BELARUS #05/2012

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

pp.

25—32

No.5 (944), 2012

BELARUS Magazine for you

Great honour to save victory

Беларусь. Belarus

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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 5 (944), 2012 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

Belarus’ path: patriotism, intellect, progress

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Let’s bow to those great years! President of Belarus’ speech at Victory Monument wreath laying ceremony

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Citadel over Bug River Legendary Brest

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Real integration Turkmenistan’s President

Fortress celebrates its 170th birthday

Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov paid an official visit to Minsk

34 Gas with ‘bio’ additive

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Efficient service Union State programmes

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Space for knowledge

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Funding health care Union State vouch-

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Comfortable living Multi-functional residential modules to replace districts in Belarusian cities, including in the capital

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New land It’s difficult for us to imagine Bela-

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Giving a start for future Klichev, in

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rusian farming without reclaimed lands; agrarians receive a third of their produce from former marshland: almost 3 million hectares

Mogilev Region, has a family with over 35 children — thanks to the social Warm House programme — an important project realised by the Belarusian Children’s Foundation

Rich theme In May, works by Belarusian art-

ists whose lives were touched by the Great Patriotic War came together in a shared event, hosted by various exhibition halls

First beauties come from same village Yulia Skalkovich from Brest Region’s Kleiniki becomes Miss Belarus-2012, following in footsteps of Kleiniki-born Olga Nevdakh a decade ago

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help equip border at European level

tional Media in Belarus Exhibition organised jointly with 19th International TIBO-2012 Forum

Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by Vadim Kondrashov 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.1287 Total circulation — 1971 copies (including 742 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.

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977 For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency.

Art of building bridges Belarusians of

33 Communication expansion 16th Interna-

Editor: Viktor Kharkov

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

ers for children from Chernobyl affected districts and Great Patriotic War veterans

Kuban preserve traditions and reinforce regional collaboration

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

Mystery of life is joy

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2012

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editor’s note

Expressive colours of spring

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hinking about this title, the first idea which occurred to me was the title of the exhibition traditionally organised by the Belarusian Union of Artists at its Minsk Gallery in May. Entitled Colours of Victorious Spring, it features paintings by Great Patriotic War veterans, alongside those by artists who are dedicated to the patriotic theme of battling fascism — yesterday, today and in the future.

The Great Patriotic War, which ended 67 years ago, is part of history yet continues to leave its legacy on almost every Belarusian family. How can it be otherwise when our country lost a third of all residents. Each year, on May 9th, we solemnly and joyously celebrate Victory Day. However many years pass since that victorious spring, like everyone on Earth, we view the date as one which marks out the joy of being alive. Moreover, we remember that we owe this joy to those who fought.

Accordingly, Victory Day is the major theme of this May issue of our magazine, as in previous years. Our choice is governed by unanimous feeling. On May 9th, festive celebrations took place countrywide. In the capital, they began, as ever, with a parade along Nezavisimosti Avenue: from

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Oktyabrskaya Square to Pobedy Square. As is traditional, President Alexander Lukashenko also took part in the festive parade, alongside veterans of the Great Patriotic War and later Armed Forces, Heroes of the Soviet Union and peacekeeping soldiers. Representatives of public organisations, youngsters and labour collectives also joined the parade.

Those Great Patriotic War veterans, of venerable age, who were unable to cover the distance on foot travelled in open cars. In total, around 120,000 Minskers and guests of the capital took part or watched the parade.

Wreaths and flowers were laid at the Victory Monument and foreign diplomats and clergymen paid tribute to the heroic deeds of the past, commemorating the memory of those who died with a minute of silence. Such is our sacred tradition.

The issue includes several articles on this theme, bearing symbolic titles: Let’s Bow to Those Great Years! and Great Honour to Save Victory… Of course, this holiday is also popular in many other countries but, primarily, within the post-Soviet space.

Accordingly, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has sent congratulatory messages on the 67th anniversary

of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to the heads of CIS states.

His message to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, states: ‘This holiday symbolises the courage, determination and dignity of our fathers and grandfathers, who survived years of difficult hardship, winning the Great Victory in a cruel war. The grateful memory of their common deeds, heroism and self-sacrifice will always unite the nations of Belarus and Russia. I’m convinced that, by joint effort, we can fully realise our planned integration projects, creating a solid foundation for the sustainable development of our states and ensuring our people’s welfare’.

Meanwhile, a congratulatory message from Mr. Putin to the Belarusian President notes: ‘I’m convinced that our deep traditions of friendship, good neighbourly relations and mutual support, as well as the development of close integration ties within the CIS, will continue to strengthen RussianBelarusian Union relations, while efficiently tackling socio-economic challenges’.

This issue of the magazine also has a UNION thematic supplement, dedicated to contemporary Belarusian-Russian cooperation.

Of course, Belarus is keen to build relations with many states, including Turkmenistan. Its President, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, officially visited Minsk in May; Real Integration explores how new agreements can promote stronger interaction between our two states.

The State of the Nation Address of the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, to the Belarusian people and to the National Assembly was also an important event in May. Belarus’ Path: Patriotism, Intellect, Progress details his speech almost without abridgment — so no further comment is required.

BY Viktor Kharkov, magazine editor Беларусь. Belarus

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Celebration

Victory Day festive demonstration in Minsk

Let’s bow to those great years!

President of Belarus’ speech at Victory Monument wreath laying ceremony Dear veterans!

Dear fellow countrymen and foreign guests!

Today, we’re celebrating with you a dear and sacred holiday for all of us — Victory Day! It’s a day of heroism and fame for all those Soviet people who protected their native land and liberated humanity from Nazism.

67 years separate us from those May days when the red banner of freedom, washed with the blood of millions of heroes, was raised over the Reichstag by Soviet Army soldiers.

Since then, cannons have never again thundered upon our land. Shells haven’t exploded, the stoves of concentrated camps have not blazed and people have not died under bombardment.

Generations have been raised without awareness of the horrors of war.

We highly appreciate the contribution of the states which joined the anti-Hitler coalition and of all those which opposed Fascism, bringing Victory. However, we

shouldn’t forget that it was the Soviet Union which played the decisive role in destroying Nazism.

We must remember the strength, courage and determination of the millions of ordinary Soviet people who fought the enemy without sparing themselves.

They fought for each town and village.

They created a people’s army of partisans and undergrounders. They worked in factories to the point of exhaustion and fainted with hunger — in the fields while growing wheat for bread and while forging the weaponry of Liberation.

Belarus played a vital role in this irreconcilable opposition of Good and Evil.

The myth of the invincibility of Hitler’s military armada was dispelled on our land. Our heroic opposition to the enemy began in the first minutes of that fatal June dawn of 1941 and lasted until the complete expulsion of the occupying force.

One of the largest military operations in history — Bagration — was deployed on our territory, uniting the forces of the

Soviet Army and the partisan movement.

It cleared Belarus of invaders while opening the path for Europe’s liberation.

The legacy of those fiery years is forever imprinted in the nation’s genetic memory. Today, near the Eternal Flame, we again feel their furious struggle and the grief of loss. We again feel the unconquerable spirit of those soldiers who defended Brest Fortress and the Dnieper Line. We feel the courage of the heroes of the Ushachi breakthrough and Minsk underground, and the pain of Khatyn’s burnt children and of the thousands of prisoners who were held in ghettos and death camps. We remember the exultation of Minskers in July 1944, as they welcomed Soviet soldiers with tears in their eyes.

Let’s bow to those great years. Let’s commemorate those who perished calmly, according to Slavonic custom.

May those heroes who liberated the Homeland enjoy eternal fame and may eternal disgrace fall on those aggressors and traitors who destroyed our nation!

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Celebration

Veterans paying tribute to their fellow soldiers

Let’s honour the memory of those who died in battle and who became victims of Nazi genocide, with a minute of silence.

(A minute of silence.)

Dear friends!

Analysing the lessons of WWII, we can draw a major conclusion: we must do everything in our power to never allow the tragedy to be repeated.

Seven decades ago, in the face of the threat of total destruction, world leaders united their efforts for the sake of humanity, leaving aside the polarity of political systems.

In January 1942, the Big Four — the Soviet Union, the UK, the USA and China — joined 22 other countries in signing the Declaration of United Nations, proclaiming that ‘complete victory over the common enemy is a necessary condition for the rule of human rights and justice, both in our native lands and elsewhere’.

This historical example of joint struggle against the inhuman ideology of Fascism should be an orienting point for contemporary politicians. However different our opinions, we all, who have the trust of the people, should have something that is above subjective discrepancies and short-term expecta-

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tions. We should aim to build a fair and safe world order.

The war passed like a murderous hurricane through the territory of Belarus, taking away a third of our residents. The Belarusian nation has earned its right to live as it desires.

Recently, we have seen many examples of ignorance of international law and rude interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states in the Middle East and Africa, as well as in other ‘hot spots’. Threats and intimidation are also addressed to our country. Accordingly, it’s of the greatest importance that we remain firm and courageous.

We firmly announce the inadmissibility of rewriting WWII history and of violating the principles of the Organisation of United Nations. We advocate that provision be made for each nation’s right to free choice in its path of development — rather than the imposition of ‘new democratic order’ (as seen seven decades ago).

Being at the centre of Europe, our state pursues a multi-vector foreign policy, open to dialogue with both West and East.

However, don’t misinterpret our good will as weakness, believing you can address Belarus with blackmail and threats.

Some things cannot be sacrificed for the sake of national prosperity: independence, dignity and stability. Respect for these achievements of the Great Victory unites us, making us a single, strong nation.

Belarus is developing and strengthening its armed forces, while interacting with partners on collective security. Jointly with brotherly Russia, we are protecting the borders of our Fatherland.

We understand that the character of war has changed and continues to do so.

Today’s aggressors often try to ‘decompose’ a country from inside, placing it in a subordinate position via economic sanctions and the political activity of local ‘fifth columns’.

They disseminate chaos and revolution via IT and social networks. The struggle for people’s consciousness is of particular note.

Under such modern conditions, the protection of the Fatherland must be conducted nationwide, relying on patriotism and the readiness of each resident to defend the interests of their Homeland through all spheres. The invaluable experience of that generation of winners is a source of spiritual and moral power for the Belarusian nation.

Dear veterans!

Through your lives and heroic deeds, you’ve given us an example of civil dignity and selfless service to the Fatherland. We’ll guard the peace you won for us.

Contemporary Belarus continues to pay homage to the events of those years and the fates of front line soldiers. Today, descendants of those who gained military fame parade in festive columns alongside our hero-liberators. I have no doubt that they and their children will never allow anyone to ignore the achievements of the victorious spring of 1945.

I’d also like to address our foreign veterans who helped liberate our country.

Belarus preserves a grateful memory of you.

Victory Day is our common celebration!

Dear veterans, I wish you strong health, good spirits and long years of life.

I wish all our fellow countrymen and guests happiness, prosperity and all possible successes, for the benefit of our peaceful, free and wonderful Belarus.

Congratulations on Victory Day!

Celebration

Great honour to save victory Our veterans are great, with eyes sparkling anew on Victory Day. Their venerable age is no obstacle to their gathering together to jointly celebrate this wonderful holiday

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n May 9th, Minsk traditionally organises a solemn parade from Oktyabrskaya Square to Pobedy Square, where wreaths and flowers are laid at the monument. Veterans either parade on foot or travel in open UAZ cars, each greeting one another by raising their hands in military salute.

They share news on common acquaintances and a shadow appears across their faces on learning of those unable to attend. However, they immediately light up with delight when children approach to offer flowers and congratulations.

What better reward for victory can there be than the new life of fresh generations?

For the sake of this new life, they were ready to part with their own in the 1940s.

We bow to them for their deeds...

The President joined the veterans on Victory Day, in the traditional festive parade, as always. He also greeted foreign ambassadors gathered at the Victory Monument, showing that Belarus is ready to engage in honest dialogue with any state, proceeding from principles of mutual respect and equal rights.

Chatting with veterans, the President expressed his gratitude, noting, “People’s memory will remain alive as long as you live. Young people need you — so that they can see and understand the deeds you performed.” There was a sense that, if Mr. Lukashenko requested the former soldiers to enter the field of battle, they would immediately be ready to go.

After the parade, the President spoke to journalists. Below are some extracts from his speech.

Historical memories

Have we succeeded in defending the right to preserve this memory, of this day?

I spoke about it perhaps 15 years ago — when talking about such matters was unacceptable: responsible executives felt shy in speaking about this then. We were the first within the post-Soviet space to sound the alarm that attempts were being made to rewrite history. Accusing the former leaders of the Soviet Union was nothing but an attack on our victory. We put everything straight. Yes, there were many mistakes made in the past. Not everything went smoothly in our country but such things were to be expected at the time. Some major mistakes happened but nobody has the right to take this victory from us.

We won. Over 30m Soviet people gave their lives for this victory, while over 3m of our countrymen died, impacting on all postwar history. We saved mankind from the

‘brown plaque’, protecting Great Britain and the United States of America, which seemed to be far away from this theatre of military action. We saved the German nation from Nazism, for which ordinary Germans are grateful. Europeans are grateful to us for liberating Europe.

However, politicians do not remain idle. After the USSR’s collapse, there was an attack on our victory and, thank God, we defended it. The Russian President is, for the first time it seems to me, openly speaking of Nazism. He notes that the Soviet people were victorious over Nazism and that we are the inheritors of this Great Victory. Therefore, today, we can say with confidence that we have defended the victory given to us by our past generations. This is our victory.

Burning aspect

There would have been no victory but for mass patriotism. We won thanks to the spirit of our Soviet people. They had not traditional weapons at the beginning of the war with which to defend the country.

Soviets defended our land with their own blood. Would this be possible without patriotism? Patriotism is not just a weapon in our hands; it is found in the brains of people. This is our economic victory, preserving our social foundations and traditions. Patriotism is a multifaceted concept. In my opinion — and I call upon all Belarusians for this — patriotism lies at the heart of all our successes.

Without patriotism, there is no success. We must love our homeland.

By Kirill Dovlatov

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Memorable  Senior sergeant returns from war Remains of soldier killed during the war, on Estonian territory, solemnly re-buried in Mogilev District

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 Gifts from heart Remaining 2,275 Great Patriotic War veterans honoured in Grodno Region

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he festive atmosphere was evident not only in the private homes of the veterans, where they live with their families. Six veterans who currently reside in the Grodno House for Elderly and Disabled People have been upgraded to more comfortable rooms, with better furniture, soft carpets, TV sets and flowers. All their needs have been taken into account, which has touched them greatly.

“Each of those who has survived war has experienced the worst that Fate can throw, so it’s essential that we do all we can to make them feel at home — even when staying in institutional homes for the elderly. This is the position of the Regional Executive Committee and of those who provide sponsorship,” notes Anatoly Zimnovoda, the Chairman of the Committee on Labour, Employment and Social Protection at Grodno Regional Executive Committee.

Those Grodno veterans who are ‘still in the ranks’ paraded through the major street of the city, opening the Victory Day celebrations in Gilibert Park. This was the centre of festive events where, after wreaths had been laid at the communal grave of soldiers and partisans, concerts and other entertainments were held.

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he Estonian Poisk (Search) military— historical club sent a quer y to the Central Archives of the Russian Defence Ministry, wishing to discover the ownership of a Red Star Order medal.

In fact, it belonged to senior sergeant Belarusian Piotr Velikanov. Born in 1913 in the village of Makarentsy in Mogilev District, he commanded a machine-gun detachment and died on March 9th, 1944. The head of the Poisk club, Igor Sedunov, then addressed the Belarusian Embassy to Estonia to ask for help in finding the soldier’s relatives.

Piotr Velikanov’s nephew, Valentin Malakhovich, is 78.

Sweeping away tears, he recollects that, in 1945, his father was killed near Königsberg. Neither of the Malakhovich brothers returned from the frontline: Piotr nor Akhrem.

“While we’re alive, we’ll remember this terrible war,” says history teacher Tatiana Golub, from Mogilev District’s Mostok secondary school, which teaches children from the village of Makarentsy. She holds dear the memory of her brave countrymen, who lived through such hardship.

Teachers from Mostok school are keen to find Piotr’s four sisters and his son Ivan, who they believe may still be alive. They could then come to Belarus to lay flowers at the grave of the man who died to bring peace through victory.

 Heart to heart Great Patriotic War veteran Kazimir Dushkevich, from Gomel, is among first to become Internet ‘pen pal’

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cho ol ch i l d re n , stu d e nt s and young people are eager to engage veterans as ‘pen pals’ with the help of the Internet. One such correspondent is Kazimir Dushkevich, who went to the frontline in 1944, at the age of 17. He served in Poland and was wounded in Germany at the age of 18, being given the Order of Glory — the most honourable award for soldiers.

He smiles, “These young people are great; their idea is wonderful.”

The plan was initiated by young Gomel painter Natalia Dobrodeneva, who wishes to see the project continue long term. She has created an Internet community where members can write to lonely elderly and disabled people.

“They can write of anything — their studies, the view from the window or the latest news. We even have a girl who writes from China. Just imagine, someone living in a home for the elderly receives a letter from Beijing. It’s great!”

Memorable  Alley of Victors boasts strong roots War veterans take part in memorial park planting in Vitebsk

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 Mood of the day ‘This Victory Day smells of gunpowder’ melody — known to everyone — resounds across districts of Minsk, marking the sacred holiday

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rom early morning, Minskers headed to Nezavisimosti Avenue to see the traditional festive parade. They took their families and children to the city parks: Pobedy (at Komsomolskoe Lake), Gorky and Chelyuskintsev. At 11 a.m., thousands of people created a line from the Head Postal Office building to Oktyabrskaya Square, then, shoulder by shoulder, they marched to the accompaniment of an orchestra towards the Victory Monument, to lay flowers at the Eternal Flame.

Representatives of enterprises and public associations arrived to congratulate and greet veterans, alongside many

young people. These 15-16 year old boys and girls remember their heroic forefathers from photographs only but they realise the sacrifices made for victory.

The young Yegorchenko family is proud of their grandfather, who fought in Eastern Prussia and failed to return, being killed by the enemy in January 1945.

Alexander Yegorchenko has many times told his son about his own father. When I ask the boy what he knows of his grandfather, he replies, “He was an infantryman.

My grandmother told me that he was once nearly blown up by a mine.” He blinks in the bright spring sun, holding red carnations to present to one of the veterans.

The holiday has been memorable, with each person honouring the generation of victors — either aloud or in our thoughts.

At 10pm, the sky over Minsk sparkled with a thousand stars and dazzling festive fireworks closed the day.

fter the military parade at Pobedy Square, our grey-haired heroes joined the leadership of the region along the bank of the Zapadnaya Dvina River, planting trees for the Alley of Victors. Many arrived with their families. Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Ivan Pavlov brought his great grandson Denis, aged 5. At first, the boy looked about gingerly, then took a spade and began to place earth onto the roots of a young oak tree.

“I enjoy walking with my great grandfather,” he admits. “He is a hero! He often tells me about the war and planes…”

Mr. Pavlov is pleased that the alley, laid to mark the 67th anniversary of Victory Day, will please Vitebsk residents and guests of the city.

The Chairman of Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, who worked alongside the veterans, promises that a further 300 trees will be added in summer to the 17 oak trees planted so far.

“Fountains will also appear here. The alley itself, which will stretch from St. Alexander Nevsky’s Church to Pobedy Square, will symbolise the continuity of generations and our continuing victories.”

 Berlin seen from Brest Young faces meet often at Brest Hero Fortress Memorial

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tudents and schoolchildren, in their best outfits, bearing bouquets of flowers, come to say: ‘We remember you, fortress defenders!’

Two exhibitions have opened at the exhibition hall near the Kholmsk Gates.

One is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Memory Post at the Eternal Flame while the second — Roads to Victory — explores the celebrations surrounding this date at the legendary citadel over past years.

“Everything we do in Brest Region — in cities and villages — honours veterans.

We endeavour to improve ourselves so that we aren’t shamed in front of these honoured people. We’ll always be in debt to them,” notes Konstantin Sumar, the Chairman of Brest Regional Executive Committee.

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Memorial

Citadel over Bug River Legendary Brest Fortress celebrates its 170th birthday

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rest and Brest Fortress are connected by many centuries of shared history, although the city is a thousand years old and the citadel was built only 170 years ago: opening on April 26th, 1842.

Brest Fortress is situated on t he site of for mer

Berestie, listed as a 1st class fortress of the Russian Empire. It is associated with two major events: the signing of the Brest Peace Treaty at the White House in 1918, and the heroic defence of the citadel in 1941. Modern Brest residents view their fortress as a place of historical significance, boasting a glorious memory, associated with patriotism and inspiring tourism.

In summer 1914, WWI began. To ensure the strength of

At Brest Hero Fortress memorial

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Brest-Litovsk Fortress, several more forts were constructed, and the first line of defence was fortified. People worked day and night but, in November, a storehouse of weapons exploded, killing around 200 people. Moreover, most of the weapons were destroyed. The Kaiser’s troops were approaching, so the fortress garrison was evacuated in August 1915, leaving the city to be occupied by German and Austrian troops. Interestingly, a commemorative coin was minted to honour seizure — featuring General Field Marshal von Mackensen (and a German soldier against the background of the fortress on fire on the reverse).

On March 3rd, 1918, the Brest Peace Treaty was signed between Soviet Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey. Several years ago, Brest local researcher Anatoly Gladyshchuk discovered documents confirming that the peace agreement was agreed in December 1917: not in the fortress but near Brest — at the village of Skoki’s Nemtsevich mansion (which then housed the Commander of the Eastern German front, General Field Marshal Prince of Bavaria). Meanwhile, the Brest Peace Treaty was signed at the White House.

