BELARUS #04/2011

BELARUSMagazine for you Politics, Economy, Culture

no.4 (931), 2011 Беларусь. Belarus

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Politics, Economy, Culture

no.8 (911), 2009

Беларусь. Belarus

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Беларусь.BelarusContentsMonthly magazine

No.4 (931), 2011

Published since 1930

State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

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

Editor: Viktor Kharkov

Executive Secretary:Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout byVadim Kondrashov,Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich

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© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2011

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18 Around the core Belarus, alongside the rest of the world, is preparing to mark the 25th anniversary of the catastrophe at the Cherno-byl nuclear power plant

22 clockswithsecrets Belarus-made devices able to detect high radiation levels

24 exports to every tAste Belarus among world leaders in food manufacture

26 degree of bAlAnce World news agencies have recently been reporting rising prices for everything from food and fuel to transport and housing, utility services, medicine, education and leisure. What’s going on in the world and what can we expect from the future?

29 nAturepower Belarusian wind conditions are similar to those in Germany — a world leader in wind power

BELL riNgiNg ovEr thE DviNa

36

30 dnA holds code to ‘ondine’s curse’ Each week, five new rare diseases are discove-red, on average, with most relating to gene mutations

34 excursiontothe12thcentury Unusual tourist facilities are to appear along the banks of the River Svisloch in 2013

38 cinemAforAll Film director Alexander Ye-fremov sets aside his tough schedule to tell us about the national features of Belarusian cine-matography and his own path via Belarusfilm studio

46 reflectionofsoul Music is a world where sounds reign over the soul. It is heartfelt and strong, arousing deep emotions.

54 dreAmscometrue… I simply call him ‘the Big Man.’ This nickname suits Andrey Sviridov, describing his generous nature, kindness of soul and Herculean build. He stands 2.12m tall and weighs 160kg. The former famous basket-ball player is today a very successful actor

Not rivaLS But PartNErS 4

40ShE’S BEEN a Star SiNcE chiLDhooD

Not rivaLS But PartNErSNot rivaLS But PartNErSNot rivaLS But PartNErSNot rivaLS But PartNErSNot rivaLS But PartNErS 4448 i’lltAkeyourpAin In April, the whole world

recollects the Chernobyl disaster. Kiev recently hosted the international conference — 25 Years of the Chernobyl Catastrophe: Future Security — featuring the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon

14 optimismisstrongerthAncAesium

BELL riNgiNg ovEr thE DviNaBELL riNgiNg ovEr thE DviNa

� 2011 беларусь.belarus

BY viktor kharkov,magazine editorБеларусь. Belarus

editor’s note

Parallels of benevolenceJ

apan’s natural tragedy — its devas-tating earthquake and tsunami — has led to destruction and countless human victims. One of the world’s strongest economies

has been torn apart by this stroke of nature, leaving people worldwide to shudder and cringe, feeling their vulnerability. News of damage at the Fukushima nuclear power station has added to the horror, with the natural cataclysm having caused a chain reaction of atoms. The terrible word ‘radiation’ now resounds.

Time will tell whether Fukushima becomes as well known a destination as Chernobyl; the scale of the disaster is yet to be fully revealed and the consequences may take much time to show themselves. Naturally, the whole world recollects the events at the Chernobyl nuclear power station, of 25 years ago. At that time, the event was also disturbing, although no one could exactly forecast its scale. Belarus was among those who felt the consequences of the catastrophe most deeply; today, we remember.

‘For our country, it’s not merely a date; it’s a landmark in our fate’ writes our author in I Will Take Your Pain. It seems to be the highest form of injustice that the nation which lost a third of its popu-lation in WWII suffered this Chernobyl pain. Over 70 percent of radioactive fallout occurred on our territory, with one in five Belarusians affected, including over 500,000 children. One book in the Belarusian spiritual treasury is known to every Belarusian: I Will Take Your Pain. These words are a symbol of our national historical drama, appropriately reminding us to recall and analyse the past, mourning those lost and thanking all those who have shared our Chernobyl pain. Italy was one of the first to offer its assistance, and

remains one of Belarus’ major partners in the humanitarian sphere. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Italy, H.E. Mr. Yevgeny Shestakov, tells us about the role of Italian charities in aiding the recuperation and rehabilitation of Belarusian children.

Optimism is Stronger than Caesium explores work done to deal with the conse-quences of the catastrophe and looks at what the future holds, since problems regarding radioactive contamination remain. The events of April 1986 continue to plague us, as caesium and strontium have long lives, affecting us for many decades. Despite the huge economic damage suffered by Belarus, which was most affected by Chernobyl’s fallout, we have achieved significant results in mitigating its consequences. The country began with major resettlement from contaminated areas, implementing an efficient system of radiation control. It has now shifted to socio-economic revival of affected regions: a major task tackled by the 5th State Programme on Overcoming the Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident for 2011-2015. This will cost the

state $2.2bln — double that was spent over the previous five years.

Twenty five years ago, Chernobyl brought grief and misfortune, as we know only too well and will always remember. However, it also awoke people all over the planet, who perceived this grief as their own and were inspired to sympathise and offer help. Two and a half decades later, these people remain close to Belarus and we will be ever grateful.

The Japanese are also among those who have helped Belarus recover from the Chernobyl disaster, so Belarusians have responded readily to the misfortune which has arrived in Japan. In Clocks with Secrets, we hear how Minsk’s Polimaster Ltd. was inundated with telephone calls and emails following the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power station. Authorities from various Japanese prefec-tures and other countries neighbouring Japan were keen to promptly receive devices able to monitor radiation levels.

Time follows its own path and there is really little to be gained in revisiting the reasons behind the tragedy which occurred at Chernobyl 25 years ago, in April 1986. Returning to those times, you feel human pain and understand the self-sacrifice of the rescuers and fire fighters and all those who did their duty, with no thought for their own safety or health. They each risked their life at the power station, located not far from Belarus.

Time isn’t an abstract phenomenon; rather, it’s absolutely concrete. Chernobyl and Fukushima show us that a techno-genic accident in not just a ‘local event’; the whole world community should unite its efforts to fight such situations. It’s a pity that so much time passed before Belarus managed to convince the world of how much it had suffered from the accident at Chernobyl. It seems that understanding has finally arrived, although behind time. In such cases, initial recognition is vital. However, the country has done much to make ‘Chernobyl syndrome’ less painful.

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diPloMatiC CorPs

Diplomats have the opportunity to distinguish themselvesPrEsidEnt AlExAndEr lukAshEnko AccEPts crEdEntiAls from AmbAssAdors of tEn countriEs

A credential is usually a letter, signed by the head of a foreign state, vouching for the bearer. The

diplomats’ official mission in Belarus begins from the moment they present their credentials to the President, with ceremonies taking place at the Palace of the Republic several times annually. The Belarusian President gives a speech and chats with diplomats, using the event to accent the directions of our foreign policy. This time, much was spoken about Minsk-Warsaw relations. Addressing the new Polish Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Leszek Szerepka, Mr. Lukashenko noted, “I’d like us to improve our relations, with your participation; we’re ready

for this.” The renewal of parity and respectful interaction with Poland is a priority for Belarusian foreign policy.

Noting the professional qualities of the diplomat, Mr. Lukashenko requested ‘that his mission should not be a waste of time’. He then explained that he doesn’t hope the new head of the Polish diplomatic mission would ‘open the eyes’ of some politicians in Poland, who are well aware of Belarus and of the processes happening here. “I’d like it if you, as a respected person, could add your own good word, making a positive contribution to the development of co-operation between the fraternal nations of Belarus and Poland,” noted the President, adding, “It is very important.”

According to Mr. Lukashenko, at present, relations with our neighbour are darkened by political intrigue and negative stereotypes towards Belarus. Explaining his priorities, he stressed the sovereignty and independence of Belarus, “We’ve proven ourselves to be a sovereign independent state; we’re determined to protect our sovereignty and independence at any cost, even if we remain isolated. Saying this, nobody is alone in this world. If Poland and other countries understand what is most important to us, we’ll always be able to build relations in other spheres.”

The President also tackled the Belarusian diaspora. “We have many Poles in our country. I’ve often told your Foreign Minister and your former leaders that these are my Poles, the citizens of my country and people who’ve always supported me. We aren’t against you supporting and helping ethnic Poles in Belarus and we’d be grateful if you would also support and assist our Belarusians in Poland,” noted Mr. Lukashenko.

The simplification of the border crossing regime, recently agreed by Minsk and Warsaw, is an important issue for both Poles and Belarusians. “We need to make this border between us transparent, since we are almost one nation. We used to live as one state, so we have much to recollect and great future prospects in our relationship,” asserted Mr. Lukashenko. Mr. Szerepka promised that, as a diplomat, he would endeavour to find ways to promote mutually beneficial relations. “We aren’t fighting,” he underlined. Journalists and other diplomats listened attentively during the exchange.

The ambassadors of South Korea, Kyrgyzstan and Palestine begin their diplomatic missions in our country, in addition to those from Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Paraguay and the South African Republic. “We’re trying to establish good, trusting relations with each state but won’t accept discrimination in any form,” Mr. Lukashenko emphasised.

By Igor Slavinsky

BEl

TA


Journalists who covered the events were interested to hear how these two huge integration projects (of the Belarus-Russia Union State

and of the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan) will co-exist. Minsk gave a clear reply: the Customs Union, the Union State and the Single Economic Space (to be set up in the future) are not in competition. Rather, they complement each other, in synergy, bringing benefits through unification.

coNSEcutivE PoSitioN Since the 1990s, Belarus has been

advocating economic integration within the post-Soviet space. During his March meeting with Alexander Lukashenko, Russian PM Vladimir Putin noted the Belarusian President’s position. He stressed that Minsk’s enthusiasm for integration has helped prepare and adopt a package of concep-tual documents regarding the interac-tion of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan

within the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space ‘qualitatively and in a short time’.

Belarus was the first of the three states to ratify documents relating to the Single Economic Space (in December 2010). Mr. Putin noted, “I believe these are very important decisions which, no doubt, shall contribute to stabilisation of the economy and solving of complex social-economic tasks — especially under conditions of continuing crisis in many leading economies worldwide.”

Mr. Lukashenko, in turn, stressed that Belarus pins great hopes on the formation of the Single Economic Space, foreseeing huge prospects. “We are ready to do everything needed,” he assured Mr. Putin. “Here in Minsk, we always treat such promises seriously.”

Mutua l turnover i s a br ight indicator of Belarus-Russia economic integration. Last year, our export-import operations reached $27.9bln. Belarus sells most of its manufac-tures to Russia, including milk, meat, refrigerators, furniture, bolster-type

tractors, harvesters and tractors. Russia, in turn, ful ly meets the Belarusian economy’s needs for natural gas, while supplying raw materials to our petrochemical complex.

Against this background, Minsk’s co-operation with its other Customs Union partner, Kazakhstan, is just gain ing momentum. L ast ye ar, Kazakhstan failed to join our major trading partners but the dynamics of the bilateral trade are inspiring. In 2010, our export-import opera-tions rose 2.2-fold, approaching $1bln. Experts consider the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space to be opening great additional prospects for the Belarusian and Kazakhstani economies, as stressed by Mr. Lukashenko on meet ing Kazakhstan’s PM, Karim Massimov, in Minsk. According to the Belarusian President, there is every chance to exceed the figure of $1bln. “You have what we need, while we have what Kazakhstan needs,” he emphasised. Those from Astana share his view.

inteGration

Not rivals but partners minsk hostEd two imPortAnt forums in mArch: A sEssion of thE bElArus-russiA union stAtE’s council of ministErs And A mEEting for customs union mEmbEr stAtEs’ hEAds of govErnmEnt. both rEsultEd in intErEsting nEws. minsk And moscow signEd An AgrEEmEnt to construct A nuclEAr PowEr stAtion And PlAn thE simultAnEous oPErAtion of our two stAtEs’ EnErgy systEms. mEAnwhilE, bElArus, russiA And kAzAkhstAn AgrEEd to shift customs control to thE ExtErnAl bordErs of thE customs union, Aiding frEE movEmEnt of goods within thE union of our thrEE stAtEs


inteGration

“Taking into consideration the large scale programmes being conducted in Kazakhstan, we are keen to enjoy deeper co-operation with Belarus,” Mr. Massimov said openly.

Belarus already participates in three dozen projects connected with Kazakhstan’s industrialisa-tion. Judging by the March talks, our bilateral co-operation is to expand, with the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space aiding the process.

ENErgY oF co-oPEratioN The signing of an agreement to

construct a nuclear power plant and arrange the simultaneous operation of our two states’ energy systems is a major breakthrough for Minsk and Moscow regarding energy collabora-tion. Belarus and Russia are forming a single market for electricity within the

Customs Union, inviting Kazakhstan to join them as part of the Customs Union.

These init iatives have export potential. The closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania has led to a lack of cheap electricity in the Baltic Region. Accordingly, the construction of a Belarusian nuclear power plant and co-ordinated efforts with Customs Union partners will allow us to ‘develop an energy bridge with the European Union’ — as Belarus’ PM Mikhail Myasnikovich has noted.

In addit ion to co-op erat ion regarding electricity, Belarus is advo-cating close integration in the oil and gas spheres. Minsk hopes that Russia will keep its word in introducing equal-profit gas prices. From 2006 to 2011, the price of Russian fuel for Belarus rose almost 5-fold (from $46

to $223 per thousand cubic metres). The dynamics of gas prices within Russia’s domestic market have been smoother of late, leading to disparity and unequal conditions for companies working within our two states (a fundamental breach of the guiding principle behind the Single Economic Space). Minsk hopes to see the SES fully operational from 2012.

Simultaneously, Belarus is advo-cating the establishment of a single oil market, without artificial exemp-tions or restrictions. In 2010, Russia imposed an export duty on oil supplied to Mozyr and Novopolotsk refineries. This contradicted the principles of our Union State, so was lifted in January 2011; however, oil is yet to be supplied to Belarus at the same price as within the Russian domestic market. As the duty was removed, $46 was added to

Alexander lukashenko, the President of Belarus, meets Vladimir Putin, the RF Prime Minister

BEl

TA


inteGration

the price of oil (per thousand cubic metres), with money transferred to Russian traders’ accounts.

Despite some discord, Minsk and Moscow continue to develop their energy co-operation. The construction of a nuclear power plant in Grodno Region (by Russian State Corporation Rosatom) opens new horizons for the Belarusian energy sector. It’s worth mentioning that the project will be financed by Russia, which is allocating a $6bn loan, with another $3bn to be negotiated for infrastructure.

Naturally, money related issues have been pushed aside following the disaster at Japan’s Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant. “The major task and priority is safety and reliability of the future Belarusian nuclear power station,” Mr. Myasnikovich told Mr. Putin. He replied that the Belarusian plant will be much safer than that of Japan, since 40 year-old blocks were operational at Fukushima-1. Modern stations are equipped with extremely reliable technolo-gies, making it impossible for a disaster to happen. Automatic protection systems kick in at times of emergency, regardless of external e lec tr ic ity supply or human partici-p a t i o n . W h i l e moving towards a single energy

market, Belarus and Russia are also shifting towards single security standards.

StroNgEr togEthEr Another important

aspect of co-operation within the Customs Un i on and t he Single Economic

Space is merging of our intellectual and financial potential and establishment of powerful corporations able to compete against Western and Asian manufac-turers. “The President of our country and the Government are ready to facili-

tate the use of Russian capital in realising major innovative, high-tech projects in Belarus,” noted Mr. Myasnikovich, speaking

to the Russian Prime Minister.

The union of Minsk a n d K a m a au t o -

mobile plants is a major integration project, as these two companies

are the largest producers of cargo machinery within post-Soviet territory. “The establishment

of such an alliance should enhance the competitive-ness of Belarusian and Russian enterprises.

Sustainable and well-paid jobs are to be created,” said Mr.

Putin. It is supposed that MAZ and KamAZ could merge into a single holding — Rosbelavto. The latter would include plants manufacturing engines, starters, generators, drive shafts and other spare parts. In fact, this would be an association of our two states’ machine building complexes. Rosbelavto would enjoy a single sales network, increasing efficiency of sales.

Minsk has invited Moscow to set up alliances in other industrial branches. Belarus considers this to be the best path in the face of globali-sation and increased competitive-ness. “The merging of our assets in microelectronics, nano-technolo-gies, machine building and other spheres — where partners from third countries are sadly unwilling to share technologies and expertise — could become a reality within the Union State,” believes Mr. Myasnikovich. “The move would help our states use their potential for industrial and tech-nological integration. Of course, we plan to develop this within the Single Economic Space.”

The March negotiations have shown that Russia and Kazakhstan are no less interested in industrial inte-gration than Belarus. We are stronger together.

By Vladimir vasiliev

“The merging of our asseTs in microelecTronics, nano-Technologies, machine building and oTher spheres — where parTners from Third counTries are sadly unwilling To share Technologies and experTise — could become a realiTy wiThin The union sTaTe,” believes mr. myasnikovich. “The move would help our sTaTes use Their poTenTial for indusTrial and Technological inTegraTion. of course, we plan To develop This wiThin The single economic space”.

“Taking inTo consideraTion The large scale programmes being conducTed in kazakhsTan, we are keen To enjoy deeper co-operaTion wiTh belarus”.

M. Myasnikovich, Belarus’ Prime Minister

K. Massimov, Kazhakhstan’s Prime Minister


PanoraMa

Knowledge helps development

Professionals ready to assistVenture Capital Investment Agency helping innovative companies launch

The Venture Capital Investment Agency was registered by the

Minsk City Executive Committee’s Main Department of Justice on March 12th. Headquartered in Minsk, it is a commercial organisation aiming to support Belarus’ innovation sector while increasing the number of venture (high-risk) projects and those relating to the commercialisation of intellec-tual property sites. Operating within the innovative segment, it will aid the financing of venture capital.

The new structure unites profes-sionals in such areas as marketing, finance, law, venture capital financing and project management. If necessary,

Winners to be determined in a contestForeign companies take active interest in projects relating to mineral deposit development

In March, international contests were announced to choose investors to

develop Sitnitsa building stone deposit and to construct an

ore mining and pro-

c e s s i n g enterpri-

s e .

A tender is also being offered for building an ore mining and processing factory to produce metallised pellets, at Okolovo iron ore deposit. In the near future, tenders will be offered for processing deposits of brown coal and oil shale.

“Investors, including those from China, Poland and elsewhere, are taking an active interest in these projects,” notes the Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of Belarus, Vladimir Tsalko. “It’s too early to name these companies; the winners will be determined only after the contests are over.”

The Minister adds that major investors are sought to apply the latest technologies for developing deposits and building mining and processing facilities.

Belarus included among those countries with high levels of adult literacy, as noted by Belarus’ representative Zoya Kolontai, at UN’s New York headquarters, during session of Commission on the Status of Women

The sess ion was devoted to female access to education and their participation in scientific

development. Ms. Kolontai stressed that , in Belarus, 100 percent of children are enrolled in primary and basic secondary education. According to the UNDP Human Development Report, Belarus is among those states with a high adult literacy rate: 99.7 percent. Women and men have equal access to jobs and training, education and the achievement of diplomas at all schools.

To inspire women to begin entre-preneurial ventures, local resource centres designed to train women in the basics of entrepreneurship have been established. State support is also offered to those wishing to start up their own business and, last year, women accounted for almost half of those receiving loans and grants for such entrepreneurial activity.

technical specialists can be brought in. It aims to assist in developing business plans for innovation projects, facili-tating the search for suitable investors and preparing necessary documen-tation for projects relating to the commercialisation of intellectual property sites.

The Agency has already signed preliminary agreements on co-operation with a number of venture capital organisations, business incuba-tors and associations of business angels in Belarus and abroad.


CHernobYlCHaritY

I’ll take your painin APril, thE wholE world rEcollEcts thE chErnobyl disAstEr. kiEv rEcEntly hostEd thE intErnAtionAl confErEncE — 25 yEArs of thE chErnobyl cAtAstroPhE: futurE sEcurity — fEAturing thE unitEd nAtions sEcrEtAry gEnErAl, bAn ki-moon. such high lEvEl rEPrEsEntAtion wAs no mErE tributE to thE sAd jubilEE. ovEr All thEsE yEArs, thE sociAl-Economic rEhAbilitAtion of thosE rEgions AffEctEd by thE disAstEr hAs rEmAinEd high on thE un AgEndA. howEvEr, intErnAtionAl Aid cAn nEvEr comPEnsAtE for thE loss suffErEd by bElArus

The date marks a stage in our tragic fate — an ultimate injustice; having lost thirty percent of the population during WWII, Belarus was

then afflicted by this Chernobyl pain. Over 70 percent of the radioactivity fell on our territory, with twenty percent of Belarusians affected, including over 500,000 children.

