnyary, as well as exhibitions of Napoleon Orda’s lithographs, Ivan Khrutsky’s pictures and a range of other exciting events. The city of Gomel, which is 869 years old, is situated on the banks of the River Sozh. It has been justly honoured as a Cultural Capital of Belarus, boasting 47 cultural institutions, including theatres, museums, picture galleries and libraries. 94 of Gomel’s historical, artistic, architectural and archaeolo-gical artefacts

have been acknowledged as cultural treasures. Gomel is famous worldwide for its festivals and international competitions, including the Sozhski Karagod Festival of Choreography, the Golden Lynx ballroom dance competition, Pevcheskoe Pole choral competition and others. The Student Shlyager contest of vocal and instrumental ensembles is already popular, as is the Easter Festival — a multi-genre marathon of events, uniting art schools, general education institutions, colleges and universities. “We call Gomel a city of festivals,” noted representatives of Gomel’s Mayoral Office proudly after the official ceremony to mark the passing of the title ‘Cultural C apital of Belarus’ to Gomel. “Over 20 cultural events have already been scheduled, but that won’t be the limit. There will be many interesting and unusual events for Gomel’s residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Region t he mo st e ne rge t i c and festive of artistic genres — dance. It traditionally welcomes adult amateur choreographic groups performing various types of dance. Classical dancers

94 of Gomel’s historical, artistic, architectural and archaeological artifacts have been acknowledged as cultural treasures and international dance champions are usually invited, as well as professional dance groups and ballet troupes. The three-day programme usually offers a wide variety of events. As a rule, a solemn opening ceremony is organised at the city’s central stadium, with live performances from the shows’ participants delighting the audience. Open-air stages host ballet, folk and modern dance competitions. The whole of Gomel turns into a dance floor for the three days of the festival. This year, Sozhski Karagod will bring together groups from 15 countries, offering

spectators the opportunity to admire an ice show, a fire show, Irish dances, Alla Dukhova’s Todes ballet and Sukhishvili National Ballet of Georgia. Several interesting international projects will take place at the Rare Book Museum in Gomel Regional Library, as well as at Gomel Regional Philharmonic and Gavriil Vashchenko Picture Gallery. Exhibitions from the collections of the National Art Museum of Belarus will go on show, alongside exhibitions from the collections of foreign embassies accredited in Belarus. Days of Foreign Cinema in Belarus are also scheduled. The opening of renovated cultural sites in Gomel, including a new exhibition hall and a City Cultural Centre, will be a pleasant surprise for Gomel’s residents and visitors to the city. In addition, the city plans to open a Museum of Autographs of Not able Pe ople (people who are c on n e c t e d in some way to Gomel and have left their mark on its history). By Violetta Dralyuk

Alexander Ruzhechka

Gomel’s Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace will soon launch this year’s cultural events. It will host the Palace Fiesta-2011 — a presentation by the new Belarusian-Italian centre, planned for creation in co-operation with foreign partners. The evening will also feature the opening of the BelarusianItalian exhibition of contemporary art. On the Night of Museums, the palace and park estate will host a laser show accompanied by symphonic music. In May 2011, the International Slavonic Theatre Meetings Festival — preparations for which have already begun — will feature in Gomel’s cultural agenda. The festival began in 1989, having grown out of a society of leading theatres from the border areas of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. Over the years, the event has grown considerably with the addition of major theatres from Moldova, Lithuania, Abkhazia, Poland, Germany and Israel. This year’s festival will focus primarily on stage performances based on works of Slavonic drama. The 6th International Sozhski Karagod Festival of Choreography, launched by the Mayoral Office of Gomel in 1997, has already become a well-known event, dedicated to

2011 беларусь.belarus

Belta

Exhibitions

Alexander Radkov, First Deputy Head of the Belarusian President’s Administration, near the German stand

Pages of interesting dialogue

Hundreds of exhibitors from 23 countries attended the 18th International Book Fair in Minsk in order to engage with numerous book lovers

ens of thousands of visitors were able to acquaint themselves with the latest literature and with the authors. Ordinary book lovers, with no connection to the publishing industry, dominated the event and the organisers and exhibitors of the book fair focussed

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on this demographic. The pavilions at the BelExpo National Exhibition Centre, which hosted the trade fair, did not in the least resemble hushed libraries but were abuzz with excited voices. Meanwhile, an exhibition is a serious event and the educational process cannot be considered complete

without books and verbal communication. This opinion was expressed by the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Alexander Radkov, who attended the opening of the 18th International Book Fair. Many alternatives to traditional books have recently appeared, such as electronic books and electronic display boards. Despite this diversity, there should be a balance, believes Mr. Radkov. “We can’t imagine today a textbook without a CD-ROM or a lesson without an interactive board, yet there can be no lesson without books and face-to-face communication,” he stresses. The books, of course, were the major attraction for BelExpo visitors. There were plenty of editions to suit every taste: from miniature poetry anthologies the size of a match box, to huge folios not exactly designed for reading on the way to work in the metro. Mikhail Bakumenko of Minsk exhibited great folios, which were compiled, illustrated and published by him. The themes of these unusual editions are as diverse as the talents of their creator. The first volume to have been released (out of seven) is dedicated to the memory of Bakumenko’s elder brother, who died during WWII. The latest volume, released last year, is entitled Following the Traces of Belarusian Treasures and explores the history of our country through its hidden treasures and riches. The example of Bakumenko demonstrates that ‘even one man in the field is a warrior’, yet joint endeavours can also be productive, as proven by the Battle of Grunewald — the Battle of Nations, which was presented at the exhibition. This Ukrainian-Belarusian-Lithuanian research is devoted to the 600th anniversary of the victory of the joint forces of the Polish Kingdom and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania over the army of the Teutonic Order. The edition was created as part of the Ukrainian Book programme with support from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry and the Belarusian Embassy in Ukraine. According to Prof. Igor Marzalyuk, who took part in

Exhibitions the research from the Belarusian side, the authors of the book tried to give ‘a totally objective picture of the Battle of Grunewald, relying on national concepts of this important historical event’. Meanwhile, the pavilion of the descendants of those German knights was in the limelight at this year’s book fair, since Germany was an honorary guest. This country presented hundreds of books of various genres and themes under the heading ‘Germany: Wealth of Colours and Flowers’. Some German writers decided to present their works themselves, with Uwe Rada among them. His Die Memel: Kulturgeschichte Eines Europischen Stromes (The Nieman River Area — History, Culture and Fate of a Single European Space) was recently released in Belarusian by one of Minsk’s publishing houses. The author travelled from the source to the mouth of the River Nieman and met people from Belarus, Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad Region. Rada wanted to know whether the Nieman was capable of uniting the people living along its banks. Remarkably all the books from t h e German stands were donated to Belarusian libraries af t e r t h e e x p o s i tion. This act was highly praised, since, according to Roman