During the years of the Soviet-Polish War (1918-1921), the fortress and the city many times changed ownership.

The Riga Treaty gave Brest-Litovsk to Poland, with a Polish garrison settling at the fortress. The military town’s headquarters included a court, a prosecutor’s office and a military hospital. On September 1st, 1939, Germany attacked Poland, launching WWII, and, on September 14th, the 10th tank division of the 19th army squad of Lieutenant General Guderian attacked Brest-on-

the-Bug (the city changed its name many times). The fortress was under siege, with the garrison finally evacuating on September 17th, leaving it to occupation by the German 76th infantry.

The Soviet Union signed a treaty of friendship with Germany on September 22nd, 1939, with Brest hosting a solemn march of Russian and German regiments.

The Germans left the fortress to the Russians, moving beyond the Zapadny Bug River after the march.

Of course, on June 22nd, 1941, the fortress was again attacked by the Germans, as documented by many films (including Brest Fortress) and books — all devoted to the heroic defence of the citadel by Soviet soldiers.

Over the past fifteen years, 30 Brest Fortress sites have been restored, with CIS governments allocating funds for reconstruction: Belarus and Russia are providing $300,000 each, with the remaining states each allocating $175,000. Belarus and Russia have already fulfilled their obligations, paying even more. Ukraine has allocated the agreed sum, while Kazakhstan has provided $130,000, Azerbaijan — $80,000, and Moldova — $2,000.

The Orthodox Convent of the Holy Nativity and Mother of God, at Volynsk Fort, has been renovated, while Fort #5 now hosts a museum of fortification. The Defence Museum has undergone major reconstruction, featuring an open-air exhibition of armoured machinery. The Kholmsk Gates now host a gallery and, last year, a grave of unknown Soviet soldiers was discovered at the fortress; their remains have been re-buried with all possible honours.

No doubt, the present memorial encapsulates more than mere memories, as it is ever changing. The southern defensive barracks are soon to be restored, housing an exhibition for the Defence Museum. The 333rd rifle regiment’s barrack is also being revamped and Brest authorities are preparing Pogranichny Island border checkpoint for free access for tourists.

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Veterans

Still in the ranks As of April 1st, 2012, over 30,000 Great Patriotic War veterans reside in Belarus

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ccording to Svetlana Yermakovich, the Head of the Labour and Social Protection Ministry’s Department for Veterans and Elderly People, six Heroes of the Soviet Union currently live in the Republic: awarded during the years of the Great Patriotic War. Victor Vetoshkin, Belarus’ only full Cavalier of the Order of Glory, resides in Minsk.

As of April 1st, 2012, there are 7,650 people still living in the Republic who have USSR orders or medals for selfless action or perfect military service in the rear during the war years. Moreover, 459 Belarusian residents are still with us who once worked in air or naval defence, or in building defensive installations or pre-front sections of railway or motorway. Naval crew found themselves interned in the early years of

the Great Patriotic War in the ports of other states.

As of April 1st, 2012, 118 people in Belarus took part in mine clearing af te r l ib e r at i on f rom G e r man occupation, from 1943 to 1945.

Meanwhile, 790 people residing in Belarus worked at enterprises and institutions in Leningrad during the blockade: awarded medals ‘For the Defence of Leningrad’, or ‘Resident of Blockaded Leningrad’ badges.

Sadly, 1,063 people have been registered as disabled since childhood as a result of being wounded during the Great Patriotic War. Over 2,000 residents are direct relations of soldiers and partisans who died during the Great Patriotic War and 35,000 are former prisoners of Nazi concentrated camps, jails, ghettos and other places of enforced imprisonment.

By Yelena Proklova

By Valentina Kozlovskaya

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Visit

Real integration Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov paid an official visit to Minsk

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r. Berdymukhamedov sp oke sincerely of Turkmenistan’s interest in collaboration with Belarus, saying, “You have many high-tech enterprises here, so we’d like to borrow from your experience.” He has invited Belarusian companies to aid in the modernisation of the Turkmen economy.

The potential for joint activities is endless, with Turkmenistan boasting huge deposits of oil and gas. Of course, the country’s leadership realises that it must shift from the direct sale of hydrocarbons to highly developed industrial manufacture. Belarus would be a reliable ally in this respect, being an acknowledged world leader in the processing of potash salts. Minsk’s Belgorkhimprom has agreed with Turkmenkhimiya Concern to set up Garlyk mining facilities, able to yield up to 1.5m tonnes of fertilisers annually. The price of $1bn sounds quite significant but Belarusian expertise seems worth it.

Alexander Lukashenko told his Turkmen colleague, “Belarus is ready to share everything Turkmenistan finds interesting.” In proof, he noted the number of students from Turkmenistan in Belarus: almost 6,000 in secondary special and higher education (including 30 paid for by Belarus). Hundreds of Turkmen students are studying the

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science of extraction and processing of potash salts — knowledge which may be more precious than any technology. Such educational liaisons are the result of previous top level agreements, following Mr. Lukashenko’s visit to Ashgabat around a year ago. At that time, the presidents agreed to meet every 12-18 months to assess how agreements were being fulfilled.

as enterprises, ministries and departments. Final amendments were made to almost 15 documents on co-operation: later signed by our two presidents. These cover the supply of Belarusian agricultural, road, construction and communal machinery, and fleets of urban transport.

In addition, there are agreements regarding co-operation in geodesy, map making, satellite data collection and

Mr. Lukashenko visited Ashgabat around a year ago. At that time, the presidents agreed to meet every 12-18 months to assess how agreements were being fulfilled. The recent meeting looked at how best to encourage trade-economic, sci-tech and cultural relations, attracting business co-operation at all levels – large or small The recent meeting looked at how best to encourage trade-economic, scitech and cultural relations, attracting business co-operation at all levels — large and small. On the eve of Mr. Berdymukhamedov’s visit to Minsk, a large group of top ranking Turkmen managers arrived in Belarus, touring the National Academy of Sciences, as well

education. Construction of industrial and housing facilities, as well as social infrastructure, is planned, as is sci-tech co-operation by our national academies of sciences. Similar documents have been signed by representatives of agrarian ministries, chambers of commerce and industry, and a range of universities. Clearly, science and education are

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Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko greeting Turkmenistan’s President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Minsk

a major focus, indicating that Belarus has no secrets from its Central Asian partners. Of course, the documents signed in Minsk will promote further turnover growth — thought to be far from reaching its limit.

Meanwhile, on returning home from being educated in Belarus, thousands of young Turkmenistan graduates should become ‘ambassadors’ for our state, promoting all-round friendly relations for years to come.

Our two presidents have agreed on supplies of Belarusian agricultural, road, construction and communal machinery to Turkmenistan, signing a corresponding agreement. Additionally,

Belarus has proposed setting up an educational institution in Turkmenistan to train middle-management specialists (a project being actively developed by the education ministries of our two countries).

The visit has also resulted in a joint Belarusian-Turkmen communiqué regarding mutual interaction and assistance within international organisations — including tackling human rights issues. Belarus and Turkmenistan advocate further strengthening of collaboration in co-ordinating the battle against human trafficking and other global problems — including ecological.

Turkmenistan is even offering assistance

to Belarus in establishing interaction with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (promoting Belarus’ application for observer status).

The Turkmen President’s visit was intensive, including a tour of the Belarusian State University. BSU Rector Sergei Ablameiko has awarded the title of BSU Honorary Professor to the high guest, for his great contribution to the development of science, bilateral Belarusian-Turkmen relations and strengthening of cultural and educational ties. Mr. Berdymukhamedov also invited Mr. Lukashenko to visit Turkmenistan.

By Vladimir Yakovlev

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Address

Belarus’ path: patriotism, intellect, progress On May 8th, Alexander Lukashenko, the President of the Republic of Belarus, delivers State of the Nation Address to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly at the House of Representatives

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onourable deputies, members of the Council of the Republic and guests! Dear compatriots!

Last year, we all had the opportunity to see how rapidly the world around us is changing.

The huge Arab Region has broken into chaos — including countries considered to be bulwarks of stability.

Over the last year, the European Union has been on the brink of financial collapse: countries traditionally considered as affluent have suddenly found themselves one step away from failure.

Greece has been succoured by the whole world, with a hundred billion Euros thrown at its rescue. However, this has not been enough. After Greece, this fever attacked Spain, Ireland and Portugal. Even Italy, with one of the largest economies in Europe, found itself on the edge of disaster.

The United Kingdom — the oldest European democracy — was shocked by a chain of unbridled riots which verged on street fighting. The same situation was evident in the United States — another traditional bulwark of stability.

Moreover, villainous acts of terrorism and extreme nationalism occurred in countries which are usually thought of as boasting the ideals of peace (Norway and France). It’s hardly thinkable that almost 80 people are dead at the hands of a man who seemed to be right-minded but was, in fact, a coldblooded murderer.

We are also affected by this kind of disaster. We can avoid neither economic problems nor others similar to those seen in Europe.

This indicates that the world is a very narrow place, with countries being interdependent.

Were these events one-offs or do they have objective reasons?

Hardly anyone expected these events but today’s world is changing faster than ever: faster than the twentieth century.

The winners are those who are ahead of their time or, at least, who move with the times. Let this be an example to all of us.

Momentously, Belarus has entered its third decade of independence. I speak of this not to underline its ‘jubilee’, which is of little importance, but to note that the first new generation of Belarusians born and raised in the

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sovereign state has reached adulthood. Their Homeland is the Republic of Belarus; their future is the future of this country.

This new generation is living in a new age, full of fundamental change and threats, which bring anxiety. Our common task — as representatives of power in modern Belarus — is to do all we can to turn these challenges into opportunities and success for the country.

Wealth is not a goal in itself. Rather, I’m convinced that the driving force of progress is patriotism. The way forward is impossible without a genuine love for our Homeland, the land of our ancestors. Patriotism is not manifested in words and slogans, but in our life philosophy and in our daily labours. It is manifested in the fact that we live not only for ourselves but for our Homeland.

There may be many changes around us but this truth remains eternal.

Patriotism was, is and shall remain the eternal principle of our national identity. It is an eternal value which binds generations.

Our central principles and our way remain unchanged.

However, Belarus will not remain the same for ever, as times change and we must adapt. We must not fall behind! We need to see a powerful and rapid breakthrough in all spheres. Above all, the economy is at the foundation of such success.

‘A new economy for a new generation’ should be our key slogan for our time. Last year, with oil and gas prices at an all-time high for our country, our economy endured. We began 2012 well and, in the first quarter, saw a positive balance in foreign trade. The inflow of currency was $1.3bn more than our outflow, while gold and foreign exchange reserves and exports rose and inflation slowed. People’s incomes are gradually increasing, while unemployment stands at almost zero.

Even foreign experts who bear no love for Belarus admit that we have built a successful anti-crisis policy. We can say confidently that we are enduring this difficult period in the history of our country with dignity. Being honest with ourselves, we can say that the past year saw many economic problems. However, we’re eliminating these without delay. We should use the example of those European countries which hid their heads in the sand and postponed making essential decisions as our warning.

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Alexander Lukashenko delivering his speech

The main lesson we should learn is that we need to live within our means. We cannot spend more than we earn. If we have money we can spend it; if not, we must earn it. To print blank money or live in debt is a dead end.

In order to enter a new phase in our economic activity in coming days, we need to focus on several fundamentals.

The first is modernisation of the economy.

We have reached our limit of production possibilities via traditional means, with business rivals and customers breathing down the neck of our producers.

The well-being of people is growing, leading to more demand for high quality products and diverse services. Yesterday, low prices won the day; now, they are not enough.

The Customs Union and the Single Economic Space have created conditions of powerful competition — including within our own market. With the upcoming accession of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus to the World Trade Organisation, we will be obliged to compete not only with our partners in the SES. Our manufacturers need to become economically competitive, with the highest standards of consumption.

This requires effective economic instruments and incentives, as well as competent administrative action.

The essence of our economic policy comprises the creation of new highly-productive jobs at newly established enterprises and at existing firms, with the promotion of self-employment, entrepreneurship and initiative. This will raise the responsibility of each of us, working for ourselves, our family and our country.

Before we can achieve this, we must: 1) orient business towards local raw materials; 2) promote import substitution; 3) focus on employment in small and medium-sized cities;

4) be export-oriented; 5) ensure high profitability and productivity, in order to raise wages.

In Belarus, we should and must have more such projects. There are plenty of examples for us to follow.

Eco-friendly requirements are playing a more significant role on the international market. Soon, the day will come when goods will only gain admission to self-respecting markets when they have an ‘eco’ certificate of production. Accordingly, we need to implement a ‘green economy’.

Modernising the economy is not only a goal for the public sector. We must involve all national businesses and as many foreign investors as possible.

Government, the entire ‘vertical’ of executive power, and business leaders must radically change their way of thinking. Modernisation does not mean a generous flow of public funding, given for the thoughtless purchase of equipment or construction of factories whose products are useless.

If you have an idea, find an investor for its realisation. Persuade them and create the necessary conditions. Moreover, investments should be direct, rather than a disguised form of credit.

I charge each member of the Government, I emphasise, each member of the Government, and the chairmen of regional executive committees and of Minsk City executive committee to take personal responsibility for the implementation of various projects where direct investments are encouraged.

These should be projects which fundamentally change the face of production of our country. When the chief executive of a ministry or of a region leads a specific project, he’ll better sympathise with the problems facing investors.

Yes, financial support of strategically significant projects will continue but there will be no funding given ‘indiscriminately’! There has been no such distribution.

Public-private partnerships are much discussed, as joint and responsible liaisons create a rich and prosperous country.

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Address The current phase of modernisation in the country must ensure the liberation of private initiative and offer a real incentive to private investment: foreign and domestic.

From here, the second area, of attracting direct investment, will result.

We talk about this a lot but see no significant results. It seems that investors exist for individual projects but, in the end, it’s a drop in the ocean.

We can blame nobody but ourselves. Our country is a place where investors are keen to come, being attracted by our stability, honesty, reliability and low levels of corruption. However, they face a wall of bureaucracy and indifference at executive committees and ministries, which quashes any desire to invest. Foreign businessmen cannot get an appointment with a manager to discuss their investment proposal. They go from office to office, spending months seeking approvals and permits, and are obliged to seek loop-holes, until they address the President, trying to reach out and implement their investment project.

Even more difficult are cases where our domestic entrepreneurs want to invest. They cannot get anywhere at all. If only we gave them the opportunity to invest in their own country, there would be fewer cases of concealment of income and capital flight.

Members of Government, chairmen of executive committees and all leaders must radically change their style and methods of working with investors: foreign and Belarusian.

Accordingly, I’m instructing the Government and the Administration of the President to consult once again with the private sector: not only with the ‘big sharks of business’ but with medium-sized and small-sized entrepreneurs. They must contact essential investors working in our country to find out what they need, and what is lacking, to discover what we have missed.

Belarus should become an attractive country for investment for all purposes.

The imminent adoption of the Law On Investments is an important step in this direction. I ask all deputies to consider this document carefully.

The investment environment in Belarus should be among the best in the world, guaranteeing bona fide investors absolutely. The law should contain rules of direct action, clear and understandable to everyone, so that there will be no need to write instructions or adopt Governmental decisions for every rule of this law.

It is important to create such conditions for investors, so that it will be advantageous for them to keep their profits in our country and not to export them.

Lately, there has been much talk of the practicality of amnesty of funds.

If this subject is really of interest and will produce considerable economic effect, we must examine it carefully. In taking this step, we should clearly regulate the conditions, objects and subjects of this amnesty, to ensure full protection of state interests.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Reform of ownership relations is a prerequisite of foreign direct investment.

Concerning this subject, our country has unique advantages. We know for sure how not to conduct privatisation, having seen the consequences of voucher experiments and shares-for-loans auctions.

Privatisation is not always to the benefit of an enterprise, as not all investors aim to develop a business or offer the best technology. Public ownership is also not a guarantee of success.

The world has many examples of huge errors being made, by state and private enterprises, in seeking to realise major capital-intensive plans.

Unfortunately, we too have such examples.

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Enhanced efficiency of state assets, including via the attraction of investors, is to be carried out consistently, following the body of the law.

There won’t be any total or large-scale sales!

The world community realises that privatisation should not be conducted en-masse. It should be transparent, understandable and focused.

This is the normal process when any enterprise, including state owned, is bought or sold. In Belarus, we have refused to create a list of sites for definite sale. This is not because we want to sell under-the-counter. That’s not our reason at all! We have refrained from advance publication of lists of enterprises to be privatised to avoid the humiliation of their workers. People are sensitive on this point, as I know. I have spoken of it repeatedly.

I am directly asked: ‘So, Mr. President don’t you need us anymore? Have you decided to sell us?’ We need people! We’ve said that any enterprise may become privatised; it’s simply a question of price and the implementation of conditions by investors. If you’re not satisfied with these terms, may the Lord bless you and follow you on your way.

Recently, I read in the media that a potential investor in Russia, negotiating on the corporatisation of Minsk Automobile Plant, said that Belarus was being greedy. If you are not satisfied with the price, go away! We’ll continue as we are, engaging in competition. Today, MAZ is a successful enterprise selling its products perfectly well, so we’re in no hurry to privatise it.

We are ready, as I repeat again, to privatise even Belaruskali — where profitability is 70 to 100 percent. It’s just a question of price. We have designated the price at not $30bn but $32bn. If someone wishes to buy, they are welcome. There is no buyer as yet, so there’s nothing to argue about. The enterprise is working and people are being paid. We sell potash fertilisers better than any other company in the world.

That’s why we gave up on lists — certainly not to perform any underhand sales, dividing an enterprise for shady privatisation. Lord bless you. I’ve been reproached for this for decades: for shady deals. Belarus has never had such privatisation: none exists and never will! Even if I leave my post as President, the people of Belarus will never accept this and will never allow those in state office to conduct such privatisation. Any President or Government trying to do so would be swept away in a single day. Be calm and collected. Everybody must know and understand such sales!

In our country, as I’ve already said, any enterprise can be privatised — under certain well-known conditions. Anyone who wishes to buy something from the state should pay a fair price. Moreover, all employees of a privatised enterprise will be protected. Privatisation should bring greater success for the enterprise. If you’re satisfied with these conditions, you’re welcome. Those who hope to line their pockets from Belarusian privatisation are wasting their time. The decision will be taken under calm conditions, not under pressure of economic factors or international organisations. Moreover, the principal factor in making such decisions will be the ensuring of ordinary workers’ interests: jobs, salaries and wage supplements must be retained.

I don’t want to be deliberately obscure but will give you a certain example of one successful enterprise. I’ve been told that, the ‘current management’ of Keramin was trying to seize this company through relatives and other nominees. The problem was resolved within a single day: now, the managers who were involved in these activities, and their relatives, are no longer employed there. Every enterprise will face the same action! You can criticise me for this if you wish but such matters will be suppressed in the blink of an eye! Privatisation must be transparent!

Address The Government is to sell 25 percent of shares in the Sparkling Wines Plant but I’m hearing discontented remarks from those who are wealthy, saying: ‘They’re only selling each person 999 shares… Why bother?’ I say: don’t bother.

We aren’t organising this for you but for those individuals who want to buy shares. If you wish to buy then do, if you don’t wish to buy, then don’t.

I don’t think that there is landslide demand for these shares, which is no problem, as we don’t need that. Don’t worry. The factory is operating; it’s a good factory, with demand for its products domestically. We’ll always be able to find an honest investor and, while we wait, we’ll provide support ourselves.

We won’t abandon this enterprise.

It is not the worst company that we’ve launched via IPO — a popular auction. We chose a good enterprise in order to see how it would work and gain experience. There were ten businessmen queuing to buy so why didn’t we sell? They only offered a trifling sum, so we refused. No! It will not be like this! We’ll sell at the price defined by the market. If we do… We decided to

in our privatisation. The example of our neighbours is illustrative. If we are dishonest in some aspect regarding something created by the nation, there will be a suitable response towards the authorities, and we’ll have to forget about stability and peace in the country.

This is why the matter of property is like that of land ownership after 1917 (remember, when they started to seize land, civil war broke out and people began to slaughter each other for the smallest piece of land). In this case, the cost is immeasurably higher.

The third area in our plan to update the economy concerns raising individual people’s income. The most important task today is to restrain the growth of prices and restore the pre-depression level of the population’s income.

We cannot give everything to the market. Reasonable control over prices must be in place in Belarus. The answer to the second question constantly asked is that there will be no price chaos.

We’re steadily heading towards more free market pricing. However, we need a happy medium. Totally rigorous regulation leads to a deficit and the export of goods from the country. A ‘free market’ leads to speculation, which affects the common man greatly.

We’ll keep the growth of consumer prices to within 20 percent this year. No country in the world abandons price adjustment completely.

You might have noticed that, in thriving Germany, with its highly advanced market economy, the Government took the decision to create ‘petrol’ police — as they called them. They were tasked with controlling petrol prices, with owners of service stations having to report each instance of increasing or decreasing their prices (plus from where and at what price they had purchased fuel). Here you have the market! As they thought it was necessary, the democratic Government of Germany, with its highly advanced market economy, took these steps without consulting Russia, the USA or us. Yet we fear! We are still trembling, saying: ‘What will they think of us?’ I repeat once again that we should ‘tremble’ only at what people will think about us.

