BELARUS #12/2010

No.12 (927), 2010

BELARUS Беларусь. Belarus

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Consensus leads to result pp. 8—9

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SaSHeS SiLK Men’S WoVen By nS Were BeLaruSia ion HiT a True faSH During Ce an in fr of THe reign ; LuDoViC XV THere Were To TS Mp aT Te aLL faKe THeM pe. oVer euro nS CoLLeC Tio ga Be n in THe LaTe y 19TH CenTur

Made in Slutsk pp. 40 — 41

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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No.12 (927), 2010 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

IV All-Belarus People’s congress marked up the political perspective of the country’s development for the next five years

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Address of the participants of 4th AllBelarus People’s Congress On the way to global security At the OSCE Summit in Astana, Belarus has been a major newsmaker

Origins of progress

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Dialogue regardless of the weather

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Year of realised possibilities The

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Štefan Füle, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, reports on new accents in Belarus-EU dialogue during November visit to Minsk

year of the Tiger is now over. The symbol directly refers to the global economy which once gave birth to the Asian and Latin American ‘tigers

The top level Development of medicine in regions could be interesting to foreign scientists, students and tourists

28 Grape-vine images Can grapes grow in Belarus’ climatic conditions?

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Sea horizons Globalisation has led to many

countries without sea access forming their own merchant navy. Belarus is expanding its export geography and is understandably keen to have its own cargo vessels. How is this being realised and what benefits could it bring?

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

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Gomel-style ‘beehive’ The geographical

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.

44

Brilliant performance Belarus hosts

The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

intersection of France-Belarus-Italy is currently appearing in the Belarusian city of Gomel

popular Junior Eurovision Song Contest for first time

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Belye Rosy visits Tchaikovsky Hall Year

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Crystal jingle of victory What do you

of Belarusian Culture in Russia embraces various events and venues

think about on New Year’s Eve as you remove the metal wrapper from around your champagne cork, preparing to hear the pop of celebration?

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.3261 Total circulation — 2024 copies (including 776 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. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: mail@belarus-magazine.by

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Vasily Yasyuk: Seclusion is not the best route to self-expression

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

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2010

2010 беларусь.belarus

editor’s note

Calendar of events D

ecember brings moderate frost and snow, although temperature extremes are part of modern times. It’s time to reflect on what the year has brought us, although the calendar of political and civil events is yet to finish.

These lines are written in early December, so the presidential elections still lie ahead.

December 19th will mark the beginning of the new presidential term, and our country will of course continue its path of sovereignty and independence as a contemporary state. Politicians, economists and sociologists will all have their own views on 2010, while each one of us will have our own memories.

We cannot help but assess our personal existence against the backdrop of global events. Naturally, in our modern world, we must keep abreast of the latest developments and set a clear strategy for our future.

The All-Belarus People’s Congress and Alexander Lukashenko’s conceptual speech was a landmark event for our country, as Historic choice for independent, strong and prosperous Belarus explores. Our relations with Russia have improved, as noted by many political analysts and experts following a December top level meeting between Alexander Lukashenko and Dmitry Medvedev. There were many reasons for the presidents to meet, but the formation of the Single Economic Space (SES) was perhaps the most significant. Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan hope to make the SES a reality by January 2012, as foreseen by the package of documents signed in Moscow. Naturally, the meeting deserves attention for other reasons, as detailed in Consensus leads to result.

There is no doubt that the last month of 2010 has been rich in events,

беларусь.belarus 2010

so I cannot help but mention them. The OSCE Summit in Astana saw Belarus setting the pace of reform while Minsk and Washington gave a statement regarding Belarusian-American interaction in nuclear non-proliferation, attracting the attention of journalists and political analysts. Observers in our country and abroad have assessed the backstage meeting in Astana between the US Secretary of State and Belarus’ Foreign Minister, as well as their joint statement on highly enriched uranium, as a true breakthrough. Experts believe that this has laid the foun-

dations for a long-term process of rapprochement. Moreover, this will also promote the strengthening of Belarus’ role in the region and its movement towards the European Union and other neighbours.

Our bilateral relations with the USA have been in a frozen state for some time. We have been long pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy with an equal focus on various powers but,

as far as the USA is concerned, we are beginning a new stage, driven by great opportunities for co-operation with the USA. These primarily tackle economic collaboration, which could inspire our two states’ rapprochement. However, the struggle against nuclear proliferation is a common priority for Belarus, Russia, the USA, China and many other countries.

In this respect, Belarus may become an important model.

Belarus announced a range of other initiatives at the Summit in Astana.

Minsk believes that the OSCE’s potential is yet to be fully realised, so serious reform is required, as noted in On the Way to Global Security.

An abundance of important events, rather than sideshows, enables us to make a preliminary foreign political review of the Year of the Tiger, whose major accent focused on economic interaction. It is inevitable that parallels can be drawn regarding Asian and Latin American economic ‘tigers’. This year, the Belarusian economy didn’t just withstand recession; it developed, making a true breakthrough in mutual relations. Foreign economic liaisons with such influential states as Brazil and China blossomed, as we explain in Year of Realised Possibilities.

Setting aside politics, the eve of the new year always makes us remember the inspiring sporting achievements of past months. Our Belarusian athletes have certainly claimed their fair share of renown, as described in Crystal Jingle of Victory.

We hope to welcome you again in 2011.

BY Viktor Kharkov, magazine editor Беларусь. Belarus

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Society

Historic choice for independent, strong and prosperous Belarus IV All-Belarus People’s congress marked up the political perspective of the country’s development for the next five years

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y 2015, Belarus should be among the top 50 states regarding the Human Development Index. The President stresses that plans for the future are much more ambitious than in the past. The next five year period will become one of renovation, aimed at promoting new development countrywide. “The strategic goal is to join the top 50 countries showing the highest Human Development Index. High living standards for Belarusian citizens are not just a goal, but the essence of our state policy.

The quality of people’s lives is defined by five important components: stable family, health, education, real income and comfort of living. The programme for the next five years should take into account all these components,” asserts Mr. Lukashenko.

In the coming five years, accommodation should become more accessible and of higher quality. Much has already been done in this sphere, with Belarus leading the CIS in terms of the number of new apartments built per 10,000 people. The country is now showing amongst the highest results worldwide.

Work is to continue. By 2015, 42m square metres of housing will have been built in Belarus: up 1.6fold on the previous five year period.

Planned salary rises should make housing construction affordable for the majority of people by 2016. People

will be able to construct apartments using their own funds and via loans.

“At least 50 percent of housing will be built for those in need of social protection. Meanwhile, more people will be entitled to loans on preferential terms. I recently signed a decree to reduce the interest rate on preferential loans granted for housing construction: to just 1 percent in towns whose population is less than 50,000 people.

These are unique conditions; nothing similar exists elsewhere in the world,” Mr. Lukashenko notes.

Belarus should start exporting its healthcare services. The nation’s health remains a top priority for the state. Even during the global financial crisis, Belarus did not reduce funds spent on this sphere.

The country has identified all areas of healthcare development and

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Society

беларусь.belarus 2010

seen so many university students or those with higher education,” notes the President, stressing that the republic’s major success is that it has managed to ensure equal access to higher education and fairness of enrolment for all those who try: from cities or villages.

Much attention is to be paid in future to further strengthening financial support for students and pupils, in addition to provision of hostels and good living conditions. Other topical problems for students are to be addressed.

Belarus is ranked first in the CIS regarding food production per capita. It is also among the global leaders for producing milk, potato and flax. This is the result of its far-sighted policy, which has enabled the country to make a breakthrough in its agricultural development.

“I should admit that, on adopting the rural revival programme, I was thinking not of food security alone — although this was very important at the time. I was much guided by an aspiration to save the foundation of our country and its soul: villages. In these, Belarus’ hard work and wisdom are rooted. It is where our culture and national identity were formed. Our Slavonic state could not exist without them,” stresses the President.

Gradually, without any revolution, Belarus has been moving towards village revival. From 1996-2000, food security was ensured and, from 20012005, the country increased its production and entered foreign markets. In the current five year period, further innovative development of production and the social sphere in rural

areas has continued. Technical and technological independence for agriculture has been ensured, with over 80 percent of the machinery used in our fields being manufactured domestically. In the next five years, exports of agricultural products and food should rise, to reach $7bn.

Wages in Belarus should reach $1,000 monthly (in equivalent) by 2015. In turn, the minimum pension

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conducted the necessary reforms.

Today, there are more than five doctors per 1,000 people: more than in leading European countries such as France, Germany and Austria.

However, the President believes that not all targets have been met.

“Medical help should be prompt, of high quality and affordable — regardless of whether a person lives in a city or a village. In the coming two years, all medical institutions countrywide will become equipped with modern equipment, while avoiding excessive expenditure. The issue of polyclinics and hospitals being understaffed should be resolved. This problem — as well as the problem of queues at polyclinics — should be left in the past,” the Head of State stresses.

In terms of scientific and medical technology, Belarus already matches worl d l e vel s , w it h ou r d o c tors conducting unique operations. The number one task is to start exporting medical services. Apart from this, the country’s pharmaceutical branch also needs a true breakthrough: including new ‘smart’ drugs, modern facilities and the latest medicines. Mr. Lukashenko believes that B elarus boasts the necessary scientific and production opportunities to make this possible.

The quality of education needs serious attention, being a strategic resource for Belarus; our wellbeing depends on technology and foreign markets. Mr. Lukashenko is convinced that it’s necessar y to change the structure of personnel training, orienting towards the needs and demands of our economy.

Education is the third component defining quality of life. B elarus already occupies 23rd position on the Legatum Prosperity Index’s education sub-ranking, which is also a great achievement.

All children receive secondary e ducat ion in our count r y, wit h wide possibilities open for higher education. “Perhaps, at no other time in Belarus’ modern history have we

is to be strictly tied to the living wage, growing at the same pace as salaries.

Additionally, the retirement age won’t be increased. The Head of State admits that $500 or, even, $1,000 salaries are lower than those seen elsewhere in Europe. “However, the state has taken responsibility for a significant part of the expenses relating to social welfare, on a voluntary basis,” he asserts.

The middle class of society has already been formed in the country.

At present, the number of those seeing

Society themselves as having an average income has reached two-thirds — against the figures registered five years ago (half of the present number). This is an undisputable fact.

At the same time, our country can boast a significant victory: we have no strong social segregation. The President emphasises, “Belarus is now among the top ten states boasting the lowest social inequality: we have less

than in many developed countries. In comparison, Germany’s unemployment rate stands at 7.5 percent. In the UK, it is over 5 percent, while Japan boasts unemployment of 4 percent.

The figure is 10 percent in the USA and over 20 percent in Spain.

“Without false modesty, we can be proud of preventing mass layoffs at a time when hundreds of millions of people across the globe have been left jobless as a result of the crisis. Our insignif ic ant l ayof fs have been compensated for by a greater number of jobs made available in a particular region. In the hard crisis year of 2009, the national economy employed 0.7 percent more p e ople t han in the successful year of 2008,” Mr. Lukashenko notes. He wonders who is more concerned about the observance of basic human rights: those who speak or those who do?

Which rights are more i mp or t ant : t h e r i g ht to employment or the right to hold a rally? The answer is absolutely clear to anyone with a brain.

Belarus has created conditions enabling full employment and there are enough vacant positions; The delegators` agenda includes many issues the rest depends on will and individual potential. than five times difference between “Those who work longer and harder the highest and lowest earners — like will earn more; the situation is like those in Germany, Austria or Sweden. that abroad. I faithfully promise this In Russia, the rich hold 20 times more to you. Thank God, we have plenty of assets than the poor.” The policy of work available. There are three times our state aims to raise the number of more vacancies than the number of prosperous people, with the incomes unemployed. Nevertheless, enterprises of other layers of society also propor- won’t hire just anyone — you have to tionally rising. be suitable; it’s a reality of life,” the According to Mr. Lukashenko, Belarusian leader notes. unemployment in Belarus stands at In the next f ive years, space less than one percent — much lower technologies are to become part of

ever yday life in Belarus, helping with commercial and managerial decisions in agriculture, forestry, water economy and melioration, while assisting in the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations, as well as mineral mining, updating of topographic maps and navigation.

Space programmes have encouraged the development of a whole layer of marketable technologies, which have already paid for themselves several times over. Russia, Ukraine, Italy and other countries are interested in Belarus’ 21st century technologies, being ready to work jointly.

At present, our country is busy creating the necessary infrastructure for remote sensing of the Earth.

Among our national projects are the systematic informatisation of Belarus and the large-scale introduction of IT. A single global strategy is being put together, instead of individual programmes.

Nano- and bio-technologies are to be advanced to the level of commercial manufacturing. The countr y will create a bio-technology sector, including 20 ne w and mo der nised enterprises. Belarus is already among the top 30 states in the world regarding its scientific-technical potential index.

The country is following a multivector policy, without which, sovereignty can hardly be preserved in the modern world. “We don’t intend to choose between the European Union and Russia. It would be unwise and incorrect. We are not moving towards the East or the West. We have our own special place in Europe, given

by God to our people, as well as our own geopolitical identity and national interests. The most important thing is to secure balanced co-operation with everyone and to form a good neighbourhood belt along our borders,” concludes Mr. Lukashenko, adding, “Making all our key neighbours feel equally close is not the point, however. The strategy of claiming

2010 беларусь.belarus

society equal distance to the West and the East is most optimal for us. It allows us to effectively use our geographical location, and the transit and industrial potentials of our country.”

The European Union is a key buyer of Belarusian products, offering a huge market and being an important source of technologies and investments. The promotion of relations in energ y transit, transport and migration, alongside the counteraction of human and drug trafficking and organised crime are important to all of Europe. “Our high level contacts with European leaders and member states indicate that a productive, trustbased (albeit complicated) dialogue can destroy stereotypes. We rely on a pragmatic and sensible approach by Brussels towards Minsk. Fully-fledged co-operation with Belarus on equal terms would be profitable for both sides,” stresses the Head of State.

Mr. Lukashenko notes that Belarus would like to see the United States of America among its leading partners.

“Do Belarusians and Americans have different interests regarding modern global threats and challenges? No. Yet we hardly use the opportunities of our economic co-operation, though the potential is huge,” he adds.

US businessmen are ready to invest in Belarus — as seen from a recent visit by the American business community. A new delegation of American businessmen is to arrive soon.. “We are sincerely interested in establishing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the USA and are ready to do our utmost to encourage this,” says the President.

Additionally, Belarus is to continue contributing to the development and strengthening of relations with its partners within the Customs Union and other states — including those in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

In three and a half hours of speaking, the President covered all the most important spheres of public life, offering concrete paths of development.

беларусь.belarus 2010

The richer a person is, the richer the country becomes Delegates of 4th All-Belarus People’s Congress approve major guidelines of 2011-2015 Socio-Economic Development Programme, as stipulated in adopted resolution

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he delegates have supported the major goals being proposed by the country’s leadership. These envisage the growth of prosperity and the improvement of quality of life relying on better socio-economic relations, innovative development and enhanced economic competitiveness. “Human potential is the potential of the country; the richer a person is, the richer the country becomes,” the resolution states.

Top priority areas include the development of human potential, including raised prosperity, birth rates and life expectancy, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and better education. All industries are to be upgraded, with new science-intensive and high-tech enterprises created. Entrepreneurship and business initiative are to be encouraged, boosting the export of goods and services, and promoting wellbalanced and efficient foreign trade.

Import-substitution manufactures are to be developed further, with sustained regional development. The construction of high quality and affordable housing is on the agenda while raised efficiency in the agricultural industry is another major accent.

State authorities are to fulfil goals and priority directions via the comprehensive use of potential of a strong, efficient and responsible state. All forms of ownership should be further developed, reaching a balance of interests between individuals, society and the state.

Moreover, Belarus intends

to conduct progressive transformations to promote dynamic socio-economic development.

The key goal of the next five year period is the creation of new production facilities, enterprises and industries manufacturing high-tech and exportoriented products. Of course, a new image is to be created for the Belarusian economy. Energy security and balanced foreign trade are essential for maintaining the independence of the country, its sustained development and the wellbeing of its citizens. “Belarus should enter the top 50 countries regarding the highest Human Development Index,” the resolution states.

The delegates acknowledged the importance of the 2006-2010 SocioEconomic Development Programme for the Republic of Belarus and the significance of prompt measures to mitigate the consequences of the global financial and economic crisis to ensure the country’s economic growth and prosperity. “Most of the goals set by the Programme have been fulfilled; GDP has risen by over 40 percent, while the energy intensity of GDP has fallen by a quarter.

Capital investments have more than doubled while real incomes have risen 7 5 p e rc e nt .

Over the last decade, the country’s GDP has d o u b l e d ,” the document states.

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ear fellow countrymen!

The 4th All-Belarus People’s Congress is a landmark event in the life of our country. Time has proven the importance of this purely democratic Forum, which represents a true mechanism of the Belarusian nat i on’s d i re c t p ar t i c ip at i on i n managing the state.

Today, on the threshold of the next five year plan, we — delegates of the 4th All-Belarus People’s Congress — have

Following its chosen socio-political course, Belarus, according to UN data, is ranked among those countries boasting a high Human Development Index. Over the past five years, it has strengthened its position, now occupying 61st place, ahead of other CIS states.

A State Programme of Rural Revival and Development is being actively implemented in the republic. Today, Belarus is one of the leading food suppliers among Eastern European states. Economic

demographic sphere, clearly defined by the President and aiming to increase life expectancy, birth rates and the size of the population.

The Belarusian nation clearly understands that our country can’t fully realise large-scale projects relating to socioeconomic development without partnership and mutually beneficial relations with Russia and other CIS states, as well as China, Venezuela, the EU, the USA and other countries.

approved major guidelines for the 20112015 Programme for Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Belarus.

It’s vital that this document is guided by our citizens’ desires. Accordingly, we’ve approved a strategy and outlined the tasks which will construct our state over the coming years.

The essence of this strategy is the state’s care for each resident of Belarus.

Our goal — to build a state for the nation — remains unchanged. Such a policy, alongside ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens and interaction between state authorities and civil society structures, promotes national and inter-confessional accord in Belarus, while providing stability and civil peace.

A Belarusian model of development has been created, under the guidance of the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. It has proven its efficiency even under conditions of global financial crisis. Over the last five years, hundreds of new enterprises have been constructed and modernised, with large-scale social programmes implemented. Meanwhile, salaries, pensions and allowances have risen considerably.

growth in sovereign Belarus strongly supports national security and the defence capacity of our country.

Liberalisation and structural economic reform will logically continue our Belarusian socio-economic course over the next five years. Red tape reduction in state authorities, the creation of an attractive investment climate and entrepreneurial promotion will be important areas, in addition to the development of hightech manufactures and growing exports of goods and services. These should result in the appearance of comfortable (to the uttermost) conditions for revealing capabilities of the country’s each citizen.

This is the only way to raise the population’s prosperity and bring positive demographic change. It will also create conditions for worthy education for our new generations while raising standards of living for Belarusians towards those of Europe.

People are the country’s major treasure. People’s well-being, optimism and confidence in the future are the ultimate goals of state policy, which turns positive preconditions into reality.

We completely support priorities in the

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Address of the participants of 4th All-Belarus People’s Congress

We confirm the multi-vector foreign policy of our state and hope for equal and good neighbourly relations with every country of the world, regardless of its political system or state structure. Belarus will continue to develop the principles of an open society, taking into account national interests while favouring trust and mutual support in its relations with other states.

We call on our foreign partners to activate and expand collaboration with Belarus in all areas of mutual interest.

Dear fellow countrymen!

We — delegates of the 4th All-Belarus People’s Congress — are convinced that the Belarusian nation, with its natural wisdom, talent and many years of experience, will again make the right democratic choice for the future.

The country is entering a new stage of development of Belarusian nationhood, which requires the unity and solidarity of the whole nation. We see Belarus as a strong, flourishing and economically powerful state, occupying a worthy place worldwide. We believe that the Belarusian nation will achieve its goals through purposefulness, inherent hard work, diligence, determination and tolerance.

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Delegations’ heads before the summit opening

On the way to global security

At the OSCE Summit in Astana, Belarus has been a major newsmaker. The recent joint statement by Minsk and Washington regarding Belarusian-American interaction in nuclear non-proliferation was unexpected for many political analysts and journalists. However, the document clearly wasn’t ‘out of the blue’; serious actions don’t appear as if by magic. It was preceded by thorough diplomacy, with Minsk defending its own interests

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he adopted j o i nt s t at e m e nt confirms that B elarus and the USA share a similar position regarding nuclear non-proliferation, wishing to co-operate to achieve their goals,” noted Belarus’ Foreign Minister, Sergei Martynov, after negotiations with the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

Mr. Martynov focused attention on

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several important aspects. The joint statement particularly underlined Belarus’ role as one of the countries which has inherited nuclear weapons.