Belarus’ spiritual treasury includes a book known to every Belarusian: I’ll Take Your Pain. Its title symbolises all that has been endured: we analyse, recollect, grieve and thank all those who have shared the pain of Chernobyl with us. Italy was among the first to offer aid and is now one of Belarus’ major humanitarian partners.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Italy, H.E. Mr. Yevgeny Shestakov, tells us about the role of Italian charity organisations in the recuperation and rehabilitation of Belarusian children.

On the occasion of the 25th anniver-sary of the Chernobyl catastrophe, I’d like to talk to you about the efficiency of international assistance rendered to Belarus by Europe. How do you view Italy’s contribution to Belarus’ over-coming the consequences of the nuclear power plant disaster?

Italy is now among the major human-itarian partners of Belarus, primarily as regards children’s recuperation abroad. We are very grateful to our Italian

friends for this help. Their unselfishness and mercy have been widely evident, enabling us to alleviate the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster for thousands of Belarusian children over past decades. Moreover, our nations have come closer via interpersonal contacts. An atmos-phere of friendship and mutual under-standing has been created.

In 1993, Italian humanitarian asso-ciations began realising the first recu-peration projects for Belarusian children from Chernobyl-affected regions, on Italian territory. Since then, the country has led in this sphere, as confirmed by Belarusian and Italian statistics. The statistics of Belarus’ Education Ministry state that, every year, Italy accepts about half of all Belarusian children going on recuperative trips. Meanwhile, the Italian Ministry for Labour, Health and Social Policies notes that, in 2010 alone, about 13,900 Belarusian children visited Italy for medical rehabilitation; 72 percent of all foreign children who have taken part in Italian recuperation projects are Belarusian.

It’s evident that the efforts of the Italian humanitarian movement are still concen-trated on the recuperation of Belarusian children, with efforts primarily spon-taneous; these originate directly from Italian families and are not backed by Italian state organs.

No less importantly, in the two and a half decades which have passed since the

catastrophe, Italian recuperative projects have also embraced other categories of children: those without parents, lacking parental care and coming from unstable social environments, alongside those suffering from psycho-physical disorders. It’s wonderful that the care and affection shown by Italian families has improved the mindset of our children, encouraging them to care for others, showing mercy and kindness.

Italian humanitarian associations have also supplied food, medicines and clothes, while funding reconstruc-tion projects. They have helped repair buildings and have purchased new equipment and computers for orphan-ages and social establishments. In 2010, Italy provided $1.9mln of humanitarian aid to Belarus: $1.2mln in the form of money and $0.7mln as material help.

The financing of repair works and equipment purchase for Belarusian medical rehabilitation centres by Italian charity organisations has contributed to the strengthening of their material-technical base and expanded the potential of our country regarding the recuperation of under-18s here.

Why do you think the Italians demon-strated such profound spiritual kindness towards those Belarusian children who needed rehabilitation? Who pioneered this movement?

This is connected with the specific character of Italian culture and mentality,


CHernobYlCHaritY

since they see families and children as being of fundamental significance. Some of the Italian charity organisations rendering help have been doing so since the early 1990s. One such is the Aiutiamoli A Vivere (Let’s Help Them Live) charity, headquartered in Umbria’s Terni. It was set up in 1992, inviting initially just 18 children. To date, it has invited about 5,000. Moreover, it has sent humanitarian aid to Belarus since 1992; it sponsors a boarding school in Senno, while supplying modern equipment to the Gomel Regional Ophthalmological Centre. It has also recon-structed a ward at Minsk’s city clinical hospital #3 (for children suffering from mucoviscidosis).

The White Horse charity, from Rome,

offers an interesting example of humani-tarian co-operation. Since 1995, it has annually invited children suffering from mental retardation to Italy (from Begoml’s orphanage). Apart from welcoming them to Italy, the organisation helps their reha-bilitation in Belarus, offering professional training courses to improve the social adaptation of teenagers suffering from mental disorders.

One of the oldest and largest Italian associations welcoming Belarusian children is PUER, headquartered in Rome and operating since 1993. Every year, it invites from 3,500 to 5,000 under-18s, with 85 percent from orphanages. PUER organises rehabilitation for children suffering from serious diseases, while assisting disabled children and organ-ising sporting events for them. Jointly with other associations, it is developing

a network of social services and offers professional training classes at orphan-ages. The association also trains highly qualified teachers and supports several hundred children, annually sending financial allowances. Dozens of students at Belarusian universities receive grants from Italy. In July 2004, four houses for children opened in Mogilev Region,

partially funded by PUER, which donated 150,000 Euros. It continues to work in other Belarusian regions.

Such Italian associations as Group Accepting Belarusian Children, International

S o l i d a r i t y, G a r d a Solidale and Heart

are also worth mentioning.

Is this Italian help a purely

public initiative, or has the state played a role? Also, has Belarusian-Italian humanitarian co-operation been taken up by other European states?

Interestingly, regarding interna-tional rehabilitation of children who have suffered from the Chernobyl catas-trophe, almost every organisation is non-governmental. However, there is a certain exception; since 1994, Italy has had an interdepartmental committee for foreign children’s affairs (now part of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policies). It co-ordinates the work of Italian associations implementing recu-perative projects.

Constructive interaction between the Belarusian and Italian state authorities resulted in an agreement, signed on May 10th, 2007, outlining the terms for recu-peration of Belarus’ under-age citizens in

Italy, on the basis of non-repayable aid. The document came into force on January 10th, 2008, and is the only one of its kind signed by Italy with a foreign state; this confirms the importance of the matter for our bilateral relations. This agreement — the first for our country — could lead to similar documents being signed with other states currently providing recupera-tive support.

What is your attitude towards Belarusian children who have been adopted by Italian families? Have any problems emerged, requiring state inter-vention?

Belarusian and Italian charity asso-ciations welcoming Belarusian children abroad follow the principle that inter-national adoption and recuperation are separate fields. Our states have the necessary legal and administrative mechanisms to ensure bilateral inter-action in the spheres of recuperation and adoption and our state bodies are always ready to solve unexpected situ-ations, if any emerge.

I’d like to stress once more that, owing to this mechanism, we’ve avoided prob-lematic issues regarding humanitarian co-operation, which could require state intervention.

Which stories have impressed you most of all?

The recuperative projects organised between Belarus and Italy are full of unique cases, which show the true personal and moral qualities of Italian families. One such case occurred in 2005, when a 13 year old girl was returning home from her recuperative visit to the Island of Sardinia. On their way from Minsk-2 Airport, there was a terrible car accident in which her father died and she received great injuries. The Italian humanitarian association which had invited the girl immediately arranged her flight back to Italy for medical treatment. In early 2006, she passed a six month course of treatment at an Italian hospital and has been offered a three month rehabilitation course annually. The Mayoral Office of Sardinia’s Cagliari and the Italian

“currenTly, belarus and iTaly have The necessary legal and adminisTraTive mechanisms To ensure bilaTeral inTeracTion in The spheres of recuperaTion and adopTion and our sTaTe bodies are always ready To solve unexpecTed siTuaTions, if any emerge”.


charity association financed the girl’s medical treatment.

Has the recuperation of Belarusian children in Italy gone beyond purely humanitarian action, becoming ‘people’s diplomacy’?

That the recuperation of Belarusian children in Italy is something more than merely humanitarian action has been many times confirmed by sociological studies conducted across the Apennines Peninsula. One of the most wonderful results of Italian families hosting our Belarusian children is that, in most cases,

as a young, dynamic state, now actively developing. These people have had to apply their own efforts to allow Italy to flourish, so can put aside stereotypes and clichés imposed by the western media and accept those aspects which set us apart from our neighbours.

The most intensive period for our chil-dren’s recuperation in Italy was in 1996, when over 50,000 visited the country; today, the Italian recuperative movement unites over 230 associations, which realise over a thousand projects annually. Over 400,000 Belarusian children have visited Italy during the period of our co-operation. On growing up, many have stayed in touch with the Italian families which hosted them. Around 15,000 Italian families accept our children every year, learning about our country by chatting with their young guests and those adults who accompany them. These Italians become closer to us. This ‘people’s diplomacy’ helps our countries find a common language on the most diverse issues.

around 15,000 iTalian families accepT our children every year, learning abouT our counTry by chaTTing wiTh Their young guesTs and Those adulTs who accompany Them. These iTalians become closer To us. This ‘people’s diplomacy’ helps our counTries find a common language on The mosT diverse issues

Italian children visit Belarus, too

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they significantly change their attitude towards our country, becoming more positive.

Before meeting our ‘young diplomats’, the Italians quite often have generalised ideas about Belarus, which fail to match the realities. However, on meeting our children and, especially, on visiting our country, they drastically change their perception of Belarus and their attitude towards us. To understand this, we should remember that Italians had much rebuilding to do in the post-war years, so can empathise with modern Belarus

�0 беларусь.belarus 2011

Course of ecological strategy thE EnvironmEntAl monitoring systEm in bElArus is onE of thE bEst within thE Post-soviEt tErritory — As notEd by EuroPEAn commission ExPErt vlAdislAv bizEk on mEEting housE of rEPrEsEntAtivEs’ dEPutiEs

A group of experts has arrived in Belarus to prepare a report on prospects for co-operation

between Belarus and the European Commission regarding eco matters; similar research has been conducted by the EC in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

According to Mr. Bizek, Belarus has ‘a well-developed system of strategic p l a n n i n g ’ i n the environ-mental sector. He mentions adequate planning and prog-r a m m e s o f environmental nature, praising the level of legisla-tive development in Belarus. He stresses that many legislative instruments are the equal of those in European countries and calls the local environ-mental monitoring system one of the best in the CIS, especially regarding air quality control. “Belarus’ system matches that of Western Europe. Similar systems operate only in Moscow and St. Petersburg,” he stresses.

The report notes that Belarus has untapped potential regarding energy efficiency, organic agricultural develop-ment and the implementation of indus-trial innovative technologies. Promising areas of co-operation include the

construction of solar power plants in the Chernobyl regions, as well as the cultiva-tion of ‘energy crops’ — such as rape.

In turn, deputy Anatoly Pavlovich proposed to activate co-operation between the European Commission

and Belarus regarding the devel-opment of renewable energy. In

the coming five years, the country plans to

increase its volume of energy received

from wind facili-t ies — from its present 2 m e g a Wa t t s t o 3 0 0 - 5 0 0 m e g a Wa t t s . In this respect,

the experience of wind energy

development in Germany and Austria

(where thousands of wind facilities operate) would be inter-

esting and useful to Belarus. According to the deputy, consultative and financial assistance are vital for the country. He says that foreigners may show interest in investment projects dealing with the construction of a plant to recycle waste in Belarus, in addition to the building of wind and bio-gas facilities.

Experts’ conclusions can be used by the EC to prepare joint projects and recommendations to national govern-ments. These shall be announced at a seminar in Brussels, in July 2011.

By Dmitry Budanov

The efficiency of Belarusian chil-dren’s ‘people’s diplomacy’ in Italy is based on a wider scale, present in all spheres of Italian society and state. The Italian Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policies states that the country’s northern regions (Veneto, Lombardia and Piemonte) more often accept children, boasting more ‘well off ’ homes than in the southern regions. However, the central (Emilia Romagna, Lazio and Toscana) and southern (Campania, Puglia and Sicilia) regions also hospi-tably welcome Belarusian children.

I’m convinced that over two decades of such diplomacy have brought our countries closer, inspiring mutual co-operation in such vital spheres as culture, education and science (and trade to a lesser extent). We are realising the unique potential of Belarus and Italy owing to our many years of interaction in the recuperative area.

How have humanitarian co-operation and personal contacts influ-enced the rapprochement of Belarus and Italy on a wider scale? What are the prospects of this collaboration?

No doubt, humanitarian contacts continue, with new spheres of co-operation evolving, including relating to trade. Many Italians who visit our country for the first time with a human-itarian goal find unexpected aspects: a dynamically developing economy, an expanding domestic market and well trained staff. As a result, joint projects appear and business ties are established, with contracts concluded. In some cases, Italian business is a continuation of humanitarian activity, with Italian families creating jobs for their former ‘Chernobyl children’.

Thousands of young Belarusian citizens, who have many times visited Italy, learn its language, gaining acquaint-ance with Italian life. They are our common wealth, able to help develop our co-operation. They are potential staff for new joint ventures funded by Italian money. Clearly, our states will long enjoy a fruitful relationship.

By Nina romanova

eXPertise

�� 2011 беларусь.belarus

Scientists admit that radiation can certainly affect human health. Initially, radioac-tive iodine makes the most impact, accumulating in the thyroid gland. Most of those

affected by Chernobyl suffered ‘iodine stroke’, with the number of cases of thyroid gland illnesses rising, including cancer. Over 30 percent of the country’s population suffer from problems with their thyroid gland. According to the World Health Organisation, it is the only disease which is rooted in the Chernobyl disaster. However, Belarusian scientists have conducted experiments to prove that other illnesses have occurred due to increased radiation. It influences the body’s immune, endocrine and cardio-vascular systems, among others.

Scientists’ observations of the post-Chernobyl situation have highlighted the negative consequences of the catas-trophe on health and society in general. Social-psychological research shows that most people residing in contami-nated regions have suffered from stress brought on by concern for their health and worries over the future.

“Psychologically, the first years after the disaster were hard,” emphasises Nikolay Yermakov, who witnessed the events at first hand. He headed the depart-ment overseeing problems relating to the Chernobyl nuclear plant catastrophe. “We had to calm people down, making them believe that life would go on. We tried to

assure them that we’d do all we could to make life more comfortable, following specialists’ recommendations.”

ProtEctiNg hEaLthThese recommendations have

guided the state in reviving the affected territories. Medical rehabilitation of the population has been a priority of the state programme to overcome the conse-quences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant catastrophe, with about 1.7mln people affected. Among them have been more than 360,000 children. Residents of the affected territories have received

free sanatorium recuperation to improve their health and, annually, over 300,000 have received attention, including over 250,000 children and teenagers.

Since the disaster, new medical institutions have opened across the country, in addition to specialised clinics and centres equipped with the most modern medical equipment. In 2003, the Republican Research Centre for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology

opened in Gomel; it now boasts the best doctors and scientists specialising in radiation related illnesses. Assistance is rendered to Belarusians, Russians and Ukrainians. Since 1997, the Belarusian Research Centre for Paediatric Oncology and Haematology has been operational, offering modern methods of diagnos-tics and treatment of oncological and haematological illnesses.

Annual medical examinations, systematic treatment and regular recu-peration have allowed public health to improve. Belarusian doctors have achieved a great deal, helped by the re-

equipment of our clinics and centres. They have shown progress in treating thyroid cancer (thought to often be caused by the catastrophe) and the death rate connected with the disease has been cut to 0.9 percent in Belarus — against almost 10 percent globally. Our Belarusian scientists have developed their own treatment methods, cutting relapses to just 3.2 percent; similar positive trends have been observed with other severe diseases.

Post-CHernobYl eXistenCe

New dimension for life thE trAgEdy which bElArus suffErEd As A rEsult of thE chErnobyl nuclEAr disAstEr wAs A truE shock for thE rEsidEnts of thE AffEctEd rEgions. now, EvErything hAs chAngEd — both for thosE who movEd homE And thosE who stAyEd. thEy ArE now sEttlEd, mAking PlAns for thE futurE And undErstAnding thEir circumstAncEs. nAturAlly, thEy hAd much to considEr, tAking into Account thE PossiblE influEncE of rAdiAtion on thEir hEAlth

medical rehabiliTaTion of The affecTed populaTion has been a prioriTy of The sTaTe programme To overcome The consequences of The chernobyl nuclear power planT caTasTrophe. since The disasTer, new medical insTiTuTions have opened across The counTry, in addiTion To specialised clinics and cenTres equipped wiTh The mosT modern medical equipmenT

�� беларусь.belarus 2011

Post-CHernobYl eXistenCe

hEaLthY viEW oF thE FuturE Twenty five years after the catas-

trophe, Belarus still faces problems relating to radiation, so the country’s state policy regarding the affected regions remains significant. The programme of rehabilitation — running until 2015 — focuses on the development of each region’s potential, ensuring economic revival and the provision of a good standard of living. The medical aspect also remains topical, so re-equipment of hospitals and policlinics will continue and new remedial technologies and approaches will be implemented. Already, a new recuperation unit has opened at the Gomel Regional Clinical Cardiologic Dispensary, offering post-operative care. This expensive project has received humanitarian support from China, allowing a new surgical wing to open, equipped with the most advanced equipment. “It’s not a new facility,” explains its chief doctor, Anna Lopatina. “We’ve had a breakthrough in developing the cardio-surgery branch, which should help improve people’s

quality of life and life expectancy. According to statistics, cardio-vascular diseases account for over 50 percent of cases but prompt medical aid could change the situation.”

Until recently, Gomel’s cardio-surgeons were conducting up to 250 open-heart operations annually. However, the new block should allow them to double this figure. In the coming years, the hospital plans to reach a figure of 1,000. The latest medical expertise is becoming available coun-trywide, helped by the Gomel Region’s Telemedicine project — implemented by Gomel’s State Medical University and Japan’s Sasakawa Memorial Health Foundation. They have installed network and computer equipment at 12 district hospitals, enabling local doctors to hold tele-consultations with Belarus’ leading doctors at any time. By late 2011, this form of medical assist-ance will be available at every district hospital in the region.

“Video-conferencing is an innova-tion being actively used in medicine,”

explains the Head of Gomel State Medical University’s Department of Phthisiology and Pulmonology, Dmitry Ruzanov. “The major advantage of telemedicine is that it allows doctors in remote areas to gain the assistance of highly qualified doctors; they are no longer isolated.” Telemedicine consultations take place online, using communication channels and video equipment. A telemedicine co-ordinating centre operates at Gomel’s State Medical University, offering communications between specialists and doctors. Patients can also take part if they wish. Telemedicine systems allow dialogue with a medical expert from any distance, providing the necessary infor-mation to make an informed diagnosis.

Online operations are the next goal for Gomel’s doctors. These are expected to be conducted under the supervision of a highly qualified doctor, starting from 2012. As a result, those in need will be able to receive professional medical treatment which might otherwise have eluded them.

By Violetta Dralyuk

At the Republican Research Centre for Paediatric Oncology and Haemotology

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Optimism is stronger than caesium APril 26th is A sAd dAy for humAnkind; 25 yEArs Ago, thE world’s lArgEst tEchnogEnic cAtAstroPhE occurrEd As thE chErnobyl nuclEAr PowEr stAtion ExPlodEd. of coursE, on A PlAnEtAry scAlE, thE EvEnt hAPPEnEd bArEly yEstErdAy; for us, A significAnt Portion of timE hAs PAssEd

B elarus was the most affected country, since t h e l a rge s t am ou nt of radioactive fallout rained on our territory.

With this in mind, the problem of how to deal with the consequences of the event remains topical, since strontium and caesium take time to become inactive.

Immediately after the catastrophe, over 46,000 square kilometres of Belarusian land was contaminated with radioactive particles (23 percent). This figure now stands at 30,000 square kilometres (14.5 percent). Belarusian and Russian scientists have published an atlas showing today’s situation and that prognosed

for our two states over coming years. It is thought that current radiation levels in affected villages and cities will remain until 2046, while Belarus’ caesium contamination will continue until 2090. Plutonium and strontium, which fell in a 30km radius of the nuclear plant, will exist, sadly, for several generations.

Despite the huge economic losses caused by the catastrophe (worth $235bln, or 32 annual budgets of the country) Belarus has achieved much in dealing with the consequences of Chernobyl. Initially, people were moved from contaminated regions, rehomed in safe areas, while an efficient system of radiation control was put in place. Gradually, the country has shifted to the

People live, work and give birth to children at the revived lands

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social-economic revival of Chernobyl-affected regions. It is a major task of a new state programme, running until 2015 — costing $2.2bln (double that was spent in the previous five years).

WouNDED LaND Territory contaminated by radio-

nucl ides can be convent ional ly divided into that considered habitable and that not. Where contamination exceeds 15 curie per square kilometre, production activity is prohibited, as is residence. Lower figures are deemed suitable for living, as long as radiation safety measures are met. At present, 5,200 square kilometres are known as a ‘dead zone’, with over 137,000 people relocated. However, some people have chosen to live and work within the zone.

