BELARUS #09/2012

No.9 (948), 2012

BELARUS Беларусь. Belarus

Magazine for you

Politics, Economy, Culture

Nesvizh Castle reveals its secrets

Events in Belarus and abroad

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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine

Minsk-Baku: Strategic ways of collaboration

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No. 9 (948), 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

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

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Responsibility is vital Andrei Kobyakov appointed Head of Presidential Administration

Along the way to priorities Alexander Lukashenko states that there are no serious errors in Belarusian foreign policy

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

Festival of ancient traditions 2nd Na-

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Between Minsk and Rome Many international

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Plunging into depths of talent

Publisher: “SB” editorial office

Yuri Sokhar: ‘I believe I’ve achieved something vital’

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

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Foundations of written language

Vitebsk Region’s Braslav District help expand its economic opportunities

Design and Layout by

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Planet’s business foothold

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Steps to meet partners Cultural ties of

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tional Call of Polesie Festival gathers over 10,000 quests and participants from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Poland to the agro-town of Lyaskovichi in Petrikov District

tourist projects still awaiting implementation

Sincerity is always appreciated To Love

People, based on a play by Belarusian writer Dmitry Bogoslavsky, 25, premiered at Moscow Academic Theatre (named after V. Mayakovsky) at the end of the season

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.

79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No.2834 Total circulation — 1957 copies (including 734 in English).

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Year of Book crosses borders

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MAZ takes the lead Unusual MAZ Perestroika-2000 road train, near major gatekeeper’s office at Minsk Automobile Plant, wins Grand Prix at International Paris Motor Show

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.

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Rouble boats its own advantages

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

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National currency remains most attractive vehicle for savings

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

Everything seen in smallest detail A Be-

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

larusian satellite has been orbiting for two months already, leaving us keen to discover when its valuable data will begin to be received by Earth

Another climate

Subjective Vyacheslav Zakharinsky

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2012

2012 беларусь.belarus

Panorama

Belta

 Compliance with international standards

Reasonable interest Lithuanian Institute for Regional Development and Democracy keen to cooperate with Belarus in spreading information about construction of nuclear power station

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he Director of the Institute, Virginius Smigelskas, has taken part in a roundtable session, held in Minsk, to discuss the creation of a public awareness centre in Belarus, to open this September. It would promote understanding of issues regarding ecological security during construction and the long term operation of the Belarusian nuclear power station.

“Primarily, we are neighbours, having lived beside each other and will do so in the future. Accordingly, it’s logical that Lithuanians are keen to know about the

 Robotised giant recognised as best at Russian exhibition The BelAZ-75137, with its electromechanical transmission and remote control, has won Innoprom-2012 — a major innovation exhibition

беларусь.belarus 2012

construction of the nuclear power station in Belarus and whether it will be ecologically safe. You know that Lithuania also intends to build a nuclear power station and it will be located close to the Belarusian border. No doubt, Belarusians will also be eager to know more about this,” notes Mr. Smigelskas.

He explains that the public information centre in Belarus aims to inform local people not only about our own nuclear power station but about that planned by the Lithuanians. “We support the idea in every way and wish to inform Lithuanians about these developments in Belarus, including sharing information and experience — such as via our institute. It hasn’t been decided yet but you can never have too much information — as long as it’s reliable and professionally reported.

We’ll always assist in spreading such information,” he underlines.

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he enterprise responsible has won the title ‘Innpromer of the Year’ for its robotised vehicle. It can

Romanisation of Belarusian geographical names approved at UN conference

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delegation from the Republic of Belarus has attended the 10th UN C onference on the Standardisation of Geographical N a m e s , h o s t e d b y N e w Yo r k .

Participants approved a system of romanising Belarusian geographical names, developed by the State Property Committee of Belarus, for international application.

Belarusian approaches to transliteration of geographical names in the Roman alphabet are based on historical Latin, conforming to international standards of transliteration of geographical names. This system of romanising Belarusian place names will be used to compile maps and other tourist related materials for international use. carry 136 tonnes and is specifically designed to work in difficult mining conditions: in deep craters and open mining. It can work in temperatures of plus to minus 50 and can be remotely operated in situations of danger or shortage of workers. For quarries with higher levels of gas and background radiation, the vehicles are ideal. The design uses several new technical solutions, a s we l l a s e x te ns ive new components and systems to ensure ultimate performance.

Panorama  Diplomacy is wider sense Belarus Today photo exhibition by Belarusian Telegraph Agency opens at Enav Cultural Centre in Tel Aviv

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t the opening of the exhibition, the Minister for Immigration and Absorption of Israel, Sofia Landver, expressed hope for further strengthening and development of friendly relations between Israel and Belarus.

Major projects target market China keen to develop relations with Gomel Region

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hina plans to continue developing relations with Belarus in general and with Gomel Region in particular — in various spheres, notes the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Gong Jianwei. He met the Chairman of Gomel Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Dvornik, and took part in the opening of a photographic exhibition entitled Most Vital Events in the Diplomatic Relations of the Republic of Belarus and the People’s Republic of China.

The diplomat noted that Gomel Region is dynamically developing,

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Israel, H.E. Mr. Igor Leshchenya, noted that the exhibition is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Belarus. He also commented that firm foundations exist for the development and reinforcement of Belarusian-Israeli relationships.

Over 50 BelTA photographs are on show, revealing aspects of contemporary Belarus. Moreover, some illustrate the life of the Jewish community in the Republic.

having launched several major investment projects involving Chinese capital: electrification of the railway which connects the regional centre with the capital; the modernisation of the M5 motorway; and the construction of a factory to manufacture cellulose and cardboard, in Svetlogorsk. The Ambassador and the Governor of Gomel Region discussed these and other topics.

 Tasks have been already determined Belarusian-Vietnamese Innovation and Education Centre set up at Belarusian State University

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he Centre is to focus on the development of educational, scientific and cultural relations between the BSU, other Belarusian institutions of higher education, and Vietnamese enterprises and scientific and educational organisations. It aims to promote the exchange of scientific and innovative achievements between our two countries while strengthening bilateral sci-tech co-operation. Departments, institutes, centres, enterprises and other subdivisions of the BSU are taking part in its work, as are Vietnamese scientific and educational organisations.

Another major task of the Centre is to develop collaboration and maintain contacts with BSU alumni living in Vietnam.

The photographic exhibition, hosted

by Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace, is showcasing over 300 photos of key moments in Belarus-China relations, showing the gradual developments of the last two decades. Moreover, shots capture events in politics, culture, sport and other areas of bilateral interaction.

This is the eighth joint exhibition project by the Chinese Embassy to Belarus and Gomel’s Palace and Park Estate. The first occurred in 1997, with an exhibition of Chinese art. This was followed by exhibitions of Chinese traditional painting, national costume and contemporary design, which all enjoyed interest among Gomel residents.

2012 беларусь.belarus

Visit

Minsk-Baku:

Strategic ways of collaboration

On meeting the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during his two day official visit to Minsk, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expressed his confidence that Belarus and Azerbaijan can achieve more weighty results from their bilateral relationship, via strategic collaboration

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r. Lukashenko has many times spoken of the especially friendly character of the relations of our two states and our two leaders. In proof, he personally met the top Azerbaijani guest at Minsk Airport.

The two presidents first discussed areas of bilateral co-operation — in a narrow and then extended format. Mr. Lukashenko reaffirmed his commitment to further promoting relations with Azerbaijan in all spheres. “You’ve arrived in a very friendly country, where you are loved and respected for the great efforts you made (unconventional at times) to support Belarus in its time of need, during independence.

Belarusians are aware of this,” noted the Belarusian leader.

He underlined that Belarus and Azerbaijan have no topics which need to be avoided. “We’ll always respond to any question you may ask and to which Azerbaijan needs a response,”

беларусь.belarus 2012

Mr. Lukashenko emphasised. “We’ll continue working for the benefit of our two nations, so you’ll never have cause to complain about us.”

“Last year, Belarus and Azerbaijan saw impressive results in foreign trade but we need to go further. It’s vital that we don’t lose our intensity of interaction.”

Alexander Lukashenko Our two countries are connected by many years of friendship, from which our mutual relations have grown; these began in the time of Heydar Aliyev. Mr.

Lukashenko added, “However, our recent years of achievement have been a major breakthrough.”

Mr. Lukashenko underlines that meetings with his Azerbaijani colleague have already become a tradition, helping the fulfilment of agreements. President Aliyev views our liaisons so far as having excellent results: joint ventures, rising bilateral trade and success across various areas. He noted, “We’re glad we’ve managed to make our own contribution to solving issues of importance to you. The character and essence of our relations envisages mutual support. If one of us needs a shoulder, we should always be ready to lend that support.” He believes that our nations’ twenty years of relations have given proof enough of our strategic partnership.

The two leaders are keen to analyse our countries’ existing successes and to outline new projects and initiatives.

The President of Belarus is eager to see these liaisons develop in almost every area since ‘Belarus and Azerbaijan have

Belta

Visit

Alexander Lukashenko presenting Ilham Aliyev with the Order of Friendship of Peoples

no political contradictions’. He asserted, “We have similar viewpoints on acute problems of international relations so can successfully co-operate within international organisations.” He also noted the fact that the two states target dynamic economic development, aimed at raising living standards for the population. “We have absolutely no aim to collaborate against anyone. We have only one goal: to do all we can to improve life for our people,” added the Belarusian President.

Speaking of interaction in the economic sphere, the Belarusian President pointed out that our trade

turnover neared $1bn last year ; although it is rather less this year, Mr. Lukashenko is confident that it can return to its former level. He noted, “Last year, Belarus and Azerbaijan saw impressive results in foreign trade but we need to go further. It’s vital that we don’t lose our intensity of interaction.”

He refers primarily to the implementation of major joint projects and the development of investment and sci-tech collaboration, since these significantly reinforce and promote relations.

According to Mr. Lukashenko, Belarusian companies are ready for

joint activity, providing services in the sphere of oil extraction. Belarus can also ensure the supply of top geophysical and drilling equipment.

Co-operation in the investment sphere is another area of interest to both nations. Mr. Lukashenko is offering Azerbaijan favourable terms of investment and business launch in Belarus. “If Azerbaijan is interested, it will receive the best terms in Belarus, since we know each other well and Azerbaijan has never let us down. You’re aware of our careful and reverent attitude towards foreign investments, especially

2012 беларусь.belarus

Visit those concerning the privatisation of Belarusian enterprises.”

Azerbaijani investment projects are currently being successfully implemented in Belarus in the spheres of logistics, trade and public catering but Mr. Aliyev is confident that this can be expanded further. He asserted, “This area of interaction is still at its initial stage but the results are positive so I’m sure that not only private companies but stateowned should invest more actively in Belarus, serving our common interests.”

He added that, at present, Azerbaijani companies are involved in many investments abroad.

Belarus and Azerbaijan have outlined prospects for development of production co-operation and the expansion of direct supplies. Mr. Lukashenko notes that Belarus expects support for joint ventures, including government programmes and those which are industry-wide. He pointed out that joint ventures in Azerbaijan have already done well, manufacturing t rac tors, t r ucks, municipal vehicles, optical devices and LED lamps. The pro du c t i on of wheeled tractors and MAZ bus es dominate new areas of c o - op e r at i on and, in 2011, ass embly enterprises accounted for about 40 percent of Belarusian exports to the country.

Mr.Lukashenko is confident that his meeting with Mr. Aliyev will herald a new stage in our bilateral relations, promoting further

беларусь.belarus 2012

avenues of interaction. “If we continue to promote our relations at the same rate, our neighbours will have reason to envy us,” noted the President of Belarus.

The President of Azerbaijan believes that our two states could expand trade turnover via power engineering and expansion of sales volumes of goods and services. He is convinced that enterprises set up in Azerbaijan jointly with Belarus have good prospects for development and for promoting their goods to third countries. He explained, “I think that our relationship is distinctive in having definite endeavours and in solving every issue which arises.

We enjoy a high level of dynamism, content and predictability. Vitally, our mechanism of fulfilling adopted decisions is

Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev discussing further cooperation

of the highest quality. Everything agreed is seen through: new manufactures and expansion of existing production facilities, as well as new prospects and new ideas.” He applauds the dynamic character of our sci-tech and humanitarian liaisons and the long-term contracts signed by our two nations’ scientific circles.

Collaboration continues to expand in medicine and education while the number of Azerbaijani students studying in Belarus is ever rising.

Belarus is to implement a pilot project to construct 45 houses, while collaboration in agriculture is also likely, since Azerbaijan is keen to learn from Belarusian experience in this area. Mr. Lukashenko has also offered to construct a dairy farm in Azerbaijan — like those in Belarus; accordingly, an Azerbaijani delegation will be soon touring several such sites in Belarus.

The two presidents approved their intention to develop interaction in producing medicines and d e vel opi ng I T while joint manufacture of Belarusian buses in Azerbaijan is also envisaged.

Mr. Aliyev thanked the Belarusian leader for supporting Azerbaijan i n t h e i nt e r n at i o n a l arena: particularly, during Azerbaijan’s promotion within the UN Security Council. “Political relations between our two countries are characterised by a high degree of dynamism.

Within a short period of time, we’ve achieved a great deal,” noted t h e P re s i d e nt of A z e r b a i j a n . M r.

Aliyev has also invited Alexander Lukashenko to

Visit visit Azerbaijan at any convenient time, to which he has accepted. This will provide another opportunity to analyse achievements to date and outline further paths of development.

The negotiations resulted in the signing of a range of documents, which expand co-operation in the legal sphere, healthcare and justice. An intergovernmental agreement on the creation of favourable legal, economic and organisational conditions for the expansion of leasing activity has also been signed.

Summarising the results, Mr. Lukashenko noted that the talks were held in narrow and extended formats and were very productive. He confirmed Belarus’ commitment to implementing joint ventures in the sci-tech sphere while helping train Azerbaijan’s specialists if needed. In turn, Belarus hopes that Azerbaijan will also share its knowledge.

“With Heydar Aliyev, we laid the foundation of collaboration between our countries. Back then, I couldn’t even imagine that we’d advance so far in our mutual relations. Over the past decade, we’ve achieved more than with any other country,” noted the Belarusian leader.

He underlined that no problems have existed in our relations: only challenges to be solved.

To honour the high guest, an official dinner was held, at which Mr. Lukashenko presented Mr. Aliyev with the Order of Friendship of Peoples. Mr. Lukashenko noted that it is bestowed upon a limited number of politicians: those who make a considerable contribution to developing the Belarusian state and expanding ties.

“This historical award is a tribute to you and to all the people of Azerbaijan,” asserted the Head of State.

Mr. Aliyev gave his thanks for the high award, saying, “I’ll do everything I can to bring our countries and nations ever closer.”

Before departure from Minsk, the high guest laid flowers at the Victory Monument and t hen Alexander Lukashenko bid him farewell at Minsk’s National Airport. Before Ilham Aliyev’s

“I think that our relationship is distinctive in having definite endeavours and in solving every issue which arises…

Everything agreed is seen through: new manufactures and expansion of existing production facilities as well as new prospects and new ideas.”

Ilham Aliyev plane took off to Baku, the two presidents again discussed their agreements.

Mr. Lukashenko characterised negotiations as intensive and productive, as proven by new proposals to expand Belarusian-Azerbaijani co-operation in many areas. These will be discussed in detail in autumn, when Baku will be hosting a delegation from Belarus.

Azerbaijan is a very promising market for Belarus. Last year, we exported 1.4fold more goods, bringing in revenue of $200m. Of this, 40 percent was generated from the sale of tractors, trucks, LED lamps and optic devices assembled in Azerbaijan. Of course, Belarus remains keen to expand its range of exports, as Mr. Lukashenko notes. He explains, “We’d like to ensure that Belarusian goods meeting world quality standards gain a presence on the Azerbaijani market. In turn, we’ll support the arrival of Azerbaijani goods in Belarus — all other conditions being equal.”

Mr. Aliyev stresses that Azerbaijan recognises the quality of Belarusian goods and is keen to expand imports. He underlines, “People in Azerbaijan are aware of Belarusian quality. We’ll be giving preference to Belarusian manufacturers (all other conditions being equal) — as suggested by our friendly relations.”

Manufacturing premises are being set up, including co-operation in aquiculture, pharmaceuticals and construction. Our two presidents have also agreed on the joint export of goods to third markets.

Mr. Lukashenko emphasises, “We’d like to enter the Transcaucasian market through Azerbaijan; the authority of the latter in the region is very high. We’d also like to jointly enter the markers of other states, including neighbouring countries such as Iran and Turkey. This would be a great breakthrough and would bring huge profit.”

Mr. Aliyev supports the idea, adding that orientation towards third country markets will be discussed at the next session of the Joint BelarusianAzerbaijani Commission on Trade and Economic Co-operation, which is to take place next year in Baku.

Mr. Aliyev thanked Mr. Lukashenko for his hospitality and highly praised the results of his official visit to Minsk, saying, “We’ve discussed many issues — primarily tackling the bilateral format of our relationship. We see huge potential for further collaboration.”

The President of Azerbaijan again noted the rapid and dynamic development of relations between our two countries, which has progressed over a short period.

Our experience of partnership in some spheres can be considered unique — such as in power engineering. Mr. Aliyev stressed, “We’ve tested various routes of delivering energy resources which would previously have been considered fantastic; now, these have become a reality.”

The President of Azerbaijan is pleased by the prompt implementation of joint projects, explaining, “Tough terms are being set from the moment of decision making to their realisation, with mechanisms of decision making and control identical in both states.”

2012 беларусь.belarus

Personnel Appointments

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resenting Andrei Ko by a k ov i n h i s n e w p o sit i on , t he He a d of S t a t e n o t e d t h a t M r.

Kobyakov has served the country and the nation with honour in his various posts with supervisory agencies, and with the Government and the Presidential Administration, as well as with the diplomatic service.

“Belarus is governed by the public; we aim to employ only highly trained professionals who are devoted to their country and have a far-reaching

and patriotic,” Mr. Lukashenko is convinced. He notes that these and other reasons prompted his decision to appoint Andrei Kobyakov to the post.

The range of issues to be solved by the new Head of the Presidential Administration is wide, touching on every aspect of domestic and foreign policy, socio-economic development, staff employment, legislation and public appeals to the Presidential Administration.

Mr. Lukashenko explained current priorities:

Information policy

The Presidential Administration should always remember that it is working to serve citizens. Accordingly, meetings with labour groups and constant feedback from the public are crucial.

Economy

The most vital area of work for the Administration is the strict control of socio-economic policy, as determined by the 4th All-Belarus People’s Assembly, and approved by the five year programme.

Responsibility is vital Andrei Kobyakov appointed Head of Presidential Administration vision for the state. There can be no transitory people here,” underlined Mr. Lukashenko.

The Belarusian President noted that personnel selection is vital to all organisations, including the Government, with employees chosen carefully.

This is particularly true for top posts in the Government, including the position of Head of the Presidential Administration.

The Belarusian leader underlines that the Presidential Administration is more than a mere government agency; they are presidential staff, providing a think tank for draft resolutions affecting the path of the nation. According to the Head of State, this responsibility requires the Head of Staff to be chosen even more carefully. “It cannot be just another professional; the person chosen must be well-organised, responsible, honest

беларусь.belarus 2012

State personnel policy

Under today’s severely competitive conditions, modern leaders are essential at all levels — from the director of an enterprise to ministers. One of the key tasks of the Administration is to build a foundation of managers who can lead the country towards global economic success. The Presidential Administration is to study best international experience in creating a system to enhance the prestige of the state service.

Ideology

The Presidential Administration needs to constantly monitor every state agency (including the Government and ministries) to ensure that they don’t contradict national interests and that they do meet the needs of ordinary people. The Administration should support the ideological decisions adopted in other spheres.

Legal culture

We need to ensure control over the quality of legal personnel training; the law serves the nation rather than lawyers.

The struggle against bureaucracy

We must have a cl e ar, st r i c t system which allows approval for documents without delay. The ‘one stop shop principle’ needs to work smoothly not just for individual m e mb e r s of t h e pu b l i c but for businesses.

Interaction with local authorities

It’s a priority to work well with the regions, ensuring good interaction between local and Republican authorities.

By Vasily Khromchenko

Appointments

Along the way to priorities Alexander Lukashenko states that there are no serious errors in Belarusian foreign policy

Personnel at an early age but has worked in our embassies abroad’. He added that ‘we should probably have used his potential wider in our foreign policy’.

Mr. Lukashenko expressed his hopes that, in the future, the Foreign Ministry will produce professionals boasting good diplomatic experience.

During the ceremony, the President awarded Mr. Martynov with an Order of the Fatherland of the 3rd degree, for his many years of work in the field of foreign policy and for his contribution to the development of Belarus’ international relations. He also gave the certificate of Foreign Minister to Mr. Makei.

Mr. Lukashenko outlined the Ministry’s major tasks for the coming year.

Belta

PROMOTING THE STATE’S FOREIGN ECONOMIC INTERESTS

Alexander Lukashenko representing Vladimir Makei as the new Foreign Minister

“I

should note that we’ve made no serious mistakes or failures in our foreign policy which could have negatively inf luenced the fate of our state — despite some countries’ endeavours to influence our independent foreign policy, which protects our national interests,” noted the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at a ceremony to present Vladimir Makei as the new Foreign Minister.

Mr. Lukashenko admitted that he gave great thought as to whom to appoint as the new Foreign Minister. He also added, “It’s of no minor importance to me where Mr. Martynov will work next; he is a personal friend and a friend of the state.” The President continued, “He’s done a great deal to shape our foreign political and economic department

and is a reasonable man. He has never tried my patience, through his actions or behaviour. Moreover, I’ve encouraged him to work in untraditional areas, where analysis has been vital.”

The President noted that the achievements of the Ministry were the result of team work, led by Mr. Martynov.

“Having a new Minister, you’ll probably be motivated in a way needed not only in the field of foreign policy but of domestic policy,” Mr. Lukashenko said, addressing Foreign Ministry representatives. “The quality and the efficiency of your work will determine how our young sovereign state is perceived globally — particularly in certain areas of the world,” stressed the President.

Speaking of the new Minister, Mr. Lukashenko reminded everyone that Mr. Makei has made a name for himself not only within the Foreign Ministry

Taking into account the open nature of the Belarusian economy, success in this area is important for the sustainability of the state and the well-being of Belarusian citizens. The dynamics of foreign trade figures and the volume of attracted investments should be the major focus of every Belarusian.

FINDING NEW PARTNERS AND TRADE DIVERSIFICATION

It’s worth looking closely again at a map of the globe, to see where we can enhance our competitiveness via our diplomatic presence, promoting our goods and services and attracting investments and technologies.

FOREIGN MINISTRY WORK AND THAT OF EMBASSIES

It’s necessary to relieve diplomats of unnecessary red tape, giving them time for initiatives and projects rather than reports and plans. Diplomats should not act as mere ‘postmen’, formally distributing correspondence between Belarusian and foreign partners. Their task is to analyse information, proposing decisions which serve Belarus’ interests to the utmost.

By Vasily Mishutin

2012 беларусь.belarus

Forum

Planet’s

business foothold Widely covered by the world’s press, primarily because of the Syrian issue, the Non-Aligned Movement’s summit saw many key themes discussed. The venue’s elaborate new economic policy was particularly emphasised by Belarus’ Foreign Minister, Vladimir Makei, who noted the necessity of moving NAM activity from politics towards economics. He stressed that this would follow the path dictated by worldwide events and underlined that, at present, rich and economically developed countries dominate. He emphasised, “We all speak about the Non-Aligned Movement as a serious player in the world arena, commanding respect; however, to boast such status in a contemporary, mercenary world, we cannot surely concentrate only on a political approach, using the power of persuasion. Belarus is greatly concerned. The Non-Aligned Movement and its member countries will only command respect and influence if we significantly increase our ‘foothold’ in the sphere of economics: economic and technological development, in particular.”

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peaking to journalists behind the scenes of the NAM Summit i n Te h r a n , I r a n’s Vi c e P r e s i d e nt f o r International Affairs, A l i S ai d lu, a g re e d, noting that NAM countries account for 76 percent of the world’s oil deposits.

He believes this must surely form an important basis for their economic development. He confirmed that all previous NAM summits discussed primarily political problems while the Tehran Summit has tackled cooperation in the sphere of economics.

He is eager to see NAM states make full use of their economic potential, which is so very high. Members also hold 53 percent of the world’s extracted oil, around 66 percent of the world’s gas deposits and 39 percent of the world’s blue fuel. Moreover, all OPEC countries are NAM members.

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On the eve of the summit, American Foreign Policy magazine aske d two experts whether the meeting of the leaders of 120 countries in Tehran thumbed a nose to America. Each responded differently, although noting that the NAM unites mostly developing countries. However, members such as India and Indonesia are not as poor as they once were.

The weight of other NAM members is also rising.

RELYING ON GROWTH

Using our own country as an example, in the mid-1990s, many were surprised to see European Belarus joining the asso-

ciation, since it mostly united developing African, Latin American and Asian states. At that time, political opponents used the issue to criticise Alexander Lukashenko. However, j o i n i n g t h e No n Aligned Movement has proven beneficial, ensuring a high level of political interaction with the growing economies of the world. It has also opened the door to beneficial contracts, allowing Belarus to gain a foothold in promoting its exports to Venezuela, India, the Middle East and South-East Asia.

Ties with many have strengthened due to NAM membership.

The NonAligned Movement unites 120 members, two thirds of which are UN members

Forum Non-Aligned Movement countries own 76 percent of world oil deposits and 53 percent of extracted oil worldwide. Moreover, 66 percent of the world’s gas deposits belong to these states, as does 39 percent of blue fuel.

Additionally, all OPEC countries are NAM members Saying this, bilateral contacts are not enough alone; we must move further, towards a single economic platform, as Belarus directly declared at the Tehran Summit, making definite proposals. The major issue is how to react to the recent world economic crisis. Minsk was one of the first to formulate the idea of a fair global partnership, bridging the gap between rich and poor, developed and developing countries. The crisis has inspired the world’s richer states to direct their eyes towards growing economies, since these have shown their increased importance in the modern world. It’s now vital to ‘significantly raise our foothold in the sphere of economic and technological development’.

Belarus is looking to ‘countries with mid-incomes’ — to which the greater part of the world’s states belong. It’s high time to defend our interests.

JOINT GLOBAL MANAGEMENT

At the previous summit, in Sharm-ElSheikh, Belarusian diplomats proposed that the Non-Aligned Movement make more systematic contact with other principally important centres of economic

and political power. This proposal remains relevant, as Mr. Makei stressed, noting the necessity of ‘strengthening the interaction of the NAM with world power centres’.

China, which is undoubtedly a contemporary power centre, has indirectly supported this proposal.

Although the PRC isn’t a NAM member, it has had observer status since 1992.

After the NAM Summit in Tehran, a representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministr y, Ma Zhaoxu, noted that Beijing is paying attention to the role of this organisation in international affairs — primarily because the NAM is a symbol of the growing aspiration of developing states towards unity.

The organisation could become an important force in promoting joint development.

Xinhua News Agency notes that developed countries boast greater voting rights than developing states within international organisations, which clearly needs reform. In particular, ‘joint global management’ would ensure that all countries, without exception, can take part in decision making regarding global issues, by

having equal voting rights. China especially notes the rationality of such an approach.

Russia — another influential partner — also has observer status in the NonAligned Movement. After the summit, the Russian News Agency noted that the NAM has played a key role over the years in striving for a common ideology for two thirds of the world.

In recent years, the economic focus of the NAM has become more noticeable: co-operative development, solution of debt problems; and action against inequality in world trade. As a result, NAM ideology has become the basis for a UN programme entitled Millennium Development Goals.

Meanwhile, the RIA Novosti underlines that the NAM remains important in the face of the old bipolar world system becoming more multi-polar.

Regardless of contradictions between NAM states on a range of acute issues, it has adopted a document to bring members more in line. Belarus has taken an active part in elaborating the NAM’s single position, which was the major result of the summit in Tehran.

By Nina Romanova

2012 беларусь.belarus

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Written language holiday

Foundations

of written language The Day of Belarusian Written Language is a unique holiday, being celebrated at national level each year in a new host town. This time, it coincided with the Year of Book and the anniversary birthdays of classical writers Yakub Kolas, Maxim Tank and Yanka Kupala. Glubokoe recently welcomed lovers of literature to its picturesque location deep in Vitebsk Region, between the Naroch and Braslav Lakes, on a route famous since the Medieval Ages — from Polotsk to ancient Vilnius 12

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E

Written language holiday

very year, the Information Ministry chooses the host town carefully, with the event celebrating our native language held in early September: Frantsisk Skorina published his first Belarusian language book in 1517 in Prague, in late summer-early autumn. The Day of Belarusian Written Language also coincides with the beginning of the new academic year, as Information Minister Oleg Proleskovsky stresses. He notes, “Education, information and culture are the three pillars which form the intellectual elite of a nation… its present and future.

On this day, we pay tribute to our forefathers, who created the fundamentals of Belarusian education and written language.”

In various years, the holiday has been hosted by Polotsk, Turov, Novogrudok, Nesvizh, Orsha, Pinsk, Zaslavl, Mstislavl, Mir, Kamenets, Postavy, Shklov, Borisov, Smorgon, Khoiniki and Gantsevichi. All Belarusian towns boast a few outstanding people who have contributed to the development of our language; some are even famous internationally. Glubokoe has an unusual avenue off its 17th September Square (named in honour of the unity of Belarusian lands in 1939); it features busts of Glubokoeborn Yazep Drozdovich (an artist who drew Mars even before the planet was photographed by the first satellite), Ignat Buinitsky (a founder of Belarusian national theatre), Pavel Sukhoy (the aircraft designer who created the ‘Su’ plane), academician Vatslav Lastovsky (among the first Belarusian prime ministers and the first director of the Belarusian State Museum) and Eliezer BenYehuda (Perelman wrote the literary version of Hebrew).

The Day of Belarusian Written Language began with a divine liturgy at Glubokoe’s Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. This gathered writers, the clergy and all those involved in the ‘Path to Relics’ scientific expedition which traversed all Belarus with an oil-lamp lit from the Holy Sepulchre. The Deputy Plenipotentiary for Religions and Nationalities, Vladimir Lameko, believes that spiritual traditions are synonymous with written language. “Enlighteners Cyril and Methodius brought written language to the Slavs, jointly with the Gospel. God’s Word is the foundation of our written language,” he stresses.

After the liturgy, the winners of the Republican contest for the best literary work of 2012 were awarded on the major stage of the town, with the National Academic People’s Choir performing. Children were invited to an open air workshop (named after Yazep Drozdovich) and Polotsk’s National Historical-Cultural MuseumBook stands Reserve brought rare printed editions are always a site of interest for display. for young Stands of books and printed media people drew large crowds, including Belarus

magazine, which pleased and surprised foreign guests with its versions in various languages.

The holiday attracted over 100 writers from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkmenistan. A re-publication of the first ABC dictionary in Minsk was a highlight of the event. It was first released in Vilno in 1767 and, as the Director of the National Library, Roman Motulsky, noted, “Only two copies exist worldwide. The book includes not only materials to teach children but texts of instructive character: instructions, hymns, morality tales and prayers.

It’s been re-published jointly with a historical-cultural essay in Belarusian, Russian and English, which reveals the significance of the book in the history of European book culture.”

Alexander Kovalenya, of the Department for Humanitarian Sciences at the National Academy of Sciences, believes that a copy of the edition should be held by every school to allow ‘our children to be able to touch the origin of our historical-cultural and language heritage’.

Over the years of its existence, the Day of Belarusian Written Language has become a true national holiday and a significant event in the country’s cultural life. This time, related events were held throughout Belarus, including thematic lessons, lectures, seminars and artistic meetings with scientists, writers and figures of culture.

In 2013, the holiday will be hosted by Bykhov. Glubokoe, meanwhile, will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of its first mention in written sources in 2014.

By Viktar Andrejeu

2012 беларусь.belarus

13

Exhibition

Year of Book

crosses borders

Belarusians have been proud of their books since the time of first book printer Frantsisk Skorina. Now, those continuing the work of the great Polotsk citizen are claiming a ‘rain’ of awards from international forums. The recent 25th Moscow International Book Fair saw Belarus present its unique Year of Book in the Republic of Belarus

Belarus’ First Deputy Information Minister, Lilia Ananich, tells us about the Moscow fair and Belarusian publishing: 14

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Probably, you’ve already got used to the fact that you bring the highest awards from each such exhibition?

This time, Belarus has been awarded the Grand Prix of the CIS International ‘Art of Book’ Contest. Last year, a volume containing Radziwill portraits received the same prize while now this is ‘Dmitry Strukov. Album of Drawings. 1864-1867’, released by the Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House. I’d like to note that this diploma doesn’t mean merely moral success; this also means 1m Russian Roubles from the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation which will be used to purchase the winning book and spread it among CIS libraries.

Which editions were most noticeable on the Belarusian stand?

Of course, it was ‘Polotsk. 1150 Years of Belarusian Statehood’ album. It sparked the interest of the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, Sergey Naryshkin, when he was visiting the Belarusian exposition. The ‘Contemporary Heraldry of Belarus’ edition can be also named as one of the most outstanding during the event. It’s very pleasant that our joint editions have been displayed on the stands of the Information Ministry of the

Russian Federation and the Government of Moscow, e.g., wonderful ‘Live Faith.

Vetka’ album. Moreover, we’ve agreed on joint work over two more interesting books: one dedicated to Vetka’s book culture while the other one being a historical work entitled ‘Belarusians in Russia. 17th Century’. So, the Year of Book has definitely crossed Belarusian borders.