World practice shows that actual competition ends price chaos immediately. We won’t tolerate monopolisation of the domestic consumer market by large trade networks or price collusion in any form. Small private and state shops should develop alongside hyper- and supermarkets.

Furthermore, large trade networks should bear a social burden, offering discount cards for pensioners, large families and the disabled. It should be an obligatory condition of their presence in our domestic market.

I charge the governors to take all these matters under their personal control, especially the chair of Minsk City Board.

Now, about wages…

Our approach is set: the task of the state is to create conditions for those who can work and provide assistance to the weak. Everything else will be done by people themselves.

We took an important decision, which was sought by businessmen and the majority of citizens: we allowed freedom of wages and allowed a voluntary unified wage rate scale for enterprises of all ownership patterns.

“We can say confidently that we are enduring this difficult period in the history of our country with dignity. Being honest with ourselves, we can say that the past year saw many economic problems. However, we’re eliminating these without delay. We should use the example of those European countries which hid their heads in the sand and postponed making essential decisions as our warning.” leave 75 percent for ourselves, which I don’t know whether was the right or wrong decision — but is transparent and honest.

Everybody sees the information transmitted via the media, so Heaven forbid someone in this process takes the wrong path and behaves dishonestly: you know what will happen next. This is my response to everyone abroad and within the country criticising me for privatisation. They don’t understand the Belarusian method of privatisation. It is honest and candid without lobbying: at a certain price and under certain terms. If you’re happy, then come and discuss matters.

If you’d like me to, I can outline the process: in order to privatise an enterprise, firstly, employees should be in agreement. The management can then apply to the local authorities. They must be in agreement, since they are responsible for local employment and economic success. They’ll take the decision one way or the other. After that, the matter goes to the corresponding Governmental department or, if it is of departmental affiliation, a minister. Only then will the Government, having deliberated all the pros and cons, submit the proposal to the President for signature. Anything concerning community property will be decided by regional executive boards.

Is there anything odd? You might say that there is a lot of bureaucracy in privatisation and I’d agree. I’ve already spoken about this but the matter is very serious: we are trying to privatise enterprises which we didn’t create.

They are the property of the people, so we must be thorough and careful

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Address However, it’s vital to know how to use this freedom.

The main economic principle is that the growth rate of wages must be linked to labour efficiency. This law was not abrogated! It is not me who invented it!

More simply, wages must be earned.

However, some managers, I will repeat, understood the new situation in a very simple way: they thought they could do nothing and were relieved of any responsibility for raising salaries.

Those who think so, delude themselves. The task of a manager remains the same: secure raised labour efficiency, which should lead to growth of staff wages.

At the Fourth All-Belarusian People’s Assembly, we promised people that we’d see an approximate mid-European level of wages by the end of the 5-year period, taking into consideration our social package, public utilities and so on.

All needs to be calculated, so that we can come closer to the European level.

It’s the key task of the Government, and of every manager and of the executive chain of command! To begin with, we need to wait until the year’s end, to see who is earning $500 and who is not. We’ll see what labour efficiency is evident and why some people may not be earning appropriate wages.

Yes, we’ll still provide assistance to pensioners, public sector workers, large families and the disabled by means of a steady increase in pensions and allowances.

As for those in the production sector, everyone will be paid according to their labour: you’ll receive as much as you earn. Moreover, nobody will blame me for the fact that civil servants are excessively ‘spoiled’; they shouldn’t be paid more than somebody else.

The fourth area is the effectiveness of the management of the economy.

We are tasked with the establishment of holdings and large production associations in industry, to initiate the growth of capitalisation of public assets. These are, in substance, state corporations. The same processes occur in agriculture. This year we’ll finish enlarging agricultural enterprises and forming effective agricultural enterprises and holdings where possible.

We should see real results from organisational reform this year. We need to drastically reduce non-manufacturing costs and overheads and at least halve administrative staff in holdings and industry.

I charge the Government with elaborating a strategy of development and incorporation into the global economy, alongside co-operation with the principal partners of each state corporation.

First and foremost, those associations lacking enough internal resources for development, and those with highly competitive end markets need attention.

Our plans should be co-ordinated with the development strategies of Russia and Kazakhstan — and surpass them.

This year, we’ve been working on equal terms with our partners in the Customs Union, roughly speaking; the term does not mean what it used to one or two years ago.

The political authorities of the country have resolved their main task: the halving of the price of our principal energy source, which is imported: natural gas. We have also settled matters of co-operation with the Russian Federation in the oil sector.

Negotiated agreements for energy prices are not ‘charity’ or subsidies as some try to present. They are basic terms of functioning of the Single Economic Space.

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Where differences in prices occur, as happened recently, there is no free competition. Our price was five times higher than that in Kazakhstan and Russia. Different standards and requirements for production quality cannot lead to a common market. This is the plain truth!

This is why we do not ask for low prices for our enterprises in the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia.

A common price level is essential, with the same principles of formation for everyone: Belarusian, Russian and Kazakh companies.

The fifth crucial area is the stability of the Belarusian rouble.

The rate of our currency is reinforcing steadily and softly. As I’m told, this year, the public sold $1.5bn through exchange offices (half a billion more than the amount bought). Daily growth of deposits is noted in all currencies.

These examples are evidence of stabilisation on the currency market, as well as trust in the national currency and banking system. This trust has grounds.

Each rouble in circulation countrywide is 150 percent covered by foreign exchange reserves, at the current market exchange rate.

The National Bank even has to fight sharp reinforcement of the exchange rate in order to prevent aggravation of foreign trade conditions.

We fully realise the risks of fast reinforcement of the rouble, and speculative attacks and dishonest playing with the exchange rate could happen again.

Accordingly, we’re acting carefully. Our main goal is to provide peace, stability and reliability.

We should prevent a sudden fluctuation of the exchange rate. We still firmly adhere to the following principle: the freedom of formation of the exchange rate as a result of transparent exchange trading.

The sixth area concerns exports, as these are directly connected with the stability of the exchange rate. This is what brings currency into the country.

The task of the Government and local authorities for the current year is to secure a positive foreign trade balance in goods and ser vices of more than one billion dollars.

Furthermore, no less than 65 percent of manufactured products should be exported. All the conditions are created for this with the emergence of the Single Economic Space. However, it is impossible to limit ourselves to trade within the SES. We need worldwide sales.

One should approach new markets not separately, but as a single unit.

First comes research into the business environment under the aegis of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade. Then, a delegation of industrial manufacturers and businessmen needs to be sent, with the assistance of the Government. This leads to the organisation of stable work via trading houses and our own distribution system.

Manufacturers should not go alone; everything should be co-ordinated centrally. In 2012, the use of such a scheme will see us approach the vast markets of Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam and other countries of South-East Asia.

It is important to go where we are needed, where people are ready to work with us on principles of friendship and mutual respect. Our country has something to offer partners.

The seventh area is import substitution and saving.

We’ve scrutinised the strategy of import substitution at an educational seminar for executive staff. Following six months of study, the Government will report on how plans are being implemented.

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In the chamber

However, we cannot forget that 3/4 of our imports are intermediate products: raw materials, fabrics and energy.

In this case, I will highlight three key points: 1) efficient use of materials and energy; 2) set standards; 3) technological discipline.

In 2012 we should reduce: consumption of materials used in production by at least 2 percent; and energy intensity of GDP by 3 percent, to save almost 1.5m tonnes of oil equivalent.

The cost is a billion dollars!

We should understand that it is impossible to achieve goals only via administrative pressure. Modern incentive mechanisms for the saving of resources are necessary.

In world practice, there is a well-established principle of decreasing taxation by the amount of resources saved as a result energy and resource saving. Consequently, the economic effect of saving is fully retained by the manufacturer.

The Government should look at world practice and submit solid proposals.

The eighth area of development regards science and innovations Much has been spoken on this topic — especially urgent for Belarus, which is focusing on a knowledge-based economy.

The world’s leading countries rely not on the sale of raw materials or their volume of territory, but on science and high technology.

The main value of leading world corporations is not their large factories or production teams, but their expertise and technology of production: knowledge.

New knowledge accounts for up to 85 percent of GDP growth in developed countries. We won’t see a true economic upturn without intellectual and innovation components but must remember that inventing something is only half the job. It’s just as important to introduce an invention to the market and sell it. This takes the same talent — or even more — as to invent something.

If a private entrepreneur generates a profit, while the state has achieved nothing for years, it’s clearly the right move. There is only one condition: production should remain here in Belarus, as should the profit.

At the same time, we need to reform legislation regarding intellectual property, bringing it into compliance with the highest international standards — including copyright laws. Furthermore, mechanisms are needed to encourage scientists and businessmen to take risks, implementing bold new ideas.

The focus should be on the younger generation.

Our leading youth organisation — the Belarusian Republican Youth Union — has launched a wonderful programme: 100 Ideas for Belarus. It allows them to find new ideas and talents and to help these come to fruition. It’s an important area, so I’ve entrusted the Government, the National Academy of Sciences and the State Committee on Science and Technology to provide assistance to make the 100 Ideas for Belarus programme permanent, rather than a one-off event. I’ll soon meet those taking part, as I promised at a meeting of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union.

In the near future, we’ll consider the development of science in general and its contribution to the economy, as well as suggestions to improve the organisation of the scientific sphere. I‘ll point out again that I’m very dissatisfied with progress in the scientific sphere — primarily, with the Academy of Science! I’ve already spoken about this.

When I think more about these issues, I realise that we may be looking at the problem from the wrong direction. Our manufacturers are sitting and waiting for scientists from the Academy of Sciences to bring them new ideas for a technological breakthrough. However, new ideas and technologies are based not on the fantasy of scientists, but on the logic of production development.

This is why manufacturers should be the main driving force of innovation.

It is they who should set the tasks for scientists from the Academy, and branch ministers should be in charge of these processes. I stress again that the Academy of Science shouldn’t be dozing, as it has been. The whole system of science and innovation management countrywide needs revision. The Government and the Academy of Science have been charged with corresponding assignments and I await real suggestions from them in the near future.

The ninth area is the agro-industrial complex This is the most important priority for us, with a great amount of money invested in rural areas over recent years. Now, we must wait to see agrarians’ results.

In 2012, the country should crop 10m tonnes of corn, God willing!

Decisions have been taken, with the necessary means invested. We should see

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Address a return in the form of economic improvement of the agro-industrial complex and increased exports, alongside a rise in the salaries of farmworkers.

Some time ago, we launched the construction of agro-towns countrywide. Time has proven the wisdom of the decision. They were built across every district without exception, changing the face of our villages. There are more than 1,500 agro-towns in all, with dozens of thousands of families now living in comfortable houses. Social infrastructure has improved the quality of life of farmworkers, while young people have begun working on the land.

Our villages look different now.

You probably know about my trips and flights all over the country over the past year. If you saw our country from the air, you’d see a new Belarus.

The implementation of my strict targets for the improvement of farming — imposing order in villages, on farms and on every plot of land — are finally beginning to be realised.

In many places in Grodno, Brest and Gomel regions, you might think, mistakenly, that you were in Western Europe, where land is privately owned.

These are our fields and our villages. Melioration has changed our land as unseen in years of independence and in the times of the USSR. We should do so by as much again. This aim is unchangeable on my side.

We have set an ambitious task, as I explained not long ago. Why shouldn’t we see dairy processing at every farm, funded locally? This isn’t just a whim.

We’re seeing a chasm in development. Agro-towns are now built but production is lagging behind, as we can see. I always push farm managers on my trips around the country to work faster, especially opening new dairy farms and reconstructing old ones. Production should keep pace with the growth of agro-towns and villages outside of agro-towns shouldn’t be forgotten.

Speaking of agriculture, you should understand, you should see, what is going on in the world. Hunger remains a global problem for mankind.

According to official data, more than one billion people lack enough food.

But who has counted them?

The situation worsens each year. According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the shortage of food will increase five-fold by 2030. It’s not far off!

World markets are responsive to this situation, with food prices rising fast. The recent food price boom wasn’t someone’s ‘evil will’ but a strict requirement of the world market. No country can shut itself off behind an ‘iron curtain’.

On the other hand, high food prices worldwide offer our farmers and our state an opportunity. Our agricultural complex should show brilliant results in the near future; the external market environment is favourable and a lot of money has been invested in our villages. Many people say that our food prices are growing; my response is that, if you want to feed the whole world with free Belarusian food, which is the tastiest and of the highest quality, we can keep prices at the same level. You see what has been happening. Our prices are half that of our neighbours.

We can’t close our borders, as the Single Economic Space exists now.

We can’t even close the border with Ukraine as, if we do so, others will close their borders to us. There is free movement of goods, which is where our cheap products go. They’re sold for high prices elsewhere but it is not just our Belarusians who are making money from this. Unfortunately, we must follow world trends, and the balance of prices .Our prices will never be higher than those in Russia or Ukraine. Never! However, they should be close to those prices, to make it unprofitable for certain people to buy up goods from our

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shops for export. Our cheap and high-quality Belarusian food can be sold at a profit abroad, so we should be making this profit.

The truth is that food and non-food goods should be priced affordably to Belarusians. This means that our $500 salary is a problem: a serious problem which should be solved. Salaries need to be raised. It’s very important. Then, people will cease to worry, knowing that, if prices rise, salaries will rise also.

One more important area of development for the new economy is housing construction.

In 2012, the efficiency of the state housing policy should be raised cardinally. Almost 1.5 times more accommodation has been built in Belarus over five years then was constructed in five years in Soviet times (on average).

A million people have improved their living conditions over the last five years.

Our country is an absolute leader among the CIS states regarding volumes of housing construction per thousand residents.

However, the queue is ever growing, with the highest increase observed in Minsk. The building of a flat with state support has become a good way of gaining a good return on capital — at other people’s cost. Hundreds of families have two or, even, three flats built on privileged terms in Minsk. The Mayor of Minsk tells me the same thing.

Accordingly, it has been decided that only definite categories of citizens will gain ‘direct rouble’ support. The state will fulfil its obligations regarding all existing privileged loans (the decree has been already signed) but those applying in future ‘should be given not a fish but fishing tackle’ — as people say.

The principle is simple — everyone should have the chance to improve their housing conditions. However, only those who especially need subsidised housing will receive it (free in many cases). Large families will qualify so, if you want a free flat, give birth to three, four or five children. If you have one or two, you’ll need to look after yourself. We’ll help those who are objectively limited in their incomes, and those who bear enhanced responsibility before society — those serving in the army. Our soldiers put their lives at risk where necessary, without thinking of themselves or their families… it’s our destiny.

Accordingly, we should supply them with housing, so that they can serve without worrying where their children and family will live. We need to do more in this direction. The Government is taking definite measures gradually, according to my instructions. We should have taken such measures to raise the honour of the military — those who wear shoulder boards — at least a little by the end of the year.

Wider possibilities for housing will be created for those who have money and are able to earn it: mortgages, residential construction savings and other instruments.

I’d like to touch on a serious problem, which is our poor attitude towards cultivable soil. We need farms but why build them 10km from a settlement on the most fertile soil? Ten or even twenty hectares have been cut down in Grodno, Brest and Gomel regions for farms. They then laid asphalt roads to these farms, alongside pipes for water, electricity and natural gas. Of course, this makes each farm twice as expensive and spoils ten hectares of fertile soil.

Industrial construction in villages has doubled in cost and our good leaders have acted with the same ‘daylight robbery’ regarding investments around Minsk. I had to return rights over agricultural lands to the President, taking away the function from governors, as they couldn’t cope. They were starting to harm the country with their work. Today, it’s not possible to take even one hectare of agricultural soil for other purposes without the

Address President’s permission. I warn everyone that this is the most serious crime if it happens without my knowledge. We have prohibited the use of agricultural lands for industrial construction — whether for agricultural purposes or the building of factories or similar. I’m not afraid of this decision hampering our development as we have so much land not in use. There will be enough for all American and European investors.

The state won’t ignore problems of housing construction and will grant privileges such as tax deductions, attractive conditions for commercial lending and free land for individual construction — for those who need them.

Local authorities should create the right conditions for this, with terms for free land lots of no more than three months. We should create a civilised market of lease housing countrywide, with all employment contracts transparent and clear.

I entrust the Government, together with Minsk City Executive Committee and Regional Executive Committees to provide a state lease housing fund, while protecting the rights of long-term leasers via contract.

Very few people realise the historical way of our Belarusian people; they don’t know our mentality or traditions. Radical liberalisation was declined in the 1990s — not due to Lukashenko’s will but in accordance with clamorous public demand. The Belarusian people preferred a calm entrance into the hard world of market competition, which was new to them.

We decided that state policy should remain steady and calm. Of course, we are for privatisation (I’ve detailed the principles). Of course, we are not against free pricing. However, we wish to retain state control until we are fully ready to address competition. Not only myself but the Belarusian people were not ready for the ‘shock’ of privatisation. We worked on a new policy and laws in this hall together, building a new path of development for our Belarus.

Did we make a mistake? No, we didn’t.

We’ve already travelled some way on this path, today boasting a mixed economy. Private firms occupy leading positions in many branches (from trade to programming) and are commercially viable.

The role and functions of the state are ever changing. We don’t need central direct control of everything today. Rather, the main function of the state is to stimulate progress in all spheres, while providing social guarantees to citizens and creating legislation for society. We have been developing our civil society for several years, maintaining social dialogue and providing transparent and open conditions for elections, with full freedom for candidates.

How have these opportunities been used? The last elections, in 2010, showed that they were not used to public benefit. There have been abuses of the country and Government on TV, with violence in the streets, and agitation to terror and outrage. Every Belarusian has been able to see the real face of the opposition and its candidates. It’s difficult to think of better agitation for the benefit of the ruling power.

After the elections of 2010, we intended to extend dialogue with Europe and the USA, developing civil society and dialogue relating to domestic policy, to improve the political system.

However, the West and our ‘fifth column’ made another decision. They not only refused to discuss matters but began to attack our country via pressure and sanctions.

I hope that everybody has now realised that such a path leads nowhere.

We’ve lost much time due to this strange European policy but our position remains constant: we’re ready for dialogue.

Of course, we can’t sacrifice our basic principles. Social and state stability is our most vital value. Many countries envy Belarus for its lack of discord, conflict and political instability. We don’t want this and we will not let it happen — by any means.

National stability and unity are our real treasures, which we must preserve to ensure successful economic development and a normal, calm life for our people.

Stability doesn’t mean stagnation. We intend to continue consistently and calmly improving the public and political life of Belarus. We understand clearly that a new generation has appeared: the ‘Internet generation’. It announces itself loudly in many spheres: sports, business and the high-tech field. It differs from that seen previously, being more accustomed to self-reliance than relying upon the state. This generation is

“Integration is our conscious choice. We understand well that only countries with huge domestic markets (of at least several hundred million people) and those which form such markets by joining integration associations can survive under contemporary conditions.”

Dear citizens!

If we can solve problems in these directions, we’ll be able to forget the shortcomings of the last year within 12 months. Our economic strategy is clear. We need only to introduce it enthusiastically, creatively and wisely.

Democracy, freedom and state responsibility.

Belarus is often criticised from abroad for ‘improper’ democracy. Such charges became commonplace long ago. We are blamed for not living democratically and are told that we live badly — that everything is awful in general.

Speaking of the conflict with the European Union ambassadors, we observed carefully what happened and chatted to embassy staff. When I read the report, I was surprised and pleased to see that none of the foreign diplomats who left our country had wanted to do so. The main feeling was that this is a wonderful and civilised European country with good people and peaceful streets. You can relax here as you would in Germany and elsewhere.

What am I telling you this? In order to persuade you that, although they criticise us publically, they actually love our country. They appreciate it and say that the level of democracy here in Belarus is the equal of that elsewhere.

We know this ourselves from seeing them use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds (including women and children). Have we ever done such things in the history of our ‘non-democratic’ Belarus — even though we are still learning democracy from them? No, we haven’t. So, what do they accuse us of?

That we lead elections according to the law — to the Constitution? We do not accuse others of this. After the elections in France, I immediately congratulated the President of France, as the French people had made their decision. Why should we interfere? Others should behave in a similar fashion.

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Address more inclined to take risks to master modern innovations rapidly. This new young generation should surely find a place in determining the future face of the country — their Belarus.

In this regard, I’d like to say some words about the role of Parliament. The country needs strong legislative power and a strong Parliament. So, the development of Parliament is vital to the establishment of a democratic Belarus.

The current convocation of Parliament has played an important role in strengthening the state. The wisdom of our deputies and members of the Council of the Republic promotes social stability. Your knowledge and professional competence help create progressive legislation, without which we could not move ahead.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all, dear parliamentarians, for your sincere and fruitful service to your country. We’ll undertake regular parliamentary elections this autumn.

Of course, continuity is important to the country. If some of you return as members of the new Parliament, we’ll create conditions to continue our hard work to improve state legislation.

I guarantee that the forthcoming election campaign will be organised at the highest level and in strict compliance with the law and Constitution of our country.

No step to the left, no step to the right. I say this for ambassadors of foreign states and for that part of society which demands an answer from me today on how the parliamentary elections will be held. All those who are literate, take a copy of the Constitution of our country and of our laws regarding the development of Constitutional electoral norms and read. No step to the left, no step to the right. We won’t change anything on the eve of the forthcoming parliamentary elections!

If you ask me whether I support proportional representation, I will tell you a thousand times no. People should elect deputies using the majority voting system. A deputy should be close to their district. People should know them by face and vote for them in a particular territory.

Then, they won’t ‘turn away’ from their duty. If one candidate fails, the next might take their place but who has elected them, when their name wasn’t even on the ballot paper? For example, everyone has seen the 200 candidates listed but none has seen the 201st. What is this system?

What are the elections? This contradicts the mentality of the Belarusian nation. I speak against it but nothing can be done. The world is developing in a way that deputies are elected from parties.

Of course, it is desirable to have a choice of parties but show me a single other party which exists in Belarus. Show me. When we began to check the list of candidates, I asked for silence since some might say that Belarus is underdeveloped, as it has no parties. More than half of the people on the list are deadheads. Then they travel Europe and the USA, with an inflated sense of their own importance. Who do they represent?

They represent their own interests; they don’t even struggle for power, as they don’t need it. They are thrown a suitcase of money each time through Lithuania and Poland and other states. They divide it up between themselves and throw a meagre $1 to those under them — that’s all. This is their way of doing business.

Do you want to place such people in Parliament? I wouldn’t like to do so.

However, no one bans anyone from anything in Belarus. Come forward in a definite district, fight, win and act.

Naturally, this is not my business. Tell me, please, does the system which currently exists in Belarus create problems in society? No. Is it rejected by our society? No. Does our system create any problems for our neighbours? No. Everyone says that we’re peaceful, good and kind, trying to live via our own minds and hands.

If our system hasn’t outlived its usefulness and doesn’t create any problems, why do we need to change it? Let’s improve it calmly and precisely. We should listen to the minority, which does exist in Belarus.

It isn’t true that the President blatantly ignores them. I hear every ‘peep’ in every corner of our country, through my heart. However, this doesn’t mean that I should go on TV each time to shout. We hear and

“We understand clearly that a new generation has appeared. This generation is more inclined to take risks to master modern innovations rapidly. This new young generation should surely find a place in determining the future face of the country – their Belarus.”

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analyse but are guided by the needs of the dominating majority of our society. It will always be so! This is my answer to electoral legislation and the forthcoming parliamentary elections. We’re ready to listen to voices from the EU, the USA and Russia but we’ll be guided by our own minds, to the benefit of our residents. We’ll be pleased to take from the EU that which is profitable economically and politically for us but everything should be quiet, calm and noble — in favour of the Belarusian nation.

The new Parliament should become a centre of encouraged law making. There shouldn’t be any automatism during the adoption of laws.

Moreover, if necessary, it’s important to overcome outdated approaches, constructively discussing issues with the Government. The quality of legislation should be so high that it can ensure real, long-term stability. We currently have problems with this, and you won’t deny this.

Deputies should be down to Earth, able to relate each aspect of the law to real life and the day to day needs of the people. As already mentioned, change is inevitable in every sphere of state and society, evolving with life.

In this respect, the country needs to further develop its political system. The role of political parties needs to be strengthened to create a civilised party system. We must take this path.

Probably, as party structures gain power, we’ll become mature enough to shift to a mixed electoral system, including that which envisages party-list elections. I hope this will appear in our country. Maybe, fewer people will then point their finger at me, saying that the President is to blame for everything and is responsible for everything. If something catches on fire or explodes or the Belarusian currency fails to satisfy everyone, the President is to blame. In this case, maybe, parties will be responsible for something; they should exist.

Address Not the President, the Government nor Parliament will be able to artificially throw away responsibility.

Belarus doesn’t need revolutions and upheavals, which lead to chaos, breakdown and blood.

We should remember that a true civil society can’t exist without a citizen.

Meanwhile, a citizen is a person who is well aware of their rights and obligations. This is a person who feels their own responsibility for themselves and the whole country, for the present and the future.

I think that those who advocate freedom in Belarus most loudly aren’t ready for this freedom themselves.

True democracy is the power of right-minded citizens, who respect laws — rather than those who attack buildings, sympathise with terrorists and call on riot. The problems of society should be discussed within the walls of Parliament rather than on squares and at public meetings. Where meetings are organised, they should be planned properly, as in many western states — which are a stronghold of democracy.

The state can and should give maximum freedom.

Even the great Dostoevsky wrote that freedom is the most unbearable thing for us. This sincere writer was right. In receiving freedom, we suddenly understand that we have shouldered the heaviest burden, as freedom brings responsibility. We should make decisions ourselves and take responsibility for these decisions.

Maybe, the time has come to alter our attitude towards life, ourselves and the state.

Our partners in the West should understand that civil society and democracy aren’t born with the stroke of a pen by presidential decree.

These notions grow and are born from the minds of millions of responsible people.

It can’t happen overnight — it takes years. However, Belarus is firmly approaching this goal. It’s senseless to try to urge us on too quickly.

Now, a few words on our information society For thousands of years, the Earth was the major wealth of humanity.

As soon as the era of capitalism arrived, preference was given to money.

However, in the final 25 years of the last century, humanity entered a new age — that of the information society.

The Internet has brought a revolution to various spheres of life — from financial and trade to mass media and entertainments.

For Belarus, the rapid development of the Internet and information and communication technologies opens up brilliant prospects. The intellect of our people — especially the younger generation — has already begun to bring tangible revenue into the country. In future, this branch may and should become one of the key areas in our economy.

Several years ago, we discovered a gap, which we dealt with seriously; over the last two years, we’ve managed to advance significantly in this area.

According to UN data, Belarus has made a true breakthrough in the development of telecommunication infrastructure — shifting from 84th to 48th place in world rankings. Strangely, Belarus is constantly registered as an enemy of the Internet but, in truth, all our restrictive measures are almost ‘copied’ from the American and European approach. We haven’t invented anything new; we simply took from the Europeans and Americans.

Our concerns regarding the Internet are similar to those in the West: hacker attacks, electronic fraud and violation of authors’ rights. Yes, we’ve already seen how ‘they’ tried to explode our country via the Internet.

This succeeded in Arab countries and, partially, in Russia and Kazakhstan.

However, all these ‘revolutions through social networks’ were damned to complete failure in Belarus — as we recently witnessed. Moreover, we didn’t block anything. We’ve given a worthy answer to this ‘blasting’ work on the Internet, including using new IT. We’ll continue to act in this way, believing that the Internet should be used for peaceful purposes!

In fact, we view the Internet as an ideal venue for communication: of power and citizens. A system governing public applications to state authorities has been launched via the Internet, allowing prompt response; work in this direction will continue. I won’t mention virtual government and receptions, as you’ve already heard about this and are well aware.

Belarus should occupy first place in terms of access to electronic services and their diversity.

Breathing new life into High-Tech Park Undoubtedly, its activity has given real impetus to the development of IT, counteracting the brain-drain and ensuring employment for young programmers.

The Park is now registering companies wishing to receive privileges, which is good but is not enough. New tasks should be set for the Park: primarily, the attraction of venture investors and the latest technologies — as needed by our economy.

I entrust the Government and the Presidential Administration to prepare and submit a draft for a corresponding decree.

Today, the time has come to take a new step: we need to move from the usual offshore programming to true high technologies, and not only in the IT sphere. This relates to the High-Tech Park and to all other players on this market. Competition should exist.

Law enforcement and judicial systems We’ve launched serious improvements to the work of our law enforcement system and to our security overall.

Security agencies should act within strictly legal limits regarding ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs and state officials. There shouldn’t be any outrageous situations, any ‘raids’, any ‘executions’, or settling of personal scores; there won’t be any of these things. All these distorted phenomena will be rooted out mercilessly.

There’s no need to hide behind the struggle against corruption. Under this veil, bold and independent managers could be ‘punished’ for failing to bow to others. We could see the settling of personal scores and ‘protection rackets’. We might witness the paid ‘execution’ of one businessman by another.

One of the most vital tasks of the recently established Investigative Committee is to counteract all these elements. If a manager is being deliberately persecuted at someone’s order, you shouldn’t remain uninvolved! Take such people under protection! I say this to the heads of the Investigative Committee and to investigators.

We’ve already assured ourselves that its establishment is the best way forward. It is the first but not the last decision regarding the gradual and consecutive reform of our law enforcement system.

It’s no secret that the Interior Ministry is next in line. Over the next year — or even earlier — we’ll completely reform our Interior Ministry, carefully and with consideration, without offending anyone.

We need to humanise criminal legislation and the law governing economic crimes.

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Address Imprisonment isn’t always the adequate measure of punishment and re-education.

The General Prosecutor’s Office and the Investigative Committee need to thoroughly analyse the effectiveness of custodial placement, which is the dominant punishment at present. Why should we separate energetic and capable people from the world for breaking the law when they haven’t endangered or injured citizens? Give them bail or place them under parole but don’t throw them onto a plank bed. Only the courts deliver a verdict but we should make sure that people can’t run away, requiring us to spend a great deal of money searching for them — as often happens.

I entrust the Government to promptly prepare a draft law on amnesty — to coincide with our major state holiday of Independence Day. I’ve already spoken about this: dignified people suffer in prison while we release scoundrels (under pressure or otherwise)…

It’s necessary to overcome the accusatory emphasis of our law enforcement officers.

A positive trend has been recently observed in the judicial system, so we should reinforce and develop this further. We shouldn’t forget that independence and adherence to the principles of the judicial system directly influence the economy. The court shouldn’t stand aside but be always guided solely by the law and deliver a fair decision.

We should move towards models already being used elsewhere in the world: trial jury and administrative courts. The latter are especially important for citizens, since they can deliver a quick verdict, saving years of searching for the truth in state bodies. Such courts are designed to solve disputes between citizens and state officials. As world experience shows, they help break the notion of ‘one hand washing the other’ where state officials are concerned, protecting the rights of ordinary people.

We have failed to yet achieve a decision regarding control activity. The number of checks is too great and they remain of a punitive rather than of a warning character. The most offensive thing is that we often fail to check those whom we should and do not go where we should.

In recent times, we’ve seen a rise in disgraceful behaviour by the heads of enterprises — primarily state-run. This mostly refers to the Government and ministers. I’ve personally taken up this issue now and, God forbid, I’m reported something significant regarding this issue. At our trade houses and commodity distribution networks, we’ve been selling our tractors almost free of charge. In Russia, we have a joint trade house with the Russians where they earn profit and divide it between themselves — while our enterprises receive almost nothing. Other schemes may be also invented.

Ordinary individuals have been unable to buy a tyre, tractor or vehicle via advance payment. Sellers won’t take advanced payments, yet are giving goods to trade houses for 90 days without any advance payment. People have appealed to ministers but have failed to receive answers. You have only yourself to blame, as I’ve warned you! I’ve already spoken about this in Volkovysk and am now tired of listening to these complaints. I warn heads of enterprises ahead of time.

They have almost given our annual stock of tractors and automobiles to these trade chains. Now, we’ll see the results at our Tractor Works and other enterprises. Why don’t you sell with advance payments, since demand for tractors is so great at present? What are you waiting for? The Government is keeping silence, meaning that the situation exists because we have market relations…

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The Government, the Presidential Administration and the State Control Committee need to elaborate additional measures in the first half of this year to optimise monitoring countrywide.

We’ve adhered to the proverb ‘trust but verify’ for many years but the time has come to change the position of words.

Now, about Belarus in the world.

The 21st century world is developing differently to how it did in the last century: incomparably more rapidly and on a larger scale, while often being unpredictable.

The world’s leaders are changing. The Eastern Asia is throwing down a challenge to old Europe but we aren’t seeing a struggle by the centres of power — as was traditional in the 20th century. This is because the global economy has made all countries interdependent.

There are no winners or losers in this system. Everyone benefits from the economic boom, as everyone loses from an economic crisis.

The new world order is mostly brightly seen in the example of two giants: the USA and China. Their economies are symbiotic: each relies on the other.

Unfortunately, world policy seriously lags behind world economy. Politicians still speak in the language of force, wars and threats. Humanity has failed to elaborate reliable mechanisms of ensuring security.

The temptation to cut rather than to untie the ‘Gordian knot’ of world policy remains strong among the leading countries of the world. We cannot change this, so Belarus must adapt towards the world order which is forming (mostly regardless of our will).

I’ve asserted many times that Belarus has no geopolitical ambitions but we should clearly see our place in the world and protect our national interests — by all possible means.

I want to tell the Europeans and Americans that it’s impossible to break us; they should understand this. I speak not only of Lukashenko and, as they say, his security bloc — or the Government. No, it’s impossible to artificially break us, Belarusians. They might bury us, allowing them to do as they wish with our country, but it’s unpromising to break, bend or step on us — with a knee or the whole leg. Let’s live in friendship and speak to one another. Dialogue is the only way to succeed together.

There’s no other way.

I’ve often noted that our national interests are very simple. Speaking plainly, we want to live peacefully and in a friendly fashion with everyone, to trade freely and sincerely co-operate in all spheres of interest to us and to our partners.

Unfortunately, it’s easier to say than do, as there are many who don’t agree.

A range of countries reject Belarus’ right to decide its own national interests. Some view our country either as a ‘sanitary cordon’ or a ‘sanitary zone’. Some believe that they have the right to dictate to the Belarusian nation on how it should live and develop. Naturally, such approaches are always doomed to failure.

We’ll never tire of repeating that Belarus is interested in calm relations with its close and distant neighbours and in the closest integration in all possible directions.

Integration is our conscious choice. We understand well that only countries with huge domestic markets (of at least several hundred million people) and those which form such markets by joining integration associations can survive under contemporary conditions.

Address

Belta

Today, the model of our integration is clear. Jointly with Russia and Kazakhstan (and I’m confident that other countries may also join soon) we’ve created the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space — with a single market of 170m people.

This market offers additional opportunities for sales of Belarusian produce, primarily, high-tech goods. Through this integration, we can gain equal access to raw material and energy resources without which no state can develop properly. This completely meets the interests of the state and nation, strengthening the position of the Belarusian state worldwide, while enhancing the welfare of our citizens.

In the chamber

Our structures are open for other states to join and, correspondingly, for further expansion of the joint market.

Meanwhile, we are far from reaching our limit. The establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union is high on the agenda — to be formed in 2015.

Let’s assess the scale of work conducted so far: from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, space is being ‘divided’ by the two largest integrated unions. Belarus is among the founders of one of these, which is worth a great deal. These two big unions, which unite Europe and Eurasia and their neighbourhoods, are a significant force globally.

The European Union is one of the most vital vectors for Belarus worldwide. Belarus and the EU are important partners economically and politically. The EU is our #1 partner for exports and is our #2 partner for turnover, behind Russia.

A hundred million tonnes of cargo are transported by rail, road and air between West and East across Belarus, while 70 percent of Russian oil and a third of Russian gas are piped. This binds us strongly with Europe, in whose centre we are situated. Nor should we forget other vital interaction spheres: prevention of illegal migration, drug trafficking and smuggling (including illegal trade in nuclear and radioactive materials and weaponry), and the maintenance of safe borders.

Yes, we have different points of view regarding particular issues of social structure, but we must overcome these disagreements. As I’ve already said, dialogue and negotiations are needed rather than sanctions and bans. The policy of sanctions is wrong primarily because it’s useless and brings no results.

Belarus doesn’t feel hostility either to the European Union or the United States of America; we see primarily what unites us rather than separates. Moreover, we look to the future.

At present, many ‘analysts’ are asking which direction we are taking and to which nations we are allying ourselves. It’s an outdated and primitive way of thinking, as wise politicians understand that the objective interests of the country are dictated by not only today but tomorrow.

Strategically, our two big unions shouldn’t be hostile towards one another. They shouldn’t ‘divide’ the continent but should unite it. Proceeding from this, Belarus is proposing an ‘integration of integrations’. Its goal is the creation of a single economic space from Lisbon to Vladivostok — as spoken of by the current President of the Russian Federation.

At the summit of heads of the SES states, held in Moscow last December, we decided (via Belarusian initiative) that it would be expedient to consider interaction between the Single Economic Space and the EU. It was our proposal, supported by our partners.

I believe that the Central European states have their own mission.

Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia and the Czech Republic should unite the traditional West and East. It is our new historical mission and special role.

I know that my colleagues — the heads of the SES states of Russia and Kazakhstan — adhere to the same principal approach.

For the long-term stability of our state, these two East-West vectors aren’t enough. We aim to occupy a strong strategic position by building Belarus’ third stronghold — to the South.

This pertains to China, first and foremost. We have an important competitive advantage there, as we have been viewed as China’s strategic partner for many years already. We should translate our political advantages into economic ones. That is what we mean when we talk about the ‘big advent’ of China to Belarus.

As for the Southern Hemisphere, we’ve been successfully securing a foothold on the markets of Venezuela and neighbouring countries in Latin America. New efforts should be focused on India, South East Asia and, of course, Africa — where our economic presence is, as yet, insignificant.

In recent times, we’ve made some progress in expanding co-operation with Turkey, Qatar and other countries in the Gulf. This area should be developed by all possible means.

Collaboration with Israel could also have good prospects, especially in the high-tech field and agriculture. Many Belarusians have emigrated there, who could bring capital and the latest technologies to our country. They sincerely love our country, which we should take advantage of.

State agencies need to ramp up efforts to promote Belarusian products and goods on new markets. It’s high time our diplomatic missions abroad worked shoulder to shoulder with representatives of our major exportoriented branches. They are legally authorised, so we need to promote the ‘Made in Belarus’ brand in every possible way.

As I keep saying, we aren’t acting for the sake of statistics but to achieve the highest goal — a better quality of life for people. Economy and politics are the means to achieving this. Sales of screws, bolts, milk and meat have meaning only when the profits bring an enhanced standard of living for people.

New economic approaches won’t change the most vital fact: Belarus is a state for people. We’ve already achieved much in the social sphere.

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Address In terms of quality of education, Belarus is ranked 20th worldwide; it occupies 30th place in terms of healthcare and 20th for social capital.

This shows that Belarus boasts human capital for dynamical growth of the level of welfare.

The major areas of development — including social policy, health, education and culture — tackle citizens’ needs. They’ve been approved by the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly and, regardless of the financial and economic situation in the country, we won’t put aside these plans.

Speaking of education, I’ll immediately answer a question which concerns many: no new reforms or experiments will be organised in secondary schools. All our attention should be concentrated on enhancing the quality of education, while using contemporary IT. We aim to improve secondary schools, while equipping them with programmes which promote pupils’ abilities.

We should also considerably improve and expand the system of training semi-skilled workers and specialists — to reflect market demand.

We did the right thing in preserving our system of professional technical education and secondary special education. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a noticeable emphasis in favour of higher education. We now have too many graduates in the humanities, which concerns me greatly. Meanwhile, we’re experiencing a serious deficit in other professions.

I’ve already said that if a graduate engineer wishes to work with machine tools he should be allowed to do so. However, we have too many lawyers, economists, historians and politicians. We can’t employ them all but they’ll soon be queuing up demanding employment from us.

The Economy Ministry, with the Education Ministry, shouldn’t just study the problem but adopt a definite plan of action to solve this imbalance.

Very soon, we need to solve the problem of lack of places at pre-school nurseries and should ensure that there is availability ‘within walking distance’ — including at the expense of the creation of home- and familytype groups.

We’ve done much to develop and equip our health care system. Within five years, we’ll completely finish this process, as has been already discussed many times.

Recently, measures have been adopted to expand the production of domestic medicines, primarily those enjoying mass demand, enabling us to make them more affordable to our citizens.

The quality of medical care and the cost of medicines and medical services should be under the daily control of the Health Minister, as these are the most sensitive issues for our citizens.

In recent times, complaints have appeared regarding the imminent launch of the new system of drug dispensing (by doctor’s prescription only).

I’ll ask the Health Minister and the Prime Minister to tackle these issues. As this is worldwide practice, we really need to explain this to people. Saying that, we don’t wish to offend citizens and create unnecessary queues at polyclinics.

The current year is the Year of Book. As I’ve mentioned many times, books are like icons to me, being sources of knowledge, spirituality, traditions and moral inspiration. I tend to think of a Belarusian as a person with a book.

Just imagine, if we threw away books, Belarusians would disappear.

I don’t mean to publish additional tomes of waste paper. Our major task is to restore a love of literature — for the whole nation and, primarily, youngsters — making people ponder life and eternal values.

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It doesn’t matter which medium you use to read the works of Tolstoy, Turgenev or Kolas: a paper book or an iPad. The vital thing is that we enjoy the living word in any form, especially the younger generation. It’s essential that they read.

In this respect, I entrust the Culture and Information Ministries to pay special attention to library itineraries. They should be involving the business community and using the media to promote 2012 as the Year of Books.

We also need to accelerate the creation of the national electronic library.

Let’s now speak of another important area in the development of the spirituality of our nation. At my direct instruction, we’ve launched the renovation of one of the major cultural symbols of Belarus — Slutsk sashes.

Many centuries ago, even in the most remote corners of Belarus, our luxurious Slutsk sashes were being made; our ancestors ‘invested’ all their talent, ability and soul into sewing them.

This project is unique, uniting spirituality, traditions, history, culture, technologies and economics. We shouldn’t only restore the ancient craft but contemporise it to earn revenue while glorifying Belarus.

Almost every house in Belarus has at least one icon, so a Slutsk sash should also be in each house. We should make them worthily so that they are truly magnificent. Slutsk sashes are only the beginning. We should also restore and revive the castles and palaces of our nobility — such as Mir Castle.

Our legacy includes many crafts and industrial goods, as well as Slutsk sashes, which should be restored. People should have the opportunity to touch such relics — even if they are hand-made items created in modern times. This is the idea of this endeavour.

The restoration of significant cultural and historical symbols, as well as promoting patriotism, love and respect for our Homeland, relies on our rich cultural and historical legacy. We should be deservedly proud of this, as it is an important part of the foundation and development of our national identity.