It was also one of the first states to join the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Mr. Martynov added that the USA has confirmed its security guarantees to Belarus, as fixed in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.

According to this document, as long

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Initiatives as our country honours its obligations to liquidate its nuclear weapons, Russia, the USA and the UK have guaranteed to respect Belarus’ independence, sovereignty and current borders. The nuclear powers have also pledged to refuse to use force or threaten force against the territorial integrity of Belarus.

According to Mr. Martynov, the Astana agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy is ‘an important component in the interaction of our two states’. “This is especially vital, since it refers to Belarus’ serious efforts to diversify its path to receive energy,” notes the Belarusian Minister, adding that the agreement promotes the implementation of Minsk’s plans to construct its own nuclear power station for civil purposes. He underlined that this site will meet all IAEA security norms.

The joint statement by Minsk and Washington also notes that Belarus has adopted a decision ‘to eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpiles’; it ‘plans to fulfil this by the time the next Nuclear Security Summit is held, in 2012’. The USA supports this decision and plans to provide technical and financial assistance to our country to complete this project as expeditiously as possible.

Speaking at the OSCE plenary session, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, called the joint statement by Belarus and the USA ‘an important and definite contribution to our common desire to create a secure Europe and world’. The Belarusian President stressed that Minsk favours the creation of a single security system within the zone of OSCE responsibility.

“Nuclear states — OSCE member countries — could provide unconditional and unambiguous guarantees of security, sovereignty and territorial integrity to OSCE non-nuclear member countries,” asserted the President.

Analysing OSCE activity, Mr. Lukashenko noted that the major security issues are currently in the

Initiatives shadow of the humanitarian ‘basket’: human rights, the development of democratic institutes and election monitoring. According to official Minsk, these outweigh all other issues, with OSCE activity primarily centring on election monitoring. Noting this, the Belarusian President pointed out that the organisation has failed to elaborate universal principles on how to decide whether elections standards are being fulfilled. The current indistinct criteria of the OSCE are a ‘stick’ in the hands of various states.

Returning to issues of militarypolitical security, the Belarusian leader asserted that, this year, persistent efforts by Belarus and Russia have allowed the re-launch of work to update the 1999 Vienna Document — a considerable step. The Vienna Document was adopted at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul, with 56 OSCE member states agreeing to strengthen trust and ensure common security by sharing military information annually; as a result, regular mutual inspections are conducted. Serious changes have taken place worldwide since it was originally signed, with over half of the document’s regulations no longer relevant. Improvement is required, so Belarus has presented a comprehensive proposal on how best to update the Vienna Document. It hopes to see its suggestions supported.

The President of Belarus also presented a range of other initiat ives at t he Summit in Ast ana.

These tackled freedom of movement (abolition of visa barriers), counteracting human trafficking and collaboration of OSCE members in the energy sphere. According to Belarus, the OSCE’s potential is far from utilised, with Belarus one of the most active supporters of its serious reformation. Minsk is using an exclusively constructive approach, as Mr. Lukashenko stressed. It’s vital to think of what should be done rather than allocating blame.

Joint statement by the Republic of Belarus and the USA

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elarus’ Foreign Minister, Sergei Martynov, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have affirmed their two countries’ commitment to nuclear security and non-proliferation.

Belarus and the USA have proven their common views on seeing a world without nuclear weapons and pledged to work together to prevent their spread. The US Secretary of State recognises Belarus’ historical decision to give up its nuclear weapons in 1994 as a considerable contribution to nuclear disarmament. Mrs. Clinton has again confirmed security guarantees for Belarus, fixed in the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances of December 5th, 1994.

The Belarusian Foreign Minister has announced that Belarus is to eliminate its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, with completion scheduled to be complete by the time the next Nuclear Security Summit is held, in 2012. The USA plans to provide technical and financial assistance to support the fulfilment of these measures as expeditiously as possible.

The US Secretary of State approvingly notes Belarus’ decision as a sign of progress in efforts to advance nuclear security and non-proliferation and welcomes the Republic of Korea’s intention to invite Belarus to take part in the Nuclear Security Summit in 2012. By adopting this decision, Belarus is joining the USA in its international efforts to convert nuclear facilities to the use of fuels containing low levels of uranium: a

world standard of the 21st century.

Both sides have pledged to continue co-operation in ensuring energy security, including security upgrades at the Joint Institute for Power and Nuclear Research at Belarus’ NAS. Mr. Martynov and Mrs. Clinton have pledged to strengthen global collaboration in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, in line with international standards and other additional bilateral agreements, which may be reached between Belarus and the USA. Belarus has also announced its intention to diversify its energy supply by constructing its first nuclear power station for civil purposes. The USA supports this effort, which includes a competitive process for the design and construction of a safe, secure plant operating under IAEA safeguards. The USA also supports Belarus’ efforts to complete this commercial project as expeditiously as possible.

Welcoming progress regarding these global security issues, Belarus and the USA have acknowledged that enhanced respect for democracy and human rights in Belarus remains centraltoimprovingbilateralrelations, and is essential to achieving progress in the country and for its citizens. The United States hopes to see substantial progress in these areas, particularly in the conduct of the December presidential elections in Belarus, with them meeting international standards. In this respect, Belarus’ decision to invite a robust international monitoring presence to observe these elections is a positive step.

By Vitaly Volyanyuk

2010 беларусь.belarus

Topical

Consensus leads to result In mid-December, Moscow hosted several summits with Alexander Lukashenko’s participation

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he President of Belarus held talks with his Russian colleague, Dmitry Medvedev. Later, one after another, the participants of the Customs Union, EurAsEC, CSTO and CIS gathered in Kremlin. A package of important collective decisions was adopted covering such realms as the launch of the Single Economic Space, on the basis of the Customs Union. This heralds an even deeper degree of integration, envisaging a unified customs and economic policy.

Top level meetings regarding Belarusian-Russian relations were of special significance. “Some rubbed their hands in glee at the prospect of the presidents of Belarus and Russia having quarrelled but their hopes are in vain; we haven’t quarrelled,” stressed Mr. Lukashenko, answering a question from a journalist. “As people say in Russia, relatives can quarrel, even in the kitchen.

As unexpectedly as our relations spoiled, they were mended in the same breath.”

According to the President, serious decisions made during talks with Mr. Medvedev have not been a surprise to him. As announced in Moscow, Russia is to lift duties on oil and oil products supplied to Belarus. Minsk has defended its position in the Customs Union; moreover, the Single Economic Space is designed to avoid inter-state fees.

Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, tells us about the details of the agreements made by Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Medvedev in the Kremlin. “Everything has been done to ensure that these agreements come into force on January 1st, 2011. The

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document will come into force as soon as Belarus conducts inter-state procedures regarding the Single Economic Space.”

He notes the importance of deliveries being made without quotas or other restrictions.

Mr. Semashko explains that Belarus will pay full duties to the Russian budget for oil products processed from Russian oil, as well as those from oil mined on Belarusian territory. However, Belarus will be allowed to independently export crude oil (mined on its own territory) to third countries; in this case, duties will remain in the Belarusian budget. Almost 1.7m tonnes of oil being mined annually

by Belarus in its southern regions will fall into this category. Additionally, the oil which Belarus purchases from Venezuela and from other third countries falls beyond the framework of the bilateral hydrocarbon-related agreement. Duties on oil products processed from this oil will go to the Belarusian budget.

According to Russia’s Economic Development Minister, Elvira Nabiullina, Russia will gain much more in the midterm than it loses in the short-term from lifting oil duties for Belarus.

Most experts assess the Moscow agreements as having important impetus for the Belarusian economy. In particular, the Head of the Centre on European Integration, Yuri Shevtsov, believes the agreements achieved by the three presidents are a success. Mr. Lukashenko said that, initially, Belarus was quite anxious about the formation of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space, since our partner states are rich in hydrocarbon resources. In this respect, their interests coincide and simulta-

neously contradict those of Belarus (which needs to purchase almost all key resources). Before signing the 17 Single Economic Space forming documents, Minsk insisted on abolishing Russia’s duties on oil and oil products.

“We’ve enabled our enterprises to freely compete within a single customs space; it’s a serious step forward,” believes Mr. Lukashenko. “I can disappoint those who’ve dreamt of the destruction of our relationship: the case is rather the opposite. We’ve made a breakthrough in our relations.”

The Russian President admits that, initially, he thought that the creation of the Customs Union and the Singe Economic Space would take years. Now, he believes our countries are moving towards each other rapidly, with giant steps. He characterises the job of negotiators as titanic. As the Belarusian delegation notes, the co-ordination of our positions is conducted almost daily, with videoconferences organised between Minsk, Moscow and Astana where personal meetings are impossible. This has enabled Mr. Medvedev to announce that our three states have managed to agree on forming the Single Economic Space by the end of 2010, with all necessary documents signed. On January 1st, 2012, the Single Economic Space could become a reality.

The declaration signed by the three presidents reads that our countries are moving towards the establishment of a Eurasian Economic Union aiming for ‘harmonious, mutually supplementary and mutually beneficial co-operation with other countries, international economic associations and the European

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Topical

At the session in Moscow

Union, with the further step of establishing a Single Economic Space’.

Interestingly, Mr. Medvedev’s plane returned from Brussels to Vnukovo simultaneously with that of Belarus’ President. As information agencies have reported, he has agreed on Russia’s joining the WTO. Previously, the joining of our three states as a single structure was debated.

According to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry’s Press Secretary, Andrei Savinykh, Mr. Medvedev’s announcements on Russia’s independent joining of the WTO next year do not contradict agreements by the Customs Union’s three member states — Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan — on jointly joining the organisation (as a single structure).

Mr. Savinykh stresses that the previously adopted decision by our three states’ governments exists at a strategic level; this refers to a co-ordinated and joint

membership. “This is how our delegations work in Geneva during talks dealing with WTO membership,” he adds.

Our Foreign Ministry is proposing that our Customs Union partners form a Single Economic Space between the Customs Union and the EU, since the Union cannot exist alone. Without cooperation with other economic centres, it is likely to fail. Naturally, one of these partners is the EU. Belarus believes that our three states must elaborate a coordinated approach to establishing longterm relations with the European Union.

This should also strengthen our position during talks with Brussels.

Our breakthroug h regarding economic integration in the post-Soviet space has been followed by the adoption of security measures. In mid-2010, Kyrgyzstan (an operative member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation) endured conflict yet the CSTO showed

almost no involvement. Accordingly, the CSTO’s future and authority in international affairs was called into question.

The heads of seven states agreed that reform was necessary. Having participated in the work of the CSTO since its foundation, Mr. Lukashenko told journalists that the agenda of the CSTO summit had never been so varied; the presidents signed over 30 documents.

This year, Russia (being the chairing country), prepared a reaction mechanism for crisis situations for the organisation. In Moscow, the chairmanship has now passed to Mr. Lukashenko, whose Belarusian delegation has a list of initiatives ready to strengthen the work of the CSTO and add real weight to it. The presidents who gathered in Moscow have breathed new life into most of the integration processes within the post-Soviet space, although at different speeds.

By Averian Kowalski

2010 беларусь.belarus

11

Co-operation

Worthy place Belarus boasts the second largest economy amongst Eastern Partnership members, noted the Chargé d’affaires a. i. in Minsk, Jean-Eric Holzapfel. Speaking at a round table session entitled Republic of Belarus — European Union: Co-operation Strategy within a Historical Perspective, he stressed that Belarus has a developing market

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owever, he believes the country needs to join the World Trade Organisation to intensively liaise with the EU. He emphasised that the latter is interested in stability in Belarus, is open to collaboration and is ready for rapprochement.

At the same time, Mr. Holzapfel noted that an adequate legal framework is needed to advance Belarus-EU relations — both politically and otherwise. He emphasised the importance of the Eastern Partnership for Belarus-EU relations, reminding those present that the programme is based on multilateral and bilateral co-operation. The latter, in his view, is still underused by Belarus and needs driving forward.

Alexander Baichorov, Envoy Extraordinar y and Minister Plenipotentiary of the European Directorate of the Foreign Ministry of Belarus, noted that Belarus is pursuing a multi-vector policy, which is why it has joined the Eastern Partnership programme. The country is interested in developing the spheres of energy and humanitarian work, alongside others. It is especially keen to see the initiative provide a mechanism to implement concrete projects.

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Dialogue regardless of the weather Štefan Füle, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, reports on new accents in Belarus-EU dialogue during November visit to Minsk

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r u s s e l s l o ok s s e t to abandon its policy of isolation, severe conditions and sanctions towards Belarus. However the EU assesses Minsk’s political weather, today or in the future, there’s no denying that Belarus is part of Europe. Accordingly, it’s wrong to shut it out from pan-European processes. Neither the authorities nor the public wishes to see relations remain frosty. Business people and ordinary citizens alike are keen to see improved EU-Belarus relations. The freezing of political ties affects economic and professional human contacts, so Brussels is now asserting that Europe wishes to assist Belarus (without terms or conditions).

The EU is keen to help Belarus develop its democracy and human rights, aiding economic transformation and energy security. Its past lecturing tone has been replaced by one of friendship.

Two pieces of news, brought to Minsk by Mr. Füle, are especially noteworthy. A plan of co-operation with Belarus has been finally elaborated by Brussels and will be operational ‘both in sunny and bad weather’. Additionally, the EU plans to simplify its visa regime with our country: long-awaited by millions of Belarusian citizens. Mr. Füle

has underlined that Brussels won’t link the simplification of the visa regime to political issues.

During his first visit to Minsk, in July 2006, the EU Commissioner negotiated with President Alexander Lukashenko and Belarus’ Foreign Minister, Sergei Martynov. Mr. Füle stated the EU’s position regarding the forthcoming elections in December, noting that Brussels viewed openness and transparency within the electoral process as an important condition for the dynamic development of relations. He added that the EU ‘would be keen to see progress’ in six areas: registration of candidates; structure of election commissions; early voting; access to media; vote counting and processing of election results; as well as freedom of associations. I asked Mr. Füle, during his press conference at Minsk’s Europe Hotel, how far Belarus has advanced across these six spheres.

He explained that the EU Commission is pleased to announce progress regarding signature collection, registration of candidates and access by various political powers to the media.

Ac c ord i n g t o t h e Eu rop e a n Commissioner, one shortcoming is that ‘under one percent of the opposition are members of electoral commissions’.

Co-operation stable and foresighted,” underlined Mr. Martynov, adding that ‘presidential elections in Belarus were discussed as an area needing further development to aid relations between Belarus and the EU’.

Speaking of the elections, Mr. Füle emphasised Europe’s position, explaining, “We hope to see free and fair elections take place in Belarus. The decision will be made by the Belarusian nation and we’ll respect it.” Political analysts are unanimous in noting a new tone to these announcements.

Previously, the West supported opposition candidates; this time, the EU has demonstrated a clearly neutral position regarding candidates for the presidency.

Mr. Füle stressed many times in Minsk that the EU’s only wish is that elections meet democratic standards.

The attention of analysts has also been attracted by the fact that, during the November visit, Mr. Füle didn’t meet any of the candidates for the presidency. Rather, he chose to chat with heads of non-state organisations, who shared their views on BelarusEU interaction. Vladislav Velichko, the Chairman of the EuroBelarus International Consortium NGO and National Co-ordinator of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, assured Mr. Füle that ‘civil and professional communities in the country are keen to collaborate with the EU and are delighted by intermediate plan

Artur Prupas

However, he allocates no blame: either to the authorities or the opposition.

Rather, he diplomatically noted that the figure ‘doesn’t meet expectations’. He added that the European Union also has a range of questions regarding the procedure of early voting. These issues were high on the agenda during the November meeting between Mr. Füle and Mr. Martynov.

During bilateral talks with the Head of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Füle also presented the EU’s intermediate plan regarding relations with Belarus. The document clearly marks a new stage in our bilateral relationship, since Belarus and the EU currently liaise in a legal vacuum. A fundamental agreement on partnership and co-operation, signed by the EU and Belarus back in 1995, was ratified by the Belarusian Parliament, but was then frozen by the EU Council. To date, legislation regulating BelarusianEuropean relations has been absent.

A joint intermediate plan, developed by the European Commission, aims to compensate for this.

After meeting Mr. Füle, Mr. Martynov told the press that the negotiations determined ‘a whole range of relations between the European Union and Belarus and looked at ways of further strengthening and improv ing t hem’.

“Each side has previously expressed interest in these relations becoming more

Mr. Füle during the press-conference

proposals, as well as the fact that Belarus’ isolation is ending’.

According to Mr. Velichko, Mr. Füle’s visit to Belarus is ‘very important and very positive’. The EU Commissioner is not supporting any political figure on the eve of the elections but has concentrated on the future progress of BelarusEU relations.

Vladimir Karyagin, the Chairman of the Presidium of the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship, also met Mr. Füle, explaining the position of small and medium-sized businesses.

“We want to develop collaboration with European business associations, while implementing definite business projects and programmes with EU representatives,” noted Mr. Karyagin, after the meeting.

He tells us that he gave Mr. Füle a copy of the National Business Platform in Belarus — developed by the entire business community. Additionally, he received information materials on currently operational business associations. Mr. Karyagin notes that Belarusian entrepreneurs want the European Commission to understand their expectations. “Private businesses are keen to take part in all integration processes with Europe, including within the Eastern Partnership programme and those regarding Baltic and transboundary collaboration,” he stresses.

Belarusian businesses are ready to offer European partners definite projects, with mutual benefits. Mr. Karyagin tells us that he is impressed by the logistics centres and the cluster of energy efficient technology complexes being created in Belarus; this active position by the Belarusian b u s i n e s s c o m mu n i t y h a s b e e n taken into account by the European Commissioner.

After his trip to Minsk, Mr. Füle noted his intention of ‘structuring dialogue with Belarusian society’. It seems likely that a new dimension in Belarus-EU relations is to be activated.

It is the third piece of good news from the November visit.

By Vitaly Volyanyuk

2010 беларусь.belarus

13

Geopolitics results

Year of realised possibilities The year of the Tiger is now over. The symbol directly refers to the global economy which once gave birth to the Asian and Latin American ‘tigers’. Sadly, last year, the global economy failed to truly recover, making only a few steps forwards. Anti-crisis measures have been planned by the EU, the USA and most other states. Fortunately, Belarus has avoided the recession. However, having an open economy, it is not immune to world trends. The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, outlined in his pre-election programme that Belarus needs a new image of its economy; it is the major goal for the coming five years

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peaking about symbols, the lynx is often depicted on the old emblems of B elarusian towns. In hera ldr y, it denotes a sharp eye, an ability to see to the heart of the matter. Clearly, this is a skill which Belarusians would be wise to utilise, to take advantage of their current opportunities.

“You’ve achieved so much,” stresses the Head of the IMF Mission, Chris Jarvis. “Belarus has avoided recession and renewed its economic growth which, from Januar y to October, reached 6.8 percent. Belarus has also gained access to international capital markets, issuing Eurobonds; meanwhile, some success has been achieved in the field of structural reform. Amendments to the Law on Privatisation (a Decree by the National Investments and Privatisation Agency) have strengthened the legal and institutional basis for privatisation. We should also praise the initiatives of official bodies regarding the further liberalisation of the economy and entrepreneurial development. The focus is on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Generally, these words embody the essence of work achieved over the past year. The major result here is not that Belarus has escaped recession and economic depression; rather,

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people have remained upbeat about the future. Pessimism, social apathy and fear of change have been avoided.

Structural reform and freedom of business have stepped forward into the breach. Franklin Roosevelt said, during the Great Depression, “Fear is the only thing we must be afraid of.”

B elarus has no fear of the rapidly changing world. In fact, the crisis has pushed us to see new possibilities, new partners and new sales markets.

The country — boasting a strong, sociallyoriented economy and historical roots — is ready to take a new, liberal step forward.

Belarus recently promoted itself at the Investment Forum in German Frankfurt, attracting the attention of potential investors, f rom G ermany and elsewhere. Belarus aims to show itself as a unique site for investment, with a liberal economy and simplified taxation regime. We are also focusing on privatisation, ensuring legal guarantees for investors and many other structural reforms.

Talks with investors are being conducted in clear language, in the financial capital of continental Europe.