Still, Belarusian libraries have many works to choose from as over 11,000 books were released in Belarus in 2010, with a total circulation exceeding 40m copies. Of course, many of these were on show at the exhibition, with both large and small Belarusian publishing houses running their own stands. However sales have fallen significantly in recent years. One of the reasons for this global tendency was demonstrated at the stand of the Pocketbook Company, which produces electronic books and interest in its goods is ever growing. Such devices offer several advantages, including the ability to download more books than can be kept at a district library. The competition is tough and the participants of the Minsk book fair discussed the associated problems. For example, a lecture was organised entitled There, Beyond the Horizon: Electronic Books, Readers and Other Technical Means. The position of traditional book publishing companies is still very strong, however, as shown by the presentation at the book fair of the most diverse literature. Belarusian publishing houses have paid special attention to Vladimir Korotkevich, author of several classics of national literature.

Position of traditional book publishing companies is still very strong, as shown by the presentation at the book fair of literature Motulsky, Director of the National Library of Belarus, Belarusian book depositories need to buy five times more books than they currently do because of financial limitations. Such high growth rates are necessary to ensure compliance with UNESCO standards and although the financing of libraries is constantly increased it still lags behind the growth in book prices.

We recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of his birth. Alongside Vladimir Korotkevich: Famous and Unknown — a collection of essays, poems and dedications — the re-issue of his novel, Wild Hunt of King Stakh, aroused great interest. The new edition of this work — a landmark of Belarusian literature — was released in three languages: Russian, Ukrainian and English.

Representatives of the Belarusian publishing houses shared their plans. This year, the first five books of a 50volume Golden Collection of Belarusian Literature series will be released. The first volumes will explore works from the 11th to the early 20th century. Taking into account that the book fair launched a campaign to encourage reading, initiated by the country’s Information Ministry, we can only hope that each volume will find its readers. Another book presentation, which aroused great interest at the exhibition, was of a copy of one of the rare books dedicated to the life of Belarusian saint Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya. The book will appear in 2012. According to Vladimir Grozov, Executive Director of the Belarusian Exarchate Publishing House, the project has had a difficult history. Around 30 rarities — monuments of Belarusian literature — are currently to be found beyond the borders of Belarus. “They can be found in Russia, the USA, Sweden and Poland, but because of particular circumstances, we cannot retrieve them, so it was decided to create facsimile copies,” explained Mr. Grozov. Other factors, not connected with literature in any way, added a special flavour to the entire atmosphere. ‘Sweet’ moments at the event could be had at a stand offering books about la dolce vita — along with a honey tasting. If visitors were thirsty not only for knowledge, they could drink sparkling cider at an impromptu tasting. All of this was delightfully accompanied by smiling young girls in national costumes, unobtrusively advertising the stands of their countries. The atmosphere at the event was very relaxed and friendly. Many of the exhibited books were available for purchase. Although books were bought at a slower rate than hamburgers in the nearby McDonald’s, the pace of sales was still impressive. We have every reason to believe that in a year Minsk International Book Fair will again delight those keen on food for thought with new meetings and editions. By Yevgeny Grudanov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Approaches

Legacy becomes a priority

Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House aims to revive artistic and moral traditions

arities and book treasures of Belarus, prepared by the Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House, are to promote the revival of our historical memory, explains Director Tatiana Belova. This year, the publishing house has been honoured with the Presidential ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Award. Ms. Belova sees the revival of artistic and moral traditions and the preservation of our national cultural legacy as the ultimate goals of her publishing house. The country boasts many literary treasures, which need to be preserved. Moreover,

encyclopaedias, elite editions and photographic collections allow foreigners and Belarusians alike to learn more about Belarus, helping promote tourism. The creative team of the publishing house has won ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Award for creating Land of Power: Belovezhskaya Pushcha and The Radziwiłłs: 18th-19th Century Album of Portraits. The former is an encyclopaedia of Europe’s largest forest, the most titled reserve in the world. It covers the history of the site, from the first days that people appeared on its territory to modern times. The unique edition is full

Libraries to embrace latest technologies All school libraries to become centres of information and media resources

T 44

he Programme for General Secondary Education Development for 2007-2016 aims

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of original photos, published for the first time; these are supplemented with calligraphic texts from Carmen de Statura Feritate ac Venatione Bisontis (The Song about the Bison, Its Stature, Ferocity and Hunt) — a poem by Mikola Gusovsky, written according to 16th century traditions. The book also contains 12 legends of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. The Radziwiłłs: 18th-19th Century Album of Portraits is the first edition of a new series entitled Encyclopaedia of Rarities. Representatives of the Radziwiłł family — Maciej and Konstanty Mikołaj Radziwiłł — helped with the book, while the Royal Castle of Warsaw, the National Museum of Kraków, the National Art Museum of Lithuania, Vilnius University Library, Volyn Local History Museum (Ukraine) and the State Hermitage Museum (Russia) all donated materials. Ms. Belova notes that the theme of Belarusian history and the preservation of our cultural heritage is a priority for the publishing house. The second volume of the Culture of Belarus encyclopaedia is scheduled for release in 2011, in addition to photographic albums entitled Contemporary Belarusian Sculpture: 21st Century and Contemporary Belarusian Graphics: 21st Century. The Encyclopaedia of Rarities series is to be supplemented in the first three months of this year with Live Faith — Vetka (a photo album dedicated to the Vetka old believer icon). Such books as the Military Encyclopaedia of Belarus and the third volume of the Encyclopaedia for Schoolchildren and Students, entitled The Earth: The Universe, are also to appear.

to update all school libraries, explains Belarus’ Deputy Education Minister, Kazimir Farino. A list of information resources and electronic educational means (recommended for the provision of school libraries) has been prepared. “In addition, a catalogue of software recommended for use in education has been prepared; it is being regularly updated, duplicated on CDs and sent to educational establishments,” he notes.