Slutsk sashes remind us of the simple truth at the heart of our land: a society is happy where spiritual values and material force, traditions and innovations harmoniously combine — joining the past and present. Our Belarus should be like this.

Dear friends!

Belarus’ foes would like to see our country underdeveloped, crusty and stuck in the past — wearing lapti shoes. Such countries are vulnerable, as they aren’t competitive worldwide.

We won’t give cause for joy to those who don’t love Belarus, envying us.

Our country will never stagnate or stand still. We’ll ever move forward, overcoming all obstacles and barriers, through to the future.

We’ll move forward even faster. We’ll explore all that is new and exciting in the world. We’ll make our country a symbol of development, improvement and rapid progress.

There is no other way, so we must succeed, as we have before.

On the eve of May 9th, celebrating our Great Victory, let me congratulate all of you, dear friends, on the occasion of this Great Victory. We’ll do all we can to ensure that new generations of Belarusians remember this Victory and over three million Belarusians who died — every third citizen — for the sake of this Victory. I wish you health, peace, happiness and welfare.

Let’s be worthy of the heroic deeds of that generation of Victors!

Soyuz  Programme priorities The State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, has discussed how best to develop co-operation between Belarusian and Russian scientists

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is meeting with Anatoly Rusetsky, the Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, focused on how to accelerate the adoption of Union State programmes. Six are currently being implemented by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Russian Academy of Sciences,

 Timetable for summer semester Young Belarusian construction brigades are ready to work on sites being built for the World Summer Universiade in Kazan, for the Olympic Games in Sochi and for the World Football Championship — as noted at the first rally of volunteer units in Vitebsk

I

n fact, students are to work on a wide range of projects, including assistance to veterans and disabled children and research work. The initiative is being supported by Russian students, note representatives of Lipetsk State Centre

with the same number still undergoing approval by ministries and departments.

Mr. Rapota received a report on how the most vital Union State sci-tech programmes are progressing in practice.

For example, the NAS’ Scientific and Practical Centre for Food is developing the processing of waste from food manufacturing, creating highly-efficient fodder additives and dietary supplements. Over ten fodder supplements and dozens of equipment devices are ready for launch. Mr. Rapota particularly asked the scientists to ensure their work outstrips foreign rivals.

Mr. Rapota has been studying the implementation of the Stem Cells Union State programme (running from 20112013), at the Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering at the National Academy of Sciences. It aims to develop treatment for diseases as yet incurable by traditional medical means. The Standardisation-SG programme, at the NAS’ United Institute of Informatics Problems in Belarus, is dedicated to Belarus-Russia space research collaboration. of Voluntary Work Development.

Those from Vitebsk will be able to find out more at a fair of social projects in Lipetsk and there are plans to organise Belarusian-Russian construction, agrarian and volunteer brigades.

Belarus — Russia

 Logistics more profitable than trade One of the largest logistics centres in the North-Western District is soon to appear in Russian Chudovo, distributing Belarusmade goods

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emand is on the rise, as proven by trade fairs regularly organised in Nizhny Novgorod Region. The Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Sergey Mitin, notes the cheap price of Belarusian potatoes, beets and carrots, which are all of good quality. These and other goods will be available from the logistics centre for St. Petersburg shops. A land lot has been allocated, with the administration of Nizhny Novgorod Region setting up engineering infrastructure and communications. The centre’s total turnover is expected to reach at least 100,000 tonnes of produce annually.

 Students acquire new festival An inter-university festival of modern dance has been held at Vitebsk’s State Academy of Veterinary Medicine: under the slogan ‘Taking a Step Forward!’

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he e ve nt brou g ht to ge t he r Belarusian and Russian bands, with Toridance, from Polotsk’s State University, named the best group. Meanwhile, 20-10, from St. Petersburg State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, was named the most creative. Non Stop, from Velikie Luki, was awarded ‘For Artistic Expressiveness’. The heads of famous Vitebsk dance studios organised master classes and the organisers of the forum plan to make the festival a regular event.

2012 беларусь.belarus

25

Alexander Ruzhechka

Efficient service Union State programmes help equip border at European level

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he Brest Customs’ Kozlovichi border checkpoint is of great importance in supporting the foreign trade of the Union State and the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan.

It processes up to 80 percent of truck transport from EU states, so prompt work is essential, while ensuring that smuggled goods are detected.

In early 2012, another important step was taken with the launch of a new scanning system for heavy vehicles, whose powerful X-ray enables customs officers to easily see undeclared goods hidden in a truck’s body. The new unit can check up to 15 trucks per hour, operating day and night. In the first two weeks of its operation, several batches of

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smuggled alcoholic drinks, flowers and food products were detected, heading to Russia. Meanwhile, times for customs clearance for other vehicles were significantly reduced. Soon, a similar inspection and examination unit will appear at Brest railway hub.

The Single Economic Space of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan is drawing attention from businessmen from other countries. International cargo transportation volumes have been rising over the past year or so, especially those delivered by road. To enhance the speed of customs and border clearance for automobile transport, while reducing smuggling, the Belarusian Government is now implementing another national programme to enhance capacity and

efficiency at border checkpoints. In 2011, traffic capacity was just under 21,000 automobiles and buses daily; by 2015, this should have risen to almost 33,000.

At present, five border checkpoints on the western border of Belarus boast inspection and examination units similar to that recently installed at Kozlovichi.

In total, 24 such units are operational, with new equipment planned for all points where trucks cross the Belarusian border. This should triple capacity at Privalka border checkpoint on the Lithuanian border by 2014. An inspection and examination facility is also to be constructed there.

The Union State is also actively modernising the western section of the Belarusian border, which forms a consid-

erable part of the economic boundary between Russia and the Customs Union.

Significant funds have been allocated from the Union State budget for this purpose for several years. Prospects for co-operation were high on the agenda at a meeting between the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, and the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus, Alexander Shpilevsky, in April 2012.

The meeting tackled the fulfilment of the Programme of Priority Development of Customs Infrastructure for Customs Clearance Border Points on the Territory of the Republic of Belarus, as well as the Programme of Information Technologies for Common Customs Processes within the Union State.

In 2011, construction of Domachevo automobile border checkpoint (BelarusPoland) was completed and construction of Peschatka border checkpoint continued. Meanwhile, Grigorovshchina border checkpoint was modernised (Belarus-Latvia). Reconstruction of customs infrastructure on the BelarusianUkrainian border is next in line.

Results are already evident. The launch of Domachevo border checkpoint and Kozlovichi-2 border terminal (near Brest) has raised the capacity to process traffic: from 23,700 to 28,000 vehicles per day. Accordingly, queues have reduced in size, encouraging the movement of road traffic between Russia and Europe.

Frontier — fall into ranks!

The western border of the Union State also performs another important function, protecting Belarus and Russia from illegal migrants, criminals and drug traffickers. To perform effectively, officers along our external boundaries need the latest technology, in addition to good working conditions.

In April, Dotishki frontier post on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border came into operation, funded from the Union State

budget. It boasts a two-storey administrative building, garages for servicing vehicles, a kennel for the customs dogs, a sports area for border officers, an electric substation, a water tower with an artesian well and a boiler house running on local fuels.

Drastic changes have also occurred along the border, as the latest technological equipment has come into use: information and telecommunication networks and a video surveillance system. Facilities have been created for the families of officers and other staff, with a 12 flat building offering comfortable and convenient accommodation (saving a journey of several dozen kilometres for some officers).

Soldiers and sergeants also enjoy good conditions: rooms accommodating six people, each with an en-suite shower room, and a canteen to hand: luxurious in comparison to the old trailers. The border can function independently and efficiently for any period under any circumstances.

The five year Union State programme aims to reconstruct the western borders of Belarus, with 14 new sites built and two more still under construction. Design documentation has been prepared for 16 further sites, with funds allocated from the Union State budget (1.428bn Russian roubles). Each new site will be special. For instance, the four storey headquarters of the regional border unit, in Grodno, not only provides excellent facilities but is an attractive addition to the centre of the ancient city. Many other sites, such as those in Dotishki, aim to enhance the social and living conditions of soldiers, officers and their families.

Facilities boast pleasant canteens, hostels and, even, saunas.

Major funds have also been injected into the development of automated communication and control, as well as engineering development.

Representatives of the Union State Standing Committee have regularly

super vised the work and, where necessary, have offered advice.

Necessary measures have been taken on time. In 2011 alone, over 27m citizens from various countries crossed the Belarusian western border (which coincides with a considerable part of the Union State border). In all, 800 violators were arrested: up 40 percent on 2010.

Over 1,200 hiding places were detected in transport vehicles and over 132kg of drugs and 160 weapons were confiscated.

As the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan develop, the need for improved Union State border infrastructure only intensifies, as noted at a joint session of the Union State Standing Committee, held in Grodno in spring 2012.

“Border guards hold great responsibility for integration processes,” asserted the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, at the joint session. “We can confidently say that the collaboration of our two border departments hasn’t stopped for a single minute. We have complete mutual understanding, with dialogue conducted by true professionals, who easily find a common language.”

In previous years, 2.8bn Russian roubles have been allocated from the Union State budget to develop the borders of Belarus and Russia. Two new frontier posts have been built, in addition to six border outposts, and work continues.

The joint session in Grodno discussed a new draft programme aiming to develop Union State borders, running from 2012-2016. The focus is still to be co-operation in equipping and developing the external boundaries of Belarus and Russia, with the goal of overcoming trans-border crimes, drug trafficking, illegal migration and natural disasters. New technology includes pilotless aircraft (for prompt reaction to border situations). These will supplement existing piloted helicopters.

By Vladimir Fiodorov

2012 беларусь.belarus

27

BelAZ to gain Russian registration Quarry truck production to be set up in Kuzbass

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he Belarusian Automobile Plant — known globally for its 360 tonne dump trucks — is soon to set up production in Russia’s Kemerovo Region, specialising in quarry machinery able to transport up to 90 tonnes of ore or coal.

Manufacture of 130 tonne vehicles is possible in the future — as agreed during a recent visit by a Russian delegation to Minsk.

Ever y ye ar, Kemerovo R e g i o n’s e n t e r p r i s e s purchase about 400 Belarusian heavy duty dump trucks, with demand ever growing. In coming years, Russia’s mining of stone coal is set to rise by 100m tonnes, with most coming from Kuzbass. This will require the use of stronger fleets of trucks, with maintenance contracts as important as original purchase terms.

In 2011, a service centre opened in Kemerovo Region for Belarusian quarry vehicles, producing some important components — including vehicle bodies (120 planned for 2012). This avoids the need to transport thousands of tonnes of metal from Russia to Belarus, later returning this in the form of ready-made products. As a result, Belarusian dump

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trucks are cheaper, being profitable to all sides. Importantly, the effect will be even more impressive once Kemerovo Region launches full scale production of 90 tonne vehicles: 150-200 units are planned annually, satisfying neighbouring Russian regions’ needs.

The Belarusian plant will also benefit from such co-operation. At present, giant vehicles (of 220 tonne capacity and above) are popular globally, including in Russia. Demand outstrips supply, so BelAZ has focused on the production of such machinery. In 2011, it produced 521 vehicles of 90-360 tonne capacity (190 more than in 2010). However, it is to

double its manufacturing volumes over the next two years. Meanwhile, production of 90 tonne trucks in Kemerovo Region will enable the plant to concentrate its efforts on producing heavier, more profitable machinery (as needed

by Kuzbass). The first Belarusian dump trucks of 320 and 360 tonne capacity already operate there and BelAZ plans to produce 420 such vehicles by 2013. Its latest innovation is remotely operated quarry machinery, which significantly improves working conditions. Kuzbass specialists are eager to test the new machines.

An ef fective mo del of co-operation is being developed, with the Union State encouraging such liaisons via sci-tech programmes f inanced from the shared BelarusianRussian budget. The approach has already been used to set up mass production of diesel engines and trucks meeting EURO-3 and EURO-4 ecostandards. Now, joint production of quarry machinery is being organised, attracting steel companies and producers of engines and electro-technical devices.

This should ensure competitive produce and the creation of new jobs.

By Vladimir Yakovlev

Artur Prupas

Space for knowledge Educational systems of Belarus and Russia becoming more similar

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ducation has no borders, especially within the Union State.

Year after year, Belarusians enter Russian universities, while Russian school leavers choose those in Belarus. Applicants have equal access to all educational institutions in our neighbouring countries — including the ability to receive scholarships and hostel accommodation paid for by the state.

The number of co-operative agreements between our universities is also rising, with hundreds of joint research projects already implemented. It’s no surprise that, according to the World Bank, Russia and Belarus occupy the first two places in the international knowledge index rating within the CIS. The educational systems of our two countries are quite similar, although

we also have marked differences.

The Russians must undertake the Unified State Exam (EGE) alongside Centralised Testing to gain entry to Belarusian universities; the content of the tests is quite similar but the results are used differently. A school certificate is issued in Belarus when even a single point is awarded, while 20 points is a ‘fail’ in Russia. The Belarusian Ministry of Education is now to set the minimum number of points required for university application.

The other option is to allow entry to branches of Russian universities in Minsk — such as the Russian State Social University (RSSU), Moscow St ate Un ive rs it y of E c onom i c s , Statistics, and Informatics (MESI) and the Belarusian-Russian University in Mogilev (where both Russian and Belarusian educational programmes are used) — with EGE certification alone. Applicants would choose their courses and level of certification,

with rouble scholarships awarded.

This would allow graduates to work on Belarusian and Russian labour marke t s . C e r t i f i c ate s wou l d b e mutually recognised (as has been the case for diplomas, degrees and titles for many years already).

Russian universities changed to a two-level educational system ‘four plus two’ last year, while Belarusian students study for 5 years. Most Belarusian universities are to shorten their first stage of training by a term or two from September, while a new concept for teaching social and humanity subjects is planned. Students will study compulsory subjects in addition to those chosen freely(from a list suggested by professors). Independent working hours are to rise, with lectures and lab time limited to a maximum of 30 hours per week. In addition, there will be no revision of the school curriculum at university level. A Master’s degree will take two years to complete — due to its specialisation and practical orientation.

“This will help recognition of Russian bachelor’s degrees for job seekers,” notes a member of the Union St ate Parli ament ar y Ass embly’s Commission for Social Policy, Science, Culture and Humanitarian Affairs, Vladimir Zdanovich. “If academic hours are inadequate, education may be considered incomplete. The timeframe and content need to be synchronised with those in Russia.”

Currently, our countries are experiencing a surplus of lawyers and economists (40 percent of Belarusian students study economics at present).

Meanwhile, the need for engineers is 10 times greater. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education of Belarus plans to raise tuition fees for these specialisations, maximising profitability. Budgetary financing will be directed towards supporting scientific, technical and medical specialisations.

By Maria Volkova

2012 беларусь.belarus

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Funding health care Union State vouchers for children from Chernobyl affected districts and Great Patriotic War veterans

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his year, over 1,400 children from areas most affected by the Chernobyl disaster are to recuperate at the best Belarusian and Russian children’s spas. The Union State budget is allocating over 21m Russian roubles for this purpose. In Belarus, young people will be welcomed by Sluch, Borovichok and Neman-72 sanatoriums, in addition to Zhemchuzhina rehabilitation-recuperative centre. In Russia, Shakhtinsky Tekstilshchik, on the Black Sea coast, is to open its doors.

These sanatoriums won an open tender to offer resort services — organised by the Union State’s Standing Committee. They can provide comfortable rooms, modern medical equipment, sport facilities, tasty menus and rich

Zhemchuzhina rehabilitationrecuperative center for children

Belta

30

cultural and entertainment programmes.

Such Union State vouchers allow people to recuperate in the neighbouring state, learning something new.

In late August, 270 Belarusian schoolchildren are to travel to the Black Sea, while 330 from Russia’s Kaluga, Tula and Bryansk regions are to recuperate amidst Belarusian pine forests, and on the banks of local lakes and rivers. Borovichok, in Dyatlovo District, is already preparing for guests, participating in the tender for the first time this year. The Deputy Director for Medical Work, Leonid Karpishevich, believes it has a good chance of winning.

He explains, “Over the past two years, Borovichok has reconstructed two buildings, while developing its grounds and installing modern medical equipment. Everything has been done to help children improve their health and have fun during their 21 day stay.”

The cultural and entertainment programme prepared by Belarusian spas is rich in events

беларусь.belarus 2012

devoted to the Union State theme. Young visitors can take excursions to learn about Belarusian history and traditions, discovering the many shared features of our two fraternal states.

Tamara Bondarenko, the Deputy Director of Belarus’ Republican Centre for Recuperation and SanatoriumResort Treatment, notes that Union State funding is financing the cost of improving the health of children affected by the Chernobyl disaster. In Belarus, over 200,000 children are registered for free recuperative trips but each additional voucher allows more schoolchildren to take advantage of the opportunity.

Since 2002, over 130m Russian roubles have been spent to this end, with over 10,000 Belarusian and Russian children residing on territories contaminated by radioactivity (of at least 5curies per square kilometre) receiving vouchers.

The Union State is also raising the quality of life for Great Patriotic War veterans and those with disabilities. This year, over 17m Russian roubles have been allocated. Six Belarusian and Russian sanatoriums (having won a tender) are to welcome about 700 former soldiers — including 100 from Belarus. Peredelkino sanatorium, near Moscow, is to host 20 who have received medical permission to travel. Like Belarusian Sosnovy Bor (near Minsk), the sanatorium is to welcome Russian and Belarusian veterans, allowing them to meet old friends, visit sites of military glory, improve their health and relax comfortably.

By Lilia Khlystun

U

ntil 2011, Belarus was represented by a consulate in Krasnodar. However, the outpost has shifted to Rostov-on-Don: as agreed with the Russian Foreign Ministry. The role of Honorary Consul has been filled by Oleg Neverkevich, a deputy of the legislative assembly of Krasnodar Krai, Director of Belaya Rus spa and a leader of the local Belarusian diaspora. Here, he tells us how Belarus and Krasnodar Krai are

building infrastructure and hotels in Krasnaya Polyana.

Belarus has set up many joint enterprises across various Russian regions.

What are your impressions?

22 joint ventures are operating in Kuban, manufacturing construction and road machinery, transport, furniture and light industry goods.

Mogilev’s Lift Building Plant has opened an office in Krasnodar, to assemble elevators, while harvesters are being assembled in Ust-Labinsk. A trading

Sea at subsided rates, with the same privileges for those from Krasnodar Krai wishing to visit Belarusian spas and rural guesthouses. We’ll continue developing our air and rail links.

One obstacle to private trips is the high price of tickets during the peak summer season. However, many Belarusians come to the Belaya Rus spa while the resort city of Anapa annually gathers young talents from various corners of Belarus and Russia for the Union State ‘Youth Festival’.

Art of building bridges Belarusians of Kuban preserve traditions and reinforce regional collaboration connected and how Belarusians help strengthen economic and cultural cooperation in Kuban.

What are your duties as an Honorary Consul, besides those of a representative nature?

Diplomats build bridges and reinforce economic and cultural ties, while protecting the interests of citizens residing in foreign lands.

How closely are the economies of Kuban and Belarus connected?

Last year, Krasnodar Krai was ranked 9th among Russian regions in terms of turnover with Belarus, having traded $268m of goods. We supply harvesters, buses, furniture and tractors while importing Russian grain, tomatoes and oilcake. At present, Belarus is investing around $40m in

house selling Belarusian goods is to appear in Armavir.

How do you view prospects for interaction in the tourism sphere?

In April, Belarus was visited by a delegation from Krasnodar Krai, studying the development of agroecotourism. Those living in Kuban can learn much from Belarus, as we have efficient legislation governing rural tourism. The Sports and Tourism Ministry of Belarus has agreed to subsidise trips for Union State citizens, working with the Department of Complex Development of Resorts and Tourism of Krasnodar Krai.

The initiative would allow us to organise tours for socially disadvantaged citizens, allowing those Belarusians on low incomes to take trips to the Black

Do local Belarusians care about the traditions of their original homeland and how are such cultural ties developing?

Around 50,000 Belarusians officially reside in Kuban, although their number is actually greater; many are registered as Russians, having been here for a while. They do preserve our traditions, keeping the language alive, singing Belarusian folk songs at holiday times and making national dishes. Performers from Belarus are very popular here too; Slavyansk hosts a song forum which brings together artistes. The Kuban Cossack Chorus often tours Belarus while famous artistes (from ‘Pesnyary’ to the Kupala Theatre actors) come to the Belaya Rus spa each year. Our cultural ties are on the rise.

By Viktar Korbut

2012 беларусь.belarus

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Alexander Ruzhechka

More good news Promoting Union State via information sharing

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o-operation within the Union State is already a common topic of media forums regularly organised in Belarus and Russia.

The 16th International Media in Belarus Specialised Exhibition was no exception — held in Minsk in late April under a new format: with the 19th TIBO-2012 International Specialised Exhibition and Congress on Telecommunications, Information and Banking Technologies.

The event brought together thousands of participants and guests from Belarus, Ukraine, China, Cuba and India. Of course, Union State and Russian media were widely presented.

On greeting those present at the Media in Belarus and TIBO-2012 exhibitions, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, noted that we can hardly imagine the contemporary world without IT. He added, “It

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has transformed civilisation, allowing humanity to shift to a higher stage of development: the ‘information society’ — as it’s known.”

At present, almost 1,500 printed media exist in Belarus, in addition to around 300 electronic editions. Moreover, over 4,000 foreign printed editions are in evidence across the Republic, alongside around 1,500 foreign TV programmes: most are from Russia.

Hundreds of printed editions from the Russian regions were on display at the event (from Bryansk, Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow regions, which all work closely with our media). Many Russian journalists liaise with Belarusian colleagues on joint information projects for the Union State, each piece fitting together like a mosaic.

Yekaterina Kisilenko, Editor-inChief of Sputnik newspaper, from

Moscow Region’s Yubileiny, tells us that his edition regularly features news from Cherven (its Belarusian twin town), mostly at the initiative of the Mayor of Yubileiny, Valery Kirpichev, who was born in Cherven.

Every year, new media projects appear involving leading editions from Belarus and Russia. According to Grigory Rapota, the State Secretary of the Union State, a unique information field has been created between our states.

Tatiana Kovaleva, the Head of the Union State’s Department for Social Policy and Information Provision, presented the latest book projects at the event. Among them was an enc yclopaedia of biographies of Belarusians who have made a significant contribution to the politics, culture and the economy of our states (and to those of the whole world): Belarusians who’ve Glorified Russia — Russians who’ve Glorified Belarus.

The personalities explored span from Simeon Polotsky to Andrey Gromyko.

Meanwhile, Letters of Friendship comprises youngsters’ impressions of visiting various corners of Belarus and Russia. Polotsk — Smolensk: L andmarks of C ommon Fate,

by B elar usian journalists Naum Galperovich and Natalia Vanina, is dedicated to our two cities, whose legacy unites our brotherly nations. “ The Union St ate St randing Committee plans to support films dedicated to the brightest pages of the shared history of our two states, continuing the initial success of Brest Fortress,” explains Ms. Kovaleva. “We’ll also continue developing Internet projects to inform Union State citizens of events happening from Brest to Vladivostok.”

The media exhibition has been a major event in promoting professional achievements in this sphere, allowing us to look into the future for Belarus and the Union State.

By Viktar Andrejeu

Information technologies

Communication expansion

Alexander Ruzhechka

16th International Media in Belarus Exhibition organised jointly with 19th International TIBO-2012 Forum

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his year, the two forums have been working in creative union to expand the presence of the Belarusian media online.

Opening the event, Belarus’ Information Minister, Oleg Proleskovsky, noted, “In our modern world, information is of vital importance. The Belarusian media is keeping up with the times by mastering new IT opportunities. The media’s main task is to find and preserve its readership, so it needs to offer a high quality media product.”

The First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Alexander Radkov, admits that technological development is continuous but that it does have definite phases of decline and growth. “For Belarus to move forward, it needs to develop its information and electronic technologies,” he underlines.

“Moreover, following world trends, we should develop e-trade and various types of information carriers (printed and digital). Tablet PCs are already in use across various spheres but the Internet

About 30 thousand people have visited Huawei company stand over the four days

has failed to drive out our desire for hard copy newspapers. Nothing can replace live communication; the more opportunities we have for virtual communication, the greater our need for live communication.”

Over 40 exhibitors — from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, China, Cuba, India and Turkey — took part in the Media in Belarus exhibition, sharing experience and demonstrating their achievements in the world information space.

The e vent s aw professiona ls discussing how best to extend information sharing online and how to promote a country’s image via the media.

Seminars and round-table discussions were used to share ideas. TV companies are inviting viewers to comment via Skype (assisted by the TIBO Exhibition, which demonstrated 200 companies from 14 states).

“Our country has reached a high level of information development,” notes Belarus’ Communications and Informatisation Minister, Nikolai

Pantelei. “Now, we need to join forces with countries boasting the highest level of IT development. To do so, we need to change our approach towards the provision of electronic services for businesses while encouraging state authorities to take part. We should prepare for this psychologically, although I’m confident that results will be positive.”

Speaking of the role of information and communication technologies in society, Mr. Pantelei uses the country’s automobile market as an example. In Soviet times, few drivers existed in Belarus, as most people used public transport. Now, most Belarusians can’t imagine their life without a personal car. “The same is true of information and communication technologies,” he stresses, explaining that much depends on accessibility of services.

The Minsk forums have accentuated the potential of IT in our modern world, showing that communication is important as never before.

By Vasily Kharitonov

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Innovations

Gas with ‘bio’ additive Belarus interested in alternative energy sources

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ependence on a single (no matter how reliable) s o u r c e c a n c r e at e problems. Accordingly, in recent years, the state has been seeking out alternatives — including new routes for the delivery of oil and the construction of a nuclear power station. Belarus lacks a climate as sunny as that of Israel, has no North Sea strong winds and cannot rival Iceland’s geothermal geysers. However, it has limitless bio-gas possibilities, so the first steps have now been taken to harness this natural resource, with good results. The next stage envisages the mass launch of bio-gas plants, with investors being attracted.

Waste transformed into revenue

Snov agro-farm, in Nesvizh District, is a flagship of Belarusian agriculture; both Belarusian and foreign specialists travel there to learn from local experience. Snov vividly demonstrates how resources can be reused, having launched the latest bio-gas facility.

Seven plants of the same kind already operate in the Republic, with Snov becoming the eighth. In 2009, a joint enterprise was set up jointly with Swiss TDF Technology Holding. The farm provided land for construction works,

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and assisted with organisational issues; our foreign partners financed construction and purchased equipment, investing around 7m Euros. A 15 year agreement was signed whereby the farm provides raw materials for the bio-facility while receiving fertilisers, heat and electricity.

complex will pay for itself within 5-7 years. We also plan to build greenhouses for vegetable growing nearby, providing our own tomatoes and cucumbers...”

The same investor also helped launch the first Belarusian complex to produce bio-gas from solid communal waste in

Belarus well understands the advantages of bio-energy. The governmental strategy of attracting direct foreign investments (running until 2015) — adopted this year — prioritises alternative energy... In line with our programme promoting alternative energy (adopted by the Council of Ministers), Belarus is to launch 39 bio-gas facilities, able to generate 40.4MW of electricity “It’s a good solution to the farm’s need for energy,” asserts the Chairman of Snov’s Board, Nikolay Radoman. “The farm has a lot of cattle, producing 19,000 tonnes of meat and 24,000 tonnes of milk annually. Of course, ecology is a concern.

We process some waste into meat-bone flour, while the bio-gas facility will allow us to process the remainder. Heating for our farm will become 20 percent cheaper than at present and we hope that the

2011, located at Trostenets field near Minsk. It supplies electricity and hot water to 50,000 families.

The Director of the Swiss investor company acknowledges that there are huge prospects for further co-operation with Belarus in the field of alternative energy, as the Republic has some major animal-breeding enterprises and enough raw materials. In Germany alone, over 5,000 bio-gas plants operate.

Innovations

The potential of Germany’s biogas industry is estimated at 100bn kW/h of energy by 2030: satisfying around 10 percent of the country’s energy needs. In Asia — including in rural areas of India, Vietnam, Nepal and China — small, ‘family’ bio-gas facilities are being built, with gas used for cooking. According to the Chinese Agricultural Ministry, a third of all Chinese farms use bio-gas energy.

Bio-gas energy is considered to be one of the most promising branches of the global economy. IBM’s annual list of the five most anticipated innovation spheres for the coming five years, ‘Next Five in Five’, includes green energy.

Bio-gas production is energy efficient and eco-friendly, reducing emissions of methane into the atmosphere (reducing the ‘greenhouse effect’) and soil and water contamination. Animal breeding farms are also now turning their waste into organic fertilisers.

Belta

Economy and ecology are related

2020, a Belarusian nu c l e a r p o w e r station should be operational (built jointly with Russia). This will diversify the country’s fuel balance and will allow Belarus to substitute 25 percent of its natural gas use. By this time, Belarus could be covering up to 20 percent of its energy needs independently — if it receives sufficient financing.

Wind facilities, solar energy and hydro-electric stations are steadily being built countrywide, with biogas a priority. According to Mr. Snopkov, new pilot projects are planned for coming years: generating bio-gas from communal waste and sewage; and collecting bio-gas from communal waste storage.

In line with our programme promoting alternative energy (adopted by the Council of Ministers), Belarus is to launch 39 bio-gas facilities, able to generate 40.4MW of electricity. To drive this forward, Belarus has joined the International Renewable Energy

B elarus well understands the advantages of bio-energy. The governmental strategy of attracting direct foreign investments (running until 2015) — adopted this year — prioritises alternative energy. In mid-April, Economy Minister Nikolai Snopkov attended an international conference in Moscow, voicing some figures. By

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Belta

Innovations

The bio-gas plant is now successfully operating at Snov agro-farm

Agency (IRENA) and has set up its own Renewable Energy Association.

The Government has adopted a law ‘On Renewable Energy Sources’, creating the economic foundations for developing alternative energy: the ‘green face’ of the future Belarusian economy.

Scientific approach to economic problem

Scientists and experts agree that Belarus’ many animal breeding farms present an opportunity for generating bio-gas fuel. At present, slurry (water and manure) is spread across local fields in high concentrations: ‘burning’ the land. Meanwhile, hydro-drainage is perfect for making bio-gas.

Belarusian farms annually produce 30m cubic metres of sewage, which must be disposed of. As the Head of the Energy Efficient Technology Department at A.D. Sakharov International State Environmental University, Vasily Pashinsky, notes, the country’s bio-gas potential stands at 4bn cubic metres (from animal breeding farms). In 2011, Belarus bought 20-21bn cubic metres of natural gas from Russia but, in reality, animal breeding farms could independently satisfy their own needs for heat and electricity via bio-gas facilities. Moreover, they could supply neighbouring villages with heat and electricity.

Slurry could also be used correctly as a wonderful fertiliser. While chicken

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manure is too strong for this purpose, harming plants’ roots, it’s an ideal source of bio-gas (producing a great deal of methane). Poultry farms are another obvious place to construct bio-gas facilities but there are plenty of other potential sources: waste from food production and agricultural processing; city sewage; and timber processing waste. Bio-gas facilities would be able to turn all such waste into fuel.

Naturally, it’s most efficient to use bio-gas locally, directly supplying nearby consumers — following global practice. Small sized facilities are essential to serve animal breeding and crop based farms. While equipment is mostly imported from abroad at present (particularly from Germany), there is no reason why Belarus shouldn’t construct its own; the technology is relatively simple. The Research and Information Centre of Bio-Mass is being launched in Dzerzhinsk District in May (at A.D. Sakharov International State Environmental University’s Volma Training-Scientific Complex). The University’s Pro-Rector for Scientific Work, Sergey Poznyak, tells us that the project aims to enhance the efficiency of Belarus’ existing bio-gas facilities.

To ensure full-capacity operation, the composition of fuel must be controlled.

At present, raw materials are being tested in Germany but local tests will help save time and money.

Investor needs impetus

Of course, investments are needed to build bio-gas facilities: financial and intellectual. Not long ago, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development gave Belarus a loan of 18m Euros to reconstruct purifying facilities in Vitebsk and to build bio-gas facilities at purifying stations in Baranovichi and Slonim. With help from the EU, a biogas facility has been put into operation at Lebedevo agro-farm, near Molodechno (using European money).

The strategic task is to create conditions for attracting private investors, as Mikhailo Salnikov, the Scientific Director of Kiev’s BEROC Research and Outreach Centre, explains. Belarus needs to enhance its competitiveness on its energy market by stimulating private and small sized electricity generating companies. Clearly, the branch needs to be encouraged via economic and legal support. Already, Belarusian renewable energy producers can join state energy networks, with the state guaranteeing purchase of all energy — at rates higher than those paid in the EU. Some experts express the revolutionary opinion that the introduction of bio-gas facilities could eventually make Belarus completely independent of Russian gas. Of course, this may be too optimistic but we should certainly take alternative energy seriously, giving biogas the respect it deserves.

By Igor Slavinsky

Environment

Comfortable living city can become home to 2.5m people within the limits of the created compact structure, when you can reach the centre in 45-60 minutes. It’s a real possibility which we s h o u l d n’t ignore.

Regarding restriction of expansion due to farming lands on city

Multi-functional residential modules to replace districts in Belarusian cities, including in the capital

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own general development plans are elaborated for the coming thirty years.

However, every 8-10 years, they are usually updated to reflect changing needs and fashions.

How should a contemporary city look? Naturally, we want to feel safe and comfortable, with convenient access to amenities. Following these principles, the State Scientific-Research Institute of Town Construction is developing a new model for urban micro-districts. In fact, the idea is to put aside old ideas of housing, kindergartens, schools and shops being centred on a particular territory. Rather, multi-functional residential modules are planned, offering not just accommodation and services but employment at small enterprises housed inside high-rise buildings, neighboured by offices and departments.

Such modules are to be built in satellite towns. “We’re drawing on European development plans,” notes Dmitry Semenkevich, Belarus’ Deputy Minister for Architecture and Construction. “To reduce the need for daily commuting, we should endeavour to create self-contained structures. Of course, you can travel elsewhere to work if you wish to but we expect most residents to find employment within this compact ‘organism’.”

Not only the Belarusian capital but regional centres are to gain satellite towns. Zhabinka, near Brest, alongside Skidel, which neighbours Grodno, are prime examples. “Our idea is not to build new towns around regional centres but to develop existing settlements situated nearby,” explains Mr. Semenkevich.

Smolevichi is to be the first to become a satellite town, while special attention is being paid to Minsk (being the country’s largest city, with its own set of challenges). Alexander Akentin, who heads the general plan development group, tells us that the potential of the capital is greater than previously supposed. “The

outskirts, we expect the situation to change in future. The EU boasts about 2,000 square metres of agricultural land per capita. Germany has 1,200 while we have around 6,000; more efficient agricultural methods would allow us to reduce space dedicated to agriculture.”

The new plans are to take into account space dedicated to housing, as well as shops and parking. “We’ve become too involved in the construction of ‘pure’ housing, to the detriment of the provision of adequate amenities. We use square meters in statistical data, but need a new index showing the integrated nature of our living environment,” explains Mr. Semenkevich.

By Vladimir Khmelevsky

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Matter of economy

Belta

New land It’s difficult for us to imagine Belarusian farming without reclaimed lands; agrarians receive a third of their produce from former marshland: almost 3 million hectares. Their transformation cost over $7bn in the second half of the last century (by conservative estimates), and is responsible for Belarus meeting domestic needs for food, as well as creating profits from exports

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eclaimed lands are deservedly viewed as national wealth, created by many generations of Belarusians.

However, like any other ‘artificial’ project, they require constant attention. Without this, fields would return to marshland, and we’d lose our crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, 420,000 hectares of reclaimed land currently needs restoration. Moreover, existing reclamation work on 34,000 hectares needs to continue, for later farming use. Reclamation is the most important state project within our current five year programme.

Time brings alterations

Around 60 percent of reclaimed lands are located in Polesie; around 700,000 hectares of peatlands have been reclaimed there, changing life enormously. Before reclamation, Polesie

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residents felt obliged to leave en mass, lacking employment and comfortable living conditions. It was impossible to farm there. In Gantsevichi, Luninets and Pinsk districts, waterlogged land accounted for up to 80 percent of the territory. Meanwhile, the fields were so small that machinery couldn’t turn. High volume farming was impossible.

Today, it’s difficult to believe but, in 1961, the gross grain harvest in Belarus was slightly over 2m tonnes: crop yield stood at less than 9 dt/ha. Reclamation brought more intensive farming, providing people with jobs, and Polesie gained prospects. By the late 1980s, the best farms in Brest and Gomel regions generated 60 dt/ha of grain.

However, time is pitiless towards humanity’s creations. Many reclamation systems have become worn out, requiring repair, and restoration is expensive. Of course, the return is worth it, since crop yields would otherwise drop to nothing.

Clearly, the economic development of the region, as well as the welfare of local residents, depends on reclaimed lands.

In 2010, when the Preservation and Use of Reclaimed Land for 2011-2015 state programme was developed, work was estimated to cost around Br5 trillion.

However, in 2011, we were obliged to review the plan. The devaluation of the rouble resulted in prices of material resources rising — leading to the revision of the programme. The initial sum is now doubled explains Anatoly Bulyn, of the Department for Melioration and Water Economy. Sadly, a further trillion Belarusian roubles is needed to fulfil this year’s tasks alone.

Irrigators need to restore around 80,000 reclaimed fields and meadows this year, while new lands are planned to be brought into use in Stolin District. The greatest problem for residents in Olshany village is their lack of farming land.

Local farmers (and the advanced Novaya

Matter of economy Pripyat Co-operative) are ready to grow top quality vegetables and fruit, having a warm climate and fertile soil. The only thing they lack is sufficient land.

At the same time, around 15,000 hectares of low lying shrubland could be converted to farming use. Their reclamation was conducted earlier, but amelioration wasn’t performed. This year, irrigators plan to turn these territories into fertile fields, with similar work organised in Vitebsk Region — where work began in Soviet times but wasn’t completed. The introduction of new territories into economic circulation is being considered carefully, since reclamation only makes sense where lands are highly productive and will be used efficiently. It costs twice as much to conduct reclamation as to prepare existing fields: Br25m against just Br12m.

According to Nikolay Vakhonin, the Director of the National Academy of S ciences’ Inst itute for L and Reclamation, new reclamation systems aren’t a priority at present. “During the current five year programme, restoration of reclamation systems should finish completely. We’ll then move to a system which is far cheaper than capital repair,” he underlines.

The Institute’s work is allowing us to save 5-7 percent of funding allocated for the programme.

Works in Pripyat R i v e r Po l e s i e and in the Belovezhskaya P u s h c h a National Park are also on the agenda, as Mr. Vakhonin notes. He explains that irrigators are using the same hydraulic equipment regardless of the requirements of the land. Belarusian farms are, at last, realising the true market situation, calculating how best to turn a profit — unlike in Soviet times. Then, reclamation aimed to achieve maximum field volume; now our goal is to become efficient.

Sensible compromise

In short, reclaimed lands require constant maintenance and financial injections, so must bring a worthy return.

Economic principles can’t be ignored in this respect. Reclamation in Polesie was organised via open channels but such an approach is already a thing of the past. Powerful machinery is required to constantly turn in the small fields, which is inefficient.

As a result, costs are high, while efficiency leaves much to be desired.

Drainage and closed channels are more progressive methods. They are also preferable due to the thinning of peatlands in Polesie; open channels have become shallow and, if we continue deepening them, the low level of ground water will drop even further. Although drainage is more expensive, it enables us to reclaim lands even with shallow channels, benefitting the economy and environment.

The only problem is technical equipment, as drainage machinery is needed desperately, which isn’t manufactured in the CIS: their price on the world market is extremely high. The hopes of Belarusian irrig at or s are now pinned on their own tech-

nology. For example, bulldozers are being assembled from Chinese components in Logoisk and drainage machines are being built at Kochanovo Excavator Plant, in Tolochin District. Meanwhile, a more productive machine is being built jointly with British Mastenbroek: a contract has been signed to set up joint manufacture of drainage machines at the excavator plant.

It’s planned that up to 60 percent of spare parts will be domestically produced, reducing prices considerably. According to Mr. Bulyn, in future, alongside the domestic market, the enterprise will be able to supply Russia and Ukraine, who are likely to begin reclamation themselves.

Farming is an essential form of production and reclamation allows us to regain new land. The Netherlands is perhaps the best example, having ‘reclaimed’ a third of its farmland from the sea.

From reclamation to irrigation

Belarus lacks stable water provision.

In spring and autumn, there’s too much water while summer brings the opposite. Therefore, Belarus is called a country of marginal agriculture; farmers can never forecast their harvests accurately. Meanwhile, food is a major component of Belarusian exports. By 2015, sales of food products on the foreign market should exceed $7bn. So, the next task of irrigators is to create systems of land irrigation, especially in the south of the country.

By Lilia Ogorodnikova

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Planet of children

Giving a start for future Klichev, in Mogilev Region, has a family with over 35 children — thanks to the social Warm House programme — an important project realised by the Belarusian Children’s Foundation

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he Foundation and its Warm House project have existed for over two decades. “We’ve been assisting parentless children since the early days of our activity,” explains writer Vladimir Lipsky — the Head of the Belarusian Children’s Foundation’s Board, a member of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights and a laureate of Belarus’ State Award. “Our Warm House deserves to have a book written about it, as each family orphanage has its own story of parentless children finding new families. The y are raised and go on to take their first steps in adult life.”

Presenting a house for happiness

M r. L i p s k y believes that Margarita and Sergey Kundikov, from Klichev, set a good example. Their family orphanage — established with

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help from the Children’s Foundation — is home to 36 children: four of their own and 32 adopted. Some have already left to make their own way in the world but they always retain their spiritual tie to the family. Adopted Katya has now graduated from the Belarusian State Agrarian Technical University and has married. Mr. Lipsky admits with pleasure that, on giving birth to her own daughter, Katya phoned Margarita immediately, and then the Belarusian

Children’s Foundation. “As far as we know, Katya is living with her husband in his home city of Lyuban, where they are building their own house,” Mr. Lipsky tells us. “Such people as the Kundikovs are true heroes of our time. With their help, parentless Katya was not lost but was inspired by the spiritual warmth of this unusual family which now guides her own family life.”

In fact, you can read about the Kundikovs on the Internet, as Margarita has her own blog. Anyone interested in the Klichev family orphanage can contact her, or even meet her personally — they are a very friendly family. Mr. Lipsky adds that the family orphanage of Tamara and Vladislav Sentsov, from Bobruisk, is also a wonderful place, having homed 26 children — most of whom now live i nd e p e nd e nt ly.

