Belarus (magazine #11 2015) by BELARUS Magazine

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No.11 (986), 2015

BELARUS Беларусь. Belarus

Politics, Economy, Culture

www.belarus-magazine.by

The newly elected President of the Republic of Belarus A.G. Lukashenko assumed the office

For the future of independent Belarus

Events in Belarus and abroad

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contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 11 (986), 2015 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

Dreams can change the world

Founders: The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus “SB” newspaper editorial office Belvnesheconombank Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

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Together into a new day The Independence Palace has recently hosted the inauguration ceremony of the newlyelected President of Belarus

Loyal sons of the Fatherland Speech

of the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the ceremony of soldiers swearing allegiance

16 Masters of affairs of the heart

Health strategy outlined in Minsk

Direction of concrete actions After-

word to the session on topical aspects of country’s development

Antarctic kitchen garden Belarusian

Long echo This summer, during a busi-

Bogdanovo landscapes The145th anniversary of birth of famous artist Ferdynand Ruszczyc celebrated in Belarus, Lithuania and Poland

scientists able to grow vegetables on ice continent

ness trip to Belgorod, we reflected upon the importance of Belarus’ growing ties with this region

Painted Chagall to appear in film

Remaining close, though living abroad

5 reasons to visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha Pesnyary band sings ‘Reserve, place of crystal sunrise rays and the light rising above the land’: words devoted to a unique place which everyone should visit

To teach for him is like to breathe

Banknotes to have four zeros fewer.. And will become more convenient

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

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at State Entertainment “Publishers “Belarus Printing House”. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No. 2933 Total circulation — 1870 copies (including 728 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: belmag@sb.by

Brand with the quality mark Belshina

exports around 60 percent of its produce, with most heading to Russia. Recently, its exports have been supplemented with Germany, Austria, the Scandinavian states, Macedonia and Bulgaria

Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

Editor’s NOTE

Events as phenomena

ometimes, it’s difficult to distinguish between events and phenomena. They can be so close in meaning, divided only by a fine line. The Presidential elections, at first sight, appear to be an event. However, from the point of political and public importance, they are a weighty phenomenon, combining vital components. Held on October 11th, they resulted in Alexander Lukashenko being reelected as Head of State. Recently, the inauguration ceremony followed. Some may think this a mere formality but the ceremony has great significance. Everyone is aware of the political credo of our newly-elected President, Mr. Alexander Lukashenko: his priority is the stability and prosperity of the country. At the inauguration ceremony, words of vivid solemnity are spoken. Moreover, the President makes a speech voicing the targets for the next five years: these embody a vision. To look behind the horizon of today, and foresee tomorrow as a place of success and striving is the substance of a true phenomenon. We already know that much work lies ahead if we are to expect results. No acute changes are likely but sensible and well-considered reforms will have their place. The details of the speech made by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the inauguration cer-

emony on November 6th, are given in this issue of our magazine. Also discussed is the forthcoming denomination of the Belarusian Rouble: an action technical in nature, explains the National Bank, and creating no impact on the Belarusian Rouble’s purchasing capacity, the currency exchange rate or inflation. The new banknotes, coming into circulation from mid-2016, were created back in 2008, upon the order of the National Bank, but were held back due to the world economic crisis and worsening economic situation. All these years, the banknotes and coins have been kept at the Central Depositary of the National Bank. Read Banknotes to Have Four Zeros Fewer... And Will Become More Convenient for more information. To celebrate the United Nations’ 70th anniversary and the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015, the UN in Belarus has liaised with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus to launch a special train. It set off on 23rd October, from Minsk Railway Station, visiting seven cities in eight days. Read more about the campaign to promote the SDGs in Dreams Can Change the World. Much time has passed since Minsk could claim to be the only place in Belarus boasting the latest medical technologies. For several years, hi-tech surgeries have been successful across the regions, and the range of their scope is ever growing: especially important for patients with critical heart problems. Previously,

patients from Grodno Region suffering from a dissected thoracic aorta were obliged to rush to the capital. Unfortunately, not all survived the long trip. Now, these and many other surgeries are held at the Grodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre, saving people’s lives. Grodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre is a modern medical institution equipped with the latest technologies, and conducting almost all types of cardiac surgery, including cardiovalvulotomy, and surgeries on coronary arteries and greater vessels. Its doctors are a unique combination of youth and experience. Of its 10 surgeons, four are studying for the second year, having graduated from the medical university. They are entering the highest caste of their sphere, becoming cardiac surgeons. The others are professionals who have years of training behind them at leading clinics in Europe. The region’s cardiology has acquired a new round of development with the introduction of a new сardio-surgical building, funded by a regional investment programme. It’s also a platform for active co-operation with foreign colleagues: surgeons from the Netherlands have come on a work-exchange programme, sharing their experience of hi-tech surgeries to treat arrhythmias. Symbolic events can be viewed as phenomena when they have far-reaching consequences. Who knows how far the ripples will travel? By Victor Kharkov

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Together into a new day The Palace of Independence recently hosted the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President of Belarus

ith over a thousand guests invited: top executives, deputies of the House of Representatives, members of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, heads of various levels, diplomats and foreign guests. The event was opened by the Chair of the Central Election Commission, Lidia Yermoshina, who announced the CEC’s decision on the results of the Presidential elections and invited Alexander Lukashenko to take the Oath of the President of the Republic of Belarus. Its text includes just 30 words yet they fully reflect the obligations taken by the head of state: ‘Assuming the office of the President of the Republic of Belarus, I solemnly swear to faithfully serve the people of the Republic of Belarus, to respect and to protect the rights and freedoms of man and of the citizen, to observe and to protect the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, and to fulfil strictly and conscientiously the lofty duties that have been bestowed upon me’. Then the national anthem played, and all those present took up the words, following the choir. Ms. Yermoshina granted a Certificate of the President to Mr. Lukashenko. Then he was addressed with congratulations by the heads of the legislative and judicial branches — chairmen of the Council of the Republic, Mikhail Myasnikovich, and of the Constitutional Court, Piotr Miklashevich. Afterwards Mr. Lukashenko had the floor. The President’s speech was interrupted by applauses many times. Its keynote is that the country preserves its course for steady development, without shocks and risky social experi-

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ments. A person is the major figure, and the whole state policy is subjected to their needs and hopes. We don’t create any inconveniences to our neighbours on the international arena. We respect each sovereign state and expect the same attitude towards us. This has been an unchanged course of development of the Belarusian state for the last twenty years and it will be continued. The second part of the solemn ceremony was held on the Square of the State Flag, where representatives of all state agencies gathered. Mr. Lukashenko wore the uniform of Commander-in-Chief to address them. On behalf of all men in uniform, the State Secretary of the Security Council, Stanislav Zas, read the words of the oath of allegiance to the nation and to the elected President, “We assure the whole Belarusian nation and You, Mr. Commander-in-Chief, that we will always be ready to reliably protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Homeland. Today, at the inauguration of the President of the Republic of Belarus, we solemnly swear to bear the distinguished title of defenders of the Fatherland with dignity and honour, to selflessly serve the Belarusian nation and the President of the Republic of Belarus, and to protect our Homeland fearlessly, and skilfully, sparing no effort or life.” The triple ‘swear’ was heard among the soldiers and the serious ceremony concluded with a solemn march by the Guards of Honour. The ‘Together into a New Day’ festive concert was later held at the Independence Palace, dedicated to the President’s assumption of office, with masters of arts of Belarus performing on stage.

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For the future of independent Belarus President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko speaks at inauguration ceremony Dear countrymen! Dear representatives of diplomatic missions and top level guests! Today, I’m addressing you with special excitement. I’m overwhelmed with pride for our close-knit Belarusian society and for our millions of countrymen — citizens of sovereign Belarus. During the recent Presidential elections, our people once again demonstrated to the whole world the highest level of political culture: their unity in the face of external challenges, and independence of decisions. Nothing has divided us in the past, and nor does it in

the present. I am confident that nothing will divide us in the future. Numerous observers — national and international — have had the opportunity to witness that the electoral campaign was held calmly, openly and fully in line with Belarusian law. All candidates enjoyed wide possibilities for campaigning. I’m so grateful to you, my dear countrymen, and to everyone who supported me. This is absolutely not my personal success but the victory of the whole nation. This is the victory of the Belarusian people. I emphasise, without any flattery, that the recent electoral campaign was

the first of which all of us have been proud: proud of ourselves and of our people. Belarusians calmly and openly cast their votes and showed who makes decisions in this country. It was a great achievement for Belarusian people. I feel proud to serve this nation. During these turbulent times, our nation demonstrated its unity and took part in elections. With their votes, people expressed support for the domestic and foreign policy of the past 20 years and more. This policy is not just our heritage. We’ve endured various challenges and have lived in a great country, which was able to dictate its conditions of exist-

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EVENT ence to the whole globe, while ensuring the world balance. Now, we face different challenges. Sometimes we need to form our foreign and domestic policy alone, though we face obstacles and stumble. We’ve always been honest, never deceiving anyone. We’ve always taken our own path and have been justified in our actions. Our efforts have not been in vain. We have much to defend and of which to be proud. We’ve jointly established a state enjoying stable development. We’ve constructed accommodation, schools, hospitals, wonderful palaces of culture, sporting arenas, modern roads and other infrastructure sites. We’ve modernised thousands of industrial enterprises, which — I’m convinced — will generate benefits in the coming five years. In the shortest possible time, we’ve solved the problem of food security, also sewing enough clothing for our people. Belarusian agro-industrial complex goods occupy a major share in generating export revenue. This potential will enable us to ensure Belarus’ development despite global economic problems. Due to the high profile of this event, I’d be failing in my duty if I refrained from saying that great expectations have been generated. We live in a free society, ‘bombarded’ with ideas, upon which we are invited to ponder. The nation needs a clear strategy and leadership. It’s a path destined to bring allies and otherwise. Too much is being spoken and written of reform. Structural reform is mentioned but nobody gives details. If someone supports reforms, be honest and say that we need to break down the political system, the state system of Belarus: that we need to chop it into pieces and give away state-owned property. This is the nature of reform. Someone is ready to pay much for these reforms but we need to consider whether they are really necessary. Fraternal Russia and Ukraine have already implemented such reforms.

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It’s great that Russians and Ukrainians are present here today. They’ve already tasted such reform and what are the results? This is how we should respond to those who say that the system we’ve created is wrong. I do consider these proposals, as made by officials to the President. What have we done wrong? Let’s see. After a child is born, parents have the chance to stay at home with them until the age of three — bringing them up and receiving free medicines. Moreover, if they forget to come to hospital or a children’s polyclinic, doctors will immediately remind them. From your first day of birth, we care for you and your parents. We also care for future mothers. Nowhere else in the world is this quite the same. We can care for babies weighing just 500g-700g. This year, and in 2013, we didn’t lose a single birthing mother. Sadly, we failed to save one woman in 2014, as doctors realised. No other country in the world boasts such a maternal mortality rate. We are third globally for infant mortality — behind Germany and Sweden, and continue developing alongside them, as leaders. We’ve established the strongest system of health protection in the world. This is not just my assessment. As a sign of gratitude and appreciation, Belarus was recently visited by a great number of foreign health ministers and medical scientists, who wished to study our experience. We described in detail our procedures at rural health clinics, district hospitals, and district, regional and central clinics. We explained where each person can access assistance. We’ve equipped our clinical hospitals and centres with the latest equipment. Any medical equipment can be bought; more important are staff, including doctors. We’ve trained the most modern medical personnel. When I visit abroad, I’m always asked if we’ll help to train doctors and engineers. Within the CIS, I’m asked to help train specialists; nowhere else has such a high

level of professional technical colleges. I’m asked to help but we cannot accept every foreign student, regardless of the money offered. We lack enough places at our hostels, classrooms and laboratories, as yet. Accordingly, we’re building more, with a view to creating more places, knowing that we’ll receive fees. Once people have lived and studied here, they gain an affinity for our ideas and our ideology, promoting the world in which we live. We often hear of reform. What should we do? Ok, let’s reform our health protection system — breaking it. If you’re ready and want it, it can be done. I’ve already said, without exaggeration, that I’m ready to conduct reform, but not at the expense of our neighbours. Not long ago, sociological polls showed that people were in favour of reform. However, on having reform explained to them, they were not so sure: increased retirement age, less subsidised medicine and education, and so on. If you’re ready, we can move to this system within six months. It is possible. However, here, in this hall, we have the former Ukrainian president. He’ll tell you how reforms of recent years have been conducted in Ukraine and what state his country’s health care system is in. It’s a subject close to my heart. With this in mind, let’s learn from others’ mistakes. Once a child goes to kindergarten, there’s a cost involved. Do you want to pay for this? You pay so little at present, as almost everything is financed from the state budget. After kindergarten, children move on to school, and receive free meals there. The idea was introduced during the hard times of the Chernobyl disaster, when we had nothing to eat. At that time, I visited Gomel Region, where I saw that many families lacked enough food. We chose to feed children at kindergarten — offering them good dinners, to ensure their health. Since then, we’ve provided all schoolchildren with dinners. After finishing nine years at school, a teenager has the right to decide

EVENT where to continue his education: at a higher education establishment or at a technical college — to train in a specialty. Importantly, after graduating from university or college, the state guarantees each person’s first job. An alumnus has no need to search for employment, which can be a challenge. The state provides them with their first work place. In this way, people gain experience. Should we do away with this? What aspects of this system need reforming? We also hear that the spheres of agriculture and industry should introduce private ownership. We may be the last country left in the world yet to implement widespread private ownership. We can split land, distributing it among farmers, of which we have just over 3,000 at any one time, with some going and others starting up. At present, it’s a challenge to find a talented head for a major company. Do you wish to distribute land between these poor fellows — for them to dig it with shovels? Germans come to us and express envy. Asking them to explain, they reply that they would love to enjoy large parcels of land: of 10-20,000 hectares. They also admit that they would have collapsed long ago were it not for state support. At present, France and Germany lack this support. There have been strikes among villagers. It’s never been and never will be easy to work the land — regardless of your location in the world. We should all understand that it’s impossible to generate wealth from farming; all those starting up should understand this. Tell me, what should we change in the field of agriculture? We’ve been struggling for twenty years. What should we reform? We’ve been criticised for preserving our collective farms. Being frightened, we renamed them as major co-operatives, during the time of Mr. Sidorsky’s prime ministership. However, they worked collectively in the past and continue working in the same manner today.