By Yevgenia Yulianova

Culturalnews

Chagall’s pupil returns to homeland Russian collectors Isaac and Lyudmila Kushnir, from St. Petersburg, donate 62 works by Belarus-born Anatoly Kaplan to Marc Chagall Museum in Vitebsk: paintings, drawings and his illustrations of Sholem Aleichem’s works

Melodies of new musical discoveries National Academic Concert Orchestra of Belarus gave 92 concerts in 2010

he past year has been rich in events for the National Academic Concert Orchestra of Belarus, led by People’s Artist of Belarus Mikhail Finberg. In its many years of musicaleducational activity, the orchestra has been awarded the status of ‘Academic’, while earning such titles as ‘Honourable’ and ‘National’. In 2010, it gave 92 concerts. Among them were 27 new, thematic concert programmes and 15 festivals organised for towns in the Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev and Minsk regions, including Muses of Nesvizh, Chechersk Meetings, Turov-2010, Mir Castle, Mstislavl-2010, Pinsk Meetings, Visiting Napoleon Orda, Zaslavl-2010, Minsk Jazz, Hits For All Times, the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald, and the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk.

Those attending the festivals and art projects of the orchestra saw masterpieces of Belarusian, Western, Eastern European and Slavonic musical culture: pieces by Moniuszko, Churkin, Goland, Oginski, Orda, Glebov and other talented composers. Additionally, the orchestra prepared a large concert programme dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Vladimir Korotkevich’s birth (a classic Belarusian writer). New concert programmes were unveiled at the Republican Contest of Young Talents — Star Rises Above Belarus — as well as countrywide projects: The Year of Frederic Chopin in Belarus (devoted to the 200th birthday of this famous Polish composer), Polotsk is Belarus’ 2010 Cultural Capital and Belarus Is Us! public-cultural event. In 2011, the National Academic Concert Orchestra plans an even more extensive programme, to familiarise listeners with new musical projects, while helping them enjoy the highest musical art.

saaс Kushnir admits that, despite never knowing Kaplan personally, he is carrying out the artist’s wish to send his pictures to his homeland. Natalia Kozyreva, a candidate of art history, who heads the Russian State Museum’s 18th-20th Century Drawings and Watercolours Department (in St. Petersburg) stresses that most of Kaplan’s works remain in private collections abroad, with the Kushnirs owning a significant portion. Now, the best works by the painter are also to be held in Vitebsk. The Director of the Marc Chagall Museum, Lyudmila Khmelnitskaya, plans to exhibit the collection separately, allowing it to tour the Republic. The exhibition will spend an especially long time in Rogachev, where Kaplan was born. In fact, Isaac Kushnir and his wife also plan to donate a considerable part of their collection to Rogachev. In 1918, the artist moved to Vitebsk, studying under Chagall, who headed the Commissariat on Art in Vitebsk Province at that time. Chagall recommended that Kaplan go to Petrograd to learn to paint. Anatoly Kaplan is an acknowledged S oviet master, who allowed local culture to influence mainstream contemporary art.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Creativeimprovisations

Classics in any genre

The music group Belarusy brings international hits to our national culture

alery Shmat, who heads the Belarusy music group, h a s c re at e d an unusual ensemble. C r it i c s f e e l that its name sounds rather pretentious, but the group includes great soloists and artists who have more than justified their claim to this honourable name. Nikolay Zakharchuk is an operatic baritone and Alexander Kovalev has perfect bel canto technique. Vitaly Zyuskin is a lyrical tenor while Igor Retivykh boasts a deep bass voice. These talents help them turn classical music

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into pop perfection. Their style is unique because they bring world famous hits to Belarusian culture. They perform wellknown songs in their original language and in Belarusian. We talked to Mr. Shmat about their creative activities. Mr. Shmat, how did the group Belarusy come about? My teacher was Victor Rovdo, a People’s Artist of the USSR and prominent choirmaster, and decided to continue his choral traditions. However, in creating my own group, I saw it as an all-male ensemble. Later I realised that it would have to be a small group, as it would be very expensive to have a lot of members. My goal was financial self-sufficiency and we now manage to pay our own way. That would have been impossible if we

had worked exclusively in the classical genre. Our country isn’t big and there are plenty of classically trained bands, which means tough competition. In any case, our people aren’t so keen on classical art; they don’t attend ancient, spiritual or classical music concerts as frequently as they attend pop concerts. Your group is currently one of the most popular male bands. What’s your secret? The secret is simple. I’ve selected unique voices, which are completely different: baritone, bass and tenor. I have included no one with less than the equivalent of a conservatoire education. I also feel that charisma plays as vital a role as professional ability. I believe that no one can become an artist if they lack individuality. A person should be interesting in life as well as on stage. You are all so different. How do you manage to get on together? I’m shaping a whole from the diverse parts you see on stage. It’s a little like a game of chess, where the pieces differ from each other. We manage to perform well together. There are currently five of us and that’s enough for the moment. But that’s not necessarily the final number — the group is likely to expand to seven or nine soloists. Music for multiple voices has always been and remains my forte and I would be trying to create it even if I only had three people working with me. In which languages do you sing? We were the first to perform ‘Adagio’ by Tomaso Albinoni, ‘Bésame Mucho’ and Frank Sinatra’s songs in Belarusian, as well as in their original versions. We also do a lot of rock-n-roll and perform the Argentinean tango, ‘Hava Nagila’ and ‘Jingle Bells’. We sing in Russian, Belarusian, Latin and English. We also plan to perform in Georgian and Polish. It takes a lot of time to prepare these performances, plus we have concerts across the country and abroad almost every day. Do audiences sing along with you at the concerts? Of course. People enjoy listening and singing. That’s normal. Singing is a natural human impulse, particularly of good people. Goethe wrote that angry

Creativeimprovisations people don’t sing as a rule. When everything is ok in life, we always sing or hum something, even without noticing it. Do you only sing live? What other way is there? I don’t believe in lip-synching and recorded music. One hundred years ago people couldn’t just listen at home to material; they had to come to a hall, sit down, listen and observe. When you do that, you see what’s going on with people, how they move their hands, how their eyes move and even how they sweat. That’s a genuine way to experience music. Musical scores are just a small part of what a composer wanted to express, and a recording is also just a small part of what an author wanted to

us to stand still and sing beautifully. So in the nearest time, we’ll be polishing our choreography and stage movement. We’ll be creating a show. The title Belarusy and the word ‘show’ are somehow at odds … Our group aims to sing beautifully and to provide a show while combining the Belarusian language with great masterpieces. This was done in Russia dozens of years ago when outstanding choral pieces were translated from their native language. Now, I have a new project in mind and will try to bring it to the world stage. We are aware of bands who work in Latin and combine ancient languages, culture and

