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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 11 (938), 2011 Published since 1930 State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

New views from Pamir

Three in one Leaders of Russia, Belarus and Ka-

Valuable energy Belarus continues to

zakhstan explain their views on the Eurasian Union, allowing us to find common denominator

strengthen its own energy security

Important steps forward

Autumn journeys

Profit in wider sense

“We should work together” Nobel Prize

Under snowy veil It’s only autumn but the

breath of winter is just around the corner. Frosty mornings are almost within grasp. Within a few weeks, the last autumn leaf will fall to our feet and we — either helplessly or joyfully — will acknowledge that winter has arrived… and, with it, certain folk traditions

Last witness Artist Dmitry Strukov depicts

Olympic spirits Fifteen years of hard work

original Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya Cross which disappeared during WWII

Tatiana Sharakova devoted to cycling has finally paid off

Convincing images National Theatre Award

Dancing at Sozh Gomel hosts international

bestowed for first time in Belarus

dance festival

Appearance not to forget

In the suburbs of ancient Polotsk In 1973,

teenagers found 20kg of silver on the bank of the Zapadnaya Dvina River, in Polotsk (a district centre in Vitebsk Region). Now, this unique collection is on show for the first time

Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by Vadim Kondrashov, Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish. Distributed in 50 countries of the world. Final responsibility for factual accuracy or interpretation rests with the authors of the publications. Should any article of Беларусь.Belarus be used, the reference to the magazine is obligatory. The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at “Belarusian House of Press” Publishing Office” UE. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No.3260

Soul’s mood Iskui Abalyan shares her talent with Belarus

Total circulation — 1982 copies (including 782 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31.

winner Zhores Alferov assesses science as a uniting factor for Belarus, Russia and other CIS states

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

www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: mail@belarus-magazine.by Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977 For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru

Backstage child

Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

2011 беларусь.belarus

editor’s note

Multi-faceted palette

s ever, let’s look at facts. This approach will prevent us from doubting the truth of the past, reflecting reality, to form a generalised image of the country. It will show the economic and social direction of our society, revealing how a contemporary portrait is being shaped. Our New Views From Pamir describes a new stage in the bilateral relationship of Minsk and Dushanbe, exploring Belarus’ steady implementation of foreign political priorities in Central Asia. After visits to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the President of Belarus has visited another important country in the region — Tajikistan. A l e x an d e r Lu k a s h e n ko an d Emomali Rahmon signed a treaty on long-term co-operation between Belarus and Tajikistan for 20112020: telling us that it will be a ‘road map’ for our relationship. Mutually beneficial, or pragmatic, relations play a decisive role in politics. Three recent articles in Moscow’s Izvestiya explored further integration of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. First, Vladimir Putin wrote his views on the next stage of collaboration: the launch of the Eurasian Union. Mr. Lukashenko and Nursultan Nazarbayev supported him, focusing on the conditions required for strengthening the interaction of Belarus and Kazakhstan respectively. They stressed that resource rich Russia’s desire to integrate must take into account national interests of the other members of the Eurasian Union. Three in One is dedicated to the proposals submitted by Moscow, Minsk and Astana.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Another important event has recently occurred in the Belarusian economy — the shift to a single Belarusian rouble exchange rate. This complicated but necessary step has been approved by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Eurasian Development Bank. However, they stress that, having

moved to a market exchange rate mechanism, some steps are needed to stabilise the economic situation and achieve balanced development. These assessments coincide with those of the Government and the National Bank, as is clearly seen from Important Steps Forward. Vegetables will soon join milk and meat as major Belarusian agro-exports. By 2015, Belarus will be selling at least 90,000 cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes and other such products abroad annually — as outlined by a state

programme. Even better results may be possible, with harvests raised and costs lowered, enabling Belarusian agrarians to sell at least half a million tonnes of vegetables abroad. Profit in Wider Sense explores this topic. Zhores Alferov, a Nobel Prize winner in physics, made the news at a recent international scientific and practical conference in Minsk, describing scientific collaboration between Belarus and Russia and the fate of the post-Soviet space. The outstanding Russian of Belarusian origin answered journalists’ questions candidly, as we see in We Should Work Together. It may only be autumn but the breath of winter is almost upon us. Icy weather is around the corner, with the last autumn leaf ready to fall — helplessly or joyfully marking the fact that winter has arrived. The season brings many folk traditions and customs, as we muse in our Under a Snowy Veil article. Sharing of professional and life experience is always vital — even in the delicate sphere of art. People’s Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev believes that there are many ways to share creativity, having enjoyed dozens of personal exhibitions at home and abroad. He has taken part in top international artistic forums and his works are displayed in museums and galleries across the globe, as well as in private collections in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Iran and Israel. Leonid Shchemelev: Teaching Good tells us more about Mr. Shchemelev. He has guided the development of Belarusian pictorial culture, influencing our modern Belarusian painters in so many ways. Our conversation at his studio reveals his innermost thoughts. Our current issue, as always, focuses on life’s rich palette. BY Viktor Kharkov, magazine editor Беларусь. Belarus

Panorama  BelKA about to

take off

Belarusian Earth remote sensing satellite ready for launch

Alexander Ruzhechka

Bright prospects of prosperity Belarus ranked 50th on Legatum Prosperity Index — up four places on last year

he British Independent Research Institute Legatum annually produces a joint report with Oxford Analytica and the Gallup World Poll Service. Among our neighbours, Russia occupies the 59th place while Ukraine is placed 74th. Norway is ranked first, followed by Denmark and Australia. Ethiopia is 108th, Zimbabwe 109th and the Central African Republic is 110th, being recognised as the least prosperous states. The economic situation of our country has been assessed, alongside our education, healthcare and quality of state management. According to the Legatum Prosperity Index website, this is the world’s only assessment of countries’ prosperity, looking at how certain ‘standard of living’ factors influence economic growth and long-term prosperity of a nation’s population.

elKa (the Belarusian space satellite) was a major topic of the space congress in Minsk, being originally planned for launch last spring. Speaking after the space congress, Piotr Vityaz, First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, asked journalists at a special press conference ‘not to ask questions about the exact date of the satellite launch’, noting that it’s likely to take place next year. “Space matters are complex,” explains Mr. Vityaz. “Everything needs to be checked multiple times. As far as our satellite is concerned, the terrestrial part is ready. All the various control systems now need to be tested,

 Prospects

outlined

Beijing hosts State and Prospects of Chinese-Belarusian Relations round table discussion, dedicated to 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Belarus and China

he participants presented reports on various aspects of BelarusChina co-operation, confirming interest in strengthening relations and sharing plans for further interaction. Belarusian and Chinese experts exchanged viewpoints on a range of issues, including those relating to the international arena, and Belarus-China liaisons in the political, economic and humanitarian sectors.

alongside the software — which is being overseen by the British.” The chief engineer of Geoinformation Systems enterprise (of the Belarusian Academy of Sciences), the Deputy Chief Constructor of the Belarusian space Earth remote sensing system, Oleg Semenov, adds, “This is a completely new development, which requires numerous tests and checks. However, tests will be complete by next year.” The Belarusian satellite is to be sent into orbit simultaneously with a Russian satellite,allowingBelarus to enjoy independent Earth remote sensing and saving money on the expensive services of other states. The new Belarusian satellite will be more manoeuvrable than its predecessor, weighing around 400kg and boasting resolution of up to two metres. It will ensure full coverage of Belarusian territory from space. The forum aimed to promote closer contacts between expert communities from our two countries and the further efficient development of relationships. Participants included employees of Belarus’ Presidential Administration, the Security Council of Belarus and the Belarusian Embassy to the People’s Republic of China. Members of t he Inter nat iona l D ep ar t ment of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, of the Chinese Association for International Un d e r s t a n d i n g , of t h e C h i n a Institute of International Studies, of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and of the China Institute of Contemporar y International Relations also joined the forum.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Visit

New views from Pamir M New step in Minsk-Dushanbe relationships

insk is setting out its foreign political priorities in Central Asia. After successful visits t o Tu r k m e n i s t a n , Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the President of Belarus visited another important country in the region — Tajikistan. In Dushanbe, Mr. Lukashenko and Emomali Rahmon signed a treaty on long-term co-operation between Belarus and Tajikistan for 2011-2020. As the presidents told journalists, this will be a ‘communications map’ for our relationship. Now, the most responsible period arrives — to move along this ‘map’. Belarus and Tajikistan, being members of the CSTO military-political block, share a close relationship; however, 3,500km, two time zones and many other issues divide us. Only when all our plans are realised will we be able to say that the visit has been successful. However, positive trends in our bilateral relations are already obvious. As far as politics is concerned, Tajikistan and Belarushave long enjoyed mutual understanding in the political arena, supporting each other within international organisations such as the UN and CSTO. Dushanbe remembers that, 11 years ago, Alexander Lukashenko was the first of the CIS presidents to visit Tajikistan during a difficult period. It has been decided to strengthen economic interaction, with assembly of Belarusian tractors in the south of this Central Asian republic to become a landmark project.

беларусь.belarus 2011

“We’ll start with the manufacture of small tractors for cotton fields and trailers for gathering and transporting cotton, as well as balers and seeding machines, gradually shifting to the production of a wide range of tractor models for Tajikistan,” notes Sergei Martynov,Belarus’ Foreign Minister speaking about growing BelarusianTajik relations. “Tajikistan needs to ‘lift’ its agriculture while updating its fleet and Belarus is keen to supply the neighbouring states of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and China. Tajikistan will be a convenient regional venue for further promoting Belarusian machinery,” stresses the Minister. Such manufacture is yet to begin but Dushanbe and Minsk have signed a contract for the delivery of 1,100 tractors — worth $22m. Mr. Martynov tells us that our two states are to liaise in training local personnel to work with Belarusian machinery. “The Education Ministry and the Belarusian National Technical University have signed agreements to create an engineering and technical department in Tajikistan. This will supervise personnel training at mid to higher educational levels in the spheres of hydraulic power, agriculture and agricultural engineering,” explains Mr. Martynov. “Our collaboration is of an integrated character.” In fact, the highest point in the USSR was in Tajikistan — symbolically called ‘Communism Peak’. After the USSR’s collapse, many things disappeared;

among them was the mountain’s old name. It’s since been renamed to honour Ismail Samani — a national hero and the founder of the first Tajik state at the turn of the 9th-10th century. The Central Asian republic was unable to avoid a period of turmoil in the early 1990s but most suffered from the USSR’s collapse, when all connections between former union republics were broken. Tajikistan faced civil war, economic ruin, fights with neighbours, threats from Islamic fundamentalists and drug-dealers and was even concerned by international anti-terrorist action in Afghanistan, which borders Tajikistan. Today, despite being situated in a region many would view as dangerous (it even suffers from seismic disturbance), the nation seems to have found solid ground under its feet. Over the past four years, Dushanbe has made significant progress. The Tojikiston Hotel, which has always welcomed journalists, has certainly improved. The once scruffy accommodation often lacked water, especially hot; sometimes, when the water ran dry, you had to resort to cleaning your teeth with Coca-Cola! Now, it’s a 5 star hotel with all the facilities you’d expect, including Wi-Fi. Cross street banners proclaimed that Tajikistan ‘welcomes the Belarusian delegation to ancient Tajik land’. According to Belarusian statistics, we annually supply Tajikistan with around $40m of sugar, tractors, furniture and medicine (importing cotton and dried

Belta

Visit

Warm Dushanbe welcome

fruit).Naturally, such figures can always be improved upon. It is no coincidence that, this year, the Belarusian Embassy opened its doors in Dushanbe. Belarus and Tajikistan are allied partners within the CSTO and EurAsEC, while the possibility of Tajikistan joining the Customs Union is soon to be discussed. Clearly, having a Belarusian ambassador in Dushanbe is essential. Our flag now flies in one of the prestigious parts of the capital. Of course, Tajikistan is still a poor country, according to the United Nation’s classification. It has no huge deposits of oil or gas (though some other resources may be present). However Tajikistan is developing and is keen to liaise with Belarus. Why should we wait for many millions of US dollars to be invested? Our measuring rod can differ. It would be unwise not to take advantage of opportunities currently available. Belarus is considered to be a European country with strong industrial potential by the Tajiks, as clearly expressed by the Chairman of the Lower Chamber of the Tajikistani Parliament Shukurjon Zukhurov. He visited Minsk recently and learnt that Belarus spends

9 percent of its GDP on pensioners: a figure comparable to developed countries.The parliamentarian views Belarus as a guide to his own nation. He was greatly surprised on chatting to Tajik students studying in Minsk, who noted the exceptional hospitality they’d received. He commented, “This may be normal for you but we often come across xenophobia abroad.” It’s no secret that dozens and even hundreds of thousands of Tajiks work in Moscow and other Russian cities. The driver who took us on our tour of Dushanbe told us that, when times are lean, he’d go north to drive a taxi, sleeping three hours a day and working the rest. It will be hard work but it means he can feed and clothe his children. During the President’s chat with students and teachers from the Tajik Technical University, they were most impressed by Mr. Lukashenko’s comment that Belarus helps large families in buying housing. “In our country, every family would qualify,” chimed in my neighbour — either a student or a young teacher. Tajikistan is growing rapidly, with a desperate need to improve the efficiency

of its farming. About 6,000 Belarusian tractors are found in its fields, but nine out of ten need updating; it will soon be time to retire them.This mountainous country also has great promise in the field of hydraulic power; its Rogunskaya Hydro Power Station is due to have the largest dam in the world. Tajikistan, with a population of 8 million, already boasts a great number of dams (ranked eighth worldwide). Road construction is of no less importance, since few roads have been built since the withdrawal of Russian and British influence. Moreover, the two competing empires, sometimes fighting through the 19th century, had no need to ease communications. Now, Dushanbe is calling its road-building scheme a ‘revival of the Great Silk Road’. Belarusian experience will, of course, be useful in all these spheres. Meanwhile, China is geographically close. Its presence is felt over the whole planet, as well as within the Asian region. However, judging by the hospitability received by the Belarusian delegation, it seems that our nation can expect favourable treatment. By Yevgeny Istomin

2011 беларусь.belarus

Integration

Three in one Leaders of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan explain their views on the Eurasian Union, allowing us to find common denominator

беларусь.belarus 2011

interests of all members must be taken into account within the Eurasian Union. The structure set out by the leaders of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan looks solid — at least on paper. Bringing the plan to life is another matter. Let’s look in detail at the proposals of Moscow, Minsk and Astana. We here unite all three articles, aiming to show the interests of each state, where these coincide and where contradictions remain.

Foundations of the structure

The global financial crisis, which forced states to seek new avenues of economic growth, inspired integration processes forward. A colossal market with unified legislation began to be created in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, boasting free movement of capital, services and workforce. Mr. Putin seeks an integration which is unambiguous and attractive for citizens and businesses. He wants it to be stable and long-term, unaffected by political issues. Mr. Lukashenko adds, “Two referendums conducted in our country in the early 1990s gave the authorities a clear mandate for integration by absolute majority. Some fear where this may lead and we can’t just brush aside their anxieties, as people need to know what this new union means for them. We must prove that integration isn’t a political game but a guide for further improving standards of living — the task of politicians.” Mr. Nazarbayev agrees, noting that the stability of the Eurasian Union won’t be borne from politics but from wide public support. He is confident that a Eurasian Assembly is needed: a supra-national

structure uniting the parliamentarians of our states. He also wants to see a 24 hour TV channel — Eurasia 24; this would give citizens objective information about the advantages and pace of integration. He also thinks that other steps need careful consideration.

Evident advantages

Of principal importance for Moscow is that the Single Economic Space shares macro-economic policies, ensuring equal terms for competition, technical regulations and agricultural subsidies, as well as transport and natural monopoly tariffs. A single visa and migration policy is also important, allowing border control to be removed within our internal borders. It would imitate the Schengen agreement, benefiting Europeans and all those arriving here to work, study or rest. For the citizens of our three nations, the removal of migration, border and other barriers (known as labour quotas) will encourage free movement. People will be able to choose where they live, study and work. The USSR didn’t have this freedom with its ‘institute of registration’. Our three states also plan to considerably raise the volume of goods which can be imported duty-free for personal consumption, easing the burden at customs points. Belta

hree articles in Moscow’s Izvestiya newspaper presage further integration of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan within the Customs Union. From January 1st, the Single Economic Space should become operational, with all details agreed. Many now question whether further integration is necessary. Russia’s Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, was the first to write an article for Izvestiya, giving his views on the next stage of co-operation — the Eurasian Union. He had just announced his intention to stand for the presidency again, so the article was seen as his proposal for his foreign political programme. It’s now clear that he intends to promote ‘land gathering’, which is very popular among Russians. Putting ideology aside, a huge economic mechanism is being formed before our eyes. The GDP of our three states totals almost $2 trillion, while our industrial potential is estimated at $600bn. Our joint agricultural produce is worth around $112bn per year, and our combined consumer markets exceed 165 million people. Russia is the largest and most powerful of our trio; understandably, it is an engine of unification. Whether the train rests in the sidings or steams ahead depends largely on Russia. Via the Izvestiya article, Putin has clearly outlined his future intentions for Moscow. A l e x a n d e r Lu k a s h e n k o a n d Nursultan Nazarbayev have supported this integration, specifying their desired terms for Belarus and Kazakhstan’s cooperation. Naturally, no matter how strong Russia’s desire is, the national

Competition driving progress

Businesses are to enjoy wider opportunities, with single standards for goods and services (unified with Europe in most cases). This will enable us to avoid technological failures and obvious incompatibilities, while bringing peace of mind to consumers.

Integration Naturally, to gain a foothold on an open market, efficiency and reduced costs will be the watchwords of businesses, with investment into modernisation essential. Consumers will only benefit. All companies within our three states will enjoy the advantages of a domestic manufacturer, including access to state contracts. Mr. Lukashenko suggests moving even further. “Why push out our partners’ goods via non-market methods when we have a common integration space? People and businesses won’t benefit. Rather, let businesses freely compete, fighting for customers. There’s no reason to artificially duplicate manufactures where demand can be satisfied by existing enterprises at lower cost and with higher quality. Won’t we lose out on foreign markets from such competition? It’s only wise to create conditions which encourage powerful, competitive, trans-national corporations within our SES, while promoting their access to outside states,” notes the Belarusian President. This is the dawning of a true ‘competition of jurisdictions’ and an age of struggle for entrepreneurs. Each Russian, Kazakh and Belarusian entrepreneur will have the right to choose in which of the three states they wish to register for business and from which to perform cargo customs clearance. This should seriously stimulate each state to improve its business and investment climate, simplifying bureaucracy and overcoming the weaknesses that remain. Legislation needs to be improved to meet the best European and world practices. It has already been decided to launch the codification of legislation for the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. This will be in the interests of businesses, clearing the ‘debris’ of so many rules and regulations. Only two basic documents will be needed: the Customs Code and the Codified Treaty on Issues Pertaining to the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. From January 1st, 2012, the EurAsEC Court will become fully operational. States

and market participants will be able to address the court regarding discrimination, violation of competition rules and equal conditions for doing business.

Modernisation — a new economic trend

Mr. Lukashenko believes that further modernisation of our economies and launch of innovations should be forthcoming. Belarus has already begun its path, initiating major sci-tech projects: the joint construction of a nuclear power plant; the joint creation and launch of satellites into orbit; and the creation of a satellite control system.

opment. Kazakhstan has proposed that we promptly elaborate and adopt a joint programme of Eurasian innovation and technological co-operation, designed to guide the next 10-15 years. In this respect, France, Germany and the UK are a good example, having set up the largest international avia-construction consortium — AIRBUS — back in 1970. Later, Italy joined them. In 2010, AIRBUS considerably outstripped American Boeing and Lockheed in its sales of new aircraft, enjoying annual profits of close on $30bn Euros. The company’s enterprises, located throughout Europe, employ 53,000 people. Since 2006, AIRBUS shares have belonged to the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), which is financed by governments and national companies from across the EU.