E i g ht a d opte d children still live with Tamara and Vladislav.

Margarita and Sergey Kundikovs have 36 childern

Planet of children

Writer Vladimir Lipsky has always helped children, both with his words and deeds

How many children have had the chance to enjoy complete social adaptation via the Warm House project? “We’ve calculated that, in over 20 years of activity, 570 parentless children have been raised by family orphanages. In other words, the equal of five state run orphanages,” Mr. Lipsky tells us. “No doubt, this is an important factor in the work of the Children’s Foundation. We support 41 family orphanages, with a total housing area of 8,488 square metres. Each family uses a slightly different approach to bringing up children and organising their education, while growing different fruits and vegetables and developing the artistic talents of their children.”

The work of volunteers and activists within the Foundation also deserves attention. They seek out unfinished cottages for use as family orphanages. The Foundation can then calculate the costs and purchase the house from donations.

Sponsors include those from abroad.

Parents and children are then sought

out, with the Foundation’s participation. “Even after a family has settled into a house, we continue to support them,” notes Vladimir. “We follow their lives, providing financial and moral assistance. For example, we bought a cow for a family, to allow them to make their own dairy products. Another family was assisted in purchasing furniture and another wanted an oven in which to fire pottery (as all the children were keen on this hobby)”.

The Belarusian Children’s Foundation supports its orphanages fully. This year, children are travelling to Moscow on the eve of June 1st — as is traditional — to celebrate the International Children’s Day. They’ll take part in various artistic exhibitions and seminars run by the Foundation, while their parents have the chance to chat to others bringing up parentless children. These unusual mothers and fathers are also sometimes awarded with diverse prizes. For example, ONT TV Channel’s Pride of the Nation

project recently awarded Margarita Kundikova for her maternal care.

Meanwhile, in 2010, Tamara Sentsova was recognised by the Presidential ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Award. Some mothers from family orphanages have been awarded the St. Prince Dmitry Order — ‘For Merciful Activity’, bestowed by the Patriarch of All-Russia and the International Association of Children’s Foundations.

Fraternal community of kind actions

The Belarusian Children’s Foundation has been protecting children’s rights for almost 25 years, with members often taking on challenging youngsters. “We take care of parentless and disabled children, as well as those who have suffered abuse or been abandoned by relatives,” Mr. Lipsky explains. “We — the Foundation’s activists — wipe their tears and do all we can to protect them from trouble and illness. We support them

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Planet of children morally and financially. In helping them with their struggle, which is rarely easy, we enrich our own lives. Our spirituality grows through our own acts of kindness and we come to see ourselves as people with a mission to help others.”

Jointly with Mr. Lipsky, dozens of people walk this stony path of mercy — as he admits. They are found in Minsk and almost every Belarusian city, with the number of volunteers growing annually. There are many who feel sympathy for children’s problems and wish to do their own part to help.

Mr. Lipsky emphasises that huge civil support is vital for the Foundation’s operation and is at the heart o f

The united Sentsovs family, from Bobruisk, simply radiate joy

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its success. The significant achievements of recent years are worthy of pride and instil hope for the future.

Since Soviet times, staff from the Belarusian Children’s Foundation have kept close contact with foreign colleagues. At the end of 2011, the Belarusian Vyaselka magazine was awarded an honorary diploma at the Best — for Children! exhibition, in Moscow’s Manege. Mr. Lipsky — who has headed the magazine for over 30 years — views the award as a great honour, showing Russian colleagues’ appreciation of the Belarusian exhibition in Moscow and of the magazine itself. The latter

has been included in a Russian catalogue promoting the best Russian products and services for children.

“Working for children and, accordingly, for the future, unites activists from post-Soviet states’ children’s foundations. We try to help each other in our work, while realising socially important projects,” Mr. Lipsky asserts.

“When the Soviet Union collapsed, we established the International Association of Children’s Foundations — headed by famous Russian writer Albert Likhanov. We annually gather in Moscow and our headquarters is situated near the Belarusian Embassy to Russia. We raise flags, so it resembles a meeting of the Soviet Union. Really, children bring countries closer. This year, on June 1st (International Children’s Day), our delegation will go to Moscow, meeting representatives of family orphanages from various countries.

The Russians will organise a programme and we’ll be able to share experience at recuperative camps near Moscow.”

Mr. Lipsky — who has worked with the Foundat ion and t he Association since their e s t a b l i s h m e nt — h a s friends all over the globe.

“We meet those who help children,” he says, reeling off the names of his friends from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Moldova. “ These are responsible people of various professions: scientists, writers, teachers and managers. Moreover, our meeting unites activists from all over Russia — including Chechnya, Sakhalin and Kamchatka. Such meetings allow us not only to share experience but to be inspired with new ideas and energy for the coming year,” he adds.

Planet of children Heart to heart

Last year, on the eve of the conference — at which Mr. Lipsky was again elected Head of the Belarusian Children’s Foundation — it was noted that, over the past five years, the organisation had received about Br5bn incharitable donations — including from foreign sponsors. Its major avenues of activity are well known: the protection of children’s rights and interests, and the rendering of material, humanitarian, medical, legal and other assistance.

The Foundation supports parentless, unwell and disabled children’s talents. Moreover, it helps families on low incomes via special programmes — usually realised with support from state bodies. One such is Children’s Heart. “Over the past five years, Belarus has been visited 13 times by an international team of cardio-surgeons — headed by American William Novik,” notes the Foundation’s press secretary, Yulia Kaptsevich. “During t he s e v is it s , 2 8 6 ch i l d re n have undergone operations, while another 458 have received consultations. In fact, most of these heart operations have saved the children’s lives. Many of those treated have no parents, so could never have afforded such an operation without the Foundation’s assistance. Moreover, the foreign cardio-surgeons teach Belarusian specialists how to apply modern technologies, sharing their experience.

As a result, our doctors now work as part of an international cardio-team in Russia, Ukraine, China, Pakistan and Azerbaijan. As you see, kindness travels and grows exponentially.”

The Children’s Heart project has resulted in the country’s unique Merry Hearts rehabilitation-recuperative programme, which unites children with heart problems. The Foundation annually allocates about $10,000 to the programme and, over the past six years, has helped 290 patients in their rehabilitation. The Merry Hopes programme is another financed by the Foundation, helping children with cancer.

Fairytale on a moon beam

Misha, 12, lives in a hospice, as my old friend, poet Igor Shevshuk, tells me. He lives in St. Petersburg and, thirty years ago, we graduated from Leningrad State University’s Journalism Department together. I hope you’ll forgive my personal, ‘human’ response to Misha’s story, which he wrote last autumn, in intensive care, after doctors refused to treat him. Igor tells me that the boy wrote the story for a school literary contest, although this matter little. He explains: ‘Importantly, he wishes his fairytale to be read. We promised him that we would publish it, which warmed his heart. So, please, read on. Misha deserves this’.

Once upon a time, there lived a moonbeam. It was very thin and could hardly see through the deep clouds. He was often lost among the trees in the dense forest and failed to see through a window into a room if the curtains were drawn. The beam dreamt of becoming as strong as his elder brothers — the sun’s rays — who brought joy, warmth and life.

The small moonbeam was filled with sorrow: ‘Will I ever become stronger?

Can I do something good?’

A silver star told him, “We are special. We can shine at night and present miracles to the world. Do this from the depth of your heart and never be afraid!” On hearing this, the moonbeam ran across the long dark water, drawing a line. All the birds, fish and, even, trees on the bank loved it.

Later, the moonbeam penetrated an open window to tenderly touch a baby who was dreaming of a fairytale. The beam then played with trees’ leaves, helping a lost reindeer fawn to find its mother.

In the morning, it was tired but happy — returning to the moon to come back after the sun sets, to perform new deeds!

Mr. Shevchuk believes that, if someone publishes this fairytale, Misha ‘will be very grateful, since he has no opportunity to place it on the Internet’. The poet is thankful to all those who help create miracles with their own hands, and asks us to pray to God to help this small boy write more fairytales in his life.

We’ll also try to help Misha.

By Ivan Ivanov

Children in the Sentsovs family are all about being creative

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Art View

Rich theme In May, works by Belarusian artists whose lives were touched by the Great Patriotic War came together in a shared event, hosted by various exhibition halls

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To the Partisans of Belarus by A.Gugel, R. Kudrevich

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or the Minsk gallery of the Belarusian Union of Artists — The Palace of Arts — May is a traditional time to arrange an exhibition featuring works by veterans; this year was no exception.

On show are canvases by People’s Artists of Belarus Viktor Gromyko and Leonid Shchemelev, and Honoured Art Worker Boris Arakcheev. All have their own firsthand experience of war so, naturally, tend to explore the heroic and tragic events of the past. However, this year’s event radiates optimism and a belief in future, with canvases showing a brighter palette than usual.

In fact, 67 years after Victory, our national art remains just as serious as ever on this topic. Every major artist in the history of our national culture has presented their views on this theme: Zair Azgur, Valentin Volkov, Andrei Bembel, Ivan Akhremchik, Yevgeny Zaitsev, Mikhail Savitsky, Victor Gromyko, Gavriil Vashchenko, Vladimir Stelmashonok, Mai Dantsig, Leonid Shchemelev and Vasily Sumarev.

No doubt, the theme of war offers an entire universe of feelings; such experiences reverberate with deep psychological, social and moral repercussions. Each generation of artists strives to find its own key to open up the door to such emotions. In the 194050s, when such works first began to appear, canvases seemed overly staged and artificial, although they certainly conveyed true feeling. They were ‘of their time’, embodying the personal experi-

View Art

Nocturne by Raisa Kudrevich

ences of each artist. Meanwhile, they aimed to lift the spirits. Their graphic accuracy reflected the style of the times, which required numerous preparatory sketches and drafts, meticulously recreating a ‘true’ representation — typical

To the Glorious Reconnoitres of my Regiment by Victor Gromyko

logical insight but the leading artists of the first post-war generation found strong pictorial means to give them creative longevity. Genre classics include large-scale multi-figure compositions by Yevgeny Zaitsev, Sergey Romanov, Ivan

67 years after Victory, our national art remains just as serious as ever on this topic. Every major artist in the history of our national culture has presented their views on this theme: Zair Azgur, Valentin Volkov, Andrei Bembel, Ivan Akhremchik, Yevgeny Zaitsev, Mikhail Savitsky, Victor Gromyko, Gavriil Vashchenko, Vladimir Stelmashonok, Mai Dantsig, Leonid Shchemelev and Vasily Sumarev of Belarusian social realism. Back then, they presented an immediate response to recent memories of the war, which remained simmering in minds and hearts. Accordingly, images were precise and dramatic, markedly honest.

Some works from those times may be rather shallow in terms of psycho-

Akhremchik and Valentin Volkov, and sculptural portraits by Zair Azgur and Andrey Bembel. Development of the patriotic-war theme in pictorial art was, primarily, driven by battlefield paintings and sketches, which captured vivid moments. Those years saw plots such as the tragic death of a hero, opposition, the

bitter taste of loss, dramatic collisions on the battlefield, the dogs of war and occupation, as well as individual portraits.

Partisans often figured largely, showing the human and moral face of the war and majorly influencing the evolution of Belarusian pictorial art.

As time passed, approaches to the war theme changed, with new motifs and accents appearing. The major focus shifted from documentary precision to the revelation of the deep philosophical meaning underlying events, real-time continuity, generalisation and a stronger element of propaganda. Not all elements are equally valuable but the trend has undoubtedly enriched our pictorial art, broadening its horizons.

It is probably the patriotic-war theme, successfully developed by Leonid Shchemelev, Georgy Poplavsky, Viktor Gromyko, Nikolay Nazarchuk, Nikolai Nazarenko and Boris Arakcheev, which has contributed most. The moral motifs, scarce in earlier paintings, take the lead, showing us human dramas and farewells with loved ones.

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Art View A new, innovative touch to the theme is given by works such as Partisan Wedding by Mai Dantsig, Birth by Leonid Shchemelev and works by Mikhail Savitsky: they rely on metaphors and symbols to transform regular events, their content intensified by the expressiveness of silhouettes and colours.

Later, documentary details became popular again. By the 1970s, most works exhibited nostalgic elements, striving to portray events as closely to the truth as possible. This is evident in the multi-figure compositions of Ivan Tikhonov, Anatoly Shibnev and Sergey Romanov. Back then, Mikhail Savitsky created his unique Fingers on the Heart series, based on autobiographical materials. His canvases are not simply a dramatic exploration of war’s hardships but an intense monologue of someone witnessing horrific events.

His method is highly emotional.

Over the years, many war-theme artists, including those who participated in battle, shifted their attention towards a wider variety of human emotions — beyond ideological limits. Naturally, emotions gradually faded, becoming less acute, as though covered with a veil. The prevailing mood is of distant sorrow or lament — as seen in Soldiers and Towards Immortality by Iosif Belanovich, and Spring and Restless Winter by Kim Shestovsky. Frequently, the ‘women and war’ theme comes to the fore: we see refugees, lonely widows, barren lands and generalised, symbolic images. In Iosif Belanovich’s June 22: Brest Fortress, a mother wears mourning clothes and holds a child in her arms — alluding to the classic mourning motif. Fedor Baranovsky’s famous Bath House has a new, lyrical, soft aspect. The cheerful, everyday plot celebrates women’s beauty, in devastating contrast to the inhuman tragedy of war.

From the 1970s onwards, symbolic compositions became increasingly popular. War is represented indirectly — via people, nature, architecture and other subjects: I Went Through That War

by Boris Nepomnyashchy and Portrait of Son by Nikolay Kureichik.

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Special Forces by Vladimir Gordeenko

Аpproaches to the war theme changed, with new motifs and accents appearing. The major focus shifted from documentary precision to the revelation of the deep philosophical meaning underlying events, realtime continuity, generalisation and a stronger element of propaganda. Not all elements are equally valuable but the trend has undoubtedly enriched our pictorial art, broadening its horizons The approach continued into the last two decades. Though the previous depth of understanding is essentially gone, obvious images come to the fore, as in Old General and A Boy by Vladimir Kozhukh. We see a similar minimalism, with fragmentary frame layout and religious symbolic scenes in Grigory Nesterov’s Moments of Eternity and Nadezhda Liventseva’s Year of 1941.

The problem with modern attempts to tackle the war theme, as is evident at the current exhibition at the Minsk gallery

of the Belarusian Union of Artists, is that most of today’s imagery and artistic techniques lack originality. No one has explored the issues of evil, courage and heroism by unfamiliar means, with many still relying on the legacy of the Soviet battle genre in depicting war scenes. They are inspired by historical (Vladimir Urodnich, Mikhail Merenkov and Svyatoslav Fedorenko) and modern materials (Gennady Loiko, Leonid Dudarenko, Vladimir Gordeenko and Nikolay Opiok) but continue to use the

View Art traditional veteran portrait style: Portrait of a Father by Vladimir Gladkov, Portrait of Colonel Zotov, the Soviet Union Hero

by Nikolai Volynets, Fellow Soldier by Vladimir Slinchenko, and Portrait of a Victor by Alexander Batvinenok.

Interestingly, the predominant style at the exhibition is lyrical landscapes and still-life paintings — although the war appears in their choice of landscape, as seen in Peaceful Skies Over Buynichskoye Field by Boris Arakcheev. Meanwhile, we see nostalgia for a bygone age in Battle Roads by Alexey Zinchuk, Occupation

by Leonid Shchemelev, The Year of 1945: From My Life by Nikolay Nazarchuk, and To the Glorious Reconnoitres of my Regiment by Victor Gromyko.

Unfortunately, there are few works by young post-Soviet artists, as only a handful are willing to take responsibility for socially significant themes. Of course, the potential of the theme is endless but a certain resistance exists. The war’s legacy is both social and cultural and lends itself to the juxtaposition of such eternal fundamentals as good and evil and loyalty and treachery: all that which inspires creativity in whatever style, trend or medium.

An innovative understanding of the theme, as developed in Belarusian art, can only be achieved via the search for the most relevant concepts and unbounded creative rethinking of traditional methods of embodying the war theme. The results of such efforts mainly depend on the dictates of the time, on professionalism and on the intellectual experience of the new artistic generation.

Indeed, for the senior generation of artists, the war was inherent to their biographies; many of their works essentially grew to become epic tales of their personal experiences. However, as those events fade in time, artists are more willing to use figurative means: psychological, romantic or lyrical. The war is now gaining a ‘human’ face, with today’s artists striving not only to represent real circumstances and deeds but to establish associative links and convey emotions — both sad and joyous. In this natural way, they share their intimate thoughts and feelings.

It is only fair to say that the 21st century is proving fruitful in terms of the military-patriotic genre. The only difference is that, while earlier war tales were told from first-hand experience, drawing on personal memories of events, today’s artists represent what they have read about and heard, which gives them a more objective, historical aspect. They emphasise the courage of people in their struggle against the enemy and celebrate the joy of Victory.

Nikolay Opiok, the head of the Defence Ministry’s military artists’ studio, believes, “Our goal is to preserve the best achievements of the past. Each and every artist is free to make their own choices, reflecting their abilities, artistic daring and civil stance. If you are willing to dig deep into history, seeking spectacular moments of private interest, then do so. The essential aspect is to contrast victory against defeat, showing pain and happiness, strength,

courage and bravery, being honest to the past and present.”

The Defence Ministry studio’s artists aspire to learn as much as possible about today’s military service, travelling all over the country, sketching various military facilities for later use as inspiration in new paintings: Minsk Suvorov Military School Graduates by Nikolay Opiok, Buynichskoye Field by Vladimir Urodnich and Ballad of Pilot Vladimir Khorvat by Vladimir Gordeenko, to mention a few. They have iconic battle paintings from Soviet times to also inspire them: Defence of Sevastopol

by Alexander Daineko, Brest Fortress Defenders by Yevgeny Zaitsev and Liberation of Minsk on July 3rd, 1944 by Valentin Volkov.

Sixty seven years have passed since the skies over Belarusian lands endured the threat of war. Their blue colour is not only a delight to our children but to our artists. Peacefulness and humanity are

The Blue Berets by Leonid Dudarenko

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Art View

Indian Summer by Adolf Gugel

distinctive features of our national psyche, which is reflected in our national art.

Some artists’ moral values remain unaffected by trends. Adolf Gugel and Raisa Kudrevich’s works exhibit no extravagance of style and no complex techniques. Their artistic universe is filled with optimism, faith in ideals, warmth and spirituality.

Their works are like drinking from a clear spring, each mouthful making us purer and more benign, imbuing new spiritual powers. Just after the war, Adolf and Raisa, who belong to the Vitebsk artistic school, refined and strengthened their skills, establishing themselves as artists of national significance. Their lives have been filled with bright, creative achievements, honourable titles and high prizes.

If listed, their works would run for pages.

In the post-war period, most artists explored the struggle against the Nazi invaders. Adolf Gugel’s immense potential was evident as early as 1947, in his At the Grave of a Hero and in 1949 with Important Notice. Both show the sufferings of war. He aspired to show how human nature reveals itself under the greatest physical and mental strain, while focusing on history-related themes.

His spiritually strong characters show his exploration of ‘true personality’ in his

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Spring in Serebryanka by Raisa Kudrevich

most significant works: Chernyshevsky and Dobrolyubov in Sovremennik Magazine’s Editorial Office and From the Past. He was a mature master of multi-figure composition.

Simultaneously, Raisa Kudrevich explored a quite different theme, painting peaceful routine and love scenes. Even her earliest works — To the Home Collective Farm, Harmonist Approaching and Belarusian Tunes — reveal the major features of her style: lyricism and romance and an ability to create precise psychological portraits. She is inspired by various genres (portrait, landscape and still-life) conveying underlying moods and emotions with effortless, unfettered freshness.

However, it is in the nature of all artists to search out new avenues. By the 1970s, Gugel had painted a whole series of war paintings: Partisan Ballad, At Dawn — Going for Partisans and Children of War. Some of his works from this period — such as Communards and Worrisome Youth — explore the revolution; others — such as Dairymaids and Youth — depict peaceful everyday routine. Meanwhile, Women Decembrists is a heart-piercing tale of love and loyalty. His more profound approach to interpreting these historical-

revolutionary events allows Gugel to express himself more deeply, embracing metaphors and other artistic means.

Within the same period, Raisa Kudrevich produced genre pictures — such as First Meeting and Before Concert.

Each takes her one step closer towards revealing the mystery of painting. She is genuinely attracted by the extraordinarily romantic world of youth, seeking to discover spirituality through her characters. We see this clearly in her First Rehearsal and Spring 1945, which tell of the fate of an entire female generation.

Her canvases, sincere and confessionary, create a world of faith, hope and beauty.

However, she also shares Adolf Gugel’s interest in the historical-revolutionary theme, as is evident in her multi-figure composition Rudobelskaya Republic — an emotionally convincing story of Soviet power being established in Belarus.

In 1956, their interest in Belarusian history brought the artists together, resulting in a monumental multi-figure composition, entitled Kastus Kalinovsky.

It is a psychologically consistent portrait of the 19th century Belarusian revolutionary democrat involved in the popular uprising against the absolutist Tsarist regime. This was followed by yet

View Art

When Gardens Bloom by Raisa Kudrevich

another work — a huge triptych devoted to the 1917 revolution: Symphony of Revolution, Grenada and Internationale.

Their creation was a feat of professionalism and commitment. Through these paintings, they tried to show the essence of social transformations.

Their joint works Eternal Glory and To the Partisans of Belarus portray memorable Great Patriotic War events.