We’re leaders regarding the level of book art. However, are we competitive on the market?

This issue has been also discussed, since under the conditions of the Single Economic Space formation Belarusian and Russian books should be in equal conditions. This especially tackles the editions which are connected with history, education and culture. It’s no secret that there’s VAT zero rate for such books in Ukraine. Now, under the instruction of the Head of State, the Information Ministry has prepared a draft decree ‘On State Support of Book Publishing and Book Spread’.

However, how can we bring socially important books to readers who now mostly prefer slick fiction?

The answer is in skilful propaganda. The presentation of the book

Exhibition

about Polotsk in Moscow was attended

by Polotsk Mayor because it was interesting to journalists to ask him how are things nowadays in the city which is a peer to Veliky Novgorod. Writer Natalia Ignatenko has prepared wonderful installations based on her fairytales while lots of people have gathered to get acquainted with ‘Belarusian Weddings’ edition. People were also interested in a series of books about our painters and editions dedicated to 130th anniversaries of Yakub Kolas and Yanka Kupala, as well as 100th anniversary of Maxim Tank and ‘The Life of Wonderful People of Belarus’ project by the Mastatskaya Litaratura.

Do Belarusian books finally reach Russian readers?

Undoubtedly. Today, one’s own produce can be promoted to the Russian market through Belkniga enterprise, with concrete agreements already being signed with a chain of book stores of the Government of Moscow. The Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House has agreed during a round table discussion at our embassy with the Khudozhestvennaya Literatura (Bellesletters) Publishing House that our books will be sold in the Russian publishing house’s company stores.

Anyway, we shouldn’t forget about Internet resources either…

Trade through Internet stores also gains momentum. According to analysts, the market of printed edition is now being pressed by new technologies and, by 2017 it will yield under pressure by another 20 percent. This is a common tendency and youngsters tend to shift to electronic books. However, someone should create these electronic books!

We shouldn’t exaggerate the processes and no electronic variants are able to replace books in the printed version, an opportunity to hold them in hands and to communicate with authors. However, there’re books which should be released in a new format: primarily encyclopaedic.

In this respect, upon the instruction of the Government, until January 1st, we should submit our proposals on the appearance of such books in electronic format, as well as in foreign languages.

The translation of the Belarusian book is a separate problem, isn’t it?

Yes, we need to ensure that best works of Belarusian language authors also appear in Russian. This year, we’ve much presented our national books abroad, including in India. Those in China were especially keen on our

‘Land of Power. Belovezhskaya Pushcha’ album and Chinese publishers are now buying rights.

It’s often said that contemporary Belarusian writers need literary agents.

At present, around 400 publishing houses are registered in Belarus, including five large state-owned; so, authors do have enough places to offer their writing.

Literary agents shouldn’t be artificially created. Famous writers don’t need agents but newcomers should receive support from the state. The state finances such magazines as ‘Polymya’, ‘Maladosts’, ‘Neman’ and ‘Maladyya Galasy’.

The expansion of libraries’ collections is being discussed at Governmental level, concentrating on editions whose value will only rise over the course of time.

As an author, who should promote your book more: the publisher or yourself?

Probably, each will say the other!

Judging from my recent observations, participation in presenting your own books and meeting readers is a natural promotional tool, especially for the young.

Publishing houses, as well as book shops, work with authors. We’ve opened a shop at the Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House, entitled ‘Prezentatsiya’ (Presentation).

Our writers can be reluctant to promote their works but I think they’ll soon become more active in this sphere.

We want interest in reading to grow countrywide, rather than fading as the Year of Book ends.

I don’t see this loss of interest happening though. The Year of Book has stirred a passion for literature, encouraging discussion and events: ‘catching a wave’. The idea of the Year of Book was proposed by the President but it fully reflects society’s needs; we all yearn for attention to be given to literature. From this autumn, we’ll be fighting for Minsk to be announced as the world book capital in 2017 — coinciding with the 500th anniversary of Belarusian book printing.

By Liudmila Shnip

2012 беларусь.belarus

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Context

MAZ M

takes the lead

Unusual MAZ Perestroika-2000 road train, near major gatekeeper’s office at Minsk Automobile plant, wins Grand Prix at International Paris Motor Show

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considerable benefits over long distances.

Best of all, it has wide application.” He leads me to the nearest trailer and points to the ‘brain’ of the vehicle. Depending on the driver’s command, each link can work together or independently. Soon, a single electronic control centre will be installed, boasting a monitor and multimedia functions.

Other top level technology includes each road train having its own diesel engine, power-steering and a rotating, controllable axle. According to test driver Valery Atroshenko, this enables the three-link vehicle to easily manoeuvre through the narrow corridors of the factory, let alone contemporary

highways. Interestingly, the electronics and software, as well as the engines and other components, are made in Belarus.

“We’ve been long working on this idea but its embodiment in metal was possible only after Alexander Borovsky became the Head of MAZ,” explains academician Mikhail Vysotsky — General Designer, Hero of Belarus and designer of the Perestroika-2002. “The new road train uses the achievements of 12 academic scientific research institutes — in everything from metallurgy to nano-technologies. We have a totally new looking Belarusian road train, whose design will find application in tractors and combine building.”

The Government is now organising wider tests of the new road train, with changes to legislation forthcoming, to allow 47m long to be used on the country’s roads.

By Vladimir Yakovlev

Alexander Ruzhechka

AZ is yet again proving its recipe for success, having worked with the Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus to create a 47m long multi-link road train. It is able to transport 56 tonnes of cargo in its three cargo modules, boasting 259 cubic metres of volume. MAZ’s Deputy General Director for Technical Development, Dmitry Korotkevich, is confident, “Our future is in such vehicles.”

As a journalist, it was my good fortune to be among the first to see the innovation. Accordingly, I took the opportunity to quiz one of its developers, the Director of the RepublicanComputer Centre of Mechanical Engineering at the NAS’ Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering, S e r g e y Kharitonchik.

“The advantages are evident,” e x p l a i n s M r.

K h ar it on c h i k .

“We need three times fewer drivers and use much less fuel per cargo unit, bringing

Context Belta

Novogrudok ready to say ‘yes’ Most ancient city in Grodno Region to join European initiative on energy conservation this autumn

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ovogrudok is to become the second city in Belarus taking part in the international UNDP Covenant of Mayors programme (joining Polotsk). A recent information meeting was devoted to the city joining the ecological movement, with guests including those from the Energy Charter Secretariat and the Italian province of Chieti, alongside international experts in sustainable energy, in addition to local authorities To ensure efficient implementation of sustainable energy development in Novogrudok District, a working group has been set up comprising experts in the spheres of energy, industry, agriculture and construction. They are to monitor a pilot project and assess its results. Vladimir Kuzmich, a local programme expert with 20 years of experience in international renewable energy projects, will be collating and analysing data. His strategy for sustainable

At a meeting under the Covenant of Mayors programme

energy development will include training and a public information campaign, while promoting close co-operation with local authorities.

“I think that the decision on the inclusion of our city into the influential Covenant of Mayors programme will be positive,” stresses the Chairman of Novogrudok District Executive Committee, Anatoly Markevich.

Further meetings are planned in Novogrudok and it is hoped that investors may soon come forward for the UNDP project.

Three talented young people from Belarus have received special awards to study at the International Summer School of Magna Carta College in Oxford

T

he Sarmont Centre of Management Decisions’ Magna Carta College CIS liaison in Belarus, Vadim Titov, tells us that the scholarships to the International Summer School were decided via a contest entitled Britain Through my Eyes. Participants wrote essays in English about Britain, its notable people and history. More than

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Grants lead to Oxford 120 applications were received, with the best 60 chosen. Mr. Titov explains, “It wasn’t easy to choose the winner, as the young people’s level of English is so high. Clearly, the Belarusian education system focuses greatly on this and young people are motivated to study foreign languages.”

Alexander Kulikov, from Minsk Business College, received first prize and a grant of £500 for attending Magna Carta College. He wrote his essay in

verse form. Yulia Los, a manager by education, was awarded second place and a scholarship of £300. A student from the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radio-electronics, Olga Pavlovich, took third place, awarded £200.

At the summer school, the lucky winners will study a programme entitled History and Culture of Great Britain and will have the chance to improve their English conversation with native speakers, while seeing the sights of Oxford and experiencing English customs. Other finalists have received invitations to attend a seminar by well-known economist and Oxford Professor David Faulkner, a founder of Magna Carta College.

His talk will include information on how to develop and promote enterprises and how to conduct business negotiations.

2012 беларусь.belarus

17

Alexander Ruzhechka

Finance

Rouble

boats its own advantages

A

lexander Mukha, a financial analyst with BusinessForecast.by, notes that, over the next three to six months, while savings interest rates in Belarusian roubles remain relatively high, the public is likely to choose the national currency to hold savings. It has been enjoying a relatively stable exchange

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rate while interest rates on foreign currency deposits have fallen. He explains that the official ban on money emission should ensure there is no sharp drop in the value of the national currency, creating an ‘insurance’ against devaluation.

He explains, “Taking into account that the gap between interest rates on national and foreign currency deposits will gradually close, it may be

National currency remains most attractive vehicle for savings

wise to diversify your investment portfolio, spreading two-thirds of assets among different currencies and one third across small bars of precious metals, stocks, bonds and other such instruments.” He believes this will improve the reliability and profitability of savings.

“Speaking of stocks and bonds, these are investments in businesses, so tend to be more profitable than bank

deposits,” he notes. In the medium term, a number of Belarusian firms will be issuing securities, offering higher rates of return than bank deposits. Meanwhile, he ranks buying shares in Minsk Sparkling Wines Factory as an example of a successful investment. Mr. Mukha believes that those buying shares should focus on export-oriented enterprises, including those in

Finance the creative sector: ICT, research and development, music and media.

Of course, people can only invest or save a certain percentage of their income.

“If a citizen’s savings are up to $5,000, it’s easier to distribute this across savings a c c o u nt s ; w h e n f u n d s

Alexander Mukha, a financial analyst:

“Speaking of stocks and bonds, these are investments in businesses, so tend to be more profitable than bank deposits.” exceed $10,000-20,000, a more profitable distribution becomes relevant,” admits Mr. Mukha.

The Chairman of the B oard of MTBank JSC, Andrey Zhishkevich, tells us, “The difference in rates

between rouble and foreign currency deposits is still high enough to attract deposits in the national currency — especially in the short and medium term. There are no grounds to expect significant devaluation (exceeding the rate of interest on savings). At the same time, the National Bank’s strict monetary policy leads us to expect a further fall in the refinancing rate, albeit at a slower pace; interest rates on rouble deposits are often directly tied to the refinancing rate, so investors should seek products with fixed interest rates.”

According to the latest National Bank report, in the first half of 2012, the population’s deposits in national currenc y rose by Br7.6 trillion, reaching Br21.5 trillion by July 1st (up 40.4 percent in real terms). In addition, deposits in foreign currencies have risen sharply: in the first half of 2012, they rose by $1bn (23.8 percent) to reach $5.2bn by July 1st.

Foreign currency deposits form a major share overall but, since late 2011, their share has fallen: on January 1st, 2012, they stood at 71.7 percent but had fallen to 66.9 percent by July 1st.

‘The policy of gradually reducing the refinancing rate by slowing the inflationary rate and, consequently, interest rates on deposits, continued in June this year.

We continue not only to defend rouble deposits from rising prices but to ensure their higher profitability in comparison with deposits in foreign currencies’, asserts the National Bank.

Favourable background for attracting investments Belarus’ gold and currency reserves should stand at $8bn at least, notes Nadezhda Yermakova, Chair of the National Bank’s Board, at Council of Ministers’ session

“T

aking into account foreign economic risks, as well as Government payments and National Bank obligations in foreign currency due until the end of this year, we need to adopt additional measures to sustain gold and currency reserves at no less than $8bn,”she stresses.

Ms. Yermakova underlines that, in line with Belarus’ current five year socio-economic development programme, the country’s gold and currency reserves should equal three months of imports in value by late 2015: $18bn. Over the next three years, they need to rise almost 2.5-fold. In 2013, Belarus needs to expand its reserves by at least $700m while paying over $4bn to internal and foreign creditors. Despite the positive forecast for next year’s balance of payments in goods and services, $3.9bn will be needed to pay customs duties on Russian oil products.

Direct foreign investments worth $4.5bn are being attracted, creating a major source of foreign currency earnings, in addition to our usual exports. Moreover, two tranches from the EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund — worth $880m — are also to arrive. In 2013, the National Bank plans to gradually reduce its presence on the foreign currency market, to strengthen its anti-inflationary policy. “The stability of the national currency exchange rate will primarily depend on a balanced macroeconomic policy, with strict monetary policy and disciplined budgetary and tax policy,” explains Ms. Yermakova. She believes that inflation will be maintained at 12 percent next year.

By Vitaly Mikhalev

2012 беларусь.belarus

19

Research Practice

Everything

seen in smallest detail A Belarusian satellite has been orbiting for two months already, leaving us keen to discover when its valuable data will begin to be received by Earth

A

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s the proverb says: ‘only a fairytale ends quickly’.

In fact, the launch of the satellite is just the beginning; its adjusting is to take at least three months. However, specialists say that, even then, the satellite is unlikely to produce a miracle since the quality of its work will directly depend on the state of the atmosphere, ballistics and its technical parameters.

As the first shots were received from the Belarusian space vehicle Belarus launched an Earth remote sensing space system. Alexander Popok and Anna Revutskaya, employees of the Geoinformatsyionniye Sistemy Company under the National Academy of Sciences, tracking the satellite’s movement

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Practice Sharp angle of view

The Flight Control Centre at the National Academy of Sciences is tracking the satellite’s movement day and night, with its route shown on a large CLD monitor. “All this time, we’ve been adjusting its calculation, orientation and stabilisation systems. The satellite transfers detailed telemetric information on its state to the Control Centre on Earth,” explains Vladimir Yushkevich, the Head of the Flight Control Centre.

“We should remember that the satellite only passes over our territory six times in 16 days: 10-11 times a month.

The remaining time, it can only ‘see’ the country from a very sharp angle.

Its flight trajectory and the state of the atmosphere matter a great deal of course; you don’t see much if it’s cloudy. We can’t monitor day and night, so it’s not easy to fulfil particular tasks to order — such as detecting heat or water abnormalities, updating maps or controlling land use.”

Smile — you’re on camera!

In fact, the satellite is a powerful photographic camera, able to shoot panchromatic (2.1m resolution per pixel) and poly-zonal (10.5m resolution per pixel) pictures. Clearly, it can’t distinguish the stars on a military uniform but it can certainly notice an oil spill, the consequences of strong rain in the forest or smoke over peat land.

High quality photos of Belarus are due to arrive from September but the Centre has already received some test photos showing desert, ocean, rivers, roads and other sites.

“The satellite can photograph a 4,500km line (20km across) in 11 minutes, taking 90 seconds to shoot Belarus from border to border. It then takes about two and a half minutes to send this data to Earth, where restoration and initial processing take another 20 minutes. Additionally, 3-4 minutes are spent on transferring data to consumers. Accordingly, final users must wait 30-40 minutes to receive operative information about Belarus. Potential customers

include the Emergency Ministry, the Ministry for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the Ministry for Agriculture and Food, the State Property Committee, the Department for Liquidation of the Consequences of the Chernobyl NPP Catastrophe and the Forestry Ministry,” explains Oleg Semenov, the Deputy Chief Designer of the Belarusian satellite. “As

In fact, the satellite is a powerful photographic camera, able to shoot panchromatic (2.1m resolution per pixel) and poly-zonal (10.5m resolution per pixel) pictures you know, on July 22nd, the Russian Kanopus-B satellite was sent into orbit, alongside the Belarusian space satellite.

The devices are twins in terms of characteristics and equipment. From the first days, an orbital group of satellites for the Union State was planned; a corresponding agreement was signed between the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Russian Federal Space Agency back in 2009.

Each satellite is separated by 180 degrees of latitude, opening up new opportunities for remote Earth sensing and survey, with stereophotography possible, to aid the production of topographic maps. We expect to see this work launched immediately after the flight tests are over,” he explains.

Research

The strongest link

The Emergency Ministry pins great hopes on the Belarusian satellite monitoring the land, space and cosmos, with linking these elements a major challenge.

“It’s wrong to say that Belarus hasn’t been receiving data from the cosmos.

Several times a day, American TERRA and NOAА meteorological satellites broadcast their data to Earth; we receive it as part of the Open Cosmos international programme. However, their resolution is low: 1km per pixel. An emergency would have to be on a huge scale for such data to become useful so, clearly, it’s most suitable for meteorologists,” notes Leonid Shkolnikov, the Deputy Head of the Republican Emergency Management and Response Centre at the Emergency Ministry. “The Belarusian satellite shifts our domestic monitoring to a whole new level as we can now ‘see’ every detail when peat lands are on fire, as well as floods, forest fires or oil spills.

Knowing the exact time of the satellite passing Belarus, we’ll be able to ‘order’ certain sites and receive data in just 20 minutes, at high resolution. This is the major benefit of the Belarusian satellite.”

The Emergency Ministry is now testing unique ‘Emergency Monitoring’ software which aims to decode pictures from orbit in the shortest possible time, marking all heat and water abnormalities. “Using archives from the National Academy and hydrologists, we’re creating a photo database of the country’s rivers, lakes and water reservoirs.

The software compares average water levels with critical (e.g. floods or drought) so unusual data is automatically flagged,” explains Mr. Shkolnikov.

“Fires are fixed on photos taken in infra-red; resolution of 10.5 metres per pixel is an advantage as, after decoding, you can see fire in cities, forests or peat lands. Local over-warming of the soil or smoky charcoal grills from holidaymakers aren’t recorded. By late 2012, the software will have passed all tests, beginning 24h operation.”

By Vladimir Mikhailov

2012 беларусь.belarus

21

Environment

Belta

Another climate Fifty years ago, it was rare for Belarus to experience warm winters, abnormal summer heat, sand storms, heavy showers or whirlwinds. Now, they seem to appear with stubborn regularity, to the detriment of the economy and puzzling scientists. What causes such weather patterns and how is the climate changing?

Can we insure ourselves against weather ‘surprises’?

S

cientists have been speaking about global warming for several years, with no shared viewpoints yet reached. According to Vladimir Loginov, a leading climatologist and an academician at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Belarus, greenhouse gases are not solely to blame. There was a time when the volume of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere remained steady, yet temperatures continued to rise:

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from 1917 to 1940. The world burnt far less fossil fuels then compared to even the 1960-1970s, so it appears that our climate experiences regular cycles.

Warming — unrivalled in duration and intensity — began in 1988, with a sharp temperature rise in January 1989.

This January and February, temperatures rose above the climatic norm by 7 degrees; in March and April, they were up 3-5 percent. Temperatures continued to rise dramatically until 1998, when the process slowed.

According to Mr. Loginov, over the past 15 years, the temperature has

changed little, while remaining high.

In total, the average annual temperature of the past two decades in Belarus has risen 1.1 degrees overall, with most months, except November, becoming warmer. This is especially noticeable in winter, as our climate has become less continental.

Fields changing their face

Changes in the weather do leave their trace, with agro-climatic zones across Belarus shifting by around 100150km. The northern zone has almost disappeared, while the south now

Environment has a climate like Ukrainian Polesie, with a short, mild winter (and the country’s warmest and longest vegetation period). Employees at Pripyatsky National Park have observed a spread of flora and fauna species untraditional for this location — usually seen on prairies. For example, clove is now growing in Lelchitsy District’s sand dunes.

Apricots and melons, once grown successfully only by our neighbours, are now thriving in Gomel and Brest regions. Maize, soya and sunflowers are also giving a good harvest, inspiring agrarians to adapt their planting plans. However, while warmth is good for some crops, it’s bad for potatoes, cabbage and flax.

Those sensitive to sunshine need to be ‘moved’ to northern areas, while southern fields can grow maize, millet and sunflowers, which are heat-loving and drought-resistant.

T he S c i e nt i f i c and Pr a c t i c a l Centre for Arable Farming (NAS) is preparing a range of recommendations to suit our new climate conditions. This year, according to Vasily Pavlovsky, Belarus’ Deputy Food and Agriculture Minister, Gomel Region is growing several times more sunflower and soya crops.

Of course, the negative side of climate change is reduced rainfall, which brings drought. Other extreme phenomena (heavy showers, hurricanes, flooding and whirlwinds) are becoming more frequent, damaging the economy and costing money to deal with. Sadly, such weather conditions are predicted to become more common, with even greater losses expected.

S everal years ago, the World Bank calculated that, annually, the Belarusian economy loses an average of up to $90m from damage brought by natural cataclysms. We are working on minimising the effect of such disasters, with a national programme mitigating the consequences of climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting the economy.

What lies ahead?

Belarus is working on minimising the effect of natural disasters, with a national programme mitigating the consequences of climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting the economy Deeper into the wood…

Forests, which cover a considerable part of Belarus, are also sensitive towards climate change. After the terrible droughts of 1992, 1994 and other years, pests have grown in number, leading to timber destruction. Over the last twenty years, there have been several ‘waves’ of droughts (previously unusual for Belarus), with fir, oak, ash and birch trees most affected, as is particularly evident in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha — a Belarusian natural pearl.

V. F. Ku p r e v i c h I n s t i t u t e o f Experimental Botany (NAS) has developed a strategy to adapt forestry towards climate change, running until 2050. The major focus is improvement of the structure of woods. A desirable ‘set of trees’ has been designated for each forestry: oak trees in Vitebsk Region, for example, and pine trees in Polesie.

The risk of forest fires is also rising, with peatland fires considered to be the most dangerous. Repeated water logging of reclaimed forest marshes is being used to deter such disaster, with 28,000 hectares already made damp across 12 forestries.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, annual losses from unfavourable weather conditions are costing dozens of billions of US dollars. To reduce the risk to the world community, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. In 1992, a Framework Convention on Climate Change was developed in Rio de Janeiro, later followed by the Kyoto Protocol.

However, Mr. Loginov believes that we should hardly expect results, since greenhouse gas emissions are actually rising at an even greater speed than before the signing of the Kyoto Protocol. In the 1990s, these were increasing by approximately 1 percent per year: now this is more than 2 percent annually. Eco-production is expensive, while far less electricity is produced from renewable energy sources than from burning coal or oil.

India and China have predicted that they will more than double their use of coal (the dirtiest fuel) in their power engineering by 2030 — compared with 2005. Without power, their economic growth won’t be possible. Moreover, these developed states have reached economic heights while being little concerned about ecological consequences. Occasionally, some states either leave the Kyoto Protocol (Canada) or stipulate the signing of a new document with definite conditions (such as Japan, China, India and Russia).

Unfortunately, nobody can predict the exact results of climate change. If this were possible, it would help us plan a strategy for the world community.

Long-term forecasts are thought to be no more than 70 percent accurate, but temperatures may rise 3-4 degrees by the end of the century, giving Belarus a climate like that of Ukraine. However, a few powerful volcanic eruptions would level out warming, perhaps leading to a fall in temperature.

By Lilia Khlystun

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Event

Nesvizh Castle Grey autumn has come but Nesvizh Castle, with its long history and powerful legacy, stands magnificent. You can’t help but feel yourself slip into fantasies of past times; the atmosphere is so romantic. It’s said that ‘Nesvizh is like Paris’ but, of course, the Radziwills’ castle — opened in July after restoration — hardly rivals the Louvre or Versailles in its collections. Nevertheless, its treasures are among the most valuable in Belarus

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he ancient relics of Nesvizh Castle are not just exhibits; rather, they help recreate an authentic atmosphere in the former dukes’ residence. Many of the pictures origi-

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nally decorated the walls until 1939, when the Radziwills still owned the mansion. Now, surviving items are being returned to their former home. $55m has been spent on restoring the facades and interior decoration of the magnifi-

reveals its secrets Event

cent building. President Alexander Lukashenko was among the first to see the restored castle, alongside our Belarus magazine correspondent. Director Sergey Klimov, and his deputy, Natalia Zherko, gave us an interesting tour of the halls from which, in the 16th18th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was ruled by the powerful Radziwills. To some extent, those decisions influenced the history of the whole of Europe.

The entrance gates of the Castle have

towers on each side, in which artefacts are displayed. Six halls are open to the public, including ‘History of Construction and Reconstruction of Nesvizh Castle’ and ‘Interiors of the Castle from the Late 19th-20th Century’.

Its library has been restored, featuring the same bookcases as a hundred years ago — as you can see from photos on show. Files occupy the same places on shelves as in the times of the dukes’ ownership. Some originals were discovered at the National History Museum

and were painstakingly reproduced. A carved 19th century table can be seen, brought from the National History Museum and also once owned by the Radziwills, while books bearing stamps of Nesvizh ordination from the 1930s are also on show — bought at a Polish second hand bookshop.

The stone floor has been partially restored, featuring its black and white tiles. No doubt, every authentic detail of the Castle is valuable.

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Event Under the patronage of Athena and Nika

The courtyard is well decorated with iron mouldings, befitting the Radziwills’ oldest family home, built in the 16th century. The East Gallery and the Arsenal are situated to the left, being the major buildings of mansion, each with three floors. Moving from one room to another, you can learn about the past of all Belarus (rather than merely of the famous magnate family).

Before entering, I study a stone plaque on the façade which reads, in Latin, that the Castle was founded by the Radziwills in the 16th century. Each letter has been gilded by modern restorers.

A letter from the king

The Duke’s Hall, where guests were welcomed features enfilades on either side, leading to the rooms of the Duke and his wife.

The interior has been reconstructed in Renaissance style, featuring copies of certificates of Polish kings and grand dukes of Lithuania (presentedtotheRadziwills).

Meanwhile, a l arge staircase leads to upper floors.

Who lives above?

The staircase was constructed in the 16th century, and features late-18th century frescoes of battle goddesses, partially restored: the goddess of war, wisdom, arts and crafts, Athena (Minerva); and the goddess of victory, Nika (Victoria). An original casting remains on the staircase.

The high ceiling is decorated by a portrait of Leda, whose tragic history mirrors that of the Castle. Ten years ago, on the night of December 24th-25th, 2002, Nesvizh Castle caught fire. Flames reached the very top and, although firefighters succeeded in quickly extinguishing them, the water damaged ‘Leda’, leaving her picture hanging above the staircase, held on only by its frame. Sometime later, the damaged section was closed for restoration, with ‘Leda’ taken to Minsk.

The Ancient Greek myth tells us that Leda, the wife of a Spartan king, was the object of Zeus’ desire. His ravishment, transformed as a swan, led to the birth of Helen, over whom the Trojan War was fought. The Radziwills were Catholics but, like all 18th century educated people, admired antiquity.

Event Unsurprisingly, the picture depicting Leda was placed on the stairwell of the Castle’s main building.

Many thought that ‘Leda’ was a fresco but, after the fire, it became clear that the masterpiece was painted onto linen canvas, glued to the ceiling. Several years ago, I watched her restoration on the floor of Minskrestavratsiya workshop. It took over two years for Vladimir Nikitin and Alexander Tarasik to reclaim her beauty on the 36sq.m canvas. According to Mr. Tarasik, it is unique countrywide, since nowhere else has canvases decorating the ceiling. The scale of the painting is also magnificent. The masters cleaned ‘Leda’ of dust and lacquer and mended holes, allowing her once more to soar above the stairwell, which leads to the second floor and its most beautiful Golden Hall.

Memory of knights’ fame

The Golden Hall was once called the Hall of Knights and Hunting. It has been restored in mid-18th century late Baroque style. From the late 16th century, it housed the

dining hall, decorated with portraits of the Radziwills and other officials of the Rzecz Pospolita. In the late18th century, its ceiling was raised one metre and, owing to the great number of gilded elements on its ceiling and walls, was renamed Golden.

As the inventory of 1816 states, the Hall had a gypsum ceiling, with a curtain track. Two gilded coats of arms with crowns were depicted on the ceiling, while the walls featured white panels covered with gold. The floor was parquet and two fireplaces, featuring the Radziwills’ coat of arms, provided warmth.

All have been restored and the Golden Hall is housing a wonderful exhibition from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum entitled Royal Treasures: European Masterpieces from 1600-1800 (open since mid-August).

Accessories of nobility

On turning back to the grand stairs and opening the doors of the Golden Hall (leading to the left), you enter two collection rooms of Slutsk Sashes. Ms. Zherko tells me that silk and silk-made items produced by Slutsk are on show there. In the 18th century, they made the most delicate fabrics — including sashes for the nobility. Influenced by the East, these accessories were the height of fashion and, being so intricate, were costly to produce, making them a sign of status and wealth. Until the mid18th century, woollen and silk

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Event sashes were brought to Belarus from Turkey and Iran but Michał Kazimierz Radziwiłł Rybeńko founded a workshop to make such sashes in Slutsk and at Nesvizh’s Alba. Over the course of time, they gained European recognition.

A large collection was always kept at Nesvizh Castle: according to the 1939 inventory, 32 sashes of great artistic value (now on show in the Golden Hall).

Following a special order from abroad

On opening the door on the right hand side of the Golden Hall, you enter the ‘Minerals’ collection room, founded

by Michael Kazimierz Radziwiłł Rybeńko in the early 18th century. Often replenished by presents and special orders from abroad, from the mid-17th century, it had been used as the Duchess’ room, then as the Duke’s main sitting room, then as a ward for the sick and, later, as a family sitting room.

The 1767 inventory describes some details of the interior, stating that the room featured a white tiled fireplace (with a mirror in a carved frame), gilded oak walls, a large mirror between the walls, a lamp and war-themed pictures above the doors. The room has been restored in 1880s NeoClassic style.

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Obverse looks at reverse

The room in which coins are kept is situated close to the room of minerals. Its walls are decorated with portraits from the Radziwills’ collection, including those of kings and popes. The room has ancient furniture and, according to Ms. Zherko, it retains its original parquet.

All generations of the Radziwills contributed to the numismatic and phaleristics collections, housed by a room reconstructed in 1886 Neo-Classic style. All the coins are placed in a special mirrored showcase while the bookshelf holds rare 19th century editions presented by the National Library of Belarus.

Angels hide in the tower

T h e D u c h e s s’ former apartments are situated one floor below the collection rooms. Their wooden decoration and stoves

have preserved well since the Radziwills’ times. The halls feature purchased antique furniture and early 20th century pictures depicting the Radziwills.

A small chapel in a local tower deserves special attention, as its interior decoration is well-preserved, with walls decorated in bas-reliefs featuring angels and Christian symbols.

All survived the war years and the use of the Radziwills’ residence as a sanatorium in the years afterwards, although luxurious items reminding of the dukes tended to be destroyed or removed to Minsk.

Ms. Zherko reveals the chapel’s secrets, saying, “When the sanatorium was operational, the chapel housed all the ‘unnecessary things’ from the castle.”

In the late 17th century, a Radziwills’ portrait gallery, comprising paintings and early 20th century photos, was found in the Duchess’ hallway. Photos have been used to restore its appearance to late 19th century Neo-Classic style and it leads to the East Wing.

Let’s now look at another part, which neighbours the South Wing.

Event Eagles bearing horns look down from the stove

An identical tower to that housing the chapel is situated on the other side of the Castle, with entry from the first floor, after passing through the Golden Hall by the grand stairs. The route to the tower also passes through the Star Hall and the Duke’s room and bedroom.

In the second half of the 17th centur y, t h e St a r Ha l l w a s known as ‘the lower dining room’ but, in the mid-18th century, it was transformed into the Duchess’ room.

Its decorated ceiling led to its celestial name and, in the late 19th century, the ceiling was gilded and a new stove installed, featuring the Radziwills’ coat of arms covered in gold: an eagle with three hunting horns on its chest.

The Star Hall remains in its initial state and was named in the 1930s.

The Duke’s room is situated behind and was first mentioned in the late 17th

century inventory as a reception room. Later, it housed the Duchess’ room and a sick ward. In the late 19th century, the room was occupied by the estate managers for Duke A n t h o n y R a d z i w i l l ’s lands. As Elżbieta Radziwiłł-Tomaszewska recollects, in the 1930s, this was a salon for her father, Duke Albrecht.

The room was furnished with a desk, which has been positioned just as Elżbieta — the oldest living Radziwill — remembers.

T h e D u k e’s r o o m features a huge bed covered with a baldachin canopy. The bed was purchased from a private collector.

In the mid-17th century, it was known as the ‘lower room’ — or the Duke’s room. It had a ladder leading upstairs to an exit on the embankment and a

corridor to the Duchess’ bedroom.

The library was also situated in the tower, its ceiling decorated with frescoes. The 1816 inventory names the hall as the Duchess’ room, with a cabinet and a pharmacy; the latter has been restored.

Picturesque odditorium

The Star Hall leads to one of the most beautiful and authentic halls: the Fireplace, or Large Dining Room, situated in the South Wing.

Italians contribute

The room is decorated with wooden panels, which were removed from the walls for restoration. As the panels were cleaned, beneath a layer of lacquer, it was found that each panel had been originally decorated with veneer incrustation, by Italian masters. Each is unique. The

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Event fireplace is also decorated with the coat of arms of the Radziwill family.

The room was created in the mid-17th century, used as a dining area and gallery. A mid-17th century inventory states that it held 12 pictures (mostly landscapes), in addition to 16 metal sculptures (on painted gilded pedestals). In the mid-18th century, Michał Kazimierz Radziwiłł Rybeńko hung Ksawery Heske’s pictures and its most modern interior dates from the late 19th century. Some portraits have returned after being removed in 1939 and taken to Minsk museums.

Union to love

The second floor of the South Wing is occupied by the Hetman Hall; in the late 18th century, it was used to celebrate the wedding of Michał Kazimierz Radziwiłł Rybeńko and Františka Ursula (of the Vishnevetsky family). Of course, Ursula later made her mark in creating her own theatre at the castle.

The Hetman Hall featured two portrait galleries, with canvases drawn under the guidance of Ksawery Heske.

In 1791, the ceiling was painted, with 24 portraits decorating its walls. By the mid-1880s, a library had been set up and, in the early 20th century, the Hunting Hall was established, after repairs were made. In the late 19th-early 20th century, it featured 17 portraits of Radziwill family members.

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Ms. Zherko reveals, “Modern restorers discovered that, initially, the room was half as tall again, with the space used for an attic. We’ve now returned the ceiling to its original height.”

Alexander Alexee v and Oleg Lukashevich, from the National State TV and Radio Company, took photos of Radziwill portraits hanging in Warsaw’s National Museum. It had received them from the Belarusian Government in the 1950s, as a gift to Poland. The photos were then reproduced on canvas, to return copies of the paintings to their original home in the Hetman Hall of Nesvizh Castle.

Chinese colour

The Kamenitsa (the neighbouring tower) and the Arsenal (situated on the opposite side of the courtyard) are the oldest parts of the Castle, built in the late 16th century. The second floor of the Kamenitsa now houses a luxury hotel exclusively for VIPs, with only the first floor open to the public. Before restoration began, part of the floor was designed to house a restaurant.

Chinese style frescoes were then discovered, creating a dining area where guests can truly enjoy a unique Eastern environment. Clearly, the Radziwills appreciated foreign cultures. Mr. Klimov invites us all to come for a meal, enjoying local cuisine and soaking up the atmosphere.

Event Tea with the Radziwills

The Fireplace, or Large Dining Hall, of the South Wing leads to the Drawing Room where the family would have taken tea. An 18th century tea set is set out there today. In the 16th-18th century, it was used as a living room for guests, as well as a more casual dining room. In the second half of the 18th century, it underwent some repair, becoming the Grand, or Mosaic, Hall (being decorated with mosaics).

From 1939 to the 1980s, it was used as a dining room.

Wonderful view from windows

A door leads from the D r aw i ng R o om t o t h e Ballroom, which housed living rooms for guests in the 16th-17th century. In the mid18th century, it became a stateroom and, from 1829-1832, its mosaics and mouldings were restored — led by Jan Jelski, from Vilno. Further repairs in the 1870-80s brought traces of NeoClassicism to the room.

As Elżbieta Radziwiłł-Tomaszewska recollects, from the 1920-30s, the room was called the Ballroom. It is one of the rooms of the Castle which enjoys a view and its walls are decorated with fabric. Most unusually, it was found that the columns connecting the floor with the ceiling are

made from modest straw beneath their alabaster. Many details have remained unchanged since the days of the Radziwills and the National Art Museum has returned stone busts of Ant hony Wilhelm Radziwill and his wife Maria. These occupied niches in the Museum but Sergey Drushchits, who has headed the restoration works, has proven that they initially sat beside the fireplaces. These have been restored, with the busts nearby and mirrors placed to reflect them. These mirrors also brighten the room, catching rays of autumn sun from the large windows.

The room opens out onto a terrace with wonderful views across the ponds surrounding the Castle.

Revived from ruins

Part of the castle remains in ruin, having been destroyed to be constructed anew a few years ago.

Sadly, its weak foundations — from Radziwill times — have cracked.

Belarus. Some will probably be later purchased by the Nesvizh National Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserve.

Many are worthy of admiration: delicate wineglasses produced in Naliboki in the 18th century (decorated with noble families’ coat of arms), French tapestries and silverware. In the early 18th century, the room was used by King Radziwiłł Panie Kochanku.

Playing billiards

The second floor of the East Wing is now called the Hunting Hall. Its billiard table (made by American Brunswick in 1896) is its most valuable exhibit, belonging to the Radziwills until 1939.

Legend says that, in 1926, the Head of Poland — Józef Klemens Piłsudski — played with Leon Radziwill and, in 1939, Soviet writer Valentin Kataev called billiards ‘the silent witness of the rise and fall of the age’.

Initially, the Hunting Hall led to the chapel, of which I’ll talk later.

The chapel is situated behind the next doors, in the Arsenal.

Wineglasses of Naliboki’s gentry

The first floor of the East Wing is occupied by a room housing private collections from across

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Event In the late 18th century, the second floor of the East Wing housed a gallery of portraits of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania hetmans. It’s now filled with hunting trophies: the horns of elks, stuffed bears and wood grouse. There’s a case of original hunting rifles from the early 20th century — made in Austria and France, while the walls are decorated with photos of scenes from Radziwill hunting campaigns.

Restorers have decorated its walls with frescoes featuring scenes from performances by Františka Ursula Radziwill — copied from 18th century engravings. She wrote several plays, one of which — The Abduction of Europe — is being staged at Minsk’s Yanka Kupala Theatre. Not long ago, it saw success in London.

Secret of 16th century chest

Nesvizh Castle’s Arsenal was initially a one storey building but, later, two more floors were added, as well as an additional block. As a result, it became a huge building, neighbouring the East Wing. In the 17th century, its ground floor held 30 large guns — most of them cast in the late 16th century (in the times of Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł Sierotka). None remain although two were found in St. Petersburg and used to make copies.

The most interesting exhibits of weaponry are two 16th century chests: one is closed and the other open. Ms. Zherko explains, “Both have extremely complicated locking mechanisms so, after our staff accidentally closed one, it couldn’t be opened again. It may keep its secrets forever.”

Františka Ursula invites us for a performance

On the second floor of the Arsenal, the closed doors of the Theatre are opened by Lyudmila Komisarova, using an ancient key. Over 200 years ago, King Radziwiłł Panie Kochanku welcomed the last King of the Rzecz Pospolita, Stanisław August Poniatowski, to this room — also known as the Royal Hall.

The Theatre has been revamped in Classic style, with Rococo elements.

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In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

The chapel occupies half of the Arsenal, which neighbours the East Wing and covers three floors. You can reach it from the Hunting Hall, walking through a gallery which encircles the chapel.

Its ground floor altar is surrounded by frescoes on the walls and many large and small candlesticks are on floor — all taken from the Roman Catholic Church of God’s Body. Like many other treasures now exhibited in the Arsenal, these had been stored in the town’s church cellars.

An exhibition of 16th-early 20th century artefacts is on show, including Roman Catholic clergy vestments, ceremonial articles (including huge pincers to bake obleys), sculptures of saints and ancient books (one bears the signature of famous local organist Edvard Girdo).

As in Paris

My tour of Nesvizh Castle is over.

If you pay a visit, you should allow at least four hours and will need to buy a ticket from the information desk near the Roman Catholic Church of God’s Body. You can also find information on Nesvizh and its sights, with Internet access provided.

Souvenirs are sold nearby, made by local craftsmen.

You can e ven st ay for a n i g ht i n t h e Castle’s former stables, which have been converted into bedrooms. Only VIP guests may stay in the Castle itself. Booking should be made a week in advance.

Local Straunya restaurant offers good cuisine and the Hetman Hall and Theatre can be hired for international scientific conferences, business meetings and weddings, at a cost of over 200 Euros per hour.

The grounds are now to receive attention, with works planned for Zamkovy Castle, and Japanese, Marysinsky and English gardens to be recreated. The Radziwills’ residence is a work of art — ‘a Belarusian Versailles’. A proverb even exists which compares Nesvizh with Paris.

By Viktar Korbut

Panorama  Tourists to receive prompt advice Soon, maps of Minsk are to be installed in the Upper Town, helping tourists find the nearest form of public transport, hotel, cafe, public toilet, pharmacy or local attraction

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imilar info-boards have long helped visitors to navigate the maze of many European cities’ streets.

A few years ago, experts began to develop the concept, dividing the capital into 32 tourist routes, with about 50 main attractions — from St. Simon

 Biography of Berestie filled with great history Photo exhibition at Archaeological Museum illustrates major milestones of its creation

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h e n e w e x h i bit i on ‘B e re s t i e Archaeological Museum: History.

Modernity. Prospects’ coincides with the 30th anniversary of the opening of the museum, featuring never-before seen photos of the museum — from excavation to the present day. The last significant event in the history of the museum was captured in May, when the museum welcomed its three millionth visitor.

Sketches of plans for the extension of the museum are on show, with the area adjoining the museum earmarked for and Helena Catholic Church to Victory Square. The routes are designed to allow tourists to see Minsk without missing any interesting sites, with the help of info-boards. According to the Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Experts and Surveyors of Transport, Yury Vazhnik, whose organisation developed the boards, these need to be located at metro exits, since most tourists use the underground.

One such board will be set up at the exit of Nemiga metro station, with a couple more near the City Hall and the Cathedral of the Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of course, more will be unveiled in time, since tourists who come to Mogilevskaya or Uruchie metro stations will also need help.

a display of the excavations below: a fragment of the fortress wall, pavements and potter and blacksmith workshops.

The museum celebrated its 30th anniversary with a major cultural programme of demonstrations and master classes of traditional crafts (including the opportunity to buy crafts souvenirs). The ‘One Day in a Duke’s Life’ demonstration showed techniques in using medieval weapons, while guests were entertained by medieval music and dancing, performed by historical clubs. Themed games, contests and quizzes also created a lively atmosphere.

The Berestie Archaeological Museum opened on March 2nd, 1982, following excavations in 1968. It is the only museum in Europe to show a medieval Eastern Slavic city, being located on the site of Volyn Fort (Brest Fortress) — where the city was founded.

 Along roads of distant war Seven tourist routes developed to mark 200th anniversary of 1812 war in Minsk Region

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here are many memorable places connected with the Napoleonic invasion of Minsk Region, including Brilevskoe field, where Napoleon’s troops crossed the Berezina River and fought the Russian army.

There are many sites associated with those days around Borisov, which was occupied by the French at the end of June, 1812. Fighting took place in November, between the Russian 3rd Western Army and Napoleon’s troops, for possession of Borisov and the bridge over the River Berezina; the city was destroyed and burnt, with Russian troops causing significant damage to the French army during its crossing of the Berezina.

Tourists can visit the sights of Borisov District, and Borisov’s Local History Museum.

The route Known-Unknown Borisov includes a visit to the castle, a concert of organ music in the Catholic Church, a reconstruction of war events, and a sightseeing tour along the old Smolensk road — The War of 1812 and The Fighting Died Down Here Long Ago, following in the steps of the 1903 military and historical expedition.

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Region

Steps to meet partners

The event was apparently of interest both to the participants and the audience

Cultural ties of Vitebsk Region’s Braslav District help expand its economic opportunities

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itebsk Region’s Braslav District is famous for its beautiful, pure lakes. It’s no wonder that Turkish investors are keen to construct a five star hotel there

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soon, to welcome tourists. Latvian businessmen have already proven their intention to open a trade house for a large construction company in this district and to build a yacht club on the lakes. Amazingly, film directors from Indian Bollywood even want to shoot

a thrilling blockbuster there. All these intriguing ideas were recently presented at the Braslavskie Zarnitsy Festival of Traditional Culture, which coincided with an investment forum hosted by Braslav. Braslavskie Zarnitsy is one of the oldest holidays in Belarus: organised for the 45th time this year and involving folk groups from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Venezuela.

Dancers from Azerbaijan came for the first time: Azeri ensemble from Baku’s children’s orphanage #1. By the time we met Ravshan Mamedov, the Deputy Director of the orphanage and the ensemble’s Artistic Leader, he was already full of impressions, telling us, “I’ve made my trip to Belarus and have already fallen in love with your hospitable country. Our children, aged 8-15, feel at home here. We’ve in several neighbouring villages and were astonished at how spectators enjoyed our Azerbaijani folk dances. We’re very glad that we were invited to Braslavskie Zarnitsy.”

While Azeri was preparing for another performance, I met Slavomir Titovich, a member of the BelarusianLatvian-Lithuanian camp, sited near the beautiful Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church, in the centre of Braslav.

Mr. Titovich teaches at a local children’s art school and conducted master classes on the Belarusian duda at the festival.

This ancient musical instrument is very similar to the Scottish bagpipe but has its own unique characteristics.

“There are few people who can play the Belarusian duda or ancient diatonic cembalo these days; they are truly unique people who tend not even to be able to read music, simply relying on their ear. They recently taught at our musical camp in Braslav this spring.

Afterwards, we screened a film we’d shot, at Braslavskie Zarnitsy.

Moreover, jointly with musicians f rom n e i g hb ou r i ng L at v i a an d Lithuania, we’ve rehearsed for a joint one hour concert featuring Latvian and Lithuanian folk melodies. According to our international project, we’ll present

Region this programme in Lithuania next year,” he explains.

Braslav has always enj oye d war m and friendly relations with its Baltic neighbours, as reinforced during the recent festival.

C o nt r a c t s f o r c o operation were signed with the Latvian cities of Ķekava and Rēzekne, as well as with Polish Legionowo, by Braslav District Executive Committee, at an international forum organised simultaneously. Moreover, a memorial plaque to honour Otan Gedeman was unveiled at the Braslav Local History Museum, involving the Polish delegation. Both Belarusians and Poles believe that this local historian and teacher, who lived in the late 19th-early 20th century, ‘belongs’ to them. He is known for writing the History of Braslav District; alongside his other books (Druya and Glubokoe) this is still kept at the museum in Braslav.

Potters, artists and craftsmen had their works on display at the festival, while Iolanda Marena folk dance group from Simon Bolivar Latin American Cultural Centre at the Venezuelan Embassy to Minsk attracted crowds with its exotic rhythms.

Braslav became one big concert and exhibition ground, filled with games — such as the ‘Barefoot Race’, run across grass and the banks of the lake.

It was a wonderfully healthy event and may become a tradition! Meanwhile, the organisers decided to restore the forgotten tradition of the Choir Assembly, with several hundred people from across Belarus and abroad performing Braslav’s unofficial anthem.

Ukrainian Ternycia Choir, from Belaya Tserkov (Bila Tserkva) town, has pleased Braslav residents with its creativity for over twenty years while the Russian folk choir from the House of Culture of Trade Unions in Smolensk was attending the festival in Braslav for the first time.

Committee, a preliminary agreement has been signed for their participation at the 2013 festival of Braslavskie Zarnitsy.

“This folk holiday has long become a

Choir Assembly revived

Festivals such as Braslavkie Zarnitsy promote Belarusian regions more effectively than official meetings, as it’s easier to meet potential partners in a festive atmosphere Its artistic leader, Yelena Leonova, tells us, “Alongside Russian folk songs, we perform Belarusian ballads. We’ve visited many festivals in Moscow and Italy but have never seen landscapes as beautiful as those in Braslav.”

The Braslav area has been chosen as the site for a tourist complex, at Lake Voloso, funded by Russian investments.

Meanwhile, a fuelling station, with a complete set of roadside services, is being constructed on the main road leading to the Latvian border. Another major investment project is to develop a fish farm, at Belryba enterprise in Braslav, producing canned fish. At present, 95 percent of its ingredients are imported but Braslav residents want to change this, since there are so many local lakes.

It would be easy to breed sturgeon, with the Chinese perhaps likely to invest.

According to Sergey Shmatov, the Chairman of Braslav District Executive

The Azeri dance company from Baku were very pleased with such a hearty welcome

brand for the district, visited by creative groups, as well as diplomats and businessmen. The expansion of cultural ties is being discussed, in addition to investment projects,” he notes.

This year, a Turkish delegation attended for the first time; although Turke y didn’t s end any ar t ist ic groups, the Head of the Nilüfer District Municipality of Bursa city, Mustafa Bozbey, is delighted to have come along. He particularly enjoyed the investment forum and the traditional Holiday of Braslav Fish Soup.

He even discussed the construction of a five star hotel, being a major businessman himself.

Clearly, festivals such as Braslavskie Zarnitsy promote Belarusian regions more effectively than official meetings, as it’s easier to meet potential partners in a festive atmosphere.

By Sergey Golesnik

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Call of Polesie

Festival

of ancient traditions 2nd National Call of Polesie Festival gathers over 10,000 quests and participants from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Poland to the agro-town of Lyaskovichi in Petrikov District

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hree years ago, the President of Belarus supported the idea of holding a festival in Lyaskovichi.

Opening the event, he admitted that he has a special relationship with Polesie. “Every person has a place to which he loves to return again and again. For me, one of those secret places is Polesie. Anyone who has ever been there is fascinated by the beauty of its land.”

Despite its modest biography, Call of Polesie has already outgrown the framework of a regional festival; next year, it may become an international forum, gathering poleshchuks from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. They all have much to show and share.

Pripyat Polesie is really unique. Over many centuries, it has kept its originality, despite the rapid pace of progress.

Nature, life and crafts have retained their ancient flavour, as celebrated by the festival. The event promotes the talents of its inhabitants to visitors, alongside its natural beauty, aiming to reveal its potential to tourists.

Belta

Joy was felt everywhere at the Call of Polesie festival

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Belta

Call of Polesie

It never hurts to add an ethnic touch

Pripyatsky National Park is truly the pearl of Belarus, so it’s no surprise that it brought forth the unusual festival. There, nature, culture and heritage are on show, of which Belarus is rightfully proud.

Widening circle

“Every person has a place to which he loves to return again and again. For me, one of those secret places is Polesie. Anyone who has ever been there is fascinated by the beauty of its land.”

house. Almost everything can be ‘touched’ or inspected by eye closely.

“Visitors appear delighted,” note museum staff. “Many came after their museum tour to ask where they might see a particular bird or animal seen in the exhibition. It takes about two hours to view everything, including at least an hour in the hall of nature, which has four dioramas. These represent the four seasons and the four major landscapes of Polesie, with its inhabitants: the Pripyat River floodplain, the first over-floodplain terrace of the Pripyat, the second over-floodplain terrace of the Pripyat; and Lelskaya water glacial plain. Children are just as enchanted as expert botanists.

Meanwhile, the ethnographic halls are filled with rarities from the past, each lovingly restored for display. Many are donated by museum staff: a spinning wheel; homespun blankets left by a great-grandmother; and, even, a ‘choven’ — a boat, used by someone’s grandfather.

The second festival has proven vivid and impressive, gathering a record number of participants and visitors, while boasting diverse content. An ethnographic expedition and international conference gathered scientists from the Polesie borderlands beforehand — from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. All are eager to see traditions preserved, working with the newly opened Museum of Nature at Pripyatsky National Park to make their findings accessible to the public. The beautiful modern building, which stands in the centre of Lyaskovichi, is the pride of the town. Locals say, “Here, our history is seen as if on your palm!”

The Museum of Nature enjoyed its official Alexander Lukashenko launch at the festival, welcoming crowds of keen visitors. Some viewed a map of the waterways of Polesie, displayed on the floor. It guides fishermen Living history to the best spots (with the help of museum staff). Meanwhile, Lyaskovichi is a special place at all times but really comes the halls explore local archaeology, the history of its waterways alive for the festival; you gain a true sense of how people lived and Polesie’s folk traditions. There is even a recreated peasant in a past age.

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Call of Polesie Polesie residents from 11 districts in Gomel and Brest regions took part, demonstrating their skills. There was harmonised singing on the main stage and over 30 amateur choirs from the provinces entertained audiences with ancient folk songs and modern ballads inspired by the past.

Meanwhile, the 2km of Polesskaya suburbs saw every courtyard filled with rare crafts: weaving, embroidery, beekeeping, pottery and carving. ‘Polesie Corner’ — organised

by Pripyatsky National Park — boasted a blacksmith, working his forge to create red hot horseshoes.

On asking to try my hand, he willingly gave me his seat. Of course, it has taken years for him to learn his craft, but he patiently showed me the basics and I created my own Barrel makers were a huge success hors e sho e — for good luck. A couple of metres away, a courtyard run by Yelsk Distric t offered barrels to suit every taste. I was told, “This is dezha for dough, and this is tseber, used for salting meat. Small barrels are taken to the fields, filled with water which remains cold from morning to evening.”

A crowd soon gathered, asking if they could buy them, but demand exceeds

supply. For future festivals, the owners promise to make lots of barrels for sale.

I can hardly pass by the Pinsk District courtyard (Brest Region) where women treat flax. They allow me to thresh some, giving me detailed instructions: ‘Sit in a semi-split, press the flax hard with your leg and beat it with the beater.’

After 20 minutes of hard work, I feel that, for the next two days, I won’t need any further exercise.

I grow only more excited as I pass from courtyard to courtyard. I notice an ancient loom and watch the making of clay pots, asking so many questions and always eager to try my own hand.

The crafts are fascinating in their calm sincerity and pure beauty.

The first festival brou g ht ab out Festivalnaya Street, with craftspeople taking up residence; they are not just famous but in demand, with orders from Minsk, Moscow and Warsaw. In the villages, new courses and craft centres are opening and the fame of the festival is being felt far and wide. Once seen, distinctive Priyat Polesie is never forgotten.

By Violetta Dralyuk

 Pripyatsky National Park is one of the most popular tourist sites in Belarus, welcoming around 250,000 visitors annually — including over 15,000 foreign tourists. Its forests are considered to offer the best preserved flood basins of the Pripyat and Dnieper, covering up to 85 percent of the area. For rich biodiversity, they are unique across Eastern Europe. In 2009, the 30km Pripyatsky Wild Animal Park opened, allowing close observation of forest wildlife.  The Cranberry Holiday is celebrated annually in Stolin District (Brest Region) — one of the regions of Polesie. There is no other like it in Belarus, including a parade in the village of Olmany in late autumn, after the harvesting season. Festivities and celebrations abound in honour of the best cranberry collectors.

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Opinion

I

nga Khrushcheva travels a great deal, being a TV journalist. Of course, this allows her to assess the tourist potential of Belarus rather more objectively than some. Here, she shares her thoughts on how Belarus can best compete with Western Europe in attracting visitors. Inga comes from the most ancient city in the country: Polotsk — known far and wide for its beauty.

Would you like to live abroad?

Not all countries ‘suit’ me. I was impressed by Paris, since the city is gorgeous, but I didn’t understand the French, perhaps because we differ in our characters. Meanwhile, the Italians and I understood each other at once. It surprises me that they can guess at your confusion and readily come to ask if they can help, being such friendly people

How do you assess the tourist potential of Belarus in comparison with other countries?

Our architecture probably wouldn’t impress Italians, even in Polotsk, which boasts so many old buildings. At the same time, I believe that every Polotsk citizen could be engaged in tourism.

In the Czech Republic, even in smaller towns, streets near a castle boast 15-20

Between Minsk and Rome Many international tourist projects still awaiting implementation My first media job was with the Polotsk paper, writing about the tourist potential of the city. Even then, it was clear to me that huge opportunities were in evidence. Visiting my native city now, I can see that many of my expectationsand,even,predictionshavecome true. Ready for the 1150th anniversary of the city, several architectural landmarks have been restored from their ruins. I hope this is just the beginning of a larger programme to revive the city. I certainly won’t be ashamed to bring visitors there from Italy.

What are your links with Italy?

I visited Italy for the first time in the mid90s and have since travelled there almost every year. I’ve studied Italian, to better understand the country and its people. Italy is stunningly beautiful but, of course, those who live there take it for granted. They say, ‘We were born tired, so appeared in Italy in order to rest.’ I love holidaying there and spent a whole year living there, even broadcasting from Olympic Turin.

— just like Belarusians! To fit into Italian society, you do need to remember that everything closes from midday to 4 p.m., for the siesta. However, shops and restaurants open in the evening until very late.

It’s a happy hunting ground for tourists.

As far as I know, it’s not the richest country.

Absolutely — but happiness doesn’t lie in wealth; it resides in your ability to leave aside anxieties, remembering that Fate controls much of life, rather than us.

Maybe, Italians have an easy attitude to life due to the ever warm weather...

It’s true that the sunshine and green landscapes do create a different mood; they can’t imagine that Belarus’ summer can be 15 degrees in the morning and 25 in the evening, raining in the morning and hot in the afternoon. They have several harvests per year and, of course, it’s good to live in such conditions. However, we have greater endurance as a result.

hotels and restaurants. We have good prospects but much remains to be done.

We need more cycle paths, as Europeans are crazy about riding bikes. They really enjoy riding around interesting cities, as well as canoeing and kayaking, which is something else we can offer. Those engaged in tourism need to conduct an aggressive advertising policy online.

Particularly, there could be more information on our agro-eco-estates, as well as on Lake Naroch and the Braslav Lakes.

These are good places to stay but too few Europeans know about them. I can find a hotel in Western Europe online and book a room within ten minutes. I hope people will soon be able to do this for newly opened Nesvizh Castle. Yes, it is important to report that the castle was built by famous Radziwill Sierotka but, incidentally, it was designed by an Italian architect.

By Victor Andreev

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Ancestry

Plunging into depths of talent

F

It’s always interesting to explore the roots of our talented countrymen, since many turn out to be descended from ancient noble families

or more than 20 years, writer Anatoly Statkevich-Cheboganov has been conducting such studies: collecting, organising and studying documents on over forty ancient Belarusian lineages. His three volume series entitled I’m Your Son: Annals of the Belarusian Gentry is the result.

Outstanding branch of great family

Among the relatives of Mr. StatkevichCheboganov is the first vice-president of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Stepan Nekrаshevich. What has he found out about the famous scientist and linguist, whose books and dictionaries are still in demand? Where did he live and how did his spiritual and cultural talent develop?

Last year, you gave a report on behalf of the Academy of Sciences, at a conference entitled Belarusian Culture and the Emergence of Science in Belarus, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the Institute of Belarusian Culture (or Inbelkult) — from which the Belarusian Academy was born. You spoke about the family roots of its first director, Stepan Nekrаshevich.

I presented research on the whole Nekrаshevich family (Lubich coat of

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arms) which is featured in the third volume of the series ‘I’m Your Son’ — published this year. Of course, family histories are continuous, and are interlinked. At certain moments, a family may fall on hard times but the ‘family tree’ usually revives through other branches.

Tell us about the publication. Why is it special?

I dare to say that it is unique among Belarusian history books. Three volumes are already published, with a fourth being printed. These have the blessing of the Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, Filaret. Two publishing houses are involved, sharing a single design: the Belarusian Orthodox Church Printing House (in Russian) and Rodnoe Slovo Publishing House (in Belarusian).

Doctor of Historical Sciences Georgy Golenchenko is the editor.

Each is richly illustrated, including reproductions of historical documents, photographs and other materials. At the end of each volume, the bibliography provides links to primary sources. There is a glossary of terms, and a list of names and geographical locations. The books present a description of each family, alongside individual stories from the lives of their members and diagrams of family

trees. Compatriots from other countries are sure to find their relatives within the series, so it’s valuable to anyone interested in their family tree.

In 1971, you graduated from Leningrad Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics, working for the defence industry and then the agricultural complex. Now, you’re an entrepreneur. How did you begin researching genealogies?

Family circumstances guided me.

Many of my relatives suffered the tragedy of repression, being deported from Belarus in the Stalin era. My grandfather, Mikhail Statkevich, a noble man, was shot in 1930. My work is my tribute to the memory of those killed guiltlessly.

Exploring my ancestors’ past, I set the high and patriotic goal of showing the history of the Fatherland through the history of a particular family. First, I had to establish a relationship between people, looking at where they lived. I began to study ancient source materials, looking for as much information on each member of the family as possible, covering the last five hundred years or more.

Did you work alone? I’ve tried to research my own family a little so I can imagine how much work was involved.

As soon as I began digging deeper into the archives, I realised that I couldn’t

Ancestry work alone. Considerable assistance was rendered by leading historians and genealogists from Russia and Belarus and further abroad. For twenty years, thanks to collaboration with the archives of Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, I’ve studied more than forty well-known noble families of Belarus: most are my ancestors. Some are of particular interest: Statkevich, Karafa-Korbut, Nekrаshevich, Rudinsky, Tychina, Zhdanovich-Gurynovich, Sytsko, Lipsky, Zabelo, Tatura, GlinskyLihodievsky, Reut, Korybut-Dashkevich, Kernozhitsky, Mastvilovich, Getalty and Tyszkiewicz (from the Kalenikavich family). There are many historical figures and some famous people, such as dukes Lihodievsky, Glinsky and Ostrozhsky.

Additionally, there are well-known figures of Belarusian science and culture, such as archaeologist Genrik Tatur and academician Stepan Nekrаshevich.

Nekrаshevich — Lubich coat of arms

pedigrees but some probably still appreciate ‘noble qualities’.

You’re right. We know that many members of the Nekrаshevich family had ties with prominent Belarusian intelligentsia. Alena Mikhailovna Nekrаshevich, the daughter of Alena Rygorievna and cousin of the academician, married People’s Poet of the BSSR Petrus Brovka.

Meanwhile, Zarina Vladimirovna Kulevskaya, a second cousin once removed of Stepan Mikhailovich, married Danila Mickiewicz, son of Yakub Kolas.

The Nekrаshevich family seems to abound in outstanding people.

Apparently so, although their Fate featured both glory and greatness, ups and downs. Documents give evidence of their noble origin and their diligence and dedication to duty. I found no example of dishonesty, personal gain, betrayal or jealousy. Even the coat of arms of Lubich — used by the Nekrаshevich family — illustrates their great military merits, rendered to the Fatherland since ancient times. It shows a shield and helmet, a horseshoe and a bachelor’s cross.

One ancient document shows that Polish King Sigismund III allowed cornet Semion Nekrаshevich ‘to buy the land of Lopotse from Vasily Segenya’.

Semion’s son, Pavel, according to his last will and testament in 1639, gave the Nikifar family estate to his children: ‘Nekroshchevizna or Lopotse estate, acquired by my father, Semion, is left to my two sons’. The descendants of Semion were not neglected by high officials, being respected and landed, as confirmed by the Minsk Noble Deputies Assembly of March 9th, 1854. It recognised the family representatives of Lyavon, Anton and Lovrenty as ‘noble dignity’.

When did your family of StatkevichStsytskevich become related to the Nekrаshevichs?

You can read about this in the third book of the series. The noble families of Karaf-Korbut, Rudinsky and Tychyna have enjoyed numerous family ties with the Nekrаshevichs since the 18th century — as evident from the genealogical lists. Exploring the past, I found out that some branches of my family have a common ancestor: Pavel Nekrаshevich.

His sons brought forth my great-grandmother Aryna and academician Stepan Mikhailovich Nekrаshevich (18831937). All three of my greatgrandmothers are his close relatives. The academician himself also has ancestors in the Karafa-Korbut family, to which my grandmother Maria Alksandrovna belongs.

After Soviet times, w e l e f t b ehind class divides and noble

Anatoly Statkevich-Cheboganov was the first to study and publish Stepan Nekrashevich's ancestry data in his book from ‘I'm your Son: Annals of the Belarusian Gentry’ series

Ivan Zhdanovich

Slutsk District and Bobruisk suburbs

You mention an estate owned by the Nekrаshevich family.

Yes, the family estate was in Slutsk and its vicinity: Lopotse; the estate of Nekroshchevizna; and a number of neighbouring villages. Some remain populated today. Over time, the family

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Ancestry grew, with each son being given his own piece of land, so the Nekrаshevich family had to open up other places.

Someone went to Mozyr or Bobruisk.

The ancestors of the future academician Stepan Nekrаshevich moved to Parichi, with the Karafa-Korbut and Rudinsky clans, to whom they were closely related.

They lived near Viktaryny, Drazhnya, Moiseevka and Danilovka.

Archival documents show the reasons for and time of moving, data on how the family was growing, and how young families left family estates to reside in new places. The ‘cradle of the family’ includes Samuil Nekrashevich, who moved to Parichi, married and then returned to Slutsk.

His wife was Irina Semenovna, the future great-grandmother of the academician Nekrаshevich (from the Ivashkevich family).

Their wedding took place in Pogost Church on Candlemas Day in 1822: January 8th.

At the end of the 19th century, some of the Nekrаshevich family were living on a small estate in Bobruisk District. Others owned small enterprises. Rygor Nekrаshevich was an innkeeper in the village of Zakalnoe, on land owned by Duchess Gagenloe. Many Nekrаshevichs owned land around Mozyr and in Bobruisk District.

Tell us more about academician Nekrаshevich…

In the village of Danilovka, a few miles from Parichi (Bobruisk District, Mogilev Region), Mikhail Nekroshevish settled on an estate of about 350 hectares.

On April 26th, 1883, his son, Stepan, was born, becoming a scholar and linguist, and known for writing numerous scientific papers, books and dictionaries.

He often returned to his homeland, recording its linguistic wealth. Parichi is famous for its history and interesting people. It was first mentioned in written sources in 1639, as a town with a large Jewish community, a school, a hospital, a winery, rope and sugar factories, a quay on the Berezina river (the largest

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in the district at the time), and profitable timber trade. There were several Orthodox churches, a Roman Catholic Church and a synagogue. In the centre of the settlement was a market square with grocery, hardware and small wares stores, surrounded by an inn and merchants’ houses. In Parichi, old people still

Stepan Nekrashevich: a 1920's portrait; with his fellow soldiers during World War I (1914); with his wife Maria Tsimankova, a year before the arrest (1929)

remember the lively fairs at which tobacco, kitchen utensils, soap, candles, field and forest fare, manufactured goods, fish, horses and many other things were bought and sold.

Did the place belong to someone else previously?

After Belarusian lands became part of the Russian Empire, Emperor Pavel the First gave the land to his favourite court nobleman, Admiral Piotr Pushchin.

The family was famous not only on the battlefield, but for the famous Decembrist brothers Ivan and Mikhail. Ivan Pushchin was one of the officers who went to the

Senate Square on December 14th, 1825.

He was a friend of Pushkin from their days at the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, and Alexander Sergeevich wrote of him, ‘My first friend, my priceless friend’.

Their father, Lieutenant-General and Senator Ivan Petrovich Pushchin, built a church in honour of the Holy Spirit in Parichi, where several generations of Nekrаshevichs were parishioners. On January 2nd, 1850, Mikhail Pavlovich, the father academician, was christened and, on July 7th, 1915, the funeral of his mother, Eva Dmitrievna, took place.

Did the Pushchins leave any other l e g a c y ap ar t from the church?

Yes, they did much for Parichi, especially Maria Yakavlevna, the wife of Mikhail Pushchin.

She organised a girls’ choir at the lo cal Orthodox church and launched the first women’s college of St. Mary Magdalene. Among its students was Alena Nekrаshevich, a cousin of the academic, as well as other representatives of the family.

From Odessa to ‘Tobolsk’

In and around Parichi, cultural life was rich. How would you describe the life of Stepan Nekrаshevich?

He received his primary education in the village of Danilovtsy from the village ‘director’. Later, he attended the Panevezy Teachers Seminary and Vilnius Pedagogical Institute but didn’t work as a teacher for a long time, as the First War began, which took him to the army. In 1917, after the February Revolution, this educated, thoughtful soldier was elected a member of the Army Committee of the 6th Army of

Ancestry the Romanian Front, which led him to later, he headed the Institute of Linguistics.

Odessa for a conference.

It seems a huge responsibility but the young Nekrаshevich stayed in the seaside academician found time to write books town for several years, working for the and dictionaries and conduct research. In benefit of Belarus. Under his leadership, particular, in 1929, he published his work the Belarusian National Commission was on Belarusian dialects in Parichi District, established to help Belarusian soldiers. having travelled extensively across the When in 1918 the Belarusian People’s region. His main purpose was to revive the Republic was proclaimed, Nekrаshevich Belarusian language and, in this direction, became its representative in that region he worked with such well-known cultural and managed to open ‘30 primary schools figures as Yanka Kupala, Yakub Kolas, and Belarusian mixed schools in the first Zmitrok Byadulya and Kondrat Krapiva. four classes’ around Odessa. The numbers Many of them appear at his side in photos are incredible, especially if you remember of the time. However, society was on the the time and place. eve of a great disaster: Stalinist repression.

S o f a r f r o m h o m e , S t e p a n The first ripples had begun.

Mikhailovich seems to have become Do you think that the Academy felt nostalgic, realising that national identity that they would ‘come for him’? is lost without language, gradually Probably; unfortunately, many dissolving among more powerful ethnic documents of the time have been lost. groups. Interestingly for that revolu- In the summer of 1930, he joined his tionary time, when so much was being colleague, academician Vaclav Lastovsky, ‘reworked’ he did not care about the on a research trip to the distant bigger picture, preferring to concenTomsk Region of Siberia, where trate on Belarusian-language they planned to study the way of schools... life of Belarusian immigrants.

Perhaps, in ke y However, such long distances moments of history, we did not deter the work of should remember our Stalin; on the morning own small signifiof July 21st, 1930, on cance in guiding social board the ‘Tobolsk’ processes. The war and steamboat on the Ob the revolution helped River, they were arrested.

Stepan Nekrаshevich In the archive of to understand his the Committee of State mission in life. When Security, I found documents Lubich coat of arms belonged to the he returned to his homeland relating to the arrest and interroancient noble in 1920, he began enthusigation of Stepan Nekrаshevich, lineage of astically promoting national as well as the accusations against Nekrashevichs, where Stepan culture, creating a literary him. I did wonder what charges came language. It was a fruitful time Nekrashevich were brought against him in 1930, from for scientific and social work since Nekrаshevich was a former and he was several times elected deputy member of the Revolutionary Party and of the All-Belarusian Congress of Soviets Consul of the Belarusian People’s Republic and a member of the Central Executive to Odessa. According to the NKVD, from Committee of the BSSR. He also became 1921, he had helped lead the counterrevoluchairman of the first multidisciplinary tionary organisation ‘Belarus Revival Union research institution in the country: the — Belarus Liberation Union’, using his trips Institute of Belarusian Culture. abroad to establish and maintain contacts.

On December 26th, 1928, Stepan Stepan Nekrаshevich was condemned Nekrаshevich was approved as an eligible and exiled to the city of Sarapulsk in member and the vice-president of the Udmurts ASSR for five years, where Academy of Sciences of Belarus. A year he worked as a planner, economist

and accountant. He must have lived in continual fear of being arrested for a second time. When they came again for him, he was accused of being a spy for the Polish intelligence service since 1920, committing espionage in the USSR and recruiting others. They also accused him of being a member of the National Fascist organisation since 1917, and, ironically, of doing a disservice to the public education system of Belarus.

The final chapter of his story is typical for that time. On December 19th, 1937, the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court of the USSR sentenced him to death, while confiscating all his personal property. The sentence was executed the next day, leaving his wife, Maria Sergeevna Tsimankova, bereft; she died soon afterwards. For just over half a century, the noble Nekrаshevich family were marked by the decision; it was only in 1988, on June 10th, that the Supreme Court of the BSSR revoked the accusations.

Did you learn anything about the fate of his relatives?

Yes, I’ve written about this. His brother, Osip, did not recognise the new Soviet regime, becoming an officer voluntarily in Denikin’s Army, supporting the monarchy and Orthodoxy (as Stepan had been accused of). He left home after the Revolution, moving to the Don and telling his relatives that ‘all my friends are there’.

According to some reports, Osip later joined the Reds and was shot. The sister of Stepan, Anna Akanovich, moved to Germany during the Second World War and then, after her husband’s death in 1950, moved to the USA, teaching in New York at the famous school of Michelson, alongside other representatives of the Belarusian intelligentsia: the brother of Yakub Kolas, Mikhail Mickiewicz, Mikhail Tuleyko and other.

Anatoly, does your work continue on the unknown pages of noble families?

I have a sense of duty as every good man has the right to be well remembered. Stepan Nekrаshevich is the perfect example. His descendants still give him his due.

By Ivan Zhdanovich

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New works

Yuri Sokhar:

‘I believe I’ve achieved something vital’ Mogilev Regional Drama and Comedy Theatre (named after Wincenty Dunin-Marcinkiewicz) in Bobruisk is to stage a play about the forefather of Belarusian theatre — the first of its kind

P

rofessor of Art Yuri Sokhar, a writer and pl ay w r ig ht, has been involved in the theatre for several decades, often creating plays about those who have significantly influenced Belarusian and world culture. One such is poet and playwright DuninMarcinkiewicz, a classical figure of Belarusian literature and a founder of new Belarusian literary drama. Belarus is celebrating the 205th anniversary of the birth of the great man in 2013.

Mr. Sokhar likes to challenge commonly held beliefs regarding major personalities, offering new viewpoints. In one interview with our magazine (#5/2010) he told us about his play exploring the life of Albert Einstein, performed by the Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre: Don’t be Sad, Albert! Having thoroughly studied sources on the

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amazing life of Dunin-Marcinkiewicz, he wrote a play about the man who Belarusian poet Vladimir Syrokomlya called a ‘prophet’.

There’s no doubt that the man’s true talents may not be fully appreciated, notes Mr. Sokhar. Despite having spent

“I’m convinced that, from birth, we all have a set destiny which is impossible to alter. I think that DuninMarcinkiewicz’s life was no exception.”

so much time writing his play, he admits that he still has the capacity to speak and dream of Dunin-Marcinkiewicz endlessly. He admits, “He impresses me greatly. Besides being talented, he was also a very kind man, being warmhearted. We may yet learn more new facts about his life.”

I won’t critique the play closely but would like to say that it is certainly not dull, being full of action, intrigue and conflict — as you’d hope. Moreover, it has believable characters. What impressed me most is that it shows the human spirit of each protagonist and it’s easy to see the author’s love for his creations.

The play also evokes the past vividly, via flamboyant and expressive language, full of proverbs, sayings and poetry.

I recall Mr. Sokhar telling me that raising children is perhaps the ultimate expression of creativity, so I begin my interview with the following question: I understand that truly creative people never retire, continuing always in their favourite occupation. I know

New works

that you are no exception but wouldn’t you like to devote yourself entirely to your grandchildren, garden and home, forsaking the difficult task of writing plays? You could help your son raise his three children.

I’d love to but this never goes further than desire. I sometimes say to myself, when working until 4a.m., that it’s time to stop and devote myself completely to my grandchildren. I also need more time to sleep… However, I can’t fall asleep, as my headaches when there is too much silence — from tiredness and from the ticking of the clock which I never hear at other times of the day. It’s hard to escape the virtual world you create, as it holds you tenaciously. I’m always thinking of something else that needs to be

written, deciding that one character needs to say more while another should say less — to avoid drowning in verbiage. It’s also necessary to create tension between characters.

Just before falling asleep, when I’m overcome with exhaustion, I smile blissfully and say to myself that this will be my last play. Needless to say, in the morning, when I wake, everything begins again. I have my breakfast and sit again at my writing desk. Remarkably, I forget my night speculations as the throes of creation overtake me beautifully. This is my way of life and I can’t change it or give it up. I enjoy its torments, juxtapositions, delights and sorrows.

Who is your foremost critic and reader?

My wife Olga, who is a good philologist and friend; there’s nothing to add.

What pushed you to write Wincenty?

Of course, the personality of DuninMarcinkiewicz attracted me. I’ve read many interpretations by various authors about this tireless propagandist of Belarusian folklore and the founder of the national theatre of musical comedy. I knew enough to speculate.

A while back, on working jointly with other theatre experts and historians on ‘The History of Belarusian Theatre’, which has a whole section dedicated to Dunin-Marcinkiewicz, I was impressed by his personality.

Unfortunately, much of his legacy has been lost. However, evidence indicates that, during his lifetime, Dunin-Marcinkiewicz had to earn his

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New works living, being poor. His letters written to friends, publishers and governors prove this. Just imagine how many works might have been written by Dunin-Marcinkiewicz if he hadn’t been required to spend time earning his daily bread. It’s a tragic fact.

Which sources did you use and where did you work? Which facts from Dunin-Marcinkiewicz’s life impressed you most?

As I’ve already said, not too much is known about him. I learnt something from the archives in Vilnius and St. Petersburg but there’s very little in Belarus — although I do appreciate researchers’ work on his life and creativity. Remarkably, I made a range of discoveries which have given me a deep understanding of the personality of Dunin-Marcinkiewicz; this became the essence of the play’s character.

Foremost, I realised his great power of spirit, which guided his path through suffering and terrific poverty with dignity. He helped shape Belarusian culture with ‘Idyll’, ‘Pinsk Gentry’ and ‘Zalety’; these have been staged many times by professional and amateur theatres. It fills me with pride as a theatre expert and playwright. I’m also happy that all his known works are published as separate editions while his poetry and plays have also been published in both the original Russian and Belarusian.

I’m convinced that, from birth, we all have a set destiny which is impossible to alter. I think that DuninMarcinkiewicz’s life was no exception.

Of course, it’s regrettable that fire and war destroyed much of his legacy but the episodes in my play which are speculative could well have occurred in Marcinkiewicz’s life. As an author, I have license to change the chronology of events and to conjecture.

What do you think about DuninMarcinkiewicz’s participation in Kastus Kalinovsky’s rebellion?

In my play, I didn’t go into details while presenting the ‘revolutionary’ layer of Wincenty’s life but believe that

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DuninMarcinkiewicz did all he could to awaken dignity in the souls of his countrymen. The audience will understand that, even at those remote times, Belarusians had the right to be called so, having their own language and culture. These are our roots, which enrich the soul; it would be a sin to part with them

he wrote on behalf of Kastus Kalinovsky purely to earn money rather than from political motives; he was extremely poor with a large family to care for. Of course, this is my hypothesis. Being a playwright, I’m most interested in his deepest inner world of thoughts and feelings. If I manage to reflect these, stage managers will enjoy working with the play.

The play is full of facts from DuninMarcinkiewicz’s life which are explored through his monologues and in his dialogue with other characters — in particular, with his uncle: Metropolitan Sestrantsev ich. Many pages are dedicated to this. Aren’t you afraid that such an abundance of biographical detail might be off-putting?

I’m not; as the author, I can write as I choose. The logic of the play guides me. Stage managers can choose their interpretation, becoming independent ‘authors’ of the performance. If necessary, I can make the text shorter, as is normal in the creative process.

Which aspects of the play may catch the interest of a stage manager?

The same things which have caught my interest: the extraordinary and tragic fate of Wincenty. Just imagine living a creative life under twenty years of police surveillance. You’d need to be extremely clever and understand psychology to find compromise with the authorities and not become angry with life. After his death, the police burnt down his house, with his manuscripts, indicating that his combative work really annoyed them.

I love the scene in the play where someone is saved by a she-wolf; the underlying message is interesting — that not everyone behaves as generously. From where does your love of wolves originate?

From my childhood; at 14, I studied at the Professional and Technical College in Dnepropetrovsk, visiting my home village at the weekend.

18km of marshland separated my village from the station and there were no roads at that time. I remember it

New works being very dark and, having lost my way, I began to walk to the right more than usual. Suddenly, I saw a shewolf and recall thinking that she was very beautiful. She ran alongside me, pushing me back to the left — to the well-trodden path, as I later understood. As soon as I began to abandon the path again, she would come near and steer me left. In this way, she accompanied me to the village.

Weren’t you afraid?

No, I had no fear. I’d often met wolves as a boy as there were many ravines behind our village, where wolves lived. Once, I was playing there with my friends and saw a hole; being a young devil, I put my head inside. Wolves’ dens drop vertically downwards and then sideways, at an angle. I told the boys to hold me by the legs and they agreed. Then, suddenly, I smelt a wolf inside the hole. I cried out to the boys to pull me up and we then ran away. However, our curiosity caused us to stop and look back. A she-wolf emerged from the hole with five cubs. She didn’t hurt us and the memory has always remained with me. Since then, I’ve had ver y tender, e ven mystical, feelings towards wolves. I’ve written a story about a she-wolf.

What will audiences learn from your play?

As is usual, everyone will take what applies to them personally. Of course, they’ll also learn about the history of their homeland and of the mentality of those who lived in Bobruisk District over two centuries ago. Dunin-Marcinkiewicz did all he could to awaken dignity in the souls of his countrymen. The audience will understand that, even at those remote times, Belarusians had the right to be called so, having their own language and culture. These are our roots, which enrich the soul; it would be a sin to part with them, as we’d lose something vital.

When I was writing the play, I visited the place where Wincenty was born. It

was a dark December day that I found his family estate in Panyushkovichi. I imagined how beautiful it was there once, with centuries old oak trees, curly birch trees and an old garden around a small two-storied house. I imagined his happy parents, who loved each other, as well as little Wincenty Jakub Junior. His childhood was peaceful, despite his father dying at an early age.

The child had a light in his soul, as I did on finishing the play. It seemed to me that I’d achieved something vital, allowing people to understand this powerful personality…

You must have your own vision for the play’s staging and, of course, will share this with the stage manager. How

This is my way of life and I can’t change it or give it up. I enjoy its torments, juxtapositions, delights and sorrows

do you imagine the opening? Would a ‘play within a play’ be appropriate?

No, I have another vision. DuninMarcinkiewicz was born in December; according to ancient pagan beliefs, the Grey She-Wolf reins during this month, symbolising power, wisdom and empathy. In December, people ask wolves to pardon their misdeeds.

Wolves refrain from attacking people while we refrain from killing them.

Just imagine the stage in the darkness of night, with a snowstorm whistling and wolves howling — reflected in the music and lighting. Suddenly, we hear the cry of a new born baby.

That sounds impressive… You’ve mentioned that the Culture Ministry has recommended that Belarusian theatres stage this play. Which stage managers have already become acquainted with it and which theatres have an agreement with you?

The Artistic Leader of the Belarusian Drama Theatre, Alexander Gartsuev, is taking an interest, as is Valery Anisenko, of the Yakub Kolas Theatre.

However, I don’t know if they’ll stage the play. Pleasingly, while in the Czech Republic in summer, I received a call from the Culture Ministry, asking for permission to place to play on the website, which I gave. The play has also been approved for staging at the Drama and Comedy Theatre named after Wincenty Dunin-Marcinkiewicz.

Your son, Maxim Sokhar, will be working on it, won’t he? He’s also Artistic Leader of the theatre which staged your Nero.

Exactly. He also staged ‘StratimLebed’ (Swan Stratim) — about Maxim Bogdanovich; it was nominated for the National Award. It’s planned that ‘Wincenty’ will become the theatre’s calling card. I hope Maxim will cope well; there’s no reason why he shouldn’t, as he already has a reputation as a good stage director. Moreover, his theatrical company is strong; his actors are very good. Bobruisk is a theatrical city — home to intelligent and dignified people.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

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Premier

Sincerity is always appreciated

H

To Love People, based on a play by Belarusian writer Dmitry Bogoslavsky, 25, premiered at the Moscow Academic Theatre (named after V. Mayakovsky) at the end of the season

eaded by Lithuanian Mindaugas Karbauskis, the theatre is paying more attention to young writers and directors. It is a joyful event to see Belarusian writers on the academic scene in Moscow — as it has been some time; in fact, Bogoslavsky is not just another ‘engineer of human souls’ but an actor with the Belarusian State Youth Theatre.

Dmitry, when did you decide to take up your pen? Were you dissatisfied with the dramatic material available?

I’m yet to feel like a true writer or playwright. I began writing deliberately, once reconstruction began on the Youth Theatre, as there was little work for me or opportunity for self-realisation. I wasn’t dissatisfied with the drama out there; it’s just that it can be difficult to find a piece that really speaks to you, reflecting your feelings at a particular time.

It’s a very common problem: the director failing to take the writer into consideration. He can cut a play into pieces, add something himself, or strike out something if it hinders him. However, I do think it’s better to simply find the right play, which doesn’t need alteration.

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How did you begin collaborating with the Mayakovsky Theatre?

Mindaugas called me and offered me the ‘right of first night’ — in Moscow, for this play, at his theatre. As artistic director, he offered the material and the director, Nikita Kobelev. Of course, I agreed and we met to discuss the play. Right up until opening night,

I was online, answering questions from the director and actors.

Did you manage to avoid the ‘deceit’ of Muscovites playing villagers? Or did the premiere inspire the desire to shout ‘I don’t believe it’?

Russian and Belarusian villagers share common problems. The director chose the actors very well and they played their characters wonderfully.

We created an uncensored version, leaving in the curse words, which is a big step for a theatre with such a history. No one would have wanted

Scenes from the performance

Alexander Ruzhechka

Premier

Young playwright Dmitry Bogoslavsky is only at the beginning of his way

to shout ‘I don’t believe it!’ at any moment of the three hours of the play. Of course, there are always some members of the audience who are intent on disliking a play, refusing to understand. However, there was a foreigner with an interpreter sitting in front of me. The latter actually forgot to translate at the most dramatic places!

The play has quite a tough story, with some of the ‘Southern Gothic’ style of Faulkner and the urban Guignols of Balabanov...

The ‘rigidity’ of the plot is a matter of circumstance. Some argue that there is no love in the play but I beg to differ: love is entangled in the nets of anger, laziness, drunkenness and loneliness. We often turn away and close our eyes, saying that we don’t have this or that when we do! Drunkenness and domestic violence are things we close our eyes to, alongside desperate loneliness.

What is the main problem with modern Belarusian drama?

There is no drama — so there is no problem! It’s true (laughs). I think we lack enough communication: dialogue with one another and with the theatre.

We should create a workshop at the National Drama Festival in Bobruisk, organizing annual drama competitions to encourage people In December, we, young playwrights, came together at the Alternative Drama Studio. We’ve organised three events already. Over 13 evenings, we read modern Belarusian drama and had an audience every day.

In Russia, every festival and competition has a master class, as is normal practice, absolutely expected today. We should create a workshop at the National

Drama Festival in Bobruisk, organising annual drama competitions to encourage people. Everything is too tame these days, pandering to the perceived wishes of the audience. Minsk lacks anywhere with a rigid repertory policy; few take risks with their team, except perhaps the main director of the Puppet Theatre, Alexey Lelyavsky.

How does the Youth Theatre cope with such difficulties? It lacks its own stage while the theatre is being repaired, and the chair of artistic director is empty...

We’re waiting for a new building, as everyone wants to start regular work again. Actors need to constantly keep in shape, which is difficult if you only go on stage once or twice a month.

Will you continue to liaise with the Mayakovsky Theatre… and will your plays appear on other stages in Moscow?

I don’t know, as I’ve only just made my debut. Time will tell. It’s important that something get off the ground. That’s the most significant thing.

By Veniamin Petrovsky

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Art creativity

Subjective

Vyacheslav

Zakharinsky 50

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I meant to interview Vyacheslav Zakharinsky long ago, even chatting on the phone two years ago. Sadly, something hampered us from meeting, so I recently called again. It took only a few minutes to agree our meeting at his workshop, which Vyacheslav calls his studio.

The place is so clean and cosy that I quite wanted to take off my shoes. Clearly, it’s more than a mere shelter for the artist; it’s a place for Vyacheslav to muse on his innermost thoughts and where his soul can rest, welcoming friends and nurturing his creativity

creativity Art

I

came unprepared, knowing only that Mr. Zakharinsky differs from many other artists in his style and manner of painting. He is a philosopher, fully penetrating deeper issues and inspired by all he sees.

He openly demonstrates subjectivism, which many fail to understand, searching for his own beauty in our world.

Our interview began by a discussion of the nature of ‘beauty’ — upon which art is based.

He tells me, “Of course, the notion was invented not by us but by the divine presence. Man is beautiful, as is nature. External and inner beauty exist, but there is also the harmony of the two combined. All art synthesises beauty and harmony. Naturally, beauty is at the heart of art, so my goal as an artist is to reach its heights. A picture must boast powerful energy, radiating beauty to attract attention, and inspire

us to feel joy, sorrow or empathy, as well as to ponder. A true piece of art can accommodate all these emotions.

Many philosophers dislike using the word too freely, lest we idealise beauty.

However, I view beauty as being among the major notions in life; a strong piece of art encapsulates the harmony of true beauty.”

When did you realise this and did it take you long?

Of course! A philosopher is not born.

Everything comes with experience. In making mistakes and studying the laws of our world, we acquire habits which help our outlook, our philosophical understanding of life and our sense of beauty.

Two questions exist for every artist: what to depict and how? They define the value of art. We need to focus on thoughts and concepts. If these are present, then something worthy is created; if not, nothing can excuse the result: not a headache, illness or bad weather.

As an artist, the key question for me is which subject to choose; it’s the

core, with mastery and professionalism of minor importance. A less talented painter may prefer to focus on fantasy themes, which can be produced without great mastery. An original idea is vital — as shown by Marc Chagall. He paid little attention to mastery of technique, despite being a professional. However, he made a name for himself as a global artist.

Some bright masters can draw perfect portraits or landscapes but lack a deeper idea. This may be why traditional artwork took a backseat with the advent of photography. My belief is that you need to know what you are trying to show and for what reason. The way it looks is secondary.

Do you draw with your soul?

Is it possible not to do so? Your soul lives inside you, always at the heart of your being. How else can you grow grain, build a house or create a piece of art. Even if the brain dominates, the soul is needed to work in harmony; they work jointly.

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Art creativity

You could hardly be called a realistic artist. Do you wish people to understand your pictures or do you prefer them to make up their own minds?

There’s no need to use such words as ‘realism’ or ‘abstractionism’. Modern audiences are so informed and our lives are so diverse and universal that a single picture can unite abstractionism, realism and the avant-garde. Artists can incorporate all styles, including abstract and realistic elements. If you are asking which I love more — realistic or abstract approaches — I’ll tell you that I love ideas and thoughts. When a picture is planned, its style comes naturally, with realistic elements or conventional.

Everything is universal now. A supreme level of mastery — both professional and executive — has always attracted me as an artist. A talented painter can be compared to a good musician, making their instrument produce any motif needed. An artist must be a master to use different pictorial approaches in their work; they need to be a virtuoso!

To know the best of the professional school, it’s necessary to learn from old masters; they can teach us a great deal.

Visit museums, see pictures and study; it’s then easy to realise any idea.

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What place does the Belarusian school of pictorial art occupy in European culture?

Art developed around certain painters. During the Renaissance, great artists’ pupils studied their style, learning much from them. As a result, a school appeared. Nothing similar exists today. I love the notion of this old system. Now, pupils are chosen via exams and are selected even by those who lecture in other subjects. In the past, a master enrolled his pupils as he saw fit, teaching them. Great painters were trained as a result. We can talk of high Belarusian art from the 1970s or the 1950s-1960s but there was no school created by a single master, boasting its own professional and philosophical principles. We can only speak of artists from a certain period of time.

Let’s put this question differently: what place does Belarusian fine art occupy in European culture?

This reminds me of a sporting competition, where swimmers win a certain number of medals, occupying a certain place. I would not dare to say what place is held by modern Belarusian or Italian art. It’s necessary to step aside from the idea of comparison; I can’t answer unambiguously.

Fans of Belarusian art reside in Israel and Florida while Belarusians might be interested in a German painter.

Art becomes more popular when it is publicised by the media. Accordingly, Belarus needs to promote its artists to the wider world. Our painters are very interesting and talented. I’ve observed the reaction of audiences and professionals at international exhibitions, where many are keen to buy and own works by Belarusian painters. They need promotion via books, TV programmes and international interviews. Art is our national wealth, since culture and art are the best brand for our country.

What’s the philosophy of your pictures?

It would be easy if I could use a single word; I envy those artists who can easily define the philosophy of their artistry. If one word exists, it’s love — for life, man and God. We are born to learn about life and the human essence. A desire has arisen within me to show the beauty of divine creation.

I’m interested in many things, including the female form. From time to time, I return to this, especially when I feel emotional. I have several cycles, such as ‘Nude’ and ‘Lady’, which demonstrate different styles — as I’m inspired

creativity Art

by various techniques. An artist is like a child, with artistry as their game, playing with form and mood. It might seem silly but it’s great to preserve childish spontaneity and a love for form and colour.

Should artists study at an academic school?

It’s desirable, since a good academic school helps you to solve professional issues of training. In fact, many genius artists never graduated from academies but their determination carried them through. An academy can even be harmful, since everything depends on the skill of teachers. However, our academic school is very strong in its professional traditions. We need to preserve this forever.

I’ve noticed that you tend to draw cycles of pictures. Why is this?

A cycle allows me to more fully penetrate a theme. When I was young, I dreamt of painting my thoughts on a single canvas. I still sometimes try to do so and admire the result initially.

However, a week passes and I have another fifteen thoughts! To incorporate these, I’d have to change the composition and its colours. I eventually realised that I had to decide where to stop. If other thoughts arise,

I take another canvas for them — but retain the theme. As a result, two pictures appear. While drawing my second picture, I may have another five thoughts, initiating a third picture.

I don’t want to banish my thoughts, so I just keep creating further pictures on the theme. I can use ten or, even, fifteen pictures to explore an idea. You can track the path of my thoughts. I’m inspired by this approach, which has become my artistic principle.

What aspect is most vital to your creativity?

Ever ything is of equal importance, so it’s impossible to distinguish one aspect. The process of creativity comprises equal components, so everything is important — even your mood on going to the studio that day.

Everything is vital. Nothing in life is trifling, since everything is intertwined and has meaning.

Do you try to ‘improve’ public taste?

In the Soviet period, artists were required to explore the industrial theme. If you don’t think that your works bring aesthetic pleasure there’s no point picking up a brush! This must be the foremost goal of any artist. We all desire public approval, since this is

how we receive feedback for our art. If a picture can hold someone’s attention, inspiring more thorough examination, it’s a sign that it is interesting. It should inspire a connection.

D o y o u t r u s t y o u r c r e at iv e intuition?

Yes, I have a good sense of reliable intuition. I view it as God’s voice… or an angel’s guess. Whether we listen or not, it lives inside us.

Are you critical of your works, often redrafting them?

Yes, I have a serious attitude towards them, which does sometimes annoy me. I envy those who can work light-heartedly since, if you can work with a smile, it will show in your art.

I have a very serious attitude towards completing each picture, wanting it to arouse aesthetic pleasure. How is this achieved — from a technical point of view? It requires a laborious and serious attitude, as well as tolerance, patience and diligence to correct that which isn’t yet satisfactory. One should definitely possess these qualities.

What are your current plans and what new ideas do you have?

I ask God to help me, opening up a world of interesting ideas, since these are the most vital aspect of creating a

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Art creativity picture. It all begins when interesting ideas come to mind.

Should artists exhibit and why?

These days, I’m more interested in the process of creation than in exhibiting for its own sake. When I was younger, I was eager to have personal exhibitions at which I could display as many of my works as possible. It’s an expensive pleasure. Of course, it is important to have your works seen, so I try to use other avenues.

Organising an

exhibition is costly in time and effort as well as money.

Meanwhile, the publication of books and calendars allows greater numbers of people to enjoy your works. I know that many of my calendars are found in people’s homes. It’s a fantastic way of sharing your creativity.

What’s your creative credo?

I aim to penetrate the sense of human existence as deeply as possible while exploring the themes of our place in our world and our relations with others. I wish to understand the truth of God’s plan: man and Universe; and man and love.

Do you think our contemporary times inspire creativity?

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Any time can inspire creativity, since everything depends on the artist, their mood and their ability to interpret our world. Of course, our environment is an important factor, including those we converse with, since no man is an island. Artists wish to find an audience of like-minded people to converse with, inspiring the discussion of something vital.

Did your home town inspire your creative contemplation?

Of course, I’ve written such lines as: ‘My small homeland, my dear Glusk, my dear land’. I was born in the beautiful town of Glusk, on the lovely River Ptich, surrounded by amazing nature and kind people. These all laid the foundations of my humanity. I’m confident that everything begins with your upbringing; you come to the arts already boasting an established character.

When did you begin to create your works?

Like all children, I was keen on drawing at school. A wonderful p ers on, Russian Ivan Bulgakov, happened to live in my town. He was taken prisoner after the war, then ran away, eventually finding himself in my native Glusk, after making his way through deep forests.

He we nt b eh i nd t he f ront l i ne to re a ch h i s comrades but they were moving too fast and he lost them. He married a local girl in Glusk, raised children and took a job te aching ar t to s cho olchildren, having studied at Moscow’s Art College before the war. He nurtured t he t a lent of t he tow n’s youngsters, setting up a fine arts studio at the House of Pioneers, teaching drawing and establishing a fine arts circle at the local secondary school. He inspired me to enter a wonderful world of fine arts and painting,

Art

discussing books, the Bible and the history of art through the ages. He was a very educated man who was keen on art and did his best to try and encourage children to appreciate the world of art for themselves. Ivan Bulgakov was my angel.

Did you study art later?

I completed Minsk’s Art College and graduated from the Belarusian State Theatre and Art Institute. I visited galleries and museums often, to visually examine works: their manner, colours and technicality — all essential factors guiding an artist. It’s obligatory to master these skills.

Did you ever live abroad?

Once, a Polish gallery took an interest in me. During our first international plain air workshop in Poland, I

met a famous Polish artist (now Rector of the European Academy of Arts). He invited me to join his academy as a teacher, representing Belarus.

Ye t y o u r e t u r n e d t o y o u r homeland.

I returned because I was invited to give a personal exhibition in Minsk.

Who invited you?

Staff from our Foreign Ministry visited my studio, seeing my pictures. In 1996, my personal exhibition displayed paintings I’d created over a decade: it was a landmark event for me and a revelation for the Belarusian audience.

Many media representatives attended and the exhibition was even extended at the request of the public.

Do you seek public acknowledgment?

It’s probably vital to all artists to receive feedback. I’d say that it’s important to everyone to hear the opinions of others regarding their efforts. Artists like to hear kind words; it’s only human nature. We need to feel that our labour matters to someone.

If I hadn’t become a painter, I’d have become a crop farmer, ploughing the soil to grow and harvest wheat.

I may even have become a street cleaner, hoping for people to recognise me and say that the street swept by Zakharinsky was so clean that not a speck of dirt remained to dirty anyone’s shoes. Of course, the most important thing is your own attitude towards labour; you have to care, working hard from a heartfelt desire. This was instilled in me by my parents from

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Art creativity as an artist and as a man. I have the strong conviction that he boasts an integrated nature rather than two faces or a split personality. He is sincere in his judgments, loves his home town and is passionate about nature.

His next project is to show the beauty of Glusk area through documental photography rather than painting, having decided that art can actually reduce the charm of a landscape. Photography is entirely objective. Mr. Zakharinsky hopes that more people will come to learn about Belarus through his works which are spread worldwide, popularising the country in which he was born.

His original pictures — full of his subjectivism — are clearly recognisable. Mr. Zakharinsky identifies himself only with the land where he was born

childhood and became an axiom for my whole life: whatever you do, you should do well. Our ‘Belarus’ tractor is one of the best worldwide, being manufactured well and being convenient for users. Everything should be done in the same way — or so we should aspire. I dream that everything ‘made in Belarus’ be among the best in the world.

I switched off my dictaphone on this encouraging note as I felt that Mr. Zakharinsky had managed to reveal the essence of his nature, expressing his opinion towards art and his personal creativity. He had revealed his principles and opened his soul, showing me Zakharinsky

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and raised and where he has seen professional success. He remains full of creative plans. Almost the next day after our meeting, he left the capital for provincial Glusk, where he has built a small cottage in which to create art and ponder life. There, his thoughts become images. Despite their complexity, they attract us with their sincerity and unique passion.

By Victor Mikhailov