BELARUS #3/2010

BELARUSMagazine for you Politics, Economy, Culture

no.3 (918), 2010 Беларусь. Belarus

Olympic medal’s face p. 52—55

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Magazine for you

Politics, Economy, Culture

no.8 (911), 2009

Беларусь. Belarus

SiLK Men’S SaSHeS

WoVen By

BeLaruSianS Were

a True faSHion HiT

in franCe During

THe reign of

LuDoViC XV;

THere Were

aTTeMpTS To

faKe THeM aLL

oVer europe.

CoLLeCTionS

Began

in THe LaTe

19TH CenTury

Made in Slutsk pp. 36 — 37

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Беларусь.BelarusContentsMonthly magazine

No. 3 (918), 2010

Published since 1930

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

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

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

Distributed in 50 countries of the world. Final responsibility for factual accu-racy or interpretation rests with the authors of the publications. Should any article of Беларусь.Belarus be used, the reference to the magazine is obligatory.

The magazine does not bear respon-sibility for the contents of advertise-ments.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office

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

79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013

Order No.687Total circulation — 2051 copies (including 620 in English).

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

www.belarus-magazine.byE-mail: [email protected]

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

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2010

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42Charm ENhaNCiNg

maStErShiP

24

4

iSLaNDS iN oCEaN oF BookS

itaLiaN BuSiNESS iN BELaruS BriNgS FriENDShiP aND

Co-oPEratioN

38LuCky FatE oF maSako tatSumi

7 SpaceforpartnerShip Spain’s Presiden-cy of the EU, as viewed from Minsk

10 ambitiouSbutrealizablegoal

14 energyoflife The time shall soon come when oil, coal and gas resources are deplet-ed. This knowledge is pushing us to return to our own ‘origins’ and promote alternative en-ergy use

19 no alienS among ourS Refugees are forced to leave their homes not of their own choice but from necessity — as a result of military conflict, persecution, intolerance or violence

22 WeatherchangeiSnotalWaySbad

26 tWo captainS Alexander Alexeev and Oleg Lukashevich find Belarus’ true treasures and unveil previously undiscovered secrets of their homeland

29 peace and tolerance are character-iSticfeatureS

32 chaSingluckBelarusian forests are gaining popularity among foreign hunters, with about 4,000 visiting last year

34 magicofancientWallS Ancient architectural sites in small Belarusian towns attract tourists

36 atlantiSatmouthofdiSnariver Small-est town in the country has lived wonderful life for a thousand years, half way along the ancient ‘from the Varangians to the Greeks’ route

40 majorprojectSofthebolShoitheatre

46 tatiana’Sday The Music Room programmes describe Tatiana Starchenko as having ‘the tal-ent of a pianist-performer and the talent of an interlocutor in wonderful concorde’.

48 verSeS in taxi Poet Yuri Borovitsky finds readers in unexpected places

50 fineyoungman Judo master Mikhail Baranov to represent Belarus at Mister World pageant

Charm ENhaNCiNg maStErShiP

� 2010 беларусь.belarus

By Viktor kharkoV,magazine editorБеларусь. Belarus

editor’s note

Hand-made image of fateDear readers, I hope

t h a t w h e n y o u receive this issue of the magazine, s p r i n g w i l l b e

vividly demonstrating its full powers. I hesitate to assert that the weather will be warm, but spring will be in full swing. We’ve endured a harsh winter but, of course, each season has its turn; we seem to be over the worst!

S p r i n g h a s a woman’s face, as International Wo m e n’s D a y — c e l e b r a t e d on March 8th — traditionally reminds us. The h o l i d a y c e l e -brates its 100th b i r t h d a y t h i s year; however, no special attention is being given to this fact in Belarus. March 8th is a holiday from the heart; few men bother to keep its ‘genealogy’ in mind. We have a long-standing, undoubted tradition of presenting bouquets on this day. Even if trends changed, with some feminist organi-sation from Germany (perhaps the homeland of this tradition) advocating its abolition, we’d preserve it. This holiday reflects our natural inclination and will continue to exist as long as we love and respect women.

Our winter was domi-nated by the O l y m p i c s ,

which brought much excitement from Canada’s Vancouver. Our athletes returned with three medals — the best result in the history of sovereign Belarus at the Winter Games. Olympic Medal’s Face tells us about these Belarusian Olympic prize winners.

We look at the world and see what is most important to us. Spain has taken over the EU Presidency — an important fact in the context of geopolitics. We consider this circum-stance f rom Minsk’s v iewpoint , analysing our bilateral relations with

Spain — now entrusted to guide our entire European conglomerate — in Space for Partnership.

Of course, the world also scrutinises us, choosing when to form beneficial contacts. International economic ties primarily rely on mutual pragmatism, as proven by the Belarusian-Italian Economic Forum, held recently in Minsk. Italian Business in Belarus

Brings Friendship and Co-operation looks at Belarus and Italy as trade partners, showing that today’s ties are character-ised by business interests and great human warmth, trust and gratitude.

A sociological poll has revealed that Belarusians are noteworthy for their tolerance and calm nature. This probably influ-

ences those who choose Belarus as their place of residence. Ms. Sholeh Safavi,

the Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in Belarus, describes the life of refugees in our country in No Aliens among Ours.

Refugees are obliged to flee leave their homeland due to war, persecution, intoler-ance and violence. They try to save their own lives and ensure safety for themselves and their

children while acquiring freedom. Meanwhile, Japanese Masako Tatsumi arrived in Belarus to study and has remained for the past fifteen years. She has family, friends and a life here, as explored vividly in our Lucky Fate of Masako Tatsumi.

Undoubtedly, everyone has their own destiny; some are more fortunate than others. We’re glad if people find happiness in our hospitable land.

No aliens among ours Refugees aRe foRced to leave theiR homes not of theiRown choice but fRom necessity — as a Result of militaRy conflict, peRsecution, intoleRance oR violence. they flee foR theiR lives, tRying to pRotect themselves and theiRchildRen, hoping to gain fReedom

Since 1997, Belarus has we l c om e d ove r 3 , 0 0 0 asylum seekers. Most are from Afghanistan, followed by those from Georgia,

Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia and Palestine. Sholeh Safavi, a representa-tive of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Belarus, shares her views on how the national asylum system meets modern realities.

T h e Un i t e d N a t i o n s Hi g h Commissioner for Refugees Office opened in Belarus in September 1995, providing assistance to the Government in setting up a system of asylum meeting international standards. Why has it taken so long to sign an agreement?

The situation is also typical in other countries with UNHCR offices. It’s vital to establish good contacts with the host country and its structures, creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and part-nership before an agreement on legal status can be signed. As the Russian proverb says, ‘everything has its season’. We believe the time has come.

What does this agreement envisage and when will it be signed?

It’s ready for signing now, outlining the legal status of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in Belarus — which is currently operating under the aegis of the UN Representation. The document will

Sholeh Safavi, a representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Belarus

Efficient optimisation

Belarusian Tsentr Scientific and Production Association to manufacture industrial robots

The State Tsentr Scientific and Production Association at the

National Academy of Sciences of Belarus plans to produce robots for the automobile industry. Tsentr special-ists are currently studying opportuni-ties for producing robots for tractor building. “We plan to start the manufac-ture of robots primarily for cutting and, maybe, for metal-welding,” Alexander Pozharsky, the Head of the Department for Managerial Systems, tells us. “Everything will depend on the needs of domestic manufacturers in robotics, which we are studying at present.”

Some components will be purchased from abroad, with the remainder manu-factured domestically. Industrial robots are used in many industrial spheres worldwide, but primarily in car manu-facture — for stamping and welding, paint-spraying and assembling. Large automated factories use robots at every stage: from material unloading to the manufacture of ready-made goods. Such production facilities are completely automated, able to work day-and-night without interruption. People are employed to control the process and manage the robots via computers. The launch of robots in manufacturing brings optimal use of capacity while reducing costs and enhancing profitability.

Tsentr Scientific and Production Association primarily focuses on creating industrial equipment, relying on centrifugal technologies. The enterprise closely co-operates with organisations from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, developing and producing mining and construction industry equipment for these countries. Centrifugal grinding mills produced in Belarus account for around 70 percent of the total volume of marble powder produced in Russia.

By Olga Belyavskaya

Venue for real projects

Eleven countries participate in Inter-national Investment Forum in Vitebsk

Interest in the Vitebsk region’s invest-ment proposals has been evident,

with business circles and diplo-matic missions of Poland, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Russia and other countries making enquiries. “Participation in the forum has enabled businessmen to gain acquaintance with promising projects in the Dvina River region, learning more about conditions of business and the peculiarities of the region. This is an important component for the success of any investment project,” stresses the Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Oleg Matskevich.

The event gathered 150 projects, worth over $650m, with transport-and-logistical systems, roadside and hotel services, tourism infrastructure and the modernisation of the meat and milk industries taking priority.

During the forum, businessmen were able to familiarise themselves with Vitebsk region companies and see potential project sites.

By Olga Bogacheva

Old and new addresses

In 2009, Belarus traded with 181 countries

According to the National Statistical Committee, last year, Belarusian

goods were supplied to 141 nations of the world, while goods from 168 countries were imported. The geography of Belarusian foreign supplies has expanded, compared to early 2009. Last January, Belarus traded with only 127 countries: exporting to 86 states and importing from 118.

In 2009, Belarus’ major trade partners were Russia (accounting for 47 percent of total turnover), the Netherlands (7.8 percent), Germany (6.4 percent), Ukraine (6 percent), Latvia (3.6 percent), Poland (3.2 percent), China (2.5 percent), the UK (2.1 percent) and Italy and India. Last year, supplies of Belarusian goods to Russia fell

by 36.4 percent (on 2008) to reach $6.714bn (31.5 percent of the republic’s exports). Export supplies to the Netherlands fell by 31.9 percent, to $3.68bn. The conse-quences of the global crisis have affected Belarus’ trade with many countries. Last year, Belarusian exports to Ukraine totalled $1.693bn (down 39.1 percent on 2008) while those to Latvia stood at $1.659bn (down 22.5 percent). Exports to Lithuania amounted to $370.8m (down 40.1 percent) and exports to Poland totalled $823.4m (down 54.2 percent).

At the same time, positive trends have been observed. Exports to Germany rose by 21.5 percent (to reach $986.9m) while those to India grew by 55.5 percent ($487.8m).

By Milena Anufriyenok

Russia 47%

Other countries 26%

Netherlands 7.8%

Germany 6.4%

Ukraine 6%Latvia 3.6%

Poland 3.2%

enable us to engage in more activity, especially at an official level, making contacts with offices of foreign states accredited in Belarus.

I hope the agreement will be signed in the first half of 2010. The Belarusian Government has announced its desire to see the document signed by the UNHCR and the ceremony is to take place in Minsk. I’m optimistic about the future — as conditions are likely to be met.

How much funding has the UNHCR Office in Belarus given to projects since it began operations?

We’ve i nj e c te d $ 6 . 5 m s i nc e 1995, allocated to direct receivers of our assistance and used as technical assistance for our governmental partners. It’s not a huge sum in absolute figures but I personally believe that it has been spent wisely.

Where is new financing being directed?

Two international technical assist-ance projects are being realised at the moment. The first is complex and aims to provide technical assistance to the Belarusian Government in strength-ening and improving its asylum system. A block of issues regards legis-lation, including the development and adoption of normative legal acts and offering expertise to check compliance with international standards (for agree-ments that Belarus has already joined or is considering joining).

In addition, the definition of refugee status needs to be improved and the provision of translators for those seeking asylum must be carefully considered. Funding is being allocated to educate the public on problems facing refugees and to inform refugees of the help available to them. Temporary accommodation used to house those awaiting asylum is being upgraded; the two centres operational in Belarus — in Gomel and Vitebsk — can each sleep fifty people. A further two centres for short-term stay are operational at Minsk National Airport and in Brest.

The second project of international technical assistance — ‘Local Integration of Refugees in Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova’ — is regional. As regards Belarus, the focus is on solving accom-modation problems for refugees, while providing employment and vocational training. Special attention is reserved for refugees’ children. In particular, Afghan children are being given lessons in Afghani language and culture at three Minsk schools — with support from the Education Ministry. It’s important

18 беларусь.belarus 2010 192010 беларусь.belarus

Panorama Tolerance

Belarus has Been home to Japanese masako for the past 15 years

Everything began with fair-ytales. As a child, Masako read a book of Slavonic stories and was completely enthralled. The fairytales

were interesting and unusual, unlike any told by her mother. So, her journey to Belarus began.

Masako entered Keio University (from her native Kyoto), studying Slavonic culture and history, while taking Russian language courses. In 1992, her sacred dream finally came true and she took a holiday to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine — travelling for a month. She returned full of wonderful impressions and a desire had been kindled to gain closer acquaintance with the culture, history and language of these states.

Masako was disappointed by her first trip to Vladivostok’s school for foreigners, at the Far Eastern University. “Local residents treated us, foreigners, badly.

in Japan, the Information Centre of Japanese Culture opened in Minsk.

Masako has been performing charity works for 11 years now, supported by the Japanese Chiro Foundation alongside sponsors from Belarus and Japan. She brings in medicine and medical equipment for children’s clinics and hospitals. Her desire to promote Japanese culture has been successful, with hundreds of Japanese books for children translated into Belarusian and donated to libraries. Several musical projects have been jointly implemented with Belarusian musicians — such as the Moon and Sun project, which features Japanese folk songs sung in Belarusian.

“I translated some songs into Russian, then Ales Kamotsky translated them into Belarusian,” Masako explains. “Dmitry Voityushkevich made the arrangement and we donated discs to musical schools and libraries.”

Additionally, the Information Centre organises weekly classes for those wanting to learn Japanese; people of all ages attend. From time to time, Masako organises Japanese style festivities, inviting pupils from various schools. During these meetings, she shows the children aspects of Japanese culture, such as the ancient tea ceremony.

Masako Tatsumi is satisfied with her life. If she could turn back time, she wouldn’t change anything. She is involved in her favourite occupation, which brings her pleasure and joy. She has a wonderful husband and little Yue is an enduring delight. In her free time,

Masako cooks Japanese dishes for her family and goes to church. “After marrying, I became Christian. I’m delighted with Belarusian

churches and their beauty. When my parents or friends visit me, I always bring them

to the church.” Belarus has become a second home for Masako Tatsumi and she is confident that this is the best life she could choose for herself.

By Tatiana Danilushkina

Lucky fate of Masako

Tatsumi

Nobody wanted to make friends with us, so there was no language practice,” she recollects sadly. “Moreover, the living conditions were awful!”

Masako returned to Japan but her goal remained and, in 1995, she enrolled as a student at the Belarusian State University’s courses for foreigners. At that time, she was the only Japanese student at any Belarusian higher educa-tional establishment — unlike the Chinese, who come in large numbers.

“Belarus impressed me, being clean and beautiful. Meanwhile, the people were friendly,” she recollects. “Soon, I acquired acquaintances and, even, friends.” Petite framed and exotically beautiful, Masako also conquered the heart of Stepan Bugaichuk, of Belarus. Their wedding followed Belarusian tradi-tions, with the bride’s parents arriving from her remote homeland. They were pleased with their daughter’s choice and, several years later, a daughter was born, called Yue — unusual for Belarus. In Japanese ‘yu’ means ‘a person who unites Japan and Belarus’ and ‘e’ stands for ‘impetus, activity and accumulation of life experience’. Little Yue became a symbol of unity of both cultures as well

as representing the peak of love between her parents’ hearts: a big and courageous Belarusian heart and a small, delicate Japanese heart…

In 1996, Masako, being curious and used to taking the initiative, began to teach Japanese at the BSU’s Department for International Relations. Her course was very popular but she sometimes lacked enough original Japanese litera-ture. Masako-san didn’t lose heart; she wrote to a Japanese newspaper, asking for their help in sending books and dictionaries.

“We’d been working thor-oughly on literature, but I felt I could do more. I wanted Belarusians to learn more about my homeland and its culture,” Masako e x p l a i n s . S h e dreamt of setting up an Information Centre of Japanese Culture and, in 1999, finally felt ready. On September 9th, when Chr ysanthemum Day is celebrated A

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ExhibitionsLifE

Talents and fans Major contemporary painting exhibition taking place countrywide

“This year, we plan to organise Belarus’ largest ever pictorial

art exhibition for modern fine arts,” explains Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko. Speaking at the National Art Museum, he noted that the project will span October and November, starting at Minsk’s National Art Museum, Palace of Arts and Modern Fine Arts Museum before touring countrywide. The organisers also invite every private art gallery in the capital to join the event.

Leading museums in regional centres are being approached, Mr. Latushko tells us. “The idea is that pictures by Vitebsk artists travel to Brest and then to Gomel. Such exchange events will last two months, enabling us to view and understand Belarus’ modern pictorial art.”

If the project is a success, in early 2011, a comprehensive exhibition will be organised at the National Art Museum. Moreover, a similar repub-lican exhibition of Belarus’ contem-porary monumental arts is scheduled for next year.

By Yekaterina Nechaeva

38 беларусь.belarus 2010 392010 беларусь.belarusItalian business in Belarus brings friendship and co-operationInternatIonal co-operatIon — especIally regardIng trade — Is usually based on mutual Interest and pragmatIsm. the same could be saId of the belarusIan-ItalIan economIc forum, recently held In mInsk. It was clearly an IndIcatIon of the progress made In our mutual relatIons, wIth belarusIan-ItalIan tIes characterIsed by busIness Interest alongsIde warmth, trust, gratItude and kInd-heartedness…

Italy’s Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Adolfo Urso, did not hide his ambitious plans. “Our task is to double our investments into Belarus and gain a partnership foothold,” he told the forum. His words are confirmed by action: Belarus and Italy have signed an agreement to set up an Italian industrial area in the Brest region. Several other concrete deals have been announced — all concluded during the forum. However, major work still lies ahead.

“The Belarusian-Italian Forum has been the result of a visit by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to our country,” stresses Vladimir Ulakhovich, Director of the Centre for International Studies. “Top level meetings and good words can bring no further action but we’ve seen concrete developments from the meeting between President

For many years, Italy has been welcoming children from Chernobyl-affected regions for recupera-tion. Up to 3m Italians

are involved in the process; on the Apennines, about 300 chari-table organisations are operational. Humanitarian associations embrace every Italian region, bringing ever strengthening ties of solidarity and partnership. As a result, Italy is seen as a close and reliable partner of Belarus — a wonderful foundation for further mutually beneficial collaboration.

On welcoming the large Italian delegation to the forum, Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Valery Voronetsky, first expressed great gratitude to the Italian Government and the non-governmental sector of

Italy’s Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Adolfo Urso:

Good trading relations have been established between Belarus and Italy, with turnover reaching about $1bn a year. These are not bad figures but there is still far to go; Belarus and Italy have far greater potential and are striving for larger figures. Businessmen arriving in Minsk can aid co-operation between Belarus and Italy.

Belarus boasts a stable social-economic situation, allowing us to make long-term forecasts for co-operation. The country is of signifi-cant interest to Italian companies. We think Belarus could be an ideal country, taking into consideration the expansion of the European Union (where the orientation has shifted).

Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Valery Voronetsky:

The signing of an agreement on the establishment of an Italian industrial area in the Brest region should inspire development of the Brest region and the presence of Italian business in Belarus. An Italian industrial area is to be created in the Brest region — with Italian capital, Italian banks and Italian enterprises. I think basic investors will soon be chosen, with investment projects defined. I hope we’ll launch the project this year or next. Recently, economic (commercial and financial) co-operation between Belarus and Italy has gained momentum.

Italy for its work in the recuperation of Belarusian children.

Our children are no strangers to Italian families — families which, in fact, drive the Italian economy. Italy’s strength lies in its small and medium-sized businesses, built upon family

Lukashenko and the Italian Prime Minister. The arrival of an Italian delegation in Minsk signals that Mr. Berlusconi’s visit is yielding fruit.”

The forum gathered representatives of about 70 Italian companies, as well as those from the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade, SIMEST, the Institute

Belarus-Italian forum in Minsk received a large participating audience

traditions. Genoa, Florence, Venetia, Lombardia and other regions have always been known for their family traditions, passed on from one genera-tion to the next. Recently, representa-tives of many famous Italian brands have visited Minsk.

for Export Credit Insurance Services and the Agency for International Development and Economic Co-operation. Representatives of banking, logistical, insurance and construction associations also attended.

“ The presence of these ver y important institutions is a vital sign for

business trends EconomyE Economy business trends

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� беларусь.belarus 2010 �2010 беларусь.belarus

InterestIng facts:Three years before the Domrachev family

moved to Russian Nyagan, a Belarusian family living there, originally from Gomel, bore a daughter, Maria. She was also destined to stir the sporting world, becoming a tennis star. However, one year before the Domrachevs settled in Siberia, the Sharapov family moved to Sochi…

Olympic medal’s face

The recenTly ended Olympic Games have been The mOsTsuccessful in The hisTOry

Of belarusian spOrTs

a Junior World Championship under the Belarusian flag for the first time, in the individual event. It was this same event, five years later, which brought Darya her first Olympic medal. Back in 2005, she could only dream of such vic-tory. She missed five targets out of five

during the third shooting round (a dioptre fell off her rifle) and, as

a result, took 40th ranking. The Russians had long tried to persuade her to join their national

Seeing off our sportsmen as they flew to Vancouver, we hoped that some would return home with medals, as they did in Salt Lake City,

Turin and Nagano. We would hardly dare assume that three Belarusians would be successful. For the next four years, they will embody victory, inscribing Belarus forever in world sports history. Let’s recall those glorious moments.

“I try to for-get those i n c i -

dents in Oberhof; they are funny, i n d e e d . S o m e -times, in biathlon, you start shooting someone else’s tar-get or take the wrong post. I managed to become a ‘hero’, mak-ing two errors two years in a row. This is in the past now; it may have even had a positive impact on me!”

Dar ya Domracheva was perhaps the only per-son expected to bring home a Vancouver medal. Hopes were pinned on her from the moment of her return to native Minsk. In 2005, the biathlete — born in the Belarusian capi-tal, but living in Siberian Nya-gan for 15 years — took part in

was not a defector, looking for a coun-try where it was easier to gain entry to the main team. Rather, this multi-champion of junior tournaments and prize holder at the European Junior Olympic Games had different plans.

“Russian coaches were constantly approaching me, saying, “Dashya, come back, we’ll offer you a high salary; all your problems will be solved.” Why do I need their money? I want to compete for Belarus.” On 1st December 2006, Domracheva debuted in the World

Cup as a Belarusian team member, having come second among f i v e B e l a r u s i a n sportswomen.

She was expected to shoot to success but her path to the first Cup award — Östersund 2009 — was rather crooked. Food poisoning on the threshold of the

2007/2008 season messed up the entire training process of this team leader. Meanwhile, German Magdalena Neu-ner — a colleague of the same age whose name is constantly linked to the Belarusian rising star — kept winning honours. “I was trying to stay calm as Neuner won,” explains Darya. “At least, I was pretending to. To be honest, from time to time, I felt bad because I’m ambitious. Even the knowledge that my physical state was beyond my con-trol didn’t help.”

The 2008/2009 season saw her in the top ten regularly. The World Championship of 2008 gave her first medal as a mixed relay race member. The turning point of her career took place one year later in Swedish Östersund. Darya will also remember forever the previous qualification round in Oberhof. The amusing accident happened during the mass start, she was first to arrive at the shooting area and took a standing

position, instead of prone. She recalls, “Everybody wanted to encourage me and I arrived like a wind-up toy.”

3rd place.daryadomracheva,bIathlonage: 23

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52 беларусь.belarus 2010 532010 беларусь.belarus

VancouVer-2010

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Much in common on borders

Grodno hosts international seminar — organised within framework of European Commission programme

Taking part in the seminar were repre-sentatives of the border, geodesic and

cartographic agencies and departments of Belarus, the UK, France, Finland, Germany, Slovakia and Lithuania. They discussed a range of issues relating to demarcation of land and river borders in the 21st century.

Alexander Arkhipov, Head of the State Border Delimitation and Demarcation Department at Belarus’ State Border Committee, noted that the Belarusian border service can benefit from the experience accumulated by its counterparts in France, Germany and the UK. “Belarus has its experience of demarcation of state borders while other European countries have their own. France and the UK have demarcated a third of the world’s borders alone. We’d like to share experience and knowledge, improving our understanding and ensuring that we operate within the framework of international law,” Mr. Arkhipov said.

Participants also discussed today’s trends in demarcation and border management, alongside the activity of integrated boundary committees. French-Italian experience of re-demarcation was debated, as well as inspection problems on the Finnish-Russian border. They also visited border checkpoints supervised by the Grodno border authorities.

Programme impresses greatly with scales

Investments into agriculture could rise considerably in coming years

The NAS has already prepared a draft concept, aiming to develop the agro-

industrial complex over the next five years. They note that agrarians will be shown more efficient methods of manage-ment, with private-and-state partner-ship and innovation encouraged, while export-oriented facilities will come under focus. According to Mr. Myasnikovich, it’s important to encourage the practical application of scientific innovations. Major cattle-breeding farms are planned, with the latest technologies implemented and the structure of crop-growing being updated.

Intellectual research

Today, there’s no need to thumb through volumes of publications to find a particular legal document. It’s enough to have access to a specialised legal and reference system; these technologies have been working rather successfully in Belarus

Specialists have calculated that around 300 legal acts are adopted

in Belarus each month. It commonly takes between 20 minutes and 2 hours to find necessary documents without the new reference system, which can add up to around 500 hours annually. Clearly, this t ime can be spent more productively. Six months ago, Expertcentre presented a new version of its ‘Expert’ information and legal system to Belarusian organisations. This was immediately called a revolu-tionary step for the domestic market of reference and legal systems. For the first time, the product boasts search algorithms similar to those used by such giants as Yandex and Google.

Of course, it would be nice if legal acts were written in understandable language; the letter of the law is usually dry, with documents subject to inter-pretation. This makes analysis vital. The ‘Expert’ system enables us to locate analytical articles, giving paragraph-by-paragraph commentaries, consultations and explanations (including official) on any topic: taxation, employment law, accounting, salaries, civil rights, inspec-tions and more.

panoraMa

The Chairman of the National Academy of Sciences’ Presidium reports that the programme aims to bring a positive balance of foreign trade in agri-cultural products, worth $1bn. Moreover, the output of agricultural production should rise: grain by at least 10m tonnes per year over the nearest five years, milk by 7.5-8.5m tonnes and meat by 1.5-2m tonnes. Additionally, the net profit margin of ready-made goods should increase by 25-30 percent on average, with a positive foreign trade balance ensured for goods of agricultural origin.

The draft programme envisages the application of economic mechanisms to regulate agro-industrial manufacture and the agrarian market, while relying on international principles and rules.


Italian business in Belarus brings friendship and co-operationIntErnatIonal co-opEratIon — EspEcIally rEgardIng tradE — Is usually basEd on mutual IntErEst and pragmatIsm. thE samE could bE saId of thE bElarusIan-ItalIan EconomIc forum, rEcEntly hEld In mInsk. It was clEarly an IndIcatIon of thE progrEss madE In our mutual rElatIons, wIth bElarusIan-ItalIan tIEs charactErIsEd by busInEss IntErEst alongsIdE warmth, trust, gratItudE and kInd-hEartEdnEss…

For many years, Italy has been welcoming children from Chernobyl-affected regions for recupera-tion. Up to 3m Italians

are involved in the process; on the Apennines, about 300 chari-table organisations are operational. Humanitarian associations embrace every Italian region, bringing ever strengthening ties of solidarity and partnership. As a result, Italy is seen as a close and reliable partner of Belarus — a wonderful foundation for further mutually beneficial collaboration.

On welcoming the large Italian delegation to the forum, Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Valery Voronetsky, first expressed great gratitude to the Italian Government and the non-governmental sector of

Italy’s Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Adolfo Urso:

good trading relations have been established between Belarus and italy, with turnover reaching about $1bn a year. these are not bad figures but there is still far to go; Belarus and italy have far greater potential and are striving for larger figures. Businessmen arriving in minsk can aid co-operation between Belarus and italy.

Belarus boasts a stable social-economic situation, allowing us to make long-term forecasts for co-operation. the country is of signifi-cant interest to italian companies. We think Belarus could be an ideal country, taking into consideration the expansion of the European union (where the orientation has shifted).

Italy for its work in the recuperation of Belarusian children.

Our children are no strangers to Italian families — families which, in fact, drive the Italian economy. Italy’s strength lies in its small and medium-sized businesses, built upon family

traditions. Genoa, Florence, Venetia, Lombardia and other regions have always been known for their family traditions, passed on from one genera-tion to the next. Recently, representa-tives of many famous Italian brands have visited Minsk.

EConomy business trends

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Italy’s Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Adolfo Urso, did not hide his ambitious plans. “Our task is to double our investments into Belarus and gain a partnership foothold,” he told the forum. His words are confirmed by action: Belarus and Italy have signed an agreement to set up an Italian industrial area in the Brest region. Several other concrete deals have been announced — all concluded during the forum. However, major work still lies ahead.

“The Belarusian-Italian Forum has been the result of a visit by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to our country,” stresses Vladimir Ulakhovich, Director of the Centre for International Studies. “Top level meetings and good words can bring no further action but we’ve seen concrete developments from the meeting between President

Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Valery Voronetsky:

the signing of an agreement on the establishment of an italian industrial area in the Brest region should inspire development of the Brest region and the presence of italian business in Belarus. an italian industrial area is to be created in the Brest region — with italian capital, italian banks and italian enterprises. i think basic investors will soon be chosen, with investment projects defined. i hope we’ll launch the project this year or next. recently, economic (commercial and financial) co-operation between Belarus and italy has gained momentum.

Lukashenko and the Italian Prime Minister. The arrival of an Italian delegation in Minsk signals that Mr. Berlusconi’s visit is yielding fruit.”

The forum gathered representatives of about 70 Italian companies, as well as those from the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade, SIMEST, the Institute

Belarus-Italian forum in Minsk received a large participating audience

for Export Credit Insurance Services and the Agency for International Development and Economic Co-operation. Representatives of banking, logistical, insurance and construction associations also attended.

“ The presence of these ver y important institutions is a vital sign for

business trends EConomyE


us,” continues Mr. Ulakhovich. “In Italy, regional and national associations receive financial support for the promotion of Italian business abroad, so play a key role. Their participation testifies to the serious position taken by the state.”

According to Mr. Voronetsky, Italian partners are showing huge interest in Belarus as a gateway to co-operation between the West and the East. Much attention is being given to the country’s transit potential and interest in the credit sphere and in the setting up of Italian ventures is also evident.

Mr. Urso confirms that agreements relating to economic collaboration between Belarus and Italy are finding practical realisation. The republic could soon see great activity, enjoying co-operation with Italy in several branches.

The Ambassador of Belarus to Italy, Yevgeny Shestakov, has told journalists that container transportation from Brest

Belarus’ Prime Minister, Sergei Sidorsky:

all proposals on the expansion of bilateral co-operation — which were previously discussed by Belarusian President alexander Lukashenko and italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi — shall be implemented. the promotion of italian products on the Belarusian market is more active than the promotion of Belarusian goods in italy and we’d like to smooth our trade balance.

heat, are planned by Italian investors in the Brest region — of trans-border significance. “The region’s energy system has access to those of Poland and the Baltic States. Plans are being drawn up,” notes Mr. Shestakov.

No doubt, these significant projects will continue to be a talking point. The success of the recent forum, gathering hundreds of representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, indicates the ‘real relations of Belarus and Italy — based on the friendship and co-operation witnessed so far’, stresses Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Voronetsky. Mr. Shestakov empha-sises that direct flights between Minsk

and major Italian cities should soon launch, bringing Rome and

Milan even closer. By Nina

romanova

to Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Far East, China and Korea is under scrutiny, with logistics being developed. Additionally, in early March, container cargo shipment between Italy and Belarusian Brest is to become operational.

Belarus hopes to sign an agreement with Italy in the field of aerospace technologies. Meanwhile, an Italian company is currently engaged in estab-lishing a joint venture in the field of chemical production — of great signif-icance for the whole Eastern-European region. Two power stations, providing

Italy’s Deputy Minister for Economic Development Adolfo Urso (left), President of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade Umberto Vattani (in the centre), Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs of Belarus Andrey Tur (right) had a lot to discuss

EConomy business trendsB

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Space for partnershipspaIn’s prEsIdEncy of thE Eu, as vIEwEd from mInsk

On January 1st, the EU Pres idenc y passed to Spain. A month earlier, the Lisbon Treaty came into force,

introducing the post of the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. These will chair sessions of EU Heads of State and EU Foreign Ministers, removing the function from the presiding country. The latter will remain responsible for elaborating the EU’s common develop-ment strategy, so Madrid is to be the EU’s ‘capital’ for the next six months.

Relations with Spain are increasing in importance for Belarus, which has been recently active in the western direction. Although Madrid is one of the most remote European capitals (from Minsk), permanent diplo-matic co-operation has been estab-lished between our cities. Last March, Spain’s Foreign Minister, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, visited Belarus while, in December 2009, the Belarusian Foreign Minister paid a return visit.

DiStriButioN oF PortFoLioS aND DiPLomatS

The Treaty of Lisbon should ensure transparency for the EU’s management in future. At present, Belarus, like other interested observers, is trying to understand the intricacies of the EU’s bureaucratic machine.

Meetings of branch ministers (those responsible for interior affairs or agriculture) will be, as before,

chaired by a corresponding minister from the Spanish Cabinet. The website of the Spanish Presidency tells us that the Government needs to elaborate an agenda, conducting around 3,000 sittings of various levels within the EU. The introduction of new positions won’t deprive the chair of its work but there will be some competition between Brussels and Madrid. After the Treaty of Lisbon came into operation, the EU received the right to give the European Commission’s 136 delegations abroad full ambassadorial status. However, this right was only realised for 54 of them, including the EC’s delegation for

diplomatic representative offices. In other states, this function (after reform) has been imposed on EU delegations — now called super-delegations.

maDriD rEaLiaSIn 2010, the major task is to find

ways out of the economic crisis — the greatest on the continent since WWII. Spain’s current Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, has already announced his priorities, although they’re evident. Speaking in the European Parliament, he proposed a strict economic strategy for all EU countries, with sanctions for those states who fail to adhere to it. He stresses that, if the EU continues to develop as 27 separate national systems, it will weaken its competi-tiveness on foreign markets.

Joseph Daul, Chairman of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP Group), is sceptical about this initia-tive. He believes Spanish proposals will bring increased budget deficits while Spain itself is a proven violator. The budget deficit limit for the Eurozone is 3 percent of GDP (embracing the

16 countries using the euro); in Spain, this stands at 11 percent.

International Standard&Poor’s R at i n g Ag e n c y recently lowered S p a i n’s c r e d i t o u t l o o k f r o m ‘stable’ to ‘negative’, concerned about t h e c o u n t r y ’s

possible GDP growth. In 2009, Spain fell into its first recession in over 15 years. It needs to solve its crisis-related social problems, raising employment to combat a lack of spending power. Unemployment has reached 10 percent in the Eurozone — 15.7m; this is the highest figure in the last 12 years and is almost 3m more than in the previous year. Unemployment is Spain’s biggest challenge; last November, unemploy-

Ukraine and Belarus (headquartered in Kiev). The Euro Observer explains that ‘the powers of delegations in former Spanish colonies in Latin America haven’t been expanded and nor have those located in countries with which the EU is conducting summits during Spain’s Presidency: Russia and the USA’. Spain’s embassies in these states will speak on behalf of the EU, co-ordi-nating the activities of other European

For the last 10 months the commodity turnover between belarus and spain made 146 mln us dollars basically For the account oF spanish import. such volume approximates the level oF belarus’ trade with important Foreign partners…

european context EGEoPolitiCsE


EGEoPolitiCsE european context

ment was up almost 20 percent in Spain, with 20 percent of its able-bodied job-seekers receiving social allowances. It could have been a record, were it were not for Latvia, where the situation is even worse.

Against this background, we cannot but ask what Madrid can offer Europe. Will it have enough resources to run an intensive European policy? ‘If we’re at the tail end of 27 countries regarding economic success, how can the rest of Europe trust our Prime Minister?’ asks Spanish El Mundo.

The EU is sending positive signals to the world, with Eurozone GDP rising by 0.4 percent in Q3 2009 (on the previous quarter) showing that it’s slowly recovering from the recession.

SPaNiSh WorLDRecent years have seen countries

presiding over the EU drawing up beautiful plans in response to chal-lenges. France was obliged to settle the conflict between Russia and Georgia following events in South Ossetia while the Czech Republic needed to act as a ‘peacekeeper’ in the ‘gas war’ between Moscow and Kiev.

EU further expansion is one of Spain’s top priorities. The country plans to intensify negotiations with Croatia, as well as to continue talks with Turkey and other applicants for membership. Nevertheless, no drastic steps are likely, since the economic crisis postpones such intentions.

Spain plans to open a new page in its relations with the USA but Madrid has always enjoyed good relations with Washington. Former PM Aznar was ready to send soldiers to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime, alongside those of the US and UK. The ideology of his People’s Party is similar to that of the US Republicans. However, Aznar was obl iged to b e more cautious, following a shift in public opinion; he lost the next elections to socialist Zapatero (naturally allied to the US’s Democratic Party and Barack Obama).

During Spain’s Presidency, the EU will also pay particular attention to developing relations with South America and the Caribbean, which Madrid sees as becoming more influ-ential in the global economy.

EU’s neighbours are ranked 4th among its priorities. “Prosperity and stability in Europe and in its neighbouring regions is intercon-nected,” states Spain’s EU Presidency programme. Madrid is primarily inter-ested in its Mediterranean neighbours, for obvious reasons.

‘Efforts will be also taken to further develop the Eastern Partnership, to ease the progressive approach of six

member countries into the EU’ notes the Spanish programme concerning the Eastern Partnership initiative.

Recently, in an interview with Int e r f a x A g e n c y, t h e G e r m a n Ambassador to Minsk, H.E. Mr. Gebhardt Weiss, tackled the triangle of Belarus, the Eastern Partnership and Spain’s Presidency of the EU. “Tolerance, and the direction of the political process, are often more important than its pace,” he asserts. “The assessment of political process in Belarus remains unchanged. It has again found its clear reflection in Spain’s EU Presidency programme, via the Eastern Partnership…”

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Spain Foreign Minister M.A. Moratinos has already visited Belarus


european context EGEoPolitiCsE

As Spain’s new Foreign Minister, Miguel Ángel Moratinos made his first trip to Moscow. He held a joint press conference with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. Although Europe and Russia have many ‘open’ issues (e.g., the absence of a new agreement on co-operation and the refusal of Moscow politicians to sign the Energy Charter) the Russian media primarily focused on the abolition of the visa regime on the eve of the Spanish diplomat’s arrival.

Recently, Italy was stirring up public debate in announcing the future abolition of visas for Russians. Several other European capitals doubted Rome’s confidence, believing that the visa regime should be first abolished within Eastern Partnership countries. Spain occupied an interme-diate position, with Moratinos failing to promise quick visa abolition while assuring that the procedure would

be simplified to the utmost, enabling Russians to receive long-term multi-entry visas. Obviously, Spain, whose tourist branch has greatly suffered from the crisis, is lobbying the interests of potential Russian visitors.

SPaiN kEEN to SEE iN WhiCh DirEC-tioN BELaruS iS DEVELoPiNg…

Belarus now borders the EU but can we call the Portuguese or Spanish our neighbours? The Iberian Peninsula is like a European Kamchatka for us. Of course, we are often told that we live in a global village but I don’t know whether to agree… As far as Belarusian-Spanish relations are

Madrid last December, Belarus’ Foreign Minister, Sergei Martynov, also negotiated with diplomats and business representatives.

B elar us-Agro-Trac tor enter-prise (with 55 percent Belarusian investments) has been operating on the Pyrenees since 2007, supplying Belarusian tractors to the Spanish market. In Belarus, 16 enterprises using Spanish capital (accounting for $1.2m) are currently operational.

Reference: In 2008, $106,000 of Spanish investments were attracted i nt o t h e B e l a r u s i a n e c o n o my. Between January and September 2009, this figure increased by $10,000 — still a drop in the ocean. Over the last three years, Spain has provided $200,000 of humanitarian assistance, with another $1m given in the form of monetary funds.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry assesses Spain’s help as consider-able. Spanish charities and families annually accept over 2,000 Belarusian children for recuperation (primarily those f rom Chernoby l-af fec ted regions, low income families and orphanages). Spain is ranked third after Italy and Germany in taking such children.

On June 1st, 2009, an agreement was signed between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain regarding the recuperation of Belarusian children in Spain. Alongside a protocol to the treaty, this is almost the only piece of bilateral legislation, which undoubtedly needs improvement.

Dozens of thousands of Belarusian children now have close relation-ships to Spanish families and 1,300 Belarusian students are studying Spanish at university level each year, promoting the successful develop-ment of bilateral relationships. Four universities offer training and a further 7,000 schoolchildren are also studying Spanish.

By Igor kolchenko

concerned, these have been greatly affected by our geographical distance. Spain is the only large EU country not to have an embassy in Minsk. Meanwhile, Spain is among the eight EU states to ratify the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between the EU and Belarus, signed on March 6th, 1995. Unfortunately, this document — important to develop bilateral rela-tionships — has been put aside.

Last March’s visit to Belarus by the Spanish Foreign Minister, Moratinos, was the first by a Spanish politician of such level. It demonstrated that our countries don’t view distance as an invincible obstacle to developing relations. It’s now planned for a Spanish embassy to open in Minsk.

According to Morat inos , he arrived in Minsk to ‘establish contacts’. Alexander Lukashenko believes it was important that the Head of Spain’s Foreign Ministry came with the

intention of seeing this ‘mysterious state, situated at Europe’s centre, w i t h h i s o w n eyes — to see in which direction it is moving’. “Our motivation [in co-operating with the EU — editor] is very strong,” said

the Belarusian President. “Today, the EU accounts for half of our turnover, with the remaining half being traded with the East. It’s vital for our state.”

Over the first 10 months of 2009, turnover between Belarus and Spain totalled $146m, with Spanish imports prevailing. This equalled our level of trade with such partners as Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Vietnam and Iran.

Mr. Moratinos is keen on economic diplomacy, not ing that Spanish entrepreneurs are looking at oppor-tunities for investment in Belarus. Our two governments need to sign agreements to protect investments and avoid double taxation. Visiting

spanish charities and Families annually accept over 2,000 belarusian children For recuperation (primarily those From chernobyl-aFFected regions, low income Families and orphanages). spain is ranked third aFter italy and germany in taking such children


EEConomyE investments

Ambitious but realizable goalIn 2010, thE govErnmEnt aIms to attract $2.7bn of dIrEct forEIgn InvEstmEnts. thEsE ExpEctatIons prEsupposE ImprovEd admInIstratIvE condItIons and furthEr lIbEralIsatIon of thE Economy. accordIng to thE govErnmEnt’s plans, In 2010, bElarus aIms to rEach thE top 30 In thE world bank’s doIng busInEss ratIngs — an ambItIous but achIEvablE goal

F r e s h i n t e r n a t i o n a l research shal l ref lect the many progressive c h a n g e s t o n at i on a l legislation. For example,

the recent Doing Business report (covering reform from June 2008 to May 2009) was published before the signing of Presidential Decree #10 ‘On the Creation of Additional Conditions for Investment Activity in the Republic of Belarus’. According to experts, this document is a significant step towards improving the business environment.

A leading analyst from the Uniter investment company, Oleg Andreev, tells us, “In fact, the decree brings the complete formalisation of relations between investors and the Belarusian state. It’s very important. Procedures of co-ordination previously took several months; they’ve now been considerably simplified. Crucially, the preferences which the document envisages are general; previously, a separate Presidential decree was needed to receive them. Now, every-thing is transparent and all investors are presented with ‘a basic package’.”

Valer y Fadeev, an IFC Legal Advisor, notes, “I’m convinced that

the progressive nature of the decree will be taken into consideration in Doing Business research. Investors can now lease a land lot without entering an auction or tender, signif-

months. Additionally, investors no longer need to pay customs fees on imported equipment; this is of great significance. Of course, it’s also worth mentioning that sites can be simul-taneously designed and constructed. Previously, many investors had to waste time waiting for projects to be approved.”

Another document aiming to improve the business climate is the Presidential Decree ‘On Improving Control (Supervision) Activity in the Republic of Belarus’, which came in force on January 1st, 2010. The number of controlling bodies is limited while their duties and responsibilities are fully outlined — eliminating the opportunity for misuse of powers.

Additionally, inspections of newly set-up companies are prohibited for the first two years after registration (except where established facts of violation are known). The decree requires state officials to justify their inspections, slim lining the process and freeing entrepreneurs f rom unnecessary administrative responsi-bilities. They no longer need concern themselves with closure in cases of ‘minor violations’. The Government and the State Control Committee

Belarus’ position in the World Bank’s Doing Business ratings

115

2007 2008 2009 2010

8558

top 30

icantly facilitating the investment process. Until recently, it took a long time to arrange land lease; according to my est imations, at least nine

�0 беларусь.belarus 2010

investments EEConomyE

b e e n w e l c om e d by B e l a r u s i a n business associations and are likely to be taken into account by inter-national experts. This year, four payments were abolished: fees to the National Fund for the Support of Agricultural Producers; retail sales tax; tax on purchasing cars; and local car parking fees. This should benefit companies financially while

significantly simplifying the work of accounting services.

According to the Ministry for Taxes and Levies, only five basic areas of tax now exist: VAT; profit tax; property tax; land tax; and ecological taxes. All other fees are one-off payments in particular circumstances.

Until recently, Belarus was ranked almost last in the Doing Business report’s ‘tax payment’ category, which impeded the general assessment of the country’s business climate. However, the Government expects Belarus to have now improved this ranking, since the number of payments has been cut, as has their frequency. From 2010, those with an annual turnover of Br3.8bn (about $1.32m) or less can submit VAT declarations quarterly, alongside profit tax payments (the latter applies regardless of turnover). “We’ll continue making advances. In the near future, we’ll probably make some payments annual,” notes the Deputy Minister for Taxes and Levies, Larisa Kondratova. According to experts, this could shift Belarus into the list of global leaders for ‘simplicity of tax payments’.

According to the Deputy Economy Minister, Andrei Tur, this year, progressive changes are expected in the field of licensing (in particular, the abolishment of licenses for retail trade) and pricing (state regulations to be significantly cut). Grand liber-alisation of the labour market and of property relations is also expected. “Work on simplifying and improving conditions of economic activity began in 2007 and is continuing,” Mr. Tur notes. “We are gradually, step by step, conducting liberalisation and hope our foreign partners appreciate the positive results of these changes. This is very important, since this is not an easy year. Some of the global markets we work with are yet to overcome the crisis but we can compensate for export sales losses by encouraging investment activity — primarily from abroad.”

By Vitaly Volyanyuk

are convinced that the decree creates a flexible sys tem of sup er v i -sion and control for b u s i n e s s , w i t h o u t unnecessary burden, w h i l e e n s u r i n g economic, public and environmental safety.

Business circles have their own attitude towards these changes. The Chairman of the Belarusian Union of Entrepreneurs, Alexander Kalinin, tells us, “The document is, of course, progressive. It aims to emancipate business, which is especially vital considering the crisis. We need to think laterally while being ready to take on risk.”

The recent changes to tax legisla-tion — as stipulated by the Special Part of the Tax Code — have also

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liberalization: step by step

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sCiEnCE and PraCtiCE

In favour of innovationsbElarusIan Economy bEcomEs morE rEsponsIvE to scI-tEch dEvElopmEnts

R ecently, an unusual biotech-n o l o g i c a l c omp l e x w a s created at the Nat iona l Ac a d e my of S c i e nc e of

Belarus, revolutionising the growing of greenhouse vegetables. The new, l ight-emitt ing diodes are more efficient than traditional bulbs and emulate natural daylight, creating a more favourable environment for plants. The pale blue light encourages tomatoes, raising crop yields by 15-20 percent. Moreover, traditional soil is replaced by mineral cotton, with moisture and nutrient elements under computer control.

The technology can be applied at traditional greenhouse farms, making Belarusian tomatoes more competitive in quality and price, even in winter, compared to imports from southern countries. The innovation can also have application within schools, sana-toriums, residential accommodation, ships and, even, space craft, since it enables people to have fresh vegeta-bles always at hand. Naturally, the fresher the vegetable, the tastier and more nutritious it is.

Numerous innovat ions have been developed by Belarusian scien-tists over the last year, all for appli-cation in the domestic economy. In total, the National Academy of Sciences has created over 2,600 original developments in the past 12 months, including high-efficiency

machinery and equipment, tools, devices, materials, technologies and control systems. Moreover, over 170 new crop varieties and domestic animal breeds have been cultivated. In 2009, scientists from the National Academy of Sciences took part in 40 state sci-tech programmes, as well as numerous international programmes.

Major ef forts are being concentrated on innovations with practical applications. The Physics Institute has developed and produced universal three-wave lasers, widely used during surgical procedures; they are unrivalled, being able to perform various functions. Doctors have already developed a complex of medical technologies with the help of this laser, used in Belarus and abroad. Orders are flooding in from abroad for 2010 and beyond.

The high-speed SKIF super-computer, created by the United Institute of Informatics Problems, is also benefiting medicine, allowing access to data from over 100 medical institutions within Belarus. Medical specialists can compare x-rays online to make an exact diagnosis, accessing from any of 1,200 automated work stations.

The National Academy of Sciences is involved in promoting similar

s c i - t e c h p r o j e c t s with real life appli-c at i ons . M i k h a i l My a s n i k ov i c h , the Chairman of t h e P r e s i d i u m of the Nat iona l Academy of Sciences of Belarus, explains that, in 2009 alone, seven such new structures appeared at the NAS: in microbiology, DNA-testing and biotechnologies. These are the 5th and 6th such tech-nological structures, with industrial manufactures inspired by their scien-tific achievements.

“Science and manufacturing often lack an innovational link,” notes Mr. Myasnikovich. “In 2010, we plan to set up 12-15 more scientif ic-practical complexes; we’ll undoubt-edly succeed. We’ll also begin to create a high-tech park focusing on microelectronics, optics and laser

�� беларусь.belarus 2010

sCiEnCE and PraCtiCE

technolog y — among domest ic industrial enterprises.”

Meanwhile, a considerable portion of sci-tech goods are to be exported. In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences sold $17.5m of products and this figure should rise at least 1,5-fold in 2010. It may not seem a great deal

but scientists assure us that

all their devel-opments are 100

percent added value, with no import compo-

nents. By 2015, the NAS plans to increase its exports 2.5-fold.The high level of NAS inventions

is attracting foreign partners; good relations particularly exist with similar German organisations. Over ten joint projects are currently being imple-mented with French partners and active collaboration is in evidence with the UK. Recently, Minsk was

visited by a group of American scien-tists, with whom we also plan to conduct some joint research. The eastern vector of co-operation is also gaining, while Arab countries, Venezuela and African states showed interest last year. Practical results are vital, with $20m of contracts being signed. Financing has already begun for DNA-technology and space information analyses.

Belarusian industry remains the major supplier of local scientific

developments. A typical example is an unrivalled worldwide concept of a multiply-link trans-continental road train. Its advantage is that each of its links is able to carry 120 or more tonnes of cargo over thousands of kilo-metres, using an independent power unit. Its synchronous wheel steering makes it more manoeuvrable, as developed by the NAS Joint Institute of Machine Building. A pilot model has

been manufactured at Minsk’s Automobile Works — famous worldwide for its line-haul

trains. Other scientific devel-opments are being brought to l ife at Minsk Motor Works and at the Belarusian

Automobile Works, which has a 320-tonne capacity heavy duty dump truck. In total, in 2009, new models accounted

for almost a third of all Belarusian industrial output.

Belarus has set a new ambitious task: to organise high-speed railway movement across the country, with travel time from Minsk to any regional centre of the republic reduced 2-2.5-fold over the next 2-3 years. Neighbouring Russia generally relies on importing component parts but Belarus is determined to use domestic manufactures.

“We’ve received proposals from investors to develop high-speed trains in Belarus, using technologies developed by us, as well as foreign innovations,” asserts Belarus’ Prime Minister, Sergei Sidorsky. “One indus-trial enterprise in the Minsk region has been asked to organise high-speed production.”

This innovation is essential to the republic. We belong to a small number of states with an extremely open economy; foreign trade turnover actually exceeds GDP. Under such conditions, we must manufacture competitively — as specified by the strategy for national science devel-opment.

By Vladimir Bibikov

Such a diverse investment experience


EnErGEtiCs alternative resources

Energy of life

hot SPot Belarusian scientists believe that

the 200km long Pripyat flexure — situ-ated in the Gomel region — is the most promising site on the Bela-rusian map for geother-mal potential. The ‘hot spot’ — 2,000-5,000 metres in depth — e m b r a c e s the cities of R e c h i t s a , Svet logorsk, Gomel, Oktya-b r s k y a n d Kalinkovichi. The tempera-ture of its water resources f luctu-ates from 20 to 115 degrees. The under-ground ‘climate’ of the Gomel region became known in the 1970s — when Belarusian academician Gerasim Bogomolov proposed

using its energy for consumer needs. “At that time, geothermal energy wasn’t taken seriously although, in the West, it had been used to produce electricity and heating since the early 20th century. Forty countries worldwide currently

reap the benefits,” explains the Frant-sisk Skorina State University’s Geo-

logical-Geographi-c a l D e p a r t m e nt ,

in Gomel. “Now that energy resources

are dwindling, the issue is more acute, bringing attention.” The hot waters

of the Gomel region have been thoroughly studied for several years, including by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geological Sciences, which assessed the geothermal potential of the Pripyat flexure. On average, the energy equates

to 0.5-1 tonnes of equivalent fuel per metre; in some places, the figure reaches 4-5 tonnes. In other words, a metre of the Pripyat flexure could produce as much heat as the combustion of 4-5 tonnes of crude oil. The underground energy source has another wonderful feature, restoring itself indefinitely — unlike oil and gas, which are exhaust-ible. Financiers have calculated that geothermal sources cost half as much to process as usual fuels. The Pripyat’s deposits could not be used to create electricity — as in Italy, Japan, the USA and other countries — but could be used to directly heat homes — as in Warsaw, Klaipeda and Paris. In Belarus, geothermal potential is already being mastered, with several facilities operating near Minsk and one works in Polotsk. New projects are under development.

Bio-EFFECt iN FoCuS Just a few years ago, Belarusians

learnt about the advantages of bio-gas facilities from scientific publica-tions. Now, three such complexes are

thE tImE shall soon comE whEn oIl, coal and gas rEsourcEs arE dEplEtEd. thIs knowlEdgE Is pushIng us to rEturn to our own ‘orIgIns’ and promotE altErnatIvE EnErgy usE. thE south-EastErn arEa of bElarus — thE gomEl rEgIon — Is takIng Its own stEps to traIn spEcIalIsts and to rEsEarch and apply altErnatIvE EnErgy sourcEs

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successfully operating in the country. The last came into operation at Gomel’s Poultry Factory — the largest in the region. It embraces 32 poultry yards, housing 850,000 places for birds and an incubator cellar.

The project’s price was over Br8bn. Equipment was supplied by an Austrian company, while the Ministry for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the Ministry for Agriculture and Food and Belarus’ Energy Efficiency Department covered most costs. The complex runs on raw plant compost and chicken manure. “The process is profitable though not easy,” say staff. “Residues remaining from water puri-fication are fermented and decon-taminated — to produce methane. On combustion, these generate heat and electricity. Beneficially, less methane escapes into the atmosphere and we save money on creating electricity.”

The facility is designed to generate 330kW of electricity and 450kW of heat energy per hour. Using this alter-native source of energy, 2,600,000kW

of electricity and 4,200,000Gcal of heat energy could be generated annually. The company can cover 50 percent of its need for electricity and half its heating needs. Meanwhile, chicken manure can be made into high-quality and ecologi-cally friendly organic fertiliser (which needs no addition disinfection) — to be used on the factory’s agricultural fields.

In the Gomel region, another facility is now being built, with an energy capacity of 1mW — at Sovkhoz — Sozh Combine JSC. An agreement on the project’s realisation has been concluded between the company and German TelDaFax ENERGY GmbH. The site has been chosen, located close to the production buildings of a large pig-breeding complex. Bio-gas is to be used at a gas powered electrical generator — to produce electricity.

Ten such facilities are to be built in the country this year, with a total of 148 planned for the near future — producing 236 megawatts. The Government’s calculations indicate that 160,000 tonnes of equivalent fuel will

be saved, with bio-gas able to annually cover about 3 percent of electricity and heat energy currently generated countrywide. Additionally, such facili-ties should help reduce the emission of ‘greenhouse’ gases, while reducing environmental pollution of the soil and water table where animal-breeding farms are situated.

aS iF iN a muSEum These days, even small children are

taught to save energy and resources, gaining a new view on alternative energy and a careful attitude towards our natural wealth. Teachers are also trying to inspire their imagination, in the search for alter-natives to oil, coal and gas…

The first Belarusian Museum of Energy has appeared in the Gomel region, including activities for school-children. The museum’s three halls house over a hundred exhibits — such as torch, oil and gas lanterns and energy-saving lamps. One hall is devoted to energy-saving projects, with school-children encouraged to take an active part. One model shows an automated system of lighting; the sensor allows electricity costs to be halved. Other projects include a ferry operated by hydro-power and a model of the first Belarusian nuclear power station. “We have an information-training centre for young people,” explains Tatiana Atrokhova, the Deputy Head of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee’s Education Department. “Our task is to excite children, inspiring them to think of ways of saving energy — considering how much electricity costs and how we can preserve it.”

Another hall houses international and national legislative acts in the field of energy-saving. Models of farms, houses and factories using alternative energy sources are also on show (primarily, solar and wind). Guides introduce these to children in detail, so that these young citizens can develop a feeling for alternative energy. As adults, their lives will hardly be possible without it.

By Violetta Dralyuk

The operators of the new bio-gas complex Vilaly Fedotov and Dmitry Ostapchuk are satisfied with the operation results

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Partnership mediumnEw Eu projEct to hElp polotsk bEcomE EnErgy EffIcIEnt cIty

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Polotsk has joined the new EU-funded energy efficiency project SURE — Sustainable Use of Renewable Energy in ENPI Cites. The first

working meeting of partners took place in German Friedrichshafen.

The project is being realised as part of the EU programme CIUDAD —

Co-operation in Urban Development and Dialogue. Polotsk is working with Murcia (Spain), Sale (Morocco) and the Agency for the Development of Sardinia (Italy). The leading partner is administration of Friedrichshafen, a twin city of Polotsk. All events being planned for Polotsk are also being organised in Morocco’s Sale.

Over the next two and a half years, Friedrichshafen and Murcia are to share their experience with Polotsk and Sale regarding the implementa-tion of energy efficient technologies and alternative energy.

The project is receiving assist-ance from the Energy Efficiency Department of the State Committee for Standardisation of the Republic of Belarus, the Moroccan Centre for the Development of Renewable Energy, the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (France) and other regional and national organisations involved in regional development and energy. The project is funded by the European Union.

The SURE project is part of the Covenant of Mayors — a commit-ment by signatory towns and cities to go beyond the objectives of the EU’s energy policy to reduce CO2 emissions by 2020. This is being achieved through enhanced energy efficiency and cleaner energy produc-tion and use. Participants share their advanced experience in energy saving, while implementing the EU’s climate and environmental protection policy.

Some 500 European cities and towns are signatories of the Covenant of Mayors. Polotsk has plans to join it in 2010. The project envisages a plan of action for sustainable energy development over the next decade, with specific goals for Polotsk. The city will host workshops and confer-ences on energy efficiency and on the use of renewable sources of energy. The project also includes ‘energy saving days’ and publicity campaigns. European advance energy saving technologies wil l be instal led at social infrastructure facilities — as pilot projects. Later, Polotsk will host an interregional conference for the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, sharing its experience of sustainable energy efficient management with other cities from the region.

By Diana kirilova


ProjECts

bElarusIan and EuropEan unIvErsItIEs lIaIsE In acadEmIc fratErnIty

updating of educational programmes and develops the pedagogical potential of our universities. We are ready to propose several joint projects in the field of intercultural and social relations to Grodno University.”

Ac c ord i ng to Mr. G ai ž ut i s , Lithuania’s participation in the Bologna Process has brought only advantages to his university; its lecturers and students have been able to participate in exchange programmes with other European universities, enhancing its quality and prestige. Alumni are more in demand on the labour market and better prepared for their working and public life. Naturally, lectures need to be offered in many subjects in English, to allow foreign students access — not easily achieved.

T h e i n t e r n a -tional scientific c o n f e r e n c e in Grodno g a t h e r e d r e c t o r s o f leading Russian

and European universities, such as Immanuel Kant State University of Russia, Biberach University of Applied Sciences (Germany), University of Bialystok (Poland), and Vilnius’ Pedagogical University (Lithuania). The rectors’ speeches looked at trends, problems and prospects for universi-ties’ innovative development in modern society. The role of Belarusian science in the global scientific process came under scrutiny, as did the influence of globalisation on the development of modern universities. They also focused on the problems of university education and its influence on the socio-cultural context, as well as paths of innovative development in higher education.

The certificate ‘Honoured Professor of Grodno’s Yanka Kupala State University’ was solemnly awarded to rectors of Belarusian and foreign universities: including the Rector of Vilnius’ Pedagogical University — Mr. Gaižutis, the Rector of Immanuel Kant State University of Russia — Prof. Andrey Klemeshev, the Rector of Biberach University of Applied Sciences — Prof. Thomas Vogel, and the Rector of University of Bialystok — Prof. Jerzy Nikitorowicz. To date, 12 scientist-researchers, lecturers and public-religious figures have been awarded.By Tatiana Vishnevskaya

Eloquent features of the image

The Rector of Vilnius’ Pedagogical University, academician Algirdas Gaižutis, recently participated

in an international scientific confer-ence dedicated to the 70th anniver-sary of Grodno’s Yanka Kupala State University. He said that European and Belarusian universities should create an example of academic fraternity, since they’ve been socio-cultural centres of national communities for centuries, with a role to play in our modern times. These educational establishments not only teach our young people, ready for a professional role, but shape the elite of society, giving them a sense of worth and responsibility. Inter-univer-sity partnerships benefit trans-border community.

“The universities of Grodno and Vilnius are neighbours. Six years ago, we signed a co-operative agreement with Grodno State University, envis-aging our two establishments’ lecturers and students meeting at conferences in Lithuania and Belarus. There is huge potential for collaboration via inter-national programmes, including the Eastern Partnership,” explains Mr. Gaižutis, adding, “This is important not only for universities but for the European life in general. Our joint participa-tion in EU programmes brings evident economic profit while positively influ-encing the quality of education and the image of our universities. It also brings B

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Exploring one of the laboratories


Efficient optimisation

Belarusian Tsentr Scientific and Production Association to manufacture industrial robots

The State Tsentr Scientific and Production Association at the

National Academy of Sciences of Belarus plans to produce robots for the automobile industry. Tsentr special-ists are currently studying opportuni-ties for producing robots for tractor building. “We plan to start the manufac-ture of robots primarily for cutting and, maybe, for metal-welding,” Alexander Pozharsky, the Head of the Department for Managerial Systems, tells us. “Everything will depend on the needs of domestic manufacturers in robotics, which we are studying at present.”

Some components will be purchased from abroad, with the remainder manu-factured domestically. Industrial robots are used in many industrial spheres worldwide, but primarily in car manu-facture — for stamping and welding, paint-spraying and assembling. Large automated factories use robots at every stage: from material unloading to the manufacture of ready-made goods. Such production facilities are completely automated, able to work day-and-night without interruption. People are employed to control the process and manage the robots via computers. The launch of robots in manufacturing brings optimal use of capacity while reducing costs and enhancing profitability.

Tsentr Scientific and Production Association primarily focuses on creating industrial equipment, relying on centrifugal technologies. The enterprise closely co-operates with organisations from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, developing and producing mining and construction industry equipment for these countries. Centrifugal grinding mills produced in Belarus account for around 70 percent of the total volume of marble powder produced in Russia.

By Olga Belyavskaya

Venue for real projects

Eleven countries participate in Inter-national Investment Forum in Vitebsk

Interest in the Vitebsk region’s invest-ment proposals has been evident,

with business circles and diplo-matic missions of Poland, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Russia and other countries making enquiries. “Participation in the forum has enabled businessmen to gain acquaintance with promising projects in the Dvina River region, learning more about conditions of business and the peculiarities of the region. This is an important component for the success of any investment project,” stresses the Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Oleg Matskevich.

The event gathered 150 projects, worth over $650m, with transport-and-logistical systems, roadside and hotel services, tourism infrastructure and the modernisation of the meat and milk industries taking priority.

During the forum, businessmen were able to familiarise themselves with Vitebsk region companies and see potential project sites.

By Olga Bogacheva

Old and new addresses

In 2009, Belarus traded with 181 countries

According to the National Statistical Committee, last year, Belarusian

goods were supplied to 141 nations of the world, while goods from 168 countries were imported. The geography of Belarusian foreign supplies has expanded, compared to early 2009. Last January, Belarus traded with only 127 countries: exporting to 86 states and importing from 118.

In 2009, Belarus’ major trade partners were Russia (accounting for 47 percent of total turnover), the Netherlands (7.8 percent), Germany (6.4 percent), Ukraine (6 percent), Latvia (3.6 percent), Poland (3.2 percent), China (2.5 percent), the UK (2.1 percent) and Italy and India. Last year, supplies of Belarusian goods to Russia fell

by 36.4 percent (on 2008) to reach $6.714bn (31.5 percent of the republic’s exports). Export supplies to the Netherlands fell by 31.9 percent, to $3.68bn. The conse-quences of the global crisis have affected Belarus’ trade with many countries. Last year, Belarusian exports to Ukraine totalled $1.693bn (down 39.1 percent on 2008) while those to Latvia stood at $1.659bn (down 22.5 percent). Exports to Lithuania amounted to $370.8m (down 40.1 percent) and exports to Poland totalled $823.4m (down 54.2 percent).

At the same time, positive trends have been observed. Exports to Germany rose by 21.5 percent (to reach $986.9m) while those to India grew by 55.5 percent ($487.8m).

By Milena anufriyenok

Russia 47%

Other countries 26%

Netherlands 7.8%

Germany 6.4%

Ukraine 6%Latvia 3.6%

Poland 3.2%


panoraMa

No aliens among ours rEfugEEs arE forcEd to lEavE thEIr homEs not of thEIr own choIcE but from nEcEssIty — as a rEsult of mIlItary conflIct, pErsEcutIon, IntolErancE or vIolEncE. thEy flEE for thEIr lIvEs, tryIng to protEct thEmsElvEs and thEIr chIldrEn, hopIng to gaIn frEEdom

Since 1997, Belarus has we l c om e d ove r 3 , 0 0 0 asylum seekers. Most are from Afghanistan, followed by those from Georgia,

Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia and Palestine. Sholeh Safavi, a representa-tive of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Belarus, shares her views on how the national asylum system meets modern realities.

T h e Un i t e d N a t i o n s Hi g h Commissioner for Refugees Office opened in Belarus in September 1995, providing assistance to the Government in setting up a system of asylum meeting international standards. Why has it taken so long to sign an agreement?

The situation is also typical in other countries with UNHCR offices. It’s vital to establish good contacts with the host country and its structures, creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and part-nership before an agreement on legal status can be signed. As the Russian proverb says, ‘everything has its season’. We believe the time has come.

What does this agreement envisage and when will it be signed?

It’s ready for signing now, outlining the legal status of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in Belarus — which is currently operating under the aegis of the UN Representation. The document will

Sholeh Safavi, a representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Belarus

enable us to engage in more activity, especially at an official level, making contacts with offices of foreign states accredited in Belarus.

I hope the agreement will be signed in the first half of 2010. The Belarusian Government has announced its desire to see the document signed by the UNHCR and the ceremony is to take place in Minsk. I’m optimistic about the future — as conditions are likely to be met.

How much funding has the UNHCR Office in Belarus given to projects since it began operations?

We’ve i nj e c te d $ 6 . 5 m s i nc e 1995, allocated to direct receivers of our assistance and used as technical assistance for our governmental partners. It’s not a huge sum in absolute figures but I personally believe that it has been spent wisely.

Where is new financing being directed?

Two international technical assist-ance projects are being realised at the moment. The first is complex and aims to provide technical assistance to the Belarusian Government in strength-ening and improving its asylum system. A block of issues regards legis-lation, including the development and adoption of normative legal acts and offering expertise to check compliance with international standards (for agree-ments that Belarus has already joined or is considering joining).

In addition, the definition of refugee status needs to be improved and the provision of translators for those seeking asylum must be carefully considered. Funding is being allocated to educate the public on problems facing refugees and to inform refugees of the help available to them. Temporary accommodation used to house those awaiting asylum is being upgraded; the two centres operational in Belarus — in Gomel and Vitebsk — can each sleep fifty people. A further two centres for short-term stay are operational at Minsk National Airport and in Brest.

The second project of international technical assistance — ‘Local Integration of Refugees in Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova’ — is regional. As regards Belarus, the focus is on solving accom-modation problems for refugees, while providing employment and vocational training. Special attention is reserved for refugees’ children. In particular, Afghan children are being given lessons in Afghani language and culture at three Minsk schools — with support from the Education Ministry. It’s important


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that they don’t forget their homeland and preserve their national identity, in addition to integrating in Belarus. The Georgian community is eager to undertake the same education; Gomel is being considered as a potential venue.

Has interaction with your major partners — the Interior Ministry, the State Border Committee and other interested agencies — been going well? Which directions are most promising?

The Interior Ministry and the State Border Committee are our major partners. The Interior Ministry’s Department for Citizenship and Migration is responsible for migration issues at national and regional level. The State Border Committee is the first to greet those arriving in Belarus for asylum. In my view, all our projects and joint activities are being conducted efficiently. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has been greatly assisting the UNHCR Office in Belarus, helping prepare our country agreement on co-operation.

As regards the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Education Ministry and the Health Ministry, I’m convinced that, if the local integration of refugees project is realised, they’ll become more involved, strengthening our partnership. I’d also like to note the contribution of local authorities, mainly city executive committees, as they take on major burdens regarding refugees.

We also work closely with the Belarusian State University and the Belarusian State Economic University. Russian language classes are organised at the BSU’s Philological Department, for refugees, while material, medical and social aid is distributed through the Belarusian Red Cross Society. Our long-term collaboration with the Collegium of Lawyers is mutually beneficial and sees good results. Recently, we’ve also begun liaising with the Justice Ministry.

Your working schedule includes trips countrywide for meetings with local authorities and representatives of state and public organisations. Do you

dressing and beauty salons, cafés and restaurants.

How far are Belarusians tolerant of migrants and refugees?

Belarus boasts a rich history of tolerance towards those from other regions and countries. This stems from general tolerance. Law-enforcement bodies react quickly where the law is broken, regardless of who has been affected — a Belarusian or a foreigner.

The media, intelligentsia and scien-tific circles need to address the problem of tolerance. During today’s global economic crisis — bringing falling standards of living in Belarus and in other countries — foreigners, and refugees in particular, are vulnerable. There is a temptation to blame them for sharpening the situation — with people prone to lay criminal acts at their door. With this in mind, we must remind everyone of the need for tolerance towards those from abroad. It’s also vital to continue explaining differences between migrants and refugees.

Let’s return to the topic of refugees’ criminalisation. On the eve of our meeting, I spoke to the Interior Ministry, which asserts that refugees in Belarus are law-abiding. If problems arise, they pr imari ly relate to regis-

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ever meet refugees and, if so, do they mention discrimination in Belarus — in private talks or at meetings?

Such trips, as well as our participa-tion in regional seminars and confer-ences, enable us to promote UNHCR activity. As regards communication with refugees, we always meet their communities and invite them to regional events. Personal meetings are also organised.

I’m convinced that it’s not character-istic of Belarusians to be discriminatory although, of course, there are exceptions. Some employers would still choose a local citizen over a foreigner and some landlords would have concerns over renting flats to foreigners. Jobs and housing are major problems — but not only for refugees.

I must stress that refugees’ rights are upheld in Belarus. Many are in employ-ment and are doing everything possible to succeed, learning the language to improve their adaptation. Many work as doctors, university lecturers, archi-tects and local heads or run their own business. They can achieve a great deal if they set t he i r minds to it. Younger g e n e r a t i o n refugees often work at hair-

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working illegally. Asylum-seekers and refugees are prosecuted administra-tively but they are law-abiding people trying to meet the laws of the country which has welcomed them.

You’ve mentioned that some refugees are employed in quite prestig-ious posts. This is good to know but you must admit that it’s more common to find people employed illegally, usually on the market…

You’re not wrong; I’ll try to explain why. Firstly, foreigners arriving in Belarus lack full access to local employment. However, they’re trying to find the most accessible way to earn money. S o m e t i m e s , their friends or relatives advise them into certain jobs on the market although these d o n’ t h a v e l o n g t e r m prospects , a n d a r e outside of

Sisters Mohammed from Afghanistan study at Vitebsk secondary school

the law. Refugees don’t always initially understand the implications of such work — such as a lack of pension. Of course, it’s not easy to find well-paid, above board work (firstly, due to language problems and, secondly, because of the impossi-bility of confirming qualifications and education). It’s a vicious circle. Refugees may wish to work in another sector of the economy but the need for an income overrides other concerns. They often have large families of children, with only the father working to support them.

The longer people live here, the better they understand the oppor-tunities open to them. Speaking to refugees, we often hear that people are interested in permanent jobs and want to earn money within the legal system. This is also important from the point of view of receiving Belarusian citizen-

ship. Many prefer to earn less while

working legally, since they’re thinking of their future.

As a rule, cities attract the most refugees. Is this because people tended to live in urban areas in their homeland? However, refugees’ settlement in rural areas presupposes employment oppor-tunities at agro-industrial enterprises; most refugees lack such skills. Of course, it may be that refugees prefer cities, since villages usually offer worse living conditions…

All the reasons you’ve mentioned are true. City infrastructure is really better developed and people have more oppor-tunities to work and study. Most of our refugees come from Afghanistan and previously lived in Kabul or Kandahar, so they’re used to city realities rather than village life. Another aspect is that parents listen to the wishes of their children, who prefer living in more comfortable places and see their future in large cities.

Importantly, in villages, people know each other well; everything is open. Meanwhile, in large cities, refugees’ external differences disappear; it’s easier for them to be subsumed in the crowd….

According to statistics, 107 refugees have already received Belarusian citizenship. Do you think this step is positive for refugees and society in general?

Unambiguously — yes. Local inte-gration is a long-term solution for refugees, including the receiving of citizenship, which allows them to stay in the country. It’s also beneficial to the state and society.

Receiving citizenship does not hamper refugees’ own cultural and religious traditions; no one pushes them to change their faith or stop following their traditions on receiving a Belarusian passport.

Do you believe the number of foreigners seeking asylum in Belarus will rise in coming years?

Migration flow is rising globally, so the number of refugees will surely grow, including in Belarus — with more asylum-seekers registered.

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Weather change is not always bad,

The Director of Hydro-meteorology Department at Belarus’ Ministr y of Natural Resources a n d E nv i ron m e nt a l

Protection, Maria Germenchuk, tells us that over 40 percent of Belarus’ GDP is dependent on the weather. Ten percent comes from agriculture while forestry and public services also rely on weather conditions. “Belarus has always been at the forefront of climate change studies, since our economy is very sensitive to changes taking place,” she notes. “Last year was remarkable for the European and global community for climate change. Our major task is not only to define the reasons for such change but to adapt our weather-dependent branches to these new conditions.”

Or how to accustom yourself to climatic cataclysms

tEmPEraturE BEatS rECorDS

Facts confirm that the Belarusian climate i s c h a n g i n g . 2 0 0 9 continued the warm years which began in the late 1980s. According to Yelena Komarovskaya, w h o h e a d s t h e R e publ i c an Hyd ro -meteorological Centre’s Climate Department, the average tempera-ture in Belarus last year was +7.1°С (1.3°С higher than the climatic norm). She explains how this norm is calculated, “The Global Meteorological Organisation recommends calculating

GloBal CatEGoriEs climate


stopped — resulting in 132 percent of the climatic norm.

“Weather also influences the level of water in rivers and lakes,” explains Marina Nagibina, who heads the Republican Hydro-mete orolog ica l C ent re’s Hydrological Forecasts Department. “Last winter, Belarusian rivers hardly froze, with very thin ice which broke earlier than usual. As a result, river navi-gation continued longed than usual. This year, high floods are possible in spring, since the ice is 7-29 centimetres in most places (24-31cm on Minsk Sea, Vileika water reservoir and Lake Naroch). Some tributaries of the Nieman, Dnieper, Berezina, Sozh and Pripyat are frozen, with water-meadows also icy.”

StormS ComiNgReports of storms and other weather

anomalies are becoming more common, according to Dmitry Ryabov, who heads the Republican Hydro-meteorological Centre’s Hydro-meteorological Forecast Service. Last year, his service announced 1,563 unfavourable weather warnings and 30 storms. Data proved extremely accurate, with 96.2 of daily prognoses and 96.5 percent of storm warnings coming true. Last year, 4,195 organisa-tions asked the Centre for advice (307 more than in 2008).”

Climate change is bringing advan-tages and disadvantages, explains Ms. Germenchuk, “It’s possible to adapt to these conditions and benefit from these natural phenomena but we must be ready for negative effects. Agriculture may benefit, since growing periods are extended by warm weather and we have longer frost-free periods. There is more sunlight, we can sow earlier and harvest later, ensuring better harvests. However, we also see early frosts in May, more precipitation and changed wind speeds, which influence the final result. Belarusian meteorologists are not being passive; much money is being invested in designing and acquiring high-tech software to monitor the situation and funds are being used to buy supervisory control systems.”

By Yelena Simonyuk

this figure by looking at temperatures over a 30 year period — from 1961 to 1990. In Belarus, we look at 100 years of data. However, the figures do not actually differ, regardless of which method we use.”

Last year, eight out of 12 months were warmer than the climatic norm. The positive anomaly was observed from January to April and was also registered in July, September, November and December. In turn, May, August and October were colder than usual. The climatic norm was only met in June. The lowest temperature in Belarus was regis-tered in the first ten days of January, at Klichev meteorological station — minus 28.1 Celsius degrees. The hottest day was in July — at Lelchitsy (plus 34.2).

2009 was record making, with a warm winter as seen only once in 5-6 years and a warm spring as observed once in 4-5 years. The autumn showed tempera-tures seen once in 20 years! The largest deviations from the autumn climatic norm were in the Gomel and Mogilev regions — 2 degrees (as seen only once in 30 years). September and, especially, November were extremely warm.

hoW to aVoiD FLooDSSadly, climate change brings more

than rising temperatures. Changes in wind speed, hydrological figures, precip-itation and sunlight are also being regis-tered. Last year, 817mm of precipitation fell in Belarus (125 percent of the climatic norm). April, August and September were dry while the remaining months were wet. In 2009, snow covered Belarus in the middle and end of December. However, snow surprised Belarusians less last year than rain. An extremely rainy October witnessed 111mm of precipitation (217 percent of the climatic norm); this is only the second time in recent Belarusian history that such rain has been recorded. In October, the monthly maximum of precipitation was exceeded at most meteorological stations in the Vitebsk region (Verkhnedvinsk, Sharkovshchina, Dokshitsy, Polotsk, Lepel, Senno and Yezerishche) and in Zhlobin. In November, the rain never B

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Islands in ocean of books

The BelEXPO National E x h i b i t i on C e nt re’s book fair has welcomed entries from 26 countries — including Ukraine,

Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Israel, Iran, the USA, Cuba and Venezuela. The five day event was led by France — as the exhibition’s honourable guest. Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Kazakhstan have had the honour previously at the fair, which has been organised annually since 1993. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of

mInsk succEssfully hosts 17th IntErnatIonal book faIr — books of bElarus-2010

books, maps, medical reference texts and works of fiction. Historical, military and scientific books were also on display. Not only the contents of books but their designs attracted attention. Among the most interesting editions were serious encyclopaedias by Kazhan art studio (styled to look old), Mikhail Bakumenko’s handwritten 16kg Tracking Belarusian Treasures and fantastically decorated small, handwritten books by Yuri Malash, which detail Belarusian legacy, history and cultural treasures.

There was a veritable ocean of books but individual ‘islands’ stood out. It was impossible to pass the Korean stand without trying the ancient craft of character writing. Meanwhile, the Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House wafted alluring aromas as it cooked Belarusian dishes from the culinary books showcased on its stand. The Venezuelans encouraged visitors to try playing their marakas (like a rattle)

France to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Michel Raineri, noted that the Minsk exhibition is the first cultural event to be held since the January signing of a Belarusian-French agreement on co-operation in the field of culture, education, science, technology and media.

“Similar forums are organised worldwide, bringing together publishers and readers — whom the industry is targeting,” notes Belarus’ Information

Minister, Oleg Proleskovsky. “This year’s exposit ion has been

unusual — especially in its number of participants. There were 619 exhibits on show,

showing that we are striving to expand the information space

and strengthen intercultural and international ties. There are no borders or language barriers in this process.”

Who took part this year? Among the exhibits were culinary encyclo-paedias, tourist guides, children’s story and colouring

Presentation of the book “Slutsk Gospel”

At the book exhibition

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while Israeli artist Irena Obolski offered master classes in parchment creation, following ancient Jewish traditions. Meanwhile, the Encyclopaedics’ stand included genealogy editions which enabled us to learn whether we are related to Polish gentry or nobility.

France’s stand had wonderful attractions as well. With its honourable guest status, it had the opportunity to showcase many books by French authors in the original language, as well as those in Russian and Belarusian. Among them was young Christian Garcin’s Le Vol Du Pigeon Voyageur, translated into Russian by Belarusian Makbel Publishing House. Colourful French albums on arts and gastronomy also drew much interest, alongside textbooks and country guides. Moreover, literary meetings and autograph-sessions with French writers were organised. There was even a raffle to win tickets for Patricia Kaas’ concert in Minsk.

Of course, the hosts of the fair — Belarusian publishing houses — had much to offer and surprise us with, such as a 5kg copy of the Slutsk Gospel, presented by the Belarusian Exarchate’s Publishing House. The original is a unique, hand-written 16th century document — one of the country’s greatest Orthodox relics. It was thought lost after WWII but was miraculously returned early in the 21st century. The edition is almost an exact copy of that ancient handwritten monument, with titles, first letters and headings following the original design — in cinnabar and gold. Remarkably, the first ever copy of this unique book was presented by President Lukashenko to the Patriarch of Moscow and All-Russia, Kirill. The Belarusian Exarchate has already begun restoration of another rare gospel — that of Polotsk, which was written 400 years after that of Slutsk.

Mastatskaya Litaratura’s stand boasted some editions newly published

in 2010, such as books by Victor Pravdin, Victor Gordey and Slavomir Antonovich. The Napoleon Orda: Path to the Homeland edition was also on show; it won the Grand Prix at Moscow’s 6th International Book Art CIS Contest.

The Belarusian Encyclopaedia’s stand was the most popular, owing to its many-volume editions — such as Belarus’ Nature, Belarus’ Architecture and Encyclopaedias for Schoolchildren and Students. Additionally, there were many people wishing to purchase the Grand Duchy of Lithuania encyclo-paedia. The latter was initially planned as a two-volume book but so much information was collected that a third volume was published. It goes on sale in a month’s time.

This literary harbour was filled with talented captains, steering their intellectual vessels. Among them were Belarusian writers Nikolay Cherginets, Naum Galperovich, Vladimir Lipsky and Victor Gordey, in addition to Russian Mikhail Veller, Israeli writer and jour-nalist Mark Golesnik and French authors Anne-Marie Pol and Pierre Corneille. They generously devoted time, words and autographs to their readers.

“I’d love to see such shows take place more often. People come here not only for entertainment but to find books — food for brains. You can see them thinking, their eyes lighting up, with smiles on their faces. It’s wonderful! Moreover, the fair provides a good opportunity for writers and poets to meet their target audience — lovers of their art,” stresses Belarusian Union of Artists member Alexander Galkevich.

Such expositions always achieve their aim, bringing important contacts and giving birth to interesting publishing projects. They facilitate the exchange of international experience in the field of book publishing and distribution while delighting book lovers. There is no doubt that next year’s fair will be no less fasci-nating. Germany is expected to be the honourable captain at the 18th Minsk International Book Fair.

By Lyudmila minkevich

France — the honorable guest at Minsk exhibition


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Two captains alExandEr alExEEv and olEg lukashEvIch fInd bElarus’ truE trEasurEs and unvEIl prEvIously undIscovErEd sEcrEts of thEIr homEland

The two men have decided to convince everyone that their mother-land is not a ‘marshy spot on the map’ but

a fully-fledged European country with its own unique culture and history. For many years, Alexeev and Lukashevich have been trav-elling through their native land, unveiling Belarus’ treasures anew, showing the true nature of our national identity. Bela-rus’ Legacy is an art project promoting little known museum rarities, uniquely beautiful churches and splendid palaces and cas-tles. The friends have been working hard to share their pas-sion on TV and via their illustrated books and photo exhibitions.

authorS’ WorkShoP I’ve met Alexander and Oleg pre-

viously, at presentations of their albums and photo exhibitions. Today, we’re sitting in a cosy studio at the 1st Belarusian TV

Channel. Oleg is showing me a photo of the original Cross of St. Yevfrosinia Polotskaya, saying, “This shot was taken in 1910, from an authentic photo plate kept in St. Petersburg.”

Numerous books and albums on history, culture, pictorial ar t and archi-

tecture, as well as editions in foreign languages, diplomas, awards, rare photos from the early 20th century, icons and artefacts from abroad testify to their authors’ unusual characters.

Oleg Lukashevich is a famous jour-nalist, who began his career at the TV News Agency and, later, headed an artistic association. Alexander Alexeev is an editor, a candidate of economic sciences and a talented designer.

SEEiNg iS BELiEViNg Alexeev and Lukashevich knew from

the very start how to highlight Belarus’ advantages, not via the prism of its beautiful and talented people or using photos depicting its golden cornfields, dense forests and mystical marshes (the ‘lungs’ of Europe). They concentrated on some ‘surface’ topics which, for some reason, did not cause interest among their countrymen. Alexeev and Lukashevich

have decided to photograph our archi-tectural monuments. “Civilisation is

judged by achievements in culture, art and architecture. Orthodox and Roman

Catholic churches and palaces create the silhouettes of our cities and of the whole country,” stresses Alexander.

Many B e l ar us i an p a l a c e s and churches are true master-pieces. However, we take them for granted, even when we live nearby. Residents of Athens and Rome are so surrounded by antiquities that they hardly notice them. Meanwhile, Belarusians can daily pass St. Saviour’s

Church in Polotsk and hardly give it a second glance. It was built in the 12th

Alexander Alexeev and Oleg lukashevich and their art project “Belarus legacy. Treasures”


century under the order of the first Russian saint, Yevfrosinia. If we are to care for our treasures in the appropriate way, we must change percep-tions of these wonderful sites — among our own citizens and among foreign guests.

“From 2001-2002, we travelled through Belarus, collecting enough material to screen a hundred episodes o f O u r L e g a c y,” re c a l l s Lukashevich. “The fact that we’ve managed to discover a h u n d r e d i n t e r e s t i n g monuments in our homeland is a revelation — for us and for viewers. Most Belarusians know about Petergof, Russia’s Golden Ring and Parisian beauties but know almost nothing of their native land. Some have, of course, visited Mir and Nesvizh — with their 16th century castles — but there is so much more that we should feel proud of. We deserve to take pride in the grandeur of Belarusian culture.”

Alexander adds, “It might seem evident: there is a wealth of rare archi-tectural sites remaining in Belarus. However, many of those we’ve discov-ered have shocked us and our audiences with their beauty. People have been surprised to find them situated in our country, rather than abroad. Our film and illustrated albums have changed stereotypical views of Belarus.” Oleg adds, “We sometimes made unexpected discoveries. For instance, in the village of Gremyache, in the Kamenets district, we found a beautiful, yet deserted, mansion surrounded by the dense forest of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. A wealthy family once lived there. We were impressed by its graceful, winding staircase, decorated with iron filigree work — such crafts-manship! In 2001, the stairs were safe but had disintegrated by the time of our last visit.” As a result, Alexeev and Lukashevich managed to photograph another example of lost beauty.

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perspective. The ‘two captains’ have studied historical litera-ture and consulted specialists to ensure their own understanding, developing their own expedition routes and taking thousands of photos, using modern cameras.

Of course, the weather was not always fine. Alexander recalls, “There were often situa-tions when we had 15-20 degree frosts. However, we were so engrossed in our work that we forgot to feel uncomfortable. We only realised how cold we were when we found that our fingers couldn’t move and that our shoes were wet. We forget such inconveniences when we take a good photo, of course.”

Each photo is an expres-sion of its author — using light, shade and composition. Alexander and Oleg clearly demonstrate that the beauty of

Belarus’ cultural heritage via harmony of form, light and emotional expressive-ness. Their work has been praised by the Information Ministry which — unlike the artistic council — has given Heritage a green light. Their major artistic project has set sail…

Oleg has his own explanation for their success, “Previously issued photo-albums are, of course, worth while. Scientists have also done much to research our historical monuments. Dozens of books on archi-tecture and art have been published too, but they all have a generalised approach — combining ethnography, sculpture and architecture. As a result, they make readers dizzy; the necessary accents have not been outlined. We’ve taken a different approach, highlighting key points and inviting our TV viewers and readers to take a closer look at Belarus. Architecture has been chosen as the first focus point, while pieces of decorative-applied art from (antiquity to modern days) is the second. We’ve been looking at gold and silver artefacts decorated with gemstones, as shown in our second book of the Belarus’ Heritage project

The icon of Budslav Holy Mother was painted at the end of the XVI century in Rome and in the subsequent centuries was decorated with

precious metals and stones using donations of Belarusian believers

“To understand the phenomena of Belarusian civilisation, we must comprehend its foundations,” muses Lukashevich. “Local people were connoisseurs of art, bringing beautiful pieces from abroad. This shows the lifestyle of our forefathers, their culture and sense of taste.”

grEEN Light For Big ShiPS Belarus’ Heritage album was first

issued in 2004 and has been several times re-edited, with a total circulation of over 30,000 copies. All have been sold — an incredible case for our national book publishing business. However, the Heritage edition faced a problem initially. An artistic council of one of our agencies rejected the book, perhaps jealous of the much younger men’s discov-eries. Book publishing has always been successful in Belarus but editions with eye-catching photos of the country were rare. Old school photographers experi-mented with light and angles but never focused on the masterpieces themselves. Alexander and Oleg are the first to fully highlight their uniqueness, taking a new


— called Treasures. Experts said we would fail, since so few true treasures remain in the country. Luckily, our searches discovered otherwise. However, we’ve had to keep the location of church relics secret, to ensure they remain safe.”

Alexeev and Lukashevich stress, “Support and trust from the Orthodox and Catholic churches has been very important for us during the Belarus’ Heritage art project. This is why all our albums are blessed by Metropolitan Filaret and Cardinal Kazimir Świątek.”

PEoPLE’S DiPLomatS Belarusian embassies know how to

promote our country abroad and hold many editions of the Belarus’ Heritage albums. These reveal the beauty and uniqueness of our country, situated in the centre of Europe. The Pope and Queen Elizabeth II have received albums. Clearly, Oleg and Alex are ‘people’s diplomats’. Capitals of the world — such as Rome and London — now know about Belarus, much owing to the unique editions compiled by Alexeev and Lukashevich. On gaining acquaint-ance with the masterpieces presented by Heritage, representatives of the British Museum made contact to suggest an exhibition of Belarusian cultural relics in London. Those from the West have been much interested in the heritage of our Eastern European country — no less than in old Egyptian or antique rarities.

Alexander and Oleg often muse on their country’s place in the world. We need to advance, finding new features to place Belarus at an advantage. “What does Belarus symbolise?” ponders Lukashevich, “I bought a copy of Countries of the World encyclopaedia in Paris; an article on Belarus was illustrated with a picture of Polesie marsh. I was embar-rassed!” I hope that Parisian publishers will be shamed into presenting Belarus in a different fashion now they’ve seen our Heritage books. Even Polesie has its

This chalice (communion cup) made by a German jeweler in the city of Augsburg at the beginning of the XVIII century now decores one of Belarusian catherdrals

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own Versailles, Eiffel Tower and Louvre — as confirmed by

photos of Alexeev and Lukashevich. Belarus has untold treasures,

although many remain hidden and much work is needed to unearth them. Others are kept at museums, although not all are on show; some languish in archives. Alexeev and Lukashevich have, for the first time, managed to show some of these treasures to the public — at least on the pages of their albums.

Warm WorDS aND gLazED ShotS The authors regard the Belarusian

word ‘spadchyna’ (heritage) with reverence, “For us, this word unites all that our ancestors have left us — their legacy of themselves and their civilisa-tion. A separate album is to be released, dedicated to each segment of Belarusian culture. Our goal is to show Belarus’ worth from different angles. Our forth-coming plans include the publishing of albums about frescos (deco-rating churches since the 11th century onwards) and the legacy of the Radziwills — known as the uncrowned kings of our homeland. In addition, wooden buildings and, of course, rare books are worthy of attention.”

The project by Alexeev and Lukashevich has been widely recog-nised, with people ready to pay a great deal for their book. In 2004, it cost $30; now, it fetches $50

— not cheap for Belarusians. However, it is a worthwhile acquisition.

The authors have been awarded the ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Presidential Award and have received a Frantsisk Skorina Diploma from the Information Ministry. Oleg and Alexander recall that their nomination for the ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Award was proposed by the Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, the Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus Filaret, “We came to His Grace to present him with an album and he opened the book on a page showing a photo of the Minsk Mother of God icon. He touched it with his lips, as if it was a true icon. This was high praise for us. Several minutes later, His Grace unexpectedly pronounced, “Why shouldn’t we nominate Belarus’ Heritage for the award?””

timE to gathEr StoNES “Belarus has witnessed many wars,”

notes Alexeev. “It was robbed by foreign invaders and many treasures were lost. Our people have faced so many ordeals and, for a long time, were unable to admire their homeland’s beauty. It’s now time to ‘gather stones’ and, believe me, there are many precious stones among

the ordinary boulders which form our national heritage.”

Alexeev and Lukashe-vich continue searching, finding new facets of our Belarusian identity. In the time of the Radziwills, Italy’s best architects were invited to Belarus to create

wondrous palaces. Meanwhile, Skorina was the first in Europe to

publish the Bible in Belarusian. We’ll soon be able to view unique artefacts

on the pages of the new albums. Will these folios influence the

perception of Belarus around the world? The authors are sure

that the process has already begun. Fol low new

issues of Belarus’ Heritage on TV and at bookstores!

By Viktar korbut

Golden accessories of Belarusian beauties

of the XII century


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Peace and tolerance are characteristic features ovErwhElmIng majorIty of bElarusIan cItIzEns bElIEvE country has no natIonal or rElIgIous tEnsIon. bElarusIan socIEty Is frEE from EthnIc and confEssIonal prEjudIcE whIlE bElarusIans arE tolErant of othEr natIons and rElIgIons

DiSCrimiNatioN-FrEEFor several years, sociologists have

noted the stability of public opinion on such issues as ethnic and confes-sional relations. A recent sociological poll, conducted by the Information and Analytical Centre under the Presidential Administration, confirms the trend. Research leaves no doubt that Belarus witnesses no tension on national or religious grounds. The overwhelming majority of Belarusians are convinced that their rights and freedoms are realised to the full, irrespective of their ethnic or religious belonging. Over 80 percent of respondents believe Belarus lacks national, language or religious discrimination. Moreover, lack of ethnic oppression is stressed by Belarusians (76 percent), Russians (73 percent), Poles (88 percent) and Ukrainians (80 percent).

WE arE BELaruSiaNS...Religious tolerance is noted by

Orthodox believers (82 percent) and Catholics (83 percent). Only a few respondents believe their rights are infringed: on a religious basis — 3 percent, language — 4 percent, and national — 5 percent. Meanwhile, less than 5 percent think that national or religious related conflicts may emerge in Belarus in the coming years.

According to experts, the results of this research reflect the socio-cultural unity of Belarusian society. About 80 percent of those questioned view them-selves as Orthodox believers. Almost the same number say they are Belarusians.

ComPariSoN iS ESSENtiaLIn comparison, the Russian Public

Opinion Research Centre’s poll shows that Muscovites are much more worried about inter-ethnic relations; 50 percent of respondents in the Russian capital view inter-ethnic relations as tense. Russians demonstrate a lower level of ethnic tolerance (in comparison to Belarusians) and just 55 percent of Russian residents proclaim no dislike for other nationalities.

By Yevgenia kononova


Travelling to Zamkovaya HilltourIst routE EmbracEs unIquE hIstorIcal sItEs and Is a callIng card of thE gomEl rEgIon

Th e t o u r i s t r o u t e — developed five years ago — encom-passes Gomel, Vetka, Chechersk, Krasny

Bereg, Rechitsa, Loyev, Mozyr, Yurovichi and Turov. The ‘Golden Ring of the Gomel

Region’ covers all four tourist zones: Gomel-Vetka, Polesie-Turov, Zhlobin and Chechersk.

Tourists travelling along the 400km+ route have much to admire. In Gomel, they are likely to be impressed by 18th-19th century Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace, with its unique estate. From this regional centre, the route takes holiday makers to Vetka and its Folk Art Museum — known far beyond Belarus. The museum showcases a rich collection of handwritten and black-letter books (from the 16th century onwards), as well as traditional and Old Believer Orthodox icons, weaving and samovars.

In Chechersk, the Town Hall and the 17th century Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord are stunning, while the village of Krasny Bereg (in the Zhlobin district) boasts a magnificent palace and park estate from the 19th century. Travellers can visit Belarus’ only memorial complex dedicated to the child victims of war and the Chernobyl catastrophe — unveiled in 2007.

Rechitsa is one of the oldest Belarusian cities, situated along the River Dnieper. The right-hand side of its river bank boasts a 13th century citadel and the city is home to the Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity (early 20th century)

For more than a hundred years two temples of different confessions have been neighbouring at the Central square in Rechitsa — Svyatouspensky Cathedral

built in 1872 and Rechitsa Holy Trinity Cathedral built 30 years later

Gomel Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace boats a variety of historic exhibits

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Travellers attracted by marshes

— which has a large tower on its main façade, crowned with a spire.

Turov’s Zamkovaya (Castle) Hill and Pripyatsky National Park are major tourist sites in the Zhitkovichi district. Legend says that, in years gone by, Turov had 75 churches; the city was called ‘a second Jerusalem’. Tourists can visit the early 19th century All Saints’ Church and ancient St. Boris and Hleb’s cemetery, where a miraculous cross grows from the soil. The monument to Belarusian thinker and writer Kirill Turovsky is also worth seeing.

The route also takes travellers to our ‘Belarusian Switzerland’ — Mozyr — where they can see a Roman Catholic church and the 17th century Bernardine Monastery. Polesskaya Veda Museum and wonderful St. Michael’s Cathedral are also notable. A visit to the Church Historical-Archaeological Museum — established by the Turov Eparchy in 2009 — is interesting. It showcases over 120 handwritten and old books, icons, church plates, canonicals and other artefacts from south-western Polesie, in the Gomel region.

The village of Yurovichi in the Kalinkovichi district — the oldest settle-ment in the country — and picturesque Loyev (dating from the 15th century and home to the Battle for the Dnieper Museum) are worth visiting.

The ‘Golden Ring of the Gomel Region’ route also includes the ski complex in Mozyr and an aqua-park in Zhlobin. According to the Gomel Regional Executive Committee’s Culture Department, 105 tourist routes function in the region. Sixteen were launched last year and the cultural-historical potential of the area is inspiring the development of excursion tourism. Already, about 30 museums are operational in the Gomel region, welcoming over 400,000 visitors annually. There are about 3,000 cultural-historical sites, including 1,360 relating to culture and history, 156 monuments of architecture, 392 to prominent cultural and scientific figures and 397 archaeological sites.

By Natalia titushkina

routes tourismE

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polEsIE dEvElops EcologIcal tourIsm

“Sporovsky Reserve in the Brest region, Yelnya in the Vitebsk region and Lipichanskaya

Pushcha in the Grodno region are attractive tourist zones,” asserts Natalia Minchenko, the Head of Biological and Landscape Diversity Department at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. “These are seeing increasing numbers of foreigners each year: both tourists and wetland specialists.”

Ornithologists, who observe birds while ‘armed’ with expensive equipment, are among the largest group of visitors. The Republican Sporovsky Biological Reserve — one of Europe’s biggest — enjoys great popularity. It boasts a unique lowland marsh, where the Red Book can be visually studied. It is home to sand-pipers, aquatic warblers, waterlilies and water soldiers. “Last year, around 700 guests visited us, including 37 foreigners from the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland,” notes the Reserve’s Director, Vladimir Protasevich. The number is modest but Sporovsky is only one of many such destinations. If we sail along the Yaselda River, some 100km to the east, we find ourselves in ‘Polesie Venice’ — the authentic village of Kudrichi,

located on seven islands among marshes. When rare guests arrive, local authorities can feel rather ashamed of their simple, wooden thatched-roof houses.

Those keen on active sports can go to the north of Belarus. A couple of years ago, 240km of waterways opened to the public in the Rossony district — famous for its cascade of 192 lakes. Ten lakes and two rivers allow tourists to choose their route via cruise boat or canoe. Sadly, only a few groups have shown interest. Local authorities complain of lack of infrastructure and poor advertising. However, work is underway to attract potential tourists and investors.

“In 2009, our lakes were visited by around 2,000 people,” explains Oksana Potapova, the Head of the Rossony District Executive Committee’s Department for Sports and Tourism. “These are official figures, but we don’t take into account holidaymakers who travel independently.”

Undoubtedly, European eco-tourism could be a niche occupied by our country. Of course, in developing our infrastruc-ture, we must be careful that we don’t spoil the very beauty that tourists are eager to experience.

By Dmitry ampilov


tourism

Chasing luck

Regarding the number of foreign hunters, our country is ranked third in Europe — behind Russia and Hungary.

Those from Italy, Germany, France, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Finland are keen on coming to Belarus — but what attracts them?

iN tWiLight oF CoVErtS Many animals live in our Belarusian

forests — a natural attraction for hunters. In the past five years, the popu-

lation of wild boar, roe, elk and deer has grown. In 2008, our forests

were inhabited by almost 19,000 elk, about 8,000 red deer,

59,000 roe and 56,000 wild boar.

A small hunting house provides for a good rest

bElarusIan forEsts arE gaInIng popularIty among forEIgn huntErs, wIth about 4,000 vIsItIng last yEar

Belarus’ Deputy Forestry Minister, Nikolay Yushkevich, believes growing numbers are the result of the 2006-2015 state programme for hunting develop-ment. Lodges have been intentionally creating watering holes for animals, as well as special feeders, towers and hides. They’ve also organised biotechnical events, jointly with scientists. There is no doubt that animal diversity will continue expanding; meanwhile, the population of roe and boar is annually increasing by 15-20 percent.

Red deer are now found all over Belarus. In four years, new populations of this animal have been created in eight hunting forests. Additionally, fallow deer have been introduced into our forests. Over a hundred years ago, they were common in Belarus but later almost disappeared, due to irrational forestry

management. At present, they are bred at Lepel, Ostrovets and

Dyatlovo forestries.As animals rise in number, hunting

is more l ikely to prove suc-

c e s s f u l . I n Belarus, 22 m a m m a l s and 31 birds are allowed to be hunted. In the past five years, p r o f i t s generated

by the Forestry Ministry have grown almost five-fold — owing to foreign hunting tourism.

VaLuaBLE troPhiESDeer horns, boar tusks, stuffed wood

grouse and black grouse are greatly valued all over the globe. Foreign hunters arrive in Belarus for these trophies since many of our animals differ from their European ‘brothers’. Boar, deer, elk and roe are smaller in size in Western Europe while Belarusian trophies are often highly praised at international exhibitions. Moreover, some are rare in Europe — such as wood grouse and black grouse. Hunting wood grouse is viewed as an elite occupation while elk can only be hunted in Poland and Belarus.

Foreigners are ready to pay good money for such trophies — 5-6kg elk horns cost 580 euros, while those heavier than 6kg cost 830 euros. Deer horns cost from several hundred to several thousand euros, depending on their quality. Aurochs are, of course, the most interesting animal for foreign hunters. However, only those which are ill or injured are allowed to be shot — up to a dozen each year. Even so, the cost of such a trophy can reach 10,000 euros.

FirEPLaCES, FiShiNg aND muSEumS Foreign interest in Belarusian

hunting forests has led to the develop-ment of necessary infrastructure. About a hundred hunting lodges are opera-tional in the country, with half owned by the Forestry Ministry. Dozens are revamped every year, improving their facilities. In 2010, another four are being built, with two others reconstructed.


tourism

60 hunting lodges are now ready to welcome guests, offering hot water, toilets, kitchens, gun safes, parking, banyas and open-air cages for dogs, as well as braziers, boats and bicycles. According to Mr. Yushkevich, hunting itself brings only 15-17 of the revenue for such sites. Developed infrastructure (with a package of services) is respon-sible for the lion’s share of earnings. An average foreign hunter comes to Belarus for 5-7 days, spending 70-110 euros on food and accommodation daily. However, they can spend even more if further options for leisure are offered.

There are six exemplary hunting lodges in Belarus. Belynichi lodge is never empty. It is situated near a lake, with furnace heating, cold and hot water, a fireplace, a kitchen, a bathroom, a TV set and Internet access, as well as a banya, a brazier and a summerhouse sleeping 10-16. A shooting range is available, with hunting of elk, roe, deer, boar, otters, beavers, wood grouse and black grouse permitted.

Molodechno lodge offers a tennis court and a swimming pool, besides an

open-air cage housing dappled deer, wild boar, roe, ostriches, pheasants and raccoons. Families are welcome, with unforgettable memories promised for children and adults alike.

Ostrovets offers excursions to Roman Catholic churches and the Gippika equestrian centre, as well as an ecological hike around the Sorochansky lakes, trips to a private museum of stuffed animals and birds and fishing on the River Vilia. Even the most demanding tourists are sure to be impressed. Importantly, stays are possible all year round, even when the hunting season is closed.

No oFF-SEaSoN For ForEStS Most hunting stops in Belarusian

forests for about six weeks — from February to mid-March — but unde-sirable foxes and wolves are still game. In late March, spring hunting for birds opens — initially goose and then black grouse. On May 15th, hunting for wild boar responsible for damaging crops begins and guests

begin to arrive in earnest, including those from abroad.

New regulations (already under development) are planned for this season, according to Mr. Yushkevich. Procedures for foreign hunters’ entry into Belarus are being simplified, with visitors encouraged to rent rifles rather than bringing them with them. This should make Belarus even more attractive.

Hunting is successfully developing but the Forestry Ministry stresses that much work still lies ahead. We lack specialists in hunting tourism to conduct market research, organise advertising and promotion and aid the entry of hunters. Rising profits from hunting tourism will inspire breeding programmes for animals but special fences will be needed to keep them within bounds, as will safe passage across roads on their migration paths. This will surely be costly but will yield returns. The Belarusian Forestry Ministry is set to solve these tasks very soon.

By Lilia khlystun

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Past and PrEsEnt

Magic of ancient wallsancIEnt archItEctural sItEs In small bElarusIan towns attract tourIsts

After the Great Patriotic War, few historical b u i l d i n g s r e m a i n e d

in Dubrovno — a district centre in the Vitebsk region. Entering the town from Orsha, you can’t help but notice a deserted redbr ick two-

century. Today, it boasts new windows and a repaired roof.

Belarus is working hard to restore its ancient palaces and es t ates , bre at h ing new l i fe into architec-tural treasures. The former Bernardine Monastery in Dubrovno is no exception and a local history museum is to open here after resto-ration. Plenty of exhibits have been gathered in readiness, while the many mysterious and romantic stories connected with the monastery are sure to attract the attention of tourists.

The Bernardine monks appeared in the Grand D u c h y o f L i t h u a n i a

(including the territory of Belarus) in the early 17th century. Wearing brown

tunics tied with woollen belts in three knots, they w e re k n ow n for t h e i r severity and austerity. They taught local boys theology, philosophy and the sciences while conducting church services. The construction of their wooden monastery in Dubrovno began back in 1624, when the town was owned by Yuri Glebovich.

By the late 18th century, ownership had transferred to Duke Ksawery Lubomirski, who welcomed the cream of society to his home. However, he was a tyrannical ruler; only his love for his beautiful daughter Klementina softened his heart. During one of his trips to St. Petersburg, Klementina decided to organise a ball, at which she met tall and handsome landowner Piotr Kroer. She fell

in love, unaware that he had long planned her seduction. They danced all evening and were married

the next day by the Bernardine

monk. The p a i r t h e n took all the cash in the palace and e s c a p e d to neigh-b o u r i n g Mogilev. The rage of the duke was t e r r i b l e . S e v e r a l days later,

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The romantic story associated with the

Bernardine Monastery is fascinating for tourists

storey building on the hill, belonging to the B e r n a r d i n e Monaster y in the 19th


Past and PrEsEnt

found the bodies of two monks in the River Dnieper — one had been responsible for performing the marriage ceremony. At dawn the next day, the monastery was ablaze, soon razed to the ground. It was years later before it was re-built…

At various times, the building housed a school, municipal ser vices and military and sport organi-sations. Restoration works have recently begun, with the aim of opening a local history museum inside. “In the mid-1990s, archaeologists from the Academy of Sciences of Belarus conducted digs here,” recollects Yekaterina Labuko, the Head of Dubrovno’s District Cultural Department. “They found tiles, ancient containers and decorations, proving that Dubrovno is an ancient town with an inter-esting history.”

A working group was founded, aiming to create the museum. Over 13,000 exhibits have been collected so far; the third floor of the district house of culture can hardly accommodate them. “In one of the rooms, we have a temporary exhi-bition for schoolchildren while the remaining rooms are full of exhibits,” explains the Director of the working group, Tatiana Maracheva. “This mammoth bone was found in a nearby pit, while this harmonica was donated to us by Vladimir Prusov, who helped liberate the Dubrovno district during the Great Patriotic War. He was carrying it when he entered Berlin.”

Exhibits include bones of pre-historic animals,

medieval metal bracelets, a r row h e a d s , a u n i q u e collection of homespun rushniks and picturesque paintings by amateur artists. If there were more room, the number of exhibits might be even greater.

“The ‘Varangians to the Greeks’ route passed along the River Dnieper and we know that Napoleon travelled through our town — along the Yekaterinensky Tr a c t i n 1 8 1 2 ,” n o t e s Sve t l ana Ryzhanskaya , t h e D e p u t y C h a i r o f the Dubrovno Dist r ic t Executive Committee. “A wonderful trans-border route — from Orsha to Dubrovno and Smolensk — could be developed. Meanwhile, participants of the Dniep er Voices International Song and Music Festival — an annual event in our town — will be glad to visit the museum. In addition, relatives of Red Army soldiers buried at Rylenki memorial are sure to come, alongside veterans, who traditionally gather in Dubrovno on Victory Day.”

Funds have already been allocated to pay for the recon-struction of the Bernardine Monastery, as part of an investment programme in the Vitebsk region. By late 2011, it should be complete; in 2-3 years, tourists keen to learn more about Belarus will be able to visit the museum in Dubrovno, gaining closer acquaintance with the history of the ancient town. They’ll be able to wander the corridors of the former monastery, musing on its intriguing, sad yet romantic history…

By Sergey golesnik

New passport for the city

Four fragments of dir khems — 9th century

Arabian coins — have changed our knowledge of our oldest city — the 2010 cultural capital of Belarus. The finding was made last year by a junior research associate of the National Academy of Sciences’ History Institute, Pavel Kenko, who discov-ered the coin fragments at a depth of several metres, on a site bearing the scorch marks of fire, occurred over 1,000 years ago.

At the end of the first m i l l e n n i u m , A r a b i a n merchants were actively trading in Eastern Europe, including on the territory of modern Belarus. Dirkhems we re an i nte r n at i on a l currency — like today’s dollars and euros. It’s thought that the fire may have been lit during an invasion of the city — as was common in the past. The coins must have been dropped (or buried).

In 2012, Polotsk is cele-brating its 1150th birthday. Although the jubilee will be on a large scale, it is likely to be rather conventional. The coin fragments have changed previously held beliefs on the age of the city, which is first mentioned in the Russian legendary Tale of Bygone Years — referring to 862. However, until recently, no artefacts had been found

to confirm or reject this date. “In reality, it appears that the city is older than its ‘passport’ age; it existed in the early 9th century,” explains Marat Klimov, who heads the History Museum’s archaeological expedition studying Polotsk.

Mr. Klimov tells us that the dirkhems were discovered last summer during archaeo-logical digs on the site of the old citadel (the original centre of the city). The coins were damaged and, for a long time, it was impossible to date them. However, specialists from St. Petersburg offered their help and numismatist Svyatoslav Kuleshov (an employee of the Hermitage) decided they had been minted from 800 to 825. “The coins show that Polotsk is several decades older than we formerly believed from chronicles,” notes Mr. Klimov.

By Viktar korbut

coIns found In polotsk arE half a cEntury oldEr than prEvIously bElIEvEd


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Atlantis at mouth of Disna RiversmallEst town In thE country has lIvEd wondErful lIfE for a thousand yEars, half way along thE ancIEnt ‘from thE varangIans to thE grEEks’ routE

The town of Disna is the smallest in Belarus — being home to just 2,600 people. It is

located in a picturesque location, where two rivers merge — the Zapadnaya Dvina and the Disna, in the Vitebsk region’s Miory district. “Disna’s budget is smaller than that of the average household in Stockholm,” Swedish journalists once joked. Swedish guests tend to visit this rural area more than Minsk, for two reasons. In ancient times, Disna was founded by these Swedes’ forefathers — the Varangians, or Vikings. They built a fortress on the island, at mouth of the River Disna. Secondly, Swedish tourists visit as part of the inter-national Dvina-Daugava project,

which unites the trans-border regions of Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Belarus.

CruiSiNg thE WaVES oF timEThe town has been attracting

foreign tourists since times when some Belarusian regions had never seen a visitor from abroad, when the word ‘tourist’ seemed more appropriate in talking about distant countries in the south, rather than Belarus.

The uniqueness of Disna is that it is uniquely ‘Lilliputian’. The spirit of past times has been preserved, with many streets are still paved in 19th century cobbles.

O l d b u i l d i n g s and churches — constructed in the times of tsars and kings — remain.

Interestingly, five hundred years

ago, the town was an important destination on the

map and was indicated on geographical plans alongside neighbouring Polotsk and Daugavpils (Dinaburg). Since then, Disna has been given its own emblem — a boat sailing on Disna’s waves.

tESt oF ENDuraNCEDisna has an enviable fate although

it may seem strange at first sight. Before WWII, 10,000 people lived here; after the war, less than a thousand survived. It seemed that the town would follow Atlantis’ fate and disappear forever. Naturally, settlements with such small populations are viewed as villages. What is their future? Villages are always at risk of disappearing but Disna was lucky — its status as a city settlement was preserved.

Several decades later, it faced another test of endurance — a rebirth. In the 1980s, Daugavpils was to gain a hydro-electric station, at the expense of several villages being flooded by the Dvina — including Disna. Citizens prepared to evacuate but, at the last minute, the plan was abolished. For


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the second time in its history, Disna avoided the fate of Atlantis.

The city stretches for nine kilometres along the rivers of Dvina and Disna (from which it gains its name). Its wonderful park is a tourist meeting place, where excursions around the town begin.

DECoratiNg a BLaNk SPotSeveral years ago, Swedish, Latvian and

Belarusian artists drew dozens of pictures simultaneously on a huge canvas, at an international tourist exhibition in Swedish Gothenburg. They said, “We are adorning a blank spot on the map of history.” This is how remote Swedes came to discover Belarusian Disna, where people celebrate Apple and Honey Saviour, brew true ale and sell delicious butter at the local market. Of course, it took time to make everything beautiful and tasty. In the 1990s, when local industrial enterprises fell into decay, original residents elaborated a strategy of sustainable development for the area until

(preferring the town to Minsk or Polotsk). The Chair of Disna’s City Executive Committee, Olga Moroz, of ten guides tour groups over the wooden, century-old bridge and through streets dating from the 16th century.

ForESt-tuNDra iN thE CENtrE oF EuroPE

Disna’s outskirts are akin to the prime- val Belovezhskaya Pushcha. The remains of a post-glacier forest-tundra are now the Yelna Hydrological Reserve. Its dwarf birches and cloudberry bushes are the only ones of their kind at this latitude. This is almost the geographical centre of Europe.

Another Hydrological Reserve — Boloto Mokh — is known for its rich harvests of cranberries, bilberries and cowberries. Its rare animals include the black stork, serpent eagle, golden-eye and loon, alongside various rare plants. Polotsk is the cultural capital of Belarus for 2010 so, having begun a tour in Disna, it makes sense to further continue along the Dvina. Such trips are wonderful in the summer months. After Polotsk, trav-ellers can visit Vitebsk — known for its famous international Slavonic Bazaar song festival. There is so much to see and do, with plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation. You can learn something new and discover the wonderful treasures of Belarusian nature and culture.

By Viktar korbut

2 0 2 0 — over a

two year period — with tourism

taking a major role. Their theory was: ‘We don’t have

industrial production or a railway but we boast rich history, beautiful nature and hospitable people. Our only path to revival is through tourism, with ‘Disna is the Smallest Belarusian Town’ being our brand’. The Disna district is now actively promoting itself at exhibitions and festivals. Swedish tourist organisations are taking notice and have opened an information centre

expert opinion

olga moroz, Chair of Disna’s City Executive Committee:Disna’s tourist development strategy is one of the first of its kind, elabo-

rated after the National Strategy of Belarus’ Sustainable Development until 2020 was adopted. Disna and its outskirts boast huge potential, with their historical-cultural legacy, tourist accommodation and favourable ecolog-ical conditions. Even local residents are surprised by the unique holidays celebrated in the area, such as the Odigitria Procession, on August 10th, and Apple Saviour Day, on August 19th. Interesting local history museums exist in many of the schools, showcasing exhibitions which would be the envy of some in Minsk. Sunfish, eel, catfish and crayfish live in the Disna and Dvina, while the area is also rich in springs known for their healing powers. It’s said that, if you wash with water from the spring of St. Yan (at Yazna Village Council), you’ll remain healthy for the whole year!


bElarus has bEEn homE to japanEsE masako for thE past 15 yEars

Everything began with fair-ytales. As a child, Masako read a book of Slavonic stories and was completely enthralled. The fairytales

were interesting and unusual, unlike any told by her mother. So, her journey to Belarus began.

Masako entered Keio University (from her native Kyoto), studying Slavonic culture and history, while taking Russian language courses. In 1992, her sacred dream finally came true and she took a holiday to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine — travelling for a month. She returned full of wonderful impressions and a desire had been kindled to gain closer acquaintance with the culture, history and language of these states.

Masako was disappointed by her first trip to Vladivostok’s school for foreigners, at the Far Eastern University. “Local residents treated us, foreigners, badly.

Lucky fate of Masako

Tatsumi

Nobody wanted to make friends with us, so there was no language practice,” she recollects sadly. “Moreover, the living conditions were awful!”

Masako returned to Japan but her goal remained and, in 1995, she enrolled as a student at the Belarusian State University’s courses for foreigners. At that time, she was the only Japanese student at any Belarusian higher educa-tional establishment — unlike the Chinese, who come in large numbers.

“Belarus impressed me, being clean and beautiful. Meanwhile, the people were friendly,” she recollects. “Soon, I acquired acquaintances and, even, friends.” Petite framed and exotically beautiful, Masako also conquered the heart of Stepan Bugaichuk, of Belarus. Their wedding followed Belarusian tradi-tions, with the bride’s parents arriving from her remote homeland. They were pleased with their daughter’s choice and, several years later, a daughter was born, called Yue — unusual for Belarus. In Japanese ‘yu’ means ‘a person who unites Japan and Belarus’ and ‘e’ stands for ‘impetus, activity and accumulation of life experience’. Little Yue became a symbol of unity of both cultures as well

as representing the peak of love between her parents’ hearts: a big and courageous Belarusian heart and a small, delicate Japanese heart…

In 1996, Masako, being curious and used to taking the initiative, began to teach Japanese at the BSU’s Department for International Relations. Her course was very popular but she sometimes lacked enough original Japanese litera-ture. Masako-san didn’t lose heart; she wrote to a Japanese newspaper, asking for their help in sending books and dictionaries.

“We’d been working thor-oughly on literature, but I felt I could do more. I wanted Belarusians to learn more about my homeland and its culture,” Masako e x p l a i n s . S h e dreamt of setting up an Information Centre of Japanese Culture and, in 1999, finally felt ready. On September 9th, when Chr ysanthemum Day is celebrated

lifE


in Japan, the Information Centre of Japanese Culture opened in Minsk.

Masako has been performing charity works for 11 years now, supported by the Japanese Chiro Foundation alongside sponsors from Belarus and Japan. She brings in medicine and medical equipment for children’s clinics and hospitals. Her desire to promote Japanese culture has been successful, with hundreds of Japanese books for children translated into Belarusian and donated to libraries. Several musical projects have been jointly implemented with Belarusian musicians — such as the Moon and Sun project, which features Japanese folk songs sung in Belarusian.

“I translated some songs into Russian, then Ales Kamotsky translated them into Belarusian,” Masako explains. “Dmitry Voityushkevich made the arrangement and we donated discs to musical schools and libraries.”

Additionally, the Information Centre organises weekly classes for those wanting to learn Japanese; people of all ages attend. From time to time, Masako organises Japanese style festivities, inviting pupils from various schools. During these meetings, she shows the children aspects of Japanese culture, such as the ancient tea ceremony.

Masako Tatsumi is satisfied with her life. If she could turn back time, she wouldn’t change anything. She is involved in her favourite occupation, which brings her pleasure and joy. She has a wonderful husband and little Yue is an enduring delight. In her free time,

Masako cooks Japanese dishes for her family and goes to church. “After marrying, I became Christian. I’m delighted with Belarusian

churches and their beauty. When my parents or friends visit me, I always bring them

to the church.” Belarus has become a second home for Masako Tatsumi and she is confident that this is the best life she could choose for herself.

By Tatiana Danilushkina

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Talents and fans Major contemporary painting exhibition taking place countrywide

“This year, we plan to organise Belarus’ largest ever pictorial

art exhibition for modern fine arts,” explains Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko. Speaking at the National Art Museum, he noted that the project will span October and November, starting at Minsk’s National Art Museum, Palace of Arts and Modern Fine Arts Museum before touring countrywide. The organisers also invite every private art gallery in the capital to join the event.

Leading museums in regional centres are being approached, Mr. Latushko tells us. “The idea is that pictures by Vitebsk artists travel to Brest and then to Gomel. Such exchange events will last two months, enabling us to view and understand Belarus’ modern pictorial art.”

If the project is a success, in early 2011, a comprehensive exhibition will be organised at the National Art Museum. Moreover, a similar repub-lican exhibition of Belarus’ contem-porary monumental arts is scheduled for next year.

By Yekaterina Nechaeva


Major projects of the Bolshoi Theatre

According to the theatre’s D e p u t y D i r e c t o r G e n e r a l , V a l e r y Gedroits, the project is scheduled for June in

Nesvizh. Jan Holland’s opera Another’s Wealth Can’t Serve Anyone is to be staged in the courtyard of Nesvizh Castle, where it premiered 250 years ago. The programme of the festival includes a gala-concert, featuring Belarusian opera singers. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony #5 is among those pieces being performed.

Like many other countries, Belarus is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frédéric Chopin. Guests will be able to enjoy the Les Sylphides (Chopiniana) ballet and Chopin’s piano concerto for orchestra. The Nesvizh Town Hall’s big hall will host a chamber music concert.

In late 2010, the theatre plans to implement another major project

— the 1st Christmas International Opera Fest ival . Two B elarusian p e r f o r m a n c e s — C a r m e n a n d Nabucco — are included on the inter-national programme. The Latvian National Opera, the Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow and other foreign theatres are expected to take part.

Masterpieces of World Classics, by the Walls of Ancient Sophia is a regular event in Polotsk each summer. This year, it shall also be organised at Belarus’ cultural capital. Moreover, the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre is to perform in Holland in spring, with its Bohemia, moving to Estonian Pärnu in summer to perform Alexander Borodin’s Prince Igor and to give a gala-concert featuring the best Belarusian soloists. The ballet company also plans to take La Bayadère to Egypt in April. Negotiations being currently underway with Germany, Spain, Cyprus, South Korea and China for future tours.

natIonal acadEmIc bolshoI opEra and ballEt thEatrE Expands Its rEpErtoIrE and organIsEs fIrst summEr opEra fEstIval

prompt

Another’s Wealth Can’t Serve Anyone opera, created at Karol Radziwiłł’s Nesvizh Castle by his chapel-master Jan Holland over 200 years ago, wasn’t staged in the 20th century, since the notes were considered to be completely lost. Only in the late 1990s did historians make a sensational discovery at a Krakow museum, finding ancient opera scores by German composer Holland, written in Nesvizh. Much time was needed to reconstruct the authentic scores of Another’s Wealth Can’t Serve Anyone; however, the current genera-tion can see the performance on stage, performed by young B e l a r u s i a n o p e ra s o l o i s t s .

A scene from the opera “Another’s Wealth Can’t Serve Anyone”

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The National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre hosted a jubilee evening, celebrating the work of People’s Artiste of

Belarus, legendary Belarusian composer Sergey Kortes, who celebrates his 75th birthday.

Mr. Kortes has written five operas, as well as instrumental, vocal and symphonic cycles based on the verses of Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Yanka Kupala, Maxim Tank, García Lorca, Nicolás Guillén and Jacques Lenoir. He’s also written music for plays staged at the Kupala, Kolas, Russian, Youth and Young Spectators’ theatres. He has even written the scores to such films as I’ll Take Your Pain and The Black Castle of Olshany.

Mr. Kortes stands alongside giants like Alfred Schnittke, Edison Denisov, Giya Kancheli, Yevgeny Gle-bov, Boris Tishchenko and Sergey Slon-imsky in terms of his international musical status.

His personal and professional b i o g r a p h y i s unique. His father is Chilean and Mr. Kortes was born in C hi l e . His mother’s family e m i g r a t e d there in 1920,

from Russia, and, in fact, his Russian family boasts noble roots, from the St. Petersburg intelligentsia. He spent the first 20 years of his life in Argentina, studying music in Buenos Aires. In 1947, his family requested Soviet citi-zenship, allowing them to return to their homeland in 1955. They were sent to Minsk, where Mr. Kortes entered the Belarusian Conservatoire’s Composing Department. His teachers were prominent Anatoly Bogatyrev and Ni kol ay A l adov. L ater, he completed his postgraduate studies to join the musical ‘temple of fame’.

Sergey Kortes’ birthday evening took place at the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, where he worked for over 10 years: first as its director and then as its operatic artistic head. His Jubilee opera will be performed, dedicated to his birthday, alongside The Bear (both

based on Chekhov’s works). They originally premiered at famous

Pokrovsky’s Moscow State Academic Chamber Music Theatre in December 2009.

By Zhanna kotlyarova

Large-scale presentationBelarus continues to familiarise countries of the world with its national culture

In 2010, the Year of Belarusian Culture in the Russian Federation will be a

major event, starting in March and finishing in November. It responds to a major Russian culture presentation in Belarus in 2009.

Additionally, Belarus plans to prepare cultural events in Lithuania, Armenia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Hungary, with Belarusian artistic groups touring Vietnam and China.

The Days of Belarusian Culture abroad is the biggest international co-operative event of the year. In 2009, alongside a cultural programme, the Year of Belarus in Moscow included events dedicated to trade, education and media, as well as days promoting opportuni-ties and offerings from the Belarusian regions and the city of Minsk.

Events promoting foreign culture are always popular in Belarus. In spring, Days of Syrian Culture will arrive. Last year, Minsk also hosted Days of Chinese Culture, dedicated to the 60th anni-versary of China’s foundation, as well as Days of Israel, Kazakhstan and St. Petersburg.

By Zhanna kotlyarova

Sergey Kortes, the famous Belarusian composer, studied music in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

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thEatrE actors

Charm enhancing mastership sErgEy zhuravEl Is known countrywIdE as an artIst of thEatrE and cInEma. hE works at thE statE youth thEatrE and, as soon as hE bEgIns to spEak — on thE strEEt or In a supErmarkEt — pEoplE ImmEdIatEly rEcognIsE hIs voIcE. It’s hEard daIly on mInsk’s popular stv tElEvIsIon channEl. rEcEntly, hE shot In andrEy kudInEnko’s massacrE, by bElarusfIlm cInEma studIo

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actors thEatrEE

Charm enhancing mastership

How does an actor catch an audi-ence’s attention?

It’s a mystery. Messing said that he was hypnotising. Once, my son came to see the ‘Rainmaker’; afterwards, he went backstage and asked me: ‘How do you do it? You just stand silently, but I see that something is happening with you and with me…’. I often ask him the same question, especially when he repairs a kitchen tap or a motorcycle. For me, it’s mind-boggling that he can do this. Maybe this is why he studies stage engineering technology, rather than acting. I’m involved in my own business, where the ability to concen-trate plays the major role. Some people are able to develop this ability more than others. It’s also important for an actor to flesh out a character; each has their own biography and life…

Does each character require such ability and mastery?

Absolutely. We gave a wonderful performance of ‘The Censor’, based on Japanese Koko Mitani’s ‘University of Laughs’. In two hours, the playwright describes the philosophical state of the protagonist. He is remote from the creative process, yet falls in love with it and begins to understand that it’s extremely inter-esting. I played the role of the censor, who is a former intelligence agent. Why does he, a soldier who organised terrorist attacks in Manchuria, become interested in a young boy who has written a play? I decided that he may have survived some tragedy — such as the death of his only son during the war. He treats everything relating to the military very seriously and can’t understand how a comedy can be written in wartime. In this way, I justified his strict attitude towards the comedy created by the young author. It helped me make the role multi-faceted, imagining the fate of the character. I believe this is an indispensable part of creating a role.

How do stage directors assess a role? They may not like an actor’s interpreta-tion of a character.

They wouldn’t like it if I didn’t invent a fate for my character. Actors are dependant on their stage director, although they take

People in theatrical environ-ment can’t but admire him and, in the many years of our acquaintance, I’ve only heard good opinions. At

first, he worked for the Young Spectators’ Theatre, where he was sent after gradu-ating from the Theatre and Art Institute (now, the Belarusian Academy of Arts) and later — for the Youth Theatre. If often happens that, when buying tickets at the box office before a show, audiences ask whether Zhuravel is performing.

It’s difficult to imagine the Youth Theatre without this actor. Undoubtedly, there are other talented performers in the company, but Zhuravel is very special. He has natural charm, which strengthens all other skills and accentuates his acting technique. Zhuravel often plays complex characters who aim to bewilder or provoke the audience while also arousing sympathy and fondness. We are supposed to ponder their motivation. Think of the character of Pierre in Francis Veber’s Le Diner De Cons (staged by N. Pinigin). It’s no surprise that Zhuravel, possessing powerful energy, makes us hold our breath as he enters the stage. As a final year student at the Acting Department, he was invited by the Young Spectators’ Theatre to play the role of Serezha Tyulenin in Young Guard — a performance about young undergrounders during WWII. He appeared on stage before children and teenagers (notoriously difficult to inspire). The humming hall became silent, with chatter and laughter disappearing. Their peer stood before them: a cheerful and noisy boy, who lived a heroic life and died during the war.

Zhuravel didn’t just enter the stage; he flew out, hardly touching the floor, moved and sang wonderfully. As soon as he took up his guitar, it seemed that he was born in harmony with the instrument. His enchanting voice, perfect diction and fluidity moved everyone.

In the mid-1970s, theatrical critics forecast a brilliant future for this young actor. It came true and he received the title of Honoured Artiste of Belarus. His roles included Salvador Dali, Scapin, Demon

Taibele and Tartuffe. He worked with various stage directors, with different approaches, resulting in a great ability to transform. This has always been and remains an indicator of theatrical profes-sionalism.

I’ve often met up with Zhuravel at premieres, on World Theatre Day or on someone’s birthday. Recently, we met at a birthday celebration for a geologist who won the Lenin Komsomol of Belarus Prize in the 1970s (a high award at that time, given to young specialists for various achievements in science, litera-ture and arts). Mr. Zhuravel was awarded this for his role of Bambi in a perform-ance by the same name, based on Felix Salten’s play.

…The festive evening was in full swing, with numerous toasts, flowers and music. Geologists are known to be cheerful and witty. Famous academi-cian Anatoly Makhnach (who was also awarded this prestigious prize) is known in scientific circles as a poet, besides being a scientist. Mr. Zhuravel was welcomed with acclamations — some recognising the artist while others were seeing him in person for the first time. A festive table can easily take on a life of its own, accom-panied by the buzz of people’s voices. However, Zhuravel caught everybody’s attention. Zhuravel stood, paused for a while, played a few chords on his guitar, congratulated the hero of the evening and began to sing…

Today, Mr. Zhuravel is a guest of our column, telling us about his life on stage and off and about his creative process, revealing his personality.

Do your acting skills help you in life?If I want to draw attention to myself,

my acting mastery undoubtedly helps me. However, some natural features, like charm, also come into the equation. In my youth, I was small and thin — not a smart man or a hero. I was often told that I wouldn’t be able to become an actor and that I wouldn’t even be allowed to enter the Theatre and Art Institute. However, I’ve done it. Regardless of being on stage, I try to behave naturally, as if I’m playing myself.


the limelight. Co-operation is jointly creative; it’s a partnership. They say stage directors know everything but I dare to disagree. I’d say they experiment, but actors aren’t dolls — or pencils for the stage director to draw a plot. Moreover, each actor has their own perception of the play. The genius of a stage director lies in their ability to compromise with each actor. If they fail to find this compromise — with the actors and play-wrights — the p e r f o r m a n c e won’t be a success. In this case, my role will also fail.

W h o h a s censored your own life?

Mostly myself. If I’m confident in the task set before me, I try to explain my position to the director, so they’ll change what doesn’t suit me.

They say talented stage directors always expect enthusiasm and initiative from their actors?

I’ve always worked with stage directors who are experts in their profes-sion and can find a common language with actors. The Artistic Leader of our theatre, Modest Abramov, doesn’t stage performances; he works. People say that a stage director has staged a perform-ance. Then what does the actor do? We joke about spectators — remote from the creative processes of actors and stage directors — who say: ‘the performance was good, but the actors were bad’ or ‘the actors were perfect but the performance was bad’. This cannot be, since every-thing works in harmony. Moreover, we must understand the profession and have knowledge of our occupation. I’m always pleased to see a professional — on stage or otherwise. I used to do all my house repairs myself and even plastered the walls

of my summer cottage, although I failed to do it well. However, I didn’t dare repair the terrace; I called in a carpenter. It was a pleasure to watch him work; he was a true professional, a virtuoso. He could do with just two hacks of the axe what would take me an hour. Since then, I haven’t bothered to try car or house repairs.

Is your devotion to cars well known among actors?

Actually, I’m a fan of new cars. I have

this passion not because I need additional adren-

aline. It’s different. I sit in the car and my

bad mood imme-diately lifts. My

Conditions were difficult, since it was -18 degrees Celsius, with ice. We were in a ramshackle castle, but the atmosphere was very warm. We also had a live bear, named Stepka, brought from Moscow. It was so tender and friendly and liked to be photographed. It sat near the animal trainer, waiting for its turn. It seemed that it liked to be patted and embraced.

Does the film promise to be spectac-ular? I’ve read t h a t i t will be a mystical thriller.

car protects me. I’m often not sure what I’m doing but I acquire this confidence when I’m in the car. Once, I was driving from a film shoot in Lida [Grodno region — author] and the weather was terrible — an icy snowstorm. However, I was sure that my Toyota wouldn’t fail me.

Are you making more films?In 2009, I shot in four pictures.

However, I’m not a screen actor. Theatre is more intimate, more immediate and interesting; I hope I don’t offend my cinematographer friends. It’s pleasant to shoot a film, especially if the team is good — as was the case on Andrey Kudinenko’s ‘Massacre’. I liked him very much; he trusts actors and isn’t obtrusive in his comments.

Something of this kind, maybe, with elements of drama. I think that the film will be popular. It’s full of mystery and, even, terror. I play Duke Ostrovsky — one of the guests of the major character.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t involved in theatre or cinema?

I’m busy most days. However, I do find time for other occupations and feel great satisfaction at being master of my time. I understand that my mood greatly depends on this. When I have too much to do and many places to visit, I feel under pressure. I don’t like to be late and


thEatrE actors

business matters harass me. Therefore, I refuse invitations which make me feel pushed to the limit. This is why I left my job at Alpha Radio, although I’d worked there 19 years — since the foundation of this popular radio station.

You bring various characters to the stage; do they penetrate your own personality?

Of course. I can’t become another person — such as a doctor, who dedicates his life to medicine — without gett ing inside the role. If I hadn’t been an actor, I would never have understood what it’s like to be a

three times a week, advertising films or TV programmes.

You must have favourite prog-rammes.

I like to watch TV from years ago, watching actors who were popular when I first began acting. I also enjoy programmes about animals; creatures are sincere. Several years ago, I picked up a dog from the street and called it Dusya. This mongrel is very smart and knows my mood perfectly. It doesn’t mind if I tell it that I need to work. As soon as I finish and think about the dog, it immediately comes up to me. It’s really a mystery to me how it understands people.

Do you go to premieres at other theatres?

If I have time. I’m also involved in non-repertory companies. One of the latest is ‘Woman and Clarinet’ — based on ‘The Lady and Her Men’, where I play one of the men.

What do you think about in your free time? What brings you joy? What do you recollect?

I like to recollect the past — such as our theatre’s trip to German Mannheim. We also travelled to Egypt, presenting the fairytales of One Thousand and One

doctor. I played the chief doctor of a psychiatric hospital, Dr. Koch, in

Alexander Yefremov’s film. However, it’s not the profession that’s vital but their thoughts and feelings. Theatre — like art — studies the human soul. This enriches me as an actor. I’ve been lucky to meet good stage directors using quality scripts. It’s pleasant to explore new acting aspects in yourself.

Do you often become tired in roles?Sometimes. However, when you

stand before an applauding audience and see the thankful faces of spectators, your tiredness disappears. The energy you give to the public is reflected back to you. At this moment, you experience overwhelming emotions.

Do you believe in luck? You’re a successful person. Are you satisfied with your life?

From the point of view of my profes-sion and career, I can’t grumble.

Everything has gone well. I don’t believe in luck; you need to make good choices in life. Once, in Mannheim (Germany), our theatre took part in a festival. My colleagues came to my

room and we decided to exchange impressions of

trip. I began to move the bedside table from

the bed a n d

f o u n d 500 Belgian francs lying on the floor.

My colleagues said: ‘Zhuravel, you are lucky again’. It wasn’t luck. Simply,

someone had lost money, which may have created problems for them.

It may sound banal but I’ve always been lucky in meeting good people and professionals,

In the mid-1979s, theatrical critics forecast a brilliant future for this young actor Zhuravel. It came true and he received the title of Honoured Artiste of Belarus. His roles included Salvador Dali, Scapin, Demon, Tartuffe…

such as my first teacher, my teachers at the institutes and stage directors. When I was 22, I played Treplev in Chekhov’s ‘Seagull’. At that time, I wasn’t pleased with my interpretation of the role. However, it was a school of acting mastery…

Is it pleasant for you to hear your own voice on STV television channel?

I have no strong feelings, since this is my additional job. I’m on TV two or

Nights. We were heartily welcomed in Lyon with our ‘Les Fourberies de Scapin’. The French were keen to see how Belarusians interpret their national hero. Like all of us, I think about what is dear to me: about my mother, who is old; about my health; and about future work… I try to live in the moment, enjoying life as it unrolls.

By Valentina zhdanovich


actors thEatrEE

Tatiana’s daythE musIc room programmEs dEscrIbE tatIana starchEnko as havIng ‘thE talEnt of a pIanIst-pErformEr and thE talEnt of an IntErlocutor In wondErful concordE’. ms. starchEnko, a soloIst wIth thE bElarusIan statE phIlharmonIc, crEatEd thE unIquE projEct (bEIng Its author, dIrEctor, host and pErformEr). thE bElarusIan capItal’s musIcal lIfE Is EnrIchEd by thIs ‘phIlharmonIc wIthIn a phIlharmonIc’

Acquiring a ticket isn’t easy, as each concert is a grand event gathering full houses. Journalists report these as top news

but how is this wonderful harmony achieved? The Musical Room is

celebrating its 10th jubilee and its artistic d i re c t or, p i a n i s t

Tatiana Starchenko shares her views.

T a t i a n a , I’m a veteran-

fan, having been a t t e n d i n g y o u r

Musical Room for the past ten years. However, like many other visitors,

I’ve failed to penetrate the mystery of your talent — a virtuoso musician, artiste and interlocutor. You chat to

your audience calmly and, just a minute later, are playing a grand piano. This is a new tradition for our Philharmonic, although Bernstein — a great conductor, composer

and pianist — was known for having the same colloquial ability. He combined showmanship with musical professionalism…

You’re right. I also talk about music, recite poems, play the piano and even dance — as I did in my recent ‘Beyond Tango’ concert. Why does no one else do this? It’s almost physically impossible! I need to ‘switch on’ various cerebral hemi-

spheres a dozen times during a concert. However, my ‘chats’ with the audience are justifiable. I receive so many words of gratitude, tears and smiles.

You are a leading soloist with the Belarusian State Philharmonic, giving solo concerts, performing jointly with ensembles, symphonic and chamber orchestras and recording CDs. Moreover, you’ve been supervising the unique Musical Room project for a decade…

‘Musical Room’ began the year of Pushkin’s 200th anniversary. We prepared our first programme and premiered it in Russia. Although many wonderful musical programmes were prepared that year, we received a hearty welcome from audiences. Nevertheless, it took me and my fellow musicians five years to prove that the ‘Room’ was worthy of contin-uing. It draws on the classical traditions of the 19th century, when music lovers gathered in the largest room of a house — the drawing-room — to play their musical instruments and recite poems. Such parties are described in Lev Tolstoy’s ‘Kreutzer Sonata’. I wanted to revive the atmosphere of those times, so I began my project in a similar way — giving concerts to a small number of people, at the Philharmonic rehearsal hall. I was the author, director and host of those evenings. Each concert was a unique suite consisting of several independent parts, united by a single artistic idea.

Various performers participate in your concerts but there is an impression that all are like-minded friends.

There’s no need for me to coerce musicians into participating, since they

musiC


have faith in the idea, based on many years of co-operation and success. Some musicians return regularly: flautist Yevgeny Vidanov, violinist Yekaterina Arkhipova, pianist Dasha Moroz, and violoncellist Natalia Malysheva. Additionally, we always play with my permanent director, Alla Volk, and my friends from the ‘Classic-Jazz Trio’ — Igor Avdeev and Victor Olshevsky. I trust them and they trust me. Our mutual love for music and for each other fills the stage and can’t help but be felt by the audience. True feelings always attract and inspire!

Every month you update your programme, and see full houses. Audiences rapturously welcome you. They’re in love with you, Tatiana. From where do you draw inspiration?

Honestly, I sometimes wonder at how many new ideas I have! To some extent, projects emerge from my inter-action with talented people — also from reading good books, watching new theat-rical performances and listening to new music. These miraculously transform in my consciousness and sometimes yield an interesting result. A range of unique, serious programmes have appeared in this way: ‘Bach on Christmas’ — concerts for 2, 3 and 4 pianos with orchestra; Isaac Schwartz’s author’s concert, including a premiere of his concert for the orchestra — ‘Yellow Stars’; mono-concerts of D. Shostakovich, V. Gavrilin, M. Glinka and M. Tariverdiev; and a premiere of a piano concert, with the Neiman orchestra. My admiration for Odessa jazz pianist Igor Kuznetsov (who is my friend) and jazz master Igor Bril unexpectedly inspired me to establish my ‘Classic-Jazz Trio’. I play piano, joined by Igor Avdeev (percussion) and Victor Olshevsky (contrabass). This is an absolutely new role for me and we love the band, as do our audiences. We play Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy and Sati, playing with a fresh, modern manner. We do gather full houses for our concerts.

When I studied my first scales, I discovered that a performer becomes a musician by falling in love with music.

It is this that brings success, rather than applause or the chance of appearing on stage. Everyone who performs in our ‘Room’ loves music and shares this love with the audience. If a musician is open to new discoveries and if they love music (rather than themselves and the idea of fame), they are ready to experiment.

We have several types of concerts in our ‘Room’, including chamber (mostly instrumental) and festive (parties full of joy and light). I invite the best Belarusian artistes to take part and always feel happy on seeing that our country has such talented musicians. ‘Tatiana’s Day’ is already a tradition at our ‘Room’; we give

a concert devoted to pleasure. Another novelty is our ‘Musicians Joke’ — held on April 1st. I believe we are doing a unique job; no one else is like us in the country. This may be why all our concerts are accompanied by full houses and praise from audiences.

Let’s talk about your audiences. Besides academic people, I’ve noticed that a great many schoolchildren and students usually attend — even though youngsters tend to prefer pop or rock to Rachmaninov, Brahms or Schnittke …

I’ve given concerts at universities for several years. At present, I perform only at the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, as it has a wonderful piano. When performing to first year students, I always consider beforehand how to compile my programme, taking into consideration

that much of the audience is listening to serious music for the first time. A year later, I can play music of any complexity to them. If I make myself a ‘guide’ to the world of great music, I must consider the journey carefully, including what to tell them before we begin playing.

Times are changing, with the circle of classical music lovers ever expanding; this places new requirements on us, musicians. These days, you can watch or listen to a concert without leaving home, since we all have DVD and CD players. We, musicians must do our job with crea-tivity, performing with dynamism and presenting new musical angles, to inspire

even unsophisticated audiences. In this way, we hope they’ll choose to come to a concert to appreciate all the advan-tages of live classical music, rather than only listening to CDs.

The great sceptic Nietzsche once said, “Life would be a mistake without music.” Tatiana, your life is full of music. Does it help? How does music influence life?

If you start learning music from childhood, you are ‘vacci-nated’ for your whole life — given the ability to appreciate it. You become part of a closed circle. Moreover, good music is always accompanied by drama and wonderful storytelling. You meet various people and communicate with them differently. This changes the quality of your life. Of course, you don’t need to be a professional musician to feel this way; you just need to love music and be a respon-sive listener. Many of my relatives and friends are such listeners — rather than professional musicians. Love music and your life will be brighter and more inter-esting — with fewer mistakes.

I’d also like to add that it gives me great happiness not only to have a talent but to have the talent to be happy. Try to share your happiness with other people…

By Lyudmila Leonenko

We, the musicians, have to perform in a creative, bright, fascinating and modern manner, so that even an unsophisticated viewer would like to attend the concert

musiC


CrEativE work

Verses in taxipoEt yurI borovItsky fInds rEadErs In unExpEctEd placEs

It’s been some time since I’ve seen anyone present a poet with flowers and cry on hearing their verses. Usually, only music fans behave so passionately. Yuri

Borovitsky isn’t as popular as other prominent masters. He only recently published his first collection of verse: I’m Praying to the Moon. However, he has been writing poetry for many years, first in Belarusian and

now in Russian. He recently began to compose in German and also translates from all three languages.

“Why have you decided to publish a collection of your works only now? It’s very modest in size, although it has a bright title,” I ask him. “To present ‘raw’ verses would be like driving under the influence of alcohol,” Mr. Borovitsky muses.

He finds his admirers in taxis, in night clubs and, even, from incorrectly

dialled telephone numbers.

He chats to people at bus stops, being interested in everyone. He writes about the most burning topics, with the themes of love and happiness recurring. He sees love as a synonym for happiness.

Happiness is when a person has reached his or her dream.

When did your poetic gift awaken?I wrote my first poem when I was

just 11. I was in the fourth grade in the village of Prokopovka in the Gomel district. I still remember that poem:

What inspired you to finally publish your own book thirty years later?

My friends asked me to. I personally didn’t attach much importance to the publi-cation of my verses. I just wanted to write them. Now, having been published, it’s odd: I’ve acquired fans. Many readers admit to my verses helping them, so I’ve decided to continue writing them. Jointly with Natalia Novozhilova — a famous fitness specialist and poetess — I’m preparing a collection called ‘NYu’. The first letters of our names are taken as the title. However, our verses won’t be signed, so readers will have to guess who has written which.

Poems should contain some mystery, to inspire contemplation and spiritual growth.

Where do you find inspiration for your rhymes?

My verses are inspired by meetings with interesting people, which take place

My native village shakes my heart with a pliant wave,And the well near Svistok, that pleasingly screeches in the morning,Seems a fairytale to me, as doesRooster’s cocky crowing near the porch,And my soul sings, like a nightingale…


holiday

daily. When I invent a new plot, I’m always thinking about a particular personality, as if I’m speaking to them. I imagine a live person even if I’m writing about nature.

When do new verses come to you?I like to write in noisy places, when

I’m watched by many people.Why don’t you ever take off your

tinted glasses?When I’m involved in contempla-

tion about poetry, I like to be watched by people, but I don’t like it when they look into my eyes. As soon as I stop writing, I immediately take off my glasses. I return from my poetic state to one of normality.

Do you write on paper or scraps of napkins?

On A4 format paper. Sometimes, I write on a paper napkin, but this is an exception. I always have a bag with me, containing paper. Additionally, I enjoy writing on the paper, which already has something printed or written on the reverse.

How often do you write your poetry?

Sometimes, I can write six verses in one day and, sometimes, none at all. It seldom happens that I don’t write. I usually invent good verses in one sitting. Sometimes, I come home and edit my writing. It often happens that I have to revise and correct my work to achieve the ideal. Presenting non-edited, ‘raw’ verses would be like driving under the influence of alcohol. A contemporary poet should use dictionaries, know languages and be aware of elementary PC skills. If a poet wrote about the Mona Lisa purely from having seen her once on TV, it would be impossible to be sincere. To reflect adoration of the Mona Lisa, you must at least find her portrait on the Internet.

By Viktar korbut

Summer begins with festivalgrodno prEparEs for rEpublIcan holIday

The organising committee has already begun preparations for the holiday, uniting representatives from

various countries. At present, selection rounds are being held countrywide, with around 750 entrants to be chosen. The number of guests for this spec-tacular event is impossible to calculate.

Official invitations have been sent to the 15 foreign cities with which Grodno enjoys twin-city relations. A working party, chaired by Grodno Mayor Boris Kozelkov, is surveying hotels’ readiness to welcome such a large number of guests. The launch of the Neman Hotel (after reconstruction), located in the city centre, should help solve the problem.

City trade is preparing to offer a wide range of souvenirs for visitors, while

Spartak and Kommunarka confec-tionery firms are to fulfil special orders for sweets. Painters are working over press-printed products for the festival while public utility workers are to plant flowers for the event. Meanwhile, sites are being chosen to host national craft fairs and to house huge stages for the opening and closing ceremonies. Neman Stadium is the main contender, being the region’s largest sports arena after reconstruction.

The major prize of the festival is being manufactured by Bereza Neman Glassworks: a symbolic flower in a delicate vase. Honoured guests will be awarded presents with storks — a symbol of Belarus.

By Yelena Semenova

by the way

Yuri Borovitsky uses the Internet to communicate with his readers. He’s published just 500 copies of his book, but fans old and new, in their thousands, can read his daily verses at stihi.ru.

BEl

TA


ContEsts

Fine young manjudo mastEr mIkhaIl baranov to rEprEsEnt bElarus at mIstEr world pagEant

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is hosting the Mister World pageant. Belarus

participates for the first time. Mikhail Baranov, 21, a Belarusian State University of Physical Education student represents the republic. “He meets traditional concep-tions of male beauty, being tall (185cm), proportion-ally built, and with regular features,” notes National Beauty School Director Olga Serezhnikova.

Baranov began modelling last year, taking to the catwalk for Minsk designer Ivan Aiplatov, during Moscow Fashion Week. He loves judo and stresses that sports are his main passion; modelling is just a passing hobby.

How can a ‘real’ man be-come a model? What does this handsome Belarusian do in his everyday life? What’s expected from Misha in Seoul? Olga Serezhnikova, Mikhail Baranov and his father, also

Mikhail Baranov, share their thoughts…..

maN’S goaL iS to WiNMs. Serezhnikova: Until recently, my attitude

towards male pageants was rather sceptical. However, last year, after watching the Mister World show, I changed my mind. I realised that male pageant participants don’t need to meet the strict parameters of female contests, though there are some limits as to height and age. Mister World candidates are clas-sically handsome, fit and speak English. It hasn’t been easy to find that type of guy in Belarus. Unlike girls, who are numerous at the Beauty School, and are of different ages (from 12 years), there are only ten male models. Mikhail was the best choice.

Another aspect that distinguishes Mister World from other beauty pageants is that candidates must have a serious sports background: the contest includes various B

ElTA


University and… to keep studying. He has grand plans: to receive a degree in tourism and to set up his own business — a chain of hotels. Perhaps, he’ll bring primary capital from Seoul: the winner will claim $50,000. However, he’ll need to beat rivals from 80 countries.

aLaDDiN From BakuAnother potential Mister

World is also flying from Minsk to Seoul: Hafiz Agaev. He already has fans, who call him Aladdin. Hafiz was born in Baku and will represent Azerbaijan. He’s been working with the Sergey Nagorny Studio. Nagorny is convinced that Hafiz could win the title.

In the Belarusian capital, Hafiz has been learning how to strut on the catwalk, while going to the gym and swimming pool. He’s been taking bartender courses, juggling bottles, and can eat with chopsticks. He’s also been studying English; Belarus is known for having a good foreign languages school.

Sergey Nagorny noticed Hafiz in an advertising campaign and offered to work for him. “This lad draws glances. When I evaluate girls and guys for future contests, I look at how people react to their looks. People really like Hafiz. Moreover, he gets a huge reaction from girls in night clubs.”

Hafiz, at the age of 23, decided to try modelling, gaining permission from his parents. Some traditional Azerbaijani families wouldn’t treat the idea seriously but Hafiz’s parents didn’t stand in his way.

By Viktar karafa

ContEsts

grateful to my parents for my skin and appearance; it’s their good genes I’m blessed with. I’ve never needed cosmetic treatments or a change of diet, as I’m not disposed to put on weight. I like eating everything, including meat and sweets — my favourite is milk chocolate. I’ve never had a spa treatment but I enjoy saunas — as part of judo training.

PoWEr DoESN’t LiE iN BEauty

Mr. Baranov: I’m often asked whether

it’s difficult to be handsome. I’ve never attached particular importance to it and I don’t pay attention to girls, as I already have a girlfriend — she’s a gymnast. We’ve been dating for two years and she supports me in everything. In my view, man’s greatest qualities are his intellect, honesty and reliability — not his looks. A real man doesn’t need to be handsome. As the saying goes, he should look slightly prettier than a monkey. A real man should be smart, honest, kind, fair and reliable.

Mr. Baranov-father: Mikhail has a quality not

so popular today — decency. I know that the country, and I, won’t be let down.

Primary CaPitaLWith his desire to win,

Mikhail is taking national souvenirs to Korea — linen handcrafts and wooden figures and crafts. Olga Serezhnikova is thinking of organising a Mister Belarus pageant. Upon his return, Baranov plans to graduate from the Physical Education

Taking on the role of a pioneer Belarus to take part in Eurovision Young Musicians 2010 for the first time

Cellist Ivan Karizna is to become a pioneer, taking

part in the 15th Eurovision Young Musicians 2010. People’s Artiste of Belarus Mikhail Kozinets, the Chairman of the jury and Head Conductor of the I. Zhinovich National Academic People’s Orchestra of Belarus, announced Ivan’s success recently.

Iv a n t u r n e d 1 8 on February 7th, and has beaten eight other young musicians to win the right of repre-senting the country at the contest. Each performed two classical pieces. The Republican Musical College graduate (at the Belarusian State Academy of Music) is currently studying at the Paris National High Conservatory of Music and Dance.

E u r o v i s i o n Yo u n g Musicians 2010 is organised every other year, by the European Broadcasting Union. In 2010, Vienna will host the 15th contest.

physical challenges, including extreme sports — like rafting. This year, the organisers are planning a lot of competitions — tug-of-war, canoe racing and swimming. I’m confident of Mikhail’s endurance.

Mr. Baranov: I believe my physical

condition will allow me to participate in extreme trials. My father — an honoured master of sports, twice sambo champion and an Honoured Coach of the USSR and Belarus — has been teaching me for the past decade and more.

Mr. Baranov-father: As a sportsman, I once

warned my son: if you go into a competition, you should win and not just put in an appear-ance. Some say that beauty pageants aren’t manly but, if it’s called Mister and not Miss, it is a man’s business. I’m sure that my son is a worthy candidate for the title: he’s brave and ready to stand up for himself, for his girlfriend and for his country.

Ms. Serezhnikova:In choosing Misha, we

looked not just at his physical fitness, but at his appearance. He looks perfect for the compe-tition. Last time, the winner was Spanish Juan García Postigo, whose looks are popular worldwide — although, to us, he appears very exotic. Mikhail isn’t a typical Belarusian in looks, having pale eyes and blond hair; he looks more like a southern man. However, our goal is not to show a typical Belarusian guy in Seoul, but to bring home victory.

hoW to Stay FitMr. Baranov: I don’t take too much effort

with keeping myself fit. I’m


Olympic medal’s face

The recenTly ended Olympic Games have been The mOsT successful in The hisTOry


VAD

IM K

ON

DR

ASH

OV

vanCouvEr-2010

The recenTly ended Olympic Games have been The mOsT successful in The hisTOry



interesting Facts:Three years before the Domrachev family

moved to Russian Nyagan, a Belarusian family living there, originally from Gomel, bore a daughter, Maria. She was also destined to stir the sporting world, becoming a tennis star. However, one year before the Domrachevs settled in Siberia, the Sharapov family moved to Sochi…

a Junior World Championship under the Belarusian flag for the first time, in the individual event. It was this same event, five years later, which brought Darya her first Olympic medal. Back in 2005, she could only dream of such vic-tory. She missed five targets out of five

during the third shooting round (a dioptre fell off her rifle) and, as

a result, took 40th ranking. The Russians had long tried to persuade her to join their national

Seeing off our sportsmen as they flew to Vancouver, we hoped that some would return home with medals, as they did in Salt Lake City,

Turin and Nagano. We would hardly dare assume that three Belarusians would be successful. For the next four years, they will embody victory, inscribing Belarus forever in world sports history. Let’s recall those glorious moments.

“I try to for-get those i n c i -

dents in Oberhof; they are funny, i n d e e d . S o m e -times, in biathlon, you start shooting someone else’s tar-get or take the wrong post. I managed to become a ‘hero’, mak-ing two errors two years in a row. This is in the past now; it may have even had a positive impact on me!”

Dar ya Domracheva was perhaps the only per-son expected to bring home a Vancouver medal. Hopes were pinned on her from the moment of her return to native Minsk. In 2005, the biathlete — born in the Belarusian capi-tal, but living in Siberian Nya-gan for 15 years — took part in

was not a defector, looking for a coun-try where it was easier to gain entry to the main team. Rather, this multi-champion of junior tournaments and prize holder at the European Junior Olympic Games had different plans.

“Russian coaches were constantly approaching me, saying, “Dashya, come back, we’ll offer you a high salary; all your problems will be solved.” Why do I need their money? I want to compete for Belarus.” On 1st December 2006, Domracheva debuted in the World

Cup as a Belarusian team member, having come second among f i v e B e l a r u s i a n sportswomen.

She was expected to shoot to success but her path to the first Cup award — Östersund 2009 — was rather crooked. Food poisoning on the threshold of the

2007/2008 season messed up the entire training process of this team leader. Meanwhile, German Magdalena Neu-ner — a colleague of the same age whose name is constantly linked to the Belarusian rising star — kept winning honours. “I was trying to stay calm as Neuner won,” explains Darya. “At least, I was pretending to. To be honest, from time to time, I felt bad because I’m ambitious. Even the knowledge that my physical state was beyond my con-trol didn’t help.”

The 2008/2009 season saw her in the top ten regularly. The World Championship of 2008 gave her first medal as a mixed relay race member. The turning point of her career took place one year later in Swedish Östersund. Darya will also remember forever the previous qualification round in Oberhof. The amusing accident happened during the mass start, she was first to arrive at the shooting area and took a standing

position, instead of prone. She recalls, “Everybody wanted to encourage me and I arrived like a wind-up toy.”

3rd place. darya domracheva, biathlon age: 23

biathlon team, w h e n s h e

was living in Siberia ( c o a c h e d

b y A l b e r t Mus i n and

Victor Post-nikov). Now they under-stood that

Darya


vanCouvEr-2010

Domracheva had always been oriented towards sprint distances but it was a long individual race with four shooting rounds which finally won her recogni-tion. It was the same event which brought her Vancouver medal.

“Frankly, I believe that my best chance is with short distances,” Darya said, glowing with happiness after the finish. “Before the Olympic Games, I managed to win only once at the World Cup round in Östersund and also in the ‘15’. Perhaps, it’s not a surprise anymore.” Having caught a cold, Domracheva couldn’t do her best in the mass start, but this wasn’t the end of her successes. Her main goal — Olympic gold — is yet to be obtained, so we are likely to hear about Darya’s victories in the future.

“Some may think i t i s i m m o d e s t , b u t I ’m devoting this medal to

myself. Even in words, I don’t want to share the prize I’ve struggled so long and so painfully to obtain.”

Novikov’s silver was an unexpected surprise, as so frequently occur in our sports. Jakov Fak and Jay Vincent are newcomers whose names were rarely heard among the top ten until Vancouver. Novikov can now safely join this list of Fortune’s Favourites. Of course, his medal was no fluke. “I guarantee that, in Vancouver, Sergey Novikov will take a medal,” noted a letter sent to the Belarusian Biathlon Federation by famous Mogilev coach Anatoly Perepechkin, on the eve of the Olympiad. The words weren’t treated seriously but our attitude today is absolutely different…

“Frankly, I thought Sergey would finish among the top ten, at best — no

more,” confesses Valentin Fedorovich — his father and first coach. “My son is an experienced biathlete, having begun at the age of 7. At that time, I began taking him with me to sports camps to try roller skiing and, later, winter skiing. When he was 12, he could run more than 10km! His shooting was decent, despite him being no taller than a rifle; he could hit all his targets.”

Once, Igor Klimenko came to Chausy, where Novikov was born and lived. He needed one more on the biathlon team, and was looking at the Mogilev Olympic Reserve School. Naturally, the vacant space was given to the talented, although still very young, Sergey Novikov…

Before Vancouver, Sergey’s best achievement had been silver at the 2008 World Championship, in the mixed relay. He had been coupled with Darya Domracheva. Everybody joked about

the new programme, not believing that the results were promising and sustainable. The response was given in less than 2 years…

Sergey kept six and eighth position during the 20km, only moving into third place after a third precise, but slow, shoot. “Having finished the third shoot, I dashed off with all my might,” recalls Novikov. “I literary flew up the first hill, and my strength began disap-pearing. I pushed ahead by recalling that this race was my big chance — the one I’d been struggling for my entire life.” Still, Novikov let Swedish Emil-Hegle Svendsen pass him, despite the penalty lap of his rival. Another Swede, already six time Olympic champion Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, struggled against him until the very last centime-tres. Even the most accurate computers couldn’t decide who had come second, so they shared the honour. We all hope it won’t be the last time…

2nd place: sergey novikov, biathlon age: 30

interesting Facts:Before Sergey Novikov,

the last Belarusian who won an Olympic medal was Alexey Aidarov; in 1998, he took bronze in the individual race.

Sergey likes cars and often relaxes with a car magazine.

He drives a Mercedes. He likes saunas,

playing billiards and listening

to Russian rock.

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1st place: alexey grishin, Freestyle age: 30

the qualification round and missed the final. The hopes of fans were

dashed. Dashchinsky had won silver at Turin but Grishin

had failed to win anything in a two year period, having

hurt his knee, suffered a break and gained 15kg of excess weight. Twelve months ago,

Grishin was out of the running. “It was a very difficult period,” remembers Alexey’s wife, Irina; like no one else, she has suffered his troubles a l o n g s i d e h i m .

“Believe me, despite all our talk about finishing

his sports career, Alexey never mentioned it himself.

He is very stubborn.” He runs 10km daily, eats a diet consisting

mainly of salads prepared by Irina and works hard at the gym. The start

of this year’s season was no better than before but he knew that it was just a rehearsal… He seemed to understand that his main victories lay ahead, that his potential was far from realised.

“Honestly, I didn’t follow our guys rankings,” recalls Alexey. “I only knew that Anton didn’t qualify. I tried to summon up strength to fight only with myself and this yielded the necessary result. I was last but one to jump (Canadian Kyle Nissen concluded). His was the only one that I watched. When he bent his knees in flight, I calmly thought — judging by everything, I’ll be first…”

In the coming weeks, his schedule revolves around rest. Effort, nerves and poor health have dogged the four years dividing the most disappointing 4th place in Turin and gold in Vancouver. The future is unknown. “In sports, I’ve reached the ultimate goal,” reasons Grishin. “If I continue training, I’ll try to attain the same results in Sochi. Now, I’d like to spend time with my family and concentrate on having children.”

By Dmitry komashko

interesting Facts:His main rival for gold was Canadian Jeret Peterson. During his 28

years, he has lost his sister in a car accident, has been a victim of sexual violence, has won half a million dollars in blackjack, gone bankrupt, had two suicide attempts and has recovered from alcoholism. In 2006, the Canadian was thrown off the Olympic team heading for Turin because of his heavy drinking.

After gaining a bronze medal in Salt Lake City, Grishin had a tattoo inked on his body in the form of the Olympic rings and a flying dragon. Upon returning from Vancouver, he wanted to add new ‘memorable’ depictions added to his ‘gallery’.

of the small Crystal Globe, on the s quad. Anton Ku s h n i r w a s the favourite in Whistler but performed

poorly in

“I’m already being asked how I’m going to spend my $100,000 prize money

but I haven’t decided yet. My wife and I would like to buy land in the city. Of course, if I’m given land as a gift, I’ll use the money to build a house.”

No one doubted that Belarusian free-stylers would return from Vancouver with a medal. For the past three years, they’ve been saving the Belarusian Olympic

team from a lack of victories. Dmitry Dashchinsky and A l e xe y Gr i s h i n accompanied young Kushnir, the winner

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vanCouvEr-2010

ProjECt

long-tErm plan ElaboratEd to managE natIonal park

Diploma for Belovezhskaya Pushcha

The plan primarily concen-trates on the expansion of the reserved area, with special attention on restoring the

hydrological regime (disturbed due to drainage reclamation). Preservation of the Pushcha as a forest and marsh is a major goal, with measures taken to protect and restore rare and precious species.

“The plan has been highly praised by international experts,” explains the Head of the Ministry for Natural R e s ou rc e s an d E nv i ron m e nt a l Protection’s Department for Biological and Landscape Diversity, Natalia Minchenko.

The Council of Europe’s expert group is to meet in March to discuss how best

to recover the Belovezhskaya Pushcha’s Diploma (awarded in 1997 but revoked for an absence of a management plan for the next decade). The Council of Europe Diploma is a prestigious award, marking the efforts of national parks and environmental reserves. It was given to the Belovezhskaya Pushcha for its great contribution to preserving the wild nature.

The Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the world’s oldest reserves. In 1992, it joined UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List and, in 1993, became a biosphere reserve. In 1998, it became a key ornithological site of international importance.

The Pushcha stretches for over 60km from north to south and from 10-50km from west to east. It occupies 163,505 hectares, with about 20 percent being a reserved zone, where human activity is banned.

By Olga Belyavskaya


Documents

BELARUS #3/2010