Belarus (magazine #10 2018)

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No. 10 (1021), 2018 Беларусь. Belarus

belarus Politics. Economy. Culture

ISSN 2415-394X

high status of the event

Newspaper from Belarus

Голас Радзімы edition of the “Голас Радзімы” is available at www.zviazda.by

The newspaper for fellow countrymen: well-known and well-read Газета з БелаРусі

Голас Радзімы Голас Радзімы панядзелак, 15 кастрычніка, 2018

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П асі, о­ка нБы ,а­лзбі­ ?­р) аА.­ е— ла вмол ые­ка­тр. ­чы ап­ ы гЫ ым на ­ла­ру але­й на­ча і­ ж­ ад­м ў­ва­е ­віць ­ л аў­ш хто­з ай­ шн ава а­лчёул ­тац мін ы м:­с нпер бНак,­ азялеройй­ччас зо лё ­ ша ыкаў ах­ аўна ое­ід тым кру­ ­ о .­ ­нах рб ка ст пр ­ ка­р ­саў­з ­ме е­ ту кроў, е­жа­м ц­ца ­ б а­мат чы­ны а­хо і­ шч ге ус ­д с­ по т ­ ж да­нер.­­р6ы зне мат ку к­жаа ­ ­ аеч­ка дтаонльнаага ал бе це,­ з’ р­ на ”,­ х “пр ­ ў­ уць.­ ­ не­ — ар а­з та­ся ны­ цята ­пр х­ з­ іч ­к Мвін ме од­ка ысц а­ме н­та­л ю­ ­ як і. ­ у е­ла­р ­на­г ­ў­с ў­вае­ч ы­ра ом Па Айт ішке і тут нідк­а , заб­пмаж­тао­рты ах бел ­па чы­дж а­с­пе ы ры лару явіл ­ адн то­ а агм ган ­з а у ­ в Б ал аў к” ла е­ж, э н хкаі­е бе а, ш гв ці. які уст ж­жа ў.­ В ь­ ро­д ж­жа і­тэт, бе­ла­р ­ ка­ ­ р э на а­меж с­кіх ­даў:­ а­ім­с аст­к ўдзя Сару Дня шы ­ ты скіх­ іся­ амат бляц атыч аро­ і­т гос мл о ў гад кір ана яе ­ру­с ча а­мтра ­дас­дын­лах­рауўш­л­моы ­в ­н н­н ­ ін а ,­ у у ,­с ­с га ­ па ­жы ­дып дзей эр­ц у­Б ч­на ка х асмтіу вое: О, зе шт ? Уз ута, Світ : у да і.­суАс і­йго Ба Бзеы­н ­т­сэаў,­ ай­м і­ КС ­ с су­по ­ноў­ прад а­ю­чы ­ сва кі­ра пра­в с­ а ня дні­ п пр орн еў ны ў д д г ь “ . Н лаіц ю таў нд­лё ­шы­р ­скі­р ­прад ­насц ы.­ Д аць­ ­ яговіясп ­ Бе гэта ілота озвіш ым­ с ­ зям х­ свда­бўусяцзь­каа­цяыг х,­ па­в іль­ё­ ­ н праў ­лак,­ Бе­л ­стаў ­ гас й­го,­ ­ва­ны ы­ аа а дз­ энтАзіі. руса аюц а Ш лкі цку ані, ыр­ ве стк ­ва­э эн а­ва с­т ь­М ып ў. о ­ чы ам ­ д ­ а р о ш а ў а р я зя іх н ­ н ц ­ ч а Б іс с р а р я ­ г д у о о я р а я д р ­ р н л п т ла ­ зд ­ а м Пў­в ­шч с­с ­ле о ск у э Р ка а к , і а ліма Сау рж мелі ы ве нд уп Да т­ра­з ды­я то­сп у­сі, і­коў ей­ з­ м­лі­ ­ бя ыць­і е­ла­р ка­н ­не,­ ­ная­н ў­ніц ЗС ­ 1 Прав ы­ ся у­ А руска зейс За­ ­ дву а­ а­ю ы­н е­я­н ­ інт кія н роў ры с часн ко­ ў Ів бы Ш еннаў нсітцраа унбі абгоія якса ай с лію ыя е і н жам а­ а ,­ у ял ба ля а ніл ч ­т й х 4 ч­ ы ы­Б а­ цо ­пкю а­ме с­па­р ры­ч ­ гра ­ дзя за­ кл тс кв ла ск йн да с­пе­к ­ўма ­сі­ с ­міч­н па­глы й­бол ваў­ Ю ав ва ка ел це ей ць ёг сяб аў су ні , ­ н е­ 18 5­ га і­ ян р­ Ан ксан ­ фе і­ с аты­ ­ ­на жн­ ы,­ ы­н ­ма рж ­ца усе­ Ка ап ме з бнеа а­ ўт еі рА ых б­л ьш эс ран заф­ме­ўр­нэн­ Хо ыя л наў, най ж, і яць тым і с аргуічн ку род а спя бы, у Б ўдзе­лу­ў­між­на­род­ с іц­тцыі­пад­ а­ко і­ма­ ст ­тмая­ ўскім­ ра­ёд­не.­ Ад­ З малой радзімы, што ў Шкло ўскім ен ­ туль­ н ­в а­ смае­ крма,­ М:іж кЧіансалкенріж Ра 2T­S дзін ы­ дрэ др­ Ц дэра тар­ ­заай­кан­ н ч і а аг ія ж сь — ій е ш то в ­ пад ых­с а­ме я­юц­ц ­скіх а мелна ка беілтэптяавач а­і­н ан­не ве­та ­ ка ен­н ­ пр ежж ­ сам ос не ом ме чу ой ­ ў­Г аўПрэ­ ­ні­к зйі­­п пр я­кс­ні,­—­а рас­ ­ ка­заў­ е л сіяй kyla .­ Іх ў­ п й­ Б эн цы к ба­­к сва­ дрэнт.­—­ эгі­дай­ АБ­СЕ­ “Пра­ду­ хі­ллен­ на е­ і­­ ба­ра­аць­ раёне магілёўшчыны, очна ш рэгашл ттооль­нўа­рна­й—­пхісўь турыру. с­ к Ш ы Та­ э с суска ф го Во мі ­э му­м н за х зн к, со , вяд е за рош душ го ­ ты од­м оў­ а­цы .­ П ка­н ,­ а­ ­так­ ­ п юбав ,­а­та ne­п ­ са авет арыс цер­ і­ і­ва ­цэс.­ а­ — ра­і­н рэс­л аў­А ік­ М ­да­ т ода, улть ака імі і наелнар устпрыаоквеу. роля е а ­п б я х н е ж р вы ў ру ята гіі н йзд ваў, ескім я ра : зн е ы м н ­ р і­ ж ­ в м а ­з ма­ на­ з­тэ­ра­рыз­мам­у­ліч­ба­вую­эпо­ лі­ж­ пе­ жыццёвыя шляхі завя а лой­ д шай­ е­ ху”.­Ка­ іў ра­да­вай­це­ пры­ а р е а­ле­ ­зтаан­н С лі а р а­хан чык­ук к­каай­пл сар рбодагоЛю й амка алстьт . 3 на ві­ вы ўнмаі­ ­лзя зна­ Бе­ла гэ­та ­ з­ б :­ с нд­рэ і­ Гр расек ліся ксам раляц алёт ы­ к віч.­ ой ы­яс­п а­клі­ д­клю ­мічн­ а­ ­сяц­ре,­ ка га св нало а за абы пал ваўс чна і ­ы­ я дсан фы е н та е анДы ­руысз­кст озе­дзі т ав зкасід з глі тарэта з­ вв ай­ акакіазісвет: ­ н ра­ энл лі­ ­ к а­З ­ C ал е­ладзі­ум­п е,­ йне­ ­ря,­ ­р а к ч за­ б пры­ я з­ д жай­ ц е.­ Прэ­ з і­ д энт­ Бе­ л а­ р у­ с і­ з­ ім­ су­ с тра­ к аў­ с то­ ула дзі мі ра ва ран ко ва ў вя лі ч е а ы ч ­ й у а , р п н а а ў ­ а э г П с а іх о ў э г ­ зн ў р д р ­ е ,­ т н ­ а а р Ш ы н­н сь­ ­ д ­ру ра н ­тэх чы а я г і р С я а Бе ­н e аа­в р ф а ы,­ ў­і­п ц­ц ­ о а ­ш м­с рр іт ы гы м азы ан чы ­ е а­ве а­мі­ ­дзіў ­дзік­май­гас­ лі­с н­ля­не­цэнтр­ней­ е­ча­ка­н зя лію ас м ла на­ па­чат­ку­ су­стрэ­чы­ ад­зна­чыў:­ не­ ік ➔ ­са­м ­та­сён­ а та!­ льш ндыюАтла явід А.­Б ад­у ssna­ ­ па­ на пасаду намесніка ла­ тан рэкут­ю аКты­с жаон­тыа­з Гркаоловёы­лпе­твеэрсс­ уд ,­ і­­ а ІТ Ш альн свяц які н ­рам дарэ шко й ­жухай­гэ­ ўза а­да Ня­ пе я­мы ­чыя­к д­лад ­ува­г ы.­ І­ асаб рад­ ­ Ма чу­в ­і­п нты амі­ ела сёй зеоў ўж Ю сь!ара ійск еры рус нас­цю­для­яго­бы­ло­да­ве­дац­ца,­што­ро­ зі ра р і­ ды нлаа­кты ­чысл­ уэлд­фэі­мікды ар ь­н ні а­ў ­е­м едар­ лі. о рэ , на аве, жа ім, , са ыча у:­ ра м­лі­і­в тыў­ Генеральнага сакра р ы­ аан ня і к ка ж­в ная,­вель­ ­не паек­ ы­ ан м­крі­жуі­каў, ­вев­ряаздльа­нчуі­ о­ стру а­д ­ ас к­ні,­але­вель­ ста ршм­яі­перс­ ладтагл кпа а,нза Дкна з­гім це Кам лайц ярну раз­ ку,­ п Кан усы ­ На ­зам а­ к мі ас нхт лам Іван рыго З як 70­х адзв ункі: ­ ­якзі­нд­тэнт­ а аб­ая­ к ­с З ць д“зя­ ак апа­ ­нк та, ай та і с анні­гцра ж­гріэа­с анюа­сс, а ді­зя вё­ а”.­к­ж Прэ­ кма­ваў­ да­выя­ка­ скім ра­ні­ў­гос­ця­—­там,­дзе­прай­шлі­ зе­ядоб­ зус­мач­ е­м Ан — з­ а “ту­дэсыс­нбі­ў —аў­ к ў­ гі н­н р “н р­ к анд ы! ліся­д Герм абач ады,­ ­ це дзе ак п скі. і з 19 я н стас дзяў ў н ку, эас ы­в ­ін­ст ­ты,­ ­ шчы ­важ ­з­ а кагу­по. ­нас!.ў.­тУ свя уск ж о­г р эн ім ­М а с­т то юд­ зі­мсі­пру­ аг­чко­ еВа­ ­п ды­яго,­Аляк­санд­ра­Лу­ка­шэн­ н­н ран­ адо анію ылі­ ыя за­ыўдзел­ Ула­ дзі­цныя­чх ыя­га­ Іван Іванаў кае лар ле ажан лі ­ЧЯэн м,­іі12М хзс.­К Бе ічог азаў зір­с н ра й т але ісьц зіліс ыя аў дзе ў ­рыга­­ ­ту­т каб­зу­ ар­ ы­мву­ валь лё­пам­ а прат­фу, з­таў­з ін­ск с­міч­н о­ры­я е А ўр еха му. ­ды с Бе ­га ла­не ➔ раў,ф­пе­яр,­эн­ о я о а­м а у. дрэ­ве­нрг­вые­рабаасе­мажа­насД см лару а­ п ­ жу амал ы­— АБ­ й ы ­асо­бэгі­ но СяЕ,­ ,­ не аў­П кал злад ычн свяч Гля ыта з­ ан ў б сі. а ­Кр ­ кі.­Там­жа­ён­паз­ Ст ад суц ы і,­С ­поыі­мпад­ ела сі­ ад рн ёт р с­нось ­нар­ўы ­ці,­Чарць.­Т і­ вя ­ста­л ­Ад­н ых­ п ­ ХХ ­сі­ Бе ­ла­ру с­цей ­та­ры ней­пра­ца­ваў­кі­раў­ні­ком­ ні­за­цыі­ кан­ ­цу ы.­дай­ лік сня алес выя та п ргы бо К ў А у ­н Ян яне чэ, паэт пры ла… а, ч элую а т ­ б л о р ш і­ а я а д ­ о ­ л ­ в ­ а с с ­с т а о Х ­ і. р я я у ь р. дыо­ма­ж,­без­пад­ д а жэ­ты,­ у­ы якіх­ ай тоў­н гіс сц ане бна ліс ­А ­к ых­ Тэ­ сю­ не­каа­­ртуо­рых­ар­ га­ні­­З за­цый.­А­Ула­дзі­мір­Іва­ удак­лад­ніў:­“Вя­ т я вя­ыдо­м, ыя­ лю­дімзі­ Нмуі­л л­ніда­в ксые ­і то­ е­с о­мы я­д к­у ­лё­т І­ эл спле­ м ­ных ­уза Та­др ­ 3 ў м яш ія, та .­ Ц о ы жы свя г. Ц сцю ­ ­а аа ект с­к ім­ у­стр ­до й ­с т г вер на П то ж а св ёкі К ены ым ы то вя т рэ ­ і,­ц тая­кан­ ­е ы­й цыя­ Вана­ а н ся,­што­ўсё­сваё­дзя­ ім знаў­ ” к­ві­чАляед­в ст­р ра­д а­ла х­к б­ры о­ц аў,­ ­п дл а­выя­ка­ віч­пры­ цін­ства­ кі,­без­ва­ша­га­ўкла­д­ку­гэ­ н арма­ні,­мяс­ ­р не ­пер рыі­ рдж ­не­р а­ н м,­ эн­ ш г , лы сок верш там са кале ікава й га згад­свяа­2юць­пра­свае­ро­ а­ ­ я п ка­ры ­мфа­ре­арэн­ ­ні­к ­ дзя а­цы­я ­ка­лі­ і­саў кім у ах,­ с а­лі­ў а­наў ы­цы ­маг­ ас­ма я­ўс ень­ цы ася, ыўна у да ўпэў ад с і пав а­ ла ­ен­навоёў­у­вёс­ бе ­ з­ б алёт Бел аць:­ абіў іхто што вы ват што ажы сты з ц ска тамці­ны­бін ­м гаў­ба­са­нож,­ не­ме­ла­б­та­ко­га­пос­пе­хру”. у­ст ста ­ты й­н чы ­на па ­лі­в с­ны ­ і, ­н ў­Б ма­ ства­ нна­юць­с калег цы:­бе­ рды­алкра­ б ат—­ заў­ я псеё­ аллен­за ст ­рупра­ с­ка й­ак ­ Бе рцжы­Ржаў­ ас­ц х­ ра­к ­но­в ,­ш а­ п ­мы ­ўта ­ ­у аль­н е­ла а­іх­к ур Ка­ Піл лару елар ­на­п арус гэта .­Мо ­ ў­ ­ на не, парт тэк аў е пін да”: е та­ м ем­ а­д н­ла,­ка­ жж ­ скл лні­ й баў­се­ і­ваў­буль­ Ула­дзі­мір­ Ва­ран­коў­ ад­зна­ чі”ыў:­ кавім­ пры­ нва­едўра­ а­ны­ й­ ы б­ру,­зай­ а нп а маў­ся­ін­ п ы­т згра­ а­лі­ ы­а то­п ра­х м­д ў,­ от скім уск ав і­ к ­ п жн во шу.­ Бы­ чыла­ чы лерэ ныя ымк сайц прав аж. тду­ .­ бе­ ь н ў ты цыю к на ыст, еў і мат ы зя­ т­ ю рад­п у­тах ­ дзяр э­міі,­ ­рус­к ер­сі­ м­ т ус­кім ­лег­ ся­з дУла адбе­ нн ы­па ­эк ай­ етра руга ершы а­ у ры­еміор ­дзіВа ай чы­ ­Н тул в ім т ран рус­кі­ на­род­ясвы­ кдіх­ цай. ш цін лу­ча­ец­ца­ гас­цін­няас­ іца­лаў­ ак тэ­л тэ шэў зд на ая парт гожа гле­ кее­ка­н ба у­ адзін­ су коцў ршай­пра­ ай ка іпа рэг ны св е­дцю,­ ­дзе ­ка­цдзі пл дна­ і ад лна­.рІус­ а­ц ­жаў­н Мін­с ­ дзя э­це­ эх­ніч ­дзя ы­ні­к іш публ ума няй рэве­ ­ ав за ж ыі­ ха­лі­ пцрьы­ аму ­ца­р ы­ем­сАляк­ Ба­ аялз­ іст м­с ет­ ­ ы­ясандр­Лу­ ду ужку дваў есск арэ так , цёз­лкаст­ рж ае ы ­ рыч­снтаіц­ ін я м сё­ды­ ад­чу­ваў,­ ка­лі­ пры­ ц к к а­ ш эн­ к а­да­ д аў:­ён­вель­ якую­ ён­ заў­ к іх­ ч р оў.­ Мы­ да­ в е­ д а­ л і­ н ­ а ж у ш а л а ­ у р н н ў е ім й ь Д ы ія ы т і: ф ­ м т н ­ р й л о а с п і­ а Д й ­мі­ ­Мал а­ож “ппо а­в ­пр ва ал ­ ак ­с ­жа у м ар­м м­ ­уні­в :­ ш ­н а ц ст згля По і фо ўсё ша , у ноў ­ ам і­ка­ к е­раль­ ашмёес­ сц бен дн ап ў­н р х­я ь­н а дзі­ ум ўк­М а­ц ды,­што­Ула­ д баць­ка­нна­ ан­коў­па­ як­ оў­і­сяб­роў.­Бе­ла­рус,­які­не­шаму ыі,­ ш агчы а­бо цый­ д­ лёў­шчы­ны.­ Іван­ Ва­ран­ оў­ йяк­ я. е­д мі­ра­ ­в ір­Ва­ ав інвя­кдо­маы­ ы е а джаў­да­сва­ ро у бы­ лт н . У на­га­ сак­ ра ты “ ялік што і на нцы ся:­ я го антГе­ па аска а. ан зац­ь , бптраза ­анд ­дцзеа­ў аў­ш оў­к кіх­н ай­а ­дэ­міі о­раў ым­ а­ты­к ні­ве р­сі­т ­ноў­ цца ­ра то ма рц і­ адУла­ р ов ААН­ аваВа­ран­ко­ва,­ які­ гіс­то­рык­сла­віст,­пра­ф ны алм ап скаін ­ к коў­ э быў­у­Бе­ла­ру­сі­апош­нія­сем­га­доў,­на­ве­ м ра­ді­зіў­ся­ў­ ы а­м дзі­м і­ырка­ ­ р к е.­“Хоць­я­на­ ­с бцга­ ­нвае­на­яго­ра­ зе ць в уе, зямл со й у ра­ звіц ­ п сц е”.­ ая ска­ д та­срла­ жа тдТзі­ пр е­саар­Мас­ уто зв­ра вауд й а­ро ­ся­ з­ і­па а­ву­к а­дэ­м авія­ц кім­в е­ду­н ды­ ­сі­тэ­ц ­цаеч,­аю агаа­ і­ кі­ ц аспр і­ай­ ёс Рад на й. У ыцы тогоз’яў­ р ач­зу­осім,­па­ раў­Сныі­кдом­ Контр­тэ­ра­рыс­ дзярж­уні­вер­сі­тэ­тыа.не, ць, р ны к з імМінен­с т­таовря­нцезецыцаОр­ дшы,­по­б­к і­ скам­і­ іі між­Сма­ ы у лен­ ліс зне даў­ра­дзі­му­баць­кі,­а­так­са­ма­Ор­шу,­Ко­ а д ш ага лруя­секц­ц ы Іва ю. а ыя ч да од ы, ры касй ыж­кн ­­н ”,­ я­ў анон ас­мічў­цы­й ­на­в і,­ а­ ­чы­л вер­сі­ са­ді пыаё ,­ цц етн тра е­ лен дн елана­га а­мўпраў­ н Ів о а­б гі­лё­вдам,­ад­ ё­свя­ На­га­даю,­аўшвы­ сао­кі­р чы­нноў­наік­ аААН­ і­ш рд аМа­ ­саў, нак­усё­сваё­жыц­ ут о­ ­ пысь,­ Алек­санд­рыю,­ Шклоў­ —­ пра­ тое­ ­на ­сп ук,­ такц ры рыв ых адах ро тыч­ б йн зелю о лен­ня,­ быў­ ура­джэн­цам­ к м зг ой памі ыло ла н сі.­ Ккалці,опр­п— а э­це,­ к­лчае­і­юнац­ ­са­мечлы ан ус­я ія­ла цая­ е­ц нва­в ы яд ўц ,­ в на­ жы­ Шкло­ўска­га­ ра­ён с ь­ц мае,­дзі­ у для­ ёў­у­Шкло­ ёсць­тэ­ле­сю­жэ­ты­ў­ін­тэр­нэ­це. ­ а­ Ма­гі­ Ула­дзі­мір­ ксоў­ а ­ ш й­т кае­пра­ і п родн гар вята нь вёс­ с ве­дбаў­ Мінск­ ы аў і Ва­нрыан­ ыцкі­ нРжаў­ а ды ў ней і, б елар знай ціныа­воыймі го,­ ­гіч­н д­ніў то­ і­ э­ма­т ы­я­ліс рыц­тевБа­ ў­ Бе­ дк р на ных а С Дзе трад ую 5­е а п і р о ­та о ін­ уч асц Б ёй яс ов ­ аш ш ым ­у­п А ы­ц 2 я шт ле ецц ю: а дзе б зр цов ртай г на ыя м аляр боль ўа­т­а­д то­п ­фа­к рэс н­тон іын.а к ы­за р­чых ерш , іты на, аць й­м ­ шу гада нств у п тняе Ка мяс з ка а мо одн нак ся, бел ні а­ро а­ву­л уль­т ­слукам­ Ш а­ кам ўкі пяв ул ед На ьме аем Сёле на шка оўц ае р роз зала ыве кара б­ ­гай,­ і­цы эСццеяж ж­бе­Бкап­л зна Бура не с наог ікі, сВ пр ­Ку .­ Ву Д е­ра піс знач я. це до ступ ь св ымі ака се ж выя ай а аз лі та нн ы ы­ до ад расн тае адзя ка ш ме дн ша р­ча­та ­чэб­н У:­ гэ ў­ вы ачыц яльн Як ўпіл ода нск якр а. мя ен “А аво пісь ро мяс­ ­шы ­ва а­л ­ ны ве зн ецы амі. аўга ць р одзе ела: рад Па а Г яю: ык н й ­ на ,­ аж а­ У­н ш сн Д р м ія сво пра іх мы і, го ю ыс п к Д г р Г а с ­з ­ е ж р о е а ,/ м ў Бр а­ зу я са о­вы з в алі п зіме Мн лялі міны д як крок ць эст. сц ўсё што й ды зра эй д Ка а хо­д д­—­п м­ко т Рад ?” лаў спа яро ыя эю а а ж ­ д с к ў, і т за і­ л ь ў с са бс гэ ла­с зі­ла а­с р­пу аб явац і ўс ах. У зей, перш а, гр ь і к на бо ру іце . І ны б я­н ­су у­се ­се,­ лю сп стак вор люд білі ств Вос ан а­ з В сцей ясці а­я ­стр д­ст да­р ую е.­ э­ч ве­з э­ч ма т у т пра я, ра зяцін цё. а” Ж веч іх ла я м р. 4 ай ➔ а.­І­ ­в ы,­ лік с д м а н у ц с ы , я Сэ к ны ­ ч Ст шм я­л ёс ы ды ч а ў ці ты Ст в ы лі ло лф еж ю ім то ар ат і­ка ць­н ці радзі айш сё ж “Уз ываю авал нас ы із ➔ ва дз свя усы . 7 ­ст й­а зал ая ка на пр аз у БК і адкр інш леж аўш ь­ не добр б­ у­дэ ў­ды а­ват а с ра на ар см н­т ­то ­не Пр лой ылі бел ан дзе с пр а Ц ая, пав неза агад Бац нь а я ся т­ аў, ­ры ­вя­л аў ма вар ыне са Дзе наш іпен све ” на ўніц оўск атку нём м, н на та ­вы ­яй іч м а ан пач Д ты мы ­кл ­№ ­кі­ зі га чар ўпіл аць і — 3 л рна­а здым ай р ад­ч 1,­ зі о м : ве ўга знач рус лета льту “У уск у, Ра ну, с там А п рад ы­к дзе ­мо­вы ы свя і. й а да Ад Бела І сё а ку ва елар рын э­ р о ў­с ­пра ­ л с а­бр ­ і ыя. каг ыст ы б веча е. 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Ён Шіі, уШ Та­джы­кі­ста­не. сю с­ц ­А э М гін с ­м ымпа­ д ,­ зе­дзя­ ­не сяб­ру­ ме іх­ в а­прлі­ у ць­ пас­ля­ па­ хто аЦі­ кал тым т­у­яго ну­р д­ зя :­ кож Эк ка­ зек е­з ,­яго.­ д у тоаж аў о­рныы згў­п ­ а ава­ ас а о­хі,с­уЮэі­ннтаа­ кдоль і­ка ­скі, ­цюш ам­ однаак,­ ма рцам лё­ ж­ж ­знаа­ўты?­льАба­ і­вы ­ бо ­– ызы млі, ны зю ­ё ,­ роі.­Нрад­ т т ­дыпа­дуа­ т у­ кас­ м а­ в яз­ к о­ в а.­ “Рах­мо­ну­па­да­ры­лі­сер­ фаі­ я­до­мза­ р. у­ л ­ шчты­ д Р т зв д к ­ с Ц я а ­А ж ц ­ ф ж ­ Я р ,­ .. ц а ­ й у а ­ ­с ты я ш ­т т р ­ ­ ы е с й а а епхл­те ў з ю і­ д ­п ы­в ­бы­в ы :­ кашы,­Сшто­ ка­г аў­ ­ раз­ зна­ гас шд біра льш­ амы кі.­Н ­ лёт раз, ўн лёт?­ а,­та п А, г...а ас­котв­ а. ы­ (ці­раш Ян ­ П ляк ,­ п а­бе­ ­рык Ці­ду­ у у оа­­веяш­пра­на­ рэрп­та аён­ кат­на­трак­тар­“Бе­ла­рус”­—­і­та­ а ступны­па­ аг а­ На­ц мя х­чўыў­ а­н яго ­бе­л мам ­з ­чы­д е­дзя б,е б­ тпэле а Шк­вааўн:­аў ЗіхШран­яб с ­ сПітаэ ічн,­не Аелвеі­­ш ­ко­в уш­к ржа ­ ме ветн оўгія юцца рызы ­найс ават­к чык­ ­ сд­цдозе­ атрнра­ба­мва­ ы ­гс еер ­да Ва наа а,­ е­в ­ ы бу­ а са а сё­мді.ы!”­і,­х у —­ ­ аад­каз­вае­ ге­ра ой­ кі­за­га­ло­вак­зна­хо­дзім­у­нэ­цме­па­ нш ае ­ м ­д ,­ Заў­ а­лаза­па­ ля ка­ уча алі­ в П іч А д­ч жы ­рус­к ­А­в то­з лёка ­ з­ ­– ­ п а СУ кі­ста­н­зее.­ я,­ ­яа­нраал сіцтьв,­ ­ру­сатот­рэк­тас ніі д нвяе­тра аувнаірв ­ла­ржуа ріокз­анл цаін ­л ,­ е­л ма­ ,­ ню­хда­ю­чы­ета ­ёю­чы,­ ­вла­рус,­ уц ­ н а­са бе­ вы­ні­ках­су­стрэч­у­Та­джы­ і, тры­ 2дар­ с якна­цў Дзм а­вел ,­ к жТрактар шг ны­ вы Вос ­люд адар ршру ­палё вяліксны.­ ыацы.­2ш раж­ б ццыац аск­Ма гаы СТ ень­н ў­тоз ­гас­ўп1­а­ за ы ,­п е­ўм ­ка­лі­ і­зар й­і­ ь­ ­ зі­н ож ты ту вы ьтмо­ а­г— а ь,­ в е­ тол мды­ е ­л оьн­у ас: ц рхо­ д ыін­­ іт­р“Беларус а ерм ­ я 1 дазя я­ аы РмЭо­назу,­ рам х­ а й­ Гза кр а ву­і­гру­шу.к тым,­ ­яс­па Прэ­зі­дэн­ту­ Эма­ма­лі­ Рах­ аню,­морк­ а­т жа ,­ я ­та я,­ бе сць82.1” н піс ➔нецСтар. у с і­ ­пі ­ мра 3пл ­ ліс кеал­з ыпва нот­ ру­сс яь­пн ппарды К ы­ ,­ ы­з ь­к ­н ­цо ўя ­ны

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contents

Беларусь. Belarus Social and political magazine

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№ 10 (1021), October, 2018 Published since 1930 Founders: Zviazda Publishing House editorialand-publishing establishment Editor-in-Chief: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich Editorial office address: 220013 Minsk, Belarus, 10a Bogdan Khmelnitsky Street Tel.: +375 (17) 287-19-19, +375 (17) 292-66-92 Тel./fax: +375 (17) 287-15-26. www.zviazda.by E-mail: belarus.mag@mail.ru

With thoughts about faith 7

Good mood in sunny Dushanbe President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko takes part in CIS Summit

14 Acceleration of movement along Silk Road

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It’s enough just to click European Games website updated

Diplomacy and culture are friends

To understand what exactly is meant by ‘cooperation in the sphere of culture’, we’ve talked to the Indian Ambassador in Belarus — Sangeeta Bahadur

‘Call of Polesie’ gathers talented friends International Festival of Ethnocultural Traditions expands participants

geography

of

its

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Subscription index — 74977

Great happiness of mountain roads Our colleagues climbed Elbrus as part of a tourist group from Belarus

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Make sure not to miss anything

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Never coming back, Olesya?

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From Prudok to space or united with the Universe

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Wonderful sides of one style Those critics

are right who assert that however much modern painters would like to ‘fence’ from some analogies they won’t be able to avoid some kind of comparisons. Though comparisons always say more than it’s necessary, leaving out of account something very individual. Georgy Skripnichenko became known as ‘Belarusian Salvador Dalí’.

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Registration Certificate No. 8 issued on 16.07.2018, by the Information Ministry of the Republic of Belarus Design and Layout by Tatiana Storozhenko Беларусь. Belarus is published in Belarusian, English and Chinese.

The magazine is distributed to 50 countries worldwide.

Final responsibility for factual accuracy and interpretation lies with publication authors. Should any article of Беларусь. Belarus be used, reference to the magazine is obligatory.

The editorial office does not bear responsibility for contents of advertisements.

Signed for printing on 23.10.2018 Offset printing. Coated paper.

Format 60х84 1⁄8.

Conventional printed sheets 6,51 Accounting published sheets 7,15

Total circulation — 1,652 copies (782 — in English) Order

Divimax JSC Licence No. 02330/53, as of 14.02.2014 220007 Minsk, Belarus, 125 Aerodromnaya Street

© Zviazda Publishing House editorial-and-publishing establishment, 2018

Marat Markov: ‘this is my life’

Cover designed by Tatiana Storozhenko

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pirituality

With thoughts about faith

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This was emphasised by Alexander Lukashenko as he spoke to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, on the day when the latter met members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church in Minsk.

The President warmly welcomed the Patriarch and recollected his previous role in the church which preceded his patriarchal rank. “I still remember your move from Smolensk to Kaliningrad via Belarus. I expect, since then, you have fallen in love with this land, which is not foreign to you,” said the President.

The Head of State asserted that he wants Patriarch Kirill to understand his position, though the Belarusian leader tries not to make any statements in this respect.

“Unfortunately, often in history, our church has become a hostage of inter-state relations and sometimes of poor behaviour,” stated the President.

“You should know our imperturbable state position: a split is always very bad, and it has consequences, which is the most dangerous thing. We are sensitive to what’s happening today in the Orthodox faith. You feel this no less than me and maybe more and perceive with your heart and soul that the world has changed. Moreover, it has accelerated and not always changed for the better.”

According to him, the whole population of the planet have become hostages of the current situation. Primarily, we now see bad attitudes in the name of religion, morals have always been the responsibility of the church. “Therefore, it primarily reflects on the church and its servants.” The Belarusian leader wished the Patriarch wisdom and tolerance, as well as assuring him that parishioners will try to maintain unity of all process-

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Unity will be supported in Belarus to preserve peace on Earth

The day of the Great Consecration of the Memorial Church in Honour of All Saints in Minsk

es to preserve peace on Earth. “We’ve come too close to this dangerous line,” noted Mr. Lukashenko.

The Head of State also noted that the arrival of Patriarch Kirill in Belarus is very timely. “It seems that God has decided that in some moments, not dangerous, but serious moments, we find ourselves in Minsk: both politicians and clergymen. I greatly appreciate this.

Your Grace, we’ll manage to overcome this,” assured the President.

In turn, Patriarch Kirill noted that each time he visits Belarus he has a warm welcome. He confirmed that a big part of his life is connected with Belarus, even though he didn’t live here, but only passed through. The Patriarch told the President that he can compare modern Belarus with that of the 1990s.

“The changes are huge,” the Patriarch described what’s happening in our country. He believes that, as well as the clean and spacious streets of Minsk, one understands that the President and authorities pay attention to the quality of people’s lives.

He also added that today, there are many problems which proceed from technological development. “Whether we want it or not, human civilisation is developing in such a way that because of each person’s sinful aspiration to increase consumption — and this is a sinful aspiration — industry is developing, which leads to environmental pollution and other issues which damage humans. Therefore, of course, the authorities’ taking care of the environment, cultural environment and the spiritual sphere testify to the fact that the major strategic goals and tasks — which really affect the future of the humanity — are the major focus of the authorities.”

The Patriarch also thanked the Belarusian Head of State for his attitude towards the Belarusian Orthodox Church, adding that the quality of human life determines the success of political activity, and this is not only at the level of salaries but everything which surrounds people.

By Vladislav Lukashevich

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`` Green corridor

Over 155,000 tourists visited Minsk due to visa-free regime

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ince the beginning of 2017, foreign citizens from 71 countries used an opportunity to come to Belarus without a visa. Most often, our country is visited by tourists from Germany, Poland, Italy and the UK. In January-July 2018, the volume of export of tourist services of Minsk totalled $68.5m — up 20 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. Minsk accounts for 54.3 percent of the total amount of export of services. Moreover, all districts in the capital have equally spread the ‘burden’, exceeding 100 percent.

panorama

`` To attract

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attention is like art

Belarus plans to present the export potential of its goods and services on a wide scale at 1st China International Import Expo, to take place in November in Shanghai

made in

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Honorary Consulate of Belarus opens in Swiss Lausanne

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wiss businessman Andrey Na­ zheskin will represent the interests of Belarus in the consular district in the Cantons of Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Neuchatel, Fribourg and Jura. The Honorary Consulate of Belarus to Switzerland is also operating in Zurich.

Lausanne is the capital of the Swiss French-speaking Canton of Vaud. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Lausanne is a focus of international sport, hosting the International Olympic Committee (which recognises the city as the ‘Olympic Capital’), the Court of Arbitration for Sport and numerous international sport associations.

“Due to the measures aimed at attracting tourists as well as active marketing, the number of foreign guests who attend Minsk is growing. This was also facilitated by the introduction of the 5‑day and then 30‑day visa-free regime,” notes Yelena Plis, Director of Minsk Information and Tourist Centre.

Last year, a five-day visa-free regime was launched in Belarus, to arrive in the country via Minsk National Airport, for citizens of 80 states. This year, the term of the visa-free stay was increased to 30 days for foreigners from 40 countries.

At a recent press conference, Valery Sadokho, Director of the National Centre for Marketing at the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said that the national exposition in Shanghai will be displayed in two areas of the expo: The Country Pavilion for Trade and Investment and the Enterprise and Business Fair.

In the first zone, visitors will learn about trade and economic opportunities, investment, sci-tech and the historical and cultural potential of Belarus.

During the Enterprise and Business Fair, the industry stands will occupy an area of almost 700sq.m. where over eighty Belarusian companies will showcase their goods and services. It’s important to mention that participation in this expo is among the priority issues on the agenda of the Belarusian Government.

The National Centre for Marketing at the Foreign Ministry of Belarus is the organiser of the National Exposition of the Republic of Belarus at the China International Import Expo and the BelarusianChinese business forum.

Meanwhile, the Belarusian Embassy in Switzerland is located in the city of Bern while the Honorary Consulate in Lausanne will become the second after the already existing representation office in Zurich. Diplomatic relations between the two states were established in 1992 while the Belarusian Embassy opened in the capital of Switzerland in 1993.

By Alisa Gungor

By Vladimir Velikhov

Based on BelTA materials

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Real potential for integration

Belta

Major events at the 5th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia involved the presidents of the two states.

This fact eloquently stresses the high status of the Mogilev forum, as well as the importance of regional interaction between the two countries.

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statutory funding are functioning in lexander Luwill be able to develop in the interests Belarus, while about fifty joint assemkashenko believes of both countries. At the recent meetbly productions have been registered ing in Sochi [with the President of Rusthat, “This event sia] we discussed in detail this issue. I in Russia, as well as around 160 outlets has become a trahope that within a short time we’ll of the commodity distribution netdition for the presiwork using Belarusian capital.” adopt decisions that will eliminate all dents of both counMr. Lukashenko underlined the the obstacles in developing joint protries, the heads duction.” fact that many production and techof regions, reprenological chains for the manufacture There are, of course, difficulties, sentatives of business communities and of joint produce launch in the regions and the President did speak of them, experts, offering a venue to discuss the of both countries. The high intensity of “Elimination of restrictions in mutual key issues of inter-state relations.”

Moreover, as Vladimir Putin conthe exchange of visits by delegations at trade and provision of equal conditions for the activity of businesses confirmed, the basis for the development various levels testifies to our mutual interest in developing interregional ties. tinue to be our major tasks. The most of these relations is more than solid.

A landmark moment: commuThe current forum can be seen as a ‘benchmark’ — unrivalled nication of the presiboth in the number of participants and in the amount of the dents in Mogilev began with a personal meeting. contracts signed. In general, the event has acquired such high Alexander Lukashenko arstatus and significance that the competition is already rived at the airport to meet increasing among cities for the right to host Vladimir Putin and accomthe 6th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia next year. panied him to the venue of the forum — the Palace of Culture of the Mogilev Region. The current meeting between Mr. Lukashenko “Around eighty treaties on co-opsensible issue is co-operation in the eration have been signed with subjects and Mr. Putin is the third in the recent agro-industrial sector. In many Russian regions, Belarusians are known of the Russian Federation, with Mostime. Furthermore, this is not the last cow, St. Petersburg, the Republic of as responsible and reliable partners, meeting this year, as events are still to Tatarstan, the Republic of Bashkortowhile Belarusian food products are apcome as part of international summits stan, the Perm Krai, as well as Bryansk, preciated and enjoyed. Unfortunately, in Astana and Moscow.

Kaluga, Moscow, Smolensk and the Tyjoint work on the enhancement of the The major format of the bilateral umen regions remaining Belarus’ maquality of the exported food produce is meeting of the two states’ leaders didn’t jor trade partners. The volume of trade often affected by restrictive measures.” include the presence of journalists. with these regions accounts for more Mr. Lukashenko reminded us that However, what was discussed behind than 70 percent of Belarusian-Russian the development of interaction in the closed doors was no secret for those trade turnover. It’s a high amount but construction sphere also remains a in attendance. Of course, the conversation tackled the most acute issues of it’s necessary to establish the same colpromising area, “Belarusian specialists laboration with other subjects of the Belarusian-Russian relations, so the are able to qualitatively construct any Russian Federation. I believe that we speeches by the heads of state at the facilities of social infrastructure.”

Moreover, at present, clusters are have all the necessary tools to do this,” plenary session were greeted with great being created in Russia, alongside innoted Mr. Lukashenko. anticipation by the forum participants. dustrial parks and priority development As far as particular industries are The main topic was ‘Priority Areas in areas. Belarus is ready to take an active concerned, the President of Belarus the Development of Regional Co-operation as a Key Factor of Integration part in these projects, “We should use sees the major priority of regional interaction in the implementation of and Union State Development’. the huge scientific, industrial and perproduction-co-operation projects in The President of Belarus focussed sonnel potential of the two states effimachine building, wood processing, attention on the key role of the regional ciently for the creation of joint produce.” food and light industries. “It’s necesfactor saying, “At present, more than However, it’s not only the economy sary to ensure that already existing eight thousand enterprises in Belathat lies at the basis of Belarusian-Rusrus and Russia are connected by proenterprises work at full capacity by sian interrelations. The next two years duction co-operation. Around three creating joint programmes on import will become a landmark thousand organisations with Russian substitution. Then our productions for the close nations: page

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they will be jointly celebrating 75 years of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazi invaders and the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory. Mr. Lukashenko believes that the new generation of citizens of Belarus and Russia should be brought up on the example of the heroic deeds of the Soviet soldiers who defended the Homeland.

Mr. Lukashenko said, “I suggest dedicating the next Forum of Regions to considering issues connected with youth. It’s necessary to discuss various aspects of education, culture, creative development, patriotic upbringing and formation of healthy lifestyles of young people.”

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, illustrated the depth of economic integration of the two states with figures, “Belarus occupies the first place in the volume of trade turnover of Russia with the CIS states. Half of all Belarusian export goods are supplied to the Russian market. Last year, trade turnover increased by almost 25 percent and reached $32.4bn. In January-August 2018, it grew by another 14.5 percent and we’re able to bring mutual trade to the level of $50bn. Just to compare: I have recently been to India, a country with a population of 1.1.bn people. The volume of trade between Russia and India hasn’t reached $10bn yet while the figure with Belarus is $32bn — it speaks volumes.”

Moreover, the Russian leader notes that the imminent launch of the first nuclear power station in operation in Belarus (being constructed with the assistance of Russia) will improve the situation with the energy supply of the Republic and will give it additional export opportunities.

The construction of one more landmark facility is also envisaged — the centre of nuclear science and technology. “We aren’t simply building an important industrial site but creating a new industry in Belarus. Of course, back in Soviet times, Belarus was known for its scientists and high level of education, but it didn’t have such a separate industry. Now it has.”

The current forum can be seen as a ‘benchmark’ — unrivalled both in the number of participants and in the amount of the contracts signed. In general, the event has acquired such high status and significance that the competition is already increasing among cities for the right to host the 6th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia next year. Various venues are being suggested, including St. Petersburg. At present, the organisers of the event — the upper chambers of the parliaments of the two states — have taken a break from the issue. It’s only known that the topic of the future forum will be dedicated to youth and will take place in Russia. It’s also clear that the organisers will have to work hard to ensure the next event meets the high standards set in Mogilev. However, both the nations of Belarus and Russia and the economies of the two states will only benefit from this.

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By Vasily Kharitonov

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In the neighbourhood of Trofimova Krinitsa Presidents of Belarus and Russia, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, after finishing official events connected with the 5th Forum of Regions, gave several hours to informal communication The Belarusian Head of State invited the Russian leader to visit his small homeland in the agro-town of Alexandria in the Shklov District. Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin saw the house where the would-be Belarusian President grew up. They took a walk through the village and enjoyed the local sights. They also visited the Trofimova Krinitsa wellspring with which Alexander Lukashenko has fond memories from his childhood, as well as a family story: the President’s grandfather — the carpenter Trofim — equipped this well, which now bears his name. The Head of State has made efforts to preserve the place and to beautify it. Specially for the important guest, the President conducted an excursion through the improved area. Together, with Vladimir Putin, they drank the crystal pure water from the well-spring which is considered to be healing.

The transport used by the presidents for the trip also gave the special entourage some memories, as the heads of state chose a modernised GAZ‑69 vehicle from the 1960s. They even managed without the assistance of a driver, as Mr. Lukashenko personally drove the car.

Dishes served in the native house of the President of Belarus were also cooked and prepared in an authentic style: pancakes and draniki from the stove were eaten hot. Belarusian cuisine was also present in the menu of the main dinner for the heads of state.

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Good mood in sunny Dushanbe President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko takes part in CIS Summit

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he summit itself took place in the Somon Palace, with the heads of state summing up the results of CIS activity for the year, while also discussing plans.

The enhancement of economic co-operation remains a priority of Belarus’ membership of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Alexander Lukashenko explained, “Global market relations are rapidly losing all traces of civilised interaction between

nations. We see how the international trade system, which took decades to build, is being unilaterally dismantled due to the actions of the West. The use of unlawful mechanisms is becoming the norm and makes our economies vulnerable. Only together can we successfully stand against these new challenges.”

To allow the CIS to adjust to a modern reality, the decision was made to revise the concept of further CIS development, with Mr. Lukashenko suggesting instructing the governments to update the economic part of this document.

According to the President of Belarus, interaction as part of the CIS should be synchronised with integration processes in the ‘Big Eurasia’, especially as part of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It’s important to determine areas to combine the opportunities for our states with large international projects, primarily with the Silk Road Economic Belt. Belarus is also taking part in it, developing the Great Stone Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park. Dialogue of the CIS with the Eurasian Economic Union will page

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Another Summit of the CIS Heads of State was intensive and efficient, with its participants discussing around twenty issues, tackling geopolitics, economy, cyber-security, peaceful space exploration and humanitarian collaboration. The conversation was useful and substantive, as is proven by the fact that the heads of state were communicating in the closed format twice as much as initially planned.

The discussion helped to clarify details of many concerning issues. The session resulted in the adoption of sixteen decisions and important political statements.

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facilitate stable relations between the CIS states.

In a brief interview to representatives of Russian television, Alexander Lukashenko said that the issue of security was a central one at the CIS Heads of State Council session, “All the presidents speak about it. Even the peaceful Belarus keeps it in mind all the time, in the context of the challenges and threats associated with the actions of western countries and NATO near our borders, the borders of the Union State. We discussed this issue confidentially with Vladimir Putin. I will not go into detail, but it was a matter that we personally discussed during the one-on-one meeting.”

The President also noted that other factors, including military, also dominate in the sphere of security, “Take us, the CIS for example. A lot has been said about it at the summit by the presidents.

This pertains to the east of Ukraine, Transnistria, and Nagorno-Karabakh.

We need to team up somehow and work through the difficulties.”

Belarus wasn’t a passive observer in the security sessions. Minsk has recently hosted the OSCE anti-terrorist conference, featuring delegates from more than forty countries and a meeting of the Munich Security Conference Core Group is being prepared. Meanwhile, the documents adopted at the CIS Summit, include an interstate joint action programme to combat crime in 20192023, as well as a co-operation agreement to fight cyber-crime.

Successful partnership in the economy is impossible without mutual understanding regarding the political agenda.

In particular, he heads of state signed a statement on the 70th anniversary since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as of December 10th, 1948. The presidents underlined the necessity to develop a constructive, equal and respectful dialogue and to stop the practice of double standards in the sphere of human rights.

The participants of the CIS Summit approved the Convention on co-operation in the field of research and use of

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outer space for peaceful purposes. It envisages such areas of interaction as applied space research, remote sensing of the Earth, the solution of the problem of space waste utilisation, prevention of the threat of asteroids and comets, preparation of staff for the space industry and piloting of space flights.

In humanitarian collaboration, a decision was adopted to prepare for celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. A plan of major events contains around 50 points, with a focus on the social protection of veterans (their number is slightly more than 100,000 in the CIS states), the patriotic upbringing of youth and nonadmission of attempts of falsification of events and results of the war.

The CIS Summit determined the Cultural Capital of the CIS for 2021.

Dushanbe received this status. This year, the Armenian city of Goris is enjoying the honorary title, while in 2019 this honour will be given to the Belarusian city of Brest and in 2020 — to Kazakh Shymkent.

Next year, the CIS chairmanship will move to Turkmenistan, while the next session of the CIS Heads of State Council will take place on October 11th, 2019, in Ashgabat.

Meanwhile, the working visit of the President of Belarus to Tajikistan continued with a meeting with his colleague, Emomali Rahmon, where the two sides discussed issues of bilateral relations.

The heads of state also visited the assembly line of agricultural machinery in Hisor and vineyards in the Hisor valley.

Furthermore, the business in Hisor was included by the Tajik Government on the list of especially important facilities and over four months it has shown enviable growth rates. The second stage of production was launched by the presidents’ arrival and the prospects are really pleasing.

“Practically all model ranges with a capacity of up to 150HP can be assembled at this facility. One of the conveyor lines will be working for export beyond the Tajik borders,” noted Di-

S in this region that is likely to become an example for other branches of the economy. Moreover, the potential for the growth of mutual trade is huge.

Last year, the trade turnover doubled (compared to 2016) but remains modest — at slightly more than $40m.

We sell sugar, agricultural machinery, carpets and floor coatings, as well as construction materials and medicines to Tajikistan, and import cotton yarn, dried fruit and nuts. The presidents continued their informal discussion in the vineyards.

This crop for the Tajiks is like the potato for Belarusians. Mr. Lukashenko and Mr. Rahmon visited the wine-growing farms ‘Boghi Somon’ and ‘Vatan’ in the Tursunzoda District. Up to ten varieties of the tastiest grapes are grown on these lands. The heads of state tasted the new harvest and examined the exhibition of goods. Then they cut big bunches of rich grapes together and put them into baskets — a more than convincing symbol of the emerging bilateral collaboration, as well as the decision to plant two gardens of friendship with Tajik fruit trees this autumn. They will be situated in the Brest and Gomel regions: the seedlings have been already prepared and they expect to receive the first harvest within a year.

During the session of the CIS Heads of State Council in Dushanbe, the President invited foreign leaders to visit the 2nd European Games which are to take place in Minsk from June 21st‑30th, 2019. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the hosting of such a grand sporting event is a great honour for Belarus.

By Vasily Kharitonov Belta

rector of Minsk Tractor Works, Fiodor Domotenko. “Export contracts are also being developed, in particular, the first lot of machinery is expected in Afghanistan.”

During his meeting with the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, Mr. Lukashenko emphasised that the Belarusian side is ready to take an active part in the country’s industrialisation plan, “We’re ready to take part in your plan of modernisation and industrialisation while making the contribution that Tajikistan needs and fulfilling the promises which we agreed in May [during the official visit of the President of Belarus to Tajikistan].”

As far as joint manufacture of tractor machinery in Hisor, Mr. Lukashenko stressed that the country determined to fulfil its obligations. However, this is only the beginning. Emomali Rahmon noted that Tajikistan needs not only tractors from Belarus, ‘we need stronger grain harvesters, as well as machinery to harvest onions and potatoes’.

Belarusian manufacturers have acquired the opportunity to produce and sell the whole range of machinery in this country. For instance, by next season, tailored for Tajikistan’s conditions, a line can be opened to assemble self-moving mountain mowing machines. In future, a whole industrial cluster could appear

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In 2017, trade turnover between the two countries totalled $42.9m and more than doubled compared to 2016. Belarusian exports stood at $39.6m. Subjects of a commodity distribution network of more than fifteen Belarusian enterprises are operating on the Tajik territory. In November 2017, the first assembly production of Belarusian agricultural machinery was launched in the city of Hisor.

A programme of economic co-operation is also operating between the states until 2020.

During a visit to an agricultural machinery assembly plant in Hisor

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ualitatively and aesthetically

In a highly distinctive style Bright, recognisable, modern, cheerful, stylish… These epithets come to mind when speaking of the samples of uniform for athletes and volunteers of the 2nd European Games. They were presented to the President at the Palace of Independence. The collection has an uplifting feeling: it features the national colours, a sporting theme and a commitment to records and victories.

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This bright uniform immediately catches the eye. It can be taken as an example for brightness and clarity.”

The company director promised to finalise the models with this in mind.

The President’s wish regarding the depiction of the state emblem on the uni-

form has also been considered. “The coat of arms should be embroidered or sewn on the suit… It must look impressive — not a speck. That’s important,” he said.

Meanwhile, state sewing companies have something to seriously consider.

Mr. Lukashenko wondered why they could not develop the uniform. It appeared they participated in the competition but failed to meet some of the requirements. As Mr. Lukashenko noted, the question of who will develop and produce the uniform — a private or a state company — is not fundamental. The main thing is that Belarusian specialists are engaged in this and the clothes are of good quality.

Pleasingly, the outfits for the European Games will not be produced as an exclusive limited edition: they will also go on general sale.

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Remarkably, a new uniform is developed for every Olympics but, this time, we are the hosts — which means we should think not only of our team but also other participants of the largescale event.

Designer Yulia Latushkina has come up with a suit for the central figure of the opening ceremony: torchbearers of the ‘Flame of Peace’ campaign. In March, they will go on a tour through cities and countries in white — symbolising peace and purity of intention. They will be accompanied by volunteers dressed in light grey tones. Blue is the colour for the rest of the volunteer ‘army’ which will help all the guests during the Games. The ceremonial uniform of Belarusian athletes has also been designed

by Yulia, who is also responsible for the dresses of the ladies who will award the winners of the competitions: a bright cornflower blue outfit and a headdress in the form of a wreath. The Games will be held during Kupala Night festivities and it’s an interesting and symbolic decision to dress them in a uniform style.

The sports uniform for the national team has been developed by private enterprise Solo-Pinsk, which also makes Yulia’s models. Its General Director, Vasily Goreglyad, tells us that the collection is called ‘Prastora’ (Space), which sounds very fitting.

When addressing the Pinsk company, Mr. Lukashenko expressed only one wish: the colours should be as bright and clear as those of the ‘Flame of Peace’ campaign, “Consult with designers and artists to make the uniform worthy — so that your design is as good as this.

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Great premiere at Premier in Wuhan Belarusian tennis player Arina Sobolenko wins WTA Premier 5 tournament in Chinese Wuhan

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he final in Wuhan became the fourth for Arina Sobolenko in 2018 and her third P r e m i e r c at e g o r y event as part of the WTA competitions.

Previously, she twice lost in the decisive matches at the tournaments in Eastbourne and Lugano but won in New Haven. “I’m always glad to come to China, because every time I manage to achieve success here,” Arina said in her champions address.

The Belarusian began her path to the decisive match in Wuhan with a

final victory in New Haven; she then defeated Spanish Carla Suárez Navarro (22 WTA) — 7:6, 2:6, 6:2. In the second round, Arina knocked Ukrainian Elina Svitolina out of the competition (6 WTA) — 6:4, 2:6, 6:1. In the third round, she had no problems in the fight against American Sofia Kenin (62 WTA) — 6:3, 6:3. In the quarterfinals, the Belarusian defeated Slovak tennis player Dominika Cibulková (WTA 31) — 7:5, 6:3 and, in the semifinal, she beat Australian Ashleigh Barty (WTA 17) — 7:6, 6:4.

Since the beginning of the year, Arina Sobolenko has played 69 match-

es — with 47 wins. She is the leader of the women’s tour in the number of victories in three-set matches — 20. In the championship race, Arina is also one place ahead of Williams Jr. in 11th. By the end of the season she may still be among the top eight players who will play in the final WTA tournament.

Alexander Lukashenko congratulated tennis player Arina Sobolenko on a brilliant victory at the tournament in Wuhan. His message reads: ‘With your sparkling game you’ve won the hearts of millions of tennis fans around the world, glorifying your native country and bringing joy to Belarusian sports fans’. беларусь. belarus 2018

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he preparations for the 2nd European Games are in full swing, with trial tournaments held one after another, enabling officials to assess the level of readiness of sporting facilities for the competitions. Moreover, technical delegates and athletes from various countries have arrived in Minsk to familiarise themselves with what to expect from the multi-sport forum. Recently, the National Olympic Committee has hosted a session of the Republican Organising Committee to prepare for the 2nd European Games.

Judging from the reports on the preparations for the 2nd European Games in Minsk, Prime Minister Sergei Rumas said that a lot has been done

already. However, much work still lies ahead and there are a number of important issues which have yet to be addressed. One of these is preparation of sporting facilities. The 2nd European Games will take place at twelve sporting facilities. The readiness of each of them was discussed during the session of the Organising Committee. Participants of the session discussed many moments, starting from the necessity to make repairs and finishing with assessments given by international experts. The Organising Committee also studied the preparation of the temporary infrastructure, landscaping and the organisation of catering for participants of the 2nd European Games.

Participants of the session were also presented with proposals on mascots for event and examined samples of

uniforms for participants of the competitions. The Belarusian State Light Industry Concern Bellegprom and fashion designers have worked together to prepare samples of the clothing that athletes and officials involved in organising the Games will wear.

There’re lots of nuances that should be taken in account.

“After perusing the paperwork ahead of the Organising Committee session, I can see that the European Games Directorate needs to answer some questions.

At this stage it’s no longer necessary to be a link between subcommittees and government agencies. The number of personnel employed by the Directorate at present is twice as large as the personnel employed by many ministries. It is the Directorate that should handle the bulk of the preparations for the Games while the subcommittees should help deal with interagency issues,” added Mr. Rumas.

The preparation for such a largescale event isn’t easy. However, we do have enough experience in conducting large international tournaments in various sports but the 2nd European Games considerably increase in scales everything that has been held in Belarus before. There’s still much work to do and there’re still many open questions.

We do have time to settle all these but we can’t be slow.

Based on BelTA materials

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It’s enough just to click

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European Games website updated ‘… days are left until the 2nd European Games begin’ counts the impromptu ‘clock’ of the official website of the competition. It’s has now become much easier to use as the portal has updated its design and now works in adaptive mode. This means that news and photos can be viewed not only from a desktop computer, but also on a tablet, phone or laptop.

Yulia Gorelik — who supervises the Inter-Service section at Synesis Sport (which develops the site) — explains, “We are presenting a new design and a new structure for the portal. The 2nd European Games is a major event; the less time is left, the more popular the portal is. While developing the official portal, we tried to make it stylish, comfortable and functional. It’s clear there is already great interest in the event and, irrespective of the number of active users at a single moment, the site should function with no errors. This means

that nothing should distract the reader from the main search and obtaining the necessary information. In addition, we share a common goal with the organisers: all European Games should be placed on a single Internet address. This is especially important for city guests.”

In line with the strategy, while visiting www.minsk2019.by, a user sees the complete schedule of the tournament and key events of the day, in addition to a description of the sports facilities and detailed directions, videos and photos. It’s possible to choose a tour with a convenient guide, buy souvenirs and learn more about favourite athletes. The main objective of the portal is to act as a source of news and a promotional tool.

To some extent, www.minsk2019.by is a ‘live organism’ which is ever evolving and improving. The site has now become even more vivid and recognisable — owing to the use of official symbols.

Waving banners in the colours of the

Games have been added, as well as a tree illustrated with all kinds of participating sports and symbols — a fern and the sun with its rays. The site operates in adaptive mode, making it possible to access information from any device.

The press service of Synesis Sport notes that the site will be further updated. Previously, the basic information and the page with volunteers were more relevant but sections with partners, sponsors and advertising are now becoming more acute. According to recent reports, the top 3 countries who visit the site include Belarus, Russia and the United Kingdom.

2nd European Games will be held in Minsk from June 21st‑30th, 2019, at 12 sports venues. Over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will compete for 200 sets of medals in 15 sports. Competitions in 10 sports will be the qualifiers for the 32nd Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo.

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Collaboration filled with purposeful work It’s necessary to further strengthen our interaction with China, noted Alexander Lukashenko, as he met the member of the Standing Committee of the Central Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC, Zhao Leji

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Alexander Lukashenko pointed out the importance of this fact that he met with Xi Jinxing at the summit of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation in Qingdao in June 2018. During the meeting, they discussed the beginning of a new stage in Belarusian-Chinese co-operation. “They say that Belarus and China have become ‘firm friends’”, noted the Head of State.

He reminded the audience that the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Qishan, visited Minsk in May. “I’m glad that comprehensive dialogue at the highest level continues and that we can preserve the depth of our bilateral relations. Every meeting gives new impetus to the common development of our countries for the sake of building a community with a common fate. From the point of view of the Belarusian government, our relations with China are intensive, increasingly vibrant and comprehensive. And the Belarusian side is satisfied with this dynamic. It is natural that there will

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always be pending issues and new goals on this long and very difficult road.”

“It’s important today to listen to your opinion on the quality of our interaction and the prospects for deepening Belarusian-Chinese co-operation,” added Mr. Lukashenko.

The Chinese side appreciates the personal contribution of the Belarusian Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko, to the development of Belarusian-Chinese liaisons, said Mr. Leji.

The Chinese guest passed on warmest greetings and best wishes from ‘his old and good friend, China’s President Xi Jinping’ to Mr. Lukashenko.

Mr. Leji stressed the importance of the fact that the President of Belarus has been to China more than 10 times. “You personally have made a huge contribution to the development of Chinese-Belarus relationships.” According to him, China and Belarus are good friends who can share joys and troubles; they are also good partners who sincerely assist each other.

During the visit to Minsk, Zhao Leji also visited the Great Stone Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park, the Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War History and the National Library.

The main aim of the current visit of the Chinese delegation to Minsk is to implement the agreements, reached by the heads of the two states on the sidelines of the SCO Summit held this June, as well as to further establish strategic collaboration and mutually beneficial ties while also strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.

In September 2016, the heads of two states, Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping, reached an agreement to establish a new level of bilateral relations. This will lead to a trustworthy all-round strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation.

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Academies of Sciences of Belarus and of Chinese Shandong Province to set up joint laboratory

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he Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) and the Laser Research Institute of the Shandong Academy of Sciences will set up a joint research laboratory.

A corresponding agreement was signed during the visit of a Chinese delegation to the NASB. The document envisages the fulfilment of a range of contracts in the sphere of laser physics.

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Scientists lift the bar on co-operation Industry with open doors With each year, Belarus is becoming a more attractive country for tourism: with its authentic nature, architecture and rural estates… All these are best combined with the advantageousness of the visa-free regime.

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press service of NAS

Alongside this agreement, a trilateral memorandum of co-operation was also signed between the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and Jinan’s municipal government. According to the document, Belarusian and Chinese scientists will outline research priorities, discuss the establishment of new joint laboratories and identify projects of mutual interest to develop the relevant technical and industrial areas.

The NASB is actively engaged in joint activities with Chinese scientific organisations. President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bai Chunli, is a foreign member of the NASB. We have now started to co-operate with China’s regions. We hope that the new memorandum will help bring co-operation between Belarusian and Chinese scientists to a new level,” noted the First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Sergey Chizhik.

reliminary data of the tourist season showed the direction Belarus needs to move in, though the growth rate will directly depend on the country’s financial resources spent on PR abroad.

In the world statistics, China leads in the number of tourist trips: around 140 million foreign trips last year, accounting for almost 20 percent of the tourism expenditures worldwide. Considering close co-operation, Belarus can make China a promising target market. In 2018, the number of organised tourists from this country more than doubled. Belarus’ Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister, Mikhail Portnoi, noted, “We were planning an annual growth of the number of Chinese tourists at the level of 15-20 percent but hope to improve on this.”

According to him, we’ll see the effect from various marketing events, aimed to attract tourists to Belarus, within 1-1.5 years.

The Sports and Tourism Ministry jointly with the tourist community conducted more than twenty such events. For example, we first took part in specialised exhibitions in New York and Madrid. The number of foreign citizens who used the visafree regime, increased by 42 percent compared to the previous year. The leaders include Germany, Poland, the UK, the USA and Italy. According to data of the State Border Committee, in the first six months of this year, Belarus was visited by more than 2.1 million foreigners.

Next year, the 2nd European Games will also influence the increase of guests, as they are being actively promoted at international tourist exhibitions. Around 6,000 volunteers will be working on Minsk streets during the festival of sport to help foreign guests. Packages of services for guests and fans are being developed, which include tickets for sporting events, accommodation, excursions and a single travel ticket for public transport, etc.

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he development of transport corridors and improvement of logistics infrastructure in Belarus, with participation of Chinese companies, is a priority task, notes the Head of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate, Victor Sheiman, during a solemn opening ceremony of the internal customs clearance point in the Great Stone Industrial Park.

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“Our country, for China, is a timetested, stable and reliable partner in the European region. This event confirms Belarus’ readiness to fill the initiative of the Silk Road with concrete projects: transport, logistics and infrastructure,” notes Mr. Sheiman. According to him, the Great Stone internal customs clearance point is a high-tech facility which meets all modern international requirements. The customs clearance point has all the conditions for the comfortable customs clearance of cargoes. During

the initial stage, 125 cargo trucks can be simultaneously present in the customs control zone. It’s planned that at least 20,000 vehicles will be able to pass through customs clearance procedure annually.

“Work has been already launched on promising projects aiming to expand warehouse infrastructure, the Park’s logistics zone and the construction of the robotised terminal,” adds Mr. Sheiman.

In turn, the Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Yuri Senko, said

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that the Great Stone has every opportunity to process goods which will be delivered by automobile and aviation transport, as the Minsk National Airport is located nearby. In future, cargoes delivered by railway will also be processed.

At the customs clearance point there is a temporary storage warehouse and a customs warehouse; the area of each of them totals 5,000sq. m. There are opportunities to expand the customs clearance zone and the warehouse spaces.

The opening of the new customs point was proceeded by constructive talks and the signing of an agreement with the leadership of China’s customs service, the conduct of a whole range of meetings and events in the regions of China and Belarus, the achievement of agreements on information exchange and collaboration across all areas of customs affairs.

A wide specialisation is envisaged for the customs clearance point aiming to perform customs formalities. Goods delivered by automobile transport will be processed here, in addition to those that come within the customs procedure of a free customs zone, as well as computing machinery, computers, telephones and TV sets…

On the eve of the opening,

romising projects

cont­rol events were conducted in the customs point to test the submission and handling of electronic customs documents. It’s symbolic that the opening of the new terminal coincided with the major state holiday in China — the Foundation of China National Day.

By Ilya Kryzhevich

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Marat Markov:

‘This is my life’ A little more than a year and a half ago, in March 2017, Marat Markov was appointed Chairman of the Board of the 2nd National TV Channel JSC — known to millions of viewers around the world as ONT, or National TV. Previously, Marat was already well known to the wider public as a charismatic TV presenter of the author’s programme, ‘Close-up’, released in the genre of a big interview. In addition, he deputised for the Chairman of the Belarusian TV and Radio Company.

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s has been covered by the media, after the new head came to ONT, there was a major shuffle of presenters (the first since 2006). In addition, ‘Our News’ TV programme has been updated and all levels of the major ‘TV machine’ are being re-equipped to meet the most modern standards. As TV viewers, we think changes on the ONT TV Channel should continue. For example, several new projects have been launched in the 2017/2018 season — such as the information and analytical talk-show ‘Our Life with Dmitry Bochkov’ (who’s come from the Belarus 1 TV Channel).

Since December 2017, the sports information and analytical programme — ‘Sport Club’ — has been released, and a new weekly project, ‘Reporter’, is gaining momentum: our colleagues work there in the genre of special reportage.

On Saturdays, the channel offers a completely new evening format: ‘Our News.

Saturday Programme’ with Olga Sulimova and the 10‑minute Meteo-guide with Dmitry Ryabov and Kristina Vinyarskaya.

It’s recently become known that ONT is establishing promising international contacts — including co-operation with colleagues from China. We’ve decided to ask Marat Markov about this, also revealing some secrets of his private life to our magazine readers.

Mr. Markov, it’s well-known that many of us approach the main business of their lives in a round-about way. Did you dream about television as a child?

Were you impressed by a particular programme? Or was it a moment in your school years which inspired you to turn to television?

I never dreamt of TV and never thought of it. I grew up in Luninets, a small town where there was a flight unit. In my childhood I decided I would become a military man, and this was eventually realised. After graduating from the school with honours, I

P entered the Minsk Higher Engineering Anti-Aircraft Missile School; it was my first technical education. It took me to television. How? It’s simple. My studies and 13 years of army service shaped my character. I then needed an additional education and, as a result, graduated from the BSU’s Law Department. My mother, Markova Lilia, is a lawyer; she worked for 25 years as head of the notary office and, to some extent, there were grounds for me to get interested in the law. My mother still lives

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to master the economic specialty. Almost immediately, in December 2011, I was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Radio and TV Company.

All that preceded the appointment as the Head of the 2nd National Channel.

If I had been told several years before that I would work here, I wouldn’t have believed it: I simply had no idea of what it was. Now I understand that someone who has a wide range of knowledge will be able to work in television. Knowledge in many areas, management skills

There are many talented people on the channel — both from the point of view of journalistic selfrealisation and management... Many of them are unique, and in any country, they would be able to apply their knowledge. in Luninets; she is well known, as most city residents have needed her. After graduating from University, I worked as an auditor for several years, then there was BelTA, and from there I was invited to the civil service at the Presidential Administration: I worked as a chief adviser initially and then became the first deputy head of the Main Ideological Department. It was this work that determined my constant interaction with television. In 2011, I entered the Academy of Public Administration,

and life experience are important for this job.

What about leadership?

It’s mandatory. At school, I was also the most active: the Octobrist, pioneer and Komsomol member. Owing to my activity, I visited Zubrenok and Artek camps twice. I liked publicity: speaking at conferences and performing in a school rock band (I soloed and played bass guitar). Moreover, I studied the violin for five years but gave up music for the page

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of football. From the 19 sake age of 17, after entering

the military school, I had 30-100 subordinates — depending on the situation: this was due to my position as the platoon deputy commander. My management skills came in handy after my appointment on TV. It can’t be easy when you have a large team of creative people who need to be organised — considering their individuality. Creative people often consider themselves geniuses, which is normal. Without leadership skills it would be much more difficult for me.

It appears that everything you have learned has turned out to be useful for your current activities?

True. I joined the Belarusian Radio and TV Company to oversee the information area. Clearly, I have to understand the political situation and have enough knowledge which suggests that I can control a journalist who writes on different topics in different areas, and

even teach them something. If I had no technical education, how could I understand the technical equipment on television? If I don’t understand something immediately, I learn it. A person should study all their life. That’s my approach to it.

China has impressed me. The country is multifaceted and interesting — both from a journalistic and cultural point of view.

How do you feel about intuition?

I rely on it. If I do then, I don’t make mistakes, or make minimal mistakes.

If I go against my intuition, the result may be the opposite. Intuition is a consequence of life experience. It tells us how to act in a particular case.

Therefore, it is necessary

Marat Markov and Deputy Director of CGTN international TV channels, Jiang Heping

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for both a manager and a journalist.

I have always believed that management is the same science as mathematics, economics and history. Without knowledge of management it is quite difficult to manage a team. The head is obliged to read, to be able to analyse, to

correlate progressive methods of management with actions. I recommend that leaders or those who seek to climb the managerial Olympus, to read Cardinal Richelieu’s political will. It lays down four basic principles of management which every manager must know and use in their work. It’s fundamental — like the multiplication table for a mathematician. Otherwise, a manager will receive constant problems from subordinates and from life. Political strategist, Dmitry Gusev, has a Russian translation of these principles, in an accessible language in relation to electoral technologies. In post-graduate school, I wrote a paper on electoral technologies and learnt the basics of management theory. They came in handy.

What does it mean for you to be a Belarusian?

My family is international, and I have Georgian blood as well. I have relatives in Georgia where I have been many times. However, I’ve grown up here and I want to live in Belarus. My homeland is here, and I strive to be useful to it.

I like to travel and see other countries, but the more I travel, the prouder I am that I live in Belarus — in a country that has been able, for more than a quarter of a century of independence, to become one of the few to make itself, without wars and bloodshed, to become a country for life. This is root-

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Launch of the Russian language video content exchange system

ed in the wisdom of the people and its leader. I have no doubt that history will appreciate it.

It’s been more than a year since you headed the 2nd National Channel.

How has this time passed? Were there any difficulties for you as the head?

What problems had to be solved?

What have you not yet realised as the head? What are main achievements of this period? Have you managed to ‘reboot’ ONT and create a studio using the latest requirements of modern television broadcasting — as you wanted?

There have been difficulties and problems. What we had to face and what we needed to do are clear for those who watched the TV channel 18 months ago and those who watch it now. In any case, as we have determined, the new television season started on October 1st, although the real global changes on the channel began much earlier: from December 11th, 2017 there was a radical rebranding of the channel. We’ve changed the ‘packaging’, screensavers, new videos, interprogramme and new projects. We are now continuing the work — conducting global modernisation of television broadcasting. In November, we’ll fully switch to ND format. During this period, we do not PR ourselves but our work: it’s important to finish the work, not keep reporting on each stage. We hope the audience will appreciate the

new TV picture. We’ve managed to update ONT and this reboot has occurred not only in technical terms, but also in the minds of people. Employees saw and understood that they are not only in demand, but that they are given the opportunity to create. Their work will be appreciated. Personally, I do not hesitate after a successful television programme to write to an ordinary employee, in social networks. Similarly, if a person does something wrong, I also react. However, I express my opinion not to this person but to their head.

This is one of the principles of management: when a person does something good or something bad — these cannot be ignored.

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As for the new studios, we used unique technologies for the Belarusian market when creating them. After looking at how it was done in European companies, we initiated the creation of a certain Belarusian product here in Belarus, and it is used in our studios.

It’s called learning by doing. It’s necessary to go to exhibitions, meet new TV companies, notice the best and apply this domestically. In no case should we be engaged in self-flagellation. I’ve visited different countries: recently, I went to Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Georgia and China. I see that we often work better than our colleagues. We are professional and smart. We can teach others.

However, there are many questions to answer which we need to study. We should not be ashamed of this.

You are a successful person. Have the attitudes of friends and acquaintances changed towards you after being appointed the ONT Head? After all, if we recall Oscar Wilde: people forgive everything but success. Have you ever observed this in your life?

I don’t have many friends, but they are happy with my success. They work in other areas and they are also successful. We don’t see each other very often but I can rely on any of them. They will forgive me any success, as I do in relation to page

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The rest are enti21 them. tled to their opinion. This

is their choice. Success is a litmus test for a person and those who are near to them. The best manifestation of the attitude to someone else’s success is the ability to make the right conclusion about yourself, like: you do not work enough, you have little knowledge…

True, there is success sometimes beyond merit. Our company’s policy is to give everyone a chance: to a manager, a journalist, a host. Everyone is given the opportunity to show themselves — but not to ‘star’ against others.

In one of the interviews you said that the main advantage of ONT is its staff and that the team you’ve joined is solid and friendly. Has anyone disappointed you? Have you found those who have prospects to remain in the team, as it happened with Alexander Averkov, Alexander Serebrennikov, Yevgeny Laskovsky? Who do you think meets the requirements for the leading channel?

After joining the channel, I also formed the team of people on whom I will be able to rely. I had to replace many — which is natural for a leader, mostly the middle managers. Some people left by their own choice. Some said they would be unable to work under my rules. People independently decided whether they would meet the requirements that I put forward. One very important, if not the main feature of the head is that they should not adapt to each employee. The manager forms clear, transparent and fair rules of work for everyone. In turn, people look to see whether they fit these rules, or not.

As practice has shown, for most of the team these rules were clear and acceptable. I also designated the team that I want to rely on my people. The channel existed for 15 years until I came; accordingly, it was formed by people.

We hold on to its strongest workers: Averkov, Serebrennikov and many others have stayed with us. We also have stars. There are many talented people on the channel — both from the point

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Familiarisation with technical equipment at the production centre of the Xi’an TV Channel

of view of journalistic self-realisation and management. They’ve managed to combine both features. Many of them are unique, and in any country, they would be able to apply their knowledge.

We were told that you have interesting media projects with China. Tell us more about them. Why are they unique?

Not long ago, we visited China and that trip was preceded by several years of work with the Chinese international channel in Russian: CCTV Channel (Russian). It was a great preparation.

We’ve been looking at each other’s work and co-operating on various projects.

A few years ago, CCTV came up with the idea of information support for the New Silk Road initiative, in which Belarus takes an active part. As I said in an interview, it is very important that not only political and economic agreements exist, but that they receive adequate professional coverage at media level. If an event occurs, and it is not spoken about, then it is not profitable for anyone. In this regard, the Chinese TV channel has taken the initiative to unite the Russian-speaking segment: to create a single platform where TV companies from different countries could present their products — both news

and documentary — so that everyone involved in the platform could take this product and use it on their television. The agreement was signed by 12 TV companies, regional companies of Eastern Russia — including Primorie, Baikal, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan… Why is the project unique? We do not have a branch office or a representation in these regions, including China; however, we have an opportunity to receive exclusive materials from there. I think that we can even order some materials on a mutually beneficial basis. If, for example, an event of international importance — such as the peace initiatives of Belarus towards Ukraine — occurs, then it is interesting for all TV companies in the world. A key aspect for signing the agreements was the fact that now, using this platform, we have an opportunity to convey more information about Belarus. We have good videos shot, for example, during the Year of Native Land; these are documentary projects which show the best side of our country. For me, as a professional ideologist, it is important that my Belarus is not seen by someone’s distorted and biased interpretation.

What is China like for you personally? How did you first visit it?

P My first acquaintance took place during that trip. I hope it will continue.

China has impressed me. The country is multifaceted and interesting — both from a journalistic and cultural point of view.

Do you like Chinese philosophy?

In order to talk about it, it’s not enough to have a superficial acquaintance. However, I think that the principles that are used by every person originate in philosophy. Do you remember Confucius who said: choose a job you like, and you do not have to work a single day in your life?

This has happened with you, it seems…

It’s true. I get great pleasure from my work. I don’t think about time — even if I’m working in the evening and at weekends. Mentally it is difficult for me to be distracted from work, but it doesn’t seem a strain to me. The Chinese have another saying: it is not necessary to run fast; the main thing is not to stand still.

What do you like about Chinese culture?

Chinese appreciate and are proud of their history and their country. This is not only a political message but also cultural. It’s true, they have had many different events in their history, but they appreciate their country, its philosophy and culture and are proud of it. They do not hesitate to offer the world their own products.

Most importantly, they are not afraid to study, and they learn something new constantly. The technologies they have already implemented to date indicate a high level of development. We have much to learn from them — say, in relation to television.

However, there are things we can give them too. The Chinese know it is Belarusians who’ve created the Russian CCTV Channel. Many Belarusian journalists have worked and are still working on this channel. I met Ruslana Gasanova

there, our journalist who worked with ONT seven years ago. At present, she is a news presenter on China’s Central Television. She also led the signing ceremony of the agreement and the entire official part of the meeting with Chinese colleagues. I am proud that the professionalism of our people is in demand in any country. It should be appreciated.

We need to do everything possible for these people to come back to us after accumulating new experience.

What are you reading now? How do you keep yourself in good shape?

I read constantly. At present, I am reading George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and ‘Barnyard’. I like Boris Akunin and his series of books, in particular with Erast Fandorin. I admire this hero’s life perception and his attitude to the state, service and people. I have authors I keep coming back to. I really like Mikhail Zoshchenko and his subtle humour. I like to read works by Mikhail Zhvanetsky. I like all the work of Robert Rozhdestvensky; he is my favourite poet. I became familiar with his collection ‘Line’ as a tenth grader and literally overnight learned about ten poems.

I still remember them and sometimes quote them. I have read all the works

by Remarque in my childhood and now I’m rereading his ‘Life on Loan’. One of my favourite authors is Mikhail Bulga-

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kov and his ‘Master and Margarita’; I read it at the age of 15. This book could be read endlessly and, each time, something new would be discovered.

What traditional habits help you feel the joy of life? For example, for the Italian singer Andrea Bocelli it is a glass of good wine from his vineyards, which he prefers to drink at home.

What about your family? Is it motorbiking for you?

Well, a glass of good wine on occasion isn’t a sin. As for the habits that remain throughout life, I can speak of one of them. Thirty years ago, around this same autumn time, I went to the gym. I was 19 and studying in Minsk.

I still attend this gym to keep in shape.

Just imagine: the same coach works here now with whom I started training.

I visited other gyms but was always a bit disappointed and I returned here.

Three years ago, I found another hobby: a motorcycle; I ride it regularly in the season. My ‘Bear’, as I call it, was produced for the 105th anniversary of HARLEY-DAVIDSON. It’s the ‘train’, as Harley lovers say. It’s the flagship for the brand. Recently, I went to my native Luninets by motorcycle — testing the road and the vehicle. My mother was, naturally, terrified.

A Harley is not a toy for me but a philosophy. This bike suggests that you can ride it and not think about work. Its ergonomics enables you to listen to music at a comfortable speed of 80–100km/h, to ride with an open visor and feel great.

At one time, whe n we walked around the perimeter of the state border of Belarus, we talked about how it would be good to go around it on a motorcycle. Would you like to take on such a project?

Maybe I would love to, but I can’t afford myself the luxury: my favourite work won’t let me go at the moment.

One more of Marat Markov’s hobbies

Interviewed by Valentina and Ivan Zhdanovich

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diplomacy and culture are friends Indian culture — yoga, Indian philosophy, meditation, Bollywood movies and familiar musical motifs — accompany us everywhere. It does not even need advertising, while information about agreements between our two countries reveals plans in relation to the strategic direction of cooperation, which confirms that cultural ties do exist between us. To understand what exactly is meant by ‘co-operation in the sphere of culture’, we’ve talked to the Indian Ambassador in Belarus — Sangeeta Bahadur.

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he recently signed bilateral agreements on cultural co-operation usually only emphasise the framework within which thematic events can be organised. However, I can say that Belarus and India have strong contacts in this sphere. Our Embassy is trying not only to promote the development of relations, but also to expand the range of mutual interests. For example, we support the performing arts in Minsk: authentic dances and music, which means, in some ways, we bring Indian culture ‘alive’ for Belarus. We also invite teams from In-

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dia; one of them will perform at the Day of Indian Culture. We strive to develop relations with various institutions in the capital and other cities, such as the House of Friendship, which I recently visited, or museums. With this, we do not just have a piece of paper nominally aimed at the development of culture, but in fact aim to deepen people’s awareness about India. We are also negotiating with libraries, including university libraries, to create an Indian area in them, to which we could give books and visual materials available to everyone. In cultural co-operation, I would like to highlight some special points. The International Day of Yoga has been held in Minsk for

four years — it is a great success, a lot of people participate in it, more and more studios join in the promotion of yoga in Belarus. From October 2nd, we will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Our programme is set to amaze with many cultural activities related to the life, time, works and thoughts of Gandhi. Next year, in co-operation with a chain of hotels represented in Belarus and India, we plan to organise a festival of Indian food. The last idea that has come to my mind deals with movies. I realise that Belarusians used to love Bollywood films, which have not been shown in cinemas for a long time. I thought we could organise a film club and hopefully, from

next month, show Bollywood films first for an invited audience and later for others.

Where will the screenings take place and what films will be selected for viewing?

The Embassy building will host them; it can seat 30-50 people. Later, I think we will be able to organise a festival like Indian Film Week, perhaps in one of the Minsk cinemas. I, of course, would like to show modern movies as Belarusians, I think, are familiar with Raj Kapoor and films of the 1970-1990s.

We need to represent a new Bollywood which is completely different from the Bollywood of the past. Our new films — I’m now speaking of professionally made works — are no longer those movies with songs and dances that many remember.

They are not always stories about how a guy met a girl, or rather, about this as well. New films appear in a modern, international context, so that everyone can compare themselves with the plot and the hero.

I am sure we have a lot of people who are eager to explore Indian culture. Do some come to you with their own initiatives and do you support such ideas?

Yes, we support new ideas. I have been working in Minsk for about four months and during this time I’ve met several people whose ideas concern re-

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International Yoga Day in Minsk, 2018

lations between Belarus and India. Some write books about Indian philosophy, history or something else, some translate classical Indian literature from Sanskrit into Belarusian. There was also a man who lived in India for several years: he brought me his screenplay — a love story between a Belarusian girl and the son of an Indian diplomat. I had a lot of fun reading it. All of them come with their own projects that they want to develop, and, of course, we try to help and support them — through free visas or contacts with the necessary organisations and people in India that can help. We are

approached by institutions as well — i. e. the International PEN Centre which has a branch in Belarus, organises a certain event in India and requires our participation.

I’d like to ask you about your books.

Does your diplomatic experience influence your literature?

That’s a difficult question. I began writing at the age of thirteen, when I was a child (I have never published my novels written then), so writing has been my constant companion for a very long time. I write in the genre of heroic fantasy, which becomes a way to escape from various working difficulties. My literature is separate from real life, so my diplomatic career influenced the genre in which I write. Among other things, I have held many posts, lived in many countries and interacted with different people — after all, if you read my books, you will find in them ideas that I have collected in different cultures. Lifestyle, philosophy, worldview: all this is reflected in my characters.

Would you like to present your books to the Belarusian reader?

I would be very happy to do it, but because they were originally written in English, they need to be translated. If anyone wants to do that, I’d be happy to co-operate.

Sangeeta Bahadur at the presentation of the latest books released

Interviewed by Irena Katelovich

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Space walk on the…

Internet 90 percent of young Belarusians use the Internet and most of these log on daily. Cyber-space has become an indispensable part of our lives, but is children’s activity on the global network always safe for themselves and their close friends? Who hides behind the screens and which interests and goals they are guided by? ‘Universe of the Internet’ interactive exhibition for schoolchildren makes the growing generation think about this…

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The exhibition opened at the National Library of Belarus.

It’s a joint project of the Education Ministry, the MTS Company and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

‘The Universe of the Internet’ comprises six interactive zones, dedicated to the history of the Internet, rules of conduct, secure content and the protection of personal information. While playing, children travel from one planet to another and learn how to use anti-virus programmes, generate reliable passwords, how to correctly communicate in the Internet with unknown people, which information about themselves they can post, and which shouldn’t be shared on social networks. For example, on the ‘Konnectikus’ planet, the atmosphere is open and sociable. Its inhabitants are all

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residents of the Galaxy and their aim is to establish contact and to share information. The next planet is ‘Iksoid’ and no one ever knows what may happen there. Its residents are monsters who pretend to be your friends. Children must find out who is who. On the ‘Shifravator’ planet there’s a strictly secret site and one may learn about its dwellers only if they get there and learn the access code. At the end of the space journey children are offered the chance to take a cyber-test.

“Today virtual reality is becoming more and more real.

This is especially seen among children and teenagers who spend their free time on the Internet and prefer communication by messages on social networks,” notes the Director of the Education Ministry’s Main Information and Analytical

t Centre, Pavel Lis. “With the constant processing of digital transformation, it’s impossible and senseless to control the conduct of children in the Internet. However, we can make them safe with the help of unobtrusive educational projects. ‘The Universe of the Internet’ exhibition enables us to bring to youngsters the basic principles of safe conduct on the Internet in an interesting and accessible playing form.”

‘Minsk Real and Virtual’ All visitors to the ‘Minsk Real and Virtual’ travelling exhibition will be able to see unique archive photos of Minsk, made almost fifty years ago, and locations of the world-famous online game, World of Tanks, while also penetrating deep into the Belarusian capital of the 1960-1970s

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“The exhibition ‘The Universe of the Internet’ continues the ‘Children in the Internet’ project which has been implemented by us for more than five years. The topic of safe Internet for children is strategically important for us,” underlines MTS Director General, Vladimir Karpovich.

“We’d like it if the modern world of innovations and technologies was accessible, as well as safe for schoolchildren and youngsters. Due to co-operation with the Education Ministry and UNICEF we’ll be trying to help the younger generation use contemporary technologies correctly and usefully, to strengthen their knowledge in the sphere of cyber-security, to work with the topic of cyber-bullying, and to teach them virtual etiquette. I’m confident that by uniting our efforts we’ll be able to make the future of our children safe.”

“The UNICEF recent research showed that teenagers in Belarus, aged 13-17, more often face cyber-bullying.

The interactive exhibition which we’re launching will help them behave correctly in a difficult situation and will facilitate the reduction of the level of cyber-violence,” stresses UNICEF Representative in Belarus, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar.

As part of the exhibition, the organisers are going to conduct a poll of young visitors about cyber-bullying. The data received will help assess the situation and in future will become a foundation for various events, aimed at the enhancement of the security of children in cyber-space.

‘The Universe of the Internet’ exhibition will be travelling through the regional centres of Belarus until 2019.

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he exhibition is a ’gift’ to Minsk from the National History Museum of Belarus and the Wargaming Company. All who wish can compare real photos from 1956-1984 and screen shots from the game and assess the scale and depth of the team’s work, comprising more than 45 painters and technical specialists who, in close contact with historians, ‘revived’ for ten months, a section of Minsk which includes Pobedy Square, the Belarusian State Circus, the House-Museum of the First RSDRP Session, the Opera Theatre and Gorky Park.

“The area of the location is approximately 1x1km,” notes Ilya Fukalov, product manager of the WoT Minsk Development Centre. “Our task was to make the map not only beautiful but also realistic.”

“It’s pleasing to see how responsibly and carefully the developers of the game tackled the implementation of the project: to show Minsk from the 1960s‑1970s, when the city was still being reconstructed after the war, to as many people as possible. In the future, players from different countries of the world would surely like to see with their own eyes how Minsk looks today,” notes the Director of the National History Museum of Belarus, Pavel Sopotsko.

By Victoria Teleshuk

By Nadezhda Nikolaeva

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Belarusians gain foothold on sixth continent

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lexey Gaidashov, who has headed all ten Belarusian Antarctic expeditions, and is the Deputy Head of the Republican Polar Research Centre, of the NAS of Belarus, tells us, “Many years of team work by NAS personnel have received recognition by the world Antarctic community, enabling our country to significantly enhance its scientific status. This also opens up opportunities for developing international scientific co-operation in the Antarctic.”

The status of an associated member will provide scientists of the NAS of Belarus with the opportunity to help set priorities for international Antarctic research, while giving direct access to advanced investigations. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) can help scientists from Belarus implement the national Antarctic research programme and establish scientific ties.

SCAR membership is thrilling for Belarus, allowing scholarships for young scientists, scientific exchanges, participation in in-

Take and go

Renting a car in Minsk will soon become commonplace

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o you want to drive a car in Minsk but are unable to buy your own automobile? You simply need 29 Kopecks a minute to go. Recently, a new car-sharing service was launched in the capital: a minute’s rental of a car through a smartphone — Anytime. In fact, the first Belarusian project in this field — Drivetime — has merged with a major Russian player: Delimobil — after going through rebranding. Now there are 55 cars available and another fifty vehicles will be added. By the end of the year, their total number should reach 200 and up to a thousand are expected within three years. Expected investments in the development of the service over the next five years will amount to $20m.

Remarkably, the car pool now consists of new model Volkswagen Polo Sedans and five Geely Emgrand 7, produced in Belarus will be tested soon. If cus-

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At a session of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, in Swiss Davos, Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences has received the status of associated member, following a unanimous vote

ternational projects to study the Antarctic, and conduct of research at Antarctic stations run by other countries.

Belarusian researchers plan to join various SCAR expert groups and scientific research programmes, while welcoming colleagues from abroad, sharing technical and scientific resources and research relating to the Antarctic.

Belarus is now preparing a package of documents to apply for status to act as a consultative party on the Antarctic Treaty, for 2019-2020. Membership of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research is a major element in compliance for consultative status.

Belarus could soon be among the major players in the Antarctic Treaty system, receiving the right to vote and veto, and to take part in the development and adoption of decisions tackling the future of the ‘white’ continent. By taking an active role, Belarus can help shape activity on the planet’s sixth continent.

By Nadezhda Nikolaeva

tomer feedback is positive, in the future, the group will expand with locally manufactured cars. The First Deputy Industry Minister and Acting Head of the BelGee Plant, Gennady Svidersky, states he would closely monitor feedback from users. People are keen to know when they’ll be able to rent a Ferrari or a Maserati? It’s expected this will soon be possible for those with a good rating. Electric cars will follow, and experts are analysing what model will be most suitable.

Car sharing is close to short-term car rental and taxi services, with the possibility of driving personally. It is simple to download the application, register, take a photo of a driver’s license, a passport, send a selfie, get the approval of the service. The nearest free transport can be found through a smartphone and users will spend no more than 20 minutes to reach it. The application also acts a key.

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Guess the melody Singer and composer Uzari becomes author of official anthem for international tennis tournament St. Petersburg Open 2018

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inger and composer Uzari (27‑year-old Yuri Navrotsky of Minsk), shares the details of his creative searches, “The latest good news includes the fact that recently I became the author of the official anthem for the international tennis tournament — the St. Petersburg Open 2018. Before this, I was given an opportunity to write and perform the anthem of St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy tournament. The ‘Be Open’ song was written specially for the September event which was broadcast across 120 countries and gathered tennis fans to their TV sets from all over the world. On September 23rd, together with Dima Bilan — once a winner of Eurovision — we closed this championship on the big stage of the Sibur Arena. Moreover, an official video clip has also recently appeared on the Internet.

The shooting took place in two countries simultaneously: one can see both Minsk streets and the most beautiful landscapes of St. Petersburg. At the same time, I was also working on the song for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2nd European Games that are to take place in Minsk next year. My composition — ‘This Land’ — is among the top five and I call on my fans to act, as the voting is still open. For me ‘This Land’ isn’t merely an anthem.

This is a song in which we put our dreams and hopes, and we hope that it will find a response in the hearts of our listeners. I’d like this composition to create a mood regardless of where it is played: at a stadium seating 100,000 or in someone’s earphones. It’s vital it inspires and set a fire in human hearts.”

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Truths and myths about branding

By Yuliana Leonovich

BSU Philology Faculty students release educational film in English — ‘Myths Around Us’ — created by first- and fifth-year students of ‘classical philology’ specialty

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he film demonstrates common mistakes made by manufacturers in choosing their trademarks when these apply to myths, showing that an understanding of mythology is essential. Poor interpretation has led to some ridiculous, and rather ironic, mistakes. For example, Belarusian maenads and dryads are depicted within the logo of a Belarusian furniture company, despite their traditional role being to protect trees and punish those who damage them.

The film premiered at a scientific forum hosted by Warsaw University, recently, with Philology Faculty students enjoying an online discussion.

By Nadezhda Nikolaeva

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‘Call of Polesie’ gathers talented friends

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International Festival of Ethnocultural Traditions expands geography of its participants

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As is traditional, this is a festival that is held once every two years, bringing together artistes from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. This year, guests from Poland, China and India also took part for the first time.

“Over the years since it began, the forum has become wellknown, and interest in it has been growing from both direct participants and spectators. Each year it’s visited by increasing numbers of guests. This year, the figure reached almost 30,000,” notes Ivan Goloburda, a consultant of the Culture and Folk Creativity Department at the Belarusian Culture Ministry.

The 5th International Festival of Ethnocultural Traditions — ‘Call of Polesie’ — took place in the agro-town of Lyaskovichi (in the Gomel Region’s Petrikov District). Its participants included more than 1,700 people, ‘NaviBand’, ‘Drozdy’, creative bands, masters and craftsmen from eight districts of the Gomel Region (Zhitkovichi, Yelsk, Kalinkovichi, Lelchitsy, Mozyr, Narovlya, Petrikov and Khoiniki), as well as three districts of the Brest Region (Luninets, Pinsk and Stolin) and foreign groups.

The idea of the festival is to showcase the unique culture and way of life of Polesie residents, alongside traditions that were laid down centuries ago by our ancestors. The programme of the current event, as always, was diverse and interesting to guests of all different ages.

“I’m very pleased that the country’s cultural life has such an event as the ‘Call of Polesie’. The forum is developing with each passing year and its programme opens up the most mysterious corners of our rich Belarusian culture, which is the basis of our national identity. I think this festival has a big future,” said Culture Minister, Yuri Bondar, at the opening ceremony. He passed on a greeting from the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, to the organisers, participants and guests of the forum.

People’s Artiste of Belarus and State Award laureate, Prof.

Mikhail Finberg, congratulated his fellow countrymen at the festival. A concert of the National Academic Symphony and Pop Orchestra of Belarus was held under his guidance.

During the opening of the festival, the names of representatives of the Gomel and Brest regions were announced who had been awarded the special title of ‘Honorary Polesie Resident’.

Now, seven residents in the country have such status. At pre-

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sent, the honorary title has been bestowed on the unchanged leader of the honoured amateur folk band, ‘Vytinanka’, of the Stolin’s House of Culture, Piotr Ostapchuk from the Brest Region, as well as to famous Belarusian kayaker, Olympic champion, seven-time world champion and Honoured Master of Sports of Belarus, Roman Petrushenko, who was born in the Gomel Region. “I’m proud that I was born and live in Polesie.

Of course, wherever I am, my small homeland is always in my heart. Like all Belarusians, Polesie residents are known for their good nature and kind-heartedness,” noted Roman Petrushenko.

A bright and spectacular show took place at the thematic farmsteads, entitled ‘In One’s Own Land as if In Paradise’, where representatives of the Pripyat River area recreated the traditions and atmosphere of Polesie settlements. The guests could also learn a version of the origins of the unusual names of local villages.

As Mr. Goloburda noted, the festival aims not only to entertain but also to develop. ‘A Round Dance around the Village’ holiday was also held, with traditional folk games organised for all those who wished, including those based on the motifs of the social dance, ‘We’re Dancing in an Ancient Way’. The programme also included performances by authentic bands and the ‘Polesie Beuaty‑2018’ pageant contest.

During the festival, a presentation venue of Belarusian folk theatre, Batleika.by, worked non-stop. During the master class, one could create stage props and puppets for batleika theatres, while also seeing new performances by puppet theatres from the Gomel and Brest regions.

Furthermore, the Festival of the Book and Press interactive exhibition was familiarising guests with new books and fresh news about the region and the country. Visitors to the festival could choose a tour or a trip to Belarusian spas at the exhibition of the tourist potential of the Gomel Region.

The organisers took care that spectators could comfortably get to the place of action: each hour, additional routes were running from the district centres of Petrikov and Zhitkovichi to Lyaskovichi.

It’s now evident that the ‘Call of Polesie’ International Festival of Ethnocultural Traditions aims to preserve and popularise ethnocultural traditions and to study and support the rich historical and cultural heritage of the area, while also strengthening the creative ties of the border regions. Its organisers are the Culture Ministry of Belarus, the Gomel and Brest regional executive committees and the Pripyatsky National Park.

By Oleg Bogomazov

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Grodno celebrates its jubilee More than 100,000 people visited the anniversary celebrations of the city, where they could meet a town governor, see a strongman, taste new cheese and take a selfie with a cosmonaut…

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he events were launched well before the anniversary date.

Grodno Regional Theatre hosted a ceremony during which citizens were awarded the title ‘Honorary Citizen of Grodno’ and honoured the names of those who were added to the

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Book of Fame. The best workers from various spheres of activity were given honorary certificates from the Grodno Regional Executive Committee. The Chairman of the Grodno City Executive Committee, Mechislav Goy, noted that this celebration unites all citizens: those who view Grodno as their homeland and those who make it a comfortable and convenient place to live their lives.

The Grodno Region is famous for its beauty, with the anniversary of the city being a good reason to recollect Grodno’s rich history, which continues to be written today.

The festive events started with a historic parade. At the place of the Grodno archivist — the guard of the symbolic scroll — Governor Vladimir Kravtsov left his mark. Immediately after, the

town governor invited everyone for an improvised excursion where one could see a music lesson on the balcony, a jousting contest and hear the serenade of the ancient Hidalgo to his sweetheart. Such immersive performances, without beginning or end, are popular all over Europe but first took place in Grodno and Belarus. During the day, one could see on the city’s central street, interesting scenes from the life of the city and find oneself in the ancient past.

Many city dwellers and guests of the city unwittingly became participants in this immersive performance which promoted a good mood and a holiday feeling.

Moreover, on the eve of the celebration, the city was granted several important gifts. A kindergarten for 230 children was opened in the new microdistrict of Olshanka — the fourth such institution in the young area which is dynamically developing. On the same day, a mini-market was also ceremonially opened.

Another present was received by the parents who bring up eight children. For them a new family house was opened on the city’s special day, built together with two similar facilities, and the street was unofficially named ‘Roditelskaya’ (parents).

Furthermore, during the holiday, Sovetskaya Street became an avenue of celebrities. One could meet many famous artistes, including participants of Eurovision, musicians and writers.

The centre of the city became a theatrical ground with a dozen different

zones. They housed a book festival, a sporting area and a cheese venue. The cheese festival on the city’s day has become a tradition, bringing together cheese makers from all over the country. This time, the organisers managed to surprise us once again, with cosmonaut, Oleg Novitsky, becoming an honorary guest at the event. A new cheese variety was tasted, and it was named ‘Goroden’, in honour of the royal city.

New titles also appeared on the cinema avenue, which has plaques with the names of the films which were shot here. During the event, two more were unveiled: in honour of the films ‘My Name’s Harlequin’ and ‘Political Bureau Co-operative’. These aren’t all ‘innovations’ of architecture. A 200kg metal globe bearing the names of Grodno’s twin cities has appeared on the central square. The art object can become one more photo area for the city, with the globe being installed close to the ‘blossoming’ sun clock.

An unusual karavai (a round loaf) can also be called a festive art object; it consisted of a dozen karavais. The beautiful items were then given to the guests who arrived from neighbouring states and twin cities. Lenin Square was also turned into a gigantic kitchen, with few being able to pass by the gastronomic stall ‘Grodno Sweets’. One could feel the true medieval atmosphere here, as a young pig was roasting on the spit in the city centre. Many products were marked with the jubilee date — 890.

The performance of Grodno athlete Alexander Kodis was very interesting; he managed to pull a 12‑tonne trolley bus carrying small passengers. All those in the audience warmly supported the strongman. During this event, another interesting fact occurred: the 60,000th guest was welcomed near the new statue of a tourist in the centre of the city. It was a Norwegian citizen who was very pleased to find himself at such a beautiful event.

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In the evening, a fire show took place in the Swiss valley. The Fire Theatre presented its new programme, which lasted 15 minutes. The final of the show saw a fire inscription reading ‘Grodno 890 years’. Grodno residents warmly welcomed Belarusian artistes — Alena Lanskaya, Ruslan Alekhno and the would-be entrant of the Junior Eurovision, Daniel Yastremsky. The finale of the celebration was a long firework display which coloured the sky over the city with shining colourful stars.

By Margarita Ushkevich

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Belarus and Azerbaijan reinforce co-operation

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus, Andrey Khudyk, and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev, sign a programme for 2018-2019 to implement the agreement between the ministries in the sphere of environmental protection as of 2010.

During a three-day visit, the Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources has also attended structural subdivisions of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, a waste-recycling and separating plant near Trostenetsky disposal site, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park and forestries.

“Belarus has many interesting achievements dealing with issues of environmental protection, that we can learn from and apply in Azerbaijan. Of course, there are things we can share,” noted Mukhtar Babayev. “For example, our country has advanced enterprises which are involved in solid-waste recycling. We’d like to share our experience in this area and see how this issue is being solved in Belarus.”

According to the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, the programme is a ‘roadmap’ of what ministries will be doing in 20182019. These areas include information sharing and an exchange of specialists, work in the sphere of the preservation

of bio-diversity and implementation of joint projects.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus, Andrey Khudyk, also underlined the expediency of developing collaboration between nature protection departments in the spheres of geology, exploration and the extraction of mineral resources.

“For us, it’s important to develop the mineral resource base of the country, while Azerbaijan is an oil extracting state where geology is very well developed,” noted Mr. Khudyk.

“Therefore, we plan to closely liaise across these areas. For example, a meeting is scheduled between Belarusian and Azerbaijani organisations which are directly involved in the issues of developing the mineral resources base to study the experience of the two countries.”

The Belarusian side is also interested in hydrometeorological activity in Azerbaijan which is organised at a high level in this country.

“This work is also being seriously conducted in Belarus, with modernisation and new technologies being launched. However, we’re interested in the experience of other countries,” underlined Mr. Khudyk. “In turn, the Azerbaijani side expressed the desire to consider the issue of acquiring a European bison, to develop the population of this animal in Azerbaijan.”

By Veronika Kolosova

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utumns Gifts

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Apples rolling…

over 50,000 tonnes — including 3.5 thousand tonnes in good selling condition. Last season, we bought 1.4 percent less apples than this time. Late-growing varieties will follow soon; the apple season lasts until October and we are ready to accept fruit from the population.”

Villagers can bring apples to a procurement point or to a store where they will be paid — with money or products: people will be offered products equal to the volume. Where a family has several bags of apples, procurement officers will come to their houses to collect them.

Apples — harvested for industrial processing — will be used to make juices, jams and baby food.

By Olga Kislyak

Alisa Gungor

By Valentina Zhdanovich

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his year, Belarus has a bumper crop of apples; ‘Antonovka’, ‘Imrus’, ‘Shtrifel’… In private gardens and state agricultural farms, the trees are ‘bursting’ with fruit. Kadino Firm JSC, in the Mogilev Region, alone plans to harvest over 400 tonnes at its 105 hectares of land. The gathering of early varieties is already in full swing.

In total, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, 150,000 tonnes of apples are expected to be harvested this year in the country. “This is one of the best harvests not only for agricultural organisations, but also among the population,” the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food — Vladimir Grakun — said at a recent press conference.

“We will be able to save this year’s harvest, because we have storage facilities where fruit can be stored nearly up to the next season.”

2017 was not an apple year: with only about 109 thousand tonnes harvested. Speaking of whether buying agents are ready for the present yield and whether they buy ‘Antonovka’ and ‘Shtrifel’ from residents, the Head of the Procurement Department at Belkoopsoyuz — Oksana Skinder — notes, “We are ready to buy 100 thousand tonnes of apples from the population. We accept fruit in a good state and windfalls. As of early this week, we have already bought

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Great happiness of mountain roads

Our colleagues climbed Elbrus as part of a tourist group from Belarus

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ome go to the sea and some to the countryside. However, two employees of the ‘SB. Belarus Segodnya’ newspaper — Sergey Kusin and Vitaly Neden — have decided to choose for their vacation the most difficult route.

They went to Elbrus and, under the guidance of the experienced Sergey Zavadsky, conquered it, unfolding their holding’s logo at a height of 5,642 metres.

The idea to climb the highest mountain peak in Europe was born about a year ago. Since then, painstaking preparations have been made involving the swimming pool, a gym, running… The two men also needed to buy equipment and hold an organisational meeting at the office of the trip’s organiser. It was necessary to reach the point of departure fully prepared. Of the tourist group only 14 of the 22 participants finally reached Elbrus. Vitaly Neden and Sergey Kusin were among them.

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Some members of the group had previous mountain climbing experience. Training on the spot, gave people a few days to acclimatise: the group climbed to a certain height, came down and spent the night in Terskol, then climbed again — following the same scenario. When the group had passed the ‘initial course’, it was sent to the second base camp, at an altitude of about 4,100 metres — ‘the Maria shelter’.

In Terskol, where there are hotel-style lodges, there were bathrooms, hot water and TV, a refrigerator and a shower — generally, everything usual for civilisation. The only complaint could be about the lack of Wi-Fi. The climbers slept in a room for eight people, but over 30 spent the night there.

Recalling whether people were squashed, the Belarusians say, “On the contrary, people warmed the air with their breath. It wasn’t as cold as it could have been. However, many had to eat outside, as the kitchen had no space for everyone. As regards

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food, it was plain: dry food and simple soup. Everyone knew what would happen. Everyone had a goal: to climb Elbrus. We paid no attention to the difficulties.”

The most challenging stage was to climb to the summit.

All the members of the group helped each other, so that most could reach the end. Vitaly Neden says, “On August 21st, we were sent to the second base camp. We had another training climb to the rocks of Pastukhov, then, those who had the strength and desire, went to the abandoned snowcat. On the night of August 24th, we went to the top. In the middle of the path, our group of 22 was split into two groups — as we were failing to meet the climbing schedule. Those who could move fast were sent in the first group and the others followed. The second group was later sent back. We reached the summit — although, of course, it was difficult. At about 8-9am, we were on the top but then the true horror began: the wind was so strong that it was impossible to put your extra clothes on; they were pulled out of our hands. We had to invent a solution, one person would create a wind shield while the other put a coat on.”

Many consider the Elbrus mountaineering experience to be a relatively easy task, but experts note that the main danger of this stratovolcano lies in the external simplicity; any deviation from the safety rules and recommendations of the guides can be fraught with serious injury or even death. According to unofficial data, every year, the mountain takes the lives of 15-20 people, and the year before last set a record in this regard: according to the Elbrus alpine search and rescue team, 30 people died on the mountain.

Overall, 40 people have perished in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The end of summer has also seen tragedy: on August 22nd, at an altitude of 4.3 thousand and 4.2 thousand metre on Elbrus, lightning struck. As a result, one person was killed, and two others were injured. At the time, Mr. Kusin was not far away. “We were in the ‘Maria shelter’,” he said. “I heard a loud clap and thought there was probably another avalanche coming down. Just the day before we had seen and heard the avalanche at the top of Donguz-Orun. Later, we learnt what had happened: a tent was on the rocks, with a husband and a wife inside; another man was nearby. Because of the lightning strike, the husband was killed, and two other people were rescued. We were also told at the camp that, after that lightning strike, people within a radius of several metres lost consciousness.”

In the mountains, you can break an arm or a leg by taking a single careless step. You can get burned staying out in the scorching sun. You can get hit by lightning… The danger is everywhere. However, Sergey Kusin and Vitaly Neden, despite their experience, do not regret that week of their vacation. They are even ready to repeat it by climbing a new summit.

By Yuri Makarenko

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Make sure not to miss anything ‘Belarus and the Bible’ exhibition features the oldest copies of the ‘Iliad’ and the Epistles of the Apostle Paul

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he ‘Belarus and the Bible’ exhibition — hosted by the National Library of Belarus — is unique, featuring around two hundred exhibits of world importance, including approximately a hundred brought from different countries and continents. There are many rarities among them; some worth tens of millions of Euros. These are priceless shrines for the representatives of different faiths.

Speaking of the Bible in its material embodiment, it is the most common and well-known book in the world. “Our exhibition presents this Book of Books in the context of time: five millennia of the history of the Bible and the cultural background in which it was born,” explains the Deputy Director of the Library for Research and Publishing — Ales Susha.

Taking us on an exclusive tour, he continues, “The Old Testament texts, the so-called Qumran scrolls, manuscripts of the New Testament starting from the 2nd century, are presented.

Among them are the Coptic Bible, Ethiopian, Samaritan, Armenian, Chinese, Indian and Uzbek Bibles, as well as original editions by Gutenberg, Luther and Skaryna. There are original prints by Dürer and Salvador Dalí and unique exhibits of worldwide importance from private collections. This is just one feature of the exhibition: we show little-known pieces from private collections. Some of them have never been exhibited in public before. Regardless of the value of the exhibits, we’ve never had such a show at the National Library or even in the country. The original manuscripts, which are five thousand years old, have never been seen here.”

It’s important that the historical journey of the Bible in Belarus is widely known. In fact, our book culture began with the Bible. The oldest manuscript is the Turov Gospel and the first printed books were spiritual literature.

What should not be missed in the exhibition?

tefact of the exhibition comes. It arrived in Minsk from the Korean Museum of Christian Missions. These are Sumerian ancient manuscripts in the form of clay tablets: one pictographic and two cuneiform. Looking at a small stone cylinder covered with mysterious icons would anyone understand that it’s a five-thousand-year-old book?

2. A fragment of papyrus with the text of Homer’s ‘Iliad’ It’s a small piece of papyrus, almost transparent at the edges. It is about two thousand years old, made at the time of the birth of Christianity. The lines are in ancient Greek… Do you recall Mandelstam’s lines: ‘I’ve never read to the middle of the list of ships’? The papyrus piece features this list of ships from Homer’s ‘Iliad’. It’s impossible to believe, but this is the original. Before the Bible, it was Homer’s ‘Iliad’ that was the most common and most influential text in the world. It is therefore called the ‘Bible of Antiquity’.

1. Sumerian cuneiform manuscripts

3. Aesop’s fables

Babylon… Do you feel the hidden depths behind this word? Mesopotamia and ancient Ur are the birthplace of the Biblical Abraham. It is from there that the most ancient ar-

On the tattered papyrus, also dating from the beginning of our era, we can read the text of Aesop’s fable. The

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R moralising stories, related to the legendary Greek Aesop, the genius slave, were very popular. They were copied and widely circulated. ‘You are ignorant and lazy, unable even to learn Aesop’, says one of Aristophanes’ characters. At the time of the birth of Christianity, Aesop was an integral part of the cultural background.

4. List of Paul’s Epistles Another piece of papyrus’ value is unimaginable. This is one of the first surviving Christian texts: the First St. Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians. It’s the original from the second century, written in Greek. It was into Greek that the entire text of the Bible was translated for the first time.

5. Vulgate of Saint Jerome This is a true book, handwritten, with carefully printed letters, with the use of red and blue colours. The so-called Vulgate is a translation of the Bible into Latin, made in the 4th century by Jerome the Blessed. Vulgate became a classic edition and is still widespread.

6. The Armenian Bible This small parchment is one of the first surviving translations of the Holy Scripture into Armenian. It is well-known that Armenians were the first in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in 301. The Bible was translated into Armenian in the early 5th century, thanks to the scientist, Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the national alphabet. The exhibition features a list of his 9th century translation, one of the earliest surviving. Its neighbour is a rich manuscript of 1500, the Armenian Bible from the Cilician Principality. Each page is illustrated and glitters with gold leaf. It is brightly coloured with Carmine paint made from rare cochineal beetles.

7. Torah from India It’s impossible not to notice this artefact, crowned with an enormous box and shackled with silver. An ancient yellow scroll is inside. The exhibit has been brought from In-

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dia. “This is the Torah, the Pentateuch of Moses. Here is an example of how it was stored,” explains Mr. Susha.

“Sheets of parchment were sewn together, wound on two spindles and placed in a special box.”

8. Biblia Polyglotta from Paris This exhibit was brought from the London Museum of The Book. The Parisian Polyglotta is a Bible in which the text is given in parallel in several languages. It was published in the 17th century in Paris. However, even earlier, in 1572 in Antwerp, in the famous publishing house of Christopher Planten, the Polyglotta — richly illustrated — was printed on beautiful paper. It is also exhibited at the show.

9. Bible for the blind At first glance this book has blank white sheets, but look at an angle and it’s possible to notice letters. “This is the 1856 Bible for the blind,” the co-ordinator of the collection of the London Museum of The Book, Eva Hanson, says.

“It’s actually the forerunner of Braille. Its publishing was important and revolutionary as it enabled those with poor vision to read the holy words by touch.”

‘Belarus and the Bible’ is not merely an exhibition: it involves discussions, lectures, interactive games and entertainment. Mr. Susha comments, “Many volunteers worked with us from Belarus and abroad. The scientific programme will be held with the participation of world-famous experts, such as Nobel laureate Kenneth Brockman and the famous American biblical scholar, Scott Carroll. The latter is the curator of the exhibition from the US Manuscript Research Group (MRG) and the author of an interesting book for children about the Bible, translated into Belarusian. An exact copy of the 15th century printing press has also been brought from the United States and everyone can try to be like the first printer themselves and participate in the rewriting of the Bible on a huge scroll during classes of the Young Professor School.”

By Lyudmila Rublevskaya

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ame in literature

talent from slutsk on uzbek land

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love to visit villages, where pieces of history remain, especially in relation to famous people, and locals may have first-hand stories to tell.

I regret never having visited Slutsk’s Borok, in the Minsk Region, where literary expert, poet and translator

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Stepan Likhodzievsky was born, on May 9th, 1911. Perhaps your own parents, grandparents or great-grandparents knew him; his exploits will have made him well-known.

Stepan attended elementary school in his native Baslovtsy (now the village of Borok) from 1918-1922, before spending another four years at school in Grozovo. Stepan began writing for ‘Malady Aratar’ (Youth Orator) magazine from a young age, detailing his fellow villagers and the changing nature of rural life, where new powers were emerging. Likhodzievsky’s early verse appeared on the pages of ‘Chyrvony Seibit’ (Red Farmer), ‘Belaruski Pioner’ (Belarusian Pioneer), and ‘Chyrvonaya Zmena’ (Red Shift): the poems ‘To Ilyich’, ‘Spring’, and ‘I Remember’.

From 1926-1930, the novice writer studied at the Belarusian Pedagogical Technical College, before entering the Belarusian State University and Minsk Higher Pedagogical Institute. The People’s Commissariat for Education highly assessed the young boy from Slutsk and his Komsomol work, awarding a personal scholarship. The young man took part in the collectivisation of his village, telling of it in his verse and articles. He also joined the Maladnyak literary youth association and the Belarusian Association of Proletarian Writers.

Moreover, he wrote sharply political poems, entitled ‘New Noises’ and ‘Red Stars in the Snow’.

In 1931 and 1932, Stepan Likhodzievsky released his first poetry books: ‘Claps of Remote Thunder’, ‘Bloody Stars in the Snow’, ‘Cherries Turn Red’ and ‘We Are Young Guards’. Famous writers and journalists, as well as figures of Belarusian national culture, reviewed Stepan’s first books, including Boris Mikulich, Eduard Golubok and Symon Kunitsky.

As a Komsomol member, Stepan took part in collectivisation in the Berezino District and even went to the Black Sea fleet, from where he brought materials for his book of sketches, ‘South Watch’. However, many of his plans were thwarted when he was exiled from Belarus during the first round of repressions.

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n August 10th, 1933, Likhodzievsky was sent to Kazakhstan, where he worked as a teacher for around four years. He continued to write verse and, in 1937, went to live in Uzbekistan, entering Tashkent’s Pedagogical Institute, while simultaneously teaching Russian language and literature. There were also attempts to exile him from Uzbekistan, accusing him of counter-revolutionary nationaldemocrat activity. This obliged him to flee to Tomsk for some time but he returned to Tashkent in 1939, entering a post-graduate training programme at Tashkent Pedagogical Institute.

In 1942, Likhodzievsky defended his Candidacy on ‘The Prose of Anatole France’. Much later, in 1965, while still in Tashkent, he defended his PhD dissertation on ‘The Creativity of Anatole France and the Problem of Critical Realism in French Literature in the Late 19th-Early 20th Century’.

During the Great Patriotic War, Stepan met People’s Poet of Belarus Yakub Kolas in Tashkent. The ‘Yanka Kupala’ encyclopaedic dictionary (released in Minsk in 1986) states: ‘Yakub Kolas and Stepan Likhodzievsky played a great role in propagandising Kupala’s creativity and sharing it with a wide audience. The literary and public activity of these figures played a major role in the development of Belarusian-Uzbek literary ties…’ On June 27th, 1943, he presented a report on ‘The Life and Creativity of Yanka Kupala’, at the Academy of Sciences at Tashkent Pedagogical Institute. r. Likhodzievsky was attentive of the national literature of Belarus and Uzbekistan. In 1948, he was permitted to join the Union of Writers of the USSR and, in 1956, he was rehabilitated, allowing him to communicate with Belarus and his Minsk colleagues, many of whom had returned home from various corners of the country, from GULAG forced labour camps.

Likhodzievsky’s verse was published in Minsk newspapers and magazines and he translated various works by Uzbek poets into Belarusian, including for the ‘Uzbekistan Is Singing’ collection (Minsk, 1963), and Uzbek poetry book ‘Sun in Aryks’. He released translations of Uzbek poets into Russian in Tashkent and was a huge fan of creativity of Alisher Navoiy’s descendants. He became a literary expert and transla-

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In the photo: Stepan Likhodzievsky (R), Nasrullah Ahundi, Izzat Sultanov, Shuhrat (Gulyam Alimov) and others at the opening of the Yakub Kolas memorial plaque. Tashkent, April 25th, 1960

tor for ‘Zvezda Vostoka’ (Star of the East) magazine, sitting on the editorial board. It released many literary and critical articles about the Belarus-born writer, dedicated to Uzbek literature. ‘Zvezda Vostoka’ also published Stepan’s ‘Yakub Kolas in Tashkent’, ‘The Poetry of Belarusian Partisans’, and ‘Uzbek Poets in Belarusian Language’. For many years, Stepan was Dean of the Philology Faculty and the Foreign Literature Chair at Tashkent Pedagogical Institute.

Tashkent released a book of Likhodzievsky’s selected translations of Uzbek poetry, entitled ‘Pearl Wreath’, while Minsk published ‘Wreaths for Communists’ in 1974: translations of verse (including from French) into Belarusian.

Stepan Likhodzievsky died on February 13th, 1979, and was buried at Tashkent’s Dombrabad cemetery. His son, Anatoly Likhodzievsky, is also a Doctor of Philological Sciences.

Stepan Likhodzievsky’s ‘Yakub Kolas Street in Tashkent’ was published many times in Belarusian in Minsk, portraying the Belarusian poet’s love for the Uzbek nation and Uzbek writers.

By Kirill Ladutko

Photos presented by Belarusian State Archives-Museum of Literature and Art беларусь. belarus 2018

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ife story Valentina Zhdanovich

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Everyone goes their own way in life

Never coming back, Olesya?

The history of human relations, as they say, is as old as the world. World culture, humanities, philosophy and literature, including the novels of ‘alienation’ and ‘solidarity’, whatever their country of origin, are aimed at the study of human relations. This is natural: as a wise man said, we all gain strength through communication.

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hat is the phenomenon of the attraction of people to each other, their separation and alienation — these are the ethical moments of communication which social psychology studies and that we try to understand in our private lives. Of course, if we are interested, we strive for awareness, using our personal life experience and that of friends and acquaintances. I hope that the reader will think, figuratively speaking, about the direction they follow when communicating with their family and friends.

Richard Aldington: ‘It may be harder to accept everything in love than to give everything. We know what we give, but we don’t know what we’ll get…’

I’m directly related to this story and, therefore, for ethical reasons, the names of the main characters of the publication, and the names of their places of work have been changed for the story.

I met an old friend with whom I have not spoken for about six months: apart from messages and phone calls. I’ll call her Anna. I could see she had been crying as her eyes were red. I asked her gently the reason for her tears and she said “It’s impossible not to cry. I’ll tell you everything when we meet. My deputy, who I employed and taught, has upset me by saying that I’m imposing my opinion on everyone…’

This did not concern work: my friend heads a large supermarket in Minsk and, of course, the ‘imposition’ of opinions on her employees is a daily occurrence. It’s dictated by her post: to manage, advise, control and even punish. However, it is strange that such a simple thing as advice to drink water from the tap, not to bring a bottle from home, as my friend described, would have affected Anna so badly. “I was glad that Minsk water from artesian wells is pure. Those who are happy with its softness drink directly from the tap, without filters. Imagine,” said Anna.

“She did not even realise that my husband has tested the chemical and biological composition of the water in the laboratory and that I personally drink this — rather than using a cooler.” My friend’s own husband is a hydrogeologist; he investigates water and knows everything about the industry. We would have probably ended our conversation, agreeing that everyone is different, but Anna said, “True, it’s impossible to make someone happy by force even if you love this person.” We then remembered, ‘All Men are Enemies’, by Richard Aldington, whose books we read in our youth.

Richard Aldington: ‘It’s impossible to teach what it’s necessary to know; the teacher can only do one thing — to point the way…’

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I knew my friend’s niece, a teenage girl with slanting green eyes and long light blonde hair. Every year, starting from the age of 12, Olesya came to Minsk on vacation to visit her aunt Anna — my neighbour in a small-family hostel, with whom we have a long-term friendship.

Olesya’s mother brought her daughter from the western Ukrainian hinterland to Lvov and then sent her to Minsk by train. I remember well how Anna polished this provincial beauty: she taught her how to dress and behave properly and taught her Russian: Olesya, who dreamed of becoming an actress, used a good deal of Ukrainian and the fricative ‘g’ which couldn’t be pronounced in a Russian manner. In turn, I showed her how to use a knife and a fork, to develop a ballet walk. The process was not smooth: her character was obstinate. The ten-year age difference between us was not what affected us, the aunt and her niece got on well together and chatted in a friendly manner. Olesya talked with us as with older friends. We tried our best not to teach the teenager, but to give her the freedom to choose. After the seventh grade she tried to enter the Minsk school of gymnastics, after the eighth — the choreographic school. She was told everywhere that she was talented but already too tall. My friend had enough strength, patience, love: like me, she had a son and loved this talented girl — a daughter of her own brother. She told me how she whispered to her when she was growing in the womb, promising to never leave, to protect her, and then, when the baby was born, proudly walked with a pink bundle, snoring peacefully in the stroller, along the streets of their small town…

Anna’s maternal instinct — and mine — spread to Olesya.

We took her everywhere: to visit our actor friends and theatres. Anna is a theatre goer; her love of the theatre was greatly contributed to by me. Olesya dreamt about the stage. She sang, danced and recited well; moreover, since early childhood, she was engaged in sports gymnastics. In Anna’s album, I saw a funny photo where her 10‑year-old niece in a black sports swimsuit was lifting herself up on her little hands and

‘freezing’, before jumping on a log… It was signed by an awkward children’s handwriting: ‘Olesya on a log’.

The girl was not fond of her studies; she believed they were unnecessary for an artiste.

We tried page

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ife story with her, speaking of the general fu43 toturereason and spiritual development and advising

her to read books. Reading prose and poetry was difficult for Olesya. How are you going to be an artist, if you do not love poetry?” we told Olesya. When she was in her 10th year at school and once again came to her friend for one of the summer months, Marina Tsvetaeva’s poetry and Mikhail Bulgakov’s prose opened for her. Olesya was now mature enough to appreciate quality literature. As the ancient Indian wisdom says: when the student is ready — the teacher comes. To a certain extent, I was a teacher for Olesya. That summer my husband was away, my friend also went on a business trip, our children stayed with their grandmothers, so the girl stayed with me. We had heart to heart talks about love. The lyrics of Marina Tsvetaeva were most welcome. Olesya listened and was not against reading the poetry. I personally dearly love ‘The Master and Margarita’ by Bulgakov, so I took the book from the shelf, opened it and began reading it aloud. I ignored the advice of Confucius: to give instructions to someone who is looking for knowledge, discovering their ignorance. While reading, I was observing Olesya. As the plot unfolded, her eyes began to shine brighter and brighter, and I saw a sense of empathy. Reading fascinated our pupil. I say ‘our’ because I played a great part in the introduction of Olesya to literature, theatre, as well as to everyday women’s duties. Everything developed as if by itself, naturally, as Olesya saw how we lived, and, of course, absorbed everything like a sponge. We lived cheerfully, amicably with our neighbours in the hostel. It was our youth when it was easy to make friends. None of us then thought about our personal comfort and did not think about such concepts as ‘fatigue’ or ‘lack’ of time. It seemed everything would happen in the distant future: these days, when there is less and less time for friends and relatives, when you feel how personal worries and problems dominate us, as well as ailments, when you value highly your own comforts and the rare opportunities to be creative.

Richard Aldington: ‘No one can truly know another person. We can only guess, if we love…’

Truly, in our youth, we had enough time and energy for all. Every day of our lives gave us joy and new experiences. That’s why the days were long and didn’t pass as quickly as they

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do now. Such an experience for me was taking care of Olesya. Sometimes I even forgot whose niece she was.

S h e w a s ou r common child with Anna. The g irl was maturing, and we admired her naivety, spontaneity and unsophisticated character… as well as her hard work and perseverance. Moreover, all our hostel neighbours loved her and showed a sincere interest in what she was doing: singing and reading poetry.

They gently advised Olesya how to dress and comb her hair for the first exam. Everything was aimed at cutting this provincial ‘diamond’. I will never forget how Olesya came to conquer the capital — to enter the Theatre and Art Institute. Anna and I prepared an original programme for her of prose and poetry. Our friend the actor suggested a fable. I trained our future star in recitation, explaining that it is important not only to read the text beautifully, but also to feel its soul, to admire her own self and only then — as I said — the jury will believe her. On that important day all the neighbours gathered in the kitchen to wish Olesya good luck and, when she left, they huddled at the window on the fifth floor to see how the young talent — tapping her heels, hurried to the Institute: to meet her fate. Of course, Olesya was admitted. The jury was unequivocal: the young Ukrainian passed all the stages of the test brilliantly. None of the teachers noticed the Ukrainian accent in her speech. This was told to me in secret by a friend of the teacher who was collecting the team for the Acting Department.

Anna rejoiced immensely: her girl was leaving the wilderness. True, the woman did everything to achieve this. That was our common victory. We celebrated it in Koktebel where we went in a big group to have a break; the ‘new’ student was our favourite. It seemed to us that we knew Olesya well and that success and joy would accompany her: she was so talented and purposeful. However, we little thought that the journey to a person’s maturity involves bumps on the road of life and, accordingly, frustration and losses. The combination of genes and upbringing also matter. We were amateurs in such aspects as self-knowledge; we became interested in them later — when our sons began to grow up. True, we thought Olesya would enjoy a lucky future. We were wrong: after all, even a minute cannot be held — as Remarque says in ‘Arc de Triomphe’. ‘For-

L ever’ in this sense is truly questionable. It was impossible to hold Olesya for long.

Richard Aldington: ‘Live and make mistakes. That’s life.

Don’t think you can’t be perfect, it’s impossible…’

Very often it is true friendship — as the psychologists say — that helps us grow up, understand who we are and how we can move on. However, after growing up, we forget often about those who not only helped us make important life decisions but also shared bread with us. The reasons for such forgetfulness can vary. The same happened with Olesya. She came to our hostel rarely; if she came, she went only to Anna. The girl lived in a student dormitory. She had friends. Once she came for longer and we had dinner together — to the accompaniment of ABBA (let me remind you: this is a cult Swedish musical quartet that existed in 1972-1982 and its name was composed of the first letters of the names of its singers). It was

Dalai Lama: ‘Before you judge someone, walk a mile in his shoes, cry his tears, feel his pain.

Run into each stone on which he stumbled. And only after this say you know how to live’. then when Olesya unpleasantly surprised me for the first time — saying tactlessly in relation to our neighbours and us, “Why do you listen to this outdated music? It’s out of fashion already.”

Anna and I looked at each other and said nothing. Of course, we justified that annoying remark by the fact that Olesya was still so young and that she would get rid of provincialism and that life would teach her to refrain from sharp and unsubtle words. Life was truly teaching her through her first love which was extremely strong. Everyone envied her: she had been chosen by the most talented and handsome young man in their group. It was Olesya’s first love, which made her feminine and added both external and internal nobility. The attractive couple often visited us in the hostel, and the neighbours, thanks to the charm of her man, forgot about her criticism of ABBA or, like me and Anna, explained her behaviour by her young age. Then everything collapsed. After her first year of studies, Olesya came to us and said: her friend, who was not satisfied with the level of teaching, decided to give up the institute and she was not transferring to the second year (being advised to take her documents back and leave the school). Anna and I were stunned but we could not understand why Olesya was being expelled. After all, the assessment of her abilities during the first year was high, we also knew that — at the level of

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folk artists — she was predicted to have a brilliant career as a drama actress. A friend of the course leader behaved strangely towards us, not speaking of the real reasons why our girl could not continue her studies. It seemed that Olesya hadn’t told us everything. We told all our friends that she had left the institute because of her beloved. Over time, it lost its importance.

Richard Bach: ‘There are no mistakes. The events that we attract into our lives — no matter how unpleasant they may be for us — are necessary for us to learn what we must learn…’

For almost a year Olesya lived with Anna; we decided not to tell Oksana — her mother — about the dismissal so as not to upset her. Sometimes the girl stayed with my family; my son liked her, and we also needed to give Anna an opportunity to spend time with her husband and her son. Olesya also worked part-time in the kindergarten where our children went; she took them there and back. Of course, she worried. We supported her as much as possible — both morally and financially. Sometime later, Olesya was invited to perform by a Minsk theatre, where she eventually became a leading actress. She graduated from the institute (completing distance courses in a related specialty), got married and gave birth to a daughter. However, it happened that her husband for some reason did not like her aunt: he was either jealous of Anna, or did not want anyone to help, or simply did not love her. Clearly, such things happen. Anna only occasionally visited Olesya in their rented apartment when her husband was away. She told me that her niece was great: she was a true housewife who kept her house clean. Olesya was also able to dress well, despite having little money. Everything was good at the theatre as well. Years passed. Anna and I met seldom since we lived in different apartments. When we met Olesya — either at my page

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ife story or Anna’s, we talked incessantly. It seemed 45 house our friendship would never end. Oh, never say

‘never’… I later learnt from Anna that Olesya divorced and, a year later, married a friend of Anna’s husband. Anna even organised their wedding at her house. Olesya’s acting career later ended: the theatre’s head left his post and the woman decided to devote herself to the family. 12 years later, Olesya gave birth to two more daughters. She entrusted Anna to bathe all her three children after returning home from the maternity hospital as her mother was far away. Anna was proud that this traditional Slavic ritual of bathing new-borns was performed by her — as the eldest in the Minsk family. Olesya’s daughters were growing up and Anna joked that she became an aunt-grandmother at a very young age: all three girls were her great-nieces. She loved them too and each time she met them tried to make them happy. It was nice for her that the girls were grateful even for such a small present as a chocolate bar. When she invited the family to visit her, Anna used to make it a real treat — with songs, funny jokes and a generous feast. One of Olesya’s daughters once said: ‘Anna is a one woman-holiday’. I knew that the feeling of kinship and friendship did not leave them.

In recent years, they spent many weekends together: going to the countryside for picnics, to the forest or the cottage belonging to Anna’s son. They sometimes got together without their children as they became increasingly independent.

riod when she had ignored all authority, including her beloved aunt, to improve her self-esteem, in other words, to become an adult. Paradoxically, Anna herself — who taught her niece not to depend on the opinions of others — was affected herself. It was the idea that she had been imposing her views on others — though acting with good intentions. She advised Olesya to act a certain way in each situation and even penetrated her family, asking how things were going on. I can understand Anna: we all know where good intentions can lead. That’s what happened.

Recently we’ve met, and Anna told me that, in the eighteen months of her separation from her niece, she has realised how wrong she behaved towards her. She told me openly what happened. It turned out that in an emotional state caused by personal

Serbian Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica is quoted as saying: ‘We always have the wrong starting point. Instead of starting with ourselves, we want to correct others and leave ourselves for later. If everyone starts with themselves, then the world will be a better place! Saint John Chrysostom says: ‘No one can harm the man who does himself no wrong!’

In analysing the existing situation between Anna, Olesya and her adult daughters, I came across a reflection by psychoanalysts about whether people will be friends and communicate when they grow up, depends on their devotion to each other and the time they are ready to give to communication. I can say that we’ve succeeded with Anna. So far, though not often, we meet and enjoy a heart-to-heart. In turn, the friendship between Olesya with her aunt has unfortunately broken down. Anna suffered greatly because of this and confessed it broke her heart so much that she was sent to hospital.

This was because Olesya was like a daughter to her. She even consulted a psychologist, asking whether she had been right to take on the responsibility of bringing her niece from the provinces. The doctor said it had been her choice and, using psychological tests, explained that Olesya had entered a pe-

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fatigue and accumulated problems at work, she allowed herself to speak with her husband about Olesya in an unkind way, as her niece was putting off her decision on a joint holiday with her aunt, not for the first time. It’s well-known that most men prefer not to take part in discussion of women’s issues, like the need to buy tickets or the best place to live, especially after a hard-working day. Anna’s husband recalled other problems of the families; usually, these are easily forgotten between relatives who love each other but it’s possible that issues had built up. Anna did her best to calm her husband down and regretted that she had begun the conversation — feeling that she should not have insisted on a joint holiday with Olesya. Furthermore, she said, “We are on a different wavelength…” The two failed to hear in

L their disagreement that someone was standing in the hallway.

It was Olesya who heard everything.

Dalai Lama: ‘Before you judge someone, walk a mile in his shoes, cry his tears, feel his pain. Run into each stone on which he stumbled. And only after this say you know how to live’.

It is important for people to feel that their contribution to friendship is equivalent — that they receive as much as they give. Dedication and the ability to give back is another pledge of lifetime friendship. Anna could do this in relation to Olesya and her family. However, in my opinion, her problem was that she was ex-

pecting the same from Olesya; this is because she viewed her like herself. For various reasons, her niece was not able to give Anna back the same emotions and feelings: the ultimate openness and sincerity, the desire to improve herself, the ability to admit mistakes and jointly analyse them… In this sense, Anna is an example for me. If she makes a mistake, she can both apologise and admit her imperfection. Olesya is different, her inner world is closed, she does not tolerate criticism and, as a rule, does not recognise her mistakes even in communication with relatives. Such people don’t like to apologise. Why? I have repeatedly wondered and found the answer in the Dalai Lama’s words. I said this to Anna. He has a judgment: if at the start of life, a person experiences danger, then in a future life he will constantly look at the

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world as a source of danger. The bottom line is that Olesya was born into a dysfunctional family: her father, Anna’s brother, drank and mistreated her mother. That’s where, as they say, the roots grow. The psychological traumas of childhood explain Olesya’s spiritual closeness and unrestrained desire to create a world of comfort and safety. Any tensions from the outside, including Anna and her husband’s was unconsciously perceived by Olesya as imposing a lifestyle fraught with danger, as a hidden aggression, invasion of her personal territory and restriction of her personal freedom. Therefore, it was so important for her to hear constant approval from Anna, and from her daughters. However, this does not mean that the process of self-awareness in such people is absent but, against this, Olesya suddenly heard the words ‘foolish’ and ‘on a different wavelength’.

In cases of this kind, psychologists say: if you love them, then accept people as they are and never try to change them. It’s also important to justify all their imperfections, since you are also imperfect. If you dislike something in a person, then leave him. In turn, both Anna and her husband tried to ‘open the eyes’ of her niece — explain why she had difficulties with her husband and her grownup daughters. Moreover, they could even support Olesya’s husband who also needed to be aware of his responsibility. As I understand, in the desire to make Olesya happy, to help solve some family problems, Anna and her husband were wrong. The best thing they could do was to listen to Olesya and her husband — if they needed. Their conversation, which Olesya overheard, led to a natural result: the families split. Olesya has never forgiven Anna, though on meeting her six months later said she was not offended. Anna was also disliked

by Olesya’s daughters who, it appeared, were jealous of their mother’s friendship with her aunt.

As I was told by Anna, she hoped that the situation would not develop in the way it did. It’s terrible to feel offended by relatives. The offence can destroy a person from the inside. As the psychologists say, it’s important to discuss this to ‘free’ one’s soul.

After Anna’s story, I had the impression that all the members of Olesya’s family, whom Anna forgave more than once, laid the blame for the friction in their lives and family conflicts on her. I tried to persuade my friend that she should not be offended: at that moment in their lives they really were on different wavelengths. It’s neither good nor bad. It’s simply more comfortable for them to sail their own ship when it’s stormy.

Wish them a safe journey and calm. Perhaps you’ll moor in the same harbour one day and meet eye to eye — for common joy.

By Valentina Zhdanovich.

Graphic design by Andrey Gurin.

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From Prudok to space

or united with the Universe Essay on the occasion of the premiere of the ‘Radio Prudok’ performance at the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre

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metro station: this is how much noise Yanka Kupala’s former caretaker, Andrus Gorvat, made with his scheduled performance. He continued to write it after leaving for the village of Prudok, in Polesie, the homeland of his ancestors, and then released the book, entitled ‘Memories’ of a caretaker’.

Everything the book describes is real. Andrus really did work as a caretaker in the Yanka Kupala Theatre.

Following Gorvat, leading actor of the Theatre, Roman Podolyako (who has already staged performances several times) also had a hand in his colleague’s creativity. Gorvat’s prose astonished Podolyako and he, together with other Kupala Theatre actors, Mikhail Zuy and Vitaly Kulevsky, wrote the staging of the performance of the same title, which was later staged by Podolyako on the Yanka Kupala Theatre’s chamber stage, Belta

hen the end of the last theatrical season hosted the premiere of this perfor manc e we couldn’t get into the theatre, as there were no tickets available. People were asking for any available tickets from the

Andrey Gorvat and actor Mikhail Zuy after the premiere

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Gorvat in space — easy enough!

rather than something invented. As Gorfor their ‘parochial mentality’: they tell using what caught his mind and feelus about Prudok — a God forsaken vat notes himself, the book is also about ings. Costumes and scenography were place in the heart of Polesie and about something serious, about loneliness and invented by the young but famous thean unknown young romantic man who death, about love, without which life atrical artist, Yekaterina Shimanovich. is trying to find himself in the world.

Only now, having seen the perforcan be tragic. It’s also about searching Our contemporary isn’t a programmer, mance (and this is still a premiere acand finding a way home, a road towards a lawyer or a successful businessman, cording to unwritten theatrical law) am I oneself, about one’s own space where it’s and not a famous Yanka Kupala Theareading Gorvat’s book. I laugh and can’t impossible to be isolated from the world, stop the tears while thinking about about the perforGorvat’s work contains much spiritual light, joy and mance. I remember my homesimultaneously sadness. It also has humour. It shows us real land, my native ‘space’ where I life, the result of what has been lived, rather than was born and lived before turnsomething invented. The book is also about something ing 17. I also think about other small homelands — points on the serious, about loneliness and death, about love, without map of life of my friends, colleagues, which life can be tragic. It’s also about searching and acquaintances and other people: in the finding a way home, a road towards oneself, about Year of the Native Land, the attention of one’s own space where it’s impossible to be isolated society is drawn to our homelands. This from the world, as spaces are united by a single life. is great! I also think about Andrus Gorvat’s small homeland and that the ‘Radio tre artist, but a simple caretaker. Yes, he as spaces are united by a single life. PeoPrudok’ performance is very much to is a Belarusian with his family roots in ple are the same everywhere, if we don’t the point this year. I understand that we Prudok, a small Polesie village, a novice judge them by their clothes, prestigious all (as Maxim Bogdanovich wrote) are writer who also thinks about the probjobs and beautiful speeches but look diflying to the stars.” lems of the nation’s self-identification.

‘Radio Prudok’ is true theatre, styled rectly into their souls… then one begins Soon these awkward thoughts were in a European manner, form and conto understand that those who seemed to replaced with revelations. I caught the tent. After reading Andrus Gorvat’s be rude and not beautiful are smart and sense in the contemplations of the madiary I’m no longer surprised at why spiritual people. Like Antoine de Saintjor character, Andrus Gorvat (played by Podolyako became involved with this Exupéry said: what is essential is invisible to the eye. I would only add that it’s Mikhail Zuy) about self-identification. prose. At first, he created the film ‘Yegor’ possible to see much if we look with the I rejoiced: the performance shows that and only then tried to make a theatrical eyes of love. it’s high time to respect oneself and stop performance out of it.

Gorvat’s work contains much spirTo be honest, at the start of the persearching for self-identification. Respect itual light, joy and simultaneously sadformance I didn’t look with the eyes of is due to Gorvat and the production diness. It also has humour. It shows us real rector for this. At that love. On the contrary, I wanted to relife, the result of what has been lived, moment, Andrus Gorvat page proach the creators of the performance

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Svetlana Anikei skilfully transforms into various characters

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lying on the floor of the 49 isgrandfather’s house, look-

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ing on the stars and it seems that this is not only his parents’ farmstead but Earth — a point in a huge Galaxy, while he is a character who it seems is flying to outer space. I find myself thinking how many there are of us, like people-drops, in this huge ocean of life. This big world is filled with such people who don’t have big families. They live modestly and sincerely, or as they can and make their own business.

It’s easy in life for those who appreciate what they have. Maybe, this should have been understood by Andrus Gorvat, what happened in Prudok when he was left one-on-one with his cat Roma and radio.

The radio is speaking to him either in the voice of his mother, or his grandfather, or creatures from outer space…

Radio in the performance (‘radiva’ as Polesie residents call it in their local dialect) is a symbol of the character’s loneliness and his immersion in the past, as well as the thoughts which exist inside our heads. Radio is a mirror of Andrus’ internal world and a dialogue with himself.

During the whole performance, all the rural scenes harmoniously fit into the cosmic scenes, acquiring sense and large-scale. Then one concludes that time is a conventional notion and everything in the world exists simultaneously: today,

yesterday and tomorrow. Music, light and video content also facilitate such a perception. With great pleasure I will name those who create the virtual space of the Prudok cosmos and the cosmos in general. Ear-piercing yet touching music was written and chosen by Dmitry Yesenevich, Mikhail Zuy and Vitaly Kulevsky, while Yuri Bochkarev worked on musical decoration. The animation artist for the video content, Gleb Kuftseryn, surprised the audience, as the illusion of the presence of us spectators, close to the characters, was extremely strong thanks to the latest technologies. Sound producer, Sergey Zavadsky, and lighting designer, Nikolay Surkov, were also professionally slick, avoiding a single failure in the performance’s timing. All these components created a miracle, adding sense to the stars which were reflected in the well, to cosmic dust and even to the flies. One of the flies even has a name — Natasha.

Surprisingly, just one week after the performance, we were driving with my husband from the village, my Belarusian small homeland, and a Yatskovshchina fly found itself in the car. For the first time in my life, I didn’t want to get it out and, Lord forbid, kill it. This fly came to Minsk with us, probably preparing for find a warm crevice and spend winter in the capital. You may laugh, but such thorough attention from Gorvat

Svetlana Anikei, Mikhail Zuy, Dmitry Yesenevich: a scene from the performance

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towards everything alive makes me remember things from my own life. …If I see ladybirds creeping out into the March sun while we, children, were warming ourselves along with them, sitting near the fence. I also recollected a child’s way of talking: ‘a lady bug, fly to the sky…’ As if a portal into the past opened for me when I was watching how Andrus pretended to drive and his recollections were swimming along it, like on a TV screen: the face of his grandfather, who the main character greatly resembles… My consciousness immediately flew to my own childhood, into the Kharkov Region’s Volchansk, where I was born. Here I am, a small girl, sitting on my father’s knee, working at the Singer sewing machine. My father shows me how it works. Stitches run amazingly: they are either long or become short when the father twists a small screw near the needle… Then he gives me a bobbin to hold, on which thread is twirled from the sewing spool. I feel comfortable, warm and cheerful. My father smells of machine oil, a mouthpiece from the baritone horn — a wind instrument which stands near and with something else very familiar. A snow storm is outside and white cotton wool lies between the glass, like in the performance… I’m very proud of my father who was a musician and a hospital attendant during the war; however, this doesn’t stop me from running to the sewing machine when he is absent and trying to sew. However, the needle doesn’t ‘obey’ me, and I don’t succeed. Then I get under the sewing machine and begin to turn the wheel. I can’t understand why the wheel turns in a different way to when my father is working.

When I grew older I understood that the drive belt was taken off the wheel, preventing a child from damaging their fingers.

Sometimes I fell asleep to the rhythmic knocking of the sewing machine: my father, a frontman and veteran of the Great Patriotic War sewed stylish peaked caps. At the time, I didn’t know that my parents’ years, like mine, were flying past like stitches from the sewing machine…

Belta

A wonderful moment in the performance is when the characters are rolling a white canvas with the marks of a bird’s foot. This is not only about snow, but also about our years which are flying and flying away…

My personal recollections didn’t prevent me from seeing the events on the stage; it was as if they were existing in a parallel world, drawing from the past and encouraging a feeling of gratitude and love for everything I had in my childhood years. For tasty galipot from the trees which stuck together my fingers and lips, for the taste of green gooseberry and paradise apples, for harsh blackthorn berries in the autumn and the bitterness of the first cherry buds. For periwinkle which was growing in the garden, where I was running each spring to greet the flowers, looking into the very depths of a flower. For my mother and my father, for my native house in Podgornaya Street, which was wrapped with Virginia creeper. Sometimes. after the rain, a rainbow appeared over our street and it seemed to me that if I jumped high I would catch it and see God with the angels. I remembered that rainbow for about twenty years, as well as an almost complete solar eclipse.

I wasn’t afraid of it, though the adults were warning me that I would ruin my eyes if I looked at the sky… I also recollected how I bade farewell to my house when we took my mother with us to Minsk. Our house was built by my parents after destroying an old straw house and they lived their lives together there.

I won’t ever forget how I sat on a sofa, where my father enjoyed sitting, and listened to the silence and the breath of the house, how I said farewell to my small homeland. I remember feeling how something had broken inside me.

I’d like to say thank you to Gorvat, Podolyako and the whole creative team for my memories, since for me, the performance is also about my parental home, about the power of memory which makes us strong, filling our lives with values, which are priceless.

Interview before the camera. From left to right: scene designer Yekaterina Shimanovich, director Roman Podolyako, author of the ‘Diary’ Andrey Gorvat

The tonality of the ‘Radio Prudok’ performance is melancholic, and its rhythm is slow, though it keeps the audience on tenterhooks: what will be next and where will the actors and director take us? They show us in a tal-

ented way, that wherever a person is it’s easy to find their way into the world of one’s own souls if they don’t get lost in the labyrinth of illusions.

All the rural characters are played by the wonderful actors of the Yanka Kupala Theatre: Svetlana Anikei and Dmitry Yesenevich. Thanks to their psychological mastery they can easily turn into various characters, like Anikei into

a fly with high intellect and Yesenevich, into a bug and the mouse Verochka, or a dog. The rural residents, (performed by them) are peculiar by the detail of their costumes: either knitted socks, or a sweater or headgear. The cat Roma is played by a pillow in the hands of Andrus, or to be more exact, the depiction of a cat embroidered on the pillow.

In the same way, the goat Tetya is portrayed with bells which ring during milking and is embroidered on the bedspread. Lots of ‘reactive’ cosmism is created by cartridges which are used by the ‘cosmic powers’ Yin and Yang — played

by Anikei and Yesenevich. I believe all these are the original developments of Yekaterina Shimanovich with her likeminded colleagues. This artist has a delicate sense and ability to magically transform ordinary things into deep symbols.

Her scenography and costumes, which are in cosmic style, elevate all the characters and the whole narration, reinforcing the idea that everyone who lives on Earth is beautiful. The residents of Prudok are carriers of their own cosmos, as well as the Yanka Kupala Theatre actors and other Belarusians.

If a person doesn’t know something it doesn’t mean that it’s bad. I will repeat that we all are drops in the ocean of life.

To feel oneself a happy or unhappy drop is up to everyone.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

беларусь. belarus 2018

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Wonderful sides of one style Those critics are right who assert that however much modern painters would like to ‘fence’ from some analogies they won’t be able to avoid some kind of comparisons. Though comparisons always say more than it’s necessary, leaving out of account something very individual. Georgy Skripnichenko became known as ‘Belarusian Salvador Dalí’.

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ovember and December 2016 at the National Art Museum of Belarus were marked with an exhibition project honouring the memory

беларусь. belarus 2018

of Georgy Skripnichenko (who passed away three years ago). It was a grandiose event in the amount of attention towards the person of one, though very talented master. At that time, the exposition displayed more than fifty pictorial and graphical works from the private family collection, dating

from various periods of the master’s creativity: from early time of searches through to mature years.

“Allegory and metaphor, improvisation and unrestrained imagination were an organic form of existence in art for Georgy Skripnichenko,” notes Yekaterina Izofatova, who heads the

A Department of Modern Belarusian Art at the National Art Museum.

Mr. Skripnichenko embraced the fantastic and unreal, creating his own interpretation of classical themes, as well as Biblical and mythological characters, well-known historical persons and contemporaries. He painted the full kaleidoscope of human states, from suffering and consolidation to anxiety and hope.

His allegorical representations of time and the Universe are unmatched and unique, although many attempt to categorise them, and make comparisons. His allegories and paradoxes, as well as his style of composition, all point towards surrealistic, figurative thinking.

He began with landscapes, sketches and portraits but, during his studies at Minsk art school in the 1960s, shifted from external realities to those of the inner world, creating fascinating cultural dialogue. He played a rich intellectual game without rules, improvising, with unpredictable yet greatly effective results.

He gradually moved onto reflections on Old Testament themes, as well as those from classical mythology and

rt

‘Along the Road of Life’ (1992)

world history, coloured with the poetics of ‘subjective historicism’.

“Skripnichenko defined his ‘Saint Sebastian’, ‘Abduction of Europe’, ‘Adam and Eve’ and ‘Don Quixote of the 20th Century’ as modern interpretations of myths,” explains Ms. Izofatova. “According to his own principles and beliefs, he interpreted philosophi-

‘Harmony of Centuries’ (1983)

cal truths, seeking originality of embodiment, connecting the past and the present, and investigating contradictions and opposites.”

Women appeared often in his works, within surrealistic settings, such as in ‘Victim’ (1996), ‘Evening Rhapsody’ and ‘Once in Ratomka’ (1979). With shades of phantasmagoria, and the transformation of reality into the Gothic, these works are parable and allegories.

At the exhibition which took place two years ago, Georgy Skripnichenko’s outstanding and original artistic language, from such an early age, invited the audience into an associative game, yet one that is serious and frank, rather than wry. He invited us to gain understanding of ourselves through his work, presenting an identifiable history of mankind, with its cultural values and figurative peculiarities.

As Salvador Dalí said: ‘… when the Renaissance wanted to imitate the Immortal Greece, the result was Raphael.

Ingres wanted to imitate Raphael, the result was Ingres. Cézanne wanted to imitate Poussin, the result was Cézanne. page

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rt ‘high’; intuition was given to me by nature, I think. I’m a bad philosopher and thinker but work hard.

Aren’t you afraid that audiences may not understand your works?

The audience should be prepared.

What is your attitude to fame?

If it is deserved, you should take it in your stride. I haven’t had such an experience, so I know nothing about this, but it’s pleasant when, at an exhibition, your work is remarked upon and you agree that it is worthy. Everyone is pleased when they receive external approval.

What are your creative plans?

Work, work and work!

wanted to imi53 Dalí tate Meissonier, THE

RESULT WAS DALÍ. He who does not imitate is destined to become nobody’.

Mr. Skripnichenko created his own, individual style and, surprisingly, became a national artist. He inherited what came before, and gave birth to something original, yet connected with centuries-old world art.

Meanwhile, very few Belarusian painters could boast of having their works kept in the permanent exposition of the country’s major museum. These include Georgy Skripnichenko who made his way towards recognition due to his talent and mastery.

From conversations with the painter in various times: I’ve taken part in several group exhibitions in Minsk and Moscow, and far abroad. I’ve also had a few small personal exhibitions dedicated to the capital. Since a young age, I’ve been sketching the city, like the famous Georgian primitivistic artist Pirosmani. This is how my drawings and sketches have appeared.

Are you an adherent of informal painting?

‘Inside Look’ (1992)

Probably, yes. However, I like realism in art. Is not Caravaggio a realist and El Greco? I’ve never consciously formulated my relationship with art.

What motivates you when painting? What is most significant?

I like to paint from life. I like to think and dream while standing at the easel. The canvas is a game: a theatre of deceit, lies and laughter…

Are you a philosopher?

I’ve never considered myself to be so, since philosophy is something

Mr. Skripnichenko didn’t sell his works and presented them only rarely. It’s difficult to part with something drawn from your soul. Each of his works had meaning for him, possessed with his personal energy and inner thoughts.

Mr. Skripnichenko considers himself to be a realist but his formal paintings don’t always confirm this, since his style can be so various — even when creating landscapes and still-life works. His figures and objects may be realistic but they are only details in his larger plot. He likes to interpret space and time, exploring them sometimes in a way only he fully understands.

He uses irony, creating juxtaposition between the serious and comedic.

Accordingly, he gives complicated names to his paintings, with some sense of fantasy, combining elements which are not natural companions.

However, he always strives to ensure a certain logic, for those with time to ponder.

From conversations with the painter in various times: My philosophy is simple. I transfer to the canvas my emotions, feelings and visions of the world. However, I

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A do this via expressive forms available to me.

What inspired you to become an artist?

Apparently, my genes; my father tried to enter art school before the war and was unsuccessful, despite his great desire and passion for painting. My grandfather also liked painting. I lived in Slutsk, which has a strong creative environment and an art studio run by Vladimir Sadin — a great enthusiast. Nikolay Korsov also had huge influence over me, with his real passion for painting. We became friends and he managed to direct me in t h is path. Art school saw me painting from morning until evening, to the point of exhaustion.

Do you think that time has helped you to develop as an artist?

Art is my life; I know nothing else. During my youth, when I felt everything to the max, my only goal was to be like Leonardo da Vinci.

Undoubtedly, all Mr. Skripnichenko’s works are recognisable. His great life experience from over 70 years, dating from his postwar childhood, includes difficult times when there was little to celebrate. He worked on a building site and attended night school, painting in his free time and sometimes making up to 300 sketches a week…

He left many incomplete works, some begun over a decade ago, which he liked to return to, sometimes finding an unexpected artistic solution.

However, he could also suddenly lose interest in a work. So, canvases were left incomplete until he felt inspired again. New discoveries were applied to old themes, further developing plots.

Perhaps, this is a feature of Mr. Skripnichenko as a creative person.

He was always pushing his borders and found new limits through life experience. When his impressions were united, an idea was formed, which could be expressed.

rt

I’m a realist, so I can’t create abstract works. Probably, my love of Rembrandt, El Greco and Velazquez inspires me to make most of my images appear real. However, I also change them from reality, as is the fashion. My creativity starts with a clean sheet and

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that painter Georgy Skripnichenko became known as an author of various types of mystifications and paradoxes. When it refers to surrealism in the Belarusian pictorial art they primarily say about his creativity.

I have no idea where each day will lead me, relying on my intuition. Sometimes, it’s enough to touch a stretched canvas and inspiration comes. At other times, I already know what I want to achieve. I usually start as a realist, making lots of sketches, but I can also be inspired to mix realistic images with elements of surrealism.

‘Chernobyl Young Girls’ (1997)

From conversations with the painter in various times: How would you describe your style of painting and do you reflect that which resides in your soul?

I can’t give a simple answer. Each artist works according to their talent.

I was very surprised when Finnish gallery owners were interested in my early works, as I thought they were irrelevant.

Nevertheless, how would you define your creative credo?

His original views began early in his days at art school; even then, he was confident in his style.

Without the support of his teachers, among whom was People’s Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev, he might have been asked to leave.

Leonid emphasised to the director of the school that, if they excluded Skripnichenko, whom could they ask to stay? It may have been the most authoritative assessment of his talent.

In the studio, some works from those days remain — simple in composition. However, his still life works show a desire for something beyond reality. His paintings are even more detached from the everyday, influenced by page

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55

A

rt Is it important for you to be recognised as an artist?

I’m satisfied that my works reside in the National Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Fine Art. It’s great.

Of course, they’re also found in private collections around the world and have been seen at dozens of international exhibitions. Once, I received a magazine from the USA by mail, in which there was an article about Georgy Skripnichenko of Belarus; they printed one of my works, which was pleasing.

What is the idea behind your paintings?

They reveal my inner world.

page

Cubism. They 55 Picasso’s lack detail, rather using

symbolism.

From conversations with the painter in various times: Are your works based on life?

Certainly, what else can inspire them? Everything comes from reality and all that is associated with my own life, my home town of Slutsk, and the city of Minsk. Regardless of my travels abroad, I’ve always wanted to return home. We have a great national school for graphics, painting and sculpture. We rival anything happening abroad and may even have higher skills.

What i s thi s Belaru sian ar t school?

We have a very good graphical school, with high professionalism. At the Academy of Arts youngsters receive a serious education from great teachers.

Do you consider yourself to be a Belarusian artist or an international artist?

Of course, I’m a Belarusian artist — a real one. However, I don’t like the distinction between Belarusian and in-

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ternational. If I’m a high level Belarusian artist, it means I am international.

I won’t deny the influence of Picasso, Dalí or Van Gogh, or that of world contemporary art. All impresses and inspires me. We are each individual, yet are inspired by what’s around us. It would be impossible for me to move to another planet, since this is my world.

I perceive everything in it and make it my own. The more able you are as an artist, the more international you become.

How many works have you created?

Thousands: drawings, paintings, watercolours, graphics, lithographs, etchings and sketches.

You combine reality, associations and thoughts. Is this essential to the creative process?

I had a period when I used to illustrate books, drawing futuristic cities with flying cars from my imagination.

Where did those images come from?

Nothing comes from nothing. A person needs to be open-minded. Probably, my knowledge is intuitive, as no one directed me. I read Pushkin and was interested in avant-garde art, but it’s hard to say for sure where ideas come from.

Georgy Skripnichenko holds his place in the history of the Belarusian fine arts as an artist of various mysteries and paradoxes. He is the foremost of our surreal artists, using originality and figurative language to engage us in free interpretation.

Among those artists whose creative work was shaped by Belarusian fine art in the second half of the 20th century, Georgy Skripnichenko is well known for his extraordinary view of reality and unique surrealism. His complex web of images is inspired by the subconscious — rich in fantastical paradoxes.

We can assume that every artist strives for harmony, regardless of declarations to the contrary. Georgy Skripnichenko approaches harmony via life’s conflicts, as we see from his ‘Along the Road of Life’, created during twenty years. He liked texture in painting, alongside loud, colourful bursts and elements of collage. He loved painting with precise detail as well as using complex associative, imaginative structures, which are fantastically diverse and attractive.

All are sides of one style. Perhaps, this helped him keep his integrity and a panoramic view of the world. In this respect his pictures belong to the works which form new scales not only in the Belarusian pictorial art.

By Veniamin Mikheev

‘Radunitsa’ by Georgy Skripnichenko (1963-1965)

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