“Our group aims to sing beautifully and to provide a show while combining the Belarusian language with great masterpieces” express. Anyway, these days, everything can be polished up in the studio and even the most dreadful singers who can’t sing a note can sound quite good after computer processing. Our group consists of five voices, which need no ‘polishing’. They perform hundreds of thousands of notes, sung live, in concert. I’ve chosen the very best artists for the band. It’s not enough to sing with emotion, people also want to be entertained — they want a spectacular show. We give the public what it wants. It’s dazzling when one of us sings ‘O Sole Mio’ and suddenly begins to somersault — everyone just expects

Interesting facts  The music group Belarusy has collaborated

on a new creative project — Kurgan (The Mound) rock opera — initiated and inspired by the poet, Andrey Skorinkin. The opera was premièred on September 5th, 2010 as part of

traditions. I already have material for this project: electronic music and a cappella singing combined with ancient Slavonic languages and Greek. This may evolve into a melding of Slavonic and western features — a trend currently very popular in the west. It’s a form of cultural ecumenism — an aspiration to combine cultures. It’s easy for we Belarusians to combine all these cultural elements. We are a nation that emerged from a joining of east and west. You’re also running a vocal studio for youngsters, yet there are already plenty of performers in Belarus. Isn’t the Slavonic Written Language festival to mark the 100th anniversary of the poem Mound, written by Yanka Kupala, as well as the 50th anniversary of a cantata with the same title by composer, Igor Luchenok. Amateurs of the works of the great Belarusian poet Yanka

there a risk that the music market will become ‘overcrowded’? No. We are not aiming to flood the market with new singers but to give children an opportunity to realise their artistic potential. I’ve opened a vocal studio, where parents can bring their children to learn to work in front of an audience. A music school provides professional training and children learn to sing with a microphone and to work with pop music. We also offer courses in choreography. All this will help them in future to get a round of applause — even to win contests. While a classical music school provides theoretical knowledge, we offer practical skills. Children watch television and dream of singing with a microphone — we teach them how to sing and how to express emotions. Is your work great art or show-biz? For me, ‘Belarusy’ is a sense of life. I don’t remember when my working day finished at 6pm. I sleep 4-5 hours a night and sometimes don’t get in from work until 2am. My sister asks me why I want such a life. And what do you say to her? When there are opportunities for selfactualisation, you throw yourself into a sea of creative activity and swim not thinking about when you’ll have time to rest. You want to swim and swim. Of course, if I had a lot of money, I would hire several sound engineers and tutors, who would do half of my work. Instead, since our group doesn’t have many resources, we have to earn money to pay salaries, taxes and rent. We’ve managed to become a profitable band and we don’t need state support. That’s the most important thing. Last year, we performed 120 concerts and that’s just the beginning. By Viktar Korbut

Kupala are familiar with the poem Mound, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. In 2010, poet Andrey Skorinkin decided to breathe new life into the rock opera and has ‘reanimated’ it by inviting the country’s best vocalists to take part in the project.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Behind the scene

Belye Rosy: 28 years later The playwright Alexey Dudarev acceded to his creativity admirers’ plea and wrote a sequel to the Belye Rosy movie so much enjoyed by the audience. The movie, by the way, is still of current interest

hile preparing for my conversation w it h t h e pl ay wright Alexey Dudarev, I decided once again to enjoy the film Belye Rosy (based on his play of the same name), which was directed by Igor Dobrolyubov and filmed at Belarusfilm Studio in 1983. The same old questions came to mind: what makes the film’s characters so vivid and why do I constantly feel that they live in some town in Belarus? That was perhaps the reason why I eagerly welcomed Dudarev’s recent announcement to his readers and potential film viewers that he was planning a sequel to the beloved film Belye Rosy. The new script has already been published in SB Belarus Today. The characters of the film still live in the world of virtual images only. As Dudarev said during our talk, the script is still looking for investors, sponsors, and, naturally, a tough producer with a team of professionals. When reflecting over the phenomenon of Dudarev as a playwright and considering the background to his creative life, which was revealed to me during our interview, I perceived once again that Dudarev’s sincere feelings and dynamism are the very ‘elixir of life’ that enlivens his heroes. Alexey actively uses his spiritual life as material for his

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writing, enriching it with vivid and plausible features that bring it to life. The ‘Pygmalion’ theme may not be new, but it still requires a good artist to create something fresh. Perhaps my reasoning is somewhat mystical. So be it. But neither cinema nor theatre can survive without fiction that forces us to laugh or to cry and makes us believe in miracles. A good play or script is always a work of fiction, created by the author’s will, despite the presence of real actors and a real environment. So, readers, welcome behind the scenes of the artistic ritual performed by playwright Alexey Dudarev, who was invited to our office for this interview. By the way, listening to him is a great pleasure — he is something of a one-man show. That is not surprising considering that Dudarev, arts director of the Belarusian Army Drama Theatre, is professionally trained in the performing arts. Alexey, can you remember how the script of Belye Rosy-1 came to be written? Honestly, I was not supposed to write this script. Belarusfilm studio announced a contest and I was invited to take part. At that time I was already known as a script writer of such films as ‘The Wheel’, ‘Neighbours’, ‘The Debut’. But I refused since I was busy with other work. Nevertheless, the studio editor at that time, Lilia Beldyukevich, called me at home

and tried to persuade me, saying that a dozen pages about village life — which was so familiar to me — would be more than enough. So, I signed the application to write the script (which was called ‘The Village’) and undertook to write it. So in effect, you receive a commission for a film? Right. But I strongly opposed the title ‘The Village’. So, I invented the legend about our forefathers who were called ‘belye rossy’. I remember the reaction of Ivan Shamyakin (People’s Writer of Belarus): ‘Alexey, what have you invented? It is not true. Leave it’. He was one of the judges. I have naturally always respected Ivan Shamyakin, but nevertheless I didn’t follow his advice. And, with time, I was proved right because it has indeed become a new concept in Belarusian culture. Sometimes, I even hear how the Belarusian people are called ‘belye rossy’. The idea of white dew (translated into Russian as ‘belaya rosa’) came to mind when I imagined my native village. Good or bad, I got carried away by the script writing. And only when I saw the film for the first time did I realise my mistake in hesitating to accept this job. Even now, I feel very grateful to Beldyukevich who persuaded me to sign the application. How did the most famous master of Belarusian film, Igor Dobrolyubov, come to direct the film?

Behind the scene Of course, I gave Dobrolyubov some advice and information. But he was responsible for all the decisions. Once I phoned him and asked, “Igor Mikhailovich, do you have a tape recorder at home?” He answered, “Of course, I do”. I said, “Can I take an hour of your time? I would like to come to your place and read the script the way I see it. You record everything and then, perhaps, some of my intonations may prompt you. There are many things that I can’t explain in words…” Dobrolyubov agreed. During the next few days, we locked ourselves in his small home office and I read the script my way. I am not sure if the recording still exists. Later, when the first cut of the film was shot I saw the author on the screen. Not myself as the author. But the one who feels more acutely than others do. Perhaps this is not an accurate a n a l o g y, but I believe that I

felt like a mother feels for her child. It was some inexplicable, profound connection. Whenever a director or an actor feels what I feel in my play, they do a very good job. Otherwise, the result is just ordinary. Did you influence the filming process? No, I didn’t interfere in the process. I tried to make myself scarce during filming. However, I controlled the entire audio-dubbing. I recollect with great gratitude Igor Mikhailovich’s question after every dubbing session, “Lesha, do you have anything to add?” And frequently, I made notes on Nikolay Karachentsev (People’s Artist of Russia)’s intonations and those of other a c tors . I on c e tried to correct Boris Novikov (Russian Drama and Film Artist), but later I

Ivan Zhdanovich

Very simple. He chose the script, and later he called me and said, “Lesha, I’ve never read anything better on this subject. Would you mind if I directed the film?” I almost dropped the phone. How could I, a youngster, refuse such a renowned film director? I was more than happy to work with him. I only remember saying: “Of course, I don’t mind. Igor Mikhailovich, I know you and appreciate your talent”. I wish all my scripts were treated the way he treated mine. Dobrolyubov significantly developed and deepened it… So, he skilfully translated it from a script into the language of film? You are right. Most importantly, he didn’t try to change the feeling of the script, which reflected my view of people who don’t always fit into regular life, people who are often called odd. This oddness was a necessary element of the film’s success. As a director, he didn’t break this fine narrative arc, but simply developed it. So, I believe it was actually his film, built on sounds foundations established by me. I recently watched it again. I can admit, just as in the past, that it cuts to the quick, making one ponder one’s own feelings. In my view, it is one of the major attributes of this film. Who was responsible for the casting? Traditionally, casting is the right of the director. Of course, I wanted to see Belarusian actors in it. There are some, but well-known Russian names predominate in the film. That is natural, as a film’s success largely depends on the hype surrounding the actors… Undoubtedly, that is a major factor for success. What’s more important is that all the actors should fit organically into the film. Let’s take, for instance, Stas Sadalsky (Honoured Artist of Russia). The role didn’t fit him in any way. However, with the help of Dobrolyubov his character turned out to be touchingly organic. Did Dobrolyubov listen to your wishes? Did you collaborate at all?

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Behind the scene regretted it and never again made any remarks on his work. The reason was Novikov was like one of the elements. It was absolutely useless to disagree with him. He could act in an absolutely unpredictable manner on the set. He was a natural Russian joker, a genius. And it was better to accept him as he was because he did it like no one else could. In my view, the film was one of his best cinema performances. Unfortunately, Boris Kuzmich is no longer with us. Was it necessary to adjust or cut the script directly during filming? I had to make some corrections, but not on the set. One day, I received a call from Dobrolyubov who said, “Lesha,

The film was shot in Grodno and on the Kunashir in the Kuril Islands. We started in spring and finished in autumn. How did you feel when you realised the inevitability of the film’s success? I felt great, after doing a good job and I enjoyed the feeling of being part of this process. Perhaps it was also pride when I learned that 1,200 copies of the film would be distributed around the Soviet Union. It was the unquestionable success of the time! Films had to be approved by the State Cinema Committee in Moscow. I didn’t personally go there. Later, Dobrolyubov told me how the experts responsible for deciding on the number of copies of the film that were to be distri-

Dudarev’s sincere feelings and dynamism are the very ‘elixir of life’ that enlivens his heroes. Alexey actively uses his spiritual life as material for his writing, enriching it with vivid and plausible features that bring it to life let’s go fishing together,” although I have never been a passionate fisher. So, we went to Smolevichi in the Minsk Region, and, taking our rods, went into the water. The water was very clear and cold. I could see the float and even the bait and couldn’t understand the real reason for our trip. At some point, Dobrolyubov started talking, “Lesha, we need one more genre scene, the material doesn’t fit together”. And he explained where exactly in the script I was supposed to add it. Naturally, I agreed and immediately started working on it. Some twenty minutes later I returned and read him the result. Igor Mikhailovich approved of it. I asked him, “What is the main reason for our trip on such a cold day?” Dobrolyubov just smiled. Later, I realised just how creative a real master of film can be. In the meantime, I did cut the script significantly — many scenes were not included in the film. For instance, the scene where I played the director of a fish factory — not because I acted badly, but because it was too long. Where was the film shot? How long did it take?

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buted, stood silently then one of them said with a stunned expression on his face, “You guys really impressed us…” Did you predict the scale of the film’s success? Could you envisage that the film would become a real pearl of Soviet cinematography, a real people’s comedy made by a solid director and talented actors? I am convinced that when you do something with all your heart without thinking about money or fame — the result is always the same. Sincerity in art has always being the most indispensible factor. What were your impressions after the first showing of the film? It took place at Cinema House in Moscow. I remember going to the stage where the entire film crew was invited including Dobrolyubov and the actors. Vsevolod Sanaev (People’s Artist of the USSR) took the floor, while I, young and shy, mostly kept silent. The official part ended and we all headed to our places in the auditorium. Suddenly, Boris Novikov says, “Lesha, will you be watching this rubbish?” Somebody laughed, and I was confused, but I couldn’t refuse him and followed him to the cafeteria next to

the auditorium. Boris and I were sitting together when we heard bursts of laughter from the hall. “It seems they like it,” Novikov said. Of course, he was clowning around as he knew very well that the film was a success and he just wanted to see my reaction. So, this was how I missed the first showing of the film. Have you ever heard rapturous reviews of your contribution to the film or is the audience generally interested in the actors alone? In the late 1980s, we were in India with some Moscow playwrights. We were invited there by the Soviet Trade Office. Nobody knew that I was the scriptwriter of ‘Belye Rosy’, until I started talking about my plays and introduced myself. At that moment, I became the main focus. One woman, the wife of a trade specialist, stood up and asked, “May I kiss you? I am so glad to be able to express my gratitude to you. Your film is the only salvation here. It is so hot here, and at home it may be snowing already. When I have the blues, I go to a friend of mine who works as a projectionist and ask him to show me this film. I always watch it from start to finish and it always changes my mood. It is some kind of film therapy.” I recall that I kissed her hand feeling deep gratitude for her words. You’ve mentioned several times that a sequel to Belye Rosy would be impossible. Suddenly, I hear that Dudarev is working on Belye Rosy-2. How can that be? When I said that you can’t enter the same film twice, like a river, I wasn’t being flippant. It is a genuine concern. A sequel or a remake always carries hopes that the first version will lift the second one. Financially as well! Even if the second ‘Belye Rosy’ is not shot perfectly, people will still watch it just to make sure that the first film was better. Aren’t you afraid of this scenario? Over the years I have learned to believe and hope for better things: I am trying, as the young say, to be positive. Yet I am afraid of betraying what we achieved with ‘Belye Rosy’, I am afraid of betraying the memory of people I love and those who will never appear on film

Behind the scene again: Novikov, Sanaev, God rest their souls. Unfortunately, Igor Dobrolyubov is also not with us any more. I think he would have accepted the offer to work on the sequel. All the other heroes have aged by almost 30 years. Some of them have passed away, of course, but their families live on. I haven’t violated the essence of the previous film with the sequel. I’ve read your novel and was happy to feel the same atmosphere as in the first film… You are right, it was deliberately preserved. The main goal of the novel was to continue the traditions of warm, heartfelt attitudes towards others. Should the new director feel the same way, the second film might be even better and have an even stronger emotional impact on viewers. One wise man said, “Don’t take it personally, but your second job is better than your first one. It is deeper, more lofty…” In no way could that offend me. By the way, it was Gennady Garbuk (People’s Artist of Belarus) who urged me to write the sequel. At his birthday celebration, I was giving an interview and blurted out that I would give

And when I felt that I had captured the familiar atmosphere, I indulged in it and it gave me confidence that the sequel would be a success as well. Mostly I worked at nights. Belye Rosy… There is something magical in this name, something very close and native for me. It’s funny that today that name has been given to a real town not far from Moscow, an ensemble in Grodno, and even a street, and some estate in Vitebsk Region, and another ensemble in Novosibirsk. By the way, before 1982 there was Malye Rosy, Velikie Rosy, but no Belye Rosy. It was my complete invention. Writers often say that when they are working on a book they experience a special feeling that the book is part of their flesh and blood and that is springing up out of the soil into an

The main goal of the novel was to continue the traditions of warm, heartfelt attitudes towards others. Should the new director feel the same way, the second film might be even better and have an even stronger emotional impact on viewers a role to Garbuk in the second ‘Belye Rosy’. At that time, I hadn’t even started it, although the idea of writing a new script had already crossed my mind. Later, I was literary torn to pieces by questions of when? It was at that moment that I realised how popular the film is and how irresponsible my statement had been. Tell us about your inner state while working on the sequel? I had the feeling of returning to the time when the first script was developed.

imaginary world. The work is created entirely out of their thoughts, feelings and fantasies, out of their ability to shape these thoughts, feelings and fantasies into words, and out of their talent in shaping events and characters, singling out those features that are closest to them. Having finished the novel have you experienced loneliness and the loss of something beautiful, something that inevitably leaves you with the final dot on the page?

Of course, I felt it and still experience this emotion. It is an unavoidable state of mind for a creative person. And it was not the first time. For instance, when I completed the novel ‘The Black Lady of Nesvizh’ I refused absolutely to part with my heroes because I knew that now the play would be given over to others. It is similar to the feeling of saying goodbye to a beloved person forever. These are not just words but part of my life. I have already said that people involved in art have a dangerous profession. They enter an alien world which becomes extremely close to them and this world starts to influence them. Over the years, I have had more and more proof that our real world is somewhat tied to the virtual one. Therefore, we should be very careful when creating images and shaping situations. I am confident that you should never design nasty things because at some moment they might return to haunt you. Perhaps it is very important to have pure intentions because you often have to recreate, for instance, war or some other act of brutality… Pure intentions are an a priori in everybody’s life. Especially when you are recreating death or making your characters suffer in wartime. What in my view is even more critical for an author is his or her ability to be compassionate. It is like a gift from the Lord. They say that even the most wonderful script, just like the most talented direction, cannot guarantee 100 percent that a film will be successful. It is the actors who attract the viewers in the first instance… Only an insurance company can give you a 100-percent guarantee — those are the words of Ostap Bender (hero of a popular Russian film ‘Twelve Chairs’). But, seriously speaking, success is directly related both to a good script and to a gifted director. For instance, who knew Vladimir Ivashov, starring as the hero in the film ‘Ballad of a Soldier’? While the film is astonishing, if it were not for a script with such a reverent, humane approach towards the war, there would have been no film that later

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Behind the scene won numerous awards at international festivals in Warsaw, London, Cannes, San-Francisco, and Mexico. The script is the foundation on which a skilled director builds. I remember reading somewhere that Americans spend approximately 60 percent of a film’s budget on advertising. What can you say about film budgets, one of the key factors today in the success of a film? If you spend millions on poor work, it will still be bought! But for what? Perhaps I am too old-fashioned but I believe that depending on p ositive word-ofmouth, which spreads like

similar scene with Karachentsev’s hero. Even if we film somebody else, as long as it is near this building, it will create a connection between the time-frames of the two films — or a recognisable moment uniting both of the films. What would you wish for the future director of the film? To feel the material. If he feels my text, the film will succeed. Even if the director comes to me and says that I have to change half of it, I would be more than happy, provided that I realised that the director feels it. Although, I can say in all modesty, that there would be no need to rewrite the script.

“When you do something with all your heart without thinking about money or fame — the result is always the same. Sincerity in art has always being the most indispensible factor” wildfire, is also a safe strategy. A bad film will be spoken of as a bad film. For instance, we now see many TV-ads of ‘Sochny’ juice. It features an absolutely adorable boy. Remembering the boy, I bought the juice. But no matter how much I like the boy in the ad, I don’t like the juice and I buy a different product next time. I watch a TV-ad as a piece of art work, but not as an incentive to buy anything. By the way, at the time, nobody promoted ‘Belye Rosy’. Nor did they promote ‘Seventeen Moments of Spring’, nor ‘White Sun of Desert’, nor ‘Solder’s Father’ and many other wonderful films. Of course, you should promote your work, but counting on advertising alone is wrong. What budget would Belye Rosy-2 require, in your opinion? I don’t think it will require too much funding. There are no large battle scenes. All the filming will be done outside. The only desire from my side is that the film should be shot in the same location as the first one. For example, I would like to see some scenes near the Court Building in Grodno. The first film has a

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Would you like a role in the film, in the same way that Eldar Ryazanov (Russian film director) appears in his works? No, I can’t say so. I have enough experience starring in films. I believe that everybody should do their own job. By the way, Ryazanov does sublime work in front of the camera and, in my view, there is no one better. However, if the director tells me to act in some episode, I won’t refuse if I feel it is really needed. Today your main occupation is with the Belarusian Army Drama Theatre, isn’t it? Right. I am the art director, defining the theatre’s policy and artistic philosophy. I am persuaded that every creative company should have its artistic philosophy. If it has none, there is chaos and frustration. Are you staging plays yourself? Usually I participate in the process, my vision and guidance to the director carry over into the final performance. I create the foundation while the director (my namesake Marina Dudareva) builds the edifice.

What is your view on the global film industry, in general, and the Belarusian one, in particular? I hate the phrase ‘film industry’. In my view, this concept is essentially contrary to the idea of quality in films. There can’t be an assembly line in art. Of course, I don’t suggest that only films like Andrey Tarkovsky’s films should be made. Naturally, not all films should require deep thought. People also need light entertainment, but they should have a certain level of creativity and quality. I also don’t like films spoken of in terms of commercial products. A good film is not a product. I would be happy to hear Belarusian cinema spoken of as durable and high-quality, to see more good new films (not products) shot by our film studio. You are one of the script writers of The Brest Fortress. Do you think that the film is a success? Yes, I think it is. And I am glad that my part of the script shows the severe pain, compassion and anticipation of conflict. It shows heroic people who fulfilled their duty knowing they were doomed. I believe it is very important that a man in such terrifying conditions remain human. I am happy to see it in the film. We may as well admit that there are many films with nice backdrops and a great deal of naturalism — but they don’t touch me. Sometimes I ask myself if I have become cynical. But the problem is that if cynics make such films I also become a cynic. If in the script a man dies, somebody should feel pain and grief. I don’t know the mechanism by which a script-writer conveys pain when crafting a scene, but in my own experience I know it works when there is compassion on the part of the scriptwriter. Your novel contains some very deep thoughts. For instance, the idea that people shouldn’t verbalise their thoughts, but feel each other’s souls, that everything true is given to a person for free, that living decently is more profitable… How would you comment on them? Should I? I can only present these ideas, without comment. By Valentina Zhdanovich

Sports

Passport to victory The citizenship of leading sports personalities is a delicate matter. In a country’s drive for sporting victory, it will re-clothe a sports personality in its own colours, as any prominent couturier might do. Almost every such ‘makeover’ arouses a response as excitable as the response to a fashion designer’s latest collection. While designers and tailors usually put their professional reputations on the line, the ‘face of a nation’ is often at stake during ‘passport wars’ in sport. On the eve of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia is in a hurry to acquire Korean ice skaters, Canadian curling athletes and even Belarusian freestyle skiers. Meanwhile, Belarus is not being left behind. Over the last few years, we have seen several landmark ‘transfers’ in sport

By Dmitry Komarov

veryone is aware that a soldier cannot win a battle single-handedly. However, everyone knows about the role Brazilians play in today’s football. Of course, a single Brazilian player cannot carry his team to the European Championship, but he can easily score a decisive goal or launch an Renan Bressan attack at the necessary moment. Age: 22 Renan Bressan has proven this C ountry: Brazil ability in the Belarusian championship several times. Last year Best Player in alone, the 22-year old Brazilian the Belarusian half-back scored 15 goals in the Championship domestic championship playing for BATE Borisov and won ‘Best Player in the Belarusian Championship’, ‘Best Top Scorer’ and ‘Best Half-Back’. In addition, during the time he has played for Gomel, the Brazilian has managed to master Russian. Re-assessments of the Brazilian’s ability to benefit our national team (which lacks leaders and especially top scorers) are made each time Bressan’s individual standing changes. Finally, however, last season the leadership of the Belarusian Football Federation and Bernd Stange, head coach of the national team, came to the conclusion that the young and promising pupil from

Atlético school (Tubarão) would be extremely useful to the country’s major team. Bressan didn’t demur and officially became a Belarusian citizen in midDecember.

“Brazil is a very dear place for me, it’s my homeland and I will never give up my Brazilian passport. I will have dual citizenship. But Belarus has also given me much that is positive, both in my profession and in life. If I hadn’t got here I don’t know what I would be now. I can sincerely say that Belarus is also a dear country for me and I like everything here, although, I do sometimes miss going to a beach, like at home. However, this doesn’t prevent me from living and playing football.”

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Sports

mericans in basketball are like Brazilians in football. This means that almost every European national team, aiming to achieve good results, acquired one or two dark-skinned warriors. Even John Holden and Becky Hammon have appeared in Russian teams, which in the past were concerned with the ‘purity’ of their teams. The situation in B elarus is different. A basketball revival began only relatively recently i n o u r c o u nt r y a n d at Gomel’s matches in the 1990s, African-American giants used to draw full houses. Now, the crowds are no longer surprised to see the likes of Shawn King, Melvin Sanders or Brooke Dante Stiggers Kuinan on the court. Still, the Age: 27 arrival of Dante Stiggers caused a Country: USA huge sensation. Sport: basketball The agile and speedy basketball player with a ‘Texas Fellow’ tattoo on his shoulder so greatly impressed fans and sports professionals that Victor Kamenkov, the Chairman of the Belarusian Basketball Federation,

arranged for him to be given Belarusian citizenship. However, we can’t say exactly how fruitful these efforts have turned out to be. Stiggers is technically a good acquisition for our national squad, but last season head coach, Mikhail Feiman, didn’t find a place for Stiggers on the team and the African-Belarusian (a former favourite of the Minsk-2006 championship squad) spent just several minutes on the court. This season, Stiggers has gone to sunny Cyprus to play and is likely to return o n l y i n s u m m e r, when his European season will begin.

“It wasn’t difficult to adapt to the Belarusian model of playing. My style of play and personality can adapt to any teammates, whatever model is proposed by the coach. My role on the team is essentially unchanging: I have to get the ball into position, helping my teammates by actively protecting and supporting them, and to attack when there is a good opportunity. There’s nothing extraordinary about that. The most vital thing is to be guided by the team’s interests in each match and focus exclusively on what is good for the squad. I feel myself to be 100 percent a Belarusian national team player. It’s very nice that my teammates have accepted me, as that’s essential for team cohesion. Everyone is friendly and I’ve almost learnt your national anthem.”

“I have Belarusian citizenship, as well as a Slovenian passport. I refused to refute my Belarusian citizenship; I’ve kept it and I’m proud of that. My wife had an opportunity to change her passport but said that she preferred to travel through Europe on visas and to keep her Belarusian passport. For us Belarus will always remain our native home. As far as results are concerned, we should remember that this is a team sport. I’m not a magician and I can’t change everything alone and turn the situation on its head, however much I’d like to. Belarus’ last team achievement was second place at the European Junior Championships in 2000. A lot of time will be needed to catch up. However, our current team has great potential and more importantly a great desire to play and to win.”

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ergey Rutenko is considered to be a ‘phenomenon’ in Belarusian handball and in sport generally. A ‘wandering son’, who left the country in the early 1990s, he became the world’s most expensive

Sports

elarusian track-andfield isn’t the most interesting sport as regardsthe‘importing of stars’. That’s because many champions, born in various corners of the former USSR, transferred to our national team as part of the ‘Soviet legacy’. Meanwhile, primarily Belarusian stars have recently brought fame to our Republic including Ivan Tikhon, the Turov sisters and Oksana Menkova. The appearance of Anastasia Shvedova is rat her t he Anastasia Shvedova e x c e p t i o n Age: 30 that proves Country: Russia t h e r u l e , Sport: pole vault and a very promising exception. Firstly, there have never been strong pole-vaulters in our country yet within a year a smiling young girl from St. Petersburg has managed to break national records several times. Secondly, Shvedova isn’t going to be satisfied with just local victories. In Russia, Anastasia was one of the strongest

pole-vaulters, second only to prominent Yelena Isinbaeva. She agreed to move because of growing problems with financing and coach wars, which significantly complicated her inclusion in the Russian national team, which competes internationally. The results were quick to follow. Last year, the young girl was just several centimetres short of winning a medal at the European Championships in Barcelona. She plans to correct this ‘mistake’ next summer. At the World Championships in Daegu, Korea, to be held in August, she is likely to win a medal, as well as an opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games in London, where she plans to win Belarus’ first medal in pole vaulting.

“I can forget about being the pole-vaulting champion as long as Isinbaeva is competing. The only chance is if Yelena makes a mistake or if a situation arose, similar to that of Rogowska at the World Championships in Berlin. Whatever she says, no one could ever have imagined before the tournament that the Pole would win. Since Isinbaeva isn’t going to leave the sport, the situation is unlikely to change and I refused to be second best. Maybe I’ll be lucky to come first one day… Anyway, I plan to compete in the London Olympics and I’ll be glad to win medals there for Belarus.”

handball player when he moved from Spanish Ciudad Real to Barcelona for 1.2m Euros. He holds Slovenian and Spanish passports, but refused foreign promises and returned home with the firm intention of helping his team to become one of the world’s strongest squads. Some believe that Rutenko’s arrival is a turning point for Belarusian handball while others believe Sergey Rutenko that it’s just a successful PR job. Anyway, the Belarusian sport has Age: 31 never seen a more high profile ‘transfer’. Country: Belarus We’ll soon be able to assess the effect Sport: handball of the presence of a true champion on the court, something our national team has always lacked. On the way to the European Championship finals, the Belarusian team will have to face matches against Switzerland and Denmark — a silver medallist of the World Championships. It’s impossible to think of a more complicated and interesting ‘test’ for our team and Sergey Rutenko.

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Kaleidoscope

Eternal Song returns Touring with inspiration Minsk Puppet Theatre stages Eternal Song, inspired by Belarusian literary classic Yanka Kupala’s poem of same title

he performance has won a Grand Prix at the International Belaya Vezha Theatre Festival, as well as a prize for best stage direction at the International Puppet Festival in Zagreb. Moreover, it has taken part in numerous festivals in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. However, until recently, Minsk had hardly had the chance to see it. Initially, Kupala’s classical poem was adapted for small performances, with no suitable platform for its wider performance. Now, the Eternal Song, staged by Alexey Lelyavsky and Irina Yurieva, has been adjusted to the big stage, available to everyone. Dedicated to our wonderful land and its residents, their joys and sorrows, it explores Belarus in its true colours.

Who will go to Yerevan? Belteleradiocomapny announces national selection round for International Junior Eurovision-2011 Song Contest

ince February 11th, young performers have been submitting their applications for entry. Young applicants should be at least 10 but no more than 15 years old at the time of the international competition and the contest is open to citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens and stateless persons having permanently resided in our country for at least 2.5 years. Previously unreleased songs, in either Belarusian or Russian, can be sung, composed by the entrant; assistance from adults is permissible. The Republican contest to determine the Belarusian participant of Junior Eurovision-2011 has three stages: a selection round, semi-finals and finals. After the selection stage in April, a professional jury will choose semi-finalists and, in June, judges will select 7-10 entrants to take part in the final galaconcert. After this show, TV viewers and a professional jury will determine a Belarusian representative for the Junior Eurovision-2011 Song Contest, to be held in December in Armenia.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Ensemble of Belarusian song — Ternitsa — plans 55 concerts abroad this year

he band has recently been granted a special Presidential award (for figures of culture and art of 2010), recognised for its significant artistic achievement and concert activity. “For 26 years, we’ve remained faithful to Belarusian song and shall continue to promote our national culture. This year, we won’t reduce our momentum. We’ve established good ties with the Belarusian diaspora abroad and expect to tour widely, domestically and abroad. We have huge plans. We’re very pleased that our work has been awarded,” says one of the heads of Belarus’ honoured amateur team, Iosif Nesterovich. Ternitsa has won various international and Republican festivals

From family archives Mogilev residents invited to take part in History of My Family in the History of Mogilev photo exhibition

he regional city’s central library has initiated the event, which aims to study the history of the city through the history

and contests, representing our national art abroad: in Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Egypt, Israel, Libya, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, South Korea and China. The band is an active participant of Belarus’ concert programmes, visiting towns and cities countrywide. In the past three months, Ternitsa has given over 60 concerts. Their repertoire is ever expanding, including the

large scale From Christmas to Harvesting Time project, covering all the seasons of the year and reflecting Belarusian traditions. Four discs of folk songs and original compositions have been released. of a separate family. Anyone can donate photos from their family archives, with those depicting key events in the history of Mogilev particularly welcome. The organisers are calling on residents to thumb through family albums to select the most interesting shots. This will be the second exhibition in Mogilev using residents’ photos. The first event was organised a year ago and was entitled War Through the Eyes of a Soldier. It included letters from the front, kept by Mogilev families, and photos from WWII times. The new exhibition will open on May 15th, for International Family Day.