Though different, they share compositional integrity and an expressive pictorial manner. To the Partisans of Belarus is distinguished by vivid emotions, resounding with the personal empathies of the artists.

In fact, the interests of Gugel and Kudrevich extended far beyond the themes of war and revolution. Attracted by the charm of the surrounding world, they often chose to paint friends or some interesting person, plunging into the real world with exultation. They were driven by a natural desire to listen to the world, embracing its beauty, harmony and light and, having viewed these with their hearts, brought them to life on canvas.

Thus are lyrical paintings, portraits, landscapes and still-life works born...

Each artist’s works indicate a new turn in their creativity, showing new facets

of their talent. Though Gugel and Kudrevich established themselves as experts in large-scale figural compositions, they are often thought of as strong, thoughtful portraitists, with their own analytical approach to the genre. As a portraitist, Gugel emphasises the significance of the individual: Man in a Cap, Fisherman and Gymnast. Kudrevich also aspires to extract the essence of a person, focusing on their spirit: Portrait in a White Fur Coat, Natasha, Portrait of a Father and Portrait in a Red Hat. They commonly introduce a narrative or a landscape into their portraits, enabling them to diversify their composition, avoiding cliché. Their landscapes are also an essential part of their creativity. Having travelled countrywide and abroad many times, their first-hand impressions gave a new dimension to their scenes. Spring in Vyazynka is a remarkable painting inspired by the natural beauties of Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala’s native land — full of light, semi-shadow and vibrating forms which seem to melt and shift, blending with the sunlight and the air. Meanwhile, Spring in Rakov, Spring in Serebryanka, Morning in Blue and others bring us the smell of fresh spring air. We feel

Haying Time by Raisa Kudrevich

the power of nature awakening. These paintings have their own rugged rhythm, urgent and dynamic, then slow in tempo, evoking musical associations.

Interestingly, their long-lived joint creativity greatly influenced their individual styles, enriching them with new elements. Raisa Kudrevich’s romantic and lyrical inflections softened the philosophical and somewhat rational approach of Adolf Gugel, providing for a shared vision and common creative ground.

Their paintings are, at the very least, documentary representations of the past, coming alive through vivid artistic images. They enable us to feel the very essence of the artists’ thoughts. Each had witnessed sufferings first-hand and, naturally, drew upon their experiences; these memories became intermingled with their reality.

Works by Gugel and Kudrevich are now distanced from us by time and space, yet they retain a strong life force, perhaps from the very souls of their creators. The world has changed but their canvases allow us to empathise, heart and soul, with the brave heroes who fought for their Motherland and who celebrated its beauty on Victory Day.

By Victor Mikhailov

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Theatre actors

Mystery of life is joy

Vadim Kondrashov

Fans of the talented Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre will soon see their favourites — Veronica Plyashkevich and Andrey Senkin — in new TV film: Wise Woman

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Y

oung, happy and cheerful, they appeared in the editorial office immediately after shooting the Russian Wi s e Wom an fou rpart TV mini-series. Joy played like a fountain around this beautiful couple, inspiring smiles, and I couldn’t help but recollect the optimistic saying that joyful people can cure all ills. It seemed to fit the pair perfectly. Being actors, Veronica Plyashkevich and Andrey Senkin are attuned with their surroundings, creating miracles via their stage characters. Although both just 27, they already boast a solid repertoire, distinguishing themselves with the Russian Theatre (as we traditionally call the Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre) and on the big screen, playing memorable roles.

Originally, we intended only to interview Ms. Plyashkevich. So many have been her roles since 2006 that it’s easier to list those plays she hasn’t yet appeared in. After seeing her in the films The Shield of the Fatherland and At the Crossroads, I decided to ask if she might bring along her screen partners Ruslan Chernetsky or Alexey Senchilo (who have also played alongside her on stage). She agreed that both are friends of hers and that she admires both their talents. I wondered whether she might even bring more than one with her. I’d heard of her friendly character from her senior theatre colleagues and joked that she might like to invite Andrey Senkin — who also stars in At the Crossroads.

He is actually her husband — a fact I hadn’t realised; accordingly, they arrived together.

I well remember Andrey for his splendid debut in the film Cadet — and for his stage roles in Russian Vaudevilles, The Run and Pane Kochanku. To see a young husband and wife stage team in love is something to behold; they radiate their own theatre of joy.

D u r i n g o u r c o nv e r s at i o n , I observed their tentative yet respectful attitude towards each other’s opinions.

actors Theatre Moreover, they often continue each other’s ideas, without needing to interrupt one another. Their laughter is contagious too. “Yes, we’re different,” smiles Andrey. “But we complement each other: Veronica is impulsive while I’m calmer…” They sincerely wish everyone to be as happy as they are — not just stage directors and actors but all those who have lost the ability to enjoy life. “If you can understand that the mystery of life lies in joy, you’ll enjoy even awkward moments on stage … and in life. Life is a great wonder!” explains Veronica. Andrey adds perkily, “Look, the sun’s come out!”

I share the deep conviction of my guests that people are pure and filled with light; life should be about being satisfied with what you have, rather than finding fault. I also like their thoughts on the nature of joy: those who experience happiness comprehend the mystery of existence.

It’s been said that theatre is like voluntary hard labour — rather like being placed in the galley. How do you feel about it?

V.: Unfortunately, we aren’t on stage every day. However, we do have rehearsals between shows — like all actors. As soon as performances end, you’re free. You simply turn up in the evenings for the audience and life becomes more balanced. Of course, it’s easy to fill time usefully, but actors do tend to miss the theatre when they’re not taking part in a show or rehearsing.

A.: There’s something magic in acting. Veronica and I often chat about this. Each time a performance finishes, we yearn for new roles.

With each performance, a show becomes stronger, like a child taking its first steps. Of course, new ‘flavours’ appear…

A.: Yes, from performance to p e r for m an c e , e ve r y t h i ng g ai ns momentum and becomes stronger, including actors’ work…

V.: Saying that, there are some performances where everything you’d expect to see by the 100th show is present in the first night.

Have you played in such a performance?

V.: It was the ‘Taming of the Shrew’; at the time, I was still a student…

How did you find your way to the Russian Theatre?

A.: When I was a fourth year student at the Culture University, I was enrolled with the Young Spectators’ Theatre.

However, as a fifth year student, in 2008, I was already playing with the Russian Theatre. I had a major role, playing a 19 year old boy in ‘I’m Your Bride’. State director Valentina Yerenkova sent me the role, for which I’m very grateful.

At the same time, I was also involved in rehearsals of ‘Run’, and then ‘Pane Kochanku’ and ‘Russian Vaudevilles’.

V.: In 2006, I was invited to play the role of Anzhelika in the second team for ‘Stepmother’. I worked with the Russian Theatre while still studying at the Academy of Arts’ Theatre Department.

Who do you go to for advice in the theatre if a role goes wrong or you’re having difficulties?

V.: I don’t ask for advice. Rather, I discuss my role with older colleagues.

I can always ask them to share their thoughts when doubts arise. I’m thinking of Olga Klebanovich and Bella Masumyan, and Alexander Tkachenok — our People’s Artistes. And Rostislav Yankovsky's advice is also of help. I’m always eager to hear their opinions on my performance. The actors in our theatre are sensitive to others’ feelings. As a rule, if they spot an inaccuracy in my work, they’ll advise me. It usually helps, so I’m pleased to listen. Alexander Zhdanovich also offers good criticism, treating the profession of acting very reverently.

I always enjoy listening to him. I’m also on friendly terms with Sergey Chekeres, although he doesn’t wait until I ask. He just jumps in to tell me what’s wrong! However, whatever anyone tells me, I do make up my own mind. I wouldn’t change a role to reflect someone else’s ideas if I didn’t agree. I like the way our stage directors work with us, as they aren’t

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Vitaliy Gil

Theatre actors

This is what they like in real life

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dictators — despite what many might think from hearing certain legends.

A.: Veronica is absolutely right. Whatever I’m told, I listen to but I only act as I feel best.

I do try to meet the wishes of others, but I believe that one and the same dish can taste differently to various people — even if the ingredients are all the same. Acting is similar, since each actor has their own accent and unique style.

Do your parents ever come to see your performances?

V.: You may not believe me but my parents haven’t seen a single performance of mine. They’re either too busy in Zhodino or, when they’re free, I’m not involved in anything. However, they do watch my films; apparently, my mother always cries. I sometimes imagine her in the audience while I’m acting. I think that she’d enjoy seeing me on stage and, of course, would cry from joy and pride.

Who do you take after in your unrestrained passion for acting?

V.: My parents: my father used to DJ at discos and was keen on ‘The Beatles’ while my mother recited poetry with an amateur group. They’ve supported my desire to become an actress in every way.

A.: I was also brought up in a creative family. My father is a musician while my mother is musically talented, so they approved of my choice.

Do you enjoy the atmosphere of your native theatre?

A.: Yes, I do. I don’t feel any ambitious competition between the actors. We have absolutely independent personalities, with our own characteristics. Each has their own place.

V.: I’d say that competition exists but that it’s based on healthy foundations. No one envies another’s role and some can even offer other candidatures who would have played a role better than themselves once roles are distributed.

What’s the meaning behind your profession?

V.: Sincerity. If I’m not sincere and don’t strain every sinew, the audience won’t learn anything. Actors are psychologists of the human soul, however pompous it may sound.

Our art is driven by sincerity, which leads to

actors Theatre the creation of souls and harmony with fellow actors and the audience.

A.: Acting is always a juxtaposition of your own self and your role.

V.: Theatre allows us to look at a problem and its solution in real time.

Ac c o rd i ng to c r it i c Mar i n a Davydova, the Russian Theatre is unique in focusing on the inner world of a character, with a confessionary style. Passion for experimentation and the search for new forms are supposed to characterise young people. Which do you prefer: ‘living’ on stage or real life?

V.: Anything dealing with the

ances. I’m thinking of the confessionary style of acting. Of course, people occasionally yearn for a little naughtiness, as we realise, so we bring humour into our performances. However, we aren’t slaves to fashion, unlike some theatres, which are constantly trying to shock audiences. The Russian Theatre has its own identity.

Are you interested in Lithuanian theatre?

A.: Yes, certainly. We saw Nekrošius’ ‘Idiot’ at the International Panorama Film Festival. It was complex — as you expect from Dostoevsky.

“There’s something magic in acting.

Veronica and I often chat about this. Each time a performance finishes, we yearn for new roles.” human soul is close to my heart, as are the psychological means with which we reveal our characters on stage.

Your set should also be beautiful. Two people may stand on stage discussing the deepest philosophical aspects of life. However, music, special effects and lighting can add to the power of the scene. If this were not the case, theatre would be just the same as ordinary life.

A.: Of course, expressive technical means are needed to heighten the emotional charge and reveal the inner thoughts of characters.

Does your Russian Theatre have relevance today?

A.: Absolutely, with a repertoire selected to cater for every spectator and taste. We also perform many classical works — as these remain eternally relevant.

V.: In my opinion, we’re a little conservative but this does have advantages. Look at what’s happening on the Moscow stages. They may shake people up but I don’t like avant-garde perform-

V.: ‘The Idiot’ offers a wonderful master class in psychological analysis, in a difficult genre. Andrey and I like this work very much. My soul responds to every word by this great writer. I understand him, so Nekrošius’ performance resonates with me.

A.: It was a very symbolic performance, as you might guess.

V.: We pondered it greatly, as not every symbol was explainable in words.

We responded emotionally to what happened on stage; our hearts raced and it was hard even to breathe. Only later did we understand that the performance by the Lithuanians is about our fears, complexes, loneliness and, of course, about love.

Veronica, how do you perceive yourself as a person and an actress?

How would you describe yourself to others?

V.: I don’t know… Probably, like all the rest. I have the same features as others: both good and bad. I sometimes enjoy hearing praise or thanks for my help, as

it inspires me; I immediately wish to do more. However, at other times, I may think that I don’t deserve such praise. I can be hot-tempered and, even, aggressive but I immediately curse myself for behaving in such a way, realising that I wouldn’t like others to treat me in that manner. I suffer if I offend someone.

Really, I have a lot to work upon.

A.: Veronica is a very good person: kind, beautiful, smart and talented. She has so much passion and power, which is important on stage. She is also known for her femininity. Yes, she is hot-tempered but what does that matter? In fact, I’ve never met such a cheerful person.

I’m very grateful to my parents for raising me as I am. I have hands and legs and look ok, thanks to genes. Reaching adulthood, I feel more grateful to my parents. I’m beginning to understand my mother and father more and want to help them, making up for the time when I paid them little attention.

V.: Of course, it’s very pleasant to hear such words from Andrey but I don’t want to be in debt and say that my husband is a wonderfully pure person. He has a transparent nature and knows intuitively about people — as children often do. I can’t help but admire this quality.

Moreover, Andrey is Jack of all trades, being very good at home improvements.

We recently received a service flat, where Andrey is doing all the work himself.

He can even sew brilliantly, like a true designer. I enjoy cooking, so I’m glad that Andrey likes my dishes.

I believe a single person can be a whole universe, with endless worlds to explore. However, many actor marriages seem to be short term, with people searching for alternate worlds elsewhere. What do you think?

V.: We’ve been together for three and a half years now, and are well aware that marriages between actors often fail. How do you preserve a marriage?

Primarily, trust is needed. Much, if not everything, depends on what you expect from your spouse. Moreover, it’s vital to understand that everyone has different talents: there are many

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Theatre actors wonderful people on Earth — talented and beautiful universes as you say. If you appreciate the happiness you’ve already experienced with someone close to you, and realise that this can continue indefinitely, you won’t be allured even by the most beautiful person.

What’s your brightest recollection from childhood or adolescence?

V.: There are many but the moment I most recall is my elder brother returning from Germany. At the time,

chords while standing on the bed. We lived on the second floor, so my friends used to climb trees to see me playing. It brought such huge happiness! Later, my father taught me to play properly.

Have you ever had to criticise each other’s acting during a stage or film performance?

V.: Definitely. I reproach myself for being so frank sometimes. If my stage partner is doing something wrong, I feel pushed out of my own role, so I

special effects. He sought our inner life in each shot; of course, this wasn’t easy. He rehearsed alongside us before shooting and corrected our actions, giving advice on how to move. It was a brilliant school of entrance into cinema.

It was more comfortable for me in ‘At the Crossroads’ (as an actor and personally) as I was then already familiar with Dudin’s style. Moreover, I was shooting with Veronica. According to the script, my love was unrequited.

our family had only a small income, so his gifts were unimaginable: chocolates and fruit and other things. I was walking along the street with bananas and candies, sharing them with other children. It gave me great pleasure — being the hero of the day. At that moment, although still a child, I understood my significance. I think that marked my entry into society.

A.: My brightest memory is of receiving my first guitar, as I love playing this instrument. Staying in my grandmother’s village, I found an old guitar lying abandoned. It was broken, with just two strings, and belonged to my godfather. He gave it to me and I brought it back to Pinsk, making four more strings from ordinary technical wire. I remember plucking my first

might shout at them off-stage, saying: ‘What are you doing?’ I then apologise and feel anxious.

A.: I’ve never had such moments at the Russian Theatre.

And during filming? For example, when you were shooting Cadet?

A.: ‘Cadet’ was my debut, when I was absorbing everything and trying to understand what they wanted from me.

Did you enjoy the world created by the stage director in Cadet? What do you remember from At the Crossroads?

A.: It was my first major cinema role so it was a revelation to me how important it is to try and get everything in one shot — for an immediate result.

I enjoyed working with Vitaly Dudin very much. He is smart and sensitive, directing the human spirit rather than

V.: At first, I was afraid to work with Andrey on a film, since he is my beloved husband. Anything might happen. We might argue or become too familiar with one another. However, we managed to remain ‘objective’ during filming, acting without showing too much interest in each other.

A.: I was also very calm, having already shot with Ruslan in ‘Cadet’.

When you’re aware of your partner, you primarily aim to unveil the plot wisely.

V.: When you don’t know your partner, your thoughts override the plot. You look into your partner’s eyes to see how they respond. Undoubtedly, it’s an interesting process of first acquaintance during filming. Those who boast great screen experience try to meet beforehand to chat and find

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actors Theatre V.: We sometimes manage to combine them and sometimes not.

Everything depends on our schedule of work at the theatre.

Are you satisfied with your work in Wise Woman?

A.: I was playing a major role: a photo journalist who falls in love with a wise woman — played by our theatre actress Yulia Kadushkevich. Veronica plays the editor-in-chief of the magazine and the opposite of the wise woman in character.

Do you e ver take Alexander Pushkin’s advice of opening a bottle of champagne or rereading ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ when dark thoughts come?

What do you read or open?

A.: I’m currently playing Cherubino in ‘Figaro’ at the Modern Arts Theatre, so have no need to reread this work. As far as alcohol is concerned, I don’t drink — as I don’t like it.

V.: I open something only if there’s good reason: celebrations with friends

Darya Andreeva

points of coincidence, since this helps them during filming. Overall, my experience on ‘At the Crossroads’ was wonderful.

My personal debut was in ‘Shield of the Fatherland’. I remember Dudin telling me: ‘You’ve disappointed me’.

This happened again on the eve of screen tests for ‘At the Crossroads’. It upset me at the time. I remember asking myself: ‘What should I do?’ Then, I realised that I have an independent personality

Andrey Senkin and Veronica Plyashkevich performing in Pane Kochanku, The Libertine, I’m Your Bride and Wild Strawberries

and can rise above events. I passed the screen tests and later understood that Dudin had been using tactics to make me stronger as an actress.

Do you attend other theatre premieres?

V.: We were at the Youth Theatre yesterday, watching ‘Quadrature of the Circle’. I enjoyed seeing the young actors greatly: one (Andrei Bibikov) is eccentric while the other (Maxim Braginets) is a new social hero. Moreover, Yegor Legkiy‘s stage directing is meticulous.

A.: I love seeing good performances staged in Belarus (as opposed to abroad) since it makes me feel proud. We boast talented actors and directors.

How do you combine your theatre and screen work?

V.: In my role, I’m an independent ‘she-devil’ whose behaviour is dictated by circumstances. My screen husband falls in love with the wise woman also but I fight for him desperately. This is the setting for the story. All ends well, as my husband stays with me while Andrey stays with the wise woman.

How do you deal with professional failures?

A.: I think that it’s vital to admit your weaknesses as an actor and not become upset. They are just part of your professional experience. Not everything goes well immediately.

V.: When something goes wrong, you need to understand that life consists of peaks and troughs — personally and professionally.

or someone’s birthday. Thank God, we tend not to have many misfortunes…

Veronica, in one of your interviews, you admitted that you’d like to play Tom Sawyer. Why? V.: He’s like me in character. I’m keen on adventures.

Have you ever enjoyed that rare moment when the hall breathes with you, deeply empathising?

V.: I’m aware that such moments do occur during performances. I’ve had times when I’ve pronounced a word and have felt that the audience understands me. Without this, I’d never understand the happiness of the acting profession.

Although such moments are rare, I know their aftertaste and await them eagerly.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

2012 беларусь.belarus

55

Talents

First beauties come from same village

Yulia Skalkovich from Brest Region’s Kleiniki becomes Miss Belarus-2012, following in footsteps of Kleiniki-born Olga Nevdakh a decade ago

T

he winner of Miss Belarus-2012 was announced in early May: Yulia Skalkovich — a student of Brest State Technical University.

Interestingly, she was born in the village of Kleiniki in Brest Region, as was Olga Nevdakh — who took the title a decade ago.

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беларусь.belarus 2012

The Miss Belarus contest allowed the girls to show not only their beauty but their talents, accompanied by the I Sing choir (gifted youngsters from singleparent families and boarding schools).

Also involved were Academy of Talents projects via the ONT TV Channel.

Yulia Skalkovich was named Miss Photo even before the finals and, on Friday (May 4th), she received the Miss Belarus crown from Lyudmila Yakimovich, Miss Belarus-2010.

Residents from Yulia’s village were the first to congratulate her; many among them had persuaded Yulia to enter the contest. Of course, Kleiniki is full of beauties, as school teacher Yelena Malyavko confirms. She adds, “It’s genetic.

Yulia’s parents are very beautiful.”

The director of the local arts school, Valery Rodionov, is confident that Ms. Skalkovich is beautiful in every way.

“She has been given the ‘Miss Belarus’ title because it’s written on her face that she is smart. Intellect and an attractive appearance are a rare combination.

Yulia also draws well and sews beautiful dolls. She has a friendly character too.

Plenty of boys pursued her in the past but she didn’t date them, as she wouldn’t without being in love.”

Kleiniki villagers tell us that Yulia returned home from the contest very quietly, almost stealthily — at night.

She switched off her phones and didn’t leave the house until it was time to go to Brest for her university classes. Truly, she dreams of becoming an architect rather than a model.

“I enjoy designing buildings. I’ve missed a great deal at university so I’m glad to be back. My fiancé, Andrey, is also an architect. He actually drove me to the Miss Belarus pageant but, in line with the contest’s rules, I can’t marry for two years now,” Yulia admits.

Ms. Skalkovich will be taking part in international beauty pageants.

Previously, she wasn’t keen on high heels, and would shy from showing off or drawing attention to herself. Now, she has revealed new facets of her personality and a great future lies before her.

She will be the face of Belarus for the next two years.

Gomel’s Victoria Shavel is the First Runner-Up while Anastasia Pogranichanya from Zhodino is the Second Runner-Up.

By Viktar Korbut