The Chernobyl disaster most significantly affected Belarusian agri-culture, with over a million hectares of land covered with caesium-137 and strontium over 350,000 hectares. Those territories which have been significantly contaminated cannot be farmed, resulting in over 265,000 hectares of land being taken out of use, explains Zinaida Basalaeva, who heads Agricultural Radiology and

Environmental Protection at the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry. Most of this land is now a ‘dead zone’ — part of the Polesie State Radiation-Ecological Reserve. Lands won’t be returned to villagers for many decades, as the radionuclides present are long-lived. Lost revenue is estimated at $717.5mln (1998 prices).

Much investment has been required to bring less contaminated fields into use. Every year, 15-16 percent of funds allocated by the state budget to deal with the consequences of the catastrophe are spent on protective measures for agri-culture. Such measures include lime application onto acid soils, fertilising with potassium and phosphorus, and improvement of hayfields and pastures. As a result, crops from affected terri-

tories meet norms regarding radionu-clide levels. In fact, Belarusian norms r e g a r d i n g t h e content of radionu-clides in food and water are among the strictest in the world, being four times as strict for milk and ten times as strict for bread, in comparison with EU norms. “No produce bearing a n e n h a n c e d level of radionu-c l i d e s i s b e i n g output by s t ate farms,” explains Anatoly Zagorsky,

t he Fi r s t D e put y He a d of t he Belarusian Emergency Ministry’s Department for the Liquidation of the Consequences of the Chernobyl Catastrophe. “The situation on private farm holdings has also improved; over the past five years, the number of v i l lages producing contami-nated milk has fallen over 3.5 times.”

Re-specialisation of agricultural facilities has turned out to be an B

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The new sTaTe programme, launched This year, focuses on overcoming The consequences of The chernobyl caTasTrophe. as before, iT aims To proTecT ciTizens, giving medical and social supporT in The affecTed regions while ensuring ThaT food meeTs norms

efficient measure. Scientific research conducted in the post-Chernobyl years and the practical experience of agrarians have shown that territo-ries unsuitable for growing grain or producing milk can be used to farm rape, corn and sunflowers, to breed cattle for meat, to breed horses and to produce seeds.

In 2001, Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to Gomel Region resulted in programmes to re-specialise the most affected farms in Gomel and Mogilev regions. In all, 57 farms were designated unable to meet radionuclide norms. Komarinsky, in Bragin District, is a good example of re-specialisation, switching from grain and milk to cattle breeding. Its French ‘limousine’ cows are easy to feed and accumulate little radioac-tivity in their flesh. Accordingly, their meat is of good quality and meets radionuclide norms. It has taken the farm several years to shift from being loss making to profitable. People are

now returning to the district, having been relocated soon

after the disaster, so good salaries are welcome. Measures taken to ensure their safety in living on Chernobyl affected territories allow us to speak

of the revival of the contaminated areas. There’s no doubt that money spent on re-specialisation of the 57 farms — costing Br140bln — should repay itself before long.

From rEhaBiLitatioN to rEvivaL T h e n e w s t a t e p ro g r a m m e ,

launched this year, focuses on over-coming the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe. As before, it aims to protect citizens, giving m e d i c a l

and social support in the affected regions while ensuring that food meets norms. For many years, Belarus will need to continue checking for

radiation levels; our laboratories make over 11 million such tests. Financing of domestic agriculture and forestry is essential , s ince radionuclides will be here for some time to come. According to the Agriculture and Food Ministry, only 15,700 hectares of land have been returned to normal use so far (from those retired from use due to radiation). Even twenty five years after the tragedy, forest produce requires particular attention: in 2010,

about 60 percent of all m u s h r o o m tests proved

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The Republican Research Centre for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology in Gomel B

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t h at t h e y w e re u n s u i t a b l e for consumption. Additionally, 7 percent of wood was unsuitable. Accordingly, it’s too early to speak of reducing radiation control.

Apar t f rom these protec t ive measures, the state programme focuses on the social-economic development of the Chernobyl affected territories. Over 1.1mln people currently reside within them. For the past 25 years, since the disaster, protective measures have been highlighted there, with social development lagging behind. Compensatory plans are now afoot, with new facilities and infrastructure developed, to raise living standards to match those seen countrywide.

In line with a Presidential initia-tive, financing for the programme dealing with the revival of affected regions (running from 2011-2015) has doubled. However, yet more is required to create more comfort-able conditions. Mr. Zagorsky tells us that up to 50 percent of the Br6.8 trillion allocated is to be spent on the construction of social facilities and the launch of new production, with the emphasis on innovation and competi-tive manufactures. Altogether, 79 (of 127 proposed projects) have been approved by the State Committee for Science and Technology. The ‘indus-trial’ theme is diverse, encompassing a high-tech facility to produce fish products (in Mogilev Region) — from breeding and production of fodder to fish processing. In Brest Region, sand mining for glass making is being developed, while another project envisages modernisation of asphalt-concrete plants. Implementation of these plans should enable the country to produce competitive products while creating thousands of new jobs. Residents of affected areas will be able to earn good salaries, aiding them in improving their wellbeing. The Belarusian Government believes these reg ions should return to normal life in the coming decade.

By Lilia khlystun

new approaches, grounded in science, and considerable resources, in addition to financial, scientific and technical assist-ance from the international community.

Definite steps have already been taken in this direction. The UN General Assembly has named this third decade after Chernobyl (2006-2016) as the Decade of Recovery and Sustainable Development of the Affected Regions. It aims to ensure that the suffering popula-tion returns to normal life: a corresponding UN plan of action is being implemented.

Pleasingly, the UN General Assembly has welcomed the decision of the CIS Council of Heads of State to proclaim April 26th as International Day Commemorating Victims of Radiation Accidents and Catastrophes in the CIS states. It has proposed that UN member countries hold events to honour the memory of those who have fallen victim to radiation accidents and disasters.

This day honours the memory of those who died as a result of the Chernobyl catas-trophe. Accordingly, we announce our deter-mination to create the necessary conditions to ensure social protection for those who have helped deal with the accident at the nuclear power station.

We believe that co-operation and expe-rience sharing between state and public organisations will enable us to overcome the consequences of this catastrophe. We call on the world community to continue liaising in this area while finding new paths of interac-tion, shifting to co-ordinated activity, which complements the major efforts of states to restore the suffering regions.

26th April, 2011, marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl tragedy — the largest tech-

nogenic and social catastrophe of the 20th century. It has been proclaimed International Day Commemorating Victims of Radiation Accidents and Catastrophes in the CIS states.

The consequences of the Chernobyl tragedy remain topical today and will do for future generations. Such catastrophes turn affected territories into crisis zones for many decades.

We remember the courage and self-sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of liquidators who dealt with the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station, from all over the USSR. Risking their lives and health, they fulfilled their duty and prevented the further spread of dangerous radioactive emissions.

Despite adopted measures, the conse-quences of Chernobyl continue to nega-tively influence life in affected countries. Several mill ion people remain under special medical care and major protective measures are still required in certain areas. Without them, it would be impossible to ensure the safety of those who reside within contaminated territories.

Radiation and socio-economic reha-bilitation of contaminated territories, as well as the development of the social and economic potential of the affected areas, are among the most vital tasks in the wake of the catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. Solutions require

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CIS Council of Heads of State address, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station




enerGetiCs

Around the corebElArus, AlongsidE thE rEst of thE world, is PrEPAring to mArk thE 25th AnnivErsAry of thE cAtAstroPhE At thE chErnobyl nuclEAr PowEr PlAnt. simultAnEously, thE collAPsing rEActors At thE jAPAnEsE fukushimA stAtion hAvE ArousEd old fEArs rEgArding nuclEAr EnErgy. howEvEr, it is imPossiblE for us to sEt AsidE nuclEAr EnErgy comPlEtEly; our modErn wAy of lifE dEmAnds thAt wE ProducE EnErgy in lArgE quAntitiEs

Albert Einstein was once asked why we created nuclear arms without the ability to control them. “Everything is very

simple. Politics is far more complex than physics,” he responded. After the catastrophe at Fukushima, something similar could be said of nuclear reactors. Our ability to generate energy from almost nothing is perhaps among the greatest achievements of the last century. A real alternative to nuclear energy is yet to be invented. Even Japan, which survived Hiroshima before Fukushima, has no intention of rejecting the peaceful atom. What economic wonders would be possible without this technology?

The Japanese tragedy shouldn’t inspire political speculations, but should rather stir serious discussion about security measures. The same applies in Belarus — about to launch construction of its first nuclear power station. Excavations for the foundations are scheduled to begin in September.

rENaiSSaNcE aFtEr ‘NucLEar WiNtEr’

Howe ve r e ve nt s d e ve l op at Fukushima, the world is hardly likely to turn from nuclear power. Germany, which has retired seven of its old nuclear power stations, is probably the only state to use such radical measures. Italy, which froze the development of its nuclear power immediately after the Chernobyl accident, is to host a referendum in summer on the renewal of its nuclear programme. Following the Japanese tragedy, the Chinese authorities have decided to postpone all new nuclear projects, wanting to reconsider security.

Nothing has yet been heard regarding Japan’s revision of its nuclear plans; by 2020, nine new stations are supposed to be built there. Lithuania hasn’t changed its position either. Curiously, the more the construction of the Lithuanian nuclear power station lags behind that of the Belarusian plant, the stronger is Vilnius’ criticism of the Belarusian project. However, being asked directly,

Lithuania’s Deputy Energy Minister, Romas Švedas, responds, “Now is the best time to construct nuclear power stations.”

At present, nuclear power stations generate around 14 percent of the world’s electricity. In Europe, this figure stands at 29 percent. Reactors in France generate 75 percent of all consumed energy — more than any other country. This is followed by Slovakia (53 percent) and Switzerland (40 percent). In comparison, Japan produces 30 percent of its electricity from nuclear power, against 20 percent in the USA and 18 percent in Russia.

Meanwhile, this data doesn’t take into account 60 more power stations currently under construction; to date, there are around 440 reactors operational worldwide. Moreover, as of March 2011, there is a plan to build 158 more power stations worldwide over the next twenty years. Plans have already been approved, with Poland, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco, Tunis, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Uruguay, Lithuania and Ukraine intending to construct reactors,

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alongside Belarus. The first Belarusian nuclear reactor is to be operational by 2017 and the second by 2018.

The process is being called a ‘nuclear Renaissance’, since the Chernobyl accident inspired freezing of so many projects. With prices for hydrocarbons, oil and gas hitting new highs, the world needs to focus on nuclear technology. We are ready to view nuclear power stations with fresh eyes.

WorLD Without DaNgErSThe tragedy in Japan has raised new

questions about energy safety, with governments debating security require-ments; a revolution is likely in the branch.

We’re accustomed to associating the Land of the Rising Sun with technical wonders. However, the Fukushima power station, which has just celebrated its 40th anniversary, is out-of-date from a technological point of view. According to special-ists, the American design was far from ‘contemporary’, even in those times.

Jean-Pierre Maulny, Deputy Director of the French Institute for International and Strategic Relations, notes that the Fukushima accident shouldn’t arouse debate on whether we need nuclear power; rather, we should think about security at nuclear power stations.

“Some countries bestow authorities with nationwide control over nuclear power security issues. Such bodies should be completely independent of political authorities and of industry, manufac-turing equipment for nuclear power stations,” notes Mr. Maulny. “Moreover, a truly efficiently working international organisation is needed, which could set up security norms at nuclear power

stations. It’s known that IAEA can give recommendations and offer critique but it is our national authorities which manage and control the nuclear industry.”

According to the French scientist, in the near future, the world will consume more gas and oil. The catastrophe on the Japanese islands will undoubt-edly negatively affect the image of the nuclear industry but it won’t last long, as strict standards have been established regarding climatic changes, particu-larly, CO emissions into the atmos-phere. Meanwhile, it’s as yet impossible to completely replace nuclear power with alternative energy sources; the cost of electricity would rise 5-fold. “We need to improve security at nuclear power stations and restore public trust in nuclear power,” asserts the French specialist. “At the same time, we need to develop alternative energy sources.”

NEighBourS’ iNtErEStAt one of its recent meetings, the

European Council approved Lithuania’s proposal to test the reliability of all nuclear power stations located within the EU and beyond. Naturally, President Lukashenko has long accentuated the need to ensure safety in constructing a nuclear power station in our country. “This is a very serious project. The security of our nuclear power station, situated at the centre of Europe, is our international responsibility, before our partners and neighbours.” Belarus is following all its obligations under inter-national law relating to the construction and use of a nuclear power station, with

a corresponding Presidential Decree already signed.

Lithuania recently questioned the chosen site, which is just 55km from Vilnius. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry even gave the Belarusian Ambassador a note reproaching statements of Belarusian officials that Lithuania osten-sibly does not have any claims to the report on influence on the environment of the planned Belarusian nuclear power station. The note reads: ‘Belarus did not complete its work to assess the influence of the planned construction on the envi-ronment, in line with generally accepted international legal norms, and did not organise public hearings in Lithuania or bilateral consultations, as required by the Espoo Convention’. Belarus’ Deputy Energy Minister, Mikhail Mikhadyuk, insists that Minsk has responded to all Lithuanian questions regarding the

aT presenT, nuclear power sTaTions generaTe around 14 percenT of The world’s elecTriciTy. in europe, This figure sTands aT 29 percenT. reacTors in france generaTe 75 percenT of all consumed energy — more Than any oTher counTry. This is followed by slovakia (53 percenT) and swiTzerland (40 percenT). in comparison, japan produces 30 percenT of iTs elecTriciTy from nuclear power, againsT 20 percenT in The usa and 18 percenT in russia


construction of the nuclear power station and that Lithuania has been provided with all necessary materials and calcula-tions relating to the future station.

Observers note that concerns in Lithuania began to intensify following its failure to find an investor for its own station. The closing of the Ignalina nuclear power plant without a d d i t i o n a l f i n a n c i a l

guarantees for building a new one was perhaps rather unwise. Jurgis Vilemas, a Lithuanian academician and specialist in power engineering, views the Belarusian project as the most promising in the region, even closer to implementation than Kaliningrad’s nuclear power plant. The Russians first need to agree where to sell their surplus electricity, since the needs of the region are modest.

The Lithuanian academician denies the assumption that Belarus has no experience of nuclear power. In Soviet times, Belarusian scientists constructed a mobile nuclear power station, designed for military purposes. However, after the Chernobyl catastrophe, the army decided against its use. Mr. Vilemas highlights the fact that Lithuania plans to construct its new nuclear power plant, alongside sites for burial of its waste, along its border with Belarus, on Lake Drūkšiai. One third of its banks belong to Belarus. Accordingly, references to the proximity of the Belarusian nuclear power station to the Lithuanian border are groundless.

NEW aPProach rEPLacES oLDOne way to solve the nuclear

security issue worldwide is to replace old reactors with new ones as soon as possible, as notes Dmitry Medvedev in his blog. The Russian President believes that ‘it’s necessary to create

new stations, rather than extending the life of existing ones’. Fukushima can teach us that we need to move to modern reactors, retiring those of previous generations.

Speaking of nuclear power stations currently being constructed

by Russia, Vladimir Putin notes, “These are equipped

with protection which

excludes any chance of a Japanese scenario. Such systems, called passive, work even when the external electricity supply is lost and without human partici-pation.” The reactor in Japan suffered a meltdown, as its electricity was discon-nected and water stopped flowing around the reactor to cool it.

The Russian Prime Minister raised the question on the security of new stations during his visit to Minsk on March 15th. That day hosted an important round of negotiations regarding the Union State and the Customs Union while the construc-tion of the Belarusian nuclear power station remained a major issue for bilateral relations, discussed during the meeting.

According to Mr. Mikhadyuk, the intergovernmental co-operative agreement, signed in Minsk, is a conceptual document, ‘which provides the legislative basis for signing a contract to implement this project’. Russia is to give Belarus a $6bln state loan for the construction, with details regarding the obligations of both sides

stipulated in the contract to be signed very soon.

“We should understand that Belarus needs a nuclear power station, even in the light of events in Japan,” notes the Belarusian Deputy Minister. “It will be a whole new stage in the country’s development, with completely new technologies arriving in Belarus.” Since our state lacks its own energy resources, there is no alternative. Unsurprisingly, against the background of the Japanese earthquake, there has been much criticism regarding Belarus’ decision to construct its own nuclear power plant. “There has been criticism, but no concrete proposals as to how we can do

without a nuclear power station,” asserts Mr. Mikhadyuk.

He stresses that we can’t compare the construction of a new nuclear power station with that destroyed in Japan following the tsunami and earthquake. “Ours will be of an absolutely new genera-tion,” he emphasises. “The old power station was like a 30 year old Mercedes, with completely different security and effi-ciency,” he notes. “Of course, we can learn from this Japanese experience.” Russian specialists are now studying the best technical solutions for the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power station.

The Deputy Minister also tells us that Ostrovets site has been chosen with good reason, and has been inspected by the IAEA special mission. “It most suits the construction, compared to other sites,” notes Mr. Mikhadyuk. Mistakes are not allowable, since the station will run for 100 years.

Of course, no one can give absolute security guarantees but the degree of protection at the Belarusian nuclear power plant will be maximum.

By Igor kolchenko

one way To solve The nuclear securiTy issue worldwide is To replace old reacTors wiTh new

ones as soon as possible

enerGetiCs


PanoraMa

Convenient site for market mastery

Microsoft to open office in Belarus in April

Microsoft Corporation is eager to open an office in Belarus,

while financing new IT projects and training specialists. It hopes to sell software produced here both in Belarus and abroad. “We’ll invest in training Belarusian specialists, teaching them the most advanced technologies — including clouding-computing. In July, we’ll start working for the benefit of the country,” asserts Microsoft’s representa-tive in Belarus, Mikhail Makhanek.

Microsoft plans to invite specialists from the World Intellectual Property Organisation to explain the importance of qualitative software for Belarusian organisations. “The transition to modern software leads to raised labour efficiency and improved service quality,” the expert stresses, praising the high potential of the Belarusian IT market. Mr. Makhanek notes that Belarus is a very promising country for young IT specialists.

Long term assurance

IMF sees no problem with Belarus’ solvency

“I think Belarus will be able to meet its foreign debt payments, with no

problems regarding financing,” asserts Chris Jarvis, the Head of the IMF Mission to Belarus. He adds, “Obviously, foreign creditors and investors are worried about this but I think they should feel confident, seeing Belarus’ payments last month. The Government and the National Bank have declared that servicing the foreign debt will be a top priority.”

Mr. Jarvis believes the matter to be very important since Belarus needs to attract new resources and take out new loans in the long term. “This is why Belarus is interested in maintaining good relations with investors and creditors,” he stresses. “I believe that the National Bank of Belarus is solvent and has considerable currency reserves. It has managed to prevent considerable losses to its reserves, particularly during the past month. The fact that the National Bank has suspended interventions on the currency market indicates that the Bank and the Government have taken a ‘time-out’ to elaborate an economic solution to the existing problems.”

Technology of success

A Belarusian-Indian training centre has opened at the High-Tech Park

“We’v e c omp l e t e d i n f r a -structure development,

with the centre now operational,” notes the Deputy Director of the

HTP Administration, Alexander Martinkevich. The centre has already hosted its first seminars for staff of Belarus’ technical universities.

Mr. Martinkevich explains that India provided about $250,000 of technical aid to set up the centre, with equipment supplied not only to Minsk, but also to regional offices in Brest, Grodno, Vitebsk and Gomel.

Hotel improving its services

Reconstruction of Minsk’s Belarus Hotel to be complete by 2013

Since April, the famous 22 storey hotel has been closed to guests,

with two more floors being added and the façade undergoing modernisation. Additionally, all engineering commu-nications are being updated and an observation platform placed on the roof, reachable by panoramic lift. A rooftop restaurant and café will allow visitors to enjoy the city from a bird’s eye view. The hotel’s aqua-park and fitness hall are also being revamped and new interior deco-ration is underway. The hotel will retain its three-star category, as it is impossible to significantly change the layout of the building. However, the level of service will be improved.

The project is part of Minsk’s invest-ment programme, with the largest Belarusian contractor — Stroytrest #7, JSC — supervising these major works. It has already worked on the National Library of Belarus, Minsk’s railway station and Vostochny bus station, the Europe Hotel and several other sites. Minskproekt is preparing designs.

The Belarus Hotel is part of Minotel and was built in 1987. It is viewed as the country’s landmark, being unique in the Republic as regards size (520 rooms of different classes) and in its engineering solutions.


tiMe diCtate

Clocks with secrets bElArus-mAdE dEvicEs AblE to dEtEct high rAdiAtion lEvEls

When disaster struck at the Fukushima nuc le ar p ower station in Japan, telephones began

ringing at Minsk’s Polimaster Ltd; the company’s e-mail box filled with messages. Companies in Japan, China, Singapore, Korea, Russia’s Siberia and other nearby countries are eager to buy devices able to detect and measure radiation.

Actually, only professionals can tackle the critical situation observed at the nuclear plant. Staff from the Minsk company are among them, offering equipment which has been used in dozens of states, including Japan, for many years. In fact, Japan — which was the first to experience the awful effects of radiation — is an expert on devices designed to detect and measure death-bringing radiation.

“We’re treating requests regarding the Japanese disaster with all seri-ousness, making the fulfilment of these orders our priority,” explains the Head of Polimaster’s Foreign Economic Relations Department, Sergey Lukash. “ The process of making our devices is complicated and time consuming. However, to meet demand and facilitate prompt dispatch, we’ve been working at weekends, and for longer hours. Moreover, we’re of fering prof it -able financial terms to our Japanese customers. Our staff are worried by the tragedy and are keen to help those in need, using their intellectual and production potential.”

The company produces dozens of varieties of devices and equipment, which ensure complex radiation control. Their detai led descrip-tion would be interesting to profes-sionals alone but Polimaster also manufactures a unique watch which boasts great popularity. Their wrist watch includes a d o s i m e t e r, a l o n g s i d e the usual hands and face, with an LCD screen displaying radiat ion levels at the touch of a button. It’s quite s m a r t e n o u g h to b e worn by b u s i n e s s m e n . You can even set a l e v e l a t w h i c h

an alarm will sound if radiation is detected. No other firm produces such watches on a large sca le .

“ In i t i a l l y, w e u s e d c o mp o -nents found in Belarus-made wrist watches ,” explains Mr. Lukash, showing booklets with photos. “We used more common foreign brands

for our foreign customers and are now liaising with a famous Hong Kong company which has developed a design for a watch-dosimeter. It supplies the cases and timing mech-

anisms, allowing us to install a miniature dosimeter inside, of our own production. We also manufacture an independent

model and provide calibration for our products, using our

own equipment . Such watches can measure

t h e s t r e n g t h o f radiation across a wide spectrum and under severe

conditions.” In fact, the watch

is popular with all those who regularly work with

radiation or are subject to it in their daily life: pilots, regular air travellers (since radiation is higher at altitude), doctors, metallurgy workers and defect detection specialists. Sources of radiation are used in industry, agriculture and health care. In recent times, the theme of protection against

Today, Thousands of various specialisTs show Their inTeresT in such producTs. These are piloTs or jusT regular air Travellers (since radiaTion is higher aT alTiTude), docTors, meTallurgy workers and defecT deTecTion specialisTs. sources of radiaTion are ever more widely used in indusTry, agriculTure and healThcare


tiMe diCtate

Problems highlight prospectsElectronics branch aids country’s industrial image

Belarus inherited a powerful industr ia l branch from the

USSR. Minsk’s Integral Production Association was once among the largest in the country — at least, regarding its number of staf f . However, its technology significantly lagged behind that of leading global manufacturers. Happily, the branch was ‘saved’ by its strategic signifi-cance from the military point of view; its ‘double-purpose’ products had always occupied a significant share of Integral’s production. In recent years, the company has shifted towards competitive ‘civil’ produc-tion, through modernisation.

This year, its branch in the city of Pinsk launched production of silicon slices, used to make microcircuits, which boast huge export potential. The workshop is equipped with the most modern equipment, while sensors monitor every step. The ‘intelligent’ equipment was purchased from the USA and Switzerland, able to operate automatically. Its technical re-equipment is part of Integral’s sub-microelectronic branch development, which uses 80 percent of Pinsk’s output of silicon slices. The remainder are exported (almost to all the CIS states). However, the sales market is limited in size, since few producers of electronics have survived within post-Soviet territory.

The global presence of European companies on the CIS market is being hampered by its small capacity, since microelectronics is not the strongest field across the CIS. Of course, the situation could change within a few years, though not drastically.

r a d i a t i o n has gained even more topicality, since there is a perpetual threat of terrorists’ using of a nuclear bomb. Workers at nuclear power stations, who service the reactors, deserve s p e c i a l a t t e nt i on , b e i ng g ive n Pol imaster devices . Meanwhi le, thousands of such devices have been bought by Japanese companies and organisations. Chinese security service officers wore watch-dosime-ters during the 2008 Beijing Games and Expo-2010 in Shanghai, fearful of terrorist attacks.

Belarus began making dosimeters in 1992, after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The technogenic catastrophe was followed by a significant political and economic crisis, caused by the USSR’s collapse. At that time, a group

of talented specialists — headed by inventor and talented entrepreneur Alexander Antonovsky — left Minsk’s famous S c ient i f i c -Res e arch Instrument Making Inst i tute to form a ne w company, with A l e x a n d e r a s t h e General Director. “We fo c u s e d on m i n i a -tu r i s i ng r a d i at i on control devices,” he explains. “The move

has placed us among the g loba l l eaders .

We’ve managed not only to reduce weight and size, which is of great importance, but have cut energy consump-

tion. Our devices can operate for twelve months, like ordinary

watches, using a small battery.” The company witnessed its

first success after designing a simple dosimeter controlled by a single button; it proved popular in the industrially developed countries of Europe, America and Asia, with the firm exporting dozens of thousands. Later, it began producing small-size dosimeters for the Belarusian customs ser vice, in addit ion to larger devices which alert officers to smuggling of hazardous materials, such as radiation-irradiating metals. Interestingly, the Belarusian border service is now being equipped with similar devices paid for with an inter-national grant financed by Japan.

W h e n t h e R u s s i a n K u r s k submarine tragically sank, Minsk-made miniature devices measured radiation through the vessel’s special trap-doors, showing that it was within safe limits. Now, talks are underway on how radiation could be controlled at the Olympic Sochi in 2014 and at the future Belarusian nuclear power plant. Security is vital for nuclear power stations all over the globe.

By Vladimir Bibikov


aGriCultural researCH

Exports to every tastebElArus Among world lEAdErs in food mAnufActurE

In many underde ve lop e d countries, people lack enough food to eat. Fortunately, Belarus has always been able to almost completely satisfy its own food

needs. Now, modern technology is allowing our agrarian sector to expand its production, while global demand is enabling us to significantly raise our food exports

Mikhail Kadyrov, First Deputy Director General of the National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific and Practical Centre for Arable Farming, believes that global tensions regarding adequate food supplies are caused by a sharp decrease in state budgetary financial assistance for agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reports that, in 1980, such assistance accounted for 16 percent of all costs; by 2006, this had fallen to 3.8 percent. A food crisis broke out in 32 countries over the next two years, with food prices rising rapidly.

Against this background, the Belarusian Government has been pursuing a supportive policy for decades — viewed as advantageous in all aspects. The Government provides systematic financial and organisational assistance to the agro-industrial sector and to villages. According to Belarus’ Prime Minister, Mikhail Myasnikovich, from 2005-2010, the National Rural Development Programme was the largest investment project, costing $53bln. It allowed the country to provide its population with high quality food products and to become a real player on the international food market, signifi-cantly improving living standards for rural residents.

Looking at statistical data, we can see that, over the first months of 2011, Belarus increased its agricultural production across all categories of farms by 5.6 percent. Meanwhile, the share of small private farms fell on last year and larger farms, on whom we rely, produced

up to 7 percent more. Our country has been steadily growing 7-8mln tonnes of grain for several years, although just 1.5mln is needed to satisfy our own food needs. The remainder is used as fodder for cattle and poultry. Meanwhile, cow herds have increased by almost 4 percent and pigs by over 5 percent.

Over the first few months of 2011, the volume of greenhouse-raised vege-tables in Belarus rose 1.4 times (on the similar period of 2010) and mushroom harvests rose 2.3 times. This has promoted a 19 percent growth in food sales in Belarus, with sales of meat and meat products rising 18.4 percent. Those of cheese are up 14.6 percent while sales of butter have risen by 6 percent. Various juices are enjoying sales of up to a third more. Domestically produced goods account for 83.6 percent, with almost all dairy and meat products being manufactured in Belarus.

Speaking of the scale of the food crisis, Tatiana Usacheva, the Head of the Agriculture and Food Ministry’s Department for Foreign Trade Policy and Foreign Investment, notes, “In 2010, our food branch exported $3.2bln of goods — up 1.4 times on last year. Although we delivered to 49 countries, 90 percent was sold to Russia, which is closer and most economically profitable for us. The profitability of several types of Belarusian dairy produce reached 60 percent on the Russian market. Meanwhile, more enterprises received certification (especially those in the

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aGriCultural researCH

west of Belarus) enabling them to export to the EU. Dairy products account for 70 percent of Belarusian food exports while meat comprises 20 percent of sales. We try to export products with higher value added: rennet cheeses, butter, and powdered and condensed milk rather than unprocessed milk.”

Grodno Region — one of Belarus’ most advanced from an agrarian point of view — is a good example in this respect, boasting fertile soil, a favour-able climate and enough sun and moisture to grow high yield crops of food and forage. Its cattle breeding is also well developed and its specialists are unrivalled. In fact, Br550bln has been injected into the reconstruction of its meat and dairy industry enter-prises over the last five years, with high revenues resulting.

Half of Grodno Region’s hard cheeses are exported, alongside 75 percent of its powdered milk and 70 percent of its butter. Belarusian consumers’ needs are also well met. According to the FAO, the country is now among the top five states for its export of condensed milk and among the top ten counties for its sales of cattle meat and eggs. Moreover, Belarus is an acknowledged leader in its export of rye flour and rye bread. This shows that our Republic is a serious player on the inter-national food market.

Such an approach clearly yields dividends. Last year alone, powdered milk almost doubled in price on the

international market while prices for butter and casein rose by 70 percent. Accordingly, Belarus has been able to offset some its significant expenditure on oil and natural gas, which have also sharply risen in price. At the same time, planting of buckwheat and other imported crops has expanded. As a result, in 2010, the positive balance of foreign trade in food stood at $1.3bln — up 2.2 times on 2009.

The Belarusian Government is now tasked with raising food export supplies to $7bln over the coming five years, keen to see its positive foreign trade balance reach $4bn. Evidently, the heads of agrarian processing enterprises must alter their approach; there is no alternative. Ideally, revenue from our milk and meat will offset oil and natural gas imports. According to forecasts, consumer demand for food is set to rise 1.3-1.4 times, so such a situation is possible.

As far as the social transformation of Belarusian villages is concerned, 1,481 agro-towns have been constructed to date, each boasting medical services, kindergartens, schools and post offices. This has raised the quality of life not only for town residents but for those living nearby.

The Belarusian Government recently elaborated its fourth state programme, aiming to develop its agrarian and industrial complex. This comprehen-sive document covers 18 branch and targeted sub-programmes, aiming to

raise production across the board by 39-45 percent, allowing us to increase food exports by about 2.2-fold.

Dairy and meat remain a priority, with exports targeted to rise 2.8 times in this segment. To achieve this, 835 new commercial dairy farms need to be added to the existing 1,500, while 1,350 need to be modernised. In all, 90 percent of farms are to have contem-porary milking rooms, bringing milk yields to over 10.5 tonnes per year. At the same time, our international marketing network is to be expanded this year, with a large national milk processing company set up. It will begin by processing a million tonnes of produce, while boasting a wide logistical network.

“Potential partners will be seriously considering work with this company,” believes the Agriculture and Food Minister, Mikhail Rusy. “Those who are keen to liaise on mutually beneficial conditions are welcome.”

Raising elite cattle and seeds is another aim, with Belarus intending to regain its title as Europe’s leading ‘potato’ country. A unique potato growing school is being developed, with Belarusian potato varieties becoming more popular.

There’s no doubt that the agrarian business is becoming very profitable for Belarus, as recognised by foreign investors, who are becoming more active in investing their money into the development of Belarusian villages.

By Vladimir BibikovB

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Degree of balanceworld nEws AgEnciEs hAvE rEcEntly bEEn rEPorting rising PricEs for EvErything from food And fuEl to trAnsPort And housing, utility sErvicEs, mEdicinE, EducAtion And lEisurE. whAt’s going on in thE world And whAt cAn wE ExPEct from thE futurE?

The World B an k has announced that a food crisis has begun. Its President, Robert B. Z oel l ick , notes that

prices for food products have already reached a dangerous level, with further growth forecast. Last year, food prices rose by 29 percent on average, resulting in 44mln people finding themselves below the poverty line.

To feed their populations, Belarus’ neighbours are selling grain from their accumulated reserves. Sergey Trigubenko, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister

for Agrarian Policy and Food, notes that products unsubsidised by the state may rise in price by 10 percent.

Our country has also seen food prices rise; in March, meat, milk, kefir, sour cream and cottage cheese rose in price, although the increase has been incremental. It reflects the appreciation of meat and milk, while bringing prices for dairy and meat products in line with those in neigh-bouring regions.

Experts view the move as positive. “We can remember the 1980-1990s, when almost everything was ‘swept

away’ from Belarusian counters,” asserts Georgy Grits, Professor at the Belarusian State University’s Institute for Lifelong Education. “As a result, Belarusian consumers lost out. The current price growth is objective and enables us to reduce price compe-tition within our country’s open economy, taking into account our integration aspirations. Alongside the evident advantages, the simplification of customs and visa procedures does have another side.”

Factors influencing price growth worldwide are rising in number. Riot-

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hit Libya has reduced oil extraction by over 3-fold — down by as much as 500,000 barrels per day. One of the largest oil ports and two oil refin-eries are closed; they account for 88 percent of the country’s oil refinery. Before the civil war, Libya extracted up to 1.69mln barrels of oil daily.

“As a result, oil prices will continue to grow, alongside those for indus-trial and agricultural goods,” forecasts Alexey Danilchenko, the Head of the Belarusian State University’s Chair for International Economic Relations. “Under these conditions, we have only one way out: to reduce costs while enhancing labour productivity.”

“If the Customs Union operates at full capacity, the competitiveness of our produce and population incomes will rise, so we’ l l avoid reduced standards of living,” explains Mr. Grits. He is keen to accent the prospects of the Customs Union. According to Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who heads the IMF, sustained growth of oil prices, caused by turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, threatens the world economy. Meanwhile, this year, the Russian economy could rise 7.4 percent. “This is a reaction to the aggressive forecast relating to oil prices,” explains Dmitry Polevoi, an expert with ING Bank for Russia and Kazakhstan. Although most analysts agree that GDP growth at the expense of oil and gas revenue is no reason for pride, the Customs Union could use this opportunity to its advantage.

The Belarusian state continues to control prices for socially important goods and services while salaries are raised from time to time. Mr. Grits notes that such steps compensate for rising world prices. He adds, “Our Government aims to maintain the level of citizens’ welfare, preventing a sharp drop in purchasing power. I believe that, in the first six months of this year, price jumps connected with objective world processes and popula-tion incomes will find a balance.”

By Mikhail osipenko

Service guaranteednAtionAl hotEl onlinE rEsErvAtion systEm bEcomEs oPErAtionAl in bElArus

of the online booking system will be constantly expanded. In future, not only large hotels, but family-run smaller hotels in the countryside will join the system. In total, over 250 hotels and guesthouses operate in Belarus; however, those located in the regions often lack the necessary technology to connect to the system. The national online hotel reservation system is to be integrated with that of an international system, enabling foreigners to book Belarusian hotel rooms online.

Specialists believe that the creation of the national hotel online reserva-tion system and its further connec-tion to world reservation systems will enhance Belarus’ competitiveness on the world market for tourist services. The system will allow booking of tours, excursions and transport services, as well as tickets for various cultural and sporting events.

The project to create a single tourist infor-mat ion sys tem has b e e n i mp l e m e nt e d s ince 2009 , a iming to enhance tourists’ access to information. The network unites tourist operators and other representatives of the tourist market: hotels, national parks, museums and sanato-riums, as well as organ-

i s a t i o n s distributing

tourist infor-mation.

The system has been launched on the national tourist portal www.

belarustourism.by with the aid of Belarusian Generation_P Consulting Ltd. as part of a project to create a single tourist information network. At present, the system unites around 40 hotels, including ten in the Belarusian capital. A hotel room can be booked using a bank card, from which a defined sum is withdrawn as a deposit, deducted from the balance on finally paying for the room. Two online reser-vation opportunities are envisaged: with instant confirmation and upon request. In the latter case, tourists wait some time to receive conformation from hotel staff.

According to the Head of the National Tourism Agency’s Department for Marketing and Publishing Activity,

Valery Boldyrev, the number of par t ic ipants


PanoraMa

Various criteria taken into consideration

Belarus boasts best ecological index in the CIS, according to 2010 figures

The Environmental Performance Index — compiled by scien-

tists from the universities of Yale and Columbia — embraces 163 countries. It uses 25 criteria to assess people’s health, related to the state of the environment and eco-systems. The purity of water and air, as well as state policy to preserve biodiver-sity, is taken into account, alongside farming practices.

Belarus occupies the 53rd position, followed by Russia (69), Armenia (76) , Azerbaijan (84) , Moldova (86), Ukraine (87), Kazakhstan (92), Tajikistan (111), Uzbekistan (144) and Turkmenistan (157). Among our neighbours, Latvia is placed highest (21st position) while Lithuania is ranked 37th. Poland is in the 63rd place and Estonia is the 57th.

The Belarusian Nature Ministry notes that Belarus is ahead of the USA (61st place). Iceland, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Sweden top the rating.

Attractive alternative energy

Belarusian ecologists develop info-system to provide for renewable energy

Th e I n t e r n a t i o n a l S a k h a r o v Environmental University has

developed an information-analytical system to assess the possibilities of renewable energy sources, particularly relating to their use in Minsk Region’s Dzerzhinsk District. “This is a fully functional Internet resource, allowing us to assess the energy potential of any area, looking at average levels of wind, sun and water, and potential for bio-gas use. The feasibility of implementation of these projects can be calculated,” explains Boris Tonkonogov, an associate professor at the University’s Department of Automated Systems of Information Processing.

The system includes data on how domestic and foreign equipment might be appl ied to generat ing alternative energy, allowing projects to be chosen for Minsk Region. The system could later cover all regions of the country, enabling scientists to select the most appropriate sites for creating renewable energy. A centre could also be set up to promote the idea, with staff working to attract investment into the field of alterna-tive energy.

Exhibition ground proves useful

Belarusian National Technical University’s Polytechnik Technopark to develop co-operation with Joensuu Science Park — Finland’s largest scientific park

An agreement on collaboration has been reached at an interna-

tional exhibition and congress entitled High Technologies: Innovations & Investments, recently held in St. Petersburg. Polytechnik is to join the Finnish scientific park in organising joint research into the development and application of laser technology, creating highly-efficient construc-tion materials and technologies. A Belarusian-Finnish centre for laser materials, power engineering and renewable energy may open in Minsk.

Alongside the Finnish investors, several major industrial enterprises and corporations — from Germany, the Czech Republic and Denmark — expressed interest in Belarusian technologies at the fair. Joensuu Science Park is Finland’s largest park, uniting around 60 companies who primarily focus on electronics and microelectronics, mass media and multimedia, telecommunica-tions and new materials. The park’s participants also implement projects in power engineering, including alternative power sources.


enVironMent

Nature powerbElArusiAn wind conditions ArE similAr to thosE in gErmAny — A world lEAdEr in wind PowEr

We currently lag behind western countries in terms of wind power, a lthough we have plenty of opportunities

to develop this area. The main stimulus to developing alternative energy is the fact that Belarus has only small deposits of energy resources. The lion’s share of hydro-carbons must be imported, with prices ever rising. Being in a similar situation, Germany, Spain, Holland, Sweden, Italy and other EU states are focusing on devel-oping alternative sources. At present, these countries lead in this direction, generating around a quarter of their elec-tricity via renewable sources. Specialists believe that we could also occupy a strong position in this niche.

Vladimir Nistyuk, the Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Association, believes that Belarus could generate up to 30 percent of its energy via renewable sources. Unlike most EU states, building density in Belarus is modest, so there are more sites on which to install stations and powerful wind farms. Over 1,840 sites are already earmarked as suitable.

Despite this huge potent ia l , Belarusian private business is yet to be convinced of the viability of invest-ments into wind energy. Few wind-power units are operational, with most used for scientific and demonstrational purposes; a handful generate energy for the common network. However, Mogilev’s Tycoon firm plans to build a wind farm and small solar station near the regional centre, planning to earn additional profit.

“For a long time, we’ve been making calculations; the results unanimously show that it’s profitable to generate elec-tricity from renewable energy sources,

supplying it to the electric network,” notes Dmitry Shevchuk, a founder of the private enterprise. “Our calcula-tions were also proven in practice, once we installed the first small capacity wind-power unit. As a result, we’ve decided to construct a whole wind farm and have already purchased some of the equipment.”

The state buys electricity from renewable sources at enhanced tariffs, which should attract injections. Any company can purchase a wind-power unit and receive income from selling the generated electricity.

“It makes no sense to develop alterna-tive power engineering without also manufacturing our own equipment,” believes Vladimir Nistyuk. “There are a lot of machine building factories in our country able to produce such equipment and some of them have already begun to develop in this area. In particular, Baran’s Les Plant is currently developing a prototype of a largely new wind-power unit.”

grEEN iNvEStmENtSInvestors from Germany,

Spain, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and elsewhere are interested in Belarusian wind energy. In the next two years, projects will be implemented in Novogrudok and Liozno districts aimed at developing wind power engineering. Plans are being developed to create wind farms in Oshmyany, Smorgon and Logoisk districts while negotiations are currently

underway with German Enertrag to install wind-power units near Belarus’ highest point — at the International State Environmental University’s Volma Park in Dzerzhinsk District. The project is estimated at $360mln.

Whether our landscapes will soon be graced with wind turbines, as seen across most developed countries, depends largely on whether we create economic stimuli for investors. Most foreign companies wishing to become engaged in wind power engineering begin with small projects (boasting just 1.5-10MW capacity). Only after their successful implementation more serious injections are considered. If pilot projects prove profitable, investors

will grow confident of gaining a return on their investments

and serious wind power should appear in Belarus.

comPaSS For PoWEr ENgiNEErS

According to the Belarusian Hydrometeorological Centre, Minsk, Vitebsk and Grodno regions of northern and north-western Belarus are the most promising areas for the establish-ment of wind farms. Specialists are currently completing a Wind Atlas — a completely new document for Belarus. It will become a ‘compass’, helping to search for most promising sites for exploiting wind energy. Maria Germenchuk, Director of the Hydrometeorology Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, notes that the atlas takes into consideration not only wind power, but also the necessary infrastructure — roads, power supply lines and suitable land configurations. The most favourable are hill ranges (located 250m above sea level or more), where the background wind speed varies from 5 to 8m/s.

By Sergey Yevgeniev


Until now, little has been known of what causes rare diseases. However, geneticists tell us that eighty percent of illness is either hereditary or

a result of gene mutation during concep-tion. Only 20 percent are of an infectious nature or caused by immune failure. “In Europe, rare diseases are classed as those suffered by just one in 2,000 or

more,” explains Konstantin Mosse who heads the Laboratory for Cytogenetic, Molecular-Genetic and Morphological Research at the Republican Mother and Child Scientific-Practical Centre. “Even the most widespread genetic diseases are considered rare; many are severe chronic diseases accompanied by life-threatening symptoms. These may be seen from the earliest age but might just as easily become apparent only in later childhood or adulthood.”

Some genetic diseases affect one in a million: problems with skin growth, bone thickness or mental health. Unusual diseases also occur, such as the syndrome of premature ageing in children. Rooted in gene mutation, this leads to the accumulation of abnormal protein in cells. As a result, cell nucleuses deform and eventually die. The disease is characterised by dwarfism, hair loss, the appearance of wrinkles, thickening of artery walls and osteoporosis. Such

sCienCeGenetiCs

DNA holds code to ‘Ondine’s Curse’EAch wEEk, fivE nEw rArE disEAsEs ArE discovErEd, on AvErAgE, with most rElAting to gEnE mutAtions. At PrEsEnt, this list EmbrAcEs ovEr 6,000 illnEssEs, sEEn All ovEr thE globE. bElArus is no ExcEPtion

laboratory assistant Olga Skryagin

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children live no more than 15-17 years. Luckily, there have been no such cases in Belarus, as yet.

Four year old Polina, from Belarusian Novogrudok, has perplexed her parents and doctors from the first days of her life. Until recently, she was the only such case in the country, suffering from ‘Ondine’s Curse’ (the unofficial name for sleep apnea). Polina lacks autonomic control of her breathing while sleeping, so stops breathing independently each time she falls unconscious. As a baby, doctors were obliged to use artificial pulmonary ventilation to keep her alive. Today, she can breathe on her own, courtesy of a Swedish clinic which gave her an implanted diaphragm pacemaker. Sadly, no other cure exists for the defective gene responsible for her disease. “About 400 people worldwide suffer from ‘Ondine’s Curse’, with 90 percent featuring a new mutation. Others have inherited their illness,” says Mr. Mosse.

The Centre’s geneticists aim to detect the primary cause of each disease, so that they can determine whether someone is likely to be susceptible. Their equipment allows them locate all possible gene mutations, with special attention given to the most common pathologies (there are about 50 in Belarus). However, specialists are also ready to cope with others. “Often, we detect genetic defects responsible for neurological disease and metabolic irregularities. However, doctors’ prognoses do not always coincide with the real situation,” notes Mr. Mosse, adding, “For example, none of those whom we suspected of having Friedreich’s Ataxia* had gene abnor-

reference:The recently discovered syndrome of ‘cold sweat’ is one of the

rarest, with only a few people suffering worldwide. They sweat in cold weather rather than in heat. Its cause is unknown but may be connected with a genetic problem in the development of arthral tissue.

Another illness is called ‘Alice in Wonderland’ syndrome — or micropsia. Patients suffer from disorientation and fail to visually comprehend objects, which seem smaller than they are in reality.

The cenTre’s geneTicisTs aim To deTecT The primary cause of each disease, so ThaT They can deTermine wheTher someone is likely To be suscepTible

malities (which lead to this pathology). Geneticists face a huge challenge in diagnosing rare diseases, since it’s impossible to identify a neuro-logical pathology purely by molecular means. It takes time and money.”

If a person knows they carry a defective gene, then geneticists can define whether close relatives also suffer from the disease. One such screening found that a Belarusian man had a rare type of dopa-responsive dystonia**. Sadly, his daughter and grandson were also carriers of the defective

gene, which might reveal itself in offspring for several decades.

Some genetic diseases are equally spread among all populations, while others are peculiar to some regions and, even, countries. Among Belarusians, phenylketonuria*** occurs in one person among 6,000 (over 600 are currently ill) but is half as rare in other Eastern European states. Moreover, those in Eastern Asia have no experience of the disease. “Apart from genetic failure, which is responsible for phenylketonuria, Belarusians also quite often suffer from genetic mucovis-cidosis****,” explains Mr. Mosse. “One in 45 people is a hidden carrier of this

mutation. Our Centre’s database lists over 200 patients suffering from this disease. About a hundred Belarusians have been

diagnosed as suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease***** but, in

reality, this figure is much higher. Belarusian geneticists have

already detected several hundred gene problems but still

have much work to do to decipher the hidden secrets

of our DNA. In fact, many people may

not even realise that genes are the

cause of their illness. Moreover, there are no more than ten specialists in our country qualified to conduct such DNA research.

No effective treatment exists to cure the rarest diseases, although some drugs can improve our quality and length of life. Sadly, the most suitable approach — gene therapy — is not yet widely affordable. Some successful attempts have been made but their practical implementation remains out of reach. Mr. Mosse is sure that the future will see each ‘rare’ patient receiving the chance to regain full health, but who knows when that day may come.

By Lidia Zhelezovskaya

* An hereditary disease which is connected with the degenera-tion of the spinal chord’s conduction systems and peripheral nerve fibres. It tends to appear between the ages of 8 and 15, with shaky walking leading to falls. ** A chronic progressive disease, characterised by jerking and changes in muscular tone, resulting in pathological postures.*** A disease accompanied by the accumulation of phenyla-lanine and its toxic products in the organism, which results in severe destruction of the central nervous system and mental retardation.**** An hereditary disease caused by gene mutation and char-acterised by affected excretory glands, alongside disordered breathing and digestion.***** An hereditary disease characterised by the atrophy of muscles in the lower limbs.


eXPeriMent

Virtual hopescomPutEr dEsign tEchnologiEs ProvidE for nEw rEsEArch oPPortunitiEs

can now afford to use its well-developed information technologies to design cutting edge medicines.

Scientists f rom the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Biophysics and Cell Engineering are hopeful that their successful mastery of computing methods will help them create a range of new medicines. Scientist Alexander Davidovsky recently reported to the Innovative Forum, held in Minsk, explaining that a new genera-

tion anti-tumour drug has been developed

with the help o f c o m p u t e r

software. This is a first for Belarus,

although the ‘recipe’

is yet to be chemically synthesised and gain a medical patent. Pre-clinical and clinical tests lie ahead but scientists are confident of success. “Our methods use powerful mathematical optimisation, avoiding tube testing. In turn, we can calculate the structure of a protein-receptor responsible for a particular disease,” Mr. Davidovsky stressed. “This means we can predict or select (from millions of chemical combinations) those which best ‘match’ this protein-receptor. On being located in a certain place, these combinations can actively block a protein, allowing recovery.”

Belarus is not a rich country. Accordingly, the focus has been not on the creation of new domestic medicines, which cost a great deal

to develop, but on generic drugs. The latter are similar to well-known branded medicines, where patents have expired. However, the latest computer design technology is allowing the pharmaceu-tical branch to make medicines not only several times quicker but significantly cheaper, with costs cut 2-3 times. Belarus

Newly designed anti-tumour drug is no mystery to scientific researchers Valery Veresov and Alexander Davidovsky

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Sky over the Antarctic

While working on this new, anti-tumour drug, Belarusian scientists drew inspiration from foreign medicines performing well during clinical trials in the USA. By studying the nature of some very similar drugs (with the aid of computer technologies) they found ways to significantly improve the anti-tumour effect, while expanding the range of the drug’s application. As a result, the new medicine will be consid-ered a Belarus-made drug, regardless of which pharmaceutical facility it is produced at within the country.

Scientists are now searching for addi-tional ways to practically realise their idea abroad. “We’ve decided to co-operate with the Russians, who are now actively developing computer software for creating medicines. At a profit, they are fulfilling orders for the computer design of drugs, placed by famous global manu-facturers,” notes Valery Veresov, the head of Cell Structural Biophysics (a thematic scientific group). The doctor of biological sciences tells us, “Jointly with the Centre for Theoretical Problems of Physio-chemical Pharmacology at the Russian Academy of Sciences, we’ve applied to the Interstate Target Programme for CIS States’ Innovative Co-operation for 2011—2020, hoping to gain financing. Joint research using our SKIF supercom-puter could result in the production of new medicines.” Our faith in the drug’s success is strengthened by the fact that computer designed medicines are among Russia’s top three sci-tech priorities.

This branch is a priority worldwide. Not long ago, the USA hosted an inter-national congress gathering producers and developers of medicines, where it was noted that computer designed drugs are now responsible for six percent of the market. Such medicines tend to be more efficient, occupying a ‘golden standard’. Western specialists say that, by 2020, computer designed medicines will comprise 30 percent of the total, rising to 90 percent by 2050.

It would be fine if our strategists in the field of pharmaceuticals paid attention to this trend promptly.

bElArusiAn sciEntists to contributE to globAl rEsEArch of thE AntArctic

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For several years, Belarusian polar researchers have been observing the ozone layer from the ice

continent. During their recent expe-dition, they conducted investigations while travelling in the Academician Fedorov — a scientific research vessel. It was their first ever such expedition. “On the one hand, it’s quite hard to collect and analyse such data but, on the other, we gain the opportunity to process data from our satellite and other sources, uniting it,” explains the Director of the National Scientific-Research Centre of Ozone Layer Monitoring, at the Belarusian State University, Alexander Krasovsky. The Centre is soon to analyse data collected by our polar researchers during their last Antarctic expedi-tion. Belarusian scientists have already published the results of their previous polar studies of the ozone layer in the Russian journal Problems of the Arctic and Antarctic. New scientific papers should help Belarusian science take its

rightful place in the global study of the ozone layer above the ice continent.

Naturally, such studies are of great interest to global scientific circles, which are keen to gauge how far the damaged ozone layer is restoring itself. “Scientists have already modelled the process of destruction, but restoration is yet to be studied,” notes Mr. Krasovsky. “Interestingly, despite the restoration of ozone, the average temperature of the stratosphere is falling. Greenhouse gases are to blame. We could reverse the process but scientists are yet to measure such a thing happening.”

The National Scientific-Research Centre of Ozone Layer Monitoring keeps track of the ozone layer and ultra-violet rays. Using special technologies, it forecasts levels of UV several days ahead, warning us of where danger lies. Information is then sent to the World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Centre in Canada.

By Leonid Burmistrov


Architects plan to recreate an ancient castle, which laid the foundations of Minsk. In ancient times, such fortresses in Belarus and

Russia were called ‘kremls’ (citadels). While the Moscow Kremlin is famous worldwide, that of Minsk could also become a top attraction. The designers assert that no other European capital boasts a similar cultural-historical complex. The site on contemporary Pobediteley Avenue (near the junction with Nemiga Street) once boasted a wooden fortress on its hill. It survived WWII and some Minskers st i l l remember it. The topography of Minsk includes the word ‘zamchishche’ — as Belarusians call those embankments upon which the walls of such forts stood. According to researchers, the highest point of Zamchishche was 8m above the ground, and 11m above the level of the River Svisloch.

Over fifty years ago, archaeologists unearthed the foundations of a small church in the eastern part of Zamchishche, not far from the river. Its walls were made from stone and were again discovered in 2009. At that time, investigation works were run to discern the original appear-ance of the site. Curiously, archaeologists uncovered human graves: 21 wooden coffins containing the remains of ancient Minskers. One female skeleton was studied, allowing scientists to re-create her image; she once had braided hair wrapped around her head — a tradition for Ukrainian women and those living in the southern regions of Belarus.

Historians have come to the conclu-sion that Minsk was founded in the 11th century as a military settlement and a southern border fortress in Polotsk Principality. The city is over 1,000 years

old and Minsk was once the capital of an independent principality. From the 14th-16th century, the castle was owned by the Duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and then by the Polish King.

Sergey Baglasov, being one of the major forces behind the restoration project in the Belarusian capital’s histor-ical centre, tells us about Minsk’s future ‘Kreml’.

What remains under the earth from the days of ancient Minsk?

The cultural layer of Zamchishche, which is currently hidden by the ground and a road, contains fragments of Minsk’s first 12th century stone church, of wooden pavements, houses and outbuildings, in addition to pieces of defensive e m b a n k m e n t s and entrance gates. During archaeological digs, all these elements have been studied and plenty of artefacts h a v e b e e n g a t h e r e d , i n c l u d i n g h o u s e h o l d

items, weapons and decorations from the 12th-16th century and later periods. These precious artefacts, witnesses of the city’s history, now reside in the archives of the Academy of Sciences and the National History Museum. From these investigations, architects have developed a new history museum for the Belarusian capital: Minsk Citadel (Zamchishche) complex.

Will you restore the castle to its former glory or adjust it to suit contem-porary city development?

The complex wil l have three parts and will be limited by the River

Svisloch, Pobediteley Avenue, Maxim Bogdanovich Street, Nemiga metro station and a fountain in front of the Sports Palace. We know how the

12th century Zamchishche appeared, as several images

and descriptions of the ancient city remain.

There were wooden c o n s t r u c t i o n s

w h i c h w e r e replaced every 20-30 years , b e i n g non-

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Excursion to the12th centuryunusuAl tourist fAcilitiEs ArE to APPEAr Along thE bAnks of thE rivEr svisloch in 2013

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durable, so we’ll be recreating them — relying on materials from digs.

Where will be the museum of the city’s history be located?

It will be situated inside the castle; there will be an underground hall with an amphitheatre, seating 240, with galleries surrounding. Part of the 12th century city, preserved under the earth, will be uncovered here, showing the foundations of the first church. A life-sized model of some part of the wooden city will be built nearby, with entrance gates, defensive embankments, a church, streets and houses of craftsmen and neighbourhood guardsmen. Tourists will be able to view historical documents while penetrating the medieval atmosphere.

Will Zamchishche connect with other parts of the historical centre, making a single complex?

Zamchishche will be connected with the Troitsky Suburbs via a pedestrian bridge, boasting a monumental architec-tural-artistic sculpture, dedicated to the appearance of the city of Minsk, which was initially called Menesk. According to an ancient legend, the city was named to honour bogatyr Menesk, who once constructed a mill on the River Svisloch. A recreation of a life-sized floating watermill, with sculptures of Menesk and his guards, will be installed on the River Svisloch, not far from Zamchishche.

Interactive exhibitions dedicated to historical events are currently very popular in tourism. Will these appear in the castle and will it have cafes or souvenir shops?

A trade and entertainment centre is to be built near Zamchishche, almost on the site of the ancient Lower Market. Nemiga Street and the metro station are currently situated where the market once stood centuries ago, according to documents, so we have to recreate the market square nearby. It will have trading stalls, open-air shops and an open-roof pavilion, where artistes, clowns and illusionists will perform. On visiting the Upper Market, visitors will be able to buy souvenirs and craft items, or pop into the café.

By Viktar korbut

Project to assist in co-ordination

The unique project will enable our three states to unite their efforts in protecting flora and fauna, while preserving

rare wetland eco-systems and hydro-logic systems in the Polesie area. “The reserve aims to more efficiently manage nature sites and conduct joint scien-tific programmes and investigations, revealing the newest habitats of rare animals and plants. This will help us bring them under protection,” notes Alexander Rachevsky, the Head of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry’s International Co-operation Department.

Collaboration of our three countries within the project should inspire sustainable development in the Polesie area, with not only environmental tasks

but tourism issues solved. “The estab-lished reserve will be extremely inter-esting for tourists, enabling us to attract additional funds to develop Polesie,” adds Mr. Rachevsky. “Tourism will be tasked with preserving the ecology of the reserve, so that the biological diversity of the landscape remains unaffected.”

The Polesie area boasts ecological corridors of pan-European signifi-cance. Despite having an existing system of specially protected nature sites, the area is split between neigh-bouring states, with environmental and economic strategies differing on each side of the border. By uniting their efforts, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland will be able to co-ordinate and more effectively fulfil projects.

bElArus, ukrAinE And PolAnd to sEt uP trAns-boundAry zAPAdnoE (wEst) PolEsiE biosPhErE rEsErvE


HeritaGe

Bell ringing over the Dvina

onE of thE most bEAutiful And lArgEst orthodox churchEs in bElArus — holy AssumPtion cAthEdrAl — to oPEn during vitEbsk’s slAvonic bAzAAr fEstivAl

summer 2000, using archive materials. This summer, the cathedral is expected to welcome believers again, opening its doors to residents of Vitebsk and its guests during the International Slavonic Bazaar Festival of Arts.

Holy Assumption Cathedral is one of the oldest in Vitebsk. Archaeologists believe a sacred pagan site existed there until the 12th century, having found artefacts beneath Uspenskaya Hill: a ritual bone axe engraved with magical symbols and an astragal. It’s thought that the site was dedicated to the Slavonic Goddess Makosha, who protected the feminine and inspired fertility. From the 15th century, the church honouring the assumption of the Mother of God was among the largest in the city, called ‘soborny’ (cathedral). It kept the most important documents and was initially made from wood. In 1708, Vitebsk was burnt down at the order of Peter I, by a troop of Cossacks. Along with other buildings, the church and the Basilian Monastery were razed.

The construction of a stone cathedral began in 1745, under the guidance of Iosif Fontani — an architect of Italian origin from Grodno. Some documents state that the cathedral was a small copy of a Roman church, built by famous Onorio Longhi from Lombardy. Great Michelangelo Caravaggio depicted him in his Vocazione di san Matteo (the painting is now kept by Sancti Ludovici Francorum de Urbe in the

Bell ringing is part of the priceless legacy of our anc ient culture — an integral part of Orthodox

services. The pure, sonorous chime clears our souls, while the stentorian

basso of a giant 5 tonne bell cannot but charm us. Not long ago, a

similar bell — the heaviest in Belarus — was erected

at the top of the 40m belfry of Vitebsk’s

Orthodox Holy Assumption Cathedral,

joining two dozen smaller an d l i g ht e r bel ls . Sadly, in the 1930s, the cathedral — standing on a hill where the Vitba and Z a p a d n a y a Dvina rivers merge — was

blown up. Its restora-

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Italian capital). In fact, other legends relating to the church exist. There was a rumour in the 19th century that a subter-ranean tunnel existed below the Zapadnaya River, starting at the cathedral. However, it is most likely that th is was a d r a i n a g e system con-s t r u c t e d f rom br ick

and wood to take away ground waters from the cellars to the river. The domes of the drain were of a height to allow a man to easily pass through.

Vitebsk’s joining of the Russian Empire after the Rzech Pospolita’s division facil-itated the cathedral’s building. In 1799, Paul I handed it to the Orthodox Church and, later, St. Petersburg’s Alexander Nevsky Lavra gave it a vestry and other facilities. The cathedral was viewed as Vitebsk’s calling card and was among the most magnificent churches of the Russian Empire. It was so beautiful that, in 1911, an Imperial photographer took a colour photo of its interior. “We kept feasting our eyes on its spiked towers, grand portal and strictly shaped dome — either visiting it to pray, walking nearby or looking at it from the windows of our apartment,” wrote local researcher Alexander Sementovsky-Kurilo in 1865.

“Hav ing insp e c te d the most impressive churches f rom the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea, and having visited numerous monasteries, we were seldom as amazed by external or internal architecture.”

The cathedral has witnessed

many historic e v e n t s . I n 1 8 1 2 , i t h o u s e d a

hospital for Napoleonic soldiers, who destroyed all its best decorations. After their expulsion, the building was restored but, in the 21st century, it required resto-ration again. The Soviet authorities had closed the cathedral and the seminary there, demolishing the building in the mid-1930s (by a team organised by sapper Piotr Grigorenko, who later became a dissident and human rights activist). “It took us a month and a half to prepare for the planned explosion,” recollected Mr. Grigorenko. Afterwards, he regretted having been involved in demolishing three Vitebsk churches. “There was no explosion in the usual sense. We heard only the boom and crackle of bricks as they fell from the top. The cathedral subsided, producing a deep groan and… became a pile of bricks. People came running up, expressing their surprise and admiration at the ‘clean’ work we’d

achieved. Nobody, least of all me, had any idea that a true architectural master-piece, a place for people’s spiritual talk with God, had been destroyed.” In 1949, a factory producing grinding machines was built but was deserted by the 1980s and fully demolished in 1998.

The rebuilt Holy Assumption Cathedral is an exact copy of that which was destroyed. Its first stone — laid in the foundations over 12 years ago — was consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. Construction works began in 2000 and, in 2008, the domes were erected, alongside crosses and ten bells. Two years ago, the cathedral was visited by His Holiness, the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. Not long ago, patrons donated another 10 bells, including the largest in Belarus (weighing over 5 tonnes).

“The bells were cast at Moscow’s ZIL Plant, paid for by a large Russian company,” says the prior of Vitebsk Holy Assumption Cathedral, Father Mikhail (Martynovich). “We hope they’ll please city residents with their chimes this Easter.” Igor Konovalov, the senior bell ringer of Moscow’s Kremlin Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, is to hang and tune the bells. On the eve of Lent, Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk Filaret, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus consecrated the lower church of the Holy Assumption Cathedral: Saviour Transfiguration Church. With the Chairman of Vitebsk Regional Execut ive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, he toured the interior, admiring the decorations and inspecting the frescos of traditional Biblical plots and Belarusian saints. All work is to be complete by early July. The monastery will also be ready, in addition to the long and beautiful steps leading to the river banks. The cathedral is to open for the Slavonic Bazaar Festival, which gathers around 150,000-200,000 guests over a single week. Among them are singers, artists, actors, tourists, ambassadors and officials from over 30 countries.

By Sergey golesnik

HeritaGe

The rebuilT holy assumpTion caThedral is an exacT copy of ThaT which was desTroyed. iTs firsT sTone — laid in The foundaTions over 12 years ago — was consecraTed by his holiness paTriarch alexy ii of moscow and all russia. consTrucTion works began in 2000 and, in 2008, The domes were erecTed, alongside crosses and Ten bells. Two years ago, The caThedral was visiTed by his holiness, The paTriarch kirill of moscow and all russia. noT long ago, paTrons donaTed anoTher 10 bells, including The largesT in belarus (weighing over 5 Tonnes)


CineMa

Cinema for all film dirEctor AlExAndEr yEfrEmov sEts AsidE his tough schEdulE to tEll us About thE nAtionAl fEAturEs of bElArusiAn cinEmAtogrAPhy And his own PAth viA bElArusfilm studio

Mr. Yefremov came to Belarusfilm in the 1970s, moving f r o m M o s c o w. D u r i n g S o v i e t

times, it was the best film studio in the USSR, releasing children’s films and those about war — all becoming cult classics. At the time, Alexander was an alumnus of the prestigious Stage Acting Department of the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography.

What inspired you to devote your whole life to cinema?

My passion was born in childhood, after watching ‘Amphibian Man’. Its plot enthralled me and I immediately hurried to a library to take out the book upon which the film had been based. I then

thought that it would be nice to shoot a similar film myself. I wanted to penetrate the world behind the screen...

You dreamt of becoming an actor, so why did you shift your passion towards directorship?

After finishing school, I applied to the Stage Acting Department at the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography. However, I was informed that I’d submitted my appli-cation too late. I passed an exam for the Acting Department but, on taking it up, realised that it wasn’t for me. I then conducted my military service with the missile troops for two years, before applying once more to the Stage Acting Department. On leaving the army, I was invited for examinations. There were only five vacancies per 200 applicants! To collect my results, I came to the Dean’s Office early, so

that no one

would be able to witness my shame. I thought I’d get a ‘two’ or ‘three’, being unsure of myself. I came in and saw a girl called Lena, who looked at me and said, “Yefremov, look at you!” I immediately imagined that I’d done terribly but I’d been given one of only two ‘five’ marks.

What brought you from Moscow to Belarus?

Af ter I g radu ate d f rom t he Institute, I was invited to Belarusfilm. Until then, I’d had no ties with Belarus and had visited Minsk only once — testing for a role. However, after my arrival at Belarusfilm and shooting my first film, I was invited to Lenfilm, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). I was on the verge of staying there but work on my film ceased — through no fault of my own — so I returned to Minsk. I’ve been working with Belarusfilm for almost 35 years.

Being a young director, how did you manage to find a common language

with your actors? Some w e re alre ady w el l established stars of

Soviet and Belarusian cinema…

Actors can literally trample a director to pieces if he is unsure of himself or fails to show exact ly what he wants. It’s vital to be convincing with actors. One famous


CineMa

personality once said that a director must arrive, show a cameraman from which angle to film, tell actors what to do and then keep smiling: everyone should see that he knows everything and can answer any question. I don’t match this ‘ideal’ fully. My attitude differs in that I try to educate myself, ever learning from my students, actors and cameramen. I know what I can and must demand from them all.

Is it possible to argue with you? Honestly, I’ve become a little more abrupt recently. However, it’s possible to argue with me. I can be swayed in certain things but only where an actor has concrete ideas — rather than vague notions. If you don’t believe me or think I’m wrong, then show me how it should be done. If an actor can show and convince me, we’ll definitely follow the suggestion. It’s happened several times while working with Russian actor Dmitry Pevtsov. He’s my friend now, rather than a colleague.

Soviet cinema had a unique identity. Can the same be said of Belarusian cinema?

Our cinematography is still forming its own character, while preserving its traditions. This varies depending on who is directing, since they are creating an artistic product. When we form a uniform understanding of our single nationhood, with personal interests intermixing with those of the state, we’ll understand the priorities upon which our character should be built forevermore. We should speak of the purity of the human

belarus reference Alexander Yefremov hopes to shoot a film based on Black Castle

Olshansky by Vladimir Korotkevich — the most popular Belarusian detective novel. Belarusfilm Studio has purchased the film rights from the author’s niece, Yelena Sinkevich. It was first shot by Belarusfilm in 1984, directed by Mikhail Ptashuk, with a script written by Vladimir Korotkevich himself. For this second screening, Mikhail Yefremov promises to make the film even more spectacular and captivating.

soul and our intentions, setting targets which each of us can aim for through life.

Do you think classical cinema exists? Did you ever imagine that audiences would be watching your films many years on?

It’s difficult to predict such a thing. We can speak of such directors as Bergman, Fellini and Tarkovsky, whose films are widely known but tend to please only the elite. They will probably remain eternal, with people always wishing to view them. It’s hard to speculate about my own art. How can I speak of the future?

By Viktor korbut

People’s Artist Alexander Yefremov, a film director

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She’s been a star since childhoodrEcEntly, As thE country cElEbrAtEd intErnAtionAl womEn’s dAy, honourEd ArtistE of bElArus vErA kAvAlErovA wAs AwArdEd thE crystAl PAulinkA by thE union of thEAtrE figurEs of bElArus, for hEr lifElong sErvicE to thE thEAtrE

Vera is an actress of the rarest theatre genre: travesti. As a lifelong member of the Young S p e c t a t o r s ’ Theatre, she has enjoyed years of responsibility,

since children are always honest in their judgements. Adults are ready to forgive less than perfect performances, even applauding from respect — something children never do. “It’s very painful to see the back of children’s heads when a performance isn’t going as it should, for various reasons,” admits Ms. Kavalerova. I understand her, since I’ve observed the same situation at the Young Spectators’ Theatre several times. Of course, I’ve also seen children with delighted faces, enjoying every moment of Ms. Kavalerova’s appear-ance as a Butterfly, Fairy or as Cipollino. She is so spectacular in her roles that she immediately demands attention. It seems that her grey-blue eyes truly sparkle.

Speaking to her, I was disappointed to learn that a wonderful performance — American William Gibson’s Miracle Worker — has been off the theatre’s repertoire for the past year. Vera played deaf-mute and blind girl Helen. Anyone who has seen this dramatic performance

will never forget her deeply psycholog-ical and penetrative interpretation of the role. It clearly demanded great mental exertion. Vera tells me that, after one performance, a mother brought her nine year old son to the stage door, so that he could meet her. He had been convinced that she really couldn’t see, hear or speak and it was extremely painful for him. “This child, who had a fine apprecia-tion of everything, came close to me and cried: ‘This is you…you… It’s very good you can see, hear and speak…’.”

Ms. Kavalerova speaks with genuine emotion and explains her feelings eloquently. Tears spring up when we speak of issues close to her heart but she can quickly shift to laughter, encour-aging me to do the same. In my opinion, she is one of the kindest people I’ve met. Chatting together, I understand her feelings and appreciate her sharp sense of humour. It’s clear why children and adults alike adore Ms. Kavalerova.

How did you feel on being awarded the Crystal Paulinka?

I learnt of it on the eve of World Theatre Day — that I was being given our theatrical ’Oscar’. I must admit that I was thunderstruck, as I’d never dreamt of being considered worthy of the prize. It’s previously been given to such outstanding theatre legends. When I was invited onto the stage for the presenta-

tion, I felt as if electricity was passing through me. It’s difficult to explain why I was trembling. Probably, it was from excitement and because I was being ranked alongside our great actors, whom I admired so much as a student.

Are you natural modest and shy?I’m a viola according to the flower

horoscope, while Cancer (the Crab) is my astrological sign and I was born in the Chinese Year of the Cat. Crabs don’t leave their shells, but can show their claws. Cats usually walk alone while violas like shade.

This is perhaps true. I can see certain behaviour patterns, which were studied by our ancestors. You don’t like being in the limelight outside the theatre, do you?

I don’t like noise and don’t tend to go to crowded get-togethers, unless I’m obliged to attend. If I need to go, I begin to prepare in advance, reminding myself that it’s important to someone. I don’t want to offend whoever has invited me. I appreciate that my feelings are vital only to myself. As a certain poet once said, you can be most lonely in a crowd.

What brings you spiritual comfort and happiness?

Of course, the theatre, as well as my home and family: my elder sister, my son and his wife, and my grandchildren. My elder sister brought me up from my being 11 years old, so we’re very close.


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As we’re speaking about family, the issue of stage acting genes is interesting. Is yours an acting dynasty?

My granddaughter is keen on acting; she began working at the Young Spectators’ Theatre when she was just six. She’s played the Cherub in the ‘Road to Bethlehem’ for seven years; she’s developed the character in her own way. Meanwhile, I play the Donkey. Many of the theatre staff believe she’s taken the responsibility of the role very seriously. She likes actors and is always interested in their lives, but is studying tourism management. Being an actress isn’t a profession; it’s a vocation and lifestyle. People must be born to it.

Are these revelations based on your acting and life experience?

It seems that I was an actress even before I began to realise my own personality. I was always playing a role.

Who noticed your potential talent?

My sister; although she’s an engineer, she possesses a wonderful teaching gift. Whenever she played with me, she encouraged me to role-play and was astonished at my ability to cry at will. I can shed floods of tears or quickly shift from tears to laughter. At the time, we were rather poor and had no TV set. My sister discovered that there was a theatre studio at the televi-sion centre, enrolling children for involvement in TV performances. At that time, such TV perform-ances were common. I began to study at school the age of eight and became a pupil of the theatre studio. Anna Pinigina, a director of the children’s section, immediately accepted me. Klavdiya Kazakova, an actress with Moscow’s Art Theatre, was our teacher. Her word was law to me. I managed to do everything brilliantly, so was a star from childhood.

How was your stardom assessed?

I was recognised in the street and people used to say: ‘This is the

Recently, our school celebrated its 50th jubilee, inviting all its old pupils; I attended and met my oldest history teacher. I came up to her and asked whether she recognised me. She immedi-ately replied: ‘Smirnova, graduation year 1969’. What an incredible memory!

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girl who played in the performance’ or ‘We know you, you were…’. Was it pleasant? Maybe, but I didn’t pay much attention. I’ve already told you that play acting came naturally to me. Certainly, my school was very proud of me. Over the course of a decade, I played plenty of roles and was joined by all the Belarusian profes-sional stage actors. Theatre studio pupils

also took part in the ‘Youngsters Read’ TV programme,

where we recited verses and prose.

D o y o u ever visit your

old school in Minsk?


You came to the Young Spectators’ Theatre as an established actress, didn’t you?

Yes. At our studio, we were taught everything now taught at the Actor’s Department of the Academy of Arts’ Theatre Faculty. This was why one of Moscow’s theatre universities refused to accept me, saying: ‘What would we teach you? You know everything. Go to the employment bureau’. I began working at the age of 18; the role of Rabbit was my professional debut in ‘Rabbit Nose-in-the-Air’.

Have you ever tried stage direction?Stage direction isn’t my cup of tea. I

can direct my own role within a perfor-mance, but not the whole performance as a stage director. It’s a special gift to be able to see the performance as a whole. Moreover, a stage director should be a leader by nature while I’m a viola.

What about leadership in your roles?

This is leadership of another kind, which I manifest within the role, straining every sinew. It’s very important for me to be in the first team of actors for a performance, but I haven’t ever asked for a particular role. There was just one occasion, when a wonderful

performance — ‘The Singing Little Pig’ — would have closed, as the lead actor

left the theatre. He was brilliant but I asked

to take on the role, promising that I

wouldn’t fail.

I did everything perfectly, although I didn’t need the part for my own personal growth. I do reveal my leadership skills in other areas. For instance, I was the absolute champion in Minsk for short distance running.

Does this mean that roles ‘find’ you?

Exactly — I think that I’ve had good luck in the theatre.

Did it take long to achieve success on the stage?

It took less than a year. The Lvov Theatre (from the Carpathian Military District) arrived in Minsk on tour, inviting me to work. I agreed, joining them for six years. Then I understood that I couldn’t live without the Young Spectators’ Theatre.

In one of your interviews, you mentioned that you’ve always been afraid of speaking in a child’s voice. Is this true? Was this why you left for an adult theatre?

Yes, there was a period when I was afraid that repeatedly playing children and animals would lead to shallow interpretations of my charac-

ters. Meanwhile, I faced another pro b l e m i n Lvov ; t h e

politeness of the adult audience, who forgive all failings. I realised

that I desper-ately needed the reaction of a children’s

a u d i e n c e , o t he r w i s e , I ’d lose my reason

for acting.

Children never applaud if they don’t like a performance — if you’ve failed to inspire them.

Fortunately, I understood early on that children’s roles are very serious. Children have personalities, as adults do; in fact, their passions are even greater. They can’t manage their emotions, being of a tender age, and can’t explain the reasons behind their feelings. They can’t control their passions, as adults do, so it’s extremely difficult to play a child’s role convincingly. Your energy must ‘flood’ the stage to hold their attention. Contemporary children, who are used to seeing film sequences on TV and on computers, sometimes even don’t under-stand that they’re allured by the energy of our emotions. A good actor, whom children can believe in, always generates energy from their heart.

I once told an audience of children that each performance they are watching is unique, never to be repeated exactly the same. They were ‘touching’ a miracle, which would be different tomorrow, even at the same perform-ance. It was a revelation to them when I explained that their teachers also give mini-performances during lessons, telling their pupils about something. No two lessons are ever the same.

If you assessed your work objec-tively, would you say that you deserved the title of Honoured Artiste?

I haven’t ever thought about it. I’ve worked with great commitment all my life. When I was awarded this title, I came to the stage director and asked how I

should now work to live up to this title. He laughed

and responded that I’d already earned this title for my lifetime’s work with the theatre.

How do you deal with fans?

Children and adults often come up to thank me and

present me with flowers or gifts. It’s

Vera Kavalerova performing as Fairy in “Cinderella” play

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wonderful to see their smiles and eyes full of tears. After a performance of director Grigory Borovik’s ‘Four Drops’, I was the last to leave the theatre. This is often the case, as it’s difficult for me to quickly ‘recover’ after dramatic roles. I was walking through the theatre courtyard when I saw a young couple waiting for me at the gates. They’d had some free time before their train left

for St. Petersburg and had visited the Young Spectators’ Theatre to fill the time. They were greatly astonished that Minsk had such a theatre, giving such a serious performance. There are lots of other examples I could give you, which I remember well. These recollections are more significant than titles and awards.

Do people recognise you in the street?

It happens sometimes. People might say hello to me on the bus. Once I heard: ‘Do People’s Artistes also travel by bus?’

Critics say you are currently the only ‘travesti’ actor in the country, success-fully negotiating the age barrier to continue working in a repertory theatre. Do you feel this is true?

Travesti is complex, requiring constant observation of children and direct communication with them. I was lucky that the most active period of my creative formation coincided with my son growing up. He guides me. We’d often have groups of his friends over to our house and I’d be always getting them to play games, watching their behaviour. I’d even provoke arguments to see how they would act.

girl. After a few minutes, it’s no longer important to them how you appear, as they become engrossed in the action and the development of the characters.

A year ago, I played Helen in the ‘Miracle Worker’, but we had to call off the performance as the set broke. We were thinking of how best to repair it when I suggested closing the perform-ance. It seemed as if Fate itself had ordered my farewell to the role, which required so much strength and great preparation before entering the stage. It remains a mystery how I played this role. I still play fairytale characters but have no idea where the future will lead me. An interesting stage director recently joined our theatre, preparing performances for adults.

You often take on the role of boys. Is it difficult to transform? According to psychologists, male psychology is a mystery to women. How do you manage to be believable?

I wouldn’t say that it’s difficult to understand. I had to watch boys for a long time and continue to do this out of habit. When working on a role, I don’t just play a boy. For example, I played the Donkey in ‘Road to Bethlehem’, combining the role as a boy and, partially, as ‘Hamlet’. I invented a story for him, seeing him as more than just an animal carrying Jesus to Bethlehem. The same approach can be used for any role. I’m often asked whether I regret not having played a particular role. I regret nothing. I’ve played so many roles and incorporate characters all the time. Do you now understand what an interesting profession I have? When playing Flower, I can also play Ophelia. Adults will see a Shakespearean character while children take the role at face value, believing in their fate and character. When I play an animal or an insect, I can use my imagi-nation. I gain great pleasure from such roles. Positive audience reaction is the best proof of the credibility of my acting.

Is the stage director aware of the life you can ‘breathe’ into your characters?

Why is this necessary? It’s only vital to them that I do as I’m asked.

To make c h i l d r e n b e l i e v e you are the

same as them, you must utterly master their psychology. The difficulty is that theories on child psychology change every five years. Only initial purity and openness remain true for children of various generations. This is what I try to understand. Acting for children, I’ve long realised that they are like soil, capable of producing both negative and positive ‘seedlings’. I hold great responsibility on taking to the stage, since I command their attention. I can plant something into this soil. When playing a negative role, I should perform so that children under-stand that they should never behave as my character does.

Of course, travesti is closely connected with age. A decade ago, I could easily come up to the stage director and ask to play the role of the Little Lord from ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy’, although I played the Duchess in this play — a woman without definite age. Now, I can’t do this; not because my energy or my understanding of children has changed but because the face the children see in the first minutes of the performance is very important. During these moments you should make them believe that you’re a young

iT’s exTremely difficulT To play a child’s role convincingly. your energy musT ‘flood’ The sTage To hold Their aTTenTion. conTemporary children, who are used To seeing film sequences on Tv and on compuTers, someTimes don’T even undersTand ThaT They’re allured by The energy of our emoTions. a good acTor, whom children can believe in, always generaTes energy from The hearT

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What is the purpose of children’s theatre?

It should promote kindness while encouraging spirituality in children’s souls. It should be entertaining and amusing, inspiring sorrow and showing the constant struggle between good and evil. The Young Spectators’ Theatre should always remember what it is planting into young souls…

How do adults perceive chil-dren’s perfor-mances?

In var ious ways; I’m keen to watch their reactions. At first,

the face of an ordinary father, who has brought his son to the performance, reflects complete indifference. However, as soon as the action develops, his face comes alive, transforming him into a completely different person — grateful and smiling. Recently, I invited a woman from whom I sometimes buy biscuits on my way to rehearsals to attend a perfor-mance. She hadn’t ever been to see a stage production and was greatly astonished. The play was ‘A Little Bit of Tenderness’. She told me, “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Now, each time I see her, or buy her biscuits, I notice some other life in her eyes. This is the power of theatre. I’m convinced that theatre, which aims to awaken spirituality and the best traits in people, makes us better and purer. I’m against performances with much evil and blackness.

So much time has passed between your debut as Rabbit in Rabbit Nose-

parTners need To be able To compleTely peneTraTe each oTher’s characTer, so iT’s viTal To be open, giving of yourself To your parTner. The beTTer you are able To do This, The more you’ll receive in reTurn. a True parTner Thinks more abouT you Than abouT himself

in-the-Air and your last role, as the librarian in Tender Night. What do these roles share and how have your feelings about acting changed?

There are no great differences, except that I’m more experienced now. When I was

young, I couldn’t ‘develop’ images. I a c t e d b y intuition. My psycholog y and move-

ments unite my past and present. R e c e n t l y, I played an old woman in a Russ ian T V

soap. I had to run with my grandson, who played an officer, so I asked the stage director how I should run. He answered that it didn’t matter, so I ran like Minsk’s champion sprinter and overtook everyone. We all later joked that a stand-in athlete had taken over.

Is it difficult to play fairytale char-acters as an adult? Even the most skilled actors, able to transform, must possess some other quality to make children accept them and empathise.

It’s both simple and difficult; you mustn’t ever forget that a pure child lives in your soul. You should protect it from negative influences.

Have you ever had to go on stage to perform to children when you are in a bad mood?

Many times. Almost every actor faces this.

Which qualities do you most value in your fellow actors?

There aren’t any particular traits. In fact, the perfect partner for you may not be so for another actor. It might even be difficult for someone to work with them. Some brilliant actors remain ‘closed’ on stage as partners. I believe that you need to be able to completely penetrate each other’s character, so it’s vital to be open, giving of yourself to your partner. The better you are able to do this, the more you’ll receive in return. A true partner thinks more about you than about himself. I’ve had to settle some issues regarding partnership. I asked one of our directors, Grigory Borovik [who now heads the Stage Direction Chair at the Academy of Arts] how to tackle uncooperative fellow actors. He said, “You should simply act and ignore your partner’s lack of openness. I need you to ‘fly’ over the role.” I didn’t immediately understand what this meant, but came to realise that he was talking about energy. After a performance, I feel that I can still give five more perfor-mances in a row. Mr. Borovik has given me a great deal of good advice relating to my profession, revealing its secrets to me.

Which characters do you enjoy playing most: heroes or villains?

Of course, villains; it’s more difficult to play them in such a way that they remain realistic. I begin by finding their weaknesses. They then become sympa-thetic and recognisable.

At what stage does a role become natural?

When a solution has been found, the role guides you itself. The process of searching can be long and painful. It sometimes happens that you don’t sleep at night, constantly searching for approaches. This happens when the play isn’t very good in itself and the role appears weak. Yet some roles are like an open book. In both cases, you need to fly over the role to achieve happiness.

If you could replay your life, would you have chosen the profession of an actress?

It couldn’t be otherwise. As I said before, some people are born to act; others are not.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

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eXPosition

A new Hall of Fashion of the National History Museum will open in Minsk, on Frunze Street not far from Pobedy Square. The building

is currently being restored and will open its doors to visitors in 2012. Meanwhile, the collections for this new gallery are being assembled.

Sergey Vecher, the Director of the National History Museum, says that modern fashion will occupy a spacious and well-lit hall, suitable for catwalks. Its permanent exhibition will cover the history of Belarusian fashion from the Middle Ages. The exhibits will include the clothes of modern designers as well. So far, Belarus lacks an art gallery showing how Belarusian costumes have evolved. Mr. Vecher believes the exhi-bition should open with Slutsk sashes which were the brightest accessory of the Belarusian nobility. Legends exist about their beauty, and poets often wrote verses about sashes.

Mr. Vecher hopes that an inde-pendent museum of Belarusian fashion will one day appear, organised on the lines of the History Museum. “I think this will be one of the most popular galleries in the country for stylists, fashionis-tas and all those who are not indifferent to their appearance to seek new ideas for improving their dress,” he says.

The History Museum already has a coat belonging to

Haute couture gallerynAtionAl history musEum AssEmbling collEction of clothEs for its hAll of bElArusiAn fAshion history to bE oPEnEd soon

Russian Emperor Alexander I and even stockings belonging to Pavel I, in addition to personal belongings of Soviet leaders. It’s quite probable that the exhibition will also include clothes fashionable among Belarusians this spring. The designers of the Belarusian Fashion Centre, Elvira Zhvikova and Maria Nitsevich, have created unique designs in silk; these were inspired by Belarusian patterns but followed Chinese style. These are unique pieces, combining as they do the tradi-tions of Belarus and China.

Special silk had been delivered to Minsk from China upon the request of the Chinese Ambassador, Lu Guicheng, and his wife Jing Ming. It took less than a month for the Centre’s staff to complete the project, from designing the dresses to showing them on a catwalk. They are cocktail dresses suitable for wearing in public (not just on the catwalk). All of them stand out for their bright colours, interesting printed patterns and flower compositions. The dresses are now being shown at the Centre’s

salon, in Pobediteley Avenue. Anyone can buy them but

the price is far from being moderate: each dress costs at least $300. Speaking about the features of Belarusian clothes, Ms. Zhvikova notes, “Our clothes are conservative to a certain degree and have elements of intellectual design. This creates a unique style which fits well in the context of European fashion.”

The National History Museum’s exhibition is expected to show that Belarusian fashion has always followed European trends. A visit to the museum’s Old Belarusian Art hall can help visitors understand this. Its portraits from the Radziwills’ Nesvizh Castle clearly show that, in the past, similar fashion trends existed in Belarus and, for example, faraway Spain and France. Clothes worn in Paris perfectly suited the Belarusian nobility as well. Of course, pictures and clothes are different things and, in a year, we’ll be able to see the clothes with our own eyes on visiting the new gallery.

By Viktor korbut

Belarusian clothing has a unique style, which fits well into the European fashion

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MusiCPersonalitY

Reflection of soul

Pr o f e s s o r o f m u s i c Vyacheslav Bortnovsky is one of the country’s l e a d i n g c o n d u c t o r s and have worked with

various Belarusian creative groups. Mr. Bortnovsky has enjoyed hundreds of performances, including many abro a d , s o i s an appropriate person to offer comment.

Is c la ssical music losing its popularity?

E v i d e n t l y , this issue should be viewed in a broader sense, in the context of the devel-opment of world musical culture. If we analyse regional development, we can see a powerful ‘musical explosion’ across Asia. South Korea, China and Japan have seen amazing achievements at international competitions, so are a bright example. Some fifty years

ago, they had just begun to master our European musical heritage, studying European musical culture. Now, they have colossal success.

South American region hasn’t excelled in classical

music is A world whErE sounds rEign ovEr thE soul. it is hEArtfElt And strong, Arousing dEEP Emotions. in my oPinion, sPirituAl PErcEPtion of music is of PrimAry imPortAncE but whAt do ProfEssionAls think, bEing thE onEs who crEAtE And PrEsEnt music? whAt do thEy hoPE for in thEir diAloguE with listEnErs?


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music for many centuries. However, Venezuela has adopted a s tate programme relating to its organisation of symphony orchestras; it is lowering crime and unemployment and raising spirituality by educating children in the joys of orchestral music. This shows how classical music can bring not only simple pleasure but can help in solving social problems. I can assure you that classical music is still popular worldwide and will remain so.

How great is interest towards classical music in our country?

Interest towards classical music in Belarus is rather high. However, at present, decentralisation is a major task — acute for both our country and other states. It’s vital that concerts by leading musicians take place in capitals and in the regions.

What are the traditions of the Belarusian musical school?

The Belarusian school of performers formed inside world culture. Of course,

the roots of Belarusian culture go deep into Russian musical culture. In a professional context, we’re now continuing what was laid in Soviet times. Conducting is currently experiencing a new stage of development in our country. Meanwhile, Belarus’ school of conducting is connected with prominent names from

Leningrad’s conducting school: Alexander Ismusin and Victor

Dubrovsky. The latter headed Minsk’s Symphony Orchestra in 1956. Yuri Yefimov was chief conductor from the 1970s to the mid-1980s. Creative contacts promoted the establishment and development of the Belarusian musical school. At present, our performing schools are rather inde-pendent. We have a wonderful Academy of Music, which trains musicians to highly professional levels. Traditions of friendship and liaison with Russian musical culture are continuing.

A conductor is somehow a myste-rious figure. What are the secrets of his influence over the orchestra?

Back in the late 19th century, great composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov ironically said that conducting is a ‘dark business’. He was so right. The profession has its façade, which can mislead people. They ponder the figure standing in front of the orchestra and wonder what he is thinking and doing. It’s not always easy to understand how a conductor influences a performance;

we’d have to asses administrative and creative aspects. Of course, a conductor is a very important figure, guiding the creative face of the ensemble. He leads, taking responsibility for the interpre-tation of a musical piece.

In the past , there have been attempts to ‘get rid of ’ conductors. In 1922, a group of famous musicians decided that an orchestra had no need of a conductor. They organised a band, known as ‘Persimfans’, performing without a conductor. The trend became popular and spread beyond the Russian borders, with such groups arising across Europe. However, within a decade, everything broke down; experience showed that a leader was needed at the heart of large group creativity. Today, a symphony orchestra comprises 100 to 120 members. Of course, some results can be achieved even without a conductor; this requires far more rehearsal time though. Each of us possesses an individual viewpoint, so a unified musical policy is needed.

If we speak about conductors from an historical point of view, there was absolutism in the conductor’s profes-sion from the early 20th century to the 1970s. Conductors possessed great powers, even showing elements of dictatorship. One of the world’s

most famous conductors — Herbert von Karajan — was like this. Now, ‘conductor-orchestra’ relationships are more democratic. The orchestra chooses its conductor, although the conductor’s priority remains, with all rights equal.

You’ve performed with various musicians, including those from abroad. Is it difficult to make contact?

What determines a conductor’s authority?

It’s a difficult question, which also has a psychological aspect, encom-passing the orchestra’s professional level and its state at the moment you arrive. Of course, when arriving in another country, a conductor always faces the problem of establishing contacts. The first rehearsals are always very difficult, with the chief conductor of the orchestra directing and guiding musicians. I’d like to give an example, describing our symphony orchestra’s tour of Spain twenty years ago. The tour was a success, but our impresario agreed that one of the concerts would be dedicated to Zarzuela — national Spanish operetta. Although the orchestra was prepared, it wasn’t aware of the stylistic peculiarities of Spanish Zarzuela, so didn’t get a good review. We’re talking about penetrating the style of another country’s musical culture. This is a conductor’s task. For example, I can determine by ear which orchestra is performing Tchaikovsky’s music: either a Slavonic group from within the post-Soviet space or a British orchestra.

How can people’s musical education be influenced?

Anyone can listen to and under-stand music, even if they possess little

inTeresT Towards classical music in belarus is raTher high. however, aT presenT, decenTralisaTion is a major Task — acuTe for boTh our counTry and oTher sTaTes. iT’s viTal ThaT concerTs by leading musicians Take place in capiTals and in The regions


capability. In my opinion, this process can happen at any age. If you’ve been close to musical culture all your life, it makes it easier to understand and accept music; the process of compre-hension lasts a lifetime. It may take time to gain full appreciation, but this will finally come; each fruit has its own harvest time. A tomato needs first to become ripe before being eaten; ‘introduction’ into classical music also takes time. Don’t begin with complex material; definite criteria exist for each age. In this respect, I can explain how state policy aims to make classical music attractive. During our tour of France, we had several projects, making music ‘suitable’ for school-children. We gave special concerts which primarily gathered a children’s audience. A musicologist familiarised children with instruments from the symphony orchestra and musicians played each one to show their timbre. The state policy aims to bring children closer to classical music from school age. I’m confident that gradually introducing classical music to school children will later yield fruit. Listening to Mahler’s symphony in live concert is too intense an introduction, often leading to rejection. It’s necessary to enter the world of complex music comprehension with something more easily understandable.

Which musical styles and trends are spiritually closer to you?

I think that each musician is different in this regard; something may be spiritually inadmissible for one but not another. Romantic culture is closer to me, with the romantic style more comprehensible.

Which musical events of recent years have most impressed you?

Probably, I should speak about personalities in musical culture. A musical event cannot exist without a creative personality. Of course, it’s a landmark event to attend a concert by a prominent musician. Unfortunately, these rarely take place, so are ‘mile-stones’. Recently, we’ve had few such

creative events but Minsk will soon welcome legendary Valery Georgiev, who I’ve known since studentship; we studied in parallel groups. In my opinion, he is a great person-ality in the musical world.

World musical culture is favouring the trend of personalities, while musical

events are linked to outstanding performers. Recently, Matsuev visited us — one of the brightest contemporary pianists. The British conductor Retol is also an acknowledged master, as is Zubin Mehta. Undoubtedly, audience always expects bright performances from them. In the past, Stravinsky’s concerts have greatly impressed me — professionally and musically.

You are a Dean of the Musical Art Department at a University, so you must be more aware of what’s happening in the minds of our future musicians. What are their prefer-ences, including musical?

I think that youngsters always search for their own path, just as we did in our youth. They’re constantly searching for their own way in life. As the Head of the Department, I think that one of my administrative functions is to enable everyone to find their own path; each of us is indi-vidual, especially in the arts. We can create a single school and educate all musicians in one manner. Outstanding teachers, like world acknowledged master Ilya Musin — viewed by histo-rians of the art of conducting as the founder of Leningrad’s conducting

school — taught everyone using one and the same methodology. He wrote four books, with two being purely of methodical character. I visited his

classes for fifteen years and know first hand that he

had a single approach and training method. Meanwhile, his lessons

‘generated’ extreme diversity, both regarding professional manner and in conducting technique. Valery Gergiev and Yuri Timerkan are leading world conductors but represent two quite different styles; they aren’t ‘twins’ from a creative and conducting viewpoint. Laying the foundations for Belarus’ performing art school, I believe that it’s vital to preserve and develop indi-viduality; it needs the opportunity to reveal itself.

W h a t m a k e s a ‘ t a l e n t e d musician’?

To my mind, talent is inherent. Hard work and determination are required to fulfil your potential, alongside the desire to create. If you don’t have a goal or the desire to creatively realise yourself, you’ll fail as a musician at some point.

How diverse is the contemporary musical life of the country?

At present, every trend and genre is present in Belarus, with the Belarusian State Phi lharmonic Society, the National Opera Theatre and Musical Theatre enjoying popularity. The genre of operetta is also developing well; we have great creative potential. We have the chance to implement the boldest

aT presenT, every Trend and genre is presenT in belarus, wiTh The belarusian sTaTe philharmonic socieTy, The naTional opera TheaTre and musical TheaTre enjoying populariTy. The genre of opereTTa is also developing well; we have greaT creaTive poTenTial. we have The chance To implemenT The boldesT projecTs, wiTh every opporTuniTy To creaTe

MusiCPersonalitY


projects, with every opportunity to create. Moreover, we have a very intensive concert playbill. If you look at the list of proposed concerts, you’ll see how intense it is — even we think so! However, there is too much centralisa-tion of musical life in the capital; we have to ‘unload’ Minsk, enabling these events to take place right across the Republic.

Is music and conducting a profes-sion for you? What are your profes-sional plans for the near future as a conductor?

Of course, it’s my profession; it’s my life. As far as my creative plans are concerned, I like the proverb: ‘If you want God to laugh, tell Him about your plans’. Undoubtedly, there are plans and projects, in addition to my desire to create. I believe that Belarusian listeners will soon learn about these. I hope that I’ll be given an oppor-tunity to implement my plans and that I’ ll have enough strength and health for this.

One of the nearest plans is a concert of master-pieces of world opera art at Minsk’s Concert Hall, on May 11th. The

event will feature opera stars from all over Russia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. Alongside acknowledged masters, I’m also preparing a debut of several young Belarusian performers, who’ll be making their first concert steps. I did the same in the late 1990s, selecting young students from the Academy of Music for the ‘Opera Stage Stars of the 21st

Century’ concert. It featured second, third and fourth year students from the Academy of Music. I performed this programme with a state orchestra and those performers are now soloists with leading theatres, touring all over the world. For example, Yekaterina Semenchuk is a leading soloist with the Mariinsky Theatre, performing at Covent Garden, La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Prince Charles invited her to sing at his birthday event in London. Meanwhile, one of the participants of that concert will soon come to Minsk to sing: Volodya Moroz. He is also a soloist with the Mariinsky Theatre and, like Yekaterina, performs at the largest European concert halls.

This shows that a conductor may ‘open’ talents and give them a ‘ticket’ to a creative career — maybe even to fame. We shouldn’t think that a conductor only enters the stage to

wave his baton. Before the performance, he thoroughly considers the whole project and the direction of his programme. First, ideas are

born in his head, followed by settling of organisational issues: to unite all musicians and build a programme and

a rehearsal process. If translated from French, to conduct means to manage, yet everything should be interpreted in a broader sense. Conducting encom-passes so many elements: from the programme itself and its content to project implementation. These are accumulated in one personality.

By Victor kharkov

we shouldn’T Think ThaT a conducTor only enTers The sTage To wave his baTon. before The performance, he Thoroughly considers The whole projecT and The direcTion of his programme. firsT, ideas are born in his head, followed by seTTling of organisaTional issues: To uniTe all musicians and build a programme and a rehearsal process

Nuances and shades of architectural formsBelarusian Larisa Noury Shakinko explores colour symbolism in cities, with her book on display at conference in Sorbonne

Ms. Noury Shakinko devoted her speech at the Facades and Colour in a

Modern City conference to the use of colour in cities, including a scientific report on the research in coloristics. It is the central topic of her doctoral thesis — earlier defended in French Bordeaux. She is continuing her investigations in this area, having written two books on the subject, published in France. Conference participants were able to view electronic versions of the editions, with pages depicting the most inter-esting buildings from around the world — including the National Library in Minsk.

Ms. Noury Shakinko lectures at the Sorbonne Urban and Regional Planning Institute. Many of her students attended the conference, with teachers and scien-tists also invited to take part. She believes that harmony of colour in architecture is of great significance. She explains that ‘sincere colour-and-music symphonies’ are created, ‘with nuances and shades and definite colour combinations, which constantly change in space and time’. She is an expert in all manner of architectural styles, noting that colour is found everywhere, from ‘chamber Romanesque basilicas to light filled cathedrals in flamboyant Gothic style, from elevated and delicate Renaissance buildings to the triumphant brightness of the pretentious Baroque style, from strict Classicism to picturesque and expressively intriguing Art Nouveau, from prudent and ascetic Functionalism to multi-faceted Modernism, with its unpre-dictable polychromy’.

Ms. Noury Shakinko’s own artistic works were also on show at the conference.

MusiCPersonalitY


sPaCe oF MusiC

Profound spring melodiesbElArusiAn singErs tour EuroPE whilE world stAr shAkirA ArrivEs in minsk The National Academic

Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre recently hosted Musical Evenings. It was an unusual event — a concert

and presentation of the book by Belarusian poet and translator, Vasil Semukha. His book, Rings of Ancient Fairy-tale, is a collection of translated poetic texts from vocal cycles by 18th-20th century German composers. For the first time in

the history of Belarusian music, the pearls of world chamber music —

fragments of vocal cycles by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wagner and

Mahler — were performed in Belarusian by young soloists

of the Bolshoi Theatre. However, the country is already anticipating

new events in its cultural life. Belarus is sending Anastasia Vinnikova to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in Germany — and Shakira is

going to perform in Minsk.Recently, Maxim — the most popular

Russian singer in 2010 (according to the hit parades) — announced that she would like to work with contemporary Belarusian performers. She admitted that her fans often send her Belarusian language versions of her songs.

Russian and Belarusian artistes tradi-tionally compete on the stage of the New Wave contest, which has been hosted by Jūrmala (not far from Riga) for the last ten years. This year, alongside the Belarusian

participant of Eurovision-2008, Ruslan Alekhno, and winner of the televised

Atlantic Breeze-2010 international

youth television competition of popular music, Alena Lanskaya, the following will be competing for the opportunity to represent Belarus at New Wave-2011: ProSSpekt and Nikolay Bedraty, KD and Vera Karetnikova, Inga and JimmyWise, Yevgeny Litvinkovich and Katya Gornn, Yuzari and Andrey Pasternak, Yana Startseva and Alexandra Statskevich, Federatsiya and Yuri Kharevich, E.V.A. and cymbalist Yevgeny, Shalom and Kishasa, Rando and AlenHit and Sergey Yakush.

Many of these names are new to the stage and the competition should reveal the brightest performer of the next generation.

The finals of New Wave-2011 will be held in Jūrmala from July 27th to August 1st. Over six evenings, young performers and acknowledged pop music masters will appear on one stage at the Dzintari Concert Hall. This year, the prize is 100,000 Euros, with half of this sum awarded to the winner.

The Day of Belarus in Latvia and the Day of International Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Festival of Arts — celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — will be also organised.

Meanwhile, the Colombian star Shakira will bring her Sun Comes Out show to Minsk-Arena on May 19th. Shakira will first tour Belarus and promises to astonish her fans with high-energy sound and an unforgettably spec-tacular show, as well as unique sets and concert equipment.

Shakira’s show — an energetic blend of Latin American music and rock — enjoys great popularity and the


sPaCe oF MusiC

singer’s CDs have turned platinum and gold. Numerous awards — Grammy, World Music Awards, American Music Awards and MTV Awards — testify to the world-class standing of the talented artist, who is also famous for her philan-thropic activities. She donates a consider-able part of her income to charitable and educational projects and spent millions of dollars to help restore communi-ties in Peru and Nicaragua after natural disasters struck. For this, Shakira was honoured by the UN and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Meanwhile, the major musical event of the spring-summer musical season for Belarus is the International Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Düsseldorf f rom May 10th-14th. Anastasia

Vinnikova will represent Belarus. This pres-

tigious role was awarded to the artiste by a focus group consisting of members of the country’s leading TV channels:

the First TV Channel, Lad, ONT and STV. In total, the Belarusian State TV and Radio Company received 29 appli-cations from Belarus, Latvia, the USA, Spain, Greece, Luxembourg, Moldova and Russia. 22 entrants were allowed to take part in the selection round.

Ms. Vinnikova will sing I am Belarusian, with verses written

by Yevgeny Oleinik and Svetlana Geraskova. In 2007,

Mr. Oleinik produced Alexey Zhigalkovich,

w h o w o n t h e

J u n i o r E u r o v i s i o n i n t h e Netherlands. Last year, he com- posed mini sound tracks for

the Junior Eurovision in Minsk.

Mr. Oleinik is considering how to present the Belarusian language version of this song to European audiences. The co-writer of the song muses, “Many Eurovision experts often ask me why our country doesn’t send a contestant to the competi-tion with a Belarusian song, enabling us to earn additional points from our neigh-bouring states. I will propose a Belarusian text to organisers. However, the major difficulty this year is that only Ukraine and Latvia (out of our closest neighbours) will compete in the semi-finals with us. So,

we need to take into account the voting when creating the final version.”

Eurov is ion w i l l be the first serious singing competi-tion for Anastasia. The singer admitted

that the news t hat she’ l l b e

representing Belarus was very unex-

p e c t e d . At the International Eurovision-2011 Song Contest, to be held in Düsseldorf (Germany), Belarus will be represented by Anastasia Vinnikova (in the centre). To the right – Yevgeny Oleinik, the composer, to the left — Viktor Rudenko, the author of lyrics

The finals of new wave-2011 will be held in jūrmala from july 27Th To augusT 1sT. over six evenings, young performers and acknowledged pop music masTers will appear on one sTage aT The dzinTari concerT hall. This year, The prize is 100,000 euros, wiTh half of This sum awarded To The winner

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Anastasia was born and lives in Dzerzhinsk, near Minsk, where she graduated from music school as a singer. She now studies at Minsk’s State Linguistic University’s Interpreting and Translation Department.

Curiously, popular Russian singer Mitya Fomin also expressed a desire to represent Belarus at Eurovision in the future. He admitted that Belarusian blood runs through his veins. He often gives concerts in Belarus. “I really have Belarusian roots. My mother told me that my grandmother came from Belarus.”

Meanwhile, Düsseldorf is preparing for a pan-European music show. The façade of the Thyssen skyscraper, located in the city centre, will turn into the world’s biggest screen to broadcast the Eurovision-2011 show. The televi-sion picture will be projected onto the building’s 6,000+sq.m façade. Over thirty projectors will be used to create the best-quality picture possible and the broadcast will be accompanied by a multimedia show with 3D effects.

During the year Belarus will partic-ipate in other pan-European pro-

jects. The European Union is launching a cultural campaign for Belarusian painters, photographers and musicians: Open Belarus — Open Europe. This joint cultural event by Belarus and five EU states (Germany, Lithuania, Portugal, Sweden and Estonia) is aimed at increasing the interaction between the art circles of Belarus and EU. Alexander Opeikin, co-ordinator of the campaign, notes that the project is aimed at creating a single European cultural space, where all those who wish to will be able to famil-iarise themselves with the contemporary culture and arts of Belarus and the EU.

The campaign will last for two years and consist of three stages. During this period, 70 musicians, painters and photographers will present contem-porary culture at concerts, exhibitions and master classes. These events will be held in Dresden, Vilnius, Lisbon, Tartu, Stockholm, Minsk, Nesvizh, Polotsk, Bobruisk, Rechitsa and Pinsk. During the first stage (from April to October

2011) Belarusian artistes will visit five EU states. The second stage of cultural exchanges will

take place in Belarus, starting from April 2012. Lithuanian, German, Portuguese, Swedish and Estonian artistes will visit five Belarusian cities. The campaign will finish in October 2012 with a gala-concert in Minsk and a performance by all 70 participants, and a discussion of the results of the project.

The Open Belarus — Open Europe project will also be part of three popular musical festivals: Be2gether (Lithuania), Basovishcha (Poland) and BeFree (Ukraine). The events will bring together European and Belarusian musicians, as well as painters and photographers, who will present their interactive installations and conduct master classes. Meanwhile, major cultural events are also planned for Gomel, which this year was named a cultural capital of the CIS and Belarus. According to Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko, 160 events have been planned.

In the course of the year, Gomel’s concert grounds will see around 25 national artistic groups, including Pesnyary, Syabry and Khoroshki. The Cultural Capital of Belarus campaign was launched in early 2010 and aims to make the highest achievements of the national culture accessible to residents of all the cities and regions of the country. Polotsk was named a cultural capital of Belarus in 2010. In summer, the Republic’s musical life will shift to Vitebsk, which will host the 20th International Slavonic Bazaar Festival of Arts. “This festival should show Belarus to the world,” notes Anatoly

Tozik, Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister. “Over the years of its existence the festival has gained world-wide popularity. Now, its major task is to unite the Slavonic cultures and present Belarus’ unique culture to the world. The openness, sincerity and national character of Belarusians conquer audiences all over the globe.”

This year, the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk is likely to become a spec-tacular event in the cultural life of Europe. The draft concept of the

anniversary festival has already been drawn up, although the organising committee is always open to new ideas.

By Viktor korbut

sPaCe oF MusiCB

ElTA


Children and, even, adults like to build castles in the sand. Some virtuosos can create true works of art from this fluid medium, although it’s

impossible to hang them on walls. They draw on a specially illuminated sand table — a ‘sandbox’ — allowing their pictures to be photographed, then framed.

According to professional painter Alexandra Konofalskaya, sand shows are currently very popular, with works created in front of an audience. Each exists for just a few moments, however perfect. She explains, “The process is projected onto a big screen. For example, a stork might be flying with a bag, as parents hurry to meet it. A baby is born, grows and goes to school… Later a young person meets their beloved, marries and also becomes a parent. It takes around seven minutes to create such a plot, with performances often accompanied by a jazz band, a DJ, an orchestra, a solo performer, a choir, mime artists or a shadow show.”

Alexander became keen on sand drawing just a few years ago, but has

already managed to perform around the world, with trips to China and Morocco among the most exotic. In the Heavenly Empire, she took part in an advertising campaign for an automobile concern, and helped shoot a film at the Bollywood Movie Studio in Morocco. According to the script, the major character enjoyed sand drawing, so Ms. Konofalskaya was asked to create her works of art. Her most unusual experi-ence was taking part in a concert by Ennio Morricone, in Warsaw, entitled Dreams. She created dream sequences with Morricone on stage, using sand of course.

“My mission is to arouse emotions in my audiences. Sometimes, even adults begin to cry during my shows, tears streaming down their faces,” she notes.

According to Ms. Konofalskaya, artists should never make mistakes, since it’s very difficult to correct such defects. It’s easier to re-make a picture from sand than to adjust an error, but it tends to disappoint audiences. Accordingly, practice is needed. Of

CreatiVitY

Art which exists for just a few momentsmost of us AssociAtE sAnd with rElAxing At thE sEAsidE; for othErs, it’s A mEdium for crEAtivity

c o u r s e , there’s always time for relaxation; Alexandra likes to go to the countryside with her dogs, Sara and Lada, and dreams of running a kennels.

“I’d like to use my art to awaken people to the plight of homeless animals,” she notes. “In future, I plan to make a touching social advertisement and would be happy if I could touch the hearts of just a few people.”

By Dmitry Lugovoy


sPort and destinY

We f i r s t me t i n 2 0 0 4 , w h e n I w a s pre p ar i ng an article about the v ic tor y of

the Belarusian junior team at the European Basketball Championship of 1994. I was digging into the lives of the winners, seeing what they had achieved in the intervening years, and easily traced everyone, except central player Andrey Sviridov. Nobody could tell me precisely what he was doing but his teammates and coaches were united in telling me that he was trying to make a name for himself as an actor in the United States.

I don’t remember quite how I managed to find his e-mail but I sent him a message, which he answered. It turned out to be a very exciting article and we’ve kept in regular contact ever since. Over time, we became friends. Sviridov has now swapped Hollywood for Russian cinema and has moved to Moscow. It’s time we shed more light on his complicated path through life.

On the basketball court, Sviridov was always an instigator and a charis-matic leader. God gave him not only

It was a shock for me. Can you imagine starring alongside a celebrity like Robbie Williams? When an agent called me to offer the job, I didn’t hesitate for a single moment. The filming was done in Los Angeles and everything was very professional. Robbie is a really handsome man. After filming, we chatted for a couple of hours. Actually, he’s a great basketball fan, so it wasn’t hard to find a common topic. He asked a lot about Belarus, too.

on filming

about the same size as myself jumped on me and one of my spinal discs slipped. In the States, nobody wastes words: if you’re broken, you’re released from your contract. I faced a dilemma: have an operation, involving lengthy recovery, or quit. I hesitated, trying to find a club in Europe or Asia, but soon realised that I wouldn’t be able to play at full strength — not ever. This is how basketball ended for me.”

At that moment, perhaps from hopelessness, Andrey decided to go to America. “My path to the States began at a Mogilev café, where I was celebrating

Dreams come true…i simPly cAll him ‘thE big mAn’. this nicknAmE suits AndrEy sviridov, dEscribing his gEnErous nAturE, kindnEss of soul And hErculEAn build. hE stAnds 2.12m tAll And wEighs 160kg. thE formEr fAmous bAskEtbAll PlAyEr is todAy A vEry succEssful Actor

broad shoulders but also initiative. Sadly, he was obliged to retire early, due to injury, at the age of 25. He explains, “The injury spoiled my game. I had to quit sports because of it. After the European Championship of 1994, for two years, I studied at Washington University, preparing for an NBA debut. I had a real chance of entering the best league in the world. Moreover, I had a contract with Michael Jordan’s agent! However, I already had some minor problems with my back. I never went to the doctor’s, simply ‘curing’ it in the gym. Later, during a game, one lad

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sPort and destinY

We are created in such a way that we can grow accustomed to anything. At first, it was very difficult in the States, being an alien whom nobody cared about. Americans wouldn’t even offer you a glass of water, believing that it’s ‘every man for himself ’. Later, I moved from New York to Los Angeles. Those were very difficult times. I once had nothing to eat for six days, surviving only on water! Tr ying to combine cinema and basketball, I worked for the Los Angeles Lakers NBA summer camp. I kept thinking: don’t give up! It’s usual in life; you sometimes come up against a wall. You either give up or break your head, or keep going at this hopeless task unti l the wall finally falls. I managed to become one of three top security guards for the Walt Disney Company. All the red carpets and premieres were overseen by myself and the other two guys, who were kick-boxing world champions. We guarded such celebrities as John Travolta, Andy Garcia and Jodie Foster. From the moment they stepped onto the carpet, until they entered their limo and left, we had to be nearby. After such ‘parties’, the phone would heat up with friends calling to say they saw me on TV next to Travolta. You’re a star, they would say…

firsT sTeps

my forced sports career retirement with friends,” he tells us. “Suddenly, two men approached our table. You can imagine my mood on that day. They began asking some stupid questions, making proposals that we were almost forced to repulse. After a few moments, I realised that they were inviting me to Germany to work as a bouncer for a Russian night club. What other choices did I have? It didn’t take me long to accept the offer. However, it was a case of out of the frying pan into the fire. There was a huge dance floor and my fellow security guards were unreliable. I feared to turn

my back upon them, as they were quite capable of leaving me alone to fend off an aggressor.

There were no metal detectors at the entrance, so anyone might bring in a knife or, even, a gun. Regular visitors included Russians who had sampled the free spirit of capitalism! They came in groups: 20 people from one village, 15 from another, 25 from a third. They’d get drunk and start questioning each other’s origin. There the fun began, heading for a fight. I managed to work there for just 9 months before leaving. My life was more valuable than the money! What to do next? Suddenly, a thought I’d had since childhood flashed across my mind. Back at home, I told my mother I’d go to Hollywood to star in movies…. and I left again.”

Today, Andrey recollects his early days in America with ease and humour. The passing years have smoothed all worries, leaving them pillowed in his memory. However, at the time, he had no idea where his ‘American dream’ would take him. “Los Angeles is a city of actors and waiters,” he recalls. “Thousands of people dream of acting while working as dishwashers and waiters. Most never achieve their dreams, remaining in their day jobs their entire lives.”

Thousands of agents and hopefuls comprise this dreamland. He found a job as a security guard, escorting actors to parties and presentations; it was paid a good wage, so he had no worries about the future. Moreover, he was always in public. He attended several dozen castings, hoping for any role, but, as ever, chance ruled the day. In the street, he bumped into two men who were looking for a big character. They invited him to show them what he could do.

“I was very scared, but also very excited,” recollects Andrey. “I passed the casting and was given a major role in a mystical film called 'Tales from Beyond.' It was my first role ever!”

The process had begun. He starred in music videos for Enrique Iglesias and Robbie Williams and played monsters

and Russian burglars in a few films. Now, those days are in the past. He moved to Moscow and now works in Russian cinema. “To date, I’ve had about 54 screen roles. Unfortunately, most have been incidental parts,” he laughs, noting with irony, “Obviously, having played so many gangsters and scoundrels, I won’t be able to get rid of this stereotype.”

As I understand your heroes are mainly those who die in the first minute of the first series. How do you feel about it?

It’s a trial to be endured and, certainly, there’s much to learn from such roles. For instance, Anthony Hopkins’ path to fame was also long. His appearance suits well the role of a villain but his first main role was only in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, which brought him an Oscar. Holding the statuette, he said, “My previous 85 roles were worthwhile to play this one alone.”

You’re not far from Hopkins’ record. I won’t ask about your most recognis-able role.

The ‘Univer’ series.Andrey is very ambitious, climbing

towards his dream. He has already achieved much, showing determination where others would give up. “During my first years in Hollywood, when I was still dreaming of how to reach the big screen, I met a famous producer at the bar where I was working as a guard. I told him that I wanted to be in films, so he looked at me and asked the best way to eat an elephant. I was dumb-founded, thinking he had gone mad. What had an elephant to do with anything? However, he then explained: one bite at a time. He was absolutely right; you can even eat a giant if you keep at it, step by step. Don’t hurry, just pursue your goal, move forward, and don’t sit idle. This is all you have to do: just have a dream and apply effort. This is my motto in life.”

Who knows, perhaps Andrey Sviridov, like Anthony Hopkins, will one day receive his Oscar. I wouldn’t be surprised, having known The Big Man for so long…

By Sergey kanashits


Showtime for touristsTheatrical Minsk excursion, popular some twenty years ago, is revived

“The idea of reviving this cultural excursion has been

debated for several years,” notes Yelena Solovieva, a consultant at the Sports and Tourism Ministry’s Tourism Department. “Necessary documents have been prepared and, soon, the first training for guides will take place.”

Undoubtedly, the theatrical excursion will be interesting to those keen on culture. Minsk’s theatrical life is dynamic, so the tour promises plenty of interest. Sightseers will see the original site planned for the

Girl friend chosen for studentA mobile phone and book accompany 21st century student sculpture commissioned by Polotsk State University via its recent contest

A bronze girl with a mobi le phone and

a textbook is to ‘sit’ on a bench near the entrance to Novopolotsk University’s main building from the b e g i n n i n g o f t h e n e x t academic year. The work was chosen by public vote from six entries reflecting the spirit of modern studentship. The winning design shows our aspiration to learn more and keep in touch.

From Gothic to Empire style

Laptops, e-books and other IT tech-nologies seemed banal to Polotsk students and members of the city artistic and architectural council and the jury (comprising members of the Belarusian Union of Artists) agreed.

Polotsk University is perhaps the only Belarusian educational

establishment to have depart-ments in two cities: Polotsk and Novopolotsk. With this in mind,

it was decided to add another sculpture honouring studentship. The first (of a medieval student) was erected in late 2010, near the IT Department’s entrance in Polotsk. This honours the

first Belarusian higher e du c at i on a l e s t ab -l i shment , founded in 1581 by Stephan Batory: Polotsk Jesuit C o l l e g i u m . T h e second sculpture in Novopolotsk is to be

devoted to modern students.

around the property (ten in all) making it a true illustrative encyclo-paedia of architectural interiors.

The manor, registered on the 2011 State Investment Programme, will be restored using funds from Republican and regional budgets. In 2011, around Br2.5bln is to be spent on restoring this historical and cultural heritage site.

circus, learn what connects famous Russian actor Oleg Yankovsky with Belarus and why he was invited to Los Angeles for the Oscars ceremony.

Naturally, the tour will include visits to theatres, with tickets to a performance offered from a list for any particular day.

Façade restoration of manor in Gomel Region’s Krasny Bereg village — a 19th architectural monument — to be complete in 2011, with half already finished and the roofing changed

The unique interiors are currently undergoing restoration;

according to historians, the rooms, cabinets and halls in the manor boasted decoration in Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and even Arab styles. Ogee window apertures and chimeras on water piping are in the Gothic style, as are the entrance gates to the estate. Rococo, Mannerism, Empire and French Classicism styles are located

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Documents

BELARUS #04/2011