Over state

However, Minsk believes that we need to speed up such progress. If the leadership of our three states really do share a common position in favour of integration, then our officials — from top to bottom — should move quicker. Of course, we are most reliant on Russia: the largest partner in our integration. Astana echoes Minsk’s feelings on this score, with Mr. Nazarbayev asserting that the Eurasian Union shouldn’t become a group of countries, developing in line with the principles of ‘catch-up modernisation’. It should rather embrace innovation and the latest technological breakthroughs via modernisation and innovative devel-

The most complex issue of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space is the presence of non-state structures, since states need to part with some of their sovereignty. Moscow believes that the role of the Customs Union Committee, which already boasts considerable powers, should be enhanced. At present, it has forty areas of interest, with this number set to exceed a hundred in future — covering competitive policy, technical regulations and subsidies. A fully-fledged, permanently operational structure is needed to oversee the Union, being compact, professional and efficient. Russia has proposed a Collegium of the Customs Union Committee, involving representatives of our three states to act as independent international officials. Astana has suggested that powers could be delegated to a supra-national body, taking responsibility for long-term inner development, effectiveness of each nation’s economy, and monetary and social policy. The fate of Greece, which has failed its other Eurozone members, should be a lesson to us.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Integration Top model

The most successful example of real integration at this scale is, of course, the European Union. The post-Soviet space has its own experience, although not always positive. The construction of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space lays the foundation for the future Eurasian Economic Union. Belarus believes that the Union State should act as a role model, at least regarding social issues and customs. It is a source of pride to Mr. Lukashenko, having been a catalyst for progress and a ‘laboratory’ for deep integration for the past 15 years. We have expanded our framework of integration from the economic to the social and, even, political. We have seriously advanced in ensuring equal rights for citizens, with a unified system of social guarantees and equal access to education and healthcare. Free movement regarding work and residence are possible due to the Union State, founding a solid base from which our trio can continue. The Union State is ahead of the EU in some spheres. The best practices of the Union State can be applied across a wider, multi-lateral format. It’s no secret that the Belarusian-Russian Customs Union agreement of 1995 is the supporting frame for the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. According to official Minsk, it’s vital that the Union State, the Customs Union and the SES enrich and complement each other. Existing integration experience should be built upon rather than discarded.

Eurasian Union’s contours

According to the leaders of our three states, the Eurasian Union has potential for the highest degree of integration yet seen within the post-Soviet space. How does Moscow view this? Wisely, it makes no reference to recreating the USSR; it would be naïve to try to emulate the past. Close integration based on new political and economic terms is imperative, so Russia suggests creating a powerful supra-

беларусь.belarus 2011

national association, acting as a central point in our contemporary world. Co-ordination of our economic and currency policies will be essential in creating a fully-fledged economic union on the basis of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space. Mr. Lukashenko agrees that, after achieving the maximum possible level of economic integration, our states should establish a solid socio-political superstructure promoting common values, legislation, living standards and so on. Some supra-national bodies will be needed, including those guiding political policy.

Is currency union the next stage?

“We admit that, in this case, the introduction of a new single currency will become a practical issue. Time will tell,” writes the President of Belarus. The Head of Kazakhstan insists that the Eurasian Union should be a self-sufficient regional financial association — part of a new global currencyfinancial system. EU experience shows that the creation of a common payment system and a single currency is a logical stage of integration. Under contemporary conditions, the process must take into account trends resulting from the global crisis. However we may criticise the EU and Eurozone, they’ve shown strength in a crisis, providing powerful support to member states finding themselves in trouble. Three years ago, Mr. Nazarbayev proposed the establishment of a Eurasian supra-national exchange unit to provide a regional reserve currency — a notion which remains relevant today, as the possibility of a new wave of global recession looms, with even more serious consequences. Practical solutions are needed. “I’d like to note that the creation of a currency union as part of the SES presents a whole new level of integration — like that of today’s European Union. It would be like crossing the Rubicon,” writes the Kazakh President.

Trio welcomes others

Persuading our neighbours of the importance and viability of the trilateral union is our next step, with the aim of expanding membership of the Customs Union and the SES. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are the first to show interest. The Eurasian Union is an open project, yet our three presidents are in no hurry to push others into an ill-considered decision. Each state must take a sovereign decision, guided by its own long-term national interests. The geo-economic and geo-political maturity of Eurasian integration should follow an evolutionary path, in a voluntary manner. Mr. Lukashenko notes, “The reliability and longevity of the new mechanism will finally be determined by whether it ensures full protection of members’ interests. We must clearly understand that any infringements of rights will lead to future division, first destroying trust and then the new structure, which has been created with incredible joint effort. Minor matters today may become considerable in future. However, equality will bring a reliable

Integration foundation for our union; we must have equality of economic conditions, including equal access to a single energy and transport system. Only then will people and businesses trust us and our integration, supporting it in thought and action.”

Is Astana the centre of Eurasia?

Kazakhstan’s Astana is located at the geographical centre of the Eurasian subcontinent, so it’s a perfect site for placing the executive bodies of the Eurasian Economic Space. “We have no ambitions here,” Mr. Nazarabayev assures us. “This would be a serious burden for us. However, it’s a fair tribute to Kazakhstan to initiate the idea of Eurasian integration.” Kazakhstan believes that the location of the central office on its territory would place the new integration association above suspicion (from within the trio and beyond). It would arouse greater trust in the organisation, which is still taking its first steps. The same theories once dictated the decision to place the CIS headquarters in Minsk and it’s no accident that the headquarters of the European Union are located in Brussels rather than in Paris or Berlin.

European vector

Some neighbours of the Customs Union are unwilling to take part in advanced integration within the post-

Soviet space as it contradicts their European choice. However, Mr. Putin sees this as false, since the Eurasian Union has no aim to isolate any nation from another. It is being formed on universal integration principles as an indispensable part of wider Europe, united by common values of freedom and democracy and by market laws. Mr. Lukashenko echoes the Russian Prime Minister, saying that the integration of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan has no agenda to divide Europe from the Eurasian Union. Our three states have no desire to isolate themselves. Rather, the Eurasian Union will be an indispensable part of pan-European integration. It hopes to become a key regional player, building relations with leading world economic structures.” Minsk is proposing an ‘integration of integrations’; the new single customs border will be sited in Brest. Mr. Nazarbayev spoke in a similar vein, saying that it’s incorrect to view the Eurasian Union as an opportunity to become ‘jointly closed’ from economic, military, political, information, technological, ecological and other threats. It would be short-sighted to establish a new ‘iron curtain’ — a move which Astana sees as absolutely inadmissible. It emphasises that the Eurasian Union will be unstable unless it enjoys wider interaction with the EU. Back in 2003, Russia and the EU agreed to form a single economic space, co-ordinating their economic activity without the creation of supra-national structures. To continue down this path, our trio has invited Europe to consider the establishment of a harmonious community of economies — from Lisbon to Vladivostok. We could create a free trade zone, with more advanced forms of integration in the spheres of industry, technology, power engineering, education and science. Finally, we could also remove visa barriers. The proposal is being currently discussed by our European colleagues in detail. The Customs Union, followed by the Eurasian Union, will be discussing many

issues with the EU. Alongside direct economic benefits, Eurasian Union members should be able to enjoy integration with Europe more rapidly and from a stronger position. The Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan has already launched negotiations on the creation of a free trade zone with the European Free Trade Association.

Eurasia or Asiopa?

Despite our three leaders’ focus on developing collaboration between the Eurasian Union and the EU, they note that liaison with economic associations in the East is also essential — especially with China. Our trio already boasts rich experience of working with the AsianPacific region and, in uniting our efforts, we may more successfully promote our national interests. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is likely to drive forward the planet’s economy this century, so it can only be to Belarus’ benefit to gain a strong relationship in this direction. Mr. Nazarbayev notes that several western experts have been quick to view the Eurasian Union as a buffer against Chinese economic expansion. On the contrary, the People’s Republic of China has been a strategic partner of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus for the last two decades. The agenda of the next ATEC forum, which is to take place in Vladivostok within a year, will address trade liberalisation and removal of barriers on the way to economic co-operation. Russia promises to promote a common position for all Customs Union and SES members. Liaisons are sought with all nations — not just China. Our integration is entering a whole new level, opening up wide prospects for economic development and creating additional competitive advantages. We should gain a stronger position within the global economy, making our voice heard during the process of decision-making and helping set the rules of the game. We may yet shape the contours of the planet’s future. By Igor Slavinsky

2011 беларусь.belarus

Valuable energy

Future NPP in miniature

Belarus continues to strengthen its own energy security

ig ning a cont rac t w it h a Russian enterprise in September, to build first stage of nuclear power plant. New legislation has been passed to govern our electricity supply, which is seen as the first important step in the reformation of the Belarusian energy sector. From January 1st, 2012, private companies, generating electricity from renewable resources, will have received access to the country’s energy supply system. In October, President Alexander Lukashenko agreed to sign a contract with Russia to construct a nuclear power plant in Grodno Region’s Ostrovets. Russian Atomstroyexport is to work with the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate. The document outlines terms for building two reactors of a nuclear power plant, boasting a total capacity of 2,400MW, with the first block coming into operation in 2017 and the second in 2018. The NPP-2006 design,

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by St. Petersburg’s Atomenergoproekt, has been chosen. The Russian contractor is to take complete responsibility for the construction, explains Anatoly Andrianov, the Director of Construction Management at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant. He tells us that foundations for the construction of the first block are being laid in spring 2012, with first sites being put into exploitation in June. “This primarily tackles the concrete and mortar facilities. Administrative buildings will be also constructed to house engineeringtechnical staff,” asserts the Dirctor. Belarusian specialists were working on the site in October, constructing an administrative building and warehouses. Meanwhile, according to Mr. Andrianov, the planning of two venues has been already completed: manufacturing facilities and the territory, where the NPP will be directly located. Mr. Andrianov explains that ‘a decision has

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Energy system been adopted to finance 80 percent of construction with a Russian loan and 20 percent from Belarusian funds’. The Russian loan totals $9bn, including $3bn for the construction of infrastructure, as announced by Russia’s Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, during his visit to Minsk. Of course, the IAEA will be monitoring work at all stages, ready to assist Belarus in ensuring safety at the nuclear power plant. Yukiya Amano, the IAEA Director General, tells us, “The IAEA does not interfere in any country’s decision to use nuclear power or construct a reactor, since this should be adopted by the sovereign state itself, without external interference. This would be the decision of the Belarusian Government. However, where the decision is made, the IAEA is ready to advise on safety, to ensure the power station is as stable as possible.” In 2012, other vital changes are to take place in Belarus’ energy sector besides the building of the nuclear power station. Private businesses are to be allowed to sell electricity to the national grid for the first time, as envisaged by new state legislation. At present, only enterprises subject to the Energy Ministry can supply electricity. Where electricity is generated by other ministries or communal facilities, Belenergo (the state energy supplier) purchases it in line with set tariffs, selling it on to final consumers. In 2012, the rules will change and, from January 1st, any organisation, regardless of its form of ownership, will be able to supply electricity. Belenergo explains that private companies generating electricity from renewable resources will receive access to the country’s energy supply system, stimulating development of wind power and production of energy from biomass. Belenergo specialists add that this should initiate an open market for electricity in the Republic. It is the first step in reforming the Belarusian energy system, enhancing its competitiveness, its transparency and its stability. By Vladimir Velichanskiy

News

Silhouettes rising High-rise buildings to create new skyline for Belarusian capital while suburbs to embrace low-rise buildings

hroughout Belarus, there are 205 towns and similar sized settlements, yet only 70 (one third) have a true plan for future development, having a town-planning policy. The Architecture and Construction Ministry notes that a range of issues surround property construction; solutions will be required over the coming five years. What is likely to have changed in our towns and cities by 2015? According to statistical data, Belarus is one of the most urbanised countries in the CIS, with around 75 percent of the population residing in cities. Increasing numbers of Belarusians aim to settle in the capital, as well as in regional and large centres.

The creation of almost 2,000 agro-towns in the last five years has not considerably changed the situation, although the quality of life has risen significantly. Minsk, like other cities, requires a greater volume of safe, comfortable accommodation. The Presidential Decree ‘On Approving the Major Guidelines of the City-Planning Policy of the Republic of Belarus for 2011-2015’, signed in late August, should change the situation. According to the Architecture and Construction Ministry’s Main Department for Project Works, City Planning and Architecture, the adopted document continues the old programme while taking into account new approaches towards the transformation of towns and settlements. In particular, the image of towns is being given importance, with traditions to be used to shape the identity of each one. A detailed plan is vital, with funds to be directed towards restoring the historical part of each settlement, where these exist. Pedestrian zones are to be highlighted while small and medium-sized towns are to be given low rise housing: town houses and two- and three-storey buildings. In contrast, Minsk is to receive 16-20-storey buildings, creating a recognisable skyline for the Belarusian capital. Planners have no intention of expanding the footprint of the city however.

Private attraction Quarter of Belarus’ population ready to set up their own small business

ccording to the results of a recent sociological survey, over 70 percent of Belarusians have a positive attitude towards private entrepreneurship, with over 25 percent keen on having their own business. Around 32 percent prefer to work at a state enterprise, institution or organisation while over 70 percent believe that the current business climate in Belarus promotes development of entrepreneurship. Many Belarusian residents are ready to open their own business or be employed by a private firm, with almost 24 percent admitting that private entrepreneurship attracts them with its high salaries. Many believe that the private sector offers opportunities to continue training while bringing benefit to society. According to the National Statistical Committee of Belarus, almost a quarter of Belarusian workers are employed by small and medium-sized enterprises, producing around 20 percent of the GDP. Over the last four years, the number of small and mediumsized businesses has increased about 1.5-fold — from 56,000 to 87,000. Moreover, almost 250,000 individual entrepreneurs have been registered in the country.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Economy

Important steps forward

ingle B elarusian rouble exchange rate opens new c h a p t e r f o r e c o n o m y. Previously, foreign currency trading took place at two exchange sessions, with that at the main session sold to pay for major imports: gas, electricity and medicine. The official exchange rate of the National Bank was established following the results of such trading. The US dollar, Euro and Russian rouble for other purposes were sold at the second, additional session. Since October 20th, the two sessions have been united, with a single Belarusian rouble exchange rate following demand and supply. The interference of the National Bank in this process is minimal, with intervention limited to balancing acute fluctuations in demand and supply. This complicated but necessary step has been approved by experts at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Eurasian Development Bank. At the same time, they admit that, having moved to a market exchange rate mechanism, some steps will be needed to stabilise the economic situation and achieve balanced development. These assessments coincide with those of the Government and the National Bank.

‘The country remains financially reliable’

A regular session of the International Monetary Fund was held in Minsk for two weeks in October, aiming to assess the economic

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situation in Belarus and formulate a new country programme. During the IFM visit this October, the current financial demands placed upon Belarus were discussed thoroughly, as was its ability to make repayments on loans. The macro-economic measures of the Government and the National Bank were analysed and IMF Mission Head Chris Jarvis discussed the situation with Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich, with the Chair of the National Bank, Nadezhda Yermakova, and with Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Rumas. Chairs of leading ministries and banks and Belarusian experts joined the meetings. The IMF representatives admitted ‘the sincere character of the discussions’ with the representatives of state authorities. Mr. Jarvis made an important announcement following the session, saying, “I’m quite sure of Belarus’ ability to pay.” It was a positive sign for foreign investors and creditors. He also added, “Governmental policy towards the crisis has been correctly oriented.” He admitted that the floating exchange rate for the Belarusian Rouble was ‘an important step forward’ and noted, “The Government has taken steps to tighten its monetary management, leading a careful budget policy.” At the same time, the IMF Mission underlined the need for further steps to improve the financial and economic situation.

The primary task is to reduce inflation

The main problem drawing the attention of the Government and international experts is the high level of inflation: over 80 percent since the beginning of the year, according to data from the National Statistical Committee. “We should lower inflation, as it results in a lower standard of living for people, while feeding expectations of devaluation,” the IMF Mission recommended. Its experts state that the Belarusian rouble’s devaluation earlier this year has improved trade and reduced the balance of payments deficit. A lower national currency exchange rate has made Belarusian exports more affordable, raising sales. Meanwhile, imports have fallen. “However, this progress could be lost under the influence of high inflation,” stresses the IMF. According to the Economy Ministry, rising prices are forcing exporting companies to spend more of their foreign currency earnings on domestic market costs; in this case, inflation could negate the advantages of devaluation. The Government is focusing on curbing inflation, with Deputy Prime Minister Sergey Rumas supervising the macroeconomic situation. He notes, “The current level of inflation is a cause of embarrassment for the Government.” Anti-inflationary measures have been set for this year and next, with the accent on lowering emissions of currency.

IMF Mission Head Chris Jarvis:

“I’m quite sure of Belarus’ ability to pay”

Reuters

Economy

Exchange rates match up market values of foreign currencies

The Government and the National Bank have used currency issue in recent years to stimulate domestic consumption and investments and inspire high rates of economic growth but this has led to inflation. They now realise that the economy should be more balanced, with GDP allowed to grow more slowly (it has been rising 9-10 percent annually). The approach has the approval of the IMF. Following the results of the October session in Minsk, the IMF has recommended slowing further emission lending while raising interest rates, which are set lower than the level of inflation over all. The Chair of the National Bank, Nadezhda Yermakova, admits that the National Bank is considering raising rates but notes that the rate set in October (35 percent per annum) is restraining demand for loans, helping ‘cool’ the economy. The IMF also advises Belarus to slow down salary growth: a sensitive social issue. The Government is less certain of this path but underlines that salaries must be earned and shouldn’t outstrip labour productivity, as they were prone to do in past years. Privatisation is another way of improving enterprises’ efficiency and expanding of gold-and-currency reserves. In the nearest time, Belarus

plans to accelerate privatisation processes. It plans to sell major holdings such as Beltransgas, Minsk Automobile Plant and MTS mobile operator. Summarising the results of the October mission, the IMF admits, “In 2012, the Government and the National Bank’s economic policy will be directed at providing macro and micro economic stability. We have hopes that this will bring a positive outcome, differing sufficiently from earlier policy.”

Progress is obvious

The most recent actions of the Government and the National Bank have been praised by other international institutes. In particular, Martin Raiser, the World Bank’s Country Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, announced in October that the World Bank approves of the Belarusian Government’s actions to stabilise the Belarusian rouble. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) also recognises ‘progress regarding a number of reforms’ and views these ‘with satisfaction’. The EDB operates the EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund, from which Belarus expects to receive $3bn. The first tranche — $800m — was delivered this

summer, with the second — $440m — expected to arrive by late 2011. The loan brings with it certain macro-economic obligations, as Sergei Shatalov, Managing Director of the EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund, notes. Happily, he explains that ‘progress in fulfilling a number of conditions for the second tranche is obvious’. The foremost of these has been the assumption of a single national currency exchange rate. “We approve the Government’s plans for 2012, which provide for a balanced state budget and less lending, until the negative balance of payments has been redressed.” After the negotiations in Minsk, Mr. Shatalov admitted that ‘in the interests of the country’s long-term development, it is very important to continue with reforms which provide for macro-economic stabilisation. “The EurAsEC Anti-Crisis Fund will continue its close co-operation with Belarusian ministries and authorities, aiming to reach this important goal,” he assures us. Belarus is also interested in constructive co-operation with international organisations, to achieve a balanced economy and stable development. By Vitaliy Vasiliev

2011 беларусь.belarus

Agrarian aspects Precise calculations

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Profit in wider sense egetables will soon join milk and meat as Belarusian exports. By 2015, Belarus will be selling no less than 90 tonnes of cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes and other such products abroad, as Belarus’ Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Food, Vasily Pavlovsky, tells us. He believes that even better results are possible, with harvests raised and costs lowered via the state agrarian programme. We may yet export at least half a million tonnes of vegetables abroad.

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Vegetable harvests in Belarus were inadequate five years ago, leaving us to import not only those which don’t grow easily in our fields (peas, sweet corn and runner beans) but onions, garlic, cabbage, carrot and other leafy vegetables. Sometimes, even good crops might go rotten for lack of adequate storage, leaving them to be thrown away or used as fodder for cattle. In 2005, the state decided to support agrarians via a five year programme to develop vegetable farming. Farms were asked to focus on growing vegetables high in certain vitamins and on producing particular seeds, while transportation expenses were cut by selecting enterprises situated near canneries. Moreover, the use of greenhouses was expanded and the Institute for Vegetable Crops at the National Academy of Sciences worked on new vegetable varieties — including hybrids. As a result, vegetable harvests rose 1.5 times and, this year, Mr. Pavlovsky foresees crops reaching 2.2m tonnes (from farms and private holdings). Pleasingly, where farms may have earlier grown no more than seven kinds of vegetables high in vitamins, they now tend to grow about 30 varieties.As medical experts determine that each person needs 140-145kg of vitamin rich vegetables annually, production of 160-170kg per capita is certainly impressive. Onions have yielded the most impressive results, with no more imports required; our demand is just 15 thousand tonnes while we produce 40-60 thousand tonnes annually. We intend to reach the same result with garlic, which was previously almost fully imported. Today, 80 percent of our domestic market is supplied internally; by next year, no more imports will be needed at all. Canneries are already fully provided with peas and sweet corn grown domestically. Belarus sells its surplus abroad, especially to Russia; over 20 thousand

Agrarian aspects tonnes of cucumbers and tomatoes grown in greenhouses are currently exported to our Eastern neighbour. Approximately the same volume of vegetables grown outside are being exported — primarily cabbages, carrots and beets. In fact, such crops have only recently been gathered in.

We’ll keep what we have It’s common knowledge that, in winter, lack of sun and warmth makes vegetables even more vital for our health. Meanwhile, their lack of availability raises prices. Enterprises which

year to hyper-markets.It even has a line to wash, cut and pack vegetables (into 2.5kg packs). Victor Delets, who heads the agricultural plant, explains that busy customers who lack a great deal of time to spend on cooking love the convenience of ‘ready to cook’ vegetables and it’s a great way for an enterprise to maximise profit. Chilled storage, combined with vacuum packing equipment, is now being used at Gigant in Bobruisk District, at Vostok near Gomel and at Tolochin Cannery. The cost will soon pay for

The new five year programme to develop vegetable farming is sure to bring benefits — not just sales profits but an improved vitamin rich diet to Belarusians have managed to store vegetables effectively can charge a good price. In Belarus, 115,000 tonnes of vegetables can be stored, but demand outstrips this by 135,000, explains Mr. Pavlovsky. There is clearly a pressing need for more storage facilities; reconstruction of existing facilities is a major task of the five year programme for vegetable farming development. Nobody wants to waste good crops on feeding cattle, as was the case in the time of our grandfathers. It is an impermissible luxury. Facilities to store 60 thousand tonnes of vegetables are being built and reconstructed in time for 2015 — all using the latest technologies. Some enterprises already have access to chilled storage areas, such as Zhdanovichi agricultural plant, situated near Minsk. Its large hangars can hold up to 10 thousand tonnes of vegetables. Refurbishment continues, with refrigerating equipment allowing vegetables to be kept for extended periods, ensuring a steady supply through the

itself. In spring, carrots, beets and cabbages which have been kept in marketable condition will easily find buyers at home and abroad.

Technical evolution It’s hard to believe but, ten years ago, vegetable farms primarily used manual labour. It was one of the reasons that growing vegetables was so unpopular, as labour expenses were 20-25 times higher than those for growing corn. This led to a shortfall in supply, and the importation of expensive Dutch, Polish and Spanish vegetables each February to satisfy local buyers. The situation began to change when our Russian-Belarusian programme to improve production and processing efficiency came into operation, using the latest technologies to promote vegetable growing. Three years of hard work by scientists from our two countries have definitely yielded fruit; farmers now

have 40 types of new machinery and 20 progressive technologies. However, more can be done to mechanise the process of harvesting beets, carrots, cabbages and onions. According to Mr. Pavlovsky, only 50 percent of farms’ needs are currently being met, leading to delays in gathering crops and loss of quality. Belarus is planning a two-pronged approach: buying machinery abroad and organising joint manufacture with foreign enterprises. The five year development programme includes these targets, alongside the rebuilding of greenhouses. Some remain empty between Nov e m b e r a n d February due to lack of light. However, the problem is easily solved by using special lighting equipment to extend the growing season. Zhdanovichi agricultural plant already uses two hectares of lit greenhouses, not only extending the productive season but improving crop yields (92-95kg of crops per square metre of soil, with the aim of reaching 100kg). In comparison, outside fields tend to yield 60kg of vegetables per square metre. Unsurprisingly, another 25 hectares of lit greenhouses are to appear in Belarus by the end of the year. What else can we expect from the realisation of the programme? A greater choice of vegetables, lower costs (and prices), greater production of a diverse range of seeds of our own selection and modern facilities to grow seedlings are among the main targets. The Ministry for Agriculture and Food has no doubt that the new five year programme to develop vegetable farming will bring benefits — not just sales profits but an improved, vitamin rich diet for Belarusians, leading to good health. By Lilia Khlystun

2011 беларусь.belarus

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Inquiry

“We should work together” Nobel Prize winner Zhores Alferov assesses science as a uniting factor for Belarus, Russia and other CIS states

n a year of its 20th anniversary the Commonwealth of Independent States was co-ordinating one of the most important treaties: governing free trade. It was signed on October 18th in St. Petersburg, following a board meeting of CIS Council of Heads of Government. It took a whole decade to prepare this document, with the aim of simplifying trade across this vast territorial area (a sixth of the world’s landmass) and stimulating the development of 11 economies. Many believe that the CIS has outlived its usefulness but the moves we are making towards free trade today are borne of its early achievements. True

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politics always relate to trade, encouraging other spheres of co-operation — as discussed at The Commonwealth of Independent States is Twenty Years Old scientific and practical conference, hosted by Minsk in September. Our city has enjoyed the honour of being the unofficial capital of the CIS, housing its headquarters. Science is one of the most challenging areas of co-operation, so it was no surprise that ‘Science and Innovative Co-operation of CIS States’ subsection was one of the most imposing discussions at the event. Addressing the participants of the forum on behalf of official Minsk, Belarus’ Prime Minister, Mikhail Myasnikovich,

understands perfectly the importance of science to the economy, having been the Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences not long ago. He focused on this topic, noting that Belarus has initiated intensified CIS liaisons and that scitech co-operation is a top priority of the Concept for the CIS Further Development until 2020. “The CIS inter-state programme of innovative development is to commence in 2012,” he reminds. He appealed for an effective system of scientific co-operation to be formed at the international level. Nobody can deny that science and innovation are an essential aspect of global de velopment, guiding economic growth. However, no single country can cover large-scale investigations on a wide range of theoretical and practical issues; integration and knowledge sharing is the most efficient answer, allowing new discoveries to be applied to the benefit of all. Participants of the conference recommended that at least 2 percent of each state’s GDP be dedicated to supporting scientific research, significantly raising funding for this sphere — to match that of EU countries. Funding in Belarus currently stands at less than one percent of GDP. Zhores Alferov, a Nobel Prize winner in physics and Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, drew the greatest response of all the speakers, highlighting scientific co-operation between Belarusian and Russian scientists. The Russian of Belarusian origin also mused on the post-Soviet area’s future, his words recorded by journalists from Belarus magazine. What are your thoughts on Minsk? We are in a wonderful city, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Minsk is my home town. My grandparents and parents were born and raised in Belarus and I finished school in Minsk. My mother told me that Minsk could not be called a clean city in days gone by. When Vladimir Mayakovsky

Inquiry visited the USA in 1924, he wrote a great essay entitled ‘My Discovery of America’, noting how dirty New York was. He admitted that it was cleaner than Minsk though. It’s a completely different city today. What is your attitude towards the CIS’ anniversary? It’s very difficult to celebrate this anniversary, as the USSR was a genius invention. It was a way of preserving a single state on the ruins of the great Imperial Russia. We had a freedom parade and so many independent states appeared, each one with definite autonomy. They were allowed to develop science, culture, education, technologies within a real union of states. Originally, the USSR Academy of Sciences existed to co-ordinate scientists. The Ukrainian Academy of Sciences appeared, then another in your countr y. Since then, the Belarusian Academy of Sciences has been developing physics, chemistry, mathematics and optics. Your scientists occupied the leading position in the USSR in the field of physics. Their greatest discovery dealt with dye lasers; they were the world authority. Of course, science is an international concept… but it is also a national wealth. Prominent scientist Frédéric Joliot-Curie, who visited the USSR many times, once said: ‘Science should be funded from every budget, allowing a country to benefit world civilisation. Without this, a country will be colonised’. We should understand that, if we don’t develop fundamental science properly, we’ll become colonised by others from the developed world. We should expend all possible efforts in developing science within the CIS. What can you say about our country’s science sphere today? What happened to science in the second half of the 20th century? Physics led scientific research, creating a background for the development of other sciences and for new discoveries: information technologies, transistors, lasers and integral circuits. The world

changed significantly. We took a step towards becoming a post-industrial information society. Unfortunately, having contributed to these changes, we came to lag behind. Russia’s highly-developed industry was destroyed as a result of privatisation; however, Belarus managed to save its industry. We now need to decide which technologies will bring the most profit. Which do you think? Biology, modern medicine and pharmaceuticals are the front runners. We’ve invented revolutionary new diagnostic methods and new medicines, using the latest technologies. Wave mechanics is thought to be integral to modern medicine, while space is the other major scientific area. I visited Baikonur not long ago and was shocked by its condition. The USSR founded all space technologies. The legacy of that work brings billions of US dollars of profit worldwide but Russia has only a 2-3 percent share. Science is an engine for progress but co-operation is the key to effective results. Which examples of scientific cooperation most spring to mind? There are endless examples of successful co-operation between Russian and Belarusian Academies of Sciences, of which I’m glad. One of the most important inventions has been the creation of the ‘SKIF’ supercomputer, using lightemitting diodes. Belarus often sets an example to the international community regarding innovation, so collaboration is hugely beneficial to Russia. Sadly, some civil servants, primarily those in Russia, prevent this from happening. In recent times, many CIS members have primarily focused on innovations…

We need to focus on innovative research and its application. Modern technologies are popular in Belarus, as they should be, while Russia lacks this. Accordingly, we should work together. I admire Belarusian science and technologies and believe their level to be very high. Belarusian research is much in demand. Appearance of new industries, including joint run, is impossible without new discoveries and resulting projects. For example, Belarus and Russia are working hard on the joint manufacture of a light-emitting-diode and its real application. Scientific research is essential, since creative discovery can change public opinion. Discoveries tend to be made by young minds, free from imposed ideas. At that age, you still have the desire to overcome challenges and create something monumental. To allow potential to be realised, science and education need adequate funding. The Fund for Support of Education and Science, founded by me, is aimed to provide assistance to young talents. If we encourage professional growth of young scientists and researchers, supporting their creativity, we’ll only benefit. Some Belarusian students already hold scholarships from this fund. By Kirill Ignatiev

Anton Putov and Liuba Yudasina, pupils of Vitebsk Gymnasium No.1, were granted scholarships by the Fund for Support of Education and Science founded by Nobel Prize winner Zhores Alferov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Region

Appearance not to forget The Belarusian town of Slonim, near Grodno, has a unique aura. Walking its narrow, old streets, admiring its historical monuments, you can feel its colour. The local drama theatre is also worth visiting, being one of a kind. Its rich history, according to archives, began in the late 18th century. Back then, the small town on the Shchara River was known as the cultural capital of the whole region

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n 1780, Slonim’s headman — patron and composer Michał Kazimierz Ogiński — built a luxurious new opera house, designed by Italian architect and artist Moraino. The two-storey building was situated between Ogiński’s own palace and the banks of the Shchara River, housing 27 box seats. The large stage was used for opera and ballet, featuring dozens of local, Polish,GermanandItalian actors. Some shows even featured actors

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on horseback and sets could be changed quickly, using technical equipment which easily rivalled that of Western European and Russian theatres. In the nearby park, festivities were arranged on performance days, while, after each show, theatre lovers could enjoy the sparkling lights reflected in the neighbouring lake or take a short cruise. The Ogiński Theatre quickly gained recognition. Unsurprisingly, the Slonim troupe joined Antoni Tyzenhaus’ Grodno

artistes to set up the Association of Royal Dancers, in Warsaw. Theatrical life in Slonim has always been dazzling. Its modern troupe was set up in December 1990, by Honoured Figure of Culture Nikolay Varvashevich: a true expert in national drama. Over the past two decades, more than 50 performances have been staged, annually attended by around 60,000 theatre lovers. The town is known not only for its theatre of course. Every stone has its own history, being worthy of study. According to the Ipatievskaya

Region Chronicle, Slonim was founded in 1252 — known initially as Uslonim but later renamed as Vslonim. Its name probably originates either from Slavonic ‘zaslona’ (shield) or Latin ‘slenis’ (lowland — where the town is situated). The first traces of the settlement date back to the 11th century. During archaeological digs, the remains of an old settlement have been discovered: old wooden and stone fortifications. Over the years, buildings have been constructed one on top of another. The first was wooden, used to house Grand Duchy of Lithuania sejm meetings. Later, following Ogiński’s order, this was destroyed to allow a new building to be constructed, boasting 116 rooms and a hall. The richest rooms were situated in the centre, overlooking the courtyard and park. Its ‘Hall of Goddesses’ was its major attraction, being decorated in Rococo style. Michał Kazimierz Ogiński also constructed factories in Slonim, in addition to a 53km canal which connected the basins of the Baltic and Black seas with the Shchara River. The town’s advantageous geographical location linked Slonim with Kiev,

Moscow and the Baltic States, creating valuable trading routes and supporting the fairs which were held regularly in the town, attracting merchants from far and wide. Naturally, Slonim also faced war. In 1410, its army took part in the Battle of Grunewald and, from 1654 to 1667, it suffered from Russia’s collision with the Rzech Pospolita. Slonim also experienced huge losses during the 1812 war against the Napoleonic army, as well as during the first and second world wars. However, despite those hardships, the town never lost its charm, which is most encapsulated by its churches. These were once used as part of Slonim’s defence line, being situated in the main streets and squares. Four of its eight 17th-18th century places of worship remain, including the Roman Catholic churches and monasteries of Bernardine monks and nuns, St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church and a synagogue. Its other treasures are St. Dominic’s Chapel and several ancient buildings boasting ornamental facades. One today houses a bank and post office. Sadly, despite many attempts to restore it, Ogiński’s opera house remains

in need of renovation. About two decades ago, one part of it was rebuilt. However, the town lacked funds to complete the work. Nevertheless, local theatre fans have always believed that their town would acquire a modern theatre building one day. What else would be fitting for a town steeped in cultural traditions? Local artistes continue to stage performances at the House of Culture, while also touring countrywide. At present, the construction of a new building is in full swing and the Head of Slonim District Executive Committee’s C u l t u r e D e p a r t m e nt , S v e t l a n a Romanyuk, admits with pleasure that the project is experiencing no financial problems. The state has allocated the necessary funds to install a modern stage and contemporary light and sound equipment. No doubt, audiences will feel comfortable and will enjoy the atmosphere of Ogiński’s time. Work is due to be completed by late 2012, with several premieres currently being prepared for the launch. The Slonim Belarusian Drama Theatre is sure to be a popular destination for tourists to the town. By Iosif Popovich

View of present-day Slonim, where past is kept as an invaluable treasure

2011 беларусь.belarus

Rarities

In the suburbs of ancient Polotsk In 1973, teenagers found 20kg of silver on the bank of the Zapadnaya Dvina River, in Polotsk (a district centre in Vitebsk Region). Now, this unique collection is on show for the first time

t’s not known how the treasure came to rise to the surface; perhaps, a local field was ploughed in spring or the treasure rose of its own accord. The discovery was astonishing, comprising over 7,500 Kufic Dirhams, minted in Central Asia and Northern Africa and containing inscriptions in Kufi — an Arabic language. In the 8th-11th century, this was the ‘single currency’ from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. Many of the countries through which the ‘Varangians to the Greeks’ route passed lacked their own money, so used Dirhams. The boys played for some time with their findings but later brought them to the local history museum, where the treasure was announced to be the largest and most unique collection of Dirhams to date. For almost four decades, this interesting find has remained in storage. However, the wonderful coins are now on show, to the delight of amateur-numismatists.

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Protected by ancient walls

Sophia Cathedral is probably the most famous sight in Polotsk. Among its treasures are several dozen Dirhams from the unique collection — as known to everyone. However, until recently, only a few specialists were able to see all 7,663 original coins. Being a journalist, I was made an exception. As true rarities, the Dirhams from the ‘Kozyankovsky’ treasure (discovered in the village of Kozyanki) are kept in a safe at the department of precious metals, behind several doors and down some winding stairs. The unique collection is kept behind iron bars, with the coins placed in paper envelopes, kept in cardboard boxes. My guide, Inna Pesina — the chief Адправіцца "Цэнтральнага" можна guardian of the зNational Polotsk па ўсіх міжнародных маршрутах Histor i c a l - Cu ltu r a l Mus e u m -

Reserve, takes out an envelope and removes a coin minted in Samarkand in 914, during Nasr bin Ahmad’s rule. Experienced numismatists would love to be in my shoes! Meanwhile, I feel rather embarrassed. Unlike ancient Polish or Russian metal coins, this Dirham weighs almost nothing. As if predicting my question, Ms. Pesina explains, “It’s no wonder. These coins were minted onto a thin sheet of silver, so they weigh just 2-4 grams. It’s thought that the treasure might be part of a robbers’ haul; the most ancient of the coins were minted from 738-747. We also have broken (or cut) coins, which were fake, being made from copper, with only a thin layer of silver. Some bear inscriptions, while others were minted somewhere near modern Tunis. The latter are totally unique, as no other world museum has anything of the kind.”

Rarities

Tamara Dzhumantaeva is pleased that the lengthy research conducted by her colleagues is now available to the public

Digital coins

Taking into account the fact that 50 Dirhams were enough to buy a horse and a slave cost 300, the haul found near Polotsk was worth a fortune. It has never been exhibited in full before, as Tamara Dzhumantaeva, the Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the National Polotsk HistoricalCultural MuseumReserve, explains. She note s , “It’s impossible to mark the coins from the collection, or make inscriptions on them, w h i l e p ap e r t a g s simply fall off, so it’s extremely difficult to collect them back after scattering them through an exhibition. Only a few specialists can read

Kufi, even in our post-Soviet states, so the treasure has never been placed on show to the public.” Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Valentin Ryabtsevich, a lecturer at the Belarusian State University, was among the first to study and describe this unique collection. “To make his research open to the public, we decided to digitise the ‘Kozyankovsky’ treasure two years ago,” says Ms. Dzhumantaeva. “A DVD holding 8 gigabytes was made, bearing photos of all the silver Dirhams, together with descriptions. Interestingly, it was awarded at the 13th International Festival for the Automation of Museum Activity and Information Technologies (ADIT), held recently.” From now on, anyone can take a virtual trip to the treasury of precious metals, enjoying its unique exhibits.

On the edge of future discoveries

The DVD honours the memory of Valentin Ryabtsevich, now departed, and has been realised with financial help from the Belarusian Foundation for Fundamental Research. Among its contributors was Hermitage expert Vyacheslav Kuleshov, who helped study the ancient coins. The

This is the virtual ‘Kozyankovsky’ treasure

Head of the National Polotsk HistoricalCultural Museum-Reserve’s ScientificInformation Department, Vitaly Gavrilov, personally organised around 16,000 photos, explaining, “We’ve developed a special programme to prevent deletion of the coin photos from the disc and have endeavoured to allow our colleagues and collectors access to materials which may help them make future discoveries. As our Hermitage colleague, Mr. Kuleshov, says, any treasure — especially such a large one — is a ‘potentially endless numismatic source, with great significance’.” Several dozen copies of the disc have already been distributed to the largest Belarusian and Russian museums. Meanwhile, the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ B.I. Stepanov Physics Institute has conducted unique laser spectral analysis of 500 coins from the treasure, defining their chemical composition. If similar data from other collections is available, a comparative analysis could be made. A portable device — developed by Belarusian physicists especially for working with the ‘Kozyankovsky’ treasure — already enjoys wide demand. A digital version of the collection will soon be available at info-kiosks (due to be installed at Polotsk museums). It could even be transferred online, or become available for general purchase by tourists coming to Polotsk. The ancient city is known as a cradle of Belarusian statehood and spirituality and celebrates its 1150th birthday next year. In a few months’ time, UNESCO is to proclaim 2012 the Year of Polotsk — the ultimate proof of its significance to global culture! By Sergey Golesnik

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Voyage

Natural and historical treasures await their admirers

he tourist s e as on has finished but that doesn’t mean that there’s nowhere to travel. It’s pleasant to relax on the banks of a lake even when you can’t swim. Fishing and hunting are still possible of course. Meanwhile, restoration works on historical and cultural monuments continue whatever the weather, with many of European importance, presenting a true attraction to nationalities.

Braslav: wild hunting

Four tourist resorts, accommodating 180 people, continue to serve the Braslav Lakes National Park; they’re so popular that booking in advance is a necessity. In fact, weekends are usually booked up by visiting hunters several weeks ahead. In October, the hunting season for wild animals began, lasting until January 31st. Hunters from throughout Belarus and abroad arrive at Braslav in search trophies: the tusks of wild boar, and horns of elk and roe are the most sought after. Guides are at hand to help with meat cutting, and game can later be made into sausages.

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It costs around $50 in equivalent for a license to hunt young wild boar (up to two years old) while a license for adult elk (non-trophy) costs around $500. Hunters arriving from abroad need additional documents to import their guns and require a veterinary certificate for trophy export. The BrasLove Tour aims to attract the most sophisticated clients, offering deluxe and semi-luxe rooms at Drivyaty lodge. Guests visit Braslav, Mayak Mountain and the picturesque village of Slobodka, with its Roman Catholic church in neoRomantic style. Until the end of November, a steam boat cruises along Lake Drivyaty. Bicycles and boats are offered for hire in summer while skis and skates are available in winter. Several skating rinks appear in Braslav in winter and the natural rinks of ice-bound lakes certainly prove attractive. In winter, those staying at Drivyaty can even take a snowy forest trip by sleigh. Preparations for the New Year holidays have already begun at the Braslav Lakes, to be celebrated in Belarusian style from December 30th to January 6th.

Luninets: supper prepared on an open fire

Part of the Srednyaya Pripyat Reserve (nor far from Luninets) is likely to become a hunting-free zone, with safari tours planned instead. The Director of the Republican Srednyaya Pripyat Landscape Reserve, Vasily Mordukhai, tells us that tourists enjoy the authenticity of rural customs, as they offer a real break from urban living. You can prepare dinner in a traditional oven or cook over a fire-pit, camp in a tent, stay in a rustic wooden lodge, hunt or cruise on the River Pripyat. Plenty of equipment is available for hire — from 4-seater boats with oars to bicycles, tents and sleeping bags. The ‘Along the Willow Valley’ route is particularly beautiful, covering a 2km circular loop. You can see low lying oaks and willow brush woods, while admiring the saucer lakes of the River Pripyat. There’s even an observation tower, from which wild animals can be admired.

Polotsk: 1,150 years of history

Polotsk is called the ‘father’ of Belarusian cities, being older than Minsk, Vilnius, Riga, Moscow and

Vitaliy Gil

Autumn journeys

Voyage Warsaw. Moreover, it’s located at Europe’s geographical centre. Next year, the city will be celebrating its 1,150th anniversary, with celebrations scheduled for late May and early June. Polotsk boasts a rich history, with Frantsisk Skorina (the first publisher of the Bible in Belarusian) born there. The first Belarusian saint — Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya — also came from Polotsk. Sites connected with her name remain, tourists from all over the globe arriving to visit the 11th-18th century St. Sophia Cathedral and the 12th century Holy Transfiguration Church, painted with the most beautiful frescoes, by local and Byzantine masters. Polotsk District is rich in historical monuments and forests, as well as berry and mushroom championships. ‘Lyasun’ — a character from Belarusian mythology said to protect the woods — was recently selected as a ‘talisman’ for the district. Lyasun tourist centre has opened near the village of Yakovtsy, with a phito-bar and ecological school. It also boasts craftsmen, who work there and teach guests basic craft skills.

Minsk: travelling to Ice Age

The Stone Museum, located in the suburbs of Uruchie, is to be included on the Minsk tour route. It opened in the late 1990s, dedicated to unusual stones left by a glacier many thousands of years ago. Monuments of pagan culture are also on display: monolithic stones which our Belarusian ancestors once worshipped. The Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Excursion Guides and Escort Interpreters, Nikolay Chirsky, is confident that the Geology Museum will become popular with foreign tourists. Ma ny e x c u r s i on routes are currently dedicated to Minsk, including ‘Minsk — the Capital of the Republic of B elar us’, ‘ T h e at r i c a l Minsk’ and ‘Sporting

Minsk’. Moreover, we have our ‘Paths to the Church’ route, which tours the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches of the Belarusian capital.

Lida: Khrushchev’s thaw

Lida’s Historical and Art Museum has launched a unique exhibition: 1960s Khrushchovka. A room has been styled with 1960s décor and furniture, as was typical for Khrushchovka flats. The threeto five-storey buildings were cementpanelled or made from brick, developed in the USSR in the early 1960s. They took their name from Nikita Khrushchev, who directed the Soviet government at the time. They were known for being narrow, with low ceilings, and lacked sound insulation, having partition walls. The museum has brought together unusual artefacts and household items from that time, with the room’s interior being planned carefully to appear exactly as it would have done half a century ago. Recreating the interiors of past ages is a fashionable trend for museums these days, drawing the attention of tourists. At Minsk’s First RSDRP Congress HouseMuseum, you can see how Minskers lived in the early 19th century. Meanwhile, the reconstructed rooms of a Belarusian nobleman are available at Minsk’s Regional Local History Museum, situated in Molodechno.

Volchin: royal restoration

Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the village of Volchin, not far from Brest (where the last Polish King, Stanisław August Poniatowski, was buried) is being gradually returned to its former glory. Polish restorers are working on the unique historical building, which lay ruined for many years. Built in 1733, at the front gate to the palace and park estate of Duke Czartoryski, the Roman Catholic church was greatly damaged during St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk

WWII, and was then used to store fertilisers and toxic chemicals. It is now registered on the State List of Historical and Cultural Treasures. In September 2007, Holy Trinity Catholic Church was moved to Pinsk’s Roman-Catholic Eparchy, which ordered restoration. A wonderful view of Volchin’s suburbs opens up from the clock tower, which crowns the church’s roof. The tower was recreated late summer. Unfortunately, it lacks a clock with four faces, one for each direction; however, restorers promise that they’ll eventually be installed. Among the ruins of the Catholic church, they discovered one clock face, with an hour hand. The new ones will recreate the appearance of the original, while boasting contemporary mechanisms. Volchin’s church is being restored by the same team of specialists who worked on Minsk’s Cathedral of St. Mary and Pinsk’s Church of the Assumption of St. Mary. Restored sculptures of four apostles are soon to grace the church; only one of the original figures remains — that of St. John the Evangelist. The sculpture was going to fall, with the figure being removed at the last moment.

Shchuchin: palace’s second life

The 19th century palace has been restored and is now newly opened in the Kirov District’s Zhilichi. The DruckieLubeckie Palace is Shchuchin’s landmark, being built by Franciszek Ksawery DruckiLubecki — once an ambassador of the Russian Empire to France. According to legend, his Shchichin residence imitates one of his Parisian palaces, being baroque-classic. Vilnya architect Tadeusz Rostworowski designed the beautiful building, which was owned by the DruckieLubeckie dukes until 1939 and became the local House of Officers in Soviet times. Restorers are now working on the façade, restoring and renewing its decorative elements. The inner decoration will be the final touch, with all works scheduled to be completed by 2013. Schoolchildren are to be involved, giving tours to visiting tourists. By Viktar Korbut

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Demography

Day of seventh billion UN initiative proclaims October 31st the day on which the Earth’s seven billionth resident is born

t’s difficult to determine in which country the baby — long-awaited — has been born, but the UN decided not to choose a specific person for the honour, as they did in 1999, when Adnan Mević from Bosnia was proclaimed the Earth’s six billionth person. Of course, Russians, Philippians and Hindus are all keen to claim the baby as their own. However, as two or three babies are born worldwide every second, it’s actually impossible to give a real answer. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, stresses that the jubilee gives us a chance to assess our progress and to meet the future with hope and determination, facing our problems with a positive outlook. Without dispute, population growth is especially concerning in countries where poverty and instability reign, creating a challenge for humanity.

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Can our world ever achieve peace? It’s a huge question. Nevertheless, our problems never detract from the joy of a new arrival, in whichever corner of the world it occurs. Every country is sure to celebrate in its own way. Belarus has chosen to honour all who have become mothers on October 31st. Young Natalia Borisevich received congratulations from the UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident

 Sergey Shcherbov, the head

of a research group studying population dynamics and forecasting at the Austrian Academy of Sciences’ Vienna Demography Institute, tells us: When will the Earth’s eight or nine billionth person be born? Any demographic forecast will show that no one knows for sure. In my opinion, the arrival of the seven billionth human is symbolic. At present, no single demographer is exactly aware of the number of people living on the planet.

Representative, Antonius Broek, from Belarus’ First Deputy Healthcare Minister, Igor Pinevich, and from the Deputy Minister for Labour and Social Protection, Dmitry Starovoitov. She has been awarded a certificate and gifts: everything needed to care for a baby. She had no idea that the birth would attract so much attention. Stanislav — a strong, apple-cheeked boy weighing 3.62kg — was born around 11a.m., immediately becoming a ‘star’. While the baby snuffled quietly in his cot, his mother chatted to journalists. She delivered at one of Belarus’ top maternity departments: the Republican Mother and Child Scientific and Practical Centre. She feels well, having been cared for by qualified and benevolent doctors. “This is our second child and we’re now thinking about a third baby!” she smiled, hardly able to take her eyes off the new family member. Tatiana Shtil, who gave birth to Albert, also received congratulations, as did Yelena Papkovskaya, with her daughter Alisa. Around 300 children are to receive congratulation certificates countrywide. By Irina Borovikova

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

 Literary community Minsk has hosted the 2nd session of the Writers’ Union of Belarus, gathering around five hundred literary workers from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Azerbaijan, Syria and the Czech Republic

 ‘Red carpet’ rolls out Domachevo-Sławatycze super-modern checkpoint has recently opened in Brest Region, serving the border of the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan with the European Union

t often registers over 2,000 passenger cars and up to 50 buses daily, while ensuring comfortable conditions for staff and travellers. Domachevo is not the only such checkpoint operating under European standards. Much money — primarily from the Union State budget — has been spent on modernising Varshavsky Most and Kozlovichi checkpoints. Meanwhile, construction of Peschatka point in Kamenets District (on the Polish border) is soon to begin.

ver a period of five years, the Union has expanded five-fold, uniting almost 600 writers. Over a thousand books have been released, including 100 works by classical authors and newcomers — as part of the

 Wishing good health Great Patriotic War veterans have met at Sosnovy Bor sanatorium: Belagrozdravnitsa, JSC, near Minsk

Library of the Writers’ Union of Belarus series. An agreement has been signed with Russia’s literary organisation to publish a 50 volume collection of works by the best Russian and Belarusian writers. Our two states share many joint projects, including Belaya Vezha literary magazine (published since 2010 by the Writers’ Union of the Union State). Nikolay Cherginets has been re-elected almost unanimously as the Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Belarus.

he trip is part of the Union State’s policy to give sanatorium treatment to veterans and to the physically disabled. The State Secretary of the Union State, Pavel Borodin, congratulated those present, saying, “You are doing much for your belief in the unity of our people and their wonderful joint future is passed down to the defenders of our motherland — today and tomorrow.” The Union State budget annually allocates funds to organise recuperation for veterans.

 Business crossroads The Euroregion Nieman-2011 exhibition is a great forum for attracting Russian investors into Belarus, growing steadily stronger

wo years ago, to inspire greater trans-border cooperation, the international investment forum was launched. This year, a huge number of enterprises took part, presenting a wide range of agricultural and high-tech goods. It gathered about 200 representatives of business circles, members of the diplomatic corps and city and district administrations from 13 countries.

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ournalists visited Gomel Region’s major enterprises — such as the Belarusian Ste el Wor k s ( B M Z ) an d Gomselmash. Both closely liaise with Russian partners: BMZ purchases scrap metal from Russia to produce its metal cord, wire and iron reinforcement, which it exports widely abroad, while Gomselmash has a network of joint assembly facilities in our neighbouring state. Belarusian combine harvesters operate on Russian farms in Bryansk and the Far East, as well as in other regions. Russian journalists toured Sozh Farm and sports centres in Zhlobin, Khoiniki and Minsk, finally arriving at the National Library, where the President of Belarus and Chairman of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, Alexander Lukashenko, spoke to them for over four hours. He answered all questions relating to Belarusian-Russian integration, in addition to questions regarding the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, and the future Eurasian Union. Privatisation and collaboration in the energy sphere were also high on the agenda.

Equal rights and mutual respect

Some have berated the Union State’s tardy development, as Minsk agrees. However, Mr. Lukashenko highlighted a ‘fresh’ trend, explaining, “The fact that we’ve breathed new life into our organisation and that we’ll revive the Supreme State Council sessions in November means a great deal.” The President noted that Belarus and Russia used to regularly hold Supreme State Council sessions. Regardless of the political situation, our two states have always systematically focused on solving economic problems. However, real integration presupposes co-ordination

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of other issues — such as defence and foreign political policy. Supreme State Council sessions must tackle these. Mr. Lukashenko noted with satisfaction that, on meeting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in August in Sochi, they agreed to organise Supreme State Council sessions, while extending our fully-fledged Union State. He noted the importance of ‘not burying the good business which has inspired many processes’ — such as in the field of defence and security. Mr.

Speaking of integration within the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, Mr. Lukashenko reminded that Minsk was the first among our three states to ratify related documents. “We adhere to unity via integration; this is our policy,” he added. According to the President, a Eurasian Union — proposed by Vladimir Putin — creates no threat to the independence of Belarus and Kazakhstan and, according to Mr. Lukashenko, there

Integration: new stage Russian media visits to Belarus are now a tradition. In October, the ninth press tour took place, devoted to Union State issues Lukashenko believes that Minsk and Moscow have significantly advanced in this direction, acting as a single state in the military sphere. Mr. Lukashenko especially stressed that Belarusian-Russian dialogue is open and constructive in character. “Our relations with the Russian leadership — mine with the President, the Prime Minister and our colleagues — are characterised by being open and honest. This isn’t evident in either the European Union or in other countries’ relations with Russia. We openly and honestly criticise each other, as do only the closest of people. We express our opinions baldly and speak openly, not hiding our mood or conclusions behind diplomatic wording. This is significant, established only in our relations with Russia,” he noted.

is no talk of this in Mr. Putin’s article published in Izvestiya newspaper. However, Minsk stresses that integration should be based on principles of equal rights and mutual respect. Mr. Lukashenko noted that these principles were not met on time, hampering our Union State integration. Conclusions have now been drawn. The President noted that the path to building these relations ‘is described correctly and in a civilised manner’ in Mr. Putin’s article. He believes that, if all participants follow the path, ‘no inter-personal or suprapersonal conflicts’ will be observed as ‘everything will be settled as it should be’. He added, “However, we must be responsible and respect each other.” Mr. Lukashenko believes that Belarus and Russia are extremely important to each other in the geopo-

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litical sense, “It’s surely less painful for Russia to lose some of its own territory than to lose Belarus — not only from a strategic and military-political point of view but in every sense, including moral. It would be as if Russians were losing their own people. Pondering Belarus’ geopolitical choice and its western vector of cooperation, the President noted, “We wish to be a reliable connecting link between Russia and the European Union.”

Interaction without barriers

Integration within the Single Economic Space presupposes that capital will move freely. However, some believe that Belarus is restraining the arrival of Russian money. On talking to the Russian regional media, Mr. Lukashenko stressed the incorrect-

ness of the statement. He gave our oil processing industry as an example, noting Russian investors’ participation in the privatisation of Belarusian oil refineries. In the past, Russian oil supplies to Belarus have been the subject of complicated talks. Parties failed to compromise, obliging Belarus to diversify its sources, processing Azerbaijani and Venezuelan oil. However, Russian raw materials remain the most attractive from the point of view of logistics, so Mr. Lukashenko is convinced that our trade will remain active. He explained, “We receive and process Russian oil. Why shouldn’t we establish a joint stock company with oil supplies from Russia? It’s only sensible.” Minsk insists that privatisation should be accompanied by investors meeting certain conditions (irrespective

of their origins — from Russia or the West). Mr. Lukashenko named our cooperation with Gazprom as a positive example. The Russian company is to buy a controlling share of the Belarusian gas-transport system, paying $2.5bn for Beltransgas’ remaining 50 percent of shares. In addition to money, Belarus also needs certain guarantees regarding social obligations. Mr. Lukashenko stressed that Belarus has demanded that Gazprom continue pumping the same gas volumes via Belarus, while ensuring employment terms for Beltransgas’ 10,000 staff. According to the President, Gazprom agreed to accept these conditions. However, Mr. Putin told a later session of the Customs Union’s Heads of Government that Russia is making new agreements with Belarus regarding energy co-operation. “From next year, prices will change, being lower than the equal-profit prices within the Customs Union. The ‘integration discount’ will be applied,” he noted. Minsk asserts that Belarus is welcoming Russian capital to other enterprises — such as Belaruskali (our largest exporter and only large raw material asset). Meanwhile, the country is adhering to the principal position of an adequate price being paid for assets, with development guarantees for each company and staff enjoying worthy working conditions. Judging by recent events, the Russian Government and its businessmen are ready to oblige us, with prerequisites for closer and more fruitful integration of Belarusian and Russian economies being created. On finishing his four hour dialogue with Russian journalists at the National Library, Mr. Lukashenko addressed the guests and all Russians, saying, “Do remember what I say: we’re not strangers here. We are your people from whom you can expect support. If you experience hard times, we’ll always help if we can.” By Vitaly Volyanyuk

2011 беларусь.belarus

elarus-Russia militar y collaboration is among the most dynamically developing areas of Union State integration, with the joint air defence receiving special attention. The recently held Combat Commonwealth 2011 exercise well confirms this, as the Commander in Chief

development) will help confirm our air space defence along our western borders. Can you explain more, taking into consideration that the system of air defence contributes to strengthening the air defence of all Eurasian states (CSTO members)? The ‘Combat Commonwealth 2011’ exercise at Ashuluk field in the Astrakhan Region is as a fresh example, where a diverse coalition of troop conducted joint air defence action. Air force brigades from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan acted under

That’s true. In the near future, Belarus plans to purchase the latest Russian S400 air defence missile systems for its air force. However, we also have reason for pride. In Ashuluk, we successfully demonstrated our new Belarus-made radiolocation station and a system for objective control. For the first time, four pilotless planes performed at the polygon. ‘Combat Commonwealth 2011’ participants were showing great interest in Belarusian automated management systems, which enabled the head of the Air Force and Air Defence to manage

Air guards Joint air defence on western borders of Union State proves its efficiency of the Air Force and Air Defence of the Republic of Belarus, Major General Sergey Lemeshevsky, explains. Mr. Lemeshevsky, in 2009, the single regional system of air defence of Belarus and Russia was set up. Is it operating efficiently? It’s the basis of the Union State’s security, being a shield against possible external military threats. Jointly, we guard our nations, while exchanging information on our air space. Twice a year, we organise joint staff training, testing ourselves against planes which might infringe our air space and the Union State border. We also practice scenarios connected with hijacking, as well as those dealing with assisting crews suffering distress. Our pilots train in Russia, while Russians train in our country, studying battlegrounds and aerodromes. Our Union State programme to create a lowlevel air radar field (currently under

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a single command, creating an exercise which truly showed the abilities of the Union State and CIS air defence. How did our Belarusians perform? They performed well, destroying targets which were beyond the tactical-technical abilities of our air defence missile systems. Over 1,200 Belarusian military took part, using Belarusian S-300PS, S-300V, ‘Buk’ and ‘Osa’ weaponry. A subdivision of the 49th radio-technical brigade took part, as did a Belarusian MiG-29 battle-plane. I’d like to emphasise that we’ve managed to control the whole coalition group of the CIS, which took part in the CIS United Air Defence System. It was subject to the Commander of Troops of the NorthWestern Operational-Tactical Command, including departments with S-300PMU and S-300PM and the latest S-400 air defence missile systems. New weapons were used for the first time at Ashuluk...

both the Belarusian group on the Russian field and troops located in Belarus. In future, a common basic weapon system is to be set up, integrated into the common information space of the CIS United Air Defence System. This is the position of the CIS Air Defence Coordination Committee of the Council of CIS Defence Ministers. The Committee focuses on strengthening the aviation component of future joint training for CIS United Air Defence System troops. Generally, no ‘uninvited’ guests are allowed over the border... That’s correct. Belarus boasts the most powerful air defence system among post-Soviet states. We ensure complete control, applying stricter demands on aviation in comparison to Russia. This strictness is based on a desire to secure the integrity of the borders of Belarus and the Union State. By Tamara Tiborovskaya

Indestructible by fire Unique materials created by Union State programme enjoy huge demand

n October 2011, Khimvolokno Production Association, from Belarusian Svetlogorsk, debuted at the prestigious A+A International Trade Show in Dusseldorf — the largest forum in the field of health and labour protection. It regularly attracts dozens of thousands of specialists, so the interest aroused by the Belarusian enterprise’s stand is worthy of pride. Its unique thermo-resistant ‘arselon’ threads, fibres, fabrics and nonwoven materials were admired and praised. These have wide application for protective clothing and gloves for fire-fighters, welders, steel and forestry workers. In addition, such clothing is useful to anyone dealing with hot gases. Svetlogorsk’s Khimvolokno is the only company in the world producing ‘arselon’, which enjoys great demand abroad, being supplied to 15 countries. In Dusseldorf, the innovation was awarded an honourable diploma. Belarusian scientists and manufacturers’ unique fireresistant materials can be shared with Russian colleagues — since ‘arselon’ is the result of a joint sci-tech programme to create modern polymer a n d c o mp o s i t e materials, in addition to che m i c a l f ibre s and threads. Radio, shipping and

machine-building companies, alongside those involved in nuclear energy, medicine and other branches, are keen to apply the technology. A 2011 session of the Union State Council of Ministers studied the results of the programme, which is due to be completed this year, assessing to what extent it has met its targets. It was decided to extend our joint work for another year, as new heights are being achieved. Meanwhile, the demands of the market and industry have grown. It is hoped that a three year programme will yield even greater success than initially planned. At present, Belarusian PolotskSteklovolokno, JSC is actively testing a new innovation, which uses basalt (from calcified volcanic scoria). Russian technology is allowing it to be transformed Belarusian fire-fighters trying on the innovative protective clothing

into silk-like thread, ready for combination with metals, hydrocarbon and ceramic fibres, adding unique properties to new hybrid compositions. It lends itself to being heat resistant, durable and resistant to corrosive chemicals, making it perfect for heat insulation of engines and energy aggregates, and for use in making light yet robust aircraft and rockets. It is even suitable for encasing toxic waste. S cientists f rom the National Academy of Sciences’ Metal Polymer Research Institute are also conducting studies in line with the Composite programme, creating composite materials with improved characteristics (able to withstand temperatures of minus 60 degrees Centigrade and 80 degrees Centigrade of heat). Their industrial production is organised on site: flexible tubes and pipes, protective covers and other components for automobiles, tractors and a variety of similar vehicles. Belarus and Russia are soon to stop importing these products. Meanwhile, Svetlogorsk factory has launched the manufacture of 500 varieties of heat-resistant clothes, able to withstand 250 degree temperatures. It also produces anti-microbe cellulose fibres, which are being used by Russian specialists to develop filters and blood transfusion devices. Three have already been registered in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, reducing the risk of infection 3-4-fold, while being 5-8 times cheaper than foreign analogues. The Composite programme is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and by Belarus’ Belneftekhim Concern, while the Union State budget is allocating almost 1bn Russian roubles for its implementation. The document includes 16 projects, including seven overseen by Belarusian scientists and specialists. By Vladimir Yakovlev

2011 беларусь.belarus

Road economy Belarus and Russia establish single transport space

he Single Economic Space of B el ar us, Russi a and Kazakhstan is being launched in January 2012, focusing on transport and logistics, whose role in the modern economy is ever growing. Experts are convinced that rail and road movement of goods from China to Western Europe could generate up to $500bn annually. We need only look at the map to understand that the shortest route from China to Western Europe by land passes through Russia and Belarus. Within the Union State, our two countries are doing all they can to ensure its efficient operation. Not long ago, Belarus’ Transport and Communications Minister, Ivan Shcherbo, was awarded the international Golden Cart award in Moscow. He explained, “Belarus’ transport complex — apart from being of great economic significance — is demonstrating constructive and mutually beneficial international cooperation. Jointly with Russian colleagues, Belarusian transport workers are establishing a common transport house, allowing us to extend and strengthen significance of our transport services on the international market.” In particular, in 2010, Belarus generated $2.2bn from rendering transit services: up 10 percent on 2009. By 2015, this looks set to rise another 150 percent, in line with our state socio-economic plan.

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Ivan Shcherbo, Belarus’ Transport and Communications Minister

How can we achieve this major task? We need a national road network covering 15,500km, with hard surface roads able to carry traffic at any time of the year. In recent years, an extra 300km of roads have been built, while several large bridges have come into operation — over the Zapadnaya Dvina, Dnieper and Sozh rivers. Transit highways are being improved, as two international level transport corridors pass through the Republic: from the centre of Europe to Russia (via Brest and Minsk); and from the Baltic to Russia and Ukraine and further south to the coast (via Minsk and Gomel). Belarus’ transit significance has been enhanced by the establishment of the Union State and the Customs Union. Transport plans have been corrected accordingly. “Every year, the flow of transit passing through Belarus in various directions rises by 46 percent,” notes the First Deputy Head of Belavtodor Department at Belarus’ Transport Ministry, Yuri Masyuk. “Up to 70 percent of trucks travel to or from Russia, while transit flow to Kazakhstan is increasing. Our task is to ensure barrier free, economically profitable and comfortable movement of transport along Belarusian roads. In particular, there are plans to connect Minsk with its regional centres via European level highways in the coming five years.

Before outlining plans, Belarus has thoroughly studied foreign experience to learn more about motorways carrying vehicles in a single direction across multiple lanes. These use a central barrier to separate the two directions of travel, protecting against vehicles meeting oncoming traffic. In addition, no crossroads or pedestrian crossings are used. So far, only a few sections of Belarusian road meet these requirements; accordingly, thousands of kilometres of road need modernisation. Work has begun on Minsk-Gomel road — part of the 9th international transport corridor connecting the Baltic and southern ports. The route experiences intensive traffic, which is ever growing. In addition, roads towards Mogilev are being revamped and Minsk-Grodno route is next in line. A duplicate section of the international Berlin-WarsawMinsk-Moscow road could join this route, which would be just one kilometre longer than the tradition route via Brest. The М1/Е30 (from Brest to the Russian border) has already undergone modernisation, allowing cars to travel at a speed of 120km/h. This raises traffic capacity and is more ecologically efficient. Belavtodor aims to ensure the road is kept in peak condition, while improving its traffic flow and infrastructure. In Belarus, all roads lead to Minsk. However, the present Minsk ring road

Our Russian partners are also taking measures. Many Belarusian roads needing reconstruction unite our two states, while traffic between Russia and Vitebsk, Mogilev and Gomel is growing in intensity. Clearly, a unified approach is vital, governed by a single set of rules. These are now being developed by the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, ensuring that the same demands are placed on road safety and performance and road infrastructure. A draft document has been approved by our three states and is now open to the public, for later adoption by the Customs Union Commission. Border infrastructure is also under development, with Belarus following a special programme. By 2015, eleven checkpoints on the border of the EU and Ukraine should be built, supplementing the 24 already operating (many were set up using Union State funds and under targeted programmes). As a result, capacity should rise from 21,000 to 35,000 cars daily. Simultaneously, 34 transport-logistical centres are being constructed, with some investors focusing on cargo flow from China to Western Europe. In Orsha, the local Air Repair Plant runway is to accept planes bearing Chinese cargo while Belarusian Railways has recently launched delivery of container cargoes from Germany to

China. Importantly, the elimination of all possible barriers within the Customs Union has increased rail cargo transportation by 13 percent. It’s hardly possible to ensure full economic operation without close ties with Russia and Kazakhstan (since the transportcorridorfromSouthEasternAsia to Western Europe passes through their territories). Belarus’ Transport Ministry is already discussing new transport-logistical schemes with partners, to deliver cargo and facilitate its processing. Belarus has also signed a memorandum with China’s ZTE on joint production of intellectual systems to monitor transport flow, with the aim of enhancing attractiveness of transit through Belarus. The country is participating in the development of telecommunication systems to manage transport flow along the international transport corridor from China to Western Europe (also passing through Russia and Kazakhstan). We hope to develop this corridor by joint effort, elaborating single standards and mechanisms and applying a certain pricing policy. This will be another step towards the establishment of a single transport space for the Union State and the Customs Union — covering the territory from Brest to Vladivostok. By Vladimir Bibikov

Alexander Ruzhechka

— though reconstructed several years ago — is unable to cope safely with the increased traffic flow. With this in mind, it was decided to build another ring road some distance from the existing one. To achieve this, roads 20-30km away from the capital, which connect Minsk with Vitebsk and Grodno, are to be improved to meet international standards. A semi-ring road on the opposite side of the city is already operational: a section of М-1/Е30, which partially circles Minsk to the south-west. These changes are envisaged by governmental programmes and Presidential decrees, with major financing received from the budget. However, loans (some foreign) are also planned. Measures include use of the latest imported technologies and application of experience gained during our reconstruction of the international motorway connecting Brest with the Russian border. Clearly, better roads would enhance the quality and profitability of transport and cargo services, with savings also passed on to customers. As regards state benefits, Mr. Masyuk explains, “It’s quite possible that we’ll introduce a toll for trucks using the new roads — as is observed in Europe and Russia. However, we’ll apply different technologies, to eliminate queues. Special equipment at checkpoints will be able to read a signal from each truck’s front window, where a special transmitter can be fixed to send information on the vehicle and driver.”

2011 беларусь.belarus

Roots feed talent

ack in spring, the names of the nominees for the 20112012 Union State Literary a n d A r t Aw a r d w e r e announced. At that time, I met Georgy Poplavsky at his studio, in Minsk’s Surganova Street, asking how his artistic path began. He began by telling me about his younger years. Mr. Poplavsky was born around 80 years ago near Bobruisk. His family escaped de-kulakisation and hunger, moving from Ukrainian Rovno to the Belarusian village of Bortniki, near Berezina. Many would call him a son of Belarus but he notes, “My Ukrainian forefathers were Old Believers, born in Russia.” I commented on his strong ties with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, which perhaps inspire his feeling of comfort in all three. This Slavonic unity is a bright feature of his art. Mr. Poplavsky is a member of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and of the Russian Academy of Arts. He is also a laureate of the State Award of Belarus. He keeps in touch with his Moscow colleagues and those from

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Alexander Ruzhechka

People’s Artist of Belarus Georgy Poplavsky nominated for Union State Literary and Art Award

other cities of the former USSR — the common cultural space which shaped his career. “I don’t view that time idealistically. It was tough but romantic. I was sent to the north of Kazakhstan just as the tenth anniversary of mastering virgin lands was celebrated. Russians and Kazakhs shared this truly international state but there was no inter-relation of national influences. Artists sought bright landscapes and human faces. At the time, I drew several pictures, with one depicting a worker drinking from a spring. However, I was criticised for not creating the right Soviet mood; they said that my character should not be drinking from his hands! I wanted to depict the nature of my character, who was building his own future under severe conditions. However, I failed to create a ‘parade’ picture of that virgin land, so was not allowed to participate in a show. At that time, the traditions of Stalin’s social realism were alive; those harvesting crops were depicted carrying flowers, wearing a clean suit… quite the opposite of reality! Like some others, I view the world realistically,” Mr. Poplavsky explains.

The artist has many awards but his nomination for the Union State Literary and Art Award is a true recognition of his talent. Among Belarusian artists, only Mikhail Savistky and Leonid Shchemelev were awarded in the past. “They are my worthy peers,” admits Georgy. “It’s a true honour to share anything with them.” Several of Mr. Poplavsky’s pictures are being offered for assessment: History and Modernity; graphic cycles — High Sky; Homeland of Cosmonauts; Northern Sea Path; Chernobyl — Belarusian Routine; Time of Long Knives; etchings and lithographies for Word about Igor’s Regiment; Yanka Kupala’s She and Me; Yakub Kolas’ Selected Pieces; and Vasil Bykov’s Novels. Mr. Poplavsky has a strong personality, as have his characters. “They are partisans, sailors and villagers — all strong people,” he explains. “Our land relies on them! I find a common language with such people as I’m also a strong man, with well-established status.” The Union State Literary and Art Award is to be presented in the summer by the Chairman of the Union State Supreme State Council, at the opening of the 21st Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk International Festival of Arts. The ceremony has been held since 2002, with a prize given worth 1,250-fold of Russia’s minimum salary. This year, two candidates — instead of the usual three — have been nominated: Georgy Poplavsky and Russian poet Gleb Gorbovsky. The Expert Council’s decision is now being studied by the Union State Council of Ministers, with the Supreme State Council to approve the final winners. By Viktar Korbut

Panorama  Deeper sense of  Specialty route craftsmanship Stone Museum included on the Belarus to gain its own National Museum of Folk Art

In memory of countryman Rare documents from Andrey Gromyko’s biography added to museum exhibition in Gomel

avel Akopov, Chairman of the Association of Russian Diplomats, has donated copies of archive documents relating to legendary diplomat Andrey Gromyko to Gomel’s Palace and Park Estate museum. Mr. Gromyko was born in the village of Starye Gromyki, in Gomel Region’s Vetka District. The ceremony was attended by the CIS Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation in the charter and other bodies of the CIS in Minsk, Igor Gromyko — a grandson of the great diplomat. The copies hail from the State Archives of Russia and are considered rare, being previously only handled by a narrow circle of specialists. The materials include a Decree by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, appointing Andrey Gromyko as Foreign Minister, as well as a range of his own diplomatic correspondence. Photos taken during his participation at international diplomatic forums are on show, alongside his own comments. The Association of Russian Diplomats has also donated the latest editions dedicated to Gromyko, which have been released in Russia; some are donated by Vetka secondary school #1, which bears his name. According to Mr. Akopov, the initiative is the result of close liaisons with the museum in Gomel, which have been growing for the past few years. The museum already boasts a permanent exhibition devoted to Andrey Gromyko, while ties are strong with Vetka secondary school, which honours the memory of the prominent diplomat. Soon, the donated materials will be on show at Gomel’s Palace and School museum.

eputy Culture Minister Ta d e u s h S t r u z h e t s k y recently announced at a press conference that Belarus is to gain its own National Museum of Folk Art, showing a variety of Belarusian crafts. “Belarus has everything it needs to launch such a museum — including quite a few folk art pieces and working craftsmen,” he said. The museum is to be part of the first Belarusian museum quarter — like those seen in Moscow, Amsterdam and Vienna. Belarus’ Culture Ministry plans to complete its works by 2017, with the quarter (set up around the National Art Museum) occupying the perimeter of Kirov, Lenin and Marx streets (as approved by the Belarusian authorities). The country has about a dozen specialised folk craft museums already, including Dudutki Museum of Ancient Folk Crafts and Technologies. In addition, district and regional history museums have folk craft rooms, as does the National History Museum and the National Art Museum. Pottery, leather processing, cooperage, lime bast and weaving, iron works and felting have flourished in Belarus since ancient times. To keep these wonderful skills alive and well, craft schools operate, allowing masters to pass on their skills to our younger generation. Brest Region alone has 30 such schools. In 2012, an international open air workshop for potters is being hosted by a pottery school in the village of Gorodnaya, in Stolin District.

Minsk tour route

he museum, located in the suburbs of Uruchie, is a unique site. According to the Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Excursion Guides and Escort Interpreters, Nikolay Chirsky, this will enhance interest in the site while making it more popular among foreign tourists. At present, schoolchildren and students are its major visitors. Mr. Chirsky believes that many excursion routes are currently dedicated to Minsk, so it’s rather difficult to invent something new. “Much has been already developed, including ‘Minsk — the Capital of the Republic of Belarus’, ‘Theatrical Minsk’ and ‘Sporting Minsk’,” notes Mr. Chirsky. Moreover, we have our ‘Paths to the Church’ route, which tours the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches of the Belarusian capital. The specialist also added that preparation of qualified staff has become a real challenge because of the increased demand for excursion services in recent six months.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Traditions

Under snowy veil It’s only autumn but the breath of winter is just around the corner. Frosty mornings are almost within grasp. Within a few weeks, the last autumn leaf will fall to our feet and we — either helplessly or joyfully — will acknowledge that winter has arrived… and, with it, certain folk traditions

inter was once perceived to bestow Holy Protection, with the white cloudy sky and snowy blanket seen as a veil placed by the Virgin Mary over the heads of the faithful. The idea originated in Tsargrad, which was repeatedly attacked by barbarians. In fact, snow often begins to fall on the joyful festival of Holy Protection and many folk traditions and legends are connected with this special day. “Holy Protection is a major holiday, which is especially revered. It’s considered to be a landmark in the seasonal cycle, where nature and mankind enter another stage,” explains folklore researcher Yelena Dovnar-Zapolskaya. “Once Holy Protection day arrived, sheep were no longer sent out to pasture; shepherds would only work from St. George’s Day to Holy Protection.” Meanwhile, ‘Holy Protection pies’ were baked, stuffed with boiled kidney beans and onions. In some areas of Vitebsk Region, this custom remains.

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People would carry the tasty pie all around the house and outbuildings, touching the walls lightly with its brown crust to imbue protection from snowstorms and strong winds. Kidney beans were appropriate, containing essential vitamins for the female body — useful to young mothers and mature women alike, being a wonderful hormone replacement. Of course, even after Holy Protection, the weather could be changeable, with sun and rain coming in turn; this was sometimes called a ‘girl’s summer’ — being as unstable and changeable as a girl’s character. There was no escaping the fact that summer was leaving however, hiding itself at last. People said that ‘Holy Protection puts its stamp on the earth’. According to legend, no one would discover treasure until the first spring thunders arrived, as the earth would hide all beneath its winter coat. This new part of the year turned the thoughts of parents and young people to match-making and weddings, which were often cele-

brated during the cold season. It seemed as if the Virgin Mary would bless newlyweds with a long and happy life: ‘Holy Protection! Cover the land with yellow leaves and young snow, water — with ice, fish — with scales, trees — with bark, birds — with feathers and young girls — with caps’. People would also foretell the weather on this day. A northern wind meant a severe winter, an eastern wind forecast little snow and a western wind threatened deep snow, as high as the gates, bringing much sledging.

Earth under young snow

While everyone enjoys warmth, winter has its own charm, as proven by the rich heritage of Belarusian folk traditions from this time of year. Respect and admiration for its

Traditions

beauties is obvious and, of course, we know that spring will always return. Life continues regardless of the weather; it simply adjusts in the winter months, to accommodate the snow, frost and wind. Long ago, people viewed snow as a manifestation of God’s care for the land and its inhabitants. They said: ‘much snow means much bread’ and ‘snowy frosts and snow higher than the house brings a rich year’. However, snow accompanied by strong winds and storms was thought to be sent by evil forces, as were spring frosts. According to Ms. Dovnar-Zapolskaya, people would say that ‘devils and witches marry in snowstorms’, showing how a snowy landscape can be perceived as other-worldly. Snow was also connected with the world of our ancestors, with each snowflake, being unique in shape, containing the soul of a dead person or, even, a whole family generation. Snow or rain on your wedding day is still seen as good fortune — a God-given sign of well-being. Our ancestors saw frost and snow as purifying the house and air, so, if Easter was early, people would ‘shower’ all corners of their houses with snow on Holy Thursday. Since ancient times, ice water has been considered to have healing powers, bringing strength and health. The first snow was especially powerful

while the last snow flurry, which could fall on fresh spring growth, was described as ‘God sweeping away the tents’. On frosty and snowy days, newly-weds would be ‘buried’ in snow during the Maslenitsa festival, since it was thought that this would bring them good health, bestow strong children and, even, ensure soil fertility. During the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Magdeburg Right, deep snow-drifts (some higher than houses) had to be cleared away by law, with roads covered with ash and sand in advance. Ever yone took t h e i r

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Traditions duties seriously. The police would even fine residents who failed to clear their courtyard. Frost has long been identified with festive New Year but our ancestors also imagined ‘frost’ as an old man with beard and moustache, whose coarse clothes were covered with frost and ice. Frost was seen as benevolent, sent by God to freeze rivers and lakes, creating icy bridges. Strong frost wasn’t a punishment; rather, it was considered ‘healthy’ — even if the logs were cracking in the house. People said it was the ‘icy old man’ walking from one corner to another or even sitting on the roof. Father Frost was treated very respectfully, with people even inviting him to the table at Kolyady, trying to ‘bribe’ him. However, frost in spring aroused less joy, bringing more trouble. When spring arrived, people said: ‘Frost is struggling with the Sun’. However, he couldn’t win, since his strength was draining away, his beard, moustache and clothes melting. Wind — another roaring and uncontrollable element — also has a double folk origin, boasting purifying power and expelling evil in its moderate form while storm winds are ‘evil’s child’. In

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many illustrations from the late 19thearly 20th century, wind and frost are personified, presented as a man with blowing cheeks and pursing lips. Ms. Dovnar-Zapolskaya explains, “The wind can bring warm rain and disperse seeds from plants and trees, allowing them to germinate. Wind also blows away all evil; healers would ‘send’ disease ‘to the wind’. However, it can also bring trouble and illness, possessing destructive power; accordingly, some diseases were associated with the wind — such as chickenpox. Angry winds are sent by evil spirits. Naturally, many legends exist. One states that a knife thrown into the centre of a hurricane will return covered with blood or that an evil spirit may emerge from the tornado with the knife in their leg, promising to serve whoever will take the knife out. It’s important to be careful when cutting things during windy weather and, in Belarusian fairy tales and legends, millers were often thought to have made deals with the wind to make it change direction or strength as necessary.”

Fast isn’t empty

The last autumn days and the beginning of winter brings a period of fasting, preceding the great holiday of Jesus Christ’s birth. It’s known as St. Philip’s fast in Orthodox religion (beginning on November 28th) and Advent in the Protest ant and Catholic faiths. Advent is a time to prepare f o r the

coming of Christmas, and is observed until December 24th. Believers joyfully anticipate the arrival of Jesus Christ, undertaking quiet reflection and endeavouring to shake off bad habits — such as smoking, drinking or eating to excess. Most choose an aspect of their lives which they know requires attention while others seek the advice of a priest. In scrutinising one’s own lifestyle, it brings great joy when Christmas actually arrives, with the birth of Jesus Christ perceived with especial depth of feeling. One beautiful tradition of the Catholic faith is to conduct candlelit prayer services in honour of the Virgin Mary. The liturgy includes the words: ‘Clean dews, embrace our world; skies, give us the Holy Deliverer’. Advent also marks the start of the new liturgical year. Believers are encouraged to devote themselves to prayer, meditation about God, and contemplation of their faith and lives. Orthodox believers’ St. Philip’s Fast is less strict, since they focus more on Christ’s birth as a joyful event. Traditionally, those fasting might give up meat, cheese, butter, milk, eggs or, sometimes, fish. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, fish and wine are prohibited, while cooking with vegetable oil is forbidden after evensong. On the other days, food can be prepared using vegetable oil. According to ancient tradition, fish is permitted on Saturday and Sunday, on great holidays — such as the Presentation of the Theotokos at the Temple — and on saints’ days, if these fall on Tuesday or Thursday. If holidays fall on Wednesday or Friday, only wine and vegetable oil are allowed. From December 20th-25th, the fast becomes stricter, with fish prohibited even on Saturday and Sunday. New Year is usually celebrated on these days, with priests often suggesting that believers continue their lent diet and remain aloof from noisy entertainments. The fast aims to bring spiritual purification, rather than serving a purpose in itself, to help the soul’s journey heavenwards. However, the faithful are advised not to view themselves as being in any

Traditions way superior in making their efforts. As the Optina Elders said: ‘Those who don’t want to fast voluntarily, will fast involuntarily…’. The church views fasting as a lifestyle choice, requiring long-term commitment and gradual abstinence; it’s advised to fast on Wednesday and Friday all year through to allow the body to adjust. Undertaking a sudden change of diet can either damage your health or make you impatient and irritable from hunger. When this happens, anger and discomfort make people abandon their fast, so the faithful are advised: ‘Let your hearts not be embittered with overeating or excessive drinking’. The last day of the Christmas Fast is Christmas Eve, when the Church asks followers to eat ‘sochivo’ (made from wheat and rice). Orthodox believers must fast ‘until the first star appears in the sky’, reminding us of the appearance of the star in the east, announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. Once the Divine Liturgy has been performed, a meal can be prepared with vegetable oil.

How to prepare ‘sochivo’

1 glass of wheat grains, 100g of poppy seeds, 100g of walnut kernels, 1-3 table spoons of honey and sugar to taste. Wheat grains are crushed in a wooden mortar with a wooden pestle, while pouring some warm water from time to time to remove the husks. The kernels are drawn, bolted and washed before being cooked as usual as a thin porridge. When cool, add some sugar. Poppy seeds are ground until they form poppy milk, when honey is added. Everything is mixed and added to the wheat, with cooled boiled water added if too thick. Finally, walnut kernels are sprinkled on top. Sometimes, ‘sochivo’ is made from rice, but each cup must be boiled with 1.5 glasses of water, with the lid on, at a high heat for three minutes, for six minutes at a moderate heat and three at a low heat. The rice should stand for another 12 minutes with the lid on. Sometimes, raisins can be added but only honey should be used for sweetening.

Finishing point of the year

“In ancient times, the penultimate day of the year — December 30th — was also special, being the day when workers finished their contracts of hire,” notes Ms. Dovnar-Zapolskaya. “People would work the last day and then reassess their conditions. It was said that ‘On St. Stepan’s D a y, e a c h hired worker was master of himself ’ and it was absolutely true. Employers would be slightly concerned about how to keep their essential workers, offering advantageous proposals and benefits and, of course, good salaries. If the labour force was dissatisfied, they had the right to change employment. There was a saying: ‘I’ll find another master for myself on St. Stepan’s Day’ (30th December honours St. Stephan or Stepan).” Just a week is left before Christmas, Our master isn’t pleased with his servants, Servants are going skipping And master follows them crying. Weather forecasting also took place on this day, with snow on trees promising an abundance of tasty, fragrant wild strawberries in the woods (despite it being many months ahead). Christmas now awaits us, followed by Theophany and Maslenitsa. Time ever rolls on! By Galina Ulitenok

2011 беларусь.belarus

Relics

he ways of God are inscrutable. A century and a half ago, the ‘Arkhyz face’ cliff fresco was discovered — probably the oldest depiction of Jesus Christ in Eastern Europe, being created a thousand years ago by an unknown painter who used ‘3D technology’.

years ago. Moreover, the paints are about a thousand years old, rather than a mere century year old.” Our knowledge of many Belarusian relics comes from Mr. Strukov’s paintings. He found Belarus just as appealing as Caucasus, arriving here from Moscow in the 1860s. He aimed to paint treasures dating from the Kiev

and a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, she believes the album’s distribution is the most important cultural event of 2011. “This book is an artistic chronicle of Belarus’ historical-cultural legacy, created by talented master Dmitry Strukov. He was an artist with the Kremlin’s Armoury,

Last witness Artist Dmitry Strukov depicts original Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya Cross which disappeared during WWII

Located in Russia’s Karachay-Cherkess Republic, in the mid-19th century, it was copied by artist Dmitry Strukov — known for his watercolour paintings of Belarusian saints (most of which are no longer with us). He painted a picture of the original Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya Cross — Belarus’ most significant relic. According to one legend, the fresco was created by divine force. Another tale states that, in fact, Dmitry Strukov painted it during his travels through the Caucasus (a story which proves how greatly his work is revered). The Director of the State KarachayCherkess Historical-Cultural and Natural Museum-Reser ve, Umar Elkanov, confirms that Mr. Strukov copied sacred frescoes from the Arkhyz valley. He explains the authenticity of the ancient works, saying, “If it was he who drew this face on the cliff, then local monks would have known many

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Rus and Grand Duchy of Lithuania era and even found time to draw Catholic and Protestant relics. He represented the whole palette of Belarusian art — little known beyond its borders at the time. Belarus was part of Russia, named North-Western Region. Despite its dull name, the country boasted an ancient and spiritually rich culture, which Mr. Strukov succeeded in revealing. At that time, the art of photography was in its infancy, so the artist was relied upon to portray the beauty of local architecture and relics. Sadly, no album featuring his works was published in his own time. However, a recent edition has been released with a modest circulation of 1,800 copies, by Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House. Scientists continue to study Mr. Strukov’s role in saving Belarusian a r t e f a c t s , a s In e s s a S l y u n k ov a explains. As a doctor of architecture

going on an adventurous expedition to study rarities not only in Belarus but also in neighbouring Lithuania and Latvia,” she stresses. Sharing Dmitry Strukov’s wonderful work with the readers of our Belarus magazine, we are also keen to tell you about his journal, which he kept as he travelled through our country, sketching various sites. These unique ‘travel notes’ are now published — 150 years on.

Minsk

The city is rich in legends and stories. Many Orthodox churches once existed, although few now remain. St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral is thought to have been built on the foundations of the much older Holy Spirit Cathedral (restored to house the Verkhny Gorod — Upper Town — Concert Hall in September 2011, opposite the Town Hall).

Relics Art Two of its ancient icons remain with us today, one in early 17th century style and the other depicting the Virgin Mary, inscribed: ‘This icon of the Mother of God, with baby Jesus in her arms, was brought by the Grand Duke of the Russian lands — St. Vladimir — to Kiev’s Desyatinnaya Church. After Kiev’s destruction by Tatars, it was found in the River Svisloch in Minsk on August 13th, 1500. It was then taken to the Castle Church before being later moved to the Cathedral in 1852. Orthodox believers donated a new silver vestment’. The icon is now kept at the Holy Spirit Cathedral. The vestry houses other wonderful articles — including two crosses: one golden and one in stunning silver gilt. Meanwhile, residents of the city and suburbs say that underground tunnels connect the Roman Catholic churches. Five years ago, holes were discovered in the courtyard of the Governor’s house (now housing the Belarusian State Music Academy in Svobody Square) which were found to reveal a corridor deep enough to allow even a tall man to hardly touch the ceiling. Ancient St. Yekaterina’s Church (now known as St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral) was built in 1611, with some vaulting added in the 17th century and some bricks in the 18th century — creating two major reconstructions. St. Trinity Monastery was situated on Troitskaya Hill — where the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre now stands. Fragments of walls and foundations are still visible along the river bank, alongside some human bones. Around the ‘white church’, it is very picturesque. Legend tells us that many vaults and tunnels exist not far from the seminary.

Zaslavl

This was a large town in ancient times, with many churches and monasteries. Today, the foundations of three churches remain. Nun Rogneda (the first Belarusian woman to be recorded in manuscripts) lived at the monastery in the 10th century and was buried there.

Molodechno

Nearby Zamok Hill boasts the foundations of an ancient castle. Just one kilometre away, there is evidence of a cemetery — perhaps for burial of wealthy people, or of those who once inhabited the monastery.

Polotsk

The city is situated on two rivers — the Dvina and the Polota — with a castle between. Eighteenth century stone Sophia Cathedral is found nearby, with the lower sections of an ancient stone church preserved beneath its floor. One of its paintings features the legs and hands of saints and the site now houses an Archaeological Museum boasting 11th century fragments of paintings. The cathedral’s altar is beautifully adorned while the vestry houses gorgeous gilt-

embroidered ecclesiastical attire from the 15th-16th century. Other impressive artefacts include hand-written books, the Gospel and a 1661 silver cross. The St. Yevrosiniya Cross is kept at Saviour Convent, in a cell in the choir loft, where the saint (who founded the church in the 12th century) lived and slept.

***

Although Mr. Strukov had letters of transmittal from Moscow, he was not allowed to enter every church and palace where artefacts from the past were held. In addition, the weather sometimes hampered him from reaching remote settlements; he continued to travel through winter and summer. Mr. Strukov visited only Belarus’ eastern territories but, several years later, world known artist Napoleon Orda (also a musician and Chopin’s associate) explored the country’s western lands. Owing to these two artists, knowledge of our thousand year old cultural heritage from our ancient monasteries and princely residences survives. Tourists still arrive in Belarus in search of our cultural jewels, following in the footsteps of Mr. Strukov and Mr. Orda. Yevrosiniya Polotskaya’s Cross — which disappeared in 1941 — has been copied by Brest master Nikolay Kuzmich, attracting pilgrims to Polotsk, who are eager to pay tribute to the saint. In turn, Minsk is home to the icon of the Mother of God so admired by Mr. Strukov; pilgrims continue to arrive to light candles before it. Looking at his paintings, we journey back 150 years to a time when these original treasures were just as priceless as they are today. By Viktar Korbut

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artperson

Leonid Shchemelev:

Teaching good

Vitaliy Gil

It’s always vital to be able to share professional and life experience, even in the delicate sphere of art. People’s Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev believes that there are many ways in which we can share our creativity. Of course, many know of this prominent master, as his legacy is huge. He has vividly and clearly realised himself

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hchemelev’s creativity enables us to see incredible beauty in our landscapes and diversity in our environment, as well as dignity and nobility in human nature. His art is fascinating in its natural simplicity, having charm and beauty; his works are natural in every sense. Today, he is widely known as a master of contemporary Belarusian art, having been awarded the title of People’s Artist

Vitaliy Gil

Artperson

Here, we focus on Leonid Shchemelev as an artist whose professional experience has enriched the development of Belarusian pictorial culture. He is a master who has influenced the creativity of modern Belarusian painters in so many ways. Our conversation at his studio was dedicated to this topic. To what degree does the professional and creative growth of a young painter depend on their teacher? Teachers should treat young artists sincerely. I see teachers as having an

Leonid Shchemelev’s art is fascinating in its natural simplicity, having charm and beauty; his works are natural in every sense. Today, he is widely known as a master of contemporary Belarusian art and laureate of the State Award of the Republic of Belarus. He has received the prestigious Frantsisk Skorina Medal and has enjoyed dozens of personal exhibitions at home and abroad, while taking part in international artistic forums. His pieces have been acquired by museums and galleries across the globe, as well as by private collectors in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Iran and Israel.

understanding of high culture, although they don’t need to be great painters themselves. They do need to understand the essence of art in order to help their pupils’ progress. Art is produced only by the most able. Do you speak from experience? Of course. I’m not speculating; I know this for sure. I always yearned to teach but it’s now too late, as it requires much effort. I once taught at a school for talented children and then at an art

school, which I loved, but I left to pursue my own creativity. I really wanted to work at the Institute, but the feeling wasn’t reciprocated. Surely, not every painter can become a teacher. Much depends on their cultural and intellectual experience and ability to pass on knowledge? You’re right. It’s the only possible approach towards teaching art. A painter can’t just take the place of a teacher; they need to have an endless desire to teach. Pedagogic activity ties together our country and its culture. A teacher is like a creator, always opening something to reveal what lies beneath. When a pupil breaks away from their teacher, it’s like breaking the past from the present. French pictorial art seems to have lost much because of this. You’re right that France has lost many of its traditions. French painters used to demonstrate love for their homeland through their art, encapsulating the spirit of all things. Their work now lacks this element. You’re thinking back ten, twenty or forty years ago, when a creative community existed. Does its passing concern you? Perhaps… I was born and raised in Vitebsk, so was brought up with interesting painters from childhood. I gained a great deal from attending

2011 беларусь.belarus

Vitaliy Gil

Artperson

Vitebsk’s school, where gifted people taught us. The Metallist Club held exhibitions and encouraged discussions, as I well remember. Of course, this influenced my choice of profession and my attitude. After the Great Patriotic War, I entered Vitebsk’s Art School, taught by the wonderful Lev Leitman. It was an interesting period, when the horrors and fears of war could be shaken off and you could take delight in some other occupation. Mr. Leitman was very interesting as a teacher, bringing you into his inner circle of understanding. Other teachers were good and bad and I finally left in 1952, entering university in 1953. There, I began to understand the nature of pictorial work within

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Belarus and the former Soviet Union. My teacher, Vitaly Tsvirko, became an integral part of his pupils’ lives. I felt close to him, finding him very interesting; his teaching was enlightening. The most vital lesson I received from him was to respect my brush and paints. Moreover, I learnt to respect artists worldwide. Tsvirko was not only an interesting teacher. In 1955, an exhibition at the Dresden Gallery in Moscow attracted thousands of people from all over the Soviet Union. You had to queue for several days to see it. Mr. Tsvirko organised our trip to this exhibition, allowing us to spend several days viewing free of charge. We had great respect for his efforts on our behalf. It’s difficult to

imagine this situation today. We need our conversation about art to be broader, as society can’t grow without progressive understanding of this sphere. You still come to your studio to work every day. To what degree are your current works contemporary and what elements from the past inspire you? You combine the past and the present, don’t you? Art has its own attitude towards the world: what has been and what is. For example, I’m working on the 1812 war, when France attacked Russia, trying to perceive those events in a new way. Historical moments need to be understood; it’s at the core of everything. However, I’m also a contemporary person, more concerned about the present than

Artperson the past. The past and future can be viewed in the light of modernity. I’m keen on modern art, although my gallery in Minsk has a picture of Napoleon. It’s like a slice of the past and the present at the same time — today’s understanding of the past. Modern citizens’ perception of the world is significant. Art opens the door to a joyful tomorrow; it has always been so — even in ancient times. Ancient Greek artworks, which are unique, are delightful. Artists of that time depicted the world in a fascinating manner. However, it’s important to see the world more progressively, in its development. This will bring more benefit. You’re visited by foreign guests. How do they perceive your works? I’ve been visited by French, Turkish and American guests. I felt that they were aware of the national language and perceptions. Recently, three young girls arrived from France and, remarkably, their attitude towards art was identical to ours. They saw life through an understanding of themselves. Their respect for the mastery of paints and colour reveals their attitude towards their country. Many people want to see what an artist produces but I’m eager to see joyful creativity and to see how they reveal the essence of life. If a person feels the pulse of life, it’s always interesting. From the autobiography of People’s Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev: I was lucky. I was born in Vitebsk — a city of painters. In my childhood, I was surrounded by lovers of painting. They were amateurs, yet I learnt about colour, canvases and the aroma of fresh paint early on. The Dvina River was nearby and it’s still sacred to me. My impressions from childhood are connected with the delights of winter skiing, summer joys on the bank of the Dvina River, trips to my granny’s village and, of course, cinema. All were interrupted by the war. In 1941, I went to the front, as everyone did. In 1943, I was badly wounded, near Mozyr. Later, I returned to the front after

being released from hospital, fighting for Belarus’ liberation. I experienced difficult times during that terrible war. However, fate saved me and I began to study at Minsk’s Art School. I then worked as a teacher and, finally, entered the Art Institute in Minsk. I was lucky again in becoming a pupil of Vitaly Tsvirko. Being a prominent artist and teacher, he gave me the opportunity to see the world as I now understand it. I took to heart my first creative failures but soon began to exhibit at various exhibitions in Minsk,

Moscow and elsewhere. Today, as e ve r, I work and rejoice at the successes of my children and grandchildren. The life of an artist is the best created by God, in my view. My delight at the world, full of w on d e r f u l paradoxes,

expressed through joyful creativity, makes me happy. Your teacher, Vitaly Tsvirko, preferred to avoid public appearances; his paintings spoke louder than his words. Which category of artists do you belong to? I belong to those who love their profession and, if necessary, can express themselves simply in common language. Of course, I don’t study my own creativity or that of others. However, I do have a lot to say about Vitaly Tsvirko, as I am both grateful to him and admire him as an artist and as a person. When you study long and hard, you have many teachers. However, only one fundamentally guides you down your long and difficult road towards becoming an artist, helping you appreciate your own role in art and your degree of responsibility. Vitaly Tsvirko was such a teacher for me. Being a great painter, he was able to give lessons in professional mastery, as well as sharing his human kindness and love for nature, which he felt sharply. Maybe this is why landscapes and the moods of nature prevail in your works? I have few ‘pure’ landscapes among my works; I tend to use landscapes for the composition’s background, w it h p e op l e or animals in the foreground. These complement and revive the landscape, while being logically connected with it, creating a picture. I’m searching for an accurate portrayal of life rather than seeking to explore a theme. I try to show

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Artperson

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achieve remarkable heights if they focus on what makes them unique, becoming well-known at home and achieving global recognition (becoming ‘supranational’). Artists should present their own perception of their native legacy as panEuropean art. You’ve said that you received the opportunity to compare and contrast your homeland with what you experienced abroad. How does Belarus differ from other states and how might it appear to someone newly arrived? The first thing that should strike everyone is Belarus’ countryside; the land is covered in pure, spring-fed lakes

Vitaliy Gil

my audience life itself and don’t invent anything. How do you view the days when social realism ruled? Talented masters always find ways to realise their creativity, making true masterpieces. One of the greatest drawbacks of social realism was the way that privileges, knowledge and posts were unfairly distributed. Of course, a painter’s own personality had a role to play in whether they succumbed to temptation; not everyone became infected with the disease. I find it difficult to say how many pictures I dedicated to the historicalrevolutionary theme, as such works aren’t limited to showing the act of shooting people. Sometimes, a single face can show the fate of a whole generation. Judging by your biography, you’ve t o u r e d a g r e at deal of the Soviet Union, as well as Europe and Asia. What did you gain from these trips as an artist and for what were you searching? I toured a lot — mostly through the former Soviet Union’s fifteen republics. Only the Far East remains. I also toured elsewhere; each trip resulted in a vast amount of artistic material. The most precious aspect was the chance to compare my new experiences with my knowledge of Belarus. I wanted to dedicate most of my pieces to Belarus and was keen to understand what ‘nourishes’ the creativity of outstanding artists in the USSR and abroad. What brings them popularity? Do you know what I found? I realised the enduring truth that professional art grows, nourishes and blossoms only on its native soil, borne from folk culture and traditions. A painter can only

and a network of small and large rivers crossing its length and breadth. These ensure that nature remains fresh and lush. You can’t help but notice. Our nature doesn’t fade; it only changes colour depending on the season, remaining vivid. The rich greenery of spring and summer is replaced by the wonderful shades of autumn: both solemn and cheerful. In winter, white snow and frost lace the trees irresistibly. Our nature is unique. It’s never tired, outworn from the Sun or clutched from severe frosts; it’s always live and fresh. This may explain why there are so many landscape painters among Belarusian artists. You also have many portraits of those dear to you among your works.

Like all artists, I choose to paint what I love, for my own enjoyment. I love those close to me, so draw them with pleasure. I create portraits of those close to me in spirit and convictions with no less pleasure. In my opinion, they are good as they are. I’ve seen your still-life paintings at many art exhibitions over the years. You have several here in the studio; they’re bright, emotional and beautiful, as are most of your works. Aren’t you embarrassed by the word ‘beautiful’ — recently used by critics in the same manner as ‘pretty’ and ‘w ith p ub li c appeal’? I believe that beauty is a feature and function of art. It’s said that ‘beauty will save the world’ so why should we treat it negatively? Any work of art should be primarily beautiful, being created by an artist. Nature is beautiful and good, being filled with colour. Without this palette, life would be a desert. A good painter once said that we should learn from nature, emulating it to create true art. Folk art reveres beauty. It can never be incorrect to imitate what is beautiful in nature. How do you manage to stay positive in these difficult times? It’s always difficult to be an artist. I’ve experienced obstacles and losses and suffering, having lived through the challenging post-war years. These hardened me for my whole life. Today presents no difficulties for me compared to the past. Others still need my art, and I’m happy for it to bring joy, being displayed at exhibitions and in books. As long as people are alive, they’ll desire the beautiful, spiritual and perfect — under even the most difficult conditions. They are the characters of my works and I believe in them. By Viktor Mikhailov

Sport

Olympic spirits

atiana must be really good at riding bicycles, since she’s Belarus’ long-term cycling c h a mp i o n . O f c o u r s e , winning an international event is quite different from succeeding at a local competition, where rivals are more modest. At the World Championship in March, Sharakova took two gold medals and, recently, began the new, Olympic season with two European Championship medals, from Dutch Apeldoorn. Added to last year’s bronze from the World Championship, we can see that her star is truly ascending, although she treats such praise with a surprised smile. “Even my joy at these medals only lasted a couple of days,” she recollects. “I’ve long wished to become world champion, without success. I’m delighted to have won these medals but imagined everything differently. Little changes in your life on becoming a champion. Also, I’m not keen on fuss: interviews and television appearances.” I suppose it’s more important to retain the frame of mind which enabled you to make this year so fruitful. There is no particular frame of mind. Both these awards are the result of hard work. Although fate may also have assisted me; athletes are superstitious people… Cycling isn’t tennis, where a gust of wind can change the result. Is your performance the direct result of training alone? It’s difficult to plan how a race will pan out. It’s not a sprint and there is some contact involved; you may be

pushed over or someone can barge in front of you. Even during training, it’s easy to have a fall, leading to an injury which can mean missing competitions for several months. You may just lack luck on a particular day. Before a race, I try not to think about anything, let alone superstitious beliefs. I only ponder it all later, after the finish… What conclusions can you draw from last year? Despite all the awards I’ve won, I could still have performed better. I do make mistakes and much work lies ahead. If I can correct my errors, I’ll be able to do even better. What more can you accomplish? There’s always more to achieve. This is the last year before the Olympics and the selection round isn’t completed yet. Moreover, I’ll have to work to maintain my reputation and rank; tickets to the Olympic Games will be confirmed only in spring, after the World Championship. Do you feel that people see you as an Olympic hope? Not yet, although I might feel differently if I’d performed more at European level, and in road races, where championship titles and medals have more meaning. I’ve never been too concerned about prize money. Rather, I believe that, if you work hard, money will follow. You began by road cycling. Do you regret having shifted towards track racing? At the time, I was doing better on the track, and there were more opportunities to win there. On the road, you’re working for the team; strong cyclers can spend years in obscurity that way.

Artur Prupas

Fifteen years of hard work Tatiana Sharakova devoted to cycling has finally paid off

You want to be noticed? I like to feel that I’ve managed to achieve something by myself. Last year, when I took bronze at the World Championship, I understood that I should go further. By Dmitry Koverin

2011 беларусь.belarus

Convincing images

o ensure objectivity, the jury comprised a large number of professionals. The awards ceremony took place at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Twelve theatrical companies — from Minsk and the regions — presented their best performances, producing a clash of views among the diverse jury, which encompassed various theatrical schools and generations. “Pleasingly, for the first time in recent years, we’ve seen a great number of

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Belta

Theatre Olympus

Awardees of the first National Theatre Award

National Theatre Award bestowed for first time in Belarus

entrants — from Minsk and Belarusian regions,” notes People’s Artiste of Belarus Tatiana Markhel. “Previous forums were organised on a narrower format. The award involves the country’s whole theatrical community, which is a rare opportunity. We don’t often see works by our colleagues because of our busy schedule, but this event gives us the chance. For me, Mikhail Pandzhavidze’s Nabucco was a revelation. The Puppet Theatre also gave a wonderful performance, and many praised our Sonechka (staged by the Belarusian Drama Theatre).

“It’s a pity that the programme didn’t include the Belarusian Choreography Theatre, Inzhest Plastic Theatre, D.O.Z.SK.I or Kornyag Theatre,” notes Nikolay Rudkovsky, a jury member and playwright. “If the award claims to cover every aspect of theatrical art, it shouldn’t ignore those troupes. Of course, the range of performances we did see was impressive: from pompous Mikhail Pandzhavidze’s Nabucco to its antithesis in the experimental Drei Schwestern by Alexey Lelyavsky. The award reminds us that talented people should be valued

Theatre Olympus during their lifetime; we should give them their due and create favourable conditions for their creative activities.” “It’s great that such an award has appeared,” smiles stage director Boris Lutsenko, unable to conceal his delight. “However, in my opinion, theatres should have been warned at least a year ago, to give them time to thoroughly prepare. I think that the next award will be organised at a different level. Theatrical companies will be planning in advance which projects to demonstrate at the contest. I think that this will influence their professional attitude and their choice of theme. I watched all 12 performances with great pleasure. Each theatre tried to show itself to best advantage. I don’t want to give any assessments, as every performance resonates in its own way. I agree with my colleagues that the national award should be agreed via open discussion, rather than by secret ballot. It’s wonderful for jury members to express their own opinions, arguing their feelings. It would also be good to hold a separate conference after the results are announced. We could set up a people’s choice prize, as audiences should have the right to vote…” All the performances gathered full houses. The Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre presented Ronald Harwood’s Quartet, staged by Rid Talipov at the Central Officer’s House. The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre gave us Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco, staged by the theatre’s chief director Mikhail Pandzhavidze. Each of the performances boasts its own story. Quartet, praising the overwhelming and eternal power of art, is the latest work by Rid Talipov on Vitebsk’s stage. Nabucco is Pandzhavidze’s first work at the Bolshoi Theatre and is a ‘milestone’, showing the direction of the theatre’s future development. “We were greeted warmly by the audience, despite performing a matinée,” notes People’s Artiste of Belarus Svetlana Okruzhnaya, telling us her impressions. “Did we feel jubilant? For me, performing is a form of communica-

tion. It also gave a wonderful opportunity to meet Minsk audience and my colleagues. After the performance, we received a great ovation, with people coming backstage to pay compliments. Surprisingly, opera, puppet and drama theatres competed directly, with the best performance selected. I think that each should perhaps be judged by its own laws, since each is so individual. I’d rather see a clear division in future. However, they say that the first award is experimental, so we shouldn’t judge the organisers too harshly.” Two performances won ‘Best Performance’: Not Mine by the Yanka Kupala Theatre and the opera Nabucco. Alexey Lelyavsky was named best stage director, while Pavel Kharlanchuk (#13) won ‘Best Actor’ and Svetlana Anikei (Not Mine) was ‘Best Actress’. Not Mine received five awards and was the greatest sensation of the c e re m ony. Its creators Stage director Alexander Gartsuev, an awardee of the first National Theatre Award

director Alexander Gartsuev called the victory of his troupe a ‘team victory’. “This may be the first time that a persistent feeling of purity and fairness of voting has been apparent. I don’t say this because our performance saw such success, although it’s very pleasing that we’ve been awarded five prizes. I felt a little anxious sitting in the hall but, when I received the first statuette for ‘Best Contemporary Belarusian Performance’, I realised that our efforts had not been in vain. Suddenly, awards were ‘pouring’ in one after another. I then asked Belarusian playwright Alexey Dudarev, who was a member of the awards counting board, whether the voting had been quite equally spread. He responded that votes had been divided into two. You know I’m becoming more conservative as the years pass, so I don’t know whether this is good or not. However, I think that healthy cons er vat ism helps preserve true values. It may be that we only understand their value with time. I like to see an audience both laugh and cry at a performance, with

“I like to see an audience both laugh and cry at a performance, with the acting striking deep into your soul. I’m happy when this happens.” gave us a true folk drama, filled with powerful metaphors. This touching story of love overcoming tragic circumstances was set against the background of war in a completely new way. The pain of the whole Belarusian nation and of Europe was placed in the balance. Vladimir Rogovtsov and Zoya Belokhvostik played the parents of the major character. Stage

the acting striking deep into your soul. I’m happy when this happens,” asserts Mr. Gartsuev. At present, he is working on People of the Marsh, based on Ivan Melezh’s work — a classical Belarusian writer. Let’s hope that it will give us a new and unexpected interpretation of well-known material. By Valentin Petrov

2011 беларусь.belarus

ActorsName

The leading stage master at the Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre, Honoured Artist of Belarus Andrey Dushechkin, shares his thoughts on working with our theatre for thirty years

беларусь.belarus 2011

Vitaliy Gil

Backstage child

ndrey inherited his devotion to acting from his parents: mother, Alexandra Klimova, was a People’s Artiste of the USSR, while his father, Andrey Dushechkin-Korsakovsky, was an actor and teacher. He breathed the theatre’s rarefied air from an early age and easily entered the Theatre and Art Institute (now, the Academy of Arts). Using the surname of Dushechkin, no one associated him with the great Klimova and Korsakovsky — even though his father was teaching at the same institute (known only as Korsakovsky). Andrey Dushechkin long ago established himself as an actor, with his talent praised at the highest level; he was given the title of Honoured Artiste and the Frantsisk Skorina medal. Despite his family constellation being significant in size, his star shines brightly in that galaxy, radiating its unique light. “Andryusha is a thoughtful partner, boldly experimenting,” notes Olga Klebanovich, a People’s Artiste of Belarus, speaking of her younger colleague. “Moreover, he is a warm person and very responsible.” Andrey’s amiability is apparent from his description of his partners in Alpha Concert’s Ladies’ Night (a nonrepertory performance). The cast is very talented and Mr. Dushechkin finds kind words for each. “Sergey Chekeres acts perfectly, Kostya Voronov has dazzling gestures and Misha Yesman plays the role of a blunderer wonderfully. Andrey Krivetsky is good at portraying uncertainty and doubt while Vasya Kozlov captures the shyness of his character, who struggles to overcome his weakness. Alena Kozyreva is a beautiful vamp and Ruslan Krivetsky is splendid in the role of the hero.” After seeing this stylish performance, directed by Valentina Yerenkova, I’m convinced. Dushechkin plays Bernie,

ActorsName who is keen to break from routine, with passion — almost ‘swimming’ in his role. Dushechkin’s parents supported him in his acting ambitions early on. However, they saw the theatre as a strict workplace, not a playground. Embarrassingly, during the final tragic scene in Warsaw Melody, when his mother had brought the audience truly into her virtual royal world, casting a spell over everyone, ten year old Andryusha lost his way and rushed onto stage carrying a wooden shield and a sword (created for him in the carpenter’s workshop). We can only imagine how the audience fell into

MOTHER. Recently, the theatre hosted an evening dedicated to my mother’s memory; she would have celebrated her 90th birthday. It was warm and spiritual. All those who wished to remember this great actress came along. Her acting colleagues from past times were also remembered. The general feeling was that today’s theatre lacks powerful drama and expression. Of course, actors like Klimova are irreplaceable. I was pleased that young actors, who had never seen my mother act, attended. They were able to watch video clips of her performances and were

Andrey Dushechkin long ago established himself as an actor, with his talent praised at the highest level; he was given the title of the Honoured Artiste and the Frantsisk Skorina Medal. Despite his family constellation being significant in size, his star shines brightly in that galaxy laughter and how angry his mother must have been. “They hid me for a long time from my mother — in the wardrobe room or somewhere else… I don’t remember exactly,” smiles Andrey. Other such accidents would occur, after which Andryusha was left at home to watch TV until he learnt how to behave during a performance. It’s easy to chat to Andrey. His perception of himself as a ‘writing actor’ is immediately apparent and his answers to my questions are detailed and laconic. He’s a member of the Union of Writers of Belarus and of Russia. I ask him to bring some of his books to our meeting, but he admits that he has none. I’m astounded but it turns out that he’s donated them all, without leaving a single copy for his home library. He does bring me the latest copy of Nemiga Literaturnaya magazine though, which includes extracts from his mother’s diary. We begin our conversation with recollections of Alexandra Klimova, whom I once saw on stage.

gained great joy from appearing on stage and always returned home inspired, cheerful and with sparkling eyes. We’d often sit in the kitchen together — the hub of the home. We could scold, reconcile and laugh while speaking about the theatre. She liked to recollect the past and I was keen to listen to her stories. I later used many details to edit her diaries and write my essays. My mother was a strong soldier until she was 75, having tough peasant genes and Siberian blood. She enjoyed telling me how she worked at a steel works in Magnitogorsk during the war, as a young girl. She wasn’t tall, but seemed so on stage, playing all the famous queens. At the steel works, she stood on a box in order to work on the tank components. She also performed in a hospital. I helped organise birthday parties for her several times. Our last party was to be for her 85th birthday but she died beforehand. She was wonderful. I say so not just because I have the honour of being her son but because my mother was a great Russian actress. She was born for the theatre. Nothing, except for the process of acting, interested her. Of course, she was also involved in public work, as well as sports and family, but these all took second place.

astonished by her self-sacrificing devotion. I don’t believe that an actor can burn out from working too hard. In fact, I think the opposite is true; the more an actor gives, the more they receive back. Even when actors are in pain or running a temperature, they never feel it on stage, as they are so caught up in the moment. It sometimes happens that an ailment can disappear after a performance, too. However, it does undermine our strength and health to go on stage when we feel unwell, so it’s better not to do this. Naturally, a performance can’t be cancelled and an actor’s profession is healing. It’s quite a mysterious Andrey Dushechkin performing as investigator process. My Eugene Ramel in ‘The Stepmother’ mother

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ActorsName FATHER. I was brought up primarily by my father. He and I were a supplement to my mother’s life. I’d fall asleep without hearing a mother’s ‘good night’. I was deprived of these touching and tender children’s moments, but had no idea of any other way. I was brought up to be friends with my parents, so I was self-sufficient from an early age. I understood that each family member had their own role to play and was unafraid of loneliness or death. I’m well aware of the nature of the theatre and how it should be perceived. You should treat it with irony, or you’ll seem ridiculous and, even, stupid. Few great actors exist, and I’m convinced that they are born rather than created. It’s like drivThe sweet and cheerful DushechkinÅkerman in ‘Wild Strawberries’

ing: many people drive, yet only a few become genius racing drivers. I learnt lessons of survival from observing my parents. My father was from Kiev (the Dushechkins are from Ukraine) and all my relatives were captains and seamen on the Dnieper River Navigation. They still sail the rivers and seas. My father was the only artist, having worked at the Lesya Ukrainka Theatre in Kiev, where he met beautiful Alexandra Klimova. My mother was invited there to play a role. In fact, my father was closer to me than my mother, as he had more time for me. Later, when he passed away, I took responsibility for looking after my mother. I remember telling her that she was lucky to have me looking after her and stayed with her until her last day on Earth. Sometimes, it was incredibly hard, as she wasn’t known for her patience or softness. When she was 75, she had a pile of photographs in the hall to sign, but categorically refused. I knew her signature and was used to forging it, so did this for her (I can now reveal this secret).

“I played many roles which were dissimilar from my inner state. This is the essence of acting: we must change our faces.” It’s not easy having an actress in the house; she required special handling, as my father understood. He was a good actor, working for our theatre, but later became involved in teaching.

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THEATRE OF THE PAST. If I hadn’t been involved in theatre, I’d have been keen on music. I can play the classical guitar quite well. I began with rock music, which I still enjoy. I was brought up during the musical revolution and used to perform as a rhythm guitarist with my school band from the 6th grade, playing at discos. I played well. We couldn’t afford to play badly, or we might have been beaten. Our band was popular all over the district. It’s how I fell in love with performing to an audience. However, it wasn’t easy to pursue a musical stage career at that time, so parents suggested that I enter the Theatre and Art Institute. Where else could I go?! Of course I entered. During the first interview, Ilya Kurgan — the oldest vocal teacher — talked to me. I’m very grateful to him for initiating me into radio and television work. He had no idea who my parents were (as no one else did either). When they found out, they were very surprised. I was studying like all the rest and didn’t pay any attention to the fact that I was the son of Klimova and DushechkinKorsakovsky. I did well in my exams, studying successfully because I enjoyed it. I worked as if obsessed. Moreover, I was the only male student of our course to gain excellent marks. Famous Belarusian playwright Andrey Makayonok, who chaired the diploma commission and saw all the diploma performances, said it’s necessary to support people like me, so I was very pleased. I came to the Russian Theatre and gave 40 performances a month. I became physically exhausted but everyone still viewed me as being ‘lucky’ — attributing my success to my mother. This irritated me, as my mother treated me like a toad under a stone! When I asked her about my performances, she was always faint in her praise, just glancing at me and saying nothing special. It was almost unheard of to be praised by her. In rare cases, she might say that I’d done well. This happened when I completely strained every sinew. Her strict attitude encouraged a feeling

ActorsName

Razliuliay in Andrey Dushechkin’s interpretation — so playful and so cunning (‘Stars of the Seventh Sky’)

of professional dignity in me. Now, when an actor begins to get pompous, I laugh. I’m well aware of true dignity and the cost of stardom. Dignity either exists or it does not. Now, I don’t ask anyone about my acting. THEATRE TODAY. The global magnificence of the theatre has disappeared, as has the age of great dramatic actors and the theatre’s direct influence on society. It has become something average and more for entertainment than enlightenment. However, we all know that the theatre reflects the level of moral culture in society; it’s like a flower choosing where to grow. Undoubtedly, theatre continues to be popular, although less so than cinema or television. It’s revered by the elite of society and I’m confident that it will survive our sickly period of mutation, one day re-

turning to its former glory. My soul is warmed by the fact that, in my profession, I explore deep moral values during wonderful stage performances. The theatre reinforces my personality and nurtures my self-respect. STAGE SOUL. What do I give to the theatre? My soul. Entering middle age, I understood one important thing: theatre is inseparable from our moral state. I understand now that lying is never permissible, under any circumstances. Of course, we’re not angels; compromise is sometimes necessary. However, it leads to dissatisfaction. If I enter stage feeling like this, I’m weak in my role, lacking in spirituality and talent. I can’t act as I should because I don’t believe in myself. How can I speak to an audience about high morals if I violate the laws myself? According to great Russian actor Mikhail Chekhov, the actor’s mis-

sion is to save the soul of the theatre… I save myself through self-knowledge and inner penance; then, all goes well in my role. I love Belarusian theatre. If I’d been told that I couldn’t work here, I’d perceive it as a personal insult. It’s easy to offend actors’ children, but it’s difficult to knock them down. Like other representatives of acting dynasties, I was born in the theatre, so my fate is special. ACTORS. It’s wrong to believe that all stage actors are unbalanced. I think we are mentally sane but have a touch of irony — as we live so many roles, seeing the world as if from the sidelines. We don’t penetrate deeply into situations in real life; instead, we observe and analyse. We have a clear view of life and an ability to comprehend it. It’s also a myth that all actors are alcoholics, although it was once

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ActorsName fashionable to be so. Now, everything is different. Contemporary theatre requires iron discipline, strong health and a clear conscience. ROLES. I’ve played many roles, each individual. Stage director Valery Maslyuk was the first to experiment with me, giving me the role of a terribly cruel and cynical young boy: Volodya in ‘Night Dwarfs and Antigone’. The performance was one of the best in the repertoire of the 1980s. It gave me immense creative pleasure to reveal new layers of my character. I wanted to be seen as charming as well as disgusting. Later, I played many roles which were dissimilar from my inner state. This is the essence of acting: we must change our faces. I played a female role in ‘Vado per Vedove’: the Italian widow Concetta — a la Verka Serdychka. I was absolutely unrecognisable. I was also given antagonistic roles in cinema. Recently, I played the central role of a colonel with the military investigation department, in a film by Russian director Dmitry Astrakhan, in ‘Detochki’. It was interesting work. My colonel isn’t a superman — he’s a real person, tired from his profession. I don’t like roles which give nothing to the mind or soul. However, we all endure such roles at one time or another. At present, I have a good repertoire, which I enjoy: ‘The Run’, ‘Uncle’s Dream’, ‘Krechinsky’s Wedding’ and ‘I Believe in Horoscopes’. I play significant roles in these wonderful performances. My dream role is Prince Myshkin. I know how to play it, but it’s too late. I’m now rehearsing a cameo role in ‘The Woes of Wit’; my catchphrase is ‘somewhere away from here!’ PARTNERS. I’m pleased when colleagues say that I’m an actor with a fine appreciation of my partners. Is this professionalism or part of my personality? Of course, it’s my nature. I’m an intuitive person, following my gut feeling on stage. Of course, over long years of working with the theatre, I’ve developed some acting formulas, which al-

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ways help when intuition fails me. Various states and moods occur. Your fellow actors may or may not be on the same wavelength; it’s a delicate situation. Ideally, you help your partner or they help you. Where there is an absence of connection, there is no magic; this requires a spiritual bond. It isn’t a disaster when this is lacking; it just happens sometimes. My mother suffered greatly when she lacked a connection with her partners. She was often critical of herself at home, saying that she could have done better or have done something in a different w a y. S h e never bathed in her own magnificence. Golubkov in ‘The Run’ A partner is is one of Andrey something Dushechkin’s favorite characters sacred. Actors

once said that an ideal director dies in his actors, understanding which roles suit them and simultaneously taking into account which role the actor wants to play. PLAY. Some plays are destined for global success; the world almost falls at the feet of the actors. The same is true of pop songs, theatre performances and gallery exhibitions. Art can greatly influence the human psyche. I’m currently taking part in an act of creativity: a non-repertory performance, entitled ‘Ladies’ Night’. It’s a popular show, full of entertainment. It has a simple plot, which relies on musical and dance effects, and is sold out (over 1,300

“Your fellow actors may or may not be on the same wave-length; it’s a delicate situation. A partner is something sacred. Actors should love their partners, working for them, while enriching themselves. I was brought up in this manner...” should love their partners, working for them, while enriching themselves. I was brought up in this manner… STAGE DIRECTORS. The longer I live, the better I understand how actors need direction. Without a good director, an actor is like a child without parents. I trust my director and always want to see whether he understands my role. I’m pleased when we understand each other well. I’ve had the same situation with many directors, including Sergey Kovalchik, Chief Director of the Russian Theatre. The great Stanislavsky

tickets for Minsk’s Concert Hall). This three-hour show balances all aspects of performance perfectly. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such great delight from an audience or have seen so many people come to see a show. It’s not a classical piece — and certainly not Shakespeare — but its success is evident. I believe that another good drama is waiting for me in the future. CREATIVITY. Every creative person is thought to be otherworldly. I believe that a special state is bestowed at birth — but sacrifices are needed to bring it

ActorsName мода to fruition. You have a special world outlook and a unique soul which develops over your entire lifetime. You are always trying to create something new. Creative people see more, sympathise more deeply and love more sincerely. It’s said that humanity’s pain passes through a poet’s heart. As a rule, creative people are not easy to spend time with, as they are always searching for something — wanting to change something in the world. Not everyone likes this, so many of them remain lonely. Personally, I need creativity. Through my writing, I say more than is spoken on stage or in usual conversation. My soul needs avenues of self-expression other than the stage. For me, literature is the highest manifestation of creativity. I’m a writing actor with no pretensions otherwise. I have three books published, alongside essays and poems. It is always interesting for me to write although many think that nothing new can ever be said. CINEMA. At a young age, my mother occupied a high position, so we lived in a good flat, although there wasn’t much money. We had enough though and my parents were content. I embrace the same principle. When I was a student, I took a film role not for the money but from interest. I worked with many good film directors. It may seem strange but I enjoyed criminal action films, playing the roles of investigators and military men. For Belarusfilm Studio,

I often play doctors. Cinema allows you to play a variety of roles. Since May, I’ve had five Russian projects; I’m now awaiting the premiere of ‘Detochki’ (a social drama about teenagers from an orphanage). Money is secondary to me, though it sometimes helps. FAME. The burden of my mother’s fame never pressed on me; I just rejoiced at her successes. She endlessly needed recognition — to know that her efforts weren’t in vain. Of course, she was waiting for a response which existed. Do I need fame and recognition? Of course. Those who deny their desire for recognition, fame and success are fooling themselves. Actors perform for an audience, so they naturally need a response. Who can play to an empty hall, purely admiring their own creative self-expression? Actors always want recognition. SPIRITUALITY. This is a huge world of paradoxes. Do you remember the famous words of Anna Akhmatova: ‘If you had only known from what rubbish flowers grow, without any shame’. As far as acting is concerned, spirituality is the major component. Without spiritual feelings, you can’t act well.

Technique without spirituality will be always bare, as Mikhail Chekhov noted. FAMILY. My family unit is more than a ‘backwater in which to rest from storms’. Joint work and responsibility is needed. We are a team. I’m glad that my wife, Lyudmila, a school worker and musician, can both work with me and be my friend. She understands that I’m a reliable partner in our family team. There’s no place for games regarding the role of father and mother and whether they are in love or not when neglected and hungry children are sitting in the corner. I have two children: Sasha is 15 and Kristina is 16. I enjoy chatting with them and I love to understand them. Family is about friendship and duty; I’ve never transferred the latter to other shoulders. My theatrical colleagues are also my family to some degree. By Valentina Zhdanovich

In ‘The Imaginary Invalid’ Adrey Dushechkin performs as cunning and mercenary De Bonnefoi notary

2011 беларусь.belarus

Belta

Festivals

Participants of the festival marching along Gomel streets

Dancing at Sozh Gomel hosts international dance festival

n t he mid-1990s, t he ide a appeared to create a festival for each Belarusian town. Gomel soon decided to theme its festival around dance. Famous Belarusian choreographer Alexander Rybalchenko laid the foundations in the post-war years, influencing professionals henceforward and ensuring that children enjoyed many opportunities to develop their dance skills in Gomel. Since 1997, the festival has been held at an international level; it began by modestly attracting neighbouring states but has now become popular across the continent. Sozhski Karagod is organised in two parts: one for amateur dance groups (covering pop, folk and contemporary choreography) and one for international ballroom dancing. The latter awards the Gomel Cup — the Golden Lynx — and is held on a grand scale. Its diverse content is fascinating.

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“We primarily focus on dance philosophy and its diversity,” notes Yekaterina Degtyareva, the Head of the Gomel Mayoral Office’s Culture Department. She’s confident that the festival will enjoy a long life. “Dance accompanies us through our whole life, bringing joy, filling us with energy and helping us see the world with different eyes. Dance is gaining popularity, being interesting not only to professionals but to thousands of ordinary people who gain pleasure from dancing as a hobby and to keep fit.” This year, the festival included a bright opening ceremony at Tsentralny Stadium, a stunning carnival parade through the city and the Musical Assembly classical concert in the grounds of Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace. The city was transformed by dance, with almost every hall giving performances, and street stages set up for the public’s

enjoyment. Everyone found themselves wanting to break into dance. The festival brought together almost 400 artistes and around 20 amateur dance groups from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Estonia, Latvia and France. The most outstanding included Baltabele, from Latvian Liepāja, and Moldovan Lozioara. Costumes and musical accompaniment were assessed alongside the choreography and technical skills of each group; with so many strong contenders, the jury’s task was extremely challenging. Eventually, Hopsani, from Estonia, won the folk nomination and Alesya, from Mogilev, was named best for modern choreography. The Grand Prix of the festival was awarded to the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts’ Choreography Chair. “ The university is a hub for preserving folk traditions. We have a

Culture unique laboratory of Belarusian dance creativity, drawing on dance from past generations; our students are inspired by archive choreography in creating their own routines. At the same time, we also develop contemporary trends,” notes Svetlana Gutkovskaya, the Head of the Choreography Chair, revealing the secrets of success. “Your festival is wonderful; we’ve never seen anything quite like it,” admits Celine Marmelo, who heads a jazz-dance school in France. The Golden Lynx WDSF International Dance Competition was no less impressive, with professionals demonstrating their skills and mastery. European and Latin American programmes saw over 400 entrants take part — from Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, Italy, Romania and Montenegro. “We try to invite world famous pairs, as well as winners of international and European tournaments,” notes Galina Lobanova, who heads Gomel’s Paletki dance club and is a representative of the festival’s organising committee. “This year, for the first time, we have a ‘seniors’ category for those aged

over 35. Our society is beginning to understand that dance is life.”

The festival has long been far more than a dance contest, becoming a holiday for everyone. Dance is both beautiful and shows the strength of our human spirit. Every corner of Gomel is filled with creativity and imagination during the cultural event. A fire show was also held this year, featuring ten fire theatres from Belarus and Ukraine, while an unforgettable Belarusian Festival of Amateur Circus Art was held for the first time. Belarus’ only Autograph Museum opened during the festival, housed by Herzen Central City Library. Around 700 prominent people’s signatures are on display, including examples by Mother Teresa, the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and Belarusian writer Vasil Bykov. They have left ‘part of their soul’ in Gomel. More are being added, with famous choreographers from around the world donating their signatures following the festival. By Violetta Dralyuk

Opening night of ‘Sozhski Karagod’

Countries make friends A concert by an orchestra of Chinese national musical masters (performing music by Chinese composers) gathers a full house at the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society, launching the Days of Chinese Culture in Belarus

peaking at the opening ceremony, the First Deputy Culture Minister, Vladimir Karachevsky, noted that the exchange of Days of Culture helps strengthen relations between Belarus and China. He stressed that, in recent years, such cultural forums have become true gems in our co-operation. The Days have been organised since 1993 and, every year, become even more interesting. “Belarusian audiences’ interest in these cultural events is growing,” Mr. Karachevsky emphasised, adding that unique artistic teams arrive from China to demonstrate the magnificence of Chinese culture. The Ambassador Extraordinar y and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Lu Guicheng, noted in his speech that such cultural forums also help strengthen understanding between our nations. China and Belarus are geographically distant but their mutually beneficial collaboration is unhampered, as is our people’s desire to be friends and learn more about each other. “Each nation has its own national culture, which is part of the common treasury of global culture. Those of China and Belarus are part of this global culture,” the Ambassador asserted. The Days have allowed Belarusian audiences to enjoy the music, dancing and art of China.

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Talents

e met at a cosy café in Minsk’s Rakovsky Suburb, not far from Iskui’s house. By her name, you might guess that Iskui hails from Armenia and, in truth, her forefathers did come from there. However, she was born in Kyrgyzstan. She lived

tecture, while your landscapes are wonderful. Whenever I leave for a while, I miss Minsk very much. The city boasts an incredibly alluring aura which warms my heart. In recent times, I’ve often visited Armenia but I don’t think I could live there. I became a singer in Belarus, after graduating from the Conservatoire. It’s where my artistic life began

Soul’s mood

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in Smolensk and where Iskui Abalyan shares her talent with Belarus for a long time my personbefore graduality has been ating from the formed. lo ca l col lege What’s the and moving secret of success? to B el ar us , to Nothing can continue her be achieved unless studies at Minsk’s you are determined — although you also Conservatoire. She lived in Mogilev for need an element of luck. some time and her My own path wasn’t an documents still state that easy one, I admit. she is a soloist with Mogilev Do you like to experiRegional Philharmonic. ment on stage? Since 1996, Iskui’s career I’m not af raid of t he has skyrocketed. She won the grotesque or of humour. I can Star Crossroads TV contest grimace and pull faces when it’s and triumphed at the Slavonic appropriate. What’s essential for your performBazaar in Vitebsk. Later, she was awarded a Grand Prix at the Zolotoy ance? Shlyager (Golden Hit) Festival of I need good acoustics, a warm dressing room and access to a mirror. Young Singers. Amazingly, she sings in Russian, Belarusian, Armenian, Being a woman, what would you never Italian, French and English. neglect? Iskui, what does your name mean Taking care of myself. Until a certain in translation? age, I wasn’t keen on visiting beauty salons, In Armenian, it means ‘true’. preferring home treatments. However, Every year, I’m more convinced that I now use professional cosmetics, in a my name wasn’t chosen by chance; it wide range of colours and shades, and am helps me in all my ventures. very attentive to my face. I first visited a You came to Belarus many years cosmetologist at the age of thirty, having ago. Which nation do you consider no need before. Owing to my parents, I to be your motherland? have good genetics. I arrived in Belarus soon Who are your parents? after it gained independence My father is an architect, running his and discovered such kindown studio, while my mother is a doctor. hearted people. The streets They live in Smolensk. My sister Asmik is a amaze me with their cleandesigner, living and working in Moscow. liness and interesting archiBy Viktor Andreyev

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