However, this dialogue would be insufficient without clear political language.

results Geopoliticse With this in mind, the past year has been characterised by a range of top level visits by EU representatives. This is a political passage which must be navigated to continue our advancement. I’ll detail the essence of talks with the EU later; now, let’s focus on partnerships.

Ta l k i ng re c e nt ly at a Mi nsk forum, famous Russian expert Prof.

Alexander Pankrukhin, from the Russian State S er vice Academy, stressed, “Competitiveness is based on the ability to partner. Belarus boasts this mentality: the ideology of partnership, which is a progressive factor.” His opinion differs greatly from that of the idle speculations of the Russian media regarding Belarus’ multi-vector policy.

Active promotion of our national interests in Europe is viewed by the Russian media as bargaining — either

The multi-vector approach of external policy reserves particular addresses

with Russia or the EU. However, international relations and geopolitics are not spheres where ‘facts are bought and rumours are sold’...

Looking at Belarus’ availability for partnership, we should note that, from the very first days of its independent existence, it declared a multi-vector policy. Moreover, Belarus has a strict national consensus regarding the equal importance of its two global partners: Russia and the EU. We are connected to Russia by hundreds of production and co-operation links, while being focused on its huge market. The EU — primarily, Germany — is our major source of advanced technologies.

Mikhail Delyagin, another famous Russian economist and politologist, the Director of the Institute of Globalisation Problems, is convinced that huge Russia shouldn’t stray from Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan if it seeks normal development. Without its close ties with these countries a n d a j oi nt s a l e s m a r k e t , Russia ‘won’t be able to sustain stability for long’.

Mr. Delyagin believes that, on assessing the efficiency of our economic ties, two approaches are possible: accounting (for enter pr is es’ efficiency) and public (assessing the value of ties for the country overall).

He b e l i e v e s t h at rel at ions b et we en Russia and B elarus must b e v ie we d f rom the public point of view, rather than accounting efficiency. However, in relations between Moscow and Minsk, the accounting approach has won. Mr. Delyagin explains, “The problem is that, in Russia, all actions are viewed from the view of accounting efficiency.

Regarding public efficiency, Russia and Belarus have no problems. From

the dominant accounting point, local problems remain potentially unsolved.

This is why our countries have local conflicts. These shall continue, at least until Russia faces a system crisis.”

Belarus now realises that, at a certain moment, the Russian leaders have chosen another path in their relations with neighbours, seeking quick economic profit (necessary for oil and gas exporters). This is a mistake which the Russians must realise and resolve. In fact, a positive trend of change is already evident.

Minsk, in turn, won’t betray its national interests, continuing to realise new opportunities.

Last year, Belarus was officially visited by the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle.

Minsk was also visited by the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland: Guido Westerwelle and Radoslaw Sikorski. In turn, Alexander Lukashenko met the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. Only the most superficial observer would call them ‘envoys of the West who are striving to attract Minsk’s attention after its quarrel with Moscow’.

Sadly, this is another erroneous stereotype, stating that Europe’s activity in Belarus is related to a desire to separate it from Moscow. The concept of Belarus being a buffer, which circles Russia with a belt of independent states, is a view more commonly held by the USA than the EU — as confirmed by Brzezinski Jr. In his column in The New York Times, the son of Zbigniew — Jan Brzezinski — advised Mr. Obama not to ignore ‘the vision of a single, free and safe Europe’, with ‘possible membership of Ukraine and Georgia in NATO and the EU’.

It seems the EU has parted with its plans to accept new members. Rather, it has included Ukraine, Georgia and Belarus, alongside some other partners, into its Eastern Partnership programme. How is it possible to view this programme as a rival to Russia, when Russia itself has a more advanced

2010 беларусь.belarus

15

Geopolitics results and major co-operation programme with Brussels?

Speaking of the EU’s interest in its new Eastern neighbours, we should note that Belarus and the EU share 1,200km of common border, with interest in co-operation emerging on both sides. No wise thinking politician can ignore this.

After Ms. Grybauskaitė visited Minsk, she saw that Mr. Lukashenko guarantees Belarus’ independence; she personally noted it at a meeting with her country’s diplomats. The Lithuanian President also brought home a signed agreement on border movement, enabling our two states’ citizens to move more freely across the border regions. It affects about 600,000 B elarusians and almost 800,000 Lithuanians and is only the beginning.

It is gaining momentum, with Belarus already ratifying border movement agreements with EU members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. Closer ties are sure to develop on both sides of the border, bringing greater rapprocheme nt b e t we e n B el ar us and t he European Union.

Co-operation with the EU in the energy sphere is natural. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski discussed not only free and democratic elections with Mr. Lukashenko during his visit to Minsk, but debated energy co-operation, speaking with his counter p ar t, Mr. Mar tynov.

T h e G e r m a n M i n i s t e r, G u i d o Westerwelle, expressed his wish to see ‘a strong bridge built between Belarus and Europe, based on legisl at i o n , d e m o c r a c y a n d hu m a n rights’. Additionally, Mr. Westerwelle expressed our unity of economic interests. At the forum (organised in Berlin on the eve of his visit to Minsk by the Goethe Institute), he advocated the establishment of a single economic space for the EU and its Eastern neighbours. Political dialogue is a necessary condition for this collaboration, of course. Mr. Westerwelle explained that ‘in countries where human rights

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are met, investors feel good’. “Co-operation with the EU will benefit every Belarusian,” he asserts.

In November, the Federal Minister of Sp ecial Af fairs and Chief of the Chancellor’s Office, Ronald Pofalla, visited Minsk to attend the forum B elarus and the EU After At the meeting of the Crisis: Challenges President of Belarus and Opportunities Alexander Lukashenko with in the Fields of the Head of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintaо Politics, Economics and Society. Interest between Belarus and the EU is mutual, with our countr y hoping to fully use European mechanisms of investme nt c ol l ab or at i on — especially from the European Investment Bank. In return, we offer participation in projects vital to the whole of Eu r o p e : l o g i s t i c a l , transport and energy.

Italian prime Minister Partnership offers new Silvio Berlusconi at the possibilities for Europe, National Minsk Airport as the EU now realises.

Accordingly, it is ready to liaise more actively with Minsk. co-operation with the EU to ensure T h e f o u n d a t i o n s w e r e l a i d its development. “What do we want during the first meeting between from Europe? We want Europeans to Mr. Lukashenko and the former EU understand that Belarus is not just the Commissioner for External Relations geographical centre of this continent. and European Neighbourhood Policy, It is home to decent, frank and hardBenita Ferrero-Waldner, in Minsk. working people. It is an independent The Belarusian President stressed his sovereign state and we cannot allow constant support of sincere policy anyone to infringe upon this, whoever and proposed ‘absolutely open and might wish to,” he said. sincere talks’. Belarus is eager to build Talking to Western journalists normal relations with the EU. Europe and politicians on what Belarus can is our neighbour, while the EU offer Europe, Mr. Lukashenko notes accounts for half of our trade income. that we not only boast a geographical Mr. Lukashenko noted that the EU position at the crossroads of transport is technologically advanced while routes, offering great transit possibiliBelarus boasts a high-tech economy; ties, but can offer security. “We are a with this in mind, the country needs connecting link between the European

results Geopoliticse

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Mr. Lu kashen ko n ote d t h e g row i ng mut u a l i nt e re s t of Belarus and the EU during his meeting with the Secretar yG enera l of t he EU Council, Javier Solana.

This extremely influential European politician has finally set a new trend in MinskB r u s s e l s re l at i on s , w h i c h are s t e a d i l y growing closer.

Lithuanian President Besides being at the Dalia Grybauskaitė heartily welcomed geographical centre of Europe, strengthening its connections with old democracies, Belarus has made a true breakthrough in its relations with the new global leaders.

Its agreements with the heads of Brazil, Venezuela and China are a true sensation.

Oil agreements signed in C aracas des er ve particular attention.

Venezuelan President Hugo Our two states’ presiChávezs visited Minsk dents agreed, this year, Automobile Works that Venezuela will supply 4m tonnes of oil Union and the Russian Federation,” to Belarus, with the figure set to rise he says. “Major oil and gas pipes pass to 10m in coming years. Taking into through Belarus, in addition to roads consideration the fact that Belarus and railways. Moreover, these are in imports 21.5m tonnes of oil from very good condition — even better Russia, these 10m tonnes are influential. Diversification of energy suppliers than those of our neighbours.”

According to the Head of State, allows an escape from energy dependBelarus has never been blamed by ence on a single state.

Thirteen contracts were signed Europe for failing to ensure EU security. The country actively counter- with China during Mr. Lukashenko’s acts illegal migration, drug trafficking visit to Beijing in October: the result and the smuggling of radioactive of many years of intense preparations. materials, while having an absolutely Belarusian enterprises began searching stable situation, without national for Chinese partners several years ago, or inter-confessional conflict. The with the President’s official visit to President believes ‘this creates a basis China in 2005 serving as a starting on which Belarus and the EU can point. It was then that mutual political understanding received a business build relations’.

flavour. In early 2010, the Chinese Vice President, Xi Jinping, visited Minsk; as a result of talks, a credit line was opened for Belarus: a record $15bn.

Of course, modern and competitive projects are needed and some have already been proposed, while others are being studied. Beijing is convinced that Belarusian projects offer serious profit; the production of microwave ovens at Minsk’s Horizont, construction of cement plants and reconstruction of Minsk’s heat power stations are among them. Future large-scale plans are known exclusively to specialists but it’s already clear that China, a strategic partner, presents an advantage to Belarus, enabling it to promote itself on the world market.

This year, Belarus decided to establish its own National Investment Agency — called by some politologists and economists ‘the national security agency’. Belarus needs a favourable environment for investments and innovations, developing entrepreneurship. Speaking to foreign journalists, Mr. Lukashenko admits that he is confident of the future, explaining, “If someone thinks that, tomorrow, Russian subsidies will depart, leaving us to crash, it’s untrue. We are standing on our own two feet.” According to him, Minsk is now diversifying its foreign policy, building partnerships with many countries around the world.

The recently adopted Belarusian concept of national security envisages a multi-vector policy, economic and energy diversification, and the development of fully-fledged relations with EU members. Another important result of 2010 has been the establishment of the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia and the gradual movement towards a Single Economic Space. From Minsk’s point of view, freedom of movement for goods, labour and capital must take priority. Belarus is the most western of non-Western states, being the gateway between two worlds.

By Nina Romanova

2010 беларусь.belarus

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Context

Beneficial comparison According to specialists, in H1 2010, Belarus ranked third in the CIS in terms of salary in US dollar equivalent: a state employee earned $427 on average

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ussia occupied first place ($695), followed by Kazakhstan ($558), which both boast big salaries connected to the mining industry. Azerbaijan lags slightly behind ($409) while Armenia, Ukraine and Moldova boast average incomes of just $307, $300 and $243 respectively. The lowest salaries are paid to employees of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, who earn a mere $157 and $79 in US dollar equivalent.

Moreover, Belarus is one of the world’s few countries to have no significant income gap between the wealthiest 10 percent and the poorest 10 percent of the population: a fact which has been unchanged for over a decade. On average, the wealthiest are 5.6-5.9 times richer than the poorest: one of the lowest differentials in the world. In Russia, the income gap is 16.7-fold and, in the USA, stands at 16-fold. Even in Moldova it exceeds 12-fold. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have a 10-fold gap while Poland and France’s gap totals 9-fold, followed by Germany with 7-fold. In Norway — the country recognised by the UN’s recent Human Development Index report as offering the best quality of life — the income differential is 6-fold.

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Impressive plans Steady upward movement

Around $35bn to be invested in Belarus’ economy over coming five years, announces First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko at session of National Council for Labour and Social Issues

Belarus up 29 points among most flourishing countries in the world — according to Legatum Prosperity Index

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elarus has jumped 29 points to claim 54th position on the Legatum Prosperity Index, which ranks prosperity across 110 nations (in 2009, Belarus was 85th). The British Independent Research Institute Legatum began publishing its Legatum Prosperity Index in 2006. In line with the project’s methodology, a country’s rating is defined by the average figure of its indices.

This reflects such components of well-bring as key macro-economic figures, levels of education and health, the development of democratic institutions, management organisation, business and innovations, social capital and personal freedom.

In 2010, Norway is ranked first and Denmark second, followed by Australia, New Z ealand, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The most highly ranked nations among our post-Soviet countries are Estonia (35th), Lithuania (42nd), Latvia (47th) and Kazakhstan (50th). Meanwhile, Russia is ranked 63rd, Ukraine 69th, Uzbekistan 76th and Moldova 86th. Belarus is fifth in terms of prosperity across the former Soviet Union nations.

Belarus has also improved its position in the Index of Economic Freedom, published by the Heritage Foundation (Washington) with the participation and support of The Wall Street Journal.

In 2010, Belarus is ranked 150th out of 183 countries, up 17 points on last year.

The rating indicates improvements in Belarus regarding freedom of business, trade, fiscal matters and labour relations, in addition to state spending.

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ver the next five years, the sum of investments is expected to be quadruple that from 2006-2010, according to Mr. Semashko. He notes that Industry Ministry enterprises are set to receive 10 times as many investments over the next five years and that Belarus needs to build ‘a large iron founding plant’. “This is crucial for Belarusian mechanical engineering,” he stresses. The largest and most important projects include the construction of a facility to produce LCD panels, which also requires ‘huge investment’. Mr. Semashko explains that the Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) and Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ) are expected to raise investments into their manufacturing to over $1bn each.

Key production assets are to be upgraded across the economy. “We need to accumulate working capital, simultaneously working on modernisation and technical re-equipment of the branches,” the official notes, adding that the country’s industrial companies are now demonstrating positive dynamics of growth. MAZ increased its output by 10 percent from JanuaryOctober this year; however, in 2009, it suffered an almost 50 percent decline.

Meanwhile, MAZ has reported 14.8 percent profitability.

Context

In mirror of demography Census shows almost 84 percent of Belarus’ residents see themselves as Belarusian

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Alexander Ruzhechka

ccording to 2009 National Statistical Committee census data, about 140 nationalities permanently live in Belarus, with almost 84 percent of the country’s residents viewing themselves as Belarusian. Meanwhile, 8.3 percent say they are Russian, 3.1 percent say Polish and 1.7 percent say Ukrainian.

The top ten most numerous categories include those who see themselves as Jewish, Armenian, Tatar, Gypsy, Azerbaijani and Lithuanian, with each group boasting 0.1 percent of the total population.

The 2009 census has provided a detailed overview of the nationalities residing in B elar us, with replies recording respondents’ selfdefined words. The nationality of children was determined by that of their parents. The census allowed nationality and ethnic group to be recorded: those generally recognised and those invented independently.

According to the National Statistical Committee,

since the last census in 1999, the number of people in the most numerous nationalities has fallen, as it has countrywide.

There are 2.2-fold fewer Jewish people, while the number of Ukrainians and Russians has fallen by a third each and there are 29 percent fewer Hebrews.

Specialists believe the trend reflects natural migration.

Simultaneously, migration has led to a growing number of representatives of other nationalities. Since 2009, the number of Chinese living permanently in Belarus has risen almost 20-fold. In fact, 2.7 times more Arabs are registered and the number of Turks has risen 2.3-fold. The share of other nationalities remains insignificant.

The national composition of the population in some regions differs from that seen across the Republic. In the Brest and Minsk regions, the fifth most numerous nationality is Armenian (rather than Jewish). In the Gomel region, Hebrews are the fourth most popular nationality, with Poles shifting to sixth position. In the Grodno region, 67 percent are registered as Belarusian and 22 percent as Poles, with Lithuanians closing the top five (0.2 percent).

Ranking outstrips dynamics Belarus now among top three worldwide for reformed business conditions

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ccording to an annual report by the World Bank and the International Fi n an c e C or p or at i on — D oi ng Business-2011 — Belarus has become a leader in business reform, looking at five years of cumulative change, from 2006 to 2011. The country has been placed third, creating a more favourable regulatory environment for domestic entrepreneurs over the last five years.

The new report (dealing with the assessment of business conditions) has been implemented this year, reflecting the changes which have occurred in the regulation of entrepreneurial activity in 174 countries — covered by Doing Business reports from 2006 to 2011. According to its authors, the rankings show the prevailing character of each country’s internal advancement against itself.

According to World Bank experts, Belarus’ leading position in this ranking is a great achievement — even more important than the fluctuations in the ranking itself.

The World Bank believes that the reforms so far successfully realised in Belarus, in addition to authorities’ further liberalisation plans, are part of a gradually implemented programme aimed at improving the business climate.

2010 беларусь.belarus

19

Resources

Truth lies in water Gold, oil and gas are not the only treasures on the global market. Economists assert that, in 10-15 years, drinking water could become even more valuable than oil.

The lack of water is one of the most serious problems of our modern times, and may place humankind on the edge of survival. Over 90 percent of the water on the planet is saline; drinking water accounts for just 3 percent of all deposits

Land of lakes and rivers

Belarus boasts over 10,000 lakes, over 20,000 rivers and lakes, about 1,500 ponds and 150 water reservoirs. Its land waters comprise 58 cubic kilometres, while natural underground resources of drinking water total 16-18 cubic kilometres. In fact, Belarus only uses 3-3.5 percent of its water annually: enough to satisfy the needs of the population and the economy.

The average European person consumes around 120-150 litres of water daily, while a Belarusian might use up to 200 litres. The First Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Vitalty Kulik, notes that water quality is a key issue for the country.

Belarusians primarily drink water from underground sources, except for some districts of Minsk and Gomel (where land waters are used as well). Over the past 10-15 years, much has been done to ensure the high quality of drinking water, with de-ironing stations constructed, alongside purifying facilities, drainage and water supply intakes, and new

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pipes laid. In 2006, a Presidential decree approved a state programme for water provision and discharge — Clean Water — running from 2006-2010. It has cost about Br700bn.

Of course, it would be unwise to ignore the rich natural reserves our country possesses. With this in mind, exports of bottled drinking water are under much discussion. Many might think that only remote Sahara or Asia need water, but our neighbouring Ukraine lacks drinking water; its available resources are much polluted. The country’s major water artery — the Dnieper River — has 50 large industrial centres along it, in addition to several nuclear power stations and dozens of industrial and ag r ic u ltura l facilities.

T he y a l l use the Dnieper’s water, while dumping their indust r i a l an d

drainage waste back into the river. In a few years, Ukraine will need to import drinking water. Across Europe, dozens of millions of people lack access to pure drinking water. Even in Russia — which occupies first place in the world in terms of its drinking water reserves (accounting for over 20 percent of global volumes) — rivers and lakes are polluted, producing a lack of adequate drinking water.

With this trend in mind, the sales market for Belarusian water is unlimited.

Millions of Dollars of profit are ‘laying on the ground’. President Alexander Lukashenko stressed during his April Address to the Belarusian Nation and the National Assembly, “Last year, we sold $3m of mineral water. It’s evident that the geography of our sales, as well as volumes, should be significantly expanded. Taking into consideration the global market situation, this should bring good dividends to our country.”

Goldmine

Alexander Ruzhechka

M

igration already takes place due to lack of water, with over 20m people leaving their h o m e s a n n u a l l y.

Scientists say that, by 2050, over 75 percent of the Earth’s population could be fighting for water. Belarus is among the few states rich in water resources, which could bring the country huge dividends from water exports.

Every year, demand for bottled mineral and drinking water rises by about 20 percent worldwide. Belarus has every chance to conquer the European market, since it has over 200 water deposits of different chemical and mineral composition; meanwhile, we only use about 100 of them. According to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry’s Geology Department, over 80 deposits of high quality underground water have been discovered countrywide. These are perfect for making bottled water,

Sergey PLY TKEVICH

Resources

There are more than 10 thousand lakes in Belarus

with almost no preliminary processing required. For example, water reservoirs near Brest, Grodno and Minsk could be used as sites to produce bottled water.

Two years ago, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry proposed investment into the development of water deposits. Dozens of CIS and non-CIS states showed interest but the global economic crisis interrupted their plans. Demand for water dropped and some promising partners — able to invest up to 15m euros in setting up a plant to produce bottled water — were obliged to put aside their plans. Experts continue to note that it would be a profitable business, ensuring a full financial return within 5-7 years.

Spring water reserves are almost inexhaustible. Importantly, Belarusian water meets all international standards and can easily rival foreign bottled water, offering good value for money.

However, so far, exports have been insignificant. In 2009, Belarus produced about 250m litres of water, while selling only 7 percent abroad: 18m litres, worth $3.2m. Among the major customers were Lithuania, Russia and Latvia, in addition to Estonia, Azerbaijan and Canada.

The Belarusian Statistical Committee says that, this year, demand for Belarusian water has risen abroad. From January-September 2010, our domestic producers supplied almost 9 percent more water than in the same period of the previous year. Importantly, prices rose, with foreign currency revenue rising by 14 percent. The trend looks even more optimistic when we take into account that Belarusian brands have difficulty in accessing foreign shops and enjoy little advertising.

With the aim of using its water potential more thoroughly, Belarus is relying on the establishment of new production facilities — using its own funds and foreign investments.

Not long ago, a workshop for bottled drinking water production was set up at Baranovichi Vodokanal (overseeing water supply). This can produce 4.8m litres annually: 6.5 times more than before. Similar projects are being realised at Rechitsa Vodokanal, Svisloch District Consumer Co-operative and Krinitsa JSC, in the Nesvizh district.

According to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry’s press service, in early 2010, the Ministry

concluded agreements with foreign investors to mine and bottle drinking water (worth 26m Euros). Last year, the Ministry’s Geology Department sent potential partners information on setting up joint ventures for bottled water production, stimulating manufacturing and the sale of ready-made products. The unique characteristics of our water exports were outlined and investors are already showing interest.

Businessmen from Russia, Germany and the Netherlands are now studying investment opportunities in this sphere.

A draft water strategy until 2020 has been developed in Belarus, which Mr. Kulik believes to be vitally important.

Although many state programmes dealing with water resources are being realised, a unified approach to their rational use is a new development. The strategy should enhance revenue from water supplies, while ensuring efficient use. Similar strategies to protect water resources are operational in most countries already. The EU has its water directive and some other documents dealing with the issue, while Russia adopted a water strategy in 2009.

Belarus has now joined these states.

By Lilia Khlystun

2010 беларусь.belarus

21

Science

Origins of progress Belarusian researchers successfully study fundamentals of Universe

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ot long ago, scientists from the Belarusian Nat iona l Academy of Sciences achieved success in creating a new supercomputer — ranked first worldwide for the number of points earned in daily calculations. Comprising 12-nuclei AMD Opteron processors, it can fulfil 8 trillion operations per second, without using its additional graphic processors. Scientists from the United Institute of Informatics Problems at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus are already working on an even more efficient supercomputer, using a 16-nuclei processor. These supermachines have obvious practical applications but would never have been created without the thorough theoretic work of our Belarusian scientists.

In their efforts to understand the origins of the Universe, our scientists can hardly guarantee a quick financial return, but progress is hardly possible without such discoveries. The Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics is creating highly efficient SHF-power generators: gyrotons. These open the door to higher scientific spheres, including heating nuclear fusion reactor plasma to create ‘eternal’ energy. Gyrotons are also necessary for the development of powerful radiolocation stations and synthesis of new materials. Some time ago, scientists from the National Academy of Sciences’ Physics Institute were working on lasers; now, they are creating smaller sized lasers to be used for therapeutic treatments. Researchers from the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Genetics and Cytology have discovered the means to select

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triticale varieties resistant to disease and prolific in their harvest, which should aid cattle breeding.

“Global civilisation is shifting to a new, post-industrial economic order: one based on knowledge,” explains the Chairman of the Scientific Council at the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research, National Academy of Sciences academician Valentin Orlovich. “In Belarus, the level of higher education is quite high; a range of globally acknowledged schools operate here. However, for obvious reasons, the country is unable to independently conduct research in a number of disciplines. The solution is co-operation with foreign colleagues.

This would enable us to more thoroughly conduct scientific work (and at less cost), applying our results.”

farming, health, optics and electronics: supervised by over 100 organisations.

Every year, the Belarusian Academy of Sciences spends over $1m on developing nano-materials and nano-technologies, aiming to apply findings at industrial level. Belarus boasts huge potential in the field of information and communication technologies. Our universities annually train over a thousand highly skilled programmers, contributing not only to theoretical research but creating a basis for the practical application of scientific knowledge. Scientists are being trained to work in our regional higher educational establishments, while the Belarusian state budget allocates more funds for fundamental research each year. At present, Belarus occupies a leading position within

Among the priority areas of co - operation between Belarusian and foreign scientists there are alternative energy studies, biotechnologies. The joint projects in the field of information and communication technologies are those of particular importance The high potential of fundamental research was laid by Belarusian scientists many decades ago — especially regarding nuclear energy, physics and mathematics. They gained famed due to their world-level discoveries. Our country continues to define its own areas of research, conducted by academies, institutions and branched agencies.

Among our priority areas (as approved by the President and the Council of Ministers) there are information and biotechnologies, energy studies, space, nano-materials and nano-technologies,

the post-S oviet space regarding s c i e n c e’s c ont r i but i on t o G DP. At present, about 1,300 topics are being studied under the aegis of the Belarusian Foundation for Fundamental Research. Twice this number have been applied already (primarily, in the fields of biology, medicine and agrarian sciences).

Selection is made via secret ballot by 16 expert councils, which unite 110 of the most famous Belarusian scientists. In 2009, work resulted in the publishing of 110 monographies, 2,336

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Science

Progress is impossible without scientific discoveries

scientific articles, over 1,500 reports delivered to international conferences and 56 patents. Half of all studies are conducted in liaison with foreign researchers; interestingly, the number of these joint projects has almost doubled over the past five years.

Co-operation in the physico-mathematical and information spheres leads the way, with joint efforts yielding impressive results. This year, international grants worth 229,000 euros, $3.3m and over 2m Russian roubles have been received (double that of 2009 and covering all state costs for joint research). These are being used to implement joint scientific plans, with economic agreements concluded to ensure practical application, bringing dividends. At the time of writing this article, the 2010 results were yet to be released but Mr. Orlovich assures us that this year’s results should be even more impressive.

“Such results are due partly to the fact that the Fund has concluded a range of agreements with similar foreign organisations aiming to support research,” believes Mr. Orlovich. “Among them is

the Civilian Research and Development Foundation in the USA, the French Nat i on a l C e nt re f or S c i e nt i f i c Research, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the German Scientific-Research Society, the Italian universities of Trieste and Verona, the national scientific funds of Bulgaria and Slovenia and the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology. At present, eleven scientific projects are being conducted jointly with the Romanian Academy of Sciences. 40 applications were received for the BelarusianMoldovan contest, with half chosen for joint financing; the rules for the first Belarusian-Lithuanian contest of projects have also been agreed.”

Naturally, close contacts have been established with the Russian Fund for Fundamental Research and the Humanitarian Scientific Fund. The Belarusian-Russian contest for scientific problems of ancient Polotsk is a tradition, while a joint contest in the field of physics is annually organised with the Joint Institute of Nuclear Research in Dubna. Another direction

for joint scientific studies is the overcoming of the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe, with Ukraine joining recently.

Relations with Polish colleagues are also developing smoothly; according to the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Chairman of the Presidium, Mikhail Myasnikovich, 48 projects are now in place, focusing on natural, physico-technical and engineering sciences. Alternative energy and biotechnology are among the most promising avenues of collaboration, with special attention paid to information-communication technologies.

Not long ago, the Vice President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Karol Modzelewski, visited Minsk to agree an exchange of representations by the two leading scientific centres.

Appl i c at i ons are n ow b e i ng submitted for a regular contest of fundamental scientific research in Belarus, with about 700 projects already proposed (most joint). The most subtle nuances of nature are being explored.

By Vladimir Bibikov

2010 беларусь.belarus

23

Region education

The top level Development of medicine in regions could be interesting to foreign scientists, students and tourists

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he Belarusian healthcare system has recently received good impetus for development. Medical institutions countrywide have strengthened their material and technical base and purchased contemporary equipment for hospitals and medical universities. Meanwhile, new methods of diagnostics and treatment of various diseases have been launched.

Similar processes are taking place in every region, considerably enhancing their attractiveness. For example, Vitebsk’s doctors have successfully organised scientific conferences and are conducting joint research with foreign colleagues.

Moreover, they’re ready to implement several promising international projects, requiring interaction with specialists in education and tourism.

Speaking of science, Vitebsk’s State Medical University has been enjoying long-term collaboration with the Institute for Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch.

“In the late 1990s, the head of the repair enzymes laboratory from this academic Russian institute, Prof.

Georgy Nevinsky, invited us to work together on the catalytic activity of antibodies,” recollects Igor General, who heads the Clinical Microbiology Chair at Vitebsk’s State Medical University. “Since then, two important projects have been realised.”

After their first project, scientists proved that the appearance of antibodies destroying nucleic acids is an indicator of

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the presence of autoimmune diseases, including those relating to the thyroid gland. This has enabled them to develop a new diagnostic test. Their second project was dedicated to bacterial infections relating to arthritis and enteric infections. The third is likely to tackle diseases such as disseminated sclerosis. If scientists’ guesses are confirmed, they should be able to help slow down the disease.

A new morphologic building, which opened in September, is a vital step forward for the University. The six storey glass and concrete building boasts the most contemporary medical equipment and has alleviated overcrowding in student classrooms. It has been highly praised by scientists from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, Austria, China and Switzerland, being unique within the CIS. Its equipment is of the highest level, including personal German binocular microscopes, video projection systems — which show images

on huge screens — and an automated system of histo-chemical dyeing; these are aiding innovative progress regarding scientific investigations.

The international Acute Issues of Disease Morphologic Diagnostics scientific conference, held at the Anatomic Pathology Chair, has been a great success. Swedish Professor Göran Elmberger asserts that the University’s new equipment rivals that of the best European universities. Accordingly, it has been proposed that training seminars for the European Society of Morthologists be organised there in future.

VSMU’s integration into the world educational system covers not only the Western direction. Vadim Pristupa, the Dean of the Department for Training Foreign Citizens, tells us about the University’s new project. “Traditionally, foreigners at our University used to study in Russian; however, European educational establishments tend to offer a short-term introductory course in English, so we’ve also introduced this innovation,” he explains. “To be competitive, catching potential students from Sri Lanka (accounting for a third of VSMU foreign students), we’ve developed programmes enabling them to pass introductory courses in chemistry, biology and Russian language in their homeland.”

The Health Ministry of Belarus supports this initiative, with an agreement to be signed w it h fore i g n New equipment is very often installed in regional medical centres partners. The

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education Regione

Vitebsk Medical University students are future pediatricians

first graduates of the Sri Lanka Academy, improving local secondary education, could arrive in Vitebsk in the autumn of 2012. Meanwhile, over 70 youngsters from Turkmenistan, who are to study at the Medical University in line with an intergovernmental agreement, are already accommodated in hostels.

“Modernisation our training base will enhance the quality of education to a new, contemporary level,” stresses VSMU Rector Valery Deikalo. “We plan to construct a new, central scientific-research laboratory, as well as two hostels and a swimming pool.

A new medical library, large enough to accommodate over 300 students, teachers and doctors at any one time, from any corner of Belarus, is to open very soon.”

Alluring prospects are opening up before practicing Vitebsk doctors; it’s no secret that Russian guests account for almost half of spa places in Vitebsk region today. Some travel especially to Vitebsk’s Maternity House No. 1, which is equipped with the latest technology, while others go to Vitebsk’s Regional Hospital No. 2, which also boasts the latest proctologic technologies.

Vitebsk’s Regional Healthcare Department is opening a tourist agency to attract foreigners keen on receiving medical services: besides the above mentioned areas, cardio-surgery, paediatrics, cosmetology and dentistry are to be offered. Oncological patients also receive excellent treatment in the region.

According to the latest monitoring, it’s more convenient for residents from Russian Smolensk and Pskov to travel to Vitebsk than to Moscow or St. Petersburg to receive good quality medical services.

Following the global financial and economic crisis, medical services in the Baltic States and Scandinavian countries are less affordable, so Latvians and Estonians are taking interest in Belarusian clinics.

“We have medical institutions, equipment and specialists ready to provide private services at the highest level,” notes Yuri Derkach, who heads Vitebsk’s Regional Executive Committee’s Healthcare Department. “Moreover, we are trying to open new centres, oriented towards foreigners, to places often visited by foreign tourists.”

For example, around $0.5m has been allocated to reconstruct and equip a

dentistry policlinic in the district centre of Glubokoe. In autumn and winter, this facility will also serve the local population — providing free, state medical aid as well as private services. A cosmetology centre is to open in Baran, near Orsha, with a similar medical institution planned for Braslav. Vitebsk’s Regional Healthcare Department has already liaised with Russian partners in offering private services.

Its specialists hope that Vitebsk and Belarusian tourist agencies will become regular suppliers of clients for medical tours, with Vitebsk’s Regional Hospital’s tourist agency co-ordinating the whole process. Its website should become operational by summer 2011, providing complete information on the range of services and prices to potential customers. Medical tourism will undoubtedly require further development, with hotels, roadside services, site improvement in cities, beaches and leisure facilities needed. Why shouldn’t a foreigner, arriving in Glubokoe for dentistry services, visit Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk or the Marc Chagall Art Centre in Vitebsk?

By Sergey Golesnik

2010 беларусь.belarus

25

Environment

Attractive ice continent Belarus keen to continue research in the Antarctic

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Worthy experience German ecologists and their Belarusian colleagues to jointly record greenhouse gas emissions

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ur two countries are c ur rent ly involve d in developing shared methods of record keeping, aiming to use the information to restore affected marshlands. “Belarusian peatlands are suitable for German experts to apply their experience in recording greenhouse gas emissions,” notes the Head of the Belarusian Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry’s International Co-operation Department, Irina Rudko. Belarus retains the greatest number of lowland and upland bogs in Europe. Accordingly, German ecologists are joining forces with their Belarusian colleagues to test various methods on each type of bog. The project is

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being supported by the Dortmund International Centre for Education (IBB Dortmund).

Previously, Belarusian scientists had begun to systematically measure greenhouse gas emissions on the marshes at Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the Republican Sporovsky Reserve and Bartenikha Peatland. Ecologists aim to monitor the fall of greenhouse emissions on such waterlogged territories; it is Belarus’ direct contribution to solving the climatic problem.

Marshes accumulate carbon and, when drained to extract peat or be used in agriculture, this is released into the atmosphere, considerably intensifying the greenhouse effect. Such emissions can be reduced via repeated water logging; a major project has been implemented in Belarus over recent years (supported by the UNDP and the Global Environmental Facility) to restore depleted peatlands, which are of primary interest to scientists.

he scale of future studies depends on financing, deciding whether we’ll simply have a scientific presence or take part more actively, including via independent expeditions,” explains the Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Mikhail Myasnikovich.

The state programme — Monitoring the Polar Regions of the Earth and Supporting the Activity of Arctic and Antarctic Expeditions from 20112015 — envisaged the possibility of conducting new scientific studies on the ice continent but it’s yet to be decided whether Belarusian polar researchers shall go to the Antarctic this year.

It seems likely that Belarusian polar researchers won’t join the Russian Antarctic expedition at the initial stage of travelling to the Antarctic on the ‘Academician Fedorov’ ship but may join their Russian colleagues in Cape Town, jointly reaching the Antarctic on an Il-76 plane. Negotiations are underway.

It was previously expected that Russia would give the Vechernyaya Mountain field camp to Belarus (where Belarusian specialists have worked in recent years).

If Belarus plans to become a consultative party within the Antarctic Treaty and participate in decision making regarding vital issues relating to the continent, it must continue its scientific-research work there. At present, the southern continent of the Earth is a zone for science and research, with mining of mineral deposits prohibited but, in a few decades’ time, the ice continent may be divided for profit. Being rich in mineral resources, including hydrocarbons and uranium, it has great value. The leading states of the globe expand their research here. At present, 48 countries have joined the Antarctic Treaty, with 29 acting as consultative parties.

Environment

Invitation for winter walk National Academy of Sciences’ Botanical Garden open to visitors throughout winter

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reviously, the garden was closed to visitors during the winter season but will now open its gates to all, allowing us to wander its avenues whatever the weather. If it snows, we can even don our skis. “We’re

Trees on pedestal Unusual monument for Kalinkovichi city park

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monument has been unveiled to a legend of the local woods: two ancient oak tree stumps, each around 2m in diameter. They have long been a district attraction, nicknamed Tsar and Tsarina by locals. The oaks began growing from acorns over 500 years ago, not far from the village of Velikie Avtyuki. They are the silent witnesses of the foundation of the settlement, which recently celebrated its 450th anniversary.

planning a ‘green ski track’ to allow guests to enjoy the sport while admiring our natural winter garden,” explains Scientific Secretary Mikhail Motyl.

The garden’s greenhouse is also to stay open, allowing visitors to view orchids, palms, camellias and other warmth loving plants. Special facilities have been installed to ensure the temperature and micro-climate remain constant.

The National Academy of Sciences’ Botanical Garden keeps a gene-pool of plants, being the leading scientific centre of the country for the introduction and acclimatisation of plants, as well as the environmental protection of plants and the study of their physiology and biochemistry. It has received wide recognition and is among the largest botanical gardens in Europe -- covering 153 hectares and boasting a large number of collections (over 9,000) from different climatic zones of the planet.

In 1963, the uniqueness of local flora sites was recognised at state level, with the gigantic oaks acquiring the status of natural treasures of national importance.

However, although the trees have survived the flames of war and revolution, as well as storms and other natural cataclysms, recently, as if by agreement, they fell.

Kalinkovichi residents decided to revive them by turning this natural miracle into a monument. Specialists from Kalinkovichi Furniture Factory covered part of the trunks with a special solution, preventing rot, while employees from Kommunalnik Kalinkovichsky enterprise installed them on a pedestal. ‘Time passes, yet eternity is unchangeable’ is inscribed on the monument’s iron plaque.

Learning from each other Nature protection agencies of Lithuania and Belarus agree co-operation

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he Head of the State Environmental Protection Inspectorate of Lithuania’s Ministry of Environment, Raimondas Sakalauskas, has led a delegation to Minsk. On meeting the Belarusian colleagues he said that the collaboration of our two states’ nature protection agencies is being in place for several years already — though not officially. It’s now high time to legalise these relations.

This would naturally be an important step since Belarus and Lithuania have many common interests. For five years already, Lithuania has been realising a programme to restore the population of valuable salmon. However, the fish moves upstream, including the Vilia River, penetrating onto the Belarusian territory. If poachers play the master here, then all attempts to restore the fish population will be vain.

“We note with satisfaction that there are no discrepancies in our nature protection legislation,” said Mr. Sakalauskas, adding, “Minor nuances could be synchronised.

For example, we were much impressed by the severity of punishment applied in Belarus. Lithuania is also discussing an issue on making punishment stricter. We need to learn from each other.”

2010 беларусь.belarus

27

production

Grape-vine images

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eliveries from California may begin in the future.

The most contemporary equipment has been purchased for bottling imported wine and is operating successfully. In particular, Minsk’s Grape Wines Factory is bottling French wines from Bordeaux, under the trademarks Chateau Des Chevaliers Bordeaux and Chateau Les Agneras Bordeaux.

The first French Bordeaux wines are on sale in Belarus, similar to those exported from France in bottles, yet much cheaper. In this way, our country is substituting imports while creating new jobs for local specialists and developing its business presence.

The bottling of French wines is being performed under franchising (renting of another manufacturer’s trademark); an agreement has been signed between the Maison Rivière and Minsk’s Grape Wines Factory, following a visit by Maison Rivière managers to the Belarusian company.

“The French assured themselves that our enterprise is equipped with high-tech equipment, enabling us to bottle wines using the ‘cold method’; we’re able to preserve the quality and flavour of their wine,” notes Director Denis Moroz. “By the end of this year, the factory will have raised its share of natural grape wines under franchising to 30 percent of its total output. This proves that, although Belarus doesn’t grow grapes in industrial volumes, it can manufacture high quality wines.”

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Artur Prupas

Can grapes grow in Belarus’ climatic conditions? Local farmers have long known how to grow this traditionally southern plant but wine bottlers in Minsk are importing supplies from Moldova and France, for later export

Ivan Trosky is an experienced vigneron

The 2009 harvest is being supplied from France to Belarus; it’s considered to be one of the best of the last ten years. Ivan Trotsky, the country’s chief wine-maker and a member of the Central Degustation Committee of Belarus, explains that only one grape variety from one definite vineyard (controlled by specialists) is used when producing the wine. The final product is cheaper than that imported in bottles, since the French manufacturer doesn’t need to spend money on supplying and promoting its produce.

Rkaziteli, Saperavi, Tbilisi Legend and Mtsvane (by Georgian Kindzmarauli Marani trademark) are also manufactured in Minsk, under franchising conditions. Soon, Spain will be represented by the Castillo Las Veras trademark and Italy by Castelli Romani Bianco and Castelli Romani Rosso.

Several enterprises in Belarus bottle grape wines, but only the Minsk Grape Wines Factory uses ‘cold bottling’ technology, enabling it to manufacture beverages which rival foreign wines, or even outstrip them.

“Due to the strict quality requirements of the state, we have the opportunity to produce good quality wines and develop our business. The import-substitution policy has enabled Belarusians to taste products by world famous trademarks, which are rarely affordable in the original,” stresses Mr. Moroz.

Mr. Trotsky explains that wine from any European region can be delivered to Minsk, transported in thermos insulated wine carriers, which preserve the necessary air temperature. In winter and summer, the temperature in these wine carriers remains stable, as does its quality, regardless of weather conditions. One variety of grapes, grown at one particular vineyard, under strict control by specialists, is used to manufacture such wines.

Belarus pursues a very strict policy regarding excessive alcohol drinking, with the state encouraging citizens to drink only in moderation, and to choose good quality beverages. Meanwhile, according to Mr. Trotsky, the increase in wine output will guide Belarusians towards drinking the safest alcoholic

production beverage from the point of view of their health. “In other countries, strong alcohol consumption per capita has fallen by increasing the share of those who consume wine. Wine consumption in Belarus isn’t yet at a high level.

If it were not for an inclination towards grape wines, the ‘total alcohol degree’ per capita in Belarus would have fallen.”

Does wine pair well with Belarusian cuisine, which is traditionally eaten with beer, kvass, honey and vodka? To my surprise, Mr. Trotsky wasn’t even puzzled by my question.

Name a dish and I’ll tell you which wine to serve.

Draniki (potato pancakes).

Do you mean draniki or kolduny (potato pancakes with meat); there’s a difference. Dry white wine complements draniki while I’d recommend dry red wine for kolduny, since they’re more fatty and stuffed with meat. In other words, heavy food tends to be served with stronger tasting wine. Dry red wine is always good with rich dishes while white wine is the best choice for light meals.

What about bigos (cabbage and pork stew) and stewed cabbage?

If it is slightly stewed in animal or sunflower butter, you can use white wine; however, if the meat is cut into big pieces, red wine is preferable.

As far as the country of origin is concerned, Mr. Trotsky sees a difference only in flavour, rather than in quality.

Moldovan wine is lighter, while Western European varieties have a lower acidic content and a higher alcoholic content. There’s more sunshine in Spain and France; however, in Moldova, some regions are similar to Champagne and Bordeaux in their climatic conditions.

Which characteristics does Georgian wine possess?

I’d compare them with those from Spain. Only Georgia’s Saperavi variety really stands out. Grapes usually have a red skin and white core but Saperavi grapes are red inside too, making their wines very dark. At present, this grape variety grows everywhere, but its homeland is Georgia.

No t a l l s h o p assistants are trained to explain these aspects. How can we choose appropriately?

It depends for what purpose you are buying wine.

You might be choosing a French labelled wine, thinking it’s better quality, but this would be in vain.

Many think French wines are superior to those from Moldova but even wine-makers can’t distinguish between French and Moldovan wines if they’re manufactured in equal conditions and from the same grape varieties.

If Chardonnay is manufactured in line with the rules, it doesn’t matter where it was produced. Of course, there are ‘great’ years, when ideal conditions of sun and rain bring a good harvest.

Which years have been best?

2009 was a good year in Moldova; in France, this was true of 2005. These are the years when wine was bottled into containers, not into the final bottles; don’t buy wines which were bottled more than a year after harvest; check the back label.

Lots of Chilean and Argentinean wines have appeared recently. These

are quite cheap, although transportation should cost a great deal.

Why do we import wine from the s e count r i e s and why do they have such a low price?

Gr ap e s i n t he s e st ate s harvest twice a year, so wine is cheaper. However, the first harvest is always richer, which should be noted.

How can I know which wine is from the ‘first’ and which is from the ‘second’ harvest?

It’s impossible. As far as difference in flavour is concerned, Chilean wines tend to be ‘rough’ and heavy. These should only be drunk with food.

At the end of our conversation, Mr. Trotsky told us a pleasant piece of news, primarily for our readers in America. By the New Year, a batch of famous ‘Sovetskoe Champagne’ is to be delivered from Minsk to New York, which will delight the diaspora from the former Soviet Union; they are well aware of the quality of Minsk’s holiday drink. From 2011, supplies will become regular; Belarus is truly becoming a major wine exporter.

By Viktar Korbut

Reference  The National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific Practical Centre for

Foodstuffs promises that, soon, Belarus plans to start bottling new beverages: its own versions of rum, cider, apple brandy, fruit, berry and fortified wines. The Centre has developed technology suitable for the above, allowing it to produce its own version of famous strong drinks (such as cognacs) using local ingredients.

Between 2005 and 2009, 4.8m decalitres of vodka and liqueurs were bottled, using contemporary equipment and technologies. Many enterprises have mastered new methods of water preparation and have installed highly efficient automated bottling lines.

The branch’s development programme envisages that production of fruit and berry wines will be replaced by the production of natural grape wines. By late 2010, the manufacture of grape wines should rise to 6.9m decalitres (from 2.3m decalitres in 2006).

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Fleet

Globalisation has led to many countries without sea access forming their own merchant navy. Belarus is expanding its export geography and is understandably keen to have its own cargo vessels. How is this being realised and what benefits could it bring?

From the river to the sea

Belarusian vessels are now operational exclusively on domestic rivers, lakes and canals, with about 700 passenger and cargo ships using approximately 2,000km of waterways (along the Dnieper, Pripyat, Berezina, Zapadnaya Dvina, Sozh and Nieman rivers and the Dnieper-and-Bug Canal). However, those keen on sailing cannot help but yearn for the sea.

Surely, every country needs access to the seas. Belarus already makes good use of the Black and Baltic Sea ports to export its goods and resources, leasing foreign vessels. Having our own fleet is the logical next step.

‘Double’ effect

Creating a Belarusian merchant navy is beginning with the purchase of two vessels, boasting a capacity of 35,000 tonnes each. They need to be no older than ten years and designed

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to carry dry cargo. About $30m is needed for the purchase, as presented at the Belarusian Investment Forum in Frankfurt-am-Main. According to Belarusian specialists, the venture should pay for itself within 8-10 years, with annual profits reaching about $4m. The Belarusian authorities are ready to offer tax privileges and similar incentives to investors, while guaranteeing the two ships access to domestic export-oriented products.

Cargo available, while fleet next in line

Experts say that sea transport accounts for 70-80 percent of all international cargo shipment, since it has a relatively low prime cost, with large cargo capacity and the ability to travel long distances. With this in mind, Belarus transports its fertilisers to China, India and Brazil by sea, in addition to tractors, trucks and other

Reuters

Sea horizons

machinery. However, we lack our own ships to carry our exports. “This leads to the dependence of our foreign trade on foreign vessel owners,” explains the Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications, Alexander Shishko.

Some time ago, Belarus joined seventeen international trade agreements in the field of sea shipment, while signing contracts on cargo transit and use of port infrastructure with Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia.

Legislation has even been set up to govern a Belarusian merchant navy.

“Sea vessels have no need to be attached to a permanent location. They can be used for cargo shipment anywhere in the world,” adds the official.

No problems are expected regarding finding crews, since the Transport and Communications Ministry has issued about 1,700 sailor certificates to Belarusian citizens to date (who are employed on foreign ships). Provision

News has already been made for experienced crew to man our own sea fleet.

Crisis affects tariffs

Economist Sergey Chaly explains that the decision of whether to rent others’ vessels or buy our own is akin to purchasing a flat or renting it. In both cases, the financial possibilities must be assessed, with profit calculated. To ship Belarus’ export cargoes is only half of the matter, since our ships would need to return fully loaded too. Shipping worldwide witnesses high competition, so it’s not easy to find clients.

Moreover, the global economic crisis has brought down tariffs on shipping freight. Taking this into consideration, some states are using oil tankers as floating warehouses. It’s impossible to predict future prices, although this is the biggest factor influencing foreign investor interest in the creation of a Belarusian merchant fleet.

Swiss example

According to some estimations, about 17,000 cargo sea vessels operate in the world today, owned by 100+ states. Some fly the flags of their ownercountries, while others choose to fly the flags of Panama, Liberia and other states to gain tax privileges. Some lack their own sea coast, such as Switzerland, but are seeing success; private shipping firm MSC was founded in 1970 and, in just four decades, has transformed from a small shipping operator to one of the leading global companies in the field, managing about 400 vessels.

“The establishment of a national naval fleet would contribute to the growth of Belarus’ transit potential as a corridor between Russia, other CIS states and the European Union,” asserts Deputy Minister Alexander Shishko. He proposes a broader view of prospects, foreseeing our railway, auto and aviation carriers receiving more orders from home and abroad as a result of the new fleet. This would bring additional profit and new jobs.

By Anatoly Romanov

Evident potential Unfulfilled potential of transit opportunities

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favourable geographical location is Belarus’ enduring trump card, with transit opportunities covering roads, air space, gas and oil pipelines and communication channel. All generate significant revenue for the country’s budget and the Government is keen to see this rise.

Therefore, the Presidium of the Council of Ministers is keen to approve the 2011-2015 state transit potential development programme.

Seven ministries, three committees and a range of other state agencies have presented a single concept, co-ordinated by the Transport and Communications Ministry. Belarus’ Transport and

C ommunications Minister, Ivan Shcherbo, has presented the project, with Deputy Prime Ministers Vladimir Semashko and Andrei Kobyakov being the first to offer their remarks and proposals. It is being discussed for the fifth time (unlikely to be the last).

The Minister for Transport and Communications has promised that the new programme will take into consideration these recommendations. Mr. Shcherbo also stresses that, by 2015, revenue from transit via our territory should reach $2.4bn.

Flagman maintains its reputation BMZ manufactures 500,000th tonne of metal cord

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he Belarusian Steel Works has manufactured its 500,000th tonne of metal cord, having been in production for around 20 years. Its metal cord is a calling card of the flagship of Belarusian metallurgy — a trend setter in this sphere.

It accounts for 14 percent of the world market for the independent supply of metal cord.

The factory’s iron and wire workshops are among the most contemporary worldwide for their level of automation and equipment. BMZ has developed some completely original innovations, significantly influencing the development of metal cord manufacture. Its specialists are ever working with scientists to improve production and were

The utomation group electrician Evgenia Bolboshova

among the first worldwide to master high-strength and ultra-high-strength metal cord constructions, considerably raising the bar for quality and reliability of tyres. The Belarusian Steel Works was the first worldwide to set up a complete technological cycle on one site (from steelmaking in electric arc furnaces to creating metal goods).

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Water routes

Renewed mid-channel Zapadnaya Dvina River again navigable in Vitebsk after 25 year break

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itebsk boasts so many i nt e r e s t i n g and beautiful locations along the banks of the Zapadnaya Dvina River, on which Vitebsk stands: Holy Protection Church, Pobedy Square, Holy Assumption C at h e d r a l , t h e for m e r Gubernatorsky (Governor’s)

Palace and the Marc Chagall Art Centre. Now, all can be admired from aboard a showwhite steamboat. It has begun cruising along the river since October, enticing tourists to explore the regional centre while helping develop international water routes.

The ‘Vitebsk’ steamboat, c on s t r u c t e d at Pi n s k’s Shipyard, was launched

from the city’s river port on October 9th. Before its maiden voyage, it had already covered almost a thousand kilometres of road, having come from Brest region to Vitebsk by truck. The 28m long white vessel glided majestically through the berths, having been traditionally christened with a broken bottle of champagne on its bow. The impressive steamer was consecrated in line with Orthodox custom and set off on its spectacular first voyage along the Zapadnaya Dvina River, accompanied by a brass band.

Although Vitebsk’s river fleet officially began in 1918, steam navigation

Interesting facts which used to connect the Island of Gotland (Sweden) and the Black Sea in the 9-11th century, the Swedish Institute for Cultural Tourism applied to the Belarusian Embassy in 2003. A project was designed, then expanded and transformed into the Panorama Dvina/Daugava programme. The heads of the project visited Vitebsk and Minsk many times, while representatives from the Island of Gotland travelled to Polotsk. After the historical and cultural feasibility of the route had been agreed, unified legislation was compiled, alongside an advertising campaign. Investors were sought throughout Sweden, Latvia and Belarus, with the developers of the Panorama Dvina/Daugava programme searching for possible points of shared interest between our participating countries.

The creative activities of such outstanding artists as Mark Rothko and Marc Chagall are now linked, since their museums are located near the route: in Daugavpils and Vitebsk respectively.

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 To restore the ‘Varangians to the Greeks’ route,

existed along the Zapadnaya Dvina River for many years beforehand. During the Great Patriotic War, the Germans deliberately sank vessels but, in 1945, the fleet was revived.

I still remember visiting the pioneer camp as a child, travelling by barge. However, no vessels have cruised along the river in the last 25 years.

“The decision to revive passenger carriage along the Zapadnaya Dvina River was adopted by Vitebsk’s Regional Executive Committee in November 2009,” recollects Valery Chevnerov, who heads Vitebskvodtrans Branch.

“Alongside building a ship, this project envisaged the deepening of the river midchannel and the construction of three berths. Employees of our enterprise have removed 35,000 tonnes of soil from the bottom of the river to allow the steamboat to cover a 5km route from Blokhin Bridge (at the city’s centre, near Pobedy Square) to a leisure park in Mazurino. No matter what the water level during periods of drought, the ship may pass.”

Water routes Vyacheslav Drobyshevsky captained the first trip to Kirovsky Bridge, from where a wonderful view opens up over the newly constructed Holy Assumption Cathedral.

He praises the work of the Pinsk ship builders, as did the 60 passengers who took the maiden voyage.

This is the third steamboat we’ve made recently,” Victor Brutsky, Director of Pinsk’s Shipyard, proudly tells journalists. “The two previous vessels are operating along the Avgustovsky Canal and Vygonoshchanskoe water reservoir. However, ‘Vitebsk’ is the most contemporary and comfortable and least noisy.”

A c c o r d i n g t o M r.

Brutsky, interest in such pleasure boat trips has grown recently. Spas and guesthouses located close to the Minsk Sea and other large Belarusian lakes have expressed interest in having their own cruise boats. Moreover, potential customers are contacting him from Poland and Russia.

Of course, this is primarily connected with the development of tourism. Who The first voyage

wouldn’t want to embark on a cruise, enjoying all the latest modern conveniences: air conditioning, TV sets with DVD recorders and a cosy bar on the lower deck?

The steamboat hosted Vitebsk newlyweds on its first trip and carried Moscow tourists for the next. It’s sure to be very popular in summer, during the International Slavonic Bazaar Festival of Arts. According to Mr. Chevnerov, by this time, Vitebskvodtrans will have given one ship its own dance floor and a smaller rowing boat will be available for passengers to use; it’s a curious and original idea.

S e veral days ago, it began sleeting in Vitebsk, making it rather unpleasant to cruise by steamboat.

Accordingly, the vessel is to rest in the city’s port over the winter. Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, which has allocated money for the construction, is keen to extend the excursion route to cover Beshenkovichi and Polotsk and, even, Latvia and Sweden, liaising within the Panorama Dvina/Daugava international project. The ‘Varangians to the Greeks’ route may become a reality once technical issues have been settled.

By Sergey Golesnik

The Assumption Cathedral

Interesting facts  Despite the Panorama D vina/Daugava

programme only running until 2009, interest towards the Zapadnaya Dvina River as a tourist destination remains, according to the developers of the Belarusian-Latvian Bella Dvina project.

The two projects aim to create a single transboundary tourist space between Vitebsk, Polotsk and Daugavpils. The Bella Dvina (deciphered as Belarus — Latvia) project relies on the rich experience of the Pamina-Rheinpark — campsite operational in the German-French border area.

Similar campsites and an information centre could appear in the seven districts of Vitebsk region and in Polotsk. The project’s major initiators are Polotsk’s City Executive Committee, the Latgale Region Development Agency and the German-Belarusian House (DWH) in Belarus. Last year, Polotsk’s City Executive Committee, jointly with the National Tourism Agency of Belarus, announced a tender to find the best educational, cultural, historical, sporting, ecological, comprehensive, youth and religious routes in those areas close to the Zapadnaya Dvina (Daugava) River.

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Reconstruction

Many picturesque streets in the regional centre in the very west of the country

From Berestie – to Brest

Ancient Brest is on the eve of its 1000th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2019. By then, the border city will have undergone great changes and improvements, following a plan of reconstruction and new construction agreed by President Alexander Lukashenko during his visit to the city in late October

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rest was first mentioned in 1019 in the Ipatievskaya Chronicles, but, a few years ago, archaeologists discovered a melting furnace at Brest Fortress dating back to the 1st millennium. Clearly, Brest must have existed long beforehand. The city was granted the Magdeburg Right by Duke Jagaillo in 1390, alongside the city of Vilnya. Since Vilnius is now the capital of Lithuania, Brest was the first Belarusian city to receive the right of self-administration.

Unfortunately, nothing remains of ancient Berestie (Berestie, Brest-

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Litovsk and Brest on the Bug River have been its city names at various times). Today, Brest resembles a small Bavarian or Czech town, built in a circular formation, with joined houses, each boasting a courtyard and a narrow façade. The design isn’t characteristic of the region, however.

In 1830, the city was demolished

by Imperial Decree, allowing BrestLitovsk Fortress to be constructed (only the ruins of the Bernardine Monastery on ‘Hospital Island’ remain from those ancient days). After 1830, Brest acquired brick-red buildings, with arches and candelabrums, but

little remains from the 19th century, since Brest was almost razed in 1898.

In 1915, during WW1, as the Russian troops retreated, Brest was again set ablaze. The most ancient buildings remaining are from the 1920-1930s but many were built quickly, without foundations, so need to be removed.

How does Brest look as it approaches its 1000th anniversary? Undoubtedly, it is one of Belarus’ most beautiful cities, besides being its sporting capital. During the Presidential visit in late October, a Palace of Water Sports opened. The city is to actively promote four more Olympic sports: swimming,

Art project springboard diving, water polo and synchronised swimming. Its rowing canal, located across the river from the Water Sports Palace, is ready to host European and world tournaments, as are its archery site, hand-gun range, Victoria sports complex, baseball facilities and Brestsky Stadium. Many European athletics and football competitions no doubt lie ahead.

By the time of its jubilee, Brest should be popular with tourists; it’s a task being embraced by Brest’s authorities, with great changes planned to city infrastructure. Two major sites, attracting domestic and foreign tourists, are planned. The first involves restoration of historical sites. Brest Fortress is to be made fully ready to welcome visitors, while an ancient craftsmen settlement is to be built inside restored Berestie Castle, with a watermill and tavern appearing within the derelict Kobrinskoe and Volynskoe fortifications. Cafes, restaurants, hotels, museums and galleries are to appear next to the Brest Fortress Memorial Complex. The border island, currently closed to tourists, will gain a pedestrian bridge, uniting Brest and Polish Terespol. The second venture is a leisure and recreation park, creating a Belarusian ‘Disneyland’ near the carting stadium in the city’s suburbs.

Transportation issues are to be solved. Since Brest is second only to Minsk for automobiles per capita, traffic jams are common during the rush hours.

New bridges are needed across the River Mukhavets, as are contemporary transport interchanges. Brest Airport is to be revived, offering more passenger flights and cargo services, while grandiose reconstruction is planned for the railway and bus stations, which are to be located close to one another.

Interestingly, more funds have been invested into Brest’s development over the last five years than in the previous two decades. Around 60 investment projects will have been implemented by the time of the city’s 1000th birthday.

Librarian crystal in French artist’s collection Young artist and sculptor Raphael Zarka — known among French elite — screens his film about Belarus’ National Library building in Minsk

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h e l i br a r y ’s u nu s u a l f or m inspired Raphael, who has been fascinated by geometric forms for the past eight years, ever searching for different manifestations of rhombocubooctahedrons — with the largest discovered in the Belarusian capital.

His twelve minute film — Rhombus Sectus — is a true work of art, with the artist using a film as his tool.

Shooting took place last July and Raphael was pleased with the results, although his idea transformed several times as he worked. The project is mostly dedicated to describing life around the library, rather than the rhombocubooctahedron itself. Being a specialist in geometric forms, Raphael expresses his opinion on the library’s design and its place within the city. “I was impressed and surprised with the diversity of landscapes surrounding the library,” admitted the artist.

Raphael Zarka first screened his film at France’s Gennevilliers’ Édouard Manet Gallery. “In France, my film was well received because the building’s architecture and environment were fresh to the audience,” he notes. According to Mr. Zarka, he didn’t focus on the library’s status but looked at its form against the surrounding landscape. “I’m interested in post-minimalistic sculpture,

so the library was a logical addition to my global project. I study sculptural forms and even ‘collect’ such ‘diamonds’,” explains Raphael, showing a poster with the depiction of this geometric form.

During his first visit to Minsk, his artistic team failed to thoroughly see the city, due to a tough schedule.

However, they loved what they saw and Raphael was glad to return to the Belarusian capital to show his work. He reverently awaited people’s reactions to his film. Mr. Zarka was accompanied by director, actor and producer Vladimir Léon, who helped shoot the film. Mr. Léon is now preparing his own film about the sculptor’s work as a director.

Works by Raphael Zarka are on show at Paris’ Michel Rene Gallery. He is also a laureate of the Ricard Foundation — the most important award annually granted to young French art figures.

By Zhanna Kotlyarova

The diamond of the National Library can’t help admiring

By Valentina Kozlovich

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Region projects

Gomel-style ‘beehive’ The geographical intersection of France-Belarus-Italy is currently appearing in the Belarusian city of Gomel. The starting point for the unique creative project is early 20th century Paris and its famous La Ruche (Beehive) — an international society of artists. These represented the Parisian school and included Belarus-born painters, who entered the history of world painting forever. Gomel has decided to set up a youth pictorial art laboratory, inspired by the Beehive, with assistance from its partners: Italia Aid Association and its organisations

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ver ything began this s u m m e r, w h e n t h e Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO in Belarus, Vladimir Schastny, presented his book — Parisian School Artists from Belarus — at Gomel’s Rumyantsev and Paskevich Palace. It was a true revelation for those able to attend. He took nine years to write the book and even more time to collect material.

Back in Soviet times, h e c am e across a

Alexander Ruzhechka

Vladimir Schastny presented his book “Parisian School Artists from Belarus”

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catalogue of 1927 French paintings in Moscow and found that half of the Parisian artists came from Russia; four even had Belarusian roots — Miestchaninoff, Chagall, Kikoïne (born in Gomel) and Krémègne.

Mr. S chast ny worke d at t he Belarusian Foreign Ministry and was the Belarusian Ambassador to the UK from 1995 to 2000. He has travelled all over the globe and always wondered about representatives of the Parisian school. He bought a book about Chaïm Soutine in New York and was overwhelmed by the painter’s fate. Later, the first articles on Soutine appeared; he had been born to a large, poor family in Smilovichi (Minsk region). Suddenly, everyone was talking of those phenomenal artists who had conquered Paris and, accordingly, the whole world.

Mr. Schastny gathered material on 14 Belarus-born masters of the Parisian school, whose works originated in early 20th century and were closely connected with the appearance of the Beehive. Members met at Villa Médicis, purchased by sculptor Alfred Boucher, in the Passage Dantzig, in Paris’ centre, in 1902. The unusual roof of the building looked like a Chinese hat, and still attracts curious tourists. Early 20th century Paris became an artistic ‘Mecca’ for Picasso, Léger, Soutine, Modigliani and Chagall.

In 1912, Marc Chagall rented one of the largest, light filled studios on the

upper floor. Later, he said, “One could either die or become famous in the Beehive.” The masters’ fates were very different. Chaïm Soutine was the tenth child in the family of a Smilovichi tailor (30km from Minsk). He drew with coal on the stove, until he stole two frying pans and exchanged them for pencils. His father sent him to Minsk to study shoemaking, but Soutine’s brother-in-law apprenticed him to a photographer. When, in 1906, a drawing school opened in Minsk, the fate of the future painter was set.

In Paris, Soutine became friends with Amedeo Modigliani. After the latter’s death, Soutine created his Pastry Cook in Blue Cap, which brought him world glory and fame. Soutine’s fame in Belarus has only begun recently; a museum dedicated to the painter has now opened in Smilovichi.

Michel Kikoïne was born in Gomel and studied at Minsk’s artistic school, where he became friends with Chaïm Soutine. Later, they both moved to France. The painter from Gomel spent 15 years in the Parisian Beehive before his paintings began to sell well at galleries and salons. He died at his studio in Brézin Street in Paris in 1968.

Oscar Miestchaninoff was born in Vitebsk to a merchant family and received his primary education at Yuri Pen’s drawing school. His sculptural works were exhibited from 1915-1916 in Petrograd. He travelled all over

projects Regione

Chaïm Soutine was one of the Parisian “Beehive”

Michel Kikoïne also the participant of Parisian “Beehive”

In the Smilovichi’s museum

The memorial of the XIX-XX centuries is a perfect place for Gomel-style “Beehive”

in 1921, entered the Warsaw Academy of Arts. She later visited the Fernand Léger Painting Academy and, in 1952, married Léger. In 1970, she visited her native Belarus and donated several of her works.

“The book describes how the Beehive society was established — a shelter for young and talented artists, who later performed a true revolution in painting,” notes Oleg Ryzhkov, Director of Gomel’s Palace and Park Ensemble. “We’ve decided to create a youth painting creative centre, which new artists currently lack.”

The major goal of Gomel Beehive is to become a centre and a laboratory for young painters setting out on

museum employees will be involved in organising exhibitions and installations by the young painters, since suitable venues can be hard to find.

These shows may become the starting point for training, allowing the study of the creative process across all genres and trends.

The site for Gomel’s Beehive has already been chosen: a building in the city centre, dating from the late 19thearly 20th century. It is registered on the State List of Historical and Cultural Treasures and is to house chamber exhibition halls, a master class room and a coffee bar, where discussion of creative ideas will be encouraged. The courtyard will be used to exhibit architectural,

sculptural and landscape pieces. The coffee bar’s interior will showcase artworks from the museum dedicated to the history of tea and coffee in Belarus, looking at the evolution of the traditions of tea and coffee drinking. Items from Gomel’s Palace and Park Ensemble museum are also to go on show: samovars, dishware, household utensils and furniture. The artistic association will unite education, interesting communication, leisure and opinion exchange.

The project has aroused interest from our Italian partners, with a protocol of intentions signed between the Italia Aid Association, Gomel’s Palace and Park Ensemble State Historical and Cultural Institution and the International Charitable He l p i n g t h e C h i l d r e n of Chernobyl Public Association in late October.

The Italians are to invest funds in reconstructing the creative centre building, with further cultural collaboration planned. “ We e n v i s a g e t h e creation of a BelarusianItalian cultural centre, as well as a whole range of cultural and educational exchange projects. These will take place both in Belarus and Italy,” continues Mr. Ryzhkov, speaking about the future plans. “We’re now involved in presenting this project to European donor organisations. We hope it’ll stir interest.”

The organisers of the project invite all those wishing to take part in the creation of the ‘art laboratory’ to get in touch. Architecture students from the Belarusian State Transport University are already working on the reconstruction project and, early next year, will present their own ideas for Gomel’s Beehive.

Alexander Ruzhechka

their path to success and acknowledgment. It aims to encourage innovation, supporting creative thinking and self-expression in those from Gomel region and Belarus. No such laboratory yet exists in Belarus. Experienced

Violetta Dralyuk

Burma, Siam and Cambodia and died in Los Angeles in 1956.

Nadezhda Khodasevich was born in Dokshitsy’s district’s Osetishchi.

At the beginning of WW1, she was evacuated to Russia’s Tver province and,

By Violetta Dralyuk

2010 беларусь.belarus

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Monuments

Stone pearl Grodno’s St. Boris and Hleb’s Church, constructed in the 12th century, considered most wonderful monument of Belarusian and European architecture

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hen you st and below the ancient domes of mysterious Kolozhskaya Church — also known as St. Boris and Hleb’s — located on the River Nieman for several centuries, you feel the long fingers of history reaching down to you. Built in the 1180s, Kolozhskaya church is Belarus’ oldest building. It is a true pearl of Grodno’s unique architectural school, at the heart of the city.

Now, it aims to join UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The unique architectural monument’s polished and painted boulders are interspersed with special ‘plinfa’ burnt bricks (almost flat and rectangular in shape). Its walls are decorated with shaped ceramic tiles, as well as built-in resonators, creating special acoustics and adding additional lightness. Soon, it is to be reconstructed, with specialists from Minsk having already conducted geophysical, scientific and architectural investigations to inform their research. The layer of earth under the church has a complex structure, being strong and solid only at the very bottom; the above lying sands are filled with muddy layers and pockets of air, with soil washed away by passing water.

Accordingly, the church suffered from landslides in the 19th century, with half of its walls falling into the River Nieman.

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Alexander Medvedev, who heads the Medieval Archaeology Department at the History Institute of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences, has discovered that the foundations of the church exist to a depth of 1.5m, filled with boulders fixed together using a special solution. According to georadar research, a layer of artefacts, sediment and other materials deposited by human activity exists around the church to a depth of 4m. Ancient structures are likely to be find, including a 17th century bell tower, as depicted in several medieval engravings.

During digs in the 1930s, a 12th century floor was unearthed: ceramic glazed tiles in yellow, green and brown which matched the exterior wall. At that time, the foundations of two of six pillars were found, which once supported the domes.

Gennady Lavretsky, who is heading the church’s restoration, is a candidate of art history, an associated professor of the Architecture Theor y and History Department at the Belarusian National Technical University and the Chair of the Architectural and Artistic Council of the Belarusian Exarchate.

Back in 1999, he was awarded the Presidential Special Prize ‘For Best Work in Architecture’, with particular reference to his efforts in restoring the Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk (destroyed in 1961). In 1944, immediately after the city was liberated from the Nazis, specialists

arrived from Minsk and urgently investigated the church, which was registered as a historical masterpiece.

Miraculously, it had survived the war but was demolished in 1961, leaving only ruins; these were ‘put into dead storage’ by Sergey Drushchits (who now heads the restoration of Nesvizh Castle).

Mr. Lavretsky restored the church from these ruins, following 1944 measurements, alongside photos and drawings from various times. In 1999, the building was reconstructed. Due to Mr. Lavretsky, Vitebsk is consid-

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Monuments

ered to have a 12th century church, although only f ragments of the original foundations exist and the rest has been rebuilt from more modern materials.

Half of the church building in Grodno has sur vived, while the other is irrevocably lost. Much work lies ahead. Mr. Lavretsky shows me a picture depicting the church’s preserved wall, which bears traces of latter day repair: 12th century holes plugged with ‘plinfa’ and gothic bricks. Everything that remains of the ancient church will be carefully

restored, with help from Polish and Russian specialists.

Wooden constructions have been used for the past century to replace lost walls but these are to be removed, allowing stonework to be restored to its initial appearance. To avoid erosion of the river bank, the stones are being assembled from light materials, with a ‘plinfa’ façade created in 12th century style. “It’s the most logical solution,” stresses the chief engineer at Grodnograzhdanproekt Institute, Ryshard Katsinel. “We can see the initial appearance of St. Boris and Hleb’s Church by studying Makowski and Zündt engravings from the 1617th century, as well as a photo taken in 1853 by Mikhail Kulesh and a mid19th century photo from the collection of Józef Jodkowski (the creator of Grodno History and Archaeology Museum). The original Kolozha walls are to be preserved without much interference while the ruined parts will be reconstructed by recreating traditional methods. However, we’ll ensure the original and restored sections are clearly defined.”

Meanwhile, the existing historical constructions are the first to be reinforced: the northern wall and a fragment of the altar, as well as the foundations of the church, have greatly deteriorated with age and need to be supported by injecting a contemporary reinforcing solution.

The church is to be equipped with the necessary modern facilities inside: under-floor heating, lighting, ventilation and an alarm system.

These will ensure the future safety of the building, with the under-floor heating keeping the environment at a constant temperature to prevent deterioration.

Parish facilities are to be built 70m from Kolozhsky Park’s main avenue, offering Sunday school classes, a prayer hall, a baptismal room and a library. These will host divine services while restoration takes place.

Facts  In late 1894-early 1895, works first began to conserve Kolozhskaya Church, with light wooden walls built at the southern end and along the western and eastern sides; these contained stone bars and cross stays and were covered with boards. Timber supporting plates were added to the southern wall to give additional strength and the entire church was covered with a wooden roof, crowned with a dome and cast-iron gold-plated cross. Entrance doors with a church porch were made on the western side and the ceiling was boarded. Works ended in 1896 but

 In 1904, Grodno Orthodox Sophia Brotherhood proposed ‘constructing the missing parts by relying on the existing ones’. Russian architect P.P. Pokryshkin researched the site and drafted a plan for complete reconstruction. From 1910-1911, serious conservation works were conducted, with niches and an entrance on the north side begun. Sadly, by 1934, (when Grodno belonged to Poland) splits and cracks had again appeared in the church wall and the river bank was reinforced.

 In Soviet times, St. Boris and Hleb’s Church closed for services and, from 1948, became a branch of the Grodno Regional History and Archaeology Museum. From 1977, it served as a branch of the Republican Museum on the History of Religion and Atheism.

Since 1967, when Grodno’s Zamkovaya Hill and Kolozhskaya Church were first proclaimed to be historical and archaeological treasures, repair and restoration have been conducted many times.

 In 1991, St. Boris and Hleb’s Church was again returned to believers.

 In 2011, restoration works are to begin.

By Viktar Korbut

2010 беларусь.belarus

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Tourism

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aving travelled through our country, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland to Belarus, H. E. Mrs. Rosemary Thomas, notes that British people could be attracted to holiday in Belarus. She is convinced of the broad possibilities offered by Belarusian nature and history regarding tourism. “Belarus is a country for niche tourism, attracting lovers of history, art and ecology,” explains Mrs. Thomas. The diplomat is correct in her observations; in recent years, the state and entrepreneurs have been developing these very directions. In 2010, new complexes were launched, while roads were reconstructed. Plans for 2011 are now being outlined.

the village of Borok. This is part of the existing Valozhynskiya Gastintsy (Volozhin Paths) green route and has been part funded by a joint EU / UNDP project entitled Sustainable Development at a Local Level. The Museum’s Director, Vasily Frolov, believes this 200km long green route is enjoying great popularity among local residents and guests, while the

Travel to suit all tastes History and nature are major tourist attractions of Belarus Brest fortress became a unique WWII memorial

Infrastructure is vital

Mrs. Thomas notes that, recently, Belarus has been doing much to develop its tourist infrastructure.

More citizens now speak English — both in cities and villages — and over a thousand private guesthouses are welcoming visitors; these offer the true spirit of local life, national cuisine and the opportunity to hear the Belarusian language.

The President of B elarus has demanded that agro-tourism b e developed more actively, warning officials not to create obstacles to potential investors. Speaking during his visit to Belovezhtour Farmstead agro-tourist complex in the Pruzhany district, Mr. Lukashenko stressed, “We need to develop agro-tourism p ro mp t l y, a s w e d i d re g a rd i n g agriculture previously, realising our goals before it’s too late.” He chatted with Nikolay Burnov, an entrepreneur and resident of the

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village of Kletnoe who has funded Belovezhtour’s construction.

The President’s words give a ‘green light’ to investors from the East and West; such businessmen tend to be more cautious than Russians, who better understand our traditions, having enjoyed a common past with Belarusians.

Mr. Lukashenko believes that good profit could be generated from developing the tourist branch. According to the Sports and Tourism Minister, Oleg Kachan, exports of tourist services in Belarus have risen 10-fold over the past five years. Despite the world crisis last year, international tourism revenue grew one percent in Belarus — a small figure but, significantly, not a loss!

The state continues creating infrastructure to support the growth of the tourist industry, building sites such as the Museum of Beekeeping in Minsk region’s Volozhin district, located in

Beekeeping Museum should attract funds into the village. It enhances the level of ecological education locally and, no doubt, such attractions are a draw for tourists.

Mr. Lukashenko is also keen to see good quality roads built, meeting the latest standards. “From now on, we’ll inject a great deal into road building,” he stressed, noting that the quality of our roads should match those in Germany. “If a road is newly built, it should not need repairing for 15 years,” he asserts.

Individual entrepreneurs are also making interesting proposals. FalkatService employee Sergey Kotchenko believes caravanning could be a promising avenue, since such autotourism is extremely popular across the rest of Europe. According to the European Federation of Campsite O rg an i s at i ons , auto - tou r i s m i s annually chosen by over 20 percent of all holidaying Europeans.

Tourism Germany and Ukraine, who have inspected the fortified facilities.

A file is now being prepared for the inclusion of some of Brest’s fortifications on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. At least seventeen such structures are known worldwide. Brest Fortress is now open to visitors, with its fifth building housing a branch of Brest Hero-Fortress Memorial Complex.

eleven boast 50 percent preservation; seven have less than 50 percent preservation and nine remain only in small parts.

From megapolis to province

Kopyl district, among the less developed tourist areas of Belarus, is gaining an interesting project — attracting tourists from Poland,

Alexander Ruzhechka

Mr. Kotchenko considers that the creation of infrastructure for autotourism would require little expense, since the most important feature is providing sites on which people can park their caravans. Some stay only overnight, while others choose to stay longer, allowing them to explore the surrounding area. Caravanners expect to find clean water, sewage

The remains of the Voinilovichs’ crypt of the early 20th century

flushing facilities, gas fuelling and various other services at a campsite.

Initially, most caravanners would be expected to arrive from Russia.

In line with the President’s order, Brest airport is to be expanded to allow international airlines to make use of the runway, with the largest jets being welcomed. This would generate income for the airport and boost tourist revenue locally, with people coming to visit Brest’s Hero-Fortress and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha.

Fortress of global significance

As the Secretary of the Co-ordination Council for the Protection of the Historical-Cultural Heritage at the Brest Regional Executive Committee, Leonid Nesterchuk tells us that Brest Fortress is soon to be included in a Baltic project entitled Fortifications a n d T h e i r R o l e i n To u r i s m Development. Brest has already been visited by specialists from Holland,

Three other sites are hosting warehouses, workshops and offices and some fortifications, half-destroyed, need to be reconstructed.

It is hoped that this historical monument will be developed, to gain inter nat iona l st atus. Brest Fortress comprises four fortifications situated on separate islands: the Citadel, Kobrin, Volyn and Terespol.

It includes forts in Brest, the Brest district and Poland. The Polish side could also join the project, bringing a pan-European dimension to the idea.

I n t e r e s t i n g l y, t h e f o r t i f i e d constructions were built from bricks strengthened by earthworks, each able to host a garrison of 250 men and 20 weapons. Each was unique, since the military engineers who built them added their own corrections to the standard design. Brest and Brest district host 35 Brest Fortress sites, each at a different level of preservation. Eight are fully preserved while

Excursion tour across Minsk

Lithuania and Russia. These countries are united by the name of Edvard Voinilovich (1847-1928): a politician, public and economic figure. This Russian Empire governmental figure helped found the Polish state and was born in the Belarusian Kopyl district.

He also did much for agricultural development in Belarus and Lithuania.

In Belarus, Mr. Voinilobvich is primarily known as the founder and patron of St. Simon and St. Elena’s Roman Catholic Church (on Minsk’s Nezavisimosti Avenue), with his wife, Olimpia Uzlovskaya. They dedicated it to the memory of their children, who died at a young age; in 1897, Simon died of Spanish influenza, aged 12, followed by 19 year old Elena in 1903.

A new excursion route has been developed in the Kopyl district — The Homesteads of Edvard Voinilovich — devoted to the 100th anniversary of St. Simon and St. Elena’s Roman Catholic Church. It includes a trip

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Tourism to Lopukhi (burdock) farmstead in the village of Dunaevo, which belonged to Mr. Voinilovich in the late 19th century. Money from its sale in 1903 funded the construction of the church. Its well and lake remain today, in addition to household buildings and a barn. Several dozen trees grow where the park was once situated, near the house, with some of true dendrological value — such as Populus canadensis Moench and rare varieties of oak.

The excursion passes through the Voinilovichs’ family estate to Savichi farmstead (situated in the village of the same name). It belonged to the family from the 16th century and is now a winery. Its small hill is home to several tombstones and bears a wooden cross honouring the memory of the Voinilovichs.

The excursion then moves to the remains of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, in the village of Timkovichi; the family tombs of the Voinilovich family are situated in its crypt. Vladislau Zavalniuk, dean of the parish of St. Simon and St. Elena in Minsk, believes Edvard Voinilovich’s memor y should be preser ved jointly by the state and public. He praises the work of Kopyl district administration, Kopyl District Local History Museum and the Education Without Borders public organisation; the latter has developed excursion routes to take in Voinilovich family sites in Kopyl district. He is also grateful to those volunteers who have been revamping Lopukhi farmstead for the past few years. Such actions show that tourism has a promising future, aided by business circles, official structures and the public.

Investors are now being sought to revive farmsteads in Lopukhi, Savichi and Mokrany, as part of an

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interesting route to visit sites linked to Edvard Voinilovich: beginning at Minsk’s Roman Catholic Church in Nezavisimosti Avenue and continuing to the Kopyl district. Travellers will be able to experience city and country life, while gaining a glimpse into the past.

The Minsk City Executive Committee says that, in 3-4 years’ time, the capital should be able to annually welcome at least one million tourists. Sports and business tourism are developing rapidly. At the moment, about two-thirds of all visitors to Minsk come from the former U S S R

republics, primarily with middle incomes. However, the Deputy Head of the Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism Department at the Minsk City Executive Committee, Vitaly Moshechkov, considers that EU states are likely to send more tourists in future, with Arab states also showing greater interest. In 2010, income from Minsk’s tourist-excursion services rose 30 percent on last year; in 2009, this figure fell by 10 percent.

Minsk has now allocated about four dozen sites for hotel construction. The Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Nikolai Ladutko, says that

— in line with economic calculations — 10,000 hotel places are an optimal figure for the capital. At present, there are enough beds to sleep 4,500 guests each night. “Those coming into this business over the next 2-3 years will benefit,” he asserts. The Mayor notes that the city authorities are ‘making certain concessions regarding payments’ to investors, adding that ‘this is profitable for the city since it is developing infrastructure while creating new jobs’.

As part of the Excursion Minsk project, residents and guests of the capital are to be offered almost four dozen excursions. Additionally, a 90 minute basic excursion through the city is being organised daily; anyone can take part after registering with the Minsk dispatcher service (017) 32849-29. Participants gather at the top observation ground on Svobody Square, near the Cathedral, then tour the capital by bus, visiting its major avenues, squares and historic sites from the past and present: the National Library, the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Minsk Arena and the Central Railway building.

Other excursions through the city are also being developed: Theatrical Minsk, Sporting Minsk, and Orthodox Minsk. Additionally, new routes are soon to open as part of the project, taking guests from Minsk to Khatyn, the Mount of Glory, Loshitsa and on to the cities of Brest and Grodno. A basic excursion through Minsk will cost just $5-7 while weekly tours are being organised for English speakers, costing $10. If demand allows, then regular excursions in German and Chinese could be launched. About 50 attested guides, with good knowledge of foreign languages, work in Minsk at the moment.

By Viktar Korbut

Tourism

From Augustow to Nieman Avgustovsky Canal to be included within free economic zone of Grodnoinvest

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he monument to 19th century hydro-technical architecture has already received a great deal of state funding for its reconstruction and is now awaiting an investor. The Avgustovsky Canal is among the most ecologically clean zones in Belarus, attracting tourists to see its rare ecosystem and its unique historical status. However, specialists consider that, for tourism to really take off along the Canal, further investments into infrastructure are needed in this picturesque corner of Belarus.

The Avgustovsky Canal was built as a water trading route connecting the Nieman and Visla rivers, constructed by the best architects in Europe. On both sides of the Belarusian-Polish border, visitors have been attracted by its unique situation and significance.

The part situated in Poland has been revamped over the past forty years and is now a favourite place for Polish tourists, generating revenue for the state. The city of Augustow, with its 30,000 population, annually welcomes up to 300,000 tourists. In turn, the Belarusian part of the Canal was quite neglected during the post-war years, with nature creeping back to reclaim the site. Major reconstruction began in 2004, after much dispute as to the extent of repair required.

The Canal is now restored and is being entered for inclusion on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, being among the most popular tourist routes in the Grodno region.

However, the potential of this ‘pearl’ by the Nieman River is yet to be fully realised. Having studied the situation, the Grodno Regional Executive Committee

The renovated Avgustovky Canal is one of the most popular touristic routes

has initiated the establishment of the GrodnoTurInvest Free Economic Zone (as part of the Grodnoinvest FEZ). This would aid the attraction of funds into infrastructure development (new hotels, spas, recreation places and road repairs).

Legislation governs tax privileges and preferences for FEZ residents, encouraging such investment. Specialists believe that the facilitated development of the tourism industry could aid other economic branches, such as agriculture, transport, public catering and services.

In a word, the Canal is now facing a new stage of its development.

“A package of documents regarding theestablishmentoftheGrodnoTurInvest FEZ has already been co-ordinated with interested agencies and ministries,” explains the Deputy Head for Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism at the Grodno Regional Executive Committee, Mikhail Kazhuro. He believes that a

change of status for the international Rudavka-Lesnaya border checkpoint — from water to water-foot, with use of bicycles — would also help attract tourists to the Canal and its environs.

The Regional Executive Committee has already addressed the Sports and Tourism Ministry with a request to liberalise the visa regime for foreigners staying along the Canal for a period of up to five days, aiming to encourage tourism.

Infrastructure development is not an ultimate goal. The Avgustovsky Canal connects our three neighbouring states, passing through Poland and Belarus before flowing into the River Nieman, which continues to Lithuania.

Its opening along its whole route will allow cruises to the Baltic Sea, linking the resort areas of Polish Augustow, Lithuanian Druskininkai and Belarusian Porechie-Sopotskin.

By Yevgenia Smolskaya

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Brilliant performance Belarus hosts popular Junior Eurovision Song Contest for first time

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he event was held for the eighth time, uniting talented young performers from across Europe, each dreaming of fame and glory.

Vladimir Arzumanyan of Armenia took first prize but, of course, at Junior Eurovision, winning is not all.

Moreover, Belarus h a s t w i c e w on the e vent, s o our ambitions have been satisfied.

Importantly, despite the

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Daniil Kozlov (Belarus)

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world’s economic problems and differing viewpoints, the contest embraces the idea that creativity can unite us, regardless of circumstance or nationality.

The Belarusian capital’s MinskArena hosted the event, helped by Belteleradiocompany. No one has been left in doubt that we are capable of organising a top level event in a professional manner. Of course, we couldn’t have managed without technical assistance and support from the European Broadcasting Union, but our professionalism and mastery are now recognised. There’s every reason to feel delighted, since Minsk has affirmed it’s worthiness of being a fully-fledged member of the European musical elite.

“It was a fantastic show,” notes Svante Stockselius, EBU Executive Producer, also speaking for his EBU colleagues. “It was one of the best shows I’ve ever attended.”

Before the contest, rumours circulated that this year’s event could be the last. Opponents to Junior Eurovision asserted that it had run its course and that it was distasteful, exploiting children’s vulnerability and innocence.

Critics also suggested that those who fail to win suffer distress. However, the brilliant holiday in Minsk showed that the contest continues to delight audiences and singers alike, with disadvantages fading into the background.

“I would sincerely regret any decision to end Junior Eurovision,” asserts Denis Kuryan, the charismatic host of this year’s contest. “Junior Eurovision has a lways re ceive d good ratings, being viewed by whole families around the world; it’s interesting to both adults and children.

Belteleradiocompany organised the event at a worthy level, so it would be the EBU that would decide its fate.”

Alexander Martynenko, Executive Producer of the Junior Eurovision-2010 Song Contest, doesn’t doubt that the festival will continue. He is confident that talented performers will gather many times more to everyone’s delight. “I think that the show at Minsk-Arena showed everyone that this children’s holiday should continue,” he notes. “Eighteen months spent in preparation paid for itself, since everything ran smoothly.

We boast potential and a team of professionals. The bar has been seriously raised to match that of the adult competition.

We’re ready to host major events; we have potential and a professional team, able to fulfil any tasks.”

The contest took place not only on the major stage but at the EuroClub at the centre of Minsk, at the Palace of the Republic: the country’s major concert square. Guests were welcomed with live music, balloons and tasty delicacies, with participants getting acquainted and supporting each other.

Lithuanian romantic singer Bartas (who won a special prize at the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Festival in 2007), Mariam Kakhelishvili of Georgia and Belarusian Daniil Kozlov were named among the favourites. The repertoire of each entrant tends to become part of cult pop culture.

“If we speak about extravagance, t he n G e org i an e nt r ant Mar i am Kakhelishvili (called Baby Gaga by

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Vladimir Arzumanyan (Armenia) — the winner of Junior Eurovision-2010

“It’s the third important event for Vladimir, following Children’s New Wave 2010, where he came third, and the national qualification round for Junior Eurovision,” smiles Vladimir Arzumanyan’s mother. She supports her son but can’t help worrying. “The most vital thing now is for him to sleep well; they’ve had almost no sleep recently.”

The Junior Eurovision winner was welcomed at Yerevan airport by a crowd of fans at 4am. Arzumanyan is likely to return to Minsk: the city which has probably given him the major victory of his life.

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journalists) leads the way,” smiles host Denis Kur yan. “Our Daniil Kozlov was also unusual, not fitting the traditional format, which is beneficial. Plenty of dynamic, fast paced songs were performed but ours comprised just two people on stage, with no dancing… similar to that of the Swedish entrant alone. I think that Daniil was returning the contest to its roots; it’s a song competition, rather than a show. In 1956, only one artist could take to the stage, accompanied by an orchestra; it was enchanting. Singers were assessed on their vocal and performing capabilities alone, with nothing to distract.”

Minsk-Arena has been like a busy beehive, although it has already hosted such world celebrities as Elton John and Sting. The winner of the event was hot-eyed Vladimir Arzumanyan of Armenia, who broke the forecasts of European bookmakers, who favoured the Swedish participant. Curiously, during a party at EuroClub, Vladimir said, “I’d like to win the contest very much; it’s very important to me.”

T h i s y e a r, v o t i n g intrigue remained until the final moment; ever ything only became clear after Macedonia — the last of the voting countries — helped place Arzumanyan one point ahead of Russian duo Liza Drozd and Sasha Lazin (from K r a s n oy a r s k ) , w h o s a n g Boy and Girl. Third place went to Serbian princess Sonja Skoriс, with Mariam Kakhelishvili from Georgia ranked fourth and D anii l Kozlov of Belarus solemnly closing t he top f ive b est young performers in Europe.

Sounds from master Guarneri 17th century Italian violin presented at Belarusian State Philharmonic Society

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he unique 17th century violin, created

by Italian master Andrea Guarneri, went on show to the public at the closing ceremony of the 4th International Piano Contest Minsk-2010, held at the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society.

The honour of playing the instrument was granted to Vlada Berezhnaya, a student of the Belarusian State Academy of Music.

Belarus already possesses experience of acquiring precious instruments; in 2005, the Culture Ministry and the Academy of Music purchased a rare violin by a German master, which is now used for lessons and at various international competitions.

The Rector of the Belarusian State Academy of Music, Yekaterina Dulova, notes that the Academy has created the correct conditions to store the violin. The violin case, containing special humidity sensors, is equipped with shockproof components. Meanwhile, its place of storage has been equipped with special technology to protect it from external influences.

Andrea Guarneri’s violin, costing $230,000, was created in the city of Cremona in 1673. Its bow was made by a master called Henry in the second half of the 19th century.

Another bow (from the late 19th century) was also purchased, worth $18,000.

The authenticity of the unique violin and its bow has been certified by two experts: Russian Mikhail Goronok (Director of the State Collection of Unique Musical Instruments at the Russian Culture Ministry’s State Museum and Exhibition Centre ROSIZO); and Eduard Kuchinsky (Professor of the Violin Chair at the Belarusian State Academy of Music). The instrument’s integrity, quality of restoration, timbre and bow quality have all been assessed.

By Tatiana Pastushenkova

2010 беларусь.belarus

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Culture co-operation

Belye Rosy visits Tchaikovsky Hall

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Year of Belarusian Culture in Russia embraces various events and venues

he year has been full of projects,” notes Tadeush S t r u z h e t s k y, Belarus’ Deputy Culture Minister. Tour activity has intensified, with our leading groups performing in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. The With Love from Belarus pop tour featured leading performers and pop bands while the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Belarus performed in Moscow, alongside the State Dance Company of Belarus and the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre.

The Days of Belarusian Culture were hosted by St. Petersburg and included a galaconcert by Belarusian pop stage masters, a concert by the State Chamber Orchestra of Belarus at the Hermitage Concert Hall and a round table discussion of writers.

Events also took place in Yaroslavl, where a thematic exhibition from the Maxim Bogdanovich Literary Museum went on show. Days of Belarusian Cinema were hosted by various Russian regions.

The Legend of Ulenspiegel ballet was staged at the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, marking the solemn opening of the Year of Belarusian Culture. Its music was composed by Russianborn Belarusian classic Yevgeny Glebov while the choreography and staging were prepared

by Valentin Yelizariev, Belye Rosy — a song, music and dance ensemble

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People’s Artiste of Belarus and the USSR; it involved artists from the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus and is considered to be a pearl of classical Belarusian legacy.

Brest Fortress — a film by Alexander Kott — has been a wonderful example of co-operation and a symbol of this year. The picture premiered in Brest, with veterans among the audience, and greatly impressed everyone. Later, it was also premiered as part of the opening of the Listapad Film Festival. Moscow hosted the Days of Belarusian Cinema and our country was an honorary guest at a book fair in the Russian capital.

The Year of Belarusian Culture in Russia finished with a performance by Belye Rosy — a song, music and dance ensemble; the event was hosted by the Tchaikovsky Hall, including a performance by Natkhnenne — a straw weaving studio.

“Belye Rosy ensemble was established in 1987, in Grodno, and has won prestigious festivals,” explains Belye Rosy’s Artistic Leader, Vera Chichina. “It’s very popular abroad.

We give almost the same number of concerts abroad as we do in Belarus: we have a 16 year contract with Spain and a 10 year contract with France.

Foreigners ask us to stage former USSR national dances, as our repertoire covers Russian, Ukrainian and Georgian dance.”

Your dancers have wonderful costumes.

Our costumes are hand-made, sewn by the artistes themselves.

You also play unusual instruments.

We have dulcimers, which are Belarusian instruments. However, we also play the lyra and duda.

Why is t his p er for mance s o important to you?

The road to Russia is again open to us. Long ago, we arrived in Kuban feeling worried, as we were a provincial band. However, after our performance, the governor showed us the newspaper reviews, saying: ‘Look, how well they’re writing about you!’

A programme has been signed for further collabor at i on b e t we e n ou r t wo c o u nt r i e s . T h e Ye a r o f Belarusian Culture and the Year of Russian Culture will continue into the future.

By Tatiana Vlasova

festivals Culturee

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Dance stirs high spirits Vitebsk hosts International Modern Choreography Festival

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nsurprisingly, the Grand Prix of the event was won by the state dance company of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army; who can surpass the virtuoso technique of the Chinese? Maybe this was why choreographic groups from the Baltic States and Belarus have tried to deconstruct the genre of modern dance, feeling their way to the very edge which divides physical movement from the essence of dance. At what point do physical dance movements become a true performance?

Who can say why simple movements on stage can arouse cheerful laughter among the audience yet injure the feelings of a professional jury? Just a few hundredths of a point separated Belarusian D.O.Z.SK.I. from the main prize, with choreographer Dmitry Zalessky — a public favourite — staging Nothing Common, an eccentric short.

In his performances, Dmitry usually works skilfully with colours, preferring a dramatic palette to the semi-tones of black, white and dark blue. He chose an amusing children’s song for his new performance — Two Merry Geese Were Living With Granny — with the two dancers conflicting in the same way as the characters from the song. Zalessky has found conflict between European,

Chinese and Belarusian contemporary dance at international festivals.

“Our modern dance is classical,” he notes. “Various dance styles are seen in Europe but aren’t always interesting to audiences. We have nothing in common.”

Meanwhile, the acknowledged Italian Spellbound Dance Company (translated as a ‘dance enchanted studio’) was among the leading stars of the recent event.

Their Downshifting ballet impressed both IFMC entrants and the professional jury. Dancers from the Kiev Modern Ballet were left with great impressions for several hours after the performance by Mauro Astolfi’s troupe. From a technical point of view, it was perfect ballet with prolonged action, requiring some time to understand.

The Italians were impressed by the organisation of the Vitebsk event.

According to choreographer Astolfi, if such a festival had taken place in Europe, it would have been shifted to Paris, making it a premier event in the dance world.

This year’s IFMC brought together 25 artistic troupes from Belarus, Germany, China, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Switzerland, Estonia and Japan. As is traditional, next year, the Vitebsk festival will embrace troupes from throughout the nation. According to Marina Romanovskaya, Deputy Director General of Vitebsk Culture Centre’s Special Projects, new dance groups are already sending applications from Minsk, Grodno and Soligorsk, many for the first time.

Asking Mr. Zalessky whether he’ll be able to stage a major performance in time for the next IFMC, he noted, “I’d love to but I won’t jump the gun. This year, before the festival, some colleagues were blowing their own trumpets, saying they’d be performing at the IFMC as guests. However, many didn’t make it onto the contest programme. We shouldn’t rest on our laurels. We need to constantly reinvent ourselves.”

By Victoria Mikhailovskaya

2010 беларусь.belarus

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Theatre personality

Master of live stage People’s Artist of Belarus Alexander Tkachenok happy to celebrate his 60th birthday

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35

years is a young age and, to be honest, Alexander Tkachenok l o o k s n o o l d e r.

However, he’s been performing at the Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre for 35 years!

It’s his artistic age. Meanwhile, he was born 60 years ago. Really, time passes quickly, however we battle against it. The passing years only seem to make this man younger though.

His artiste’s soul remains in the past, with many reference books still mentioning him as a Soviet (before Belarusian) actor of the stage and screen. Some time ago, Mr. Tkachenok was known worldwide but what now? We met this master of the modern Belarusian stage in his make-up room at the Russian Theatre (as some still call the Maxim Gorky Theatre).

W e

drank a cup of green tea and chatted about his private and public life.

I’m looking at your jubilee booklet of photos and can’t help thinking that you seem so different here. Which is your real persona: that of the stage or the man who sits before me now?

I have to be different. Mimicry is a profession.

You’ve played 30 cinema and 40 theatrical roles. Why do you usually play an old man?

I played an old man even at my jubilee, in ‘Heir Transparent’. On my 60th birthday, I appeared on stage for the 1,000th time!

‘Heir Transparent’ was my first performance on the Maxim Gorky Theatre’s stage; 35 years ago, I learnt the lines in a week and then toured villages with a troupe, performing in the open air and at village clubs. We had to tour the villages; I was almost 25 then, studying at the Theatre of Youth Art. I even played a professor in ‘Youth of Our Fathers’. I also played an old man in four diploma performances, on graduating from the Theatre and Art Institute; Professor Serebryakov (‘Uncle Vanya’) and old man Yeremeev (‘Last Summer in Chulimsk’) were among my roles. The majority of my characters have been elderly people.

How old do you feel?

Playing old men, I try to get inside my characters, although I feel much younger.

Actually, it was always more difficult for me to play young characters.

Did you wear a false beard, to get into character?

I can’t say that I wore thick makeup. My performance is always expressive and I use voice ‘tricks’. My inner transformation and the look in my eye are more important; old men have a different look in their eye to that of the optimistic young. I used to create a facial expression to convince the audience that I was old.

You don’t look like an optimist…

I can’t say I’m an optimist; rather, I’m a tempered optimist. If I were a complete pessimist, then life would be in vain. My theatrical roles are my shelter; they’re my mask. I don’t like playing myself; I need to hide behind my character. This is why I don’t love playing on a small stage, with the audience sitting close by. It feels awkward being in such close proximity.

I’d rather not see the audience, since it hampers me. My image is a protective cover, enabling me to exist freely inside myself. Why did I invent clownery? I was hiding behind the image of a clown.

I played in tragedies and comedies alike but I love it when genres are intermixed.

I prefer comedic-tragic situations.

I’ve heard that you’re familiar with the legendary clown Marso. When did you discover him?

In the 1970s, in Minsk. I was young and my theatrical career was just beginning. Marso was touring the Soviet Union then, performing at Minsk’s House of Officers. I came to the show, succeeded in approaching the clown, and he autographed my programme with his stage name — Bip (Mr. Tkachenok takes down the programme from his mirror, showing me the great actor’s signature).

You are often mentioned as a Soviet actor. Do you agree? You are Belarusian, born here and working here...

I do feel Soviet, since the peak of my artistic success for the cinema and theatre came when I was 30-40 year old, during Soviet times. In the cinema, I worked with Lenfilm and Mosfilm. Some time later, I was invited to join Belarusfilm.

Are you a happy man, who’s made a good career?

It’s a complicated question, but I think ‘yes’. In art, I’ve achieved everything. I’m lucky. Some of my colleagues have dreamt of roles and failed to receive them. I was given everything.

In the theatre, it’s important not to be afraid of playing serious characters — not to be too fascinated by comedies.

We should not laugh at life too much, or it will laugh at you.

By Viktar Korbut

Belta

performance theatree

A scene from the play

Creative return Yakub Kolas National Academic Drama Theatre revives Boat of Despair, based on Vladimir Korotkevich’s work

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or a long time, audiences were unable to see the performance, due to the lack of a suitable actor for the leading role. Now, experienced Alexander Bazuk has taken on the part.

He is known to Vitebsk theatre-goers for playing Gorodulin in Ostrovsky’s Wise Men, for which he was awarded a prize for best supporting role during the 84th theatrical season. The new performance, staged by Mikhail Krasnobaev, involves 20 actors.

Boat of Despair isn’t the only work by this famous Belarusian writer to be staged in Vitebsk. In 1974, the theatre premiered a performance based on Korotkevich’s Bells of Vitebsk, attended by the author himself. In 1978, spectators were offered the tragedy Kastus Kalinovsky and Sparrow

Night in the 1990s. The theatre is now working on L eonids Won’t Return up to the Earth (or Impossible to Forget), s cheduled for 2011.

Mr. Korotkevich was the first Belarusian writer to develop historical detective stories, being given the Yakub Kolas State Award for his Black Castle of Olshany. He also won the Literary Award for his Impossible to Forget novel, alongside the Order of the Friendship of Nations. His works are vivid and boast fascinating, dynamic plots. His Ears under Your Sickle, The Wild Hunt of King Stakh, Christ Landed in Grodno and Old Legend are mandatorily studied at school, being true masterpieces. Moreover, many works by Mr. Korotkevich have been made into films.

By Anna Bogacheva

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Art creative bonds

Vasily Yasyuk:

Seclusion is not the best route to self-expression Mediation is vital for art. A writer or an artist must have knowledge and life experience, as well as something to make their book or picture original. A true piece of art always has novelty of outlook; only then can a novel become a best-seller or a picture attract art lovers to a museum or gallery

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here is such talent found? Generally, anyone who has chosen art as their path should reveal their potential eventually, as long as their artistic credo is correctly defined. Which path should be taken?

How can artists achieve their potential?

Is learning from others an important component of success? We often discuss these problems with artist Vasily Yasyuk. Some time ago, I wrote that Vasily is known as a portrait master.

His other works romanticise reality, making it unique. He has also made a name for himself as a skilful restorer;

The artist Vasily Yasyuk works a lot

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in particular, he painted the interiors of the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow, receiving high praise. Vasily’s works are found in state and private collections in Belarus, Russia, Poland, the USA, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.

Mr. Yasyuk has also lectured at the Belarusian Arts Academy for over twenty years and has written several textbooks. He expresses himself as an artist, spending hours in front of the easel. He’s eager to demonstrate his works to the public and sometimes sells his works; they surely arouse interest.

His accumulated artistic experience and personal mastery enables him to teach his pupils.

We discuss the artistic exchange of experience with Vasily. Can artists communicate closely and is the practice of artistic exchange needed? Or does a true artist really only need seclusion?

An artist primarily realises themselves through their works. To what extent do they need to leave this artistic working process, travelling to exhibitions and open-air forums? Should they spend all their time in front of the easel, drawing without break?

Of course, it’s necessary to stand in front of the easel and work a great deal.

However, to do this, an artist needs to expand their outlook, seeing not only themselves in art but, also, larger trends.

Global art is developing at a great pace. Our life is computerised now, so artists often see their works on computer monitors.

We must remember that true art is born via communication with nature, people,

the country, other states and artists.

Only then is our experience and spirit enriched, to be reflected in our painting.

At a personal exhibition, you see yourself from outside — with a different eye. Moreover, many things are re-evaluated. In 1990, alongside 50 artists, I took part in an exhibition in Germany. It was there that I realised what we lack: a relaxed attitude! We were also somewhat lacking in novel ideas, rhythms and new trends. This knowledge helped us. However, many artists are unable to change themselves.

This is why I believe communication is extremely important for painters.

Which of the latest exhibitions and open-air forums have seemed most interesting to you?

It’s interesting when you visit another country, as you gain new impressions.

Moreover, you gain a different view of your own country, loving it even more.

Among the recent projects I’ve attended are an joint international open-air forum in Poland and a personal exhibition in German Binz. The latter is a true tourist Mecca, visited by about 2m people from all over the world. The exhibition is still open today. At the Polish event, I worked with some other Belarusians: People’s Artist Vladimir Tovstik (who heads the Arts Academy Department) and the five best students from the Academy.

What were your brightest impressions from the open-air forum?

It was very interesting. On arriving, we saw our historical homeland.

Białystok has amazing architectural

creative bonds Arte

One of the latest works by Vasily Yasyuk reflecting his creative search

sites; the Branicki Palace is fantastic. You can stay for hours, just looking. The Old Town is no less interesting. We walked through it, drawing all the time. Ten days in the city were not enough for us to see everything in a relaxed fashion. The historical complex is fully restored.

After the forum, we organised a wonderful exhibition. The students worked hard. Usually it takes them a month to draw a picture but they managed to paint up to twenty there.

The lecturers, in turn, painted 5-7 works.

We were on an emotional high! Novelty and fresh ideas inspire further work. We could also see historical culture which is close to us, Belarusians.

The second open-air forum was organised in Mazury — also in Poland.

However, the culture and architecture were different, being the territory of former Germany. In Białystok, we recognised similarities with Belarus; in Mazury, the houses and architecture are different. This was a very important moment of spiritual enrichment. Nature also deserves mentioning. Mazury’s countryside resembles our lake regions.

Our Lake Naroch area is extremely similar to Mazury.

Of course, enrichment is achieved by chatting with artists from other states: Germany, Poland and Lithuania.

This is live communication. Enrichment happens on seeing how a painter works.

Technical moments also enrich an artist.

Seeing how acrylic, water-colours or oils can be used is important for an artist.

Can we look at open-air shows from the point of view of human communication? An exchange of ideas happens, in addition to what can be seen with our eyes...

Yes. I’d like to speak about this. Do you know why the Mazury open-air forum stuck in my memory so much?

Just imagine how art unites people. We watched the Eurovision Song Contest and the whole hall — where artists and forum participants were sitting — applauded the Belarusians. I was impressed with that heart-warming attitude; our colleagues wanted to support us. It was amazing.

This is part of communication. Art brings people closer and enriches them. We had no feeling that we were from different countries. We are a small world united

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Art creative bonds

The author’s images by Vasily Yasyuk

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by art. I’m convinced that true art has no borders. This is why we must visit our colleagues, while inviting them to come to Belarus. The Association of European Artists has already asked Belarus to host an open-air forum. We are ready to invite people to attend. This will surely help the tourist business, since we have so many beautiful places to visit in our country.

Who else except an artist can show them to tourists? If we were to organise a small joint exhibition in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, it would bring us closer.

You lecture at the Arts Academy.

Do the students also gain the chance to communicate with those from abroad?

I’ve been working at the Academy for 27 years. My service book has only one record. I’m convinced that artistic exchanges and open-air events are more important for students than for established painters. When we showcased an exhibition in Białystok, Polish artists came, admiring the mastery and technique of our students, praising their acuteness.

Really, our students have fantastic vision.

We are on the eve of the Union of Artists’ session. What should be on the agenda… artistic exchanges or something else?

An artist’s studio is important and should be given free of charge; it’s an issue we’ll tackle at the session.

In Germany, municipal authorities pay for artists’ workshops; it’s a bright example for us. I’ll support the present leadership of the Union. Its work is quite active, with interesting exhibitions being organised (these are so popular that entrants compete to be shown). It’s not easy to take part in a show these days. We still lack outstanding works; it’s a matter which must receive attention. State orders need to be placed to allow painters’ work to become more active and significant.

You often visit Europe, especially Germany — even without obvious artistic reasons, such as an open-air forum. What kind of art do they prefer there and what do customers demand from you as an artist? Why are they interested in your work?

Firstly, high mastery enables a Belarusian artist to rival any painter in the world. Secondly, we have novel ideas, which we bring to the world. Our unique traditions, such as figurative work, have been lost in the West. Western audiences appreciate our continuing work in this genre.

At our Academy, we’ve preserved classical understanding of drawing, pictorial art and nature. Even the Düsseldorf Academy has lost this. We are in demand in the West —due to our figurative art and work from nature. Additionally, we boast top levels regarding the mastery of our performance.

Of course, the experience of our foreign colleagues helps. In the 1990s, we spent a month on a single work; now, we can paint something in just a few days. We are using the freedom of painting commonly seen among Western artists. Skill is not enough on its own though; you need direction, which can be expressed even in a small landscape. Why do small canvases

by Levitan capture our imagination? It is because they have a strong focus. Many small apples could be drawn against an autumn landscape but they would remain mere apples rather than a picture. You can paint something in an hour, a year or decade, but it must have focus. This is very important. Many Western artists lack this.

What are your artistic plans? What are you working on and what do you want to achieve next?

When an artist works on a picture, they do not wish to talk about it. I’d rather say that I’m working on Christ’s image and want to donate this picture to our Patriarchate. I dreamt that I should paint this picture, so I began work. Many have tried to realise this idea before me of course, but not in the same way. We’ve already agreed with the Plenipotentiary for Religious and Ethnic Affairs that this work will be a present to the Patriarchate.

It’s the focus of my art at the moment.

I’m drawing other pictures — such as a series of Christmas landscapes and stilllife works, which are joyful and optimistic. These will always be part of my work as an artist but my Christ will be life-affirming; it’s my concept.

By Victor Mikhaiiov

results Sportse

Crystal jingle of victory

The victorious landing of Belarusian freestyle skier Alexey Grishin

What do you think about on New Year’s Eve as you remove the metal wrapper from around your champagne cork, preparing to hear the pop of celebration? What do you think about as the clock chimes midnight? What do you think about when celebrating your 15th, 20th, 30th or 50th New Year?

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hether we like it or not, we tend to recall past New Ye a r s , m u s i n g on the passing of time. We try not to become too wistful but it can be difficult not to ponder ‘what might have been’. You could have become the Ole Einar Bjoerndalen of journalism, the Usain Bolt of law, the Michael Phelps of philology or the Michael Schumacher

of medicine. You want to be the best, to win at your own Olympiad. We all have a secret desire to succeed and be recognised by others for our talent.

I turn the pages of a calendar, where each month is marked by a bright sporting event. This year saw mixed results for our Belarusian athletes: some outstanding and some less so. Of course, this is only natural; we tend to reap what we sow. Alexey Grishin stands

out in my mind for his smile. I see our Belarusian athlete on the Olympic pedestal in Vancouver, examining his gold medal. Freestyle skiers are unique and daring, like cosmonauts and test pilots; their bravery is second to none.

Alexey deserved his gold and has every reason to be delighted with his success.

Grishin took a bronze medal eight years ago at the Olympics in Salt Lake City; however, for a true athlete, any place except first seems like defeat. He wanted to win and knew how. I well remember our conversation in the Olympic village, the day before he began competing. The sun was shining as it does in spring and Alexey was telling me about his training for these Olympic Games.

I’ve done everything I can this season and last, and in the one before, to reach peak form in February 2010. I can tell you with 100 percent confidence that I’ve managed to achieve this and completely understood this while jumping at the last training camp.

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Sports results It’s difficult to plan for the future but tomorrow could be the most important day of your sporting career. What’s next?

The Sochi Olympic Games in 2014?

We’ll see. At present, I have a few problems with my health, particularly with my back. I have nine hernias, so it’s difficult for me to speak about the future.

I’ve devoted my whole life to freestyle jumping, so have no desire to retire.

Age means nothing in freestyle; you can jump as long as you have strength.

The Belarusian team comprises yourself, Dmitry Dashchinsky, Anton Kushnir and Timofey Slivets; it’s a strong squad but which of you is number one?

Such questions are irrelevant. I see myself as number one, competing with myself; I don’t compare myself with others. If I can beat myself, I can beat anyone.

So we chatted, and parted, and Alexey went to his room to mentally prepare, imagining his champion jump: a triple somersault with four full

Daria Domracheva

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turns (a FFdF). He managed to turn his hard work into a gold medal, becoming a true aerial winner. As the clock chimes midnight on New Year’s Eve, he may again remember his jump, flying through the air, and his almost ideal landing. I’ll also recollect this moment, from a different angle, from the bottom of the mountain. Of course, this was not only Grishin’s victory, but victory for the whole country: Belarus’ first gold medal at a Winter Olympics. I’ll raise my glass of champagne to you, Alexey, and to Belarus.

On New Year’s Eve, I’ll also recollect Belarus’ other Olympic champion: Andrey Aryamnov. He returned from the Beijing Olympics of 2008 as a hero of the nation, ‘bathing’ in his success, enjoying fame, glory, money and praise, all of which were well-deserved. The Olympic champion in weightlifting had set a world record at the tender age of 20 (in the up to 105kg category), making him the unbeaten best — the strongest!

I wish Andrey good luck. He was too young to know that fame is sometimes heavier to bear than any barbell; even the strongest man can fail to withstand its load. Two years after the Beijing Olympic Games, his behaviour leaves much to be desired.

He has been fined several times, deprived of his allowances. He’s often ridiculed by the newspapers, with journalists ignoring his

Andrey Mikhnevich

psychological state. God has granted him good health, but his soul is naked before us; it can’t be hidden behind a barbell or covered with muscles.

This year, Aryamnov won the European Championship, almost without preparation; however, he failed to improve upon his world record. Afterwards, he considered himself unbeaten and launched into more dissipation, acting like a naïve child. Whether you’re an Olympic champion or an ordinary man called Vasya from the village of Listvyanka, you face the same world that we all live in. I’ll raise my second toast to Andrey Aryamnov. He has a pure soul, as a true Belarusian, and is a legendary athlete, strong in body. I believe that he’ll have enough strength and wisdom to choose the right path at the Olympic London Games in 2012, showing everyone that Belarus is home to physically and morally strong people.

Our biathletes were also heroes of the Olympic Games in Vancouver. As is traditional, they’ll be celebrating the New Year at a training camp in Austria, among mountains and snow, as in a fairy-tale. This time, they’ll be visited by their families, as the coaches have allowed; it’s difficult to celebrate the family holiday of New Year far from home. Our biathletes have done well. Darya

Nadezhda Ostapchuk

results Sportse

Alexander Kiknev

them!’ Ole Einar Bjoerndalen and Emil Svendsen had climbed the pedestal many times, unlike Sergey Novikov, so they knew the routine: presentation of flowers, a press conference and doping control. Sergey, who matched Bjoerndalen’s result and worthily deserved silver, was collecting his first ever medal, so felt slightly embarrassed.

“Do you have a comb?” he asked on entering the press conference room.

Having found nothing, he used his fingers, then sat down, pleased with himself. “Hello everyone!” he said and prepared to answer questions. His natural demeanour was immediately appealing and greatly appreciated by journalists.

Novikov spoke openly, saying, “At first, I felt magically strong, overcoming the first ascent with joy, as if I had wings. Then, my powers disappeared. I was running hard without seeming to get anywhere.

However, I’ve worked harder than ever before and I’ve been rewarded.”

The most popular question by journalists was: ‘How was it to collect your medal?’ Novikov answered sincerely, “I’m delighted to take my place but somehow also embarrassed. I’ve never had such a day in my life; it’s as if happiness has fallen on me.”

No doubt, he’ll recollect this moment when the clock strikes twelve, when the year of triumph retires, leaving the future open. What will it bring?

I raise this glass to you, Darya and Sergey. Let happiness stay with you in the New Year and luck be always with you!

Minutes will pass, followed by hours, days, weeks and months… We run with time, trying to hurry, to become the first and the best — to be champions. In 2010, our world champions were Sergey Martynov (shooting); Denis Garazha, Roman Petrushenko and Vadim Makhnev (rowing and canoeing); and Dmitry Bazylev and Andrey Kazusenok (sambo). Our European champions were Anastasia Novikova and Vitaly Derbenev (weightlifting); Alexander Kikinev (Greco-Roman wrestling); Igor Makarov (judo); Nadezhda Ostapchuk and Andrey Mikhnevich (track-andfield); Yekaterina Karsten (academic rowing); Olga Panarina (cycle track); Oleg Yurenya (rowing and canoeing); and Victoria Pavlovich (table tennis).

Goals, points and seconds… It’s pleasant to come first and to win. I’d like to wish everyone in this eternal race for records to rejoice, to forgive and to appreciate every moment. You’ll undoubtedly become champions and win your major prize: a life of colour and beauty.

By Sergey Kanashits

Sergey Martynov

Victoria Pavlovich

2010 беларусь.belarus

Aloizas Yunevich

Domracheva is only beginning her long and rich career but has already earned bronze in Vancouver; a good beginning is half the battle. Darya Domracheva and Sergey Novikov both won medals on the same day, delighted with their success and eager to share their joy with loved ones, for whom they live and win.

“Hello! Who’s calling?! A silver Olympic medallist!” shouts Novikov loudly and proudly into the phone, awakening those at the other end; it was 3am in Belarus. His wife Anna’s ringing voice is heard through the walls of the small booth the biathletes use to change their clothes during competitions. “I’m still at the stadium,” smiles Novikov, looking at us. “I’m tortured by doping control and the press: the burden of fame.

The journalists gave me a telephone and I’m calling from it. Yes. I love you too. I thought about you during the race. Have you already celebrated my victory? Give my compliments to the city of Mogilev. Chausy will celebrate for a whole week, won’t it? Tell them not to celebrate too hard; a working week lies ahead. That’s all. Good-bye.

Go to sleep. I love you.”

Nov i kov ’s v i c t or y c an’t b e explained. It was a shock even to himself. As he went to collect his medal, he hardly knew what to do or say. However, he received a useful piece of advice: ‘Look at the Norwegians and copy

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Kaleidoscope

Virtual routes navigator Belarus planning to launch online interactive map providing information on its 5,000 tourist facilities

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n agreement has been concluded with Belgeodesiya to develop online maps marking Belarus’ tourist attractions.

Information is to be provided by the State Cadastre of Tourist Resources, whose database contains information on 20,000 sites. A quarter of all Belarus’ tourist attractions will be available on the virtual maps.

Historical and cultural sites are to be marked, alongside places of natural beauty, and the most popular social facilities — such as hotels, leisure centres, spas and farmsteads. The interactive map will be placed on the national tourist portal of Belarus, with signs denoting each type of tourist site. On selecting an image, guests will be able to gain access to detailed information and view photos.

Internet in the villages Interesting moments from history Photos from UN Library collection on show at Minsk gallery

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he exhibition, dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the UN, has opened at the University of Culture Art Gallery, showing photographs from the UN’s Dag Hammarskjöld Library, portraying moments from UN history. It boasts rare shots, such as a photo of the UN Conference in San Francisco in 1945 and those of meetings of the heads of allied countries in Yalta, from 1945.

The exhibition depicts UN humanit ar i an ac t iv it y and such global challenges as the maintaining of peace, environmental protection, healthcare, education and the development of humanity.

Kobrin district’s village of Divin boasts public Internet access centre, offering speeds of 1Mbit/ sec — double that of Brest

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esidents of this l arge, an c i e nt village are the first rural dwellers in the Brest region t o g a i n In ternet access via their local post office. Divin is among nine Belarusian agro-towns to have gained Internetaccess through a project jointly implemented by the International Telecommunication Union, Beltelecom and the Ministry of Communications and Information of Belarus, with foreign partners allocating 70,000 Swiss francs.

Competing for the highest rank Belarus to host World Logging Championship in 2012

Georgiy Shablyuk

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he World Logging Championship, held in t he Croatian capital, gathered all leading forest states. Thirty one countries sent their teams to Zagreb, with most placed b e h i n d B e l a r u s . O u r f ou r Belarusian loggers came seventh overall, ahead of strong Russia, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany. “All the loggers

on our team are top level professionals,” explains the technical head of the Belarusian team, Nikolay Pototsky. “A decade ago, we tailed in world rankings at such e vents; now, we’re almost winning prizes. At least ten Belarusians are among the best loggers in the world.”