Let’s turn to industry now. We only need those industrial enterprises which work well today and will continue to do so tomorrow. No one will pay huge money for them. We’ve proposed a price for our most promising company: Belaruskali. Its value is $32bln, as specialists agree. Has anyone bought a single share in it for this price? No. I’ve stated in public that we were offered a bribe of several billions of dollars for us to lower the price to $15-16bln. If I’d accepted, what would have I told people? If you desire this kind of privatisation, then conduct it without me. I won’t share out the legacy accumulated by the Belarusian nation over centuries. This has always ended with tragedy for the Slavonic people: a revolution or a civil war (or both). To all those ‘hot heads’ and reform promoters who press me to conduct reform, saying that I have enough public support, I’ve already replied: let’s first start with those who suggest this and will then see what to do further. However, they don’t like this idea, suggesting making everything at the expense of the neighbour, at the expense of the nation. My answer is ‘no’, at least for the coming five years of my presidency. I’ll try to develop this idea further in my State of the Nation Address to the Belarusian people, explaining the political and state order — including economic — proposed to us 20-25 years ago. In taking that path, we could have formed a group of wealthy people, with just 5-7 percent of the country’s population owning state wealth. The remainder would be poor. As the first president of the country, I don’t wish anyone to blame me, saying that I’ve behaved in such a way towards the state. I know poverty and hunger. I know of people who look at you with their mouths open and tears in their eyes. Remember this. I primarily address those who enjoy power in this country. Peace and social justice are mutually dependent. People can take any path; they enjoy favourable conditions for work and education, allowing them to reach their po-

tential and become true masters in their profession. This is our greatest achievement. We’ve spent so much blood, sweat and health to create this. This gives us a feeling of security and confidence in the future. Let those who’ve failed to vote for the present course enjoy this confidence as well. The opposite opinion — if dictated by sincere love for the Motherland — will always be heard. In turn, all reasonable ideas will be used and realised. Each person in our country enjoys the protection of the law and, accordingly, of the President. This is an unshakeable principle. Only through this we can achieve consolidation in society, promoting creativity. We’ll keep to this approach in the future. I've told you about children, and now I’ll speak about old people. You know our attitude and you know it very well. They are the stronghold of our country: without them, our country would not exist. You know what previously happened in the villages, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union, when old people (there were more than a thousand) were simply lost in villages and, even, in cities. In the cities, we somehow supported them, and created a system. In the villages, unclaimed district hospitals were repurposed as hospitals of nursing care. We gathered all the ‘abandoned’ old people, so that no one remained unaccounted for. No one! All those who had been left by their children, or who lacked children, were taken into these hospitals of nursing care for wintertime. Some were aged 80 or more, and some were unwell. They spend half of their pension on clothes, and on food. Many try to give us all their pension but I’ve strictly forbidden this. We only ask for half of their pension to support them, with the state paying the other half. Old people shouldn’t be forgotten by the state. These old people, being only 10km from their homes, can return there for the summer. They live longer as a result. It’s very

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EVENT lems, taking solutions to a higher level. The economy of the coming five years is changing dramatically, with much technological, administrative and innovative modernisation. The efficient management of the economy should be our main priority. At the same time, we require unconditional preservation of jobs and payment of worthy salaries. Our purpose, not in word but in deed, is to build an innovative economy: a knowledge-driven economy. In the future, our country aims to be

manity is the way of a social state. We cannot turn away from this path, having created it. Seeing difficulties, we cannot change our minds, letting it fall apart. It wouldn’t be wise. A wise nation would never make such reforms. Belarus has a handful of politicians who wish to stir up internal discord but even their own supporters reject their ideology of change. The majority reject their plans. Our recent elections once again proved to various forces, including those outside of our country, that the coercive conquest of Belarus via 'colour revolutions' and 'squares' has failed! This will never happen. In our quiet and safe country, we should solve major economic prob-

numbered among the most developed states. We’ll do everything possible to make Belarus one of the most attractive places for investment. Through co-operation with business circles in leading countries, and co-operative ties with our traditional partners, we intend to keep increasing our exports. At the same time, we’ll seek out new markets. In recent years, we’ve gained the most serious experience in this respect. A highly-developed economy will guarantee the independence of Belarus. We are building, as I note once again, a state for the people. Improving people’s quality of life will remain a priority, as will introducing the best in education, public health and social protection.

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difficult for them to be away from their homes; they would pine over time. We’ve chosen to follow the humane way, supporting old people. Do you want to change this system? Which capitalist or rich bourgeois person, forgive me for these classical expressions, will support these old people and children at his own expense? Only the state will do so! The state can do so and be proud, taking care of children and old people. Without such actions, there is no state. Nobody needs another kind of state than this. This path is unshakable. Simple hu-

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Systems of public health services and education will be preserved, whatever it takes. Without these, we’d lack knowledge, a knowledge-driven economy, and citizens. As ever, special attention will be given to strengthening the institution of the family: supporting parents with many children, and offering loans for housing construction. Culture, sports, science and youth programmes will receive new impulse for development. Our country is one of the few truly stable corners of the world. In quickly developing transport-logistic infrastructure, Belarus has become an essential transit corridor. A huge stream of goods moves through our country, and it will only rise. Belarus is a peaceful and benevolent country without any fantastic ambitions. We have one simple and clear desire: to build a quiet and happy life in our own house, in co-operation and commonwealth with all neighbours. We’ve never brought problems to our neighbours. We were always friendly, going openheartedly and with bread rather than a stone. It will continue to be so. We’ll continue to create the Union State with brotherly Russia, if it wants us to do so. We’ll develop close interaction with partners within the limits of the Eurasian Economic Union, while firmly defending our own interests. Belarus will continue to be an active player in the post-Soviet territory. This not only guarantees our well-being, but protects against threats. Peace and order is of supreme value to us. There can be nothing higher. If there is disorder, conflict or war, then people do not need bread, clothes, salaries, enterprises or reforms. Peace and order are vital. Leonid Kuchma can say more. We, I once again underline, will spare nothing to preserve peace and safety in our land. We’ll take steps to increase the efficiency of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Our relations with our strategic partner, great China, are developing quickly. I thank my close friend, Xi Jin-

EVENT ping, and the special delegation he sent to this inauguration. We spent three days together: working, debating and talking. I ask you to convey my warmest wishes to Xi Jinping for his support of the Belarusian people. We are developing our ties with states across Asia, Africa and Latin America. And we are seeing results. Belarus is open for co-operation as equals, in rights and friendship, with countries of the West, the USA and the European Union, if they wish it. There are no obstacles to us turning the page on the past and starting modern relations from scratch. We’re ready to do so and count on the same readiness from our western partners. It’s great that good prospects have appeared in this direction recently. Meanwhile, some people, having heard or having seen our negotiations with representatives of the United States of America or the European Union, are screaming all the way to Vladivostok that I’m changing policy. As soon as people see our fraternal, warm feelings towards brotherly Russia, our native Ukraine, and other post-Soviet republics, we hear complaints from the West. Do not make us choose! Let us live calmly on this piece of land. We’ll ensure your interests: both in the East and the West. Belarus will do all that you want but don’t prompt us to choose between Russia and the West. We aren’t changing our policy. We want to live on our land, ensuring the vital interests of Belarusians here, on this piece of land. Please, note, we don’t want anything more. We don’t have vital interests in neighbouring states. We want a quiet and peaceful life. When we receive hints from the West to keep away from Russia, I always say that we cannot distance ourselves from Russia, from Ukraine, or Kazakhstan, because we were born one family. God predetermined this. How can this be broken? Yes, we have our own point of view. Yes, we have our own interests, as we’ve shown more than once. However, we have the same roots. I always say so.

I came to power in the mid-1990s with this ideology. How can I renounce it? No one should push us against the West from the East. We’ll continue normalising our relations with the West, because they are our neighbours too and we have economic interests there. We export 42 percent of our products to Russia, and over 50 percent to the EU. How can we look aside? And why, during this difficult time, would we push away from a multipronged foreign policy? We are the only corridor left through which the East and the West can freely move and co-operate. This is the answer I give to those who try to make us enemies of Russia, and friends of the West. It may be our curse or our destiny; I don’t know. God has decided our place, at the centre of Europe, at the crossroads of all roads. This road is not always safe. It’s often ‘hot’. We need to be wise politicians to avoid being burnt, or ‘boiled and eaten’. We’ll continue our peaceful foreign policy, as we know the value of Russia for us. We know what the West means for us also, and will proceed from our own interests or those of our neighbours. The unity and purposefulness of our people, their openness and friendliness, and the clear course held by the administration of the country, has induced the West to look at Belarus from another angle. They have seen us as a decent partner. I once again note that we welcome movement in this direction. We’ve always said that attempts to isolate Belarus, and other countries, will bring deadlock: a situation in which all lose. It’s easy to support sanctions, but very difficult to remove them and to return to normality. We don’t need to back ourselves into a corner. The recent history of Belarus has shown this. Our country is the safest and most reliable connecting Europe and Asia. These two civilisations will come closer, because there are no alternatives to integration processes. Opposition

between the West and the East would only escalate conflict, humanitarian catastrophes, a sharp fall in the standard of living and general degradation. Regarding neighbouring Ukraine, some have vital interests there. However, innocent people who’ve not been able to leave Donbass are suffering, while Leonid Kuchma, in Minsk, is applying every effort to bring peace there. What have old people and children done wrong? If people want to shoot others, why don’t they go to a field and ‘shoot’ at each other there. Leave alone those who wish to live peacefully. Our policy was defined at our Independence Palace, and at our Palace of Peace. All now understand that Belarusians are tolerant. We are an open nation, promoting mutual understanding and co-operation across the continent. We aim to link states and people. I see this as one of my major duties as President. If I achieve this task, it will bear rich fruits: for Belarus, and for our neighbours and other countries. We all need to appreciate what’s important and act to realise it: our future is in our hands. We must solve problems from the inside, instead of looking ‘outside’. Only persistent work, common sense and wisdom will promote our development. Belarusians, please don’t take offence at my calling some of you lazy. I’ll continue to seriously push you. It’s not always the authorities at fault, with citizens being always in the right. Before you judge others, look at yourself. Have you done everything in your power to ensure the happiness and success of yourself, your family, your relatives, friends, fellow countrymen and the state? Probably not. Let us start by reforming ourselves. If we begin by looking at ourselves, we’ll stop talking about reform and will simply live well. We’ll avoid demolishing existing political and economic systems. The ancients said: ‘When people are united, they are invincible’.

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Our history and experience obliges us to revere consent in society. We must be united: a single body of Belarusians. We open up a new page in the history of Belarus. It will be very substantive and interesting. In order to successfully move further we’ll need to use our reserves. We need to show our self-possession, selflessness, determination and talent. In one word, we need to show our best qualities and that inner spiritual core due to which our nation came out of any situations as a victor, because it always believed in its powers and harnessed them. Dear friends, I’d like to repeat again that, of course, we all want to live well. To live normally is a normal desire, a normal requirement of people towards authorities. Moreover, we all want to live very well. However, I’d like to stress again that everything depends on us. If we work better we will live better. This is a simple formula which no one was able to disprove. Dear friends! Of course, I’m an ordinary man, and you understand this well. I haven’t ever been involved in self-promotion, and there hasn’t ever been some ‘showing off ’. If I work somewhere during subbotnik [a day of unpaid labour] I take a shovel and work in front of your eyes. If I play sometimes on football or ice hockey

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field I do this as I can. No one ‘makes’ me there. This is my ironclad rule. If one begins self-promotion the nation would easily see who you are and this will bring only harm. I’m an ordinary person, so, like you, I can make mistakes. However, I always set an ironclad task in front of me — not to allow systematic mistakes. We haven’t allowed them with you. There were different periods. Probably, we’ve made wrong steps somewhere but time will pass and history will assess and the nation will assess. Nevertheless, in my opinion, we haven’t allowed mistakes. Meanwhile, you should remember one thing (I know that the overwhelming majority here, if not everyone, are my supporters): I won’t ever betray you! As a person I’m not able to betray. I believe that it’s better to be killed on the battlefield than to betray one’s own nation, one’s own ideas and everything one has promised. I’d like to declare from this high tribune: this hasn’t happened in the twenty years of my service to you and our people and our state, and this won’t ever happen. The last thing is that I’ve always protected and will continue protecting you and your children! Yes, I’m strict, and will be demanding of the nation, as I’ve always said. If I were not, we wouldn’t withstand this disorder. We’d be broken into pieces

and dispersed, as happened in the mid1990s, when Western Belarus was supposed to ‘go there’, and Eastern Belarus ‘here’; Polesie was supposed to become the Independent Polesskaya Republic. If anyone has forgotten this, just dip into the mid-1990s and recall that, at that time, we managed to stop the trend within a month by electing a president. I’ve fulfilled my major obligation to our Belarusian nation. If you lack ‘authority’ and need the protection of the state, and of the President, I’m always at your disposal. I understand that certain people voted for me taking into account my future plans and actions. This is a natural thing, especially during the Presidential elections. I am saying all this in case someone doubts that the right person was elected. You’ve made the right decision. This is not because I’m an exceptional person, or because I’m a man with exceptional wits. There’re enough people in this hall who are able to become presidents of our country. It’s because we do not owe anything to anyone. We didn’t launder money during the pre-election campaign; we managed to spend little for the organisation of the elections. I did not give any promises in the East or in the West, in America or in Africa. We’ve held these elections independently, like we have been doing for these more than twenty years. It’s the greatest achievement when the President wins thanks to the people, when the people elect him, when money does not play any role and billions are not injected in the election campaign, with money being laundered and put into pockets. This is the greatest foundation for us to do what we have to do for our nation. When the next presidential election comes, please, look whose money and people are behind a candidate. I have neither strangers nor money in my team. I rely on you, the Belarusian people. And I am ready to serve you as long as the nation trusts me, till the last breath. Thank you! Minsk. Independence Palace November 6th, 2015

EVENT

Guests of President Alexander Lukashenko’s inauguration ceremony speak: Sergei Lebedev, the Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee — CIS Executive Secretary: Inauguration is an interim stage in Belarus’ steady development. This is a continuation of consistent policy of your country and, of course, of your President, aiming to develop and to create conditions for people’s better life, alongside education and culture. We are all witnesses to positive changes in the life of Belarus. We see that despite economic difficulties on a global scale and some actions against Belarus, the country is developing. During the recent elections the Belarusian nation has clearly supported to continue this course, by giving credence to Alexander Lukashenko.

Andrea Wiktorin, Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus: I hope that Belarus and the European Union will continue developing their relations across those areas in which they take interest, and will apply joint effort for this. Actually, Belarus and the EU do have common interests which are expressed in joint projects. These deal with interaction in the sphere of environment protection, as well as in other areas. Previously I’ve already worked in Belarus, from 20002003, and I wished to return to you. I’m happy that I’m here. I enjoy watching your development and I like your people. I’m greatly impressed how Minsk has changed over the time of my absence. I hope I will have time to see the whole country.

Leonid Kuchma, ex-President of Ukraine: Each time I arrive in Minsk, it is with great pleasure. During my presidency, I often visited Minsk, so can compare. Minsk, and your country as a whole, has significantly improved; you should be proud. I see cleanliness and order in your cities and villages, well-cared-for fields, and modern architecture, and my soul simply rejoices. I’d like to wish the same stability to Ukraine and to all countries and nations. The Ukrainians are now walking a path one wouldn’t wish for anyone. According to the UN data, during this time of military conflict, more than 8,000 people have been killed in the country. In reality, this figure is probably greater.

I’m pleased that the inauguration ceremony is being held in such a symbolical place, since the foundations of stability, which outlined in Ukraine with the pull-out of heavy armament, have been laid in the Independence Palace during the ‘Normandy Four’ negotiations.

Cui Qiming, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus: I think that with President Alexander Lukashenko’s re-election a new page will be opened in our relations and they will be developing even quicker. China and Belarus are very good friends and kind trustworthy partners. You learn something from us while we can also borrow something useful from you. This is correct. Our nations are connected by strong friendship. For more than twenty years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Belarusian-Chinese co-operation has been developing steadily and dynamically, on the principles of mutual respect. Our relationships have received a new impetus after the exchange of top level visits this year. The leaders of the two states have reached important agreements aimed at further strengthening of the comprehensive strategic partnership. We’re ready to move further in this direction.

Yergali Bulegenov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Belarus: Our countries have traditionally boasted the relations of strategic partnership: complete understanding and kind trustworthy relations between the presidents. We step forward with many integration initiatives, so the plans for the future are great. Of course, the situation isn’t easy and the world is suffering from the crisis. However, all things must pass, I’m an optimist in this respect. By 2025, all issues, which should be settled for full opening of our borders for goods and labour force, will be left in the past. The Eurasian Economic Union will become an association, having a solid weight. It already has its political weight today when many countries try to establish close relations with the EAEU. Meanwhile, when the Eurasian Economic Union becomes operational at full strength, it will turn into one of the most powerful inter-state associations on the planet.

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EVENT

Loyal sons of the Fatherland Speech of the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the ceremony of soldiers swearing allegiance We value our native land. We will be united, persistent and insistent in our creative endeavours. We will be principled and decisive in defending national interests. We have always declared and will continue to declare that we have never threatened anyone and never will. Our military goal is to protect our piece of land where a branch of the Slavonic people — Belarusians — has lived since times immemorial. It is a pure, beautiful and educated nation. We will not give away an inch of our land. We won’t threaten our neighbours and other countries. We don’t need someone else’s, but we will not give away what is ours. However, we should remember that, while we shall not threaten anyone, any 'who come to us sword in hand, by the sword shall perish’, as our great ancestor said. We, men in uniform, are here primarily for this purpose. We will sacrifice our lives in protecting our country, our families and our loved ones. If we are true men, we will not allow anyone to invade our land and to molest our children, the elderly and women. With our lives we should protect our country where the peaceful and prosperous nation will live. Our country will continue honouring its peacekeeping commitments as part of international treaties and agreements. Belarus’ safe future depends only on us and no one else. For the sake of successful development of the country we have everything necessary: a centuries-old national culture, moral values, economic and scientific potential. And most of all we have excellent and worthy people. Today representatives of all power-wielding agencies, able to ensure peaceful conditions for creation and labour, are standing together here. I’m convinced that under your reliable protection, our protection all of us will work together to overcome any difficulties and to achieve goals of the largest scale for the benefit of our common home — the Republic of Belarus. Long live the hard-working Belarusian nation and our glorious defenders of the Fatherland. Hoorah! Belta

Soldiers and sergeants, cadets and warrant officers, officers and generals! Dear compatriots and guests of our Belarusian land! Leading the country is a great and huge responsibility before the nation and Fatherland. The president’s assumption of office always heralds a new stage in the country’s life and another historic period of time, upon which the society pins its hopes for the future. Together we’ve already done a lot on the complicated way of state establishment and development. In our creative endeavours we’ve been united by love for the Motherland, confidence in our strength and ambitions to secure public welfare. All these years the national security system guaranteed the protection of the peaceful work of the Belarusian nation against any threats. Today Belarus is a fully-fledged, respectable member of the international community, ready to protect its sovereignty against encroachments. It’s a country of high social standards where stability and civil accord have been secured. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Belarusian Armed Forces I primarily prioritise the reliable protection of our country’s interests, its constitutional principles and territorial integrity. The world

around us has not become any better. This fact negatively affects Belarus. However, we’ll definitely preserve our country.

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Minsk, Square of the State Flag November 6th, 2015

FORUM

Health strategy outlined in Minsk New approaches to health care issues discussed at National Olympic Committee headquarters during European ministerial World Health Organisation conference, gathering ministers, acknowledged professors and globally known doctors to report on how the WHO’s Health-2020 programme is being realised

he President of Belarus met foreign guests at the event in Minsk, which was the first top-level medical forum for the capital, in terms of geography and number of participants. Around 200 VIP guests travelled from over 30 countries to come to Belarus. On the eve of the conference, Alexander Lukashenko met the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, who noted great interest in Belarusian achievements in the field of healthcare. She believes that these are gaining a global reputation among foreign specialists, who are keen to tour centres and clinics. The Health-2020 strategy (developed in 2012) envisages investments into health at all stages of life, from birth. It aims to strengthen the healthcare system and to ensure accessibility to all layers of society. In this respect, our country can act as an example. Some time ago, the situation was different, since the early years of independence saw Belarus facing serious difficulties. Hospitals and polyclinics lacked medicines, qualified staff and finances. It was a challenge to persuade qualified medical professionals to move to the regions, and the situation was especially acute in rural areas.

As a result, the birth rate fell and mortality figures rose. However, unlike other post-Soviet republics, Belarus did not pursue a path of market reform, focusing on giving ordinary people equal access to medical services. “In Belarus, people are not left dying by the roadside if they have no insurance. We treat everyone,” Mr. Lukashenko stresses. The country spends a great deal on health care; last year, almost 6 percent of its GDP. In addition, sponsors also make significant financial contributions. Over the past five years, over 130 medical sites have launched, and 17 Republican scientific-practical centres operate, worthily rivalling foreign institutions. Our doctors can perform the most complicated operations — including in the field of

cardio-surgery and organ and tissue transplantation. Gradual modernisation has been evident, as has the construction of new sites and the use of the latest high-tech equipment, producing significant results. Even most advanced states envy us in this respect. Belarus is among the top five countries for low infant and maternal mortality — behind Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. This year, not a single case of maternal mortality has been registered so far. As regards tuberculosis, Belarus is ahead of Finland, Switzerland, Austria and Norway. Meanwhile, our country ensures the same access to medical services as Canada. The country has almost closed the ‘demographic scissors’. Since 2006, our birth rate has risen to 12.5 per capita, with a steadily falling mortality coefficient and production of new medicines. Of course, health care responsibility is of primary importance, and Belarus is working to overcome the ill effects of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, hypodynamia and non-balanced nutrition. Mr. Lukashenko believes the nation’s health directly depends on the level of our physical culture development and has set ambitious tasks. He stresses, “We need to ensure that up to 40 percent of the population take part in sports. A

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Belta

FORUM

The Director of the World Health’s Organisation’s Regional Office for Europe answers the journalists’ questions

healthy lifestyle will become Belarus’ calling card.” Truly, the nation’s health is not just a social imperative but affects our demographic and economic security. With this in mind, Belarus fully supports WHO initiatives. Our success within the Health-2020 programme is globally acknowledged. It was interesting to find out conference participants’ impressions. Latvia’s Health Minister, Guntis Belevics, commented, “We originate from a single country but chose different paths after its collapse. In 2008, the crisis broke and we had to sharply cut our health care expenditure. We’re yet to restore the previous level, with Latvia allocating half the amount that Belarus does. Our people have to pay for a great deal themselves and we only produce five percent of our own medicines, having to import the rest. Meanwhile, you’ve increased your own production to 51 percent. Belarus should be rightly proud.” Helsinki University Professor Ever Karienti added, “Health care in Belarus and Finland hardly differs. Probably, we have more experience in developing some medical services. However, as regards key indicators, you’ve been productive. Belarus stands well within the international arena, as can be confirmed by any foreign expert.” The Minsk event allowed discussion of new ideas and developments with European colleagues. A co-ordinated approach has been laid out within

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the Minsk Declaration: to become an important instrument in realising the Health-2020 European policy. As to why Minsk was chosen to promote such a global idea. The Director of the World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, admits that the achievements of Belarusian medicine, especially in recent years, have played a decisive role. She explains, “What remains a dream for many countries is already a reality for you. I refer to the high availability of medical services and very low maternal and infant death rates, as well as immunization figures, which are among the best in Europe. You should share your experience, as many states are keen to learn from your achievements.” International experts of the highest level have shown their eagerness to visit: last year, according to Ms. Jakab, Belarus became the first country to demonstrate its healthcare opportunities to specialists from the WHO and the UN. Their recommendations are already being launched into practice. The WHO has been citing Belarusian medicine as an example to others, since we are an example within the CIS in most every way regarding healthcare. Even some highly-developed EU states do not surpass us. In terms of child mortality and TB prevalence, we’re ahead of Switzerland, and are unrivalled within the CIS in terms of reducing the spread of HIV /

AIDS and the coverage of antiretroviral therapy, as well as developments in maternity and childhood protection and transplantology. Interest in the Belarusian model of healthcare was so great among delegates at the conference that tours were offered of any facility. The leadership of WHO’s Regional Office for Europe chose to tour the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Oncology and Medical Radiology (named after N.N. Alexandrov) which recently opened Eastern Europe’s largest PET-centre. Some might argue that we are limited in how far we can improve health since negative factors in the womb, and then in childhood, affect the brain and our DNA, marking us for future disease. What role does a happy childhood play? Or maternal well-being during pregnancy? How important is the feeling of control over one’s own life? Such issues all came under discussion by European medical experts. The UK’s Sure Start children’s centres help women from ‘problem’ families while Ireland focuses on positive ageing via its Age-Friendly Cities and Counties programme. Meanwhile, Belarus is keen to promote the global initiative of breast feeding: to help prevent childhood obesity, heart problems, diabetes, and allergies and to enhance intellectual abilities. It is one of WHO’s Health-2020 initiative. By Alexander Pimenov

MAJOR LINE

Direction of concrete actions Afterword to the session on topical aspects of country’s development

o drastic change is required, only further improvement, with ever rising standards being set, for the Government, heads of regions and state agencies. The main goal is to enhance public welfare; progress in this sphere should be noticeable by next year.

Mr. Lukashenko commented that the Government for the next five-years, and all Government agencies were mainly formed before the Presidential elections, enabling people to see who will be working for the benefit of the country after an election (if a certain president were elected). Some change is possible, for instance, if someone fails to demonstrate their ability in a certain field. The most important quality is for a person to have vision.

The President emphasised, “Each head of branch must prove his ability to manage, as must all high ranking officials wishing to continue for this new five-year term. This especially relates to the Government, the Presidential Administration, the Security Council and power structures. It refers to all power branches. It will be impossible to work in the old way, not only because we are up against time but because I demand

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MAJOR LINE this. I’ll be paying attention to members of the Government and governors. The sovereignty and security of our country depends on our economy. The Government, governors and subordinated structures are responsible for our economy.” The President has demanded concrete plans of action from those in charge of ministries, and people are waiting in anticipation. They’ve supported the current power during elections and would like to know how life is going to become better. Mr. Lukashenko explained, “A critical mass of expectation has accumulated in society. We don’t have the right to ignore these expectations.” The President believes that today is the best time for efficiency, with energy prices and those for raw materials being lower than ever before. Meanwhile, we boast high technologies and welltrained specialists. There has been much speculation about reform of late and the state’s position remains unchanged: no major change is planned, only improvement, with no sharp or unpopular measures. Mr. Lukashenko underlined that the major requirements towards heads at all levels are well-known, and that executive discipline is to the fore. If some structures need optimisation, this should be reflected in executives’ plans and through the raising of salaries. The President noted, “By the end of next year, our level of salaries should be significantly improved; it’s our major goal.” The President openly warned the participants of the session that hard work lies ahead, and that there will be no place to hide. He stressed, “We need to open a new page in developing our state and should open it together: fairly, principally, worthily and responsibly. Most serious tests lie ahead and it’s necessary to ensure further development while maintaining this sovereign and independent country we’ve created together.”

Speaking to the point David Rotman, Director of the BSU Centre for Sociological and Political Research: It’s true that a mass of expectations has accumulated in society, which need to be satisfied. People are expecting change for the better. It’s an acute issue but the situation is not critical. Problems always exist, and stability presupposes that we adapt to the times. The President is absolutely correct in saying that positive changes should happen, and that problematic situations should be removed. In this respect, it’s vial and natural to state that reform in Belarus aims to improve the existing order without damaging what has been already created.

Boris Panshin, Professor of the BSU Economics Faculty: Contemporary economics and dynamics of change place requirements on our professionalism. It’s difficult not to agree with the President in this respect, since some people do fall short in occupying managerial positions. They are the major force ‘guiding’ state policy and our expectations are high. Their work is called ‘service’, requiring devotion and commitment. Our officials need to show professionalism, since mistakes cost dearly. World experience shows that new equipment can ensure 20 percent of success, as can new raw materials, while those in management positions account for 60 percent of success.

Anatoly Akantinov, Director General of the Marketing Systems Strategic Development Centre: Exports are vital to our country, to ensure improved living standards. We need to manufacture as much as possible, while maintaining quality. Our ‘World of Tanks’ computer game is a successful example of quality rather than quantity. If we focus on tourism, making our country more attractive than that of our neighbours, tourists will come, proving our degree of quality. We need to accentuate progressive technologies, both in production and in promotion to sales markets. We can form alliances with other countries in certain directions, seeking out where our interests intersect, to serve mutual advantage. Exports are an indicator of economic efficiency.

Andrey Rusakovich, political expert: Without exaggeration, executive discipline is a key element of development. As far as the political development of society and of the country is concerned, decisions tend to be adopted via consensus. Meanwhile, technological production processes rely on good executive discipline to achieve success and be competitive. Every branch needs to do its part, since we are members of a competitive global economy.

By Vladimir Khromov

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Andrey Yanushko (centre) with colleagues, discussing treatment for a patient Belta

Masters of affairs of the heart

Grodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre doctors at work

Much time has passed since Minsk could claim to be the only place in Belarus boasting the latest medical technologies. For several years, hitech surgeries have been successful across the regions, and the range of their scope is ever growing: especially important for patients with critical heart problems. Previously, patients from Grodno Region suffering from a dissected thoracic aorta were obliged to rush to the capital. Unfortunately, not all survived the long trip. Now, these and many other surgeries are held at the Grodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre, saving people’s lives.

rodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre is a modern medical institution equipped with the latest technologies, and conducting almost all types of cardiac surgery, including cardiovalvulotomy, and surgeries on coronary arteries and greater vessels. Its doctors are a unique combination of youth and experience. Of its 10 surgeons, four are studying for the second year, having graduated from the

medical university. They are entering the highest caste of their sphere, becoming cardiac surgeons. The others are professionals who have years of training behind them, including two-year clinical studies at the Scientific and Practical Centre of Cardiology, and at leading clinics in Europe. The region’s cardiology has acquired a new round of development with the introduction of a new сardiosurgical building, funded by a regional investment programme. It’s also a platform for active co-operation with foreign colleagues: surgeons from the Netherlands have

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SOCIETY come on a work-exchange programme, sharing their experience of hi-tech surgeries to treat arrhythmias, operating on 25 patients. Grodno is one of only a handful of regional centres offering valve replacement surgery using ‘key-hole’ techniques. The head doctor of the Grodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre, Tamara Dolgoshey, tells us, “Such surgeries require the highest surgical skill but are least invasive, enabling much faster healing and recovery. People can return to work more quickly, and it saves state money spent on treatment. Unsurprisingly, these surgeries are very much in demand.” The deputy head doctor for cardiac surgery, Andrey Yanushko, conducts ‘key-hole’ surgeries in Grodno. Two such were even broadcast online for Belarusian, Russian and Israeli colleagues, during a seminar on this technique, hosted by Grodno. Several small (about 5cm) incisions are used to access parts of the body. Few clinics worldwide have been able to offer such operations, until recently: only those in the USA, Germany and Israel. However, three years ago, the Scientific and Practical Centre of Cardiology began using the method, followed by the Grodno Regional Clinical Heart Centre. Last year, about 30 surgeries were achieved using the new technique. The Centre has been managing to treat more patients with each year that passes: from 200 in 2013 to 349 in 2014, and 400 this year so far. The figure should hit 500 by New Year. Doctors say that regional executive power support has been vital in purchasing necessary equipment, including at the end of last year, when much equipment was acquired for ‘key-hole’ surgeries. Residents of Grodno Region are the primary beneficiaries but patients from other regions and, even, neighbouring states do receive treatment. This year alone, five Russian patients, from Ukraine and Armenia, have received surgery (at a cost of approximately $10,000). Of course, such operations are free for Belarusians. Previously, only Minsk offered a wide range of surgeries but these are now being offered in Grodno, such as cardiovalvulotomies, in combination with surgeries to restore heart rhythm (magnetic techniques). Surgeons have helped 15 patients and have experience across two main zones: arteries supplying the heart and brain with blood. There used to be two brigades of surgeons, one cardio and one vascular, but the ‘job’ is now combined, with a single surgeon able to perform. Grodno cardiac surgeons are technically ready to conduct heart transplants but the number required is still modest enough for Minsk’s Scientific and Practical Centre of Cardiology to cope. However, it’s good for the team in the capital to feel the support of nearby colleagues. By Ivan Ivanov

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At the heart of weellbeing Strong health and lack of bad habits are major indicators of wellbeing for 70 percent of Belarusians — as indicated by InformationAnalytical Centre’s sociological poll

igh salaries and material independence are at the second place, being cited by 64.5 percent of Belarusians, while strong families are at the third place as an indicator of wellbeing, noted by 63 percent of respondents. Meanwhile, 59.5 percent voted for positive human characteristics, behaviour and education. Love and respect were named by 53 percent of Belarusians, and 30 percent opted for a successful career and high status. During another sociological poll, most Belarusian citizens (77 percent) said that the country primarily needs order and stability. Maintaining living standards was mentioned by 51.5 percent of respondents and 49 percent focused on medical services. The state’s sovereignty and independence is cited by 49 percent, while the quality of food and industrial products is mentioned by 45.5 percent. Achievements in the field of socially oriented state policy are important to 39 percent, while the successes of Belarusian sportsmen are cited by 34.5 percent. Both sociological polls, held from September 30th to October 7th, covered all regional centres of Belarus and the city of Minsk, in addition to district cities and villages.

PROJECT

Dreams can change the world

lmost three quarters of a century ago such a dream was born out of the ashes of the worst catastrophe the world had ever experienced. The dream became a cause because it was far greater than its source. The cause became a movement when it embraced diversity in the pursuit of a common purpose. The movement became a global transformation because it united peoples and nations in the quest for a better life for all. The United Nations 70 years ago was just such a dream. The United Nations turned 70 on 24 October 2015, the day when its Charter came into effect. Belarus (the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic) was one of the signatories of the UN Charter in June 1945. The organisation was founded following World War II:

At the presentation of the UN concert in Grodno. (From left to right) Representative of Grodno Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Kravtsov, the UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus Sanaka Samarasinha and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valentin Rybakov

 to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and  to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and  to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and  to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. But as wars continue to displace millions around us, poverty continues to permeate across continents, terrorism endangers the fabric of our global society, diseases spread easily across national borders and climate

change threatens our very existence, one could be forgiven for wondering whether the determination of our forefathers that a global partnership would bring peace and prosperity to everyone is nothing but an unattainable and ill-defined aspiration. Despite many challenges though, and through much adversity “we the peoples” of the United Nations still zealously cling to the belief that what binds us together as one civilisation must be preserved at any cost. Survival of humanity depends on it. “A stronger UN, a better world” we say with conviction. The United Nations has worked in Belarus since 1992. Currently there are eight resident agencies and a number of non-resident agencies working with Belarus to achieve its development agenda. The areas of work are expansive: climate change, environment protection and energy

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Belta

To celebrate the United Nations 70th anniversary and the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015, the UN in Belarus along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus launched the train on 23 October from Minsk Railway Station to bring the UN and SDGs closer to people by visiting seven cities in eight days.

PROJECT efficiency; migration and asylum; economic and local development; human trafficking and domestic violence; health, in particular HIV/ AIDS/ TB and recently non-communicable diseases; child protection and responsible parenthood; democratic governance and human rights; Chernobyl Consequences, gender equality and much more.

around the globe helped shape these goals through a conversation that defined a compact to create the world we want. Millions more now need to work together to make these goals a reality for those in need. The idea came from the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development — or Rio+20 Summit in 2012. It resulted in a focused politi-

Grodno Youth Center lits up in the UN blue color

Belarus as a founding member of the United Nations and one of its most robust proponents through both its words and its actions has helped to make the UN stronger on the global stage. At the same time, effective collaboration in-country between the UN and the Government and other stakeholders, combined with the generous support of other member states such the EU countries, Russia and the US has seen tangible benefits to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in the country. In September this year, on the eve of the 70th Anniversary of the UN, all the world’s leaders committed to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. If achieved, they will bring transformational change of historic proportions to billions of us on the planet now, as well as untold future generations. Millions

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cal outcome document “The Future We Want” which contains clear and practical measures for implementing sustainable development. In Rio, Member States decided to launch a process to develop a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals, which will build upon the Millennium Development Goals and converge with the post-2015 development agenda. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were the world’s timebound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. The SDGs replace the MDGs, which in September 2000 rallied the world around a common 15-year

agenda. With the job unfinished for millions of people — we need to go the last mile on ending hunger, achieving full gender equality, improving health services and getting every child into school. The Global Goals aim to shift the world onto a sustainable path with 2030 as the target date. The UN70 Belarus Express for SDGs was a shared dream of the UN and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus. But, it too, like the UN itself has proven to be a dream far greater than its source. It is a dream we believe that shaped a cause through a myriad conversations among people who do not always talk to each other and has now prompted a vigorous movement that we believe will result in a robust partnership for sustainable and transformational development change for the people of Belarus and beyond.. We are determined that the SDGs for the people, by the people and of the people now could only be achieved if we jointly charter a course for its implementation. A mammoth national effort is needed if we are to leave no one behind in this noble but challenging venture. A change that brings peace, happiness and prosperity for people and planet. During the 8-day journey that commenced in Minsk on October 23 and finished on October 30 at the same destination, the UN 70 Belarus Express for SDGs visited seven cities and touched the hearts and minds of more than 150,000 people directly, while countless others were reached though media. The activities included film shows, theatre, musical concerts, sports events, talk shows, workshops, exhibitions, master classes, hackathons and even international cooking and diplomacy events and fashions shows dedicated to protecting bio-diversity. Among many activities, some of the important events included the planting of a Tree of Peace and Sustainable Development by the President, opening of a historical exhibition about 70 years of partnership

PROJECT between the UN and Belarus, cancellation of a stamp dedicated to UN70, signing of the UNDAF 2016-2020, signing of a declaration in support of the SDGs and UNDAF by all the country’s Governors, launching of the UNDP National Human Development Report in Mogilev, screening of clips in cinemas about UN70 and SDGs, a travelling international cultural fair with the participation of member states and much more. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the Republic of Belarus for 20162020 is the second joint strategy of the UN organisations acting in Belarus. The UNDAF has been prepared by the United Nations Country Team in Belarus in consultation with the Government of the Republic of Belarus, civil society, private sector, vulnerable groups, and national and international partners, with the aim of promoting and protecting human rights and improving lives of the people of Belarus. The strategic areas will set the main direction and scope of action of the UN development assistance to Belarus in cooperation with the Government over the next five years, and include:

On October 24 a concert was held at Grodno Drama Theatre on the day of the 70th Anniversary of the UN with music and dance performances from more than 20 countries. The audience also heard real stories from people the UN serves like refugees, people with disabilities, people living with HIV, people fighting domestic violence and human trafficking and survivors of Chernobyl. At the same time, iconic Belarusian building like the National Library in Minsk and the Grodno Drama Theatre were illuminated in blue as part of the “Turn the World UN Blue” campaign.

1. Inclusive, Responsive and Accountable Governance; 2. Sustainable Economic Development; 3. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Environmental Management Based on the Green Economy Principles; 4. Sustainable Human Capital Development: Health, Education, Social Inclusion and Protection, Comprehensive Post-Chernobyl Development. 5. The UNDAF 2016-2020 will be implemented through a joint UNCT work plan, the country cooperation frameworks and programmes of individual UN agencies, as agreed upon with the Government and within the UNDAF context.

Among the famous landmarks taking part in this campaign were the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the Great Wall of China, Russia’s Hermitage Museum, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. In each city we focused on different SDGs. Good Health in Grodno; Quality Education and Gender Equality in Brest; Reduced Inequalities in Gomel; No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities in Mogilev; Affordable and Clean Energy, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, in Vitebsk. And so, both in a spirit of celebration remembering our rich 70 year collective past, but also in a spirit of reflection of the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves until 2030, we are grateful to those of

you who undertook this historic journey around Belarus with us. But for those who didn’t make it, we still have a long road ahead of us and there is still time to hope on the “SDG train”. Everyone’s voice is important. Everyone’s dream must be celebrated. Everyone’s fears must be addressed. Everyone’s vulnerability must be recognised. Everyone’s potential contribution must be accounted. Through a mutually respectful dialogue that inherently seeks to understand each other, we will no doubt create a better world for our children than we found

Signing of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for Belarus for 2016-2020

ourselves. The world we want through the United Nations we have. As this amazing journey has come to an end in the capital city of Minsk we couldn’t help asking several questions to the inspirer and coordinator of the UN 70 Belarus Express for SDGs Sanaka Samarasinha, the UN Resident Coordinator/ UNDP Resident Representative. Q: Over the week in later October all Belarusians witnessed daily updates about unique initiative of the UN in Belarus — UN70 Belarus Express for SDGs. Why train? Where this idea came from? A: More than 16 years ago when I started to work for the UN during my first week I found a book in my office about the Beijing Express. In 1995, 200 women travelled 8,000 kilometres aboard a halfkilometre-long train from Warsaw via

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PROJECT Brest and Minsk to Beijing for the UN 4th Global Conference on Women. The whole initiative was organised by the UNDP. I was really inspired by the stories bonding and commitment to a single cause of those who joined the train. I told myself then, that one day I would launch a similar train. I didn’t know at that time to what it would be dedicated. I just love trains and I knew if we could get people to stay together for a few days, we would get to know each other and ourselves much better. Of course, none of this would have been possible if not for our main partners, the Ministry of

Q: Usually you have numerous events — seminars, workshops, trainings — conducted in Minsk. Why you decided to move in the regions this time? A: The UN 70 Belarus Express for SDGs mission was to bring people together and to give them a chance to talk to each other. Given the diversity of people we were aiming to include, I knew some of these people would never have a chance to even sit and talk to each other, never mind get to know each other. Moreover, our goal was also to bring the UN and SDGs closer to people in

A Warm Welcome to the Participants of UN70 Belarus Express For Sustainable Development Goals in Minsk

Foreign Affairs, Belarus Railways, several line ministries and all the Regional Committees. The key sponsors from the private sector such as Mobile Tele Systems (MTS), Coco-Cola Inc., Priorbank, Renaissance Hotel Minsk, Hotel Minsk, EPAM Systems, Belarusian National Bank, Conte, “Event Studio BonBon”, Onega, “Slodych”, Samsung, “Soundcafe”, Nagesh, “Mulberry Club” and donors like Sida, Sharapova Foundation, USAID, International Trade Centre, Russian Federation Embassy, OSCE, EU, Global Fund, GEF, Envsec, Embassy of the Republic of Poland, and our information partners: TUT.by, Belta and First Belarusian National Channel. And, of course, our volunteers and the children have made a valuable contribution to the preparations and implementation of the UN 70 Belarus Express.

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Belarusian cities. These SDGs were defined by people not just experts and politicians. The whole world helped to shape them through many face-to-face consultations and something called the “My World” survey where people identified what kind of world they wanted to live in by 2030. More than 15,000 people in Belarus participated in these consultations and survey. If we are going to achieve these goals, we are all going to have to work together. Not just the Government and international organisations. That’s why it was important to discuss with as many people as possible around Belarus how we are going to set about this monumental, yet critical task. Q: Who were the participants of your events in those regional centres?

A: We had thousands of participants from more than 40 countries. The President of the Republic of Belarus launched the whole initiative by planting a tree for Peace and Sustainable Development to mark the 70th Anniversary of the UN and presided at the signing of the UN’s Development Assistance Framework with Belarus for the next five years. Additionally, Ministers and other senior Government officials, parliamentarians, all the regional Governors, more than 100 NGOs, more than 25 private sector partners, more than 30 embassies, students, journalists, religious leaders from all faiths, artists and celebrities, representatives of vulnerable groups such as people living with disabilities, people living with HIV, victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, youth at risk, refugees and displaced persons and more than 240 UN staff from many agencies including the UN Secretary General’s Youth Envoy became a part of this truly historic journey. Q. What next? Which will be the next steps after the UN70 Belarus Express for SDGs made its final stop in Minsk? A: We need to get to work on the commitments we have made to ourselves and to each other. We have documented most of what has been said last week around the country about specific challenges and opportunities relating to different development goals. At the same time, each Governor of each Region signed a commitment to work together with the UN to achieve these goals by 2030. We will present the “voices of the people” to public officials of all levels at a conference in Minsk this month, where we will consider carefully then how the state and the UN will need to adjust what it does, where, when, with whom and how based on this feedback. At the same time, we will support Belarus in establishing a national mechanism to monitor progress on the implementation of the SDGs countrywide. This will include an interactive public engagement mechanism so that citizens can be fully involved in the development of their own communities and their country. The train was only the beginning! By Victor Mikhailov

REPUTATION

Belshina exports around 60 percent of its produce, with most heading to Russia. Recently, its exports have been supplemented with Germany, Austria, the Scandinavian states, Macedonia and Bulgaria

xperienced car lovers may remember a time when Belshina products didn’t enjoy a good reputation. The company offered a small range of tyres and their quality was variable. However, I can personally confirm that the stereotype is now obsolete. In the mid-November snow my car had not been prepared for the winter season, as I had not yet changed my summer tyres, making it risky to drive. I began searching for winter tyres but found nothing by the popular brands. As a result, I had to buy Belshina tyres and have been extremely pleased with them. In the winter, I managed to drive away from almost any bank of snow and even dragged out my friends’ car (with tyres by a globally famous brand). Since then, I’ve not been sceptical about the Belarusian company’s products and I’m not alone in my views. Belshina is steadily renewing its range and plans to attract new customers. Several years ago, the company launched a major technical modernisation worth hundreds of millions of Euros. It’s aimed at the industrial production of new tyre sizes, the increase of production volumes and enhancement of competitiveness. Although the modernisation is in full swing, it’s clear that a virtually new plant has been created on the site of the old Belshina. It enjoys the same

Belta

Brand with the quality mark

equipment as that used by leaders of the tyre industry and the single difference is the ‘recipe’ of rubber, kept a close secret by the company. I’ve often seen how tyres for passenger cars and trucks are produced. Each time, the process is mesmerising. An operator places two ‘wings’ of a tyre on a machine, while the remaining parts are produced automatically. As a result, it takes just 47 seconds to make the basic product, which then needs to be vulcanised before the tyre is ready for use. In the future, the production of vehicle tyres with up to 20-inch diameter is planned. As a result, the range of the Bobruisk company will expand so much, that any driver would be able to find the necessary tyres for their cars whether it be a city mini car or a large jeep. The company’s large tyre workshop has introduced into production, tyres for energy-efficient tractors — both Belarusian and foreign. These new tyres are able to withstand heavy loads while creating less stress on the soil. Belshina products can rival its competitors on the global market and, at present, has virtually fully implemented its international labour division: a part of its larger-sized manufacturing bears the brand of a globally known producer — Trelleborg; the Belarusian company produces tyres for this international group under its own brand. The super-large tyre plant plans to produce tyres for domestic lorries of up to 360

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COOPERATION

Transit attractiveness IRU ready to provide comprehensive assistance to automobile transport initiatives in Belarus

T tonne capacity, as well as foreign dump trucks. So far, only two companies in the world manufacture these, Belshina will rival them in the near future. After a long break, Belshina products are once again supplied to Tolyatti: the Belarusian company has been nominated as a general tyre supplier by AutoVAZ to equip new Lada-Vesta cars. Before signing the contract, the car producer stipulated that Belarusian tyres need to pass tests at a major Spanish testing station to ensure they compete favourably against known brands. Our tyres performed successfully with Bobruisk’s product even better than famous brands in some respects. Belshina exports around 60 percent of its produce, with Russia being its major buyer at the moment. The company realises that it needs to diversify its market, already conquering Brazil and Australia. Its sales to Serbia, Macedonia and Bulgaria have risen, and supplies to Germany, Austria and the Scandinavian states have been launched. Indonesia is now among the most promising markets and exports to Turkey have been renewed. Belshina is injecting huge funds into its modernisation and this strategy is fully paying for itself. Wise investment in technical re-equipment enables the company to occupy its place among the global leaders.

his was noted during the meeting between Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister, Anatoly Kalinin, and IRU delegation, led by Secretary General Umberto de Pretto. The IRU representatives expressed interest in further co-operation with Belarus. The IRU Secretary General mentioned high level of professionalism demonstrated by Belarusian trucking companies, which occupy the leading positions on the international market of freight transportation services. Participants of the meeting have also discussed the development of automobile transport and Belarus’ role in ongoing integration processes in the region, the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union, and the implementation of China’s Silk Road Economic Belt initiative. Meanwhile, the possibility of Belarus becoming an important part of the Belt taking into account the rapidly developing logistics system and the creation of the Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park was also mentioned. The park may become a transshipment hub for cargoes being moved from Asia to Europe. The IRU representatives were informed about promising development directions of the Belarusian automobile transport industry and about the country’s transit appeal, including in view of the geographical and geopolitical location. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) was founded in Geneva in 1948. It operates in over 100 countries representing interests of passenger and freight automobile transport operators, as well as taxi service operators, at the national, regional and international levels. The IRU is intent on facilitating sustainable development of automobile transport, including by means of introducing innovations and professional training of the personnel.

By Pavel Minakov

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REFORM

Banknotes to have four zeros fewer... Rouble denomination scheduled for July 1st, 2016 — in line with Belarusian President’s decree

anknotes in circulation (of 2000) will be replaced by banknotes and coins of 2009 — with the ratio of Br10,000 per one Rouble. Simply speaking, Belarusian banknotes will have four zeros cut. As a result, the lowest nominal of the Br100 banknote will be replaced by the lowest nominal of new money: 1 Kopeck. Starting from July 1st, 2016, seven nominal will be put into circulation: of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Roubles, in addition to eight nominal of coins — of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 и 50 Kopecks, as well as 1 Rouble and 2 Roubles. The overall concept of new banknotes meets ‘My Land is Belarus’ slogan. The National Bank explains that each banknote is devoted to a certain region of the country and the city of Minsk. For none of them to feel ‘offended’, regions are chosen in the alphabetic order: a Br5 banknote is devoted to Brest Region, Br10 — to Vitebsk Region, Br20 — to Gomel Region, Br500 — to Minsk. Interestingly, the design of new banknotes is not changed drastically: monuments of architecture and city planning are laid in its basis. From July 1st until December 31st, 2016, it will be allowed to use both old and new money. In the coming five year — from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2021 — old banknotes will be replaced for new in any sum without limitation, with no commission fee paid. Moreover, this exchange will also be available from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2019 at the National Bank, banks and non-bank credit-financial organi-

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REFORM

… And will become more convenient sations of the country; from July 1st, 2020 to December 31st, 2021 — exclusively at the National Bank. From January 1st, 2022, money of the 2000 example will be invalid.

s the National Bank explains, the decision on denomination was made ‘to perfect monetary circulation, simplification of registration and settlements, sustaining of optimal banknote structure of the monetary stock, significant cut of state expenses to service cash monetary circulation’. It also comments that the denomination process is of a technical character — creating no impact on the Belarusian Rouble’s purchasing capacity, the national currency exchange rate and the actually set inflation level. With this in view, prices on goods and services will be recalculated in the 1:10,000 ratio starting from July 1st, 2016. For buyers to easier adapt to new changes, all economic entities will be obliged to fix two prices during the period of old and new banknotes simultaneous circulation. Salaries, allowances, scholarships, banking deposits, company balances will be recalculated under the same principle. Actually, the issue of denomination has many times been put high on the agenda. In 2014, on meeting media representatives, Alexander Lukashenko noted that the design of new coins and banknotes had been approved; these ‘would somehow resemble Euros’. He also stated then that denomination would be announced in Belarus six months before its launch. “Jointly with specialists, we’ll decide when this period is to come. It’s necessary to remain cautious in this issue. We are ready for denomination at any moment but even this technical step needs certain conditions. We should not observe a certain interest rate. In addition, the market should be free of worries — so that people feel calm. Moreover, the economy needs to experience no crisis,” the President said. By Marina Kudryavtseva

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NON-CASH PAYMENT

Belarus’ largest Banking Processing Centre — used by 14 banks and which has issued 9.5m cards — reveals some of its secrets to our reporter

t’s hardly possible to find a modern family not relying on banking cards for their day to day spending. Over 12.3m cards are in circulation in Belarus (up 500,000 over the last 12 months); in 2012, Belarusians held just 9.9m cards. No doubt, non-cash payments are convenient, especially now that most retailers accept them. They are great for travelling and allow us to

access allowances, salaries, scholarships, pensions and wages with ease. However, despite it appearing ‘easy’ (we think nothing of paying for souvenirs abroad by VISA), the process is quite complicated. When funds are taken from your account, they need to be sent to the exact ‘receiving’ bank account, with processing centres acting as bridges between coun-

Artur Prupas

Money likes order tries and banks. Card validity also needs to be verified, alongside the presence of adequate funds. International payments are just one of numerous avenues of banking activity. Some banks — like Priorbank and Belvnesheconombank — have their own processing centres, but most financial institutions in Belarus use the Banking Processing Centre: it serves around 78 percent of all Belarusian cards and a similar share of trade and service organisations which use payment terminals (connected to the Centre’s software complex). Work is continuous, with transfers being processed, including interbank settlements and those conducted at terminals, info-kiosks and cash machines. The Centre’s data processing systems work 24/7, processing up to 5.5m inquiries daily. In addition, over 10,000 banking cards are activated each day, including data held within magnetic strips and microprocessors. Meanwhile, non-contact cards, not requiring a terminal (only a special reader) are becoming more widespread. Specialists forecast that mobile phones, watches and other

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NON-CASH PAYMENT

devices using a micro-processor with a non-contact interface could become commonplace. The Centre acts as a public receiving office (also known as client servicing). A single operator can process over 10,000 calls monthly, while the Centre receives 450-490,000 in total each month. Employing around 40 employees, it takes most calls during the day, with a few at night. Specialists can block a card (at a holder’s request) if lost, or unblock a card after the user makes a three-time mistake in his PIN-code. Moreover, employees can inform of account balances and give advice on whether an operation has been carried out successfully (if a client has doubts). The Centre also helps trade and service organisations find out about their sales figures and can send repair technicians for terminals. Information support is not the main activity but the Centre aims to expand the number of places accepting card payment and is responsible for infrastructure development — providing terminals and cash machines to banks and other organisations.

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Trade and service enterprises — including individual entrepreneurs — can choose the best scheme for receiving and servicing equipment (taking into consideration their abilities and plans). Moreover, small businesses can purchase relatively cheap mobile terminals — known as M-POS — for use with smartphones and the Internet. The Banking Processing Centre already has 19 offices in regional centres and other large cities across the Republic. The Deputy General Director of the Banking Processing Centre, Yelena Odinochenko, explains that a group of risk-analysts daily work at the Centre, using specialised software to detect suspicious operations. If a card operation occurs in Belarus and then, an hour later, in Singapore (not

online but at an ordinary shop or cash machine), they are alerted. Evidently, it’s impossible to travel from Belarus to Singapore in such a short period of time, indicating criminal activity. In this situation, the Centre would block the card and inform the bank. In analysing fraud operations, the Centre may learn of card owners’ data being stolen in great volumes in a certain country. In this case, this country receives the status of a ‘high risk state’. If operations involving great sums are conducted outside Belarus in a high risk state, they are automatically viewed as suspicious. When the Centre’s systems detect cases of this kind, cards are immediately blocked and banks informed of the need to investigate. By Anna Osokina

Belarus’ figures:  As of July 1st, 42.7 percent of cards in Belarus were BELCARD, and 43.8 percent were VISA, with 13.5 percent run by Mаstercard. American Express cards are soon to be introduced for the first time in Belarus, offering additional services. In 2009, just 41 percent of card operations were cashless; now, this figure has reached 75 percent.

IN EXTREME CONDITIONS

Antarctic kitchen garden

Belarusian scientists able to grow vegetables on ice continent he Belarusian polar kitchen garden comprises two small greenhouses: around 1 square metre each. This hightech bio-complex of enhanced productivity grows salad, fennel, parsley, basil and other herbs. The technology has been developed at the National Academy of Sciences’ Centre of Photodiode and Optic Electronic Technologies, and at the V. Kuprevich Inst itute of E xperimental Botany. The establishments have provided arctic workers with seeds and special soil and instructed them on how greenhouses should be used.

“The Antarctic kitchen garden has met our expectations, so we are thankful to its developers,” says the Head of the 7th Belarusian Antarctic expedition, Alexey Gaidashov. Having just returned from the ice continent, he explains, “It’s great that polar researchers can eat greens. Their kitchen garden is experimental and not large but we plan to increase its size.” Russian colleagues appreciate

the development, having provided the Vechernyaya Gora (Evening Mountain) base to Belarusians for free use. The station has been operational since Soviet times. “They are our dear guests and, each time, we treat them with fresh greens — ever new,” Mr. Gaidashov smiles. Russian stations boast nothing of the kind as yet, although the USA, France, Italy, China and the UK run kitchen gardens at their arctic bases. Greenhouses for hydroponic cultures are envisaged within their station projects. “The secret to our high-tech kitchen garden is the lighting system; which uses a special spectrum to ensure a good harvest,” explains the acting head of the laboratory at the Institute of Experimental Botany, Lyudmila Obukhovskaya. “Various reactions in plant cells are inspired by waves of different length. For example, the bio-synthesis of chlorophyll and the transportation of electrons, as well as the regulation of plant growth, have different

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GROUND FOR INNOVATORS

The technology grows salad, fennel, parsley, basil, and other herbs have been developed at the National Academy of Sciences’ Centre of Photodiode and Optic Electronic Technologies, and at the V. Kuprevich Institute of Experimental Botany spectra to those controlling seed growth and root development.” In manipulating waves of different length, it’s possible to measure the speed of vitamin and carbohydrate accumulation and the intensity of protein production. These discoveries are helping scientists to develop light-emitting diodes, to respond to plant needs more accurately than traditional lamps. For example, leafy salads and tomatoes needs different spectra. Each Belarusian expedition has a limited term so the plants chosen for growth must come to maturity quickly.

However, other choices will be proposed for longer arctic trips. Antarctic greenhouses allow us to apply new technologies, testing them under extreme conditions. Scientists hope to be able to apply their discoveries on a large scale, at industrial greenhouses. Special lamps for tomatoes are now ready, and Minsk’s Vegetable Factory is testing a 1km technological line. If the project proves economically efficient, as is expected, the new technologies will become widely used across Belarus. By Dmitry Gomelsky

Belarus’ reference:  In line with the Arctic Treaty, any country has the right to set up its own station for scientific purposes, south of the 60° southern latitude. At present, 40 countries run polar stations in the most southern part of the globe. Overall, 45 all-year-round scientific stations operate in Antarctica. Belarus began conducting its arctic studies in 2006 but yet lacks its own base on the ice continent. The opening of a Belarusian owned base is planned by the Republic in the near future.

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Territory for new ideas Official ceremony of opening of the second start-up complex of sciencetechnology park passed in Gomel

ith putting a new complex into operation, the creation of infrastructure of the technopark will come to end. Its financing was carried out at the expense of means of innovative fund of Gomel Region Executive Committee and republican budget. The total area of premises which will be used for establishment and development of innovative activity, makes now about 4,300square metres, including usable area — 2,400 square metres. Residents of technopark can be both operating organisations which are engaged in innovative activity, and those scientists, engineers, inventors, students who just starting the business based on new ideas and developments. As of October 1st, 2015, the status of resident of the Gomel technopark is given to 25 business entities, which include both organisations, and individual entrepreneurs, with total number of workers — 217 people. At the same time about 50 percent of total number of residents carry out activity in the sphere of information-communication technologies. From the moment of creation of new innovative structure in Gomel, while sciencetechnology park was created in 2011, its residents carried out export of their production to the USA, Great Britain, Italy, Lithuania, Malaysia, Republic of Korea and a number of other states.

THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY

Environmental secrets International Scientific Centre of Wild Nature Support — Kransy Bor — opens in Izubritsa village (Verkhnedvinsk District, Vitebsk Region)

he Centre is a Republican Landscape Reserve on the border of Rossony and Verkhnedvinsk Districts, and incorporates a hunting company run by Novopolotsk’s private Interservice company. The northern auroch population lives here and, in February, the hunting company co-founded the International Scientific Centre of Wild Nature: Krasny Bor. This aims to unite efforts by state and public organisations, as well as commercial structures, to protect and encourage Belarus’ natural

wealth. Recently, an amazing event took place: the opening of the country’s first private scientific centre.

Interests coincide The scientific centre is located in a comfortable two-storey guest house, incorporating a hotel, a hostel for staff and a laboratory. Andrey Faibich, who heads the laboratory, tells us, “We have everything necessary to detect DNA from animal hair. This is primarily important to conduct genetic passportisation of the aurochs: Belarus’ national animal. As only 3,000 exist globally, all are close relatives, so we need to aim for maximum genetic diversity. Moreover,

we plan to control the genetics of our red deer, to improve their characteristics by selection.” It’s no secret that, at present, there is a misbalance between science and practice in the field of hunting, with obsolete approaches often used. The Centre aims to tackle this, as the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Igor Kachanovsky, noted during his recent visit to Verkhnedvinsk District. He promises that all possible support will be rendered, saying, “The Centre’s key goals are in line with national strategy, aiming to preserve and ensure sustainable use of our biological diversity. I’m convinced

Building of the private scientific centre

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THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY that practical appliance of scientists’ developments will help to solve complex tasks at state level.” Alexander Dunkovich, the Deputy Head of State Inspection of Flora and Fauna Protection, agrees, saying, “Progress is impossible without science in our modern world. At present, the National Academy of Sciences and state institutions are working in the field of nature protection. The Krasny Bor hunting company is a good example of private capital working alongside the state. I hope other regions of the country will join us.”

Eagle habitats The first event at the new Centre was a conference devoted to the Krasny Bor auroch population, and to the development of ecological tourism. Participants agreed that the Centre should not focus exclusively on applied hunting developments but should unite ichthyologists, botanists, photographers, film operators and ornithologists. The latter even offered a training seminar on building eagle nests. In addition, specialists made reports and shared methods on making nests for birds of prey — including owls and falcons. According to ornithologists, this can compensate for the lack of natural nests and ease work dealing with birds’ registration and ringing. In addition, observations indicate that they breed more productively in artificial nests. The most interesting part of the conference began the following day, when bird experts applied their knowledge in practice. Vladimir Ivanovsky — an associate professor at the Vitebsk Masherov State University’s Department of Ecology and Nature Protection — took his team to the Yukhovichsky Mokh marsh, not far from Bolshoe Mokhovoe Lake. He believes that a golden eagle lived on the island at some time. “I’ve not seen this huge, beautiful bird for the past three years but, jointly with our colleagues, we’ll try to attract it to the site by building an artificial nest,” he explained.

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Scientific Centre’s opening ceremony

Three poles are used to support such nests, tied to thick pine tree branches and covered with pine boughs. Mr. Ivanovsky climbed 20m to secure irons and a belt, impressing everyone with his skills: next year, the ornithologist will celebrate his 70th birthday! There’s no need to climb so high to make a nest for a pigeon hawk: all that’s needed is an old bucket filled with moss, attached to the top of a pine tree, at a height of around 3m, out of reach of foxes, wolves and raccoons.

Live water Famous photographer and founder of Minsk’s RIFTOUR Editorial Office Sergey Plytkevich, who heads the Krasny Bor International Scientific Centre

of Wild Nature Support, tells us, “We’re thankful to the head of Interservice, Nikolay Vorobey, for giving us the opportunity to work in such a picturesque place. With his help, our fund has allocated five grants to support promising scientific papers. One, for the study of wood grouse via fixing special radio transmitters to the birds, was presented during a recent press conference.” He continues, “All information on this issue is placed on wildlife.by. The Eagle Habitat project is among the first launched by the fund to support wildlife. Another of our initiatives is called Live Water. We’re now collecting information on the most interesting springs in Belarus, planning to develop them, for further inclusion within our tourist routes, and to encourage more people to enjoy them. We’ve initiated Our Region project, which can be explored online at www. nashregion.by. In cooperation with Molodechno District Executive Committee, it includes the most popular ecological routes in the area and lists places to eat, stay and buy souvenirs. Similar sites are planned for Naroch, Braslav, Nesvizh and Mir. Ideally, it would be great to ‘embrace’ the whole country. We’d like our project to help tourists to Belarus become acquainted with the country’s sites and natural beauties.” By Sergey Golesnik

Expert opinion Natalia Minchenko, the Head of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection’s Department of Biological and Landscape Diversity: Jointly with Polish colleagues, we’re discussing creating a trans-border auroch population. On our side, the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Genetics and Cytology is responsible. It would be great if the Krasny Bor private research centre joined us.

Oleg Borodin, the Director of the National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific-Practical Centre on Bio-resources: We’re keen to ensure that the newly opened private scientific centre works in compliance with a single state policy — meeting international standards. To achieve this, we’re ready to support it in issues of expert assessment, including publication of scientific papers and development of ecological tourist routes.

NATIVE PEOPLE

Long echo The bell tower is situated at the place where there was the tank battle

This summer, during a business trip to Belgorod, we reflected upon the importance of Belarus’ growing ties with this region. It was here that our three brotherly Slavic peoples joined forces, on Prokhorovka Field, on May 3rd 2000. As the 55th anniversary of Victory approached, the presidents of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine struck the bell of ‘Unification’. They met in the Belgorod Region, signing deeds into history. At that time, 15 years ago, who could have imagined the hard times to come in Ukraine?

he words ‘Love and Unification will help us to survive’ are carved i nt o B e l g o rod’s bell, as spoken by the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh. Even today, in the year of the 70th anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory, it remains to remind us of the high price of peace. We understand the feelings of our countrymen in their heartfelt desire to avoid war.

My earlier impressions have faded to words in my diary, and on my Dictaphone but Belgorod’s hills of streets remain clean, much like those in Minsk. Its roads are well maintained, as I couldn’t help but note on the journey from the airport, driven by my nephew, Yuri. Mayor Savchenko keeps strict order in the city. Ukraine is very close: it’s just 50km to the border. Beside the road is an advert for furniture from Belarus, delivered here from Pinsk, Bobruisk and from other sites. Belarusian kitchen sets are particularly popular here. My cousin, Oleg Ivanovich Lugovsky, a former air force pilot, admits that he

knows quite a few people who purchase Belarusian goods. It’s great to hear! We stayed at his city apartment rather than at a hotel, wanting to see how ‘locals’ live. During supper, we chatted about the purpose of our trip, and I heard that a great many Belarusians live in the town. My brother became animated on the subject. One neighbour is a former pilot, with war decorations. I know him. My brother’s daughter-in-law, Marina, mentioned a fellow teacher at the 57th lyceum, who annually takes children to Brest, to compete in Russian language and literature contests, and to visit relatives.

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NATIVE PEOPLE

Kursk Salient and Prokhorovka

he next day, colleagues from Belgorodskaya Pravda (who helped us arrange the trip) had the day off, and we travelled to the Kursk Salient and Prokhorovka. We’d read an article written by our colleague about Gorodki agro-town resident Ivan Stankevich, in Volozhin District. After the Great Patriotic War, this Belarusian-sapper defused more than 10,000 mines, shells and grenades across the Kursk Salient. Speaking about him in the car, we could not help but feel proud. (http://www.sb.by/obshchestvo/article/ etot-saper-ne-oshibsya-ni-razu.html) Our relatives livened up as we chatted, having recollections of sappers of various nationalities having performed such work. Mikhail Cherkashin, my father, was a Guards private soldier, and a musician. I wrote about him in Father’s War (#5-2015). Travelling to the Kursk Salient, I felt palpable excitement.

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In the rooms of the museum honouring heroes of the Battle of Kursk

It takes 40-45 minutes to reach Belgorod’s memorial by car. At the turn of the Belgorod-Kursk to Prokhorovka road, we saw the legendary ‘Katyusha’; nearby, on the square, is the memorial-museum honouring heroes of the Battle of Kursk. The

Alexander Gorovets ‑— Hero of the Soviet Union

sculptural composition ‘Tank Battle Near Prokhorovka. Ram Attack’ stands centrally, in front of the museum building. Inside, we saw how Belarusians took part in the historic battle. While waiting for Research Assistant Tatiana Bakanova, we examined the displays of military hardware, shells, splinters, and pieces of thick tank armour. All are there to be touched, while other items are behind glass: army and pilot helmets, map cases, groundsheets, and uniforms (ceremonial and everyday), newspapers, reports on fights and letters written by soldiers and officers to relatives. Huge numbers of photos show the faces of signallers, tankmen, pilots and infantrymen, the tragedy of that war etched upon their skin. It is as if time has stopped in that impressive silence. You feel compelled to move quietly, and carefully across the stone floor. Even the occasional clatter of a lady’s heel seems out of place. We were the only visitors that day. I noticed how reverently my brother looked at the photos of pilots. No doubt, he was recalling his own time flying. As a

NATIVE PEOPLE child, I would try on his helmet; one similar is under the glass. Ivan photographed one of the stands while I looked at an exhibit on Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Gorovets, from Moshkany village, in the Senno District of Vitebsk Region. Senno was the site of a battle in July 1941, known as the Lepel Counterblow and, then, the Battle near Senno. It would be wonderful to see the museum organise a small exhibition devoted to that battle. Ivan and I agree that they should send a research assistant to the museum of local history in Senno. There, Vasily Bondarevich, would be able to share much information with them. He has been studying the tank battles of July 1941 for a long time, collecting many materials, alongside his colleagues. When Tatiana Bakanova joined us, she told us about Soviet pilot Gorovets, who excelled himself in one battle, shooting down nine of 20 enemy bombers. Considered missing for long time, his remains were discovered in October 1957, by residents of the village of Zorinskiye Dvory, in Belgorod Region. His plane was unearthed, still bearing his body, his TT pistol, party membership card, map case, and identity card. Of course, the documents established his identity immediately. Gorovets was buried with honours in the village, and a bronze bust erected on the site. The Central Armed Forces Museum of the USSR, in Moscow, has the whole stand devoted to Alexander Gorovets. His plane, a La-5, guns and machine guns are exhibited, without shells or cartridges. Tatiana also explained the courage of a female surgeon with the 5th Guards tank army: Olga Borisenko from Gomel (Shkurdalova, after marrying Yevgeny Shkurdalov, whose life she saved). They were called the ‘Romeo and Juliet of the Kursk Salient’. Shkurdalov was given the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his bravery in battle. Six Heroes of Belarus fought and died on the Kursk Salient. Tatiana told us, “If people ask, we focus attention on particular feats and, if we don’t know an answer, we go away and conduct research.”

Back in Minsk, we received a letter from Tatiana, who is studying the history of the 51st Guards infantry division, detailing her plans to create an exhibition on this division, asking if we have anything to contribute on individual soldiers, and the role of military wind bands in rousing fighting spirit before battle. Her letter reads: ‘It may be pleasant for you to know that visitors will learn about your father through the exhibit. I promise to make a photo-report on the exhibition to send to you. Your memoirs of your father, including the fight on the Kursk Salient, would be very interesting. I’ve never read information on divisional wind bands’.

Mother of God, and a gilded laurel wreath below, symbolising the unfading glory of all those who fell in that field. Inside is a bell, weighing 3.5 tonnes, which rings each 20 minutes, rendering tribute to the heroes of three fields: Kulikovo, Borodino and Prokhorovka. Not far away is an exhibition of armour from those times, which draws many visitors. They take photos beside the tanks, as the sun shines, and children laugh. Parents warn them not to fall. Such scenes are possible only in peacetime. 70 years have passed since those days, allowing Prokhorovka to become once more a place of pleasure.

Prokhorovka, the Kursk Salient and the battle near Senno, like many other symbolic battle sites, are places of war glory for Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians and people of other nationalities Certainly, I will comply with her request. Her interest shows that she’s more than capable of making an exhibit on the tank fight near the Belarusian city of Senno too. We next went to Prokhorovka, just 5km from the museum. It’s hard to believe that, from July 5th until August 23rd, in 1943, this was the site of bloody fighting. Now, there are only beautiful birches and magnificent green grass. It’s even more difficult to imagine my father playing here, with his friend-musicians, emboldening the soldiers with a march before putting away his baritone and waiting for the command of ‘Forward!’ Then, there would have been the clash of weaponry and the cries of wounded soldiers. Besides playing his instrument, he acted as a medical orderly, and as a line carrier, and prepared food. The 59m Belfry stands in remembrance of a certain battle which changed the course of the war: placed at the epicentre of the Battle of Prokhorovka, which took place on July 12th, in 1943. It is crowned by a 7m sculpture of the

Nearby, you can pray for the victims of war at St. Peter and Paul’s Church. Inside, ivory candles are kept burning, and white-marble slabs bear the names of 7,000 soldiers who died near Prokhorovka. To the left is a commemorative plaque showing Peter and Paul and the surnames of the Heroes of the Soviet Union, as well as a list of armies, units and formations which took part in the Battle of Kursk. There, we found the names of such Belarusians as Alexander Gorovets, and Anatoly Volokh (a Belarusian born in Minsk), Pavel Shpetny (a Ukrainian from the village of Gden, in Bragin District of Gomel Region), Mikhail Antonov (a Belarusian from Kostyukovichi, in Mogilev Region), Moisey Spivak (of the Jewish faith, from Narovlya, in Gomel Region), and Semen Chubukov (a Belarusian from Kuzminichi, in Chausy District of Mogilev Region). Each performed feats of great bravery. For example, during fighting on the Kursk Salient, Pavel Shpetny put several enemy tanks out of action and, on having

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NATIVE PEOPLE no further cartridges, placed a bundle of anti-tank bombs under an enemy tank. Shpetny Field is called after our countryman, and there is a memorial plaque in memory of all lost antitank riflemen of the PTP platoon, of which Pavel Shpetny was the Guards Senior Lieutenant. That day, after returning to Belgorod, I was chatting with my brother about my father, Ivan Lugovskoi, a Red Army commander who went missing in April 1942. My brother recollected ‘his’ war, and how he decided to become a military pilot; how he served for a long time in the East, in Primorsky Krai, protecting our borders. He told me that, during his life, he had met many Belarusians. He told me that, when he was a cadet, he was in a military camp in Machulishchi, near Minsk, and participated in handball contests.

The following is from Oleg Lugovskoi’s memoirs

For me, the war began in Western Ukraine, in Kamenets-Podolsk. I remember the barracks, and the 66th cavalry regiment of my father. My sister and I often ran there to watch our father-officer riding a horse. I remember also the bombardments, which began early in the morning, before the declaration of war. Half of the city was destroyed within a few hours. Father set off to the Front, as a junior political instructor. Our mother sewed a capsule containing information on him, which she placed into a cartridge and sewed into his trousers. Later, I someone said that this was a bad omen, welcoming death. I remember being evacuated, first being transported by bus, with 20 such ‘regimental’ families, and then by train, to Kiev. I was 6 years old. During one stop, apparently, in Proskurov [since 1954, called Khmelnitskiy] my sister and I went to a field kitchen. Even today, I remember holding a mess-tin: I dragged my sister Valya, aged 2, by the hand. Suddenly, a soldier put some millet cereal into my mess-tin, which we ate after the train pulled away. I don’t know why

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Oleg Lugovskoi (on the left) at the meeting of former cadets

we were on a hospital train filled with wounded people; perhaps our mother, like other officer wives, had managed to find a place on that train. Or, someone had ordered us to be taken. Then, we were bombed. Early in the morning, planes flew down upon us, and began to bomb. I saw the wounded running out from carriages, and then falling from a string of gunfire: the enemy shot 5-6 ‘Yastrebs’. I remember a lot of bodies. My mother took us, and we ran and somehow appeared in the forest. She

Oleg Lugovskoi — pilot-navigator

pushed us down in the earth, and covered us with a blanket. There were wounded people. I don’t remember how we got to Kiev, to the Botanical Garden. It was filled with refugees, with seemingly more people than trees: some sat and some lay down. I heard remote sounds of ack-ack guns, through silence. I lay down upon the grass and I looked at the sky, seeing planes with crosses flying. Then, I suddenly heard a single shot, and the plane began to fall. A parachute was deployed and I realised that the pilot had baled out. People around began cheering, exclaiming that the pilot would fall on our territory and be unable to leave. At that time, who would have thought that Kiev would surrender… The commander of the regiment approached our group and saw his own family. He thought that we’d departed on the bus and were already far away, but this was far from the truth! He clutched his head in his hands, went away, and then, in the evening, his assistant returned, to read out a list of who would go. We, the Lugovskoi family, joined other wives of officers and their children on a one-and-a-half-tonne truck, able to carry 6-7 families. Some, who had to stay, were discontent or angry. We departed, pursued

NATIVE PEOPLE by their damnations. But what could we do? On our way, enemies shot at us twice from planes and four people were killed; they were buried in a village. We drove to Voronezh, where the Germans had not yet invaded, although they were approaching. I remember that we lived in the house of an elderly man who was an Old Believer, in Vorobievka village. There was a large pond in the middle of the village. My mother wanted to go home, to Volchansk, but that direction was closed. When the Germans reached the Don, we took a cargo train to Chkalov, then on to Orenburg. I remember the clock on the station, as I’d never seen it before. It was a huge miracle on a high pole! Then, we arrived in the city of Mednogorsk, beyond the Urals: a city of armourers and metallurgists, to where the Tula factories had been evacuated. At the station, we received a room in a barracks, intended for four families. We lived in one room. I’ll never forget, early in the morning, seeing the workers go to the factory. I woke up to the knock of wooden clogs. My mother began working with the field brigade at a collective farm. I remember, once, when I was in a field with my mother, that I picked up a carrot and wanted to eat it. My mother got a scolding for that. I went to school in Mednogorsk, which was 1km away, through a tunnel and wasteland. I was learning how to write, on old newspapers. I remember how I and other boys stole technical salt from platforms, which we then brought to factories. It was used for food. We also pinched soap from soap-producing tuns; once I even fell into one. What did we eat? Millet porridge, sometimes flavoured with eggs. During the evacuation, I caught typhoid fever, then camp fever, but I survived. When Kharkov Region was liberated, my mother received a ticket to go home, to her mother, Katya. So, we went by cargo train, then by freight train. I remember, we were walking in Volchansk, through the city, and we were emaciated, physically exhausted, but

alive! In the centre, we met Aunt Marusya [the wife of my brother’s uncle] who was running to the bank, where she worked. Thus, we came to Podgornaya Street and began to live there: all in one little room. There were five of us: my mother, sister and I, Aunt Marusya, and my cousin, Yurka. My grandmother, Katya, slept in the kitchen. Uncle Misha, a war veteran, who was severely wound, returned home in April 1945. With Yura, we would often go to the ravine near the Cherkashin family’s garden. The Germans had left all sorts of things there: grenades, and an automatic pistol, which Uncle Misha took to the police. At that time, we lived in poverty, half-starving. In 1946, there was a terrible famine in Volchansk: not even the birds chirped! I remember wanting to eat all the time. When Uncle Misha began to work in an oil mill, he began receiving oil cake [a by-product of sunflower seeds after wringing out the vegetable oil], and we all became cheerful. Oil cake was tastier than chocolate to me. Yurka told me that it was even sweeter than a lump of cacao he’d once stolen from a German tank, and had eaten behind a shed [it was one of our family stories that my big brother Yuri had gone unpunished by lodging Germans for his petty theft]. In 1947, my mother received a room in a house for officers and, later, a small, one-roomed apartment. Then, we received a kitchen garden, where we planted potatoes, beets and carrots. My mother worked at the shoe factory for a low salary, but also received father’s benefit of 27 Roubles and 50 Kopecks. Later, when it was proven that father had died during contact with the enemy, mother began receiving a bigger benefit. I went to school and, after seventh form, entered flight school, in Rogan. Why there? Because students were given clothes and were fed. Probably, there were other factors. As a son of a Red Army officer, and a child of war, I’d heard about the feats of pilots, for example from Aunt Marusya, who was 22 when the war began, and worked with

the 690th airdrome battalion service. At that time, the military airdrome was located at Valuiki. There was another near Podgornaya Street, in Volchansk, to which Yurka and I often ran. Probably, Uncle Misha, who was like a father to me, also might have given me advice on becoming a pilot, I don’t remember exactly. When I entered flight school, it became easier for my mother to support the family, as she only had my sister remaining at home.

Ukraine nearby any Belarusians with whom we spoke still speak of Belgorod as a city ‘at the Front’. Eastern Ukraine is very close. It is the city of my childhood and youth, the district centre of Kharkov Region, where the graves of my relatives can be found, and where friends and relatives still reside. You could once reach Belgorod by ‘diesel train’ but this was discontinued, so the town is now only accessible by road: a bus goes from Russian Shebekino to Kharkov through Volchansk. However, people prefer to take their own car. Men aged under 60 can only enter Ukraine by special invitation. Accordingly, my

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NATIVE PEOPLE nephew, Yuri, wasn’t able to take us. In the end we postponed our meetings until evening, so that we could travel with Kostya, Alla Pyshneva’s brother. Alla was my favourite friend of childhood: she lives in Belgorod with her husband, Nikolay, an Honoured Pilot of Russia. I admit that I felt anxious about seeing this part of Ukraine again. The words of my young school friend from Moscow ran through my head: that I might never return.

In the morning, at 6.30am, we set out to Volchansk in an old Niva, and soon reached ‘Pletenevka’ checkpoint. Usually, it’s busy with cars on both sides at the Russian-Ukrainian border, as the Ukrainians go to Belgorod to buy fuel, and make money on the difference in price, returning the same day. My friend tells me that, sometimes, she and her husband have had to stay there for 8-12 hours but we were lucky, as it was a workday. We arrived early but allowed the Shebekino-Kharkov bus to pass ahead of us, and were caught on a shift change, resulting in a wait of almost four hours. On the way back, it took only about an hour. The Ukrainian border guards and customs officers were respectful to us, as foreign citizens, asking our names, where

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we had come from and why we were going to Volchansk. They explained that it’s now procedure for foreigners travelling; Ivan had to sign one protocol five times. We asked if it were true that Russians aged under 60, and Ukrainians registered in Russia, aren’t allowed to enter Volchansk and Kharkov. It appears that it is true. We saw large trenches over the Ukrainian border, and strengthened positions, with sandbags on the roof of the terminal on the Russian side. Alla told us that, earlier, there were even machineguns. It’s not for nothing that Belgorod is called a frontline city… We rushed through Volchansk, which seemed less than well-groomed, looking a little unkempt, and dropped in to see the mother of my niece for an hour. She treated us to cold okroshka soup, with cottage cheese dumplings, then we called a taxi, buying flowers on the way to the cemetery. Afterwards, we visited my old school mates, with whom I’ve been on friendly terms for many years. They told us that large enterprises in the city have closed, including the modular plant. People have grown poor and embittered, while families are divided on political principles, taking sides. Divorces are becoming more common. My school friends live near the Belgorod highway, and Podgornaya Street, where my childhood home still stands, but I didn’t go to look. At 3pm, we departed from Alla and Kostya’s mother’s home, making our way to Belgorod. At the border, I burst into tears, feeling both hot and wracked with nerves. The Russian border guard asked me, “Who has hurt your feelings?” Probably, he thought that my Ukrainian relatives had argued with me. I replied that my thoughts were absorbed by the impermanence of life, having visiting graves, and upon the conflict in Ukraine. Will a time come when we can visit cemeteries and native places without fear? The echo of war lingers. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Victory, we remember that it was one war for all Soviet people. If our fathers and grandfathers

had quarrelled, becoming isolated in their ‘national’ houses, could they have withstood one by one, the march of Fascism? Prokhorovka, the Kursk Salient and the Battle near Senno, like many other symbolic battle sites, are places of war glory for Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians and people of other nationalities. It is inexcusable for us to ignore them, despite the distraction of today’s conflicts. Belarus, Russia and Ukraine have not enjoyed unclouded relations; there have even been protracted wars. However, all were resolved eventually. Having visited ‘frontline’ Belgorod, and the Kursk Salient, and Prokhorovka, We’re convinced that the memory of our war lingers, as it does in the neighbouring regions of Ukraine. It exists like immunity in the blood, helping us to resist infection. There is hope: Belarusians can travel from Russian Belgorod to Ukrainian Volchansk as easily as from Minsk to Moscow, Smolensk or St. Petersburg. We’re convinced that people on both sides of the Russian-Ukrainian border will find resolution and reconciliation. Weapons will be laid down and new, friendly relations established. How else can it be? For the sake of our general memory and for the future of our children and grandchildren. P.S. Having visited Belgorod, the signing of an agreement on trade and economic, scientific and technical and cultural co-operation between the Government of Belgorod Region and the Government of Belarus is a significant event. At the Second International Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, on September 18th, in Sochi, obligations were accepted, to develop scientific and technical co-operation, as well as liaisons in culture, public health, education, sports and tourism. There will be greater interaction between nationalcultural societies, youth and other public organisations. Our Motherland will come closer for the many Belarusians living in Belgorod Region. By Valentina Zhdanovich and Ivan Zhdanovich (photo) Minsk-Belgorod-Minsk

In Search of the Lost

From Arzamas to Chersonese Amazing filocard book by Vladimir Lihodedov and Vladimir Peftiev released in Minsk — featuring Equalto-the-Apostles Duke Vladimir as its main character

or the first time, a single album is uniting vintage photos of Orthodox churches and cathedrals built to honour Equal-to-theApostles Vladimir. The foreword quotes Russian writer Stefan Runkevich (1867-1924), who was Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, and who was born into the family of a Minsk Eparchy archpriest. It states: ‘We own a duty of state service to the nation; beyond this, our service is a feat of holiness’. The duke was viewed as Equal-to-the-Apostles due to his work in Ancient Russia, initiating new believers in following Christ. The authors make no claim to presenting an exhaustive study, or presenting new information

on the duke’s life. Rather, their rich illustrations ‘outline the key stages of the Russia baptiser’s life, in accordance with modern historians’ views’. The chapter names speak for themselves: ‘St. Equal-to-the-

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In Search of the Lost Apostles Duke Vladimir’; ‘The Church Veneration of Duke Vladimir’; ‘Churches to Honour St. Vladimir’; ‘The Order of St. Vladimir’; ‘Monuments’; ‘Churches on Postcards and Photos from the Late 19th-Early 20th Century’; and ‘In Memory of his Descendants’. For his work to date, Mr. Lihodedov holds the Presidential ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Award. A wide variety and geography of places honour St. Vladimir, from Arzamas to Chersonese. The Arzamas Church of Vladimir Mother of God was built in 1801 and still stands; it is currently being restored. Several postcards from the early 20th century are devoted to the building. The album also features photos of churches of St. Vladimir in Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and Lithuania. Moscow and St. Petersburg sites are most attractive but each tells its own story. The ruins at Chersonese were unearthed in 1827; according to the legend, Duke Vladimir was baptised there. In 1850, a

monastery was established, honouring St. Vladimir, and three years later, the first small church was opened. During the Crimean War of 1853-1856, Chersonese was occupied by the enemy, and the monastery destroyed (it was restored only after the city’s liberation). In the early 20th century, two more churches operated alongside the main cathedral but, in 1915, the monastery finally closed. Some of its premises have survived and are now occupied by the Chersonese Museum. The filocard and historical-documentary work on St. Vladimir is a continuation of In Search of the Lost: an artistic project publishing reproductions of old postcards, by Belarus Segodnya (Sovetskaya Belorussiya) newspaper. The ‘encyclopaedia of postcards’ was a series of 18 books (many published by Zvyazda Publishing House). The Equal-to-the-Apostles Vladimir album is a worthy continuation of the project. By Ales Karlyukevich

Postcards from Vladimir Lihodedov’s collection

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NAME IN THE HISTORY

Bogdanovo landscapes

lthough born on December 10th, celebrations have already launched in Belarus for the great artist’s anniversary. An open air workshop was recently organised in Volozhin District, featuring such talents as Kastus Kochan, Ales Susha, Vladimir Vasuyk, Igor Barkhatkov, Alexander Lubnevsky, Vladimir Prokoptsov, Alexander Grishkevich and Vladislav Petrik, with works donated to Bogdanovo. Ruszczyc was a true personality of whom many are only just learning, thanks to such events as those being run by the National Art Museum and Volozhin District Executive Committee. Participants of the workshop will return to Bogdanovo on December 10th for more celebrations. Meanwhile, local residents are tidying the Ruszczyc family graves, and are creating an exhibition devoted to the artist at the Bogdanovo branch of the Vishnevka children’s arts school.

The 145th anniversary of birth of famous artist Ferdynand Ruszczyc celebrated in Belarus, Lithuania and Poland A workshop for young artists has been organised, alongside the Land and Sky of Ferdinand event and the Night of Museums at the local history museum. Guests from the Ferdynand Ruszczyc Gymnasium (Lithuania, Rudamina) arrived, helping raise the event to international status.

Ruszczyc was born in Bogdanovo in 1870. He studied at Minsk’s gymnasium and later attended the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (taught by Shishkin and Kuindzhi) and became a member of the famous World of Art Russian Artistic Association and the Polish Union of Artists — Sztuka.

Ruszczyc was born in Bogdanovo in 1870. He studied at Minsk’s gymnasium and later attended the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (taught by Shishkin and Kuindzhi) Interestingly, several years ago, the name of Ruszczyc was little known in Belarus; only art experts were familiar with his works, as indicated by a poll conducted by Alla Makarevich, a teacher at Volozhin’s secondary school #1. Since then, Ruszczyc’ artistry has been more widely promoted. Alla herself was once ignorant of the artist’s legacy.

In 1921, Ferdinand organised the first exhibition of Polish artists in Paris and was awarded by the French Order of Honorary Legion. Ruszczyc painted posters, illustrated books and made decorations for theatrical shows — mostly in Vilno. In fact, the artist spent most of his life in Bogdanovo and Vilno.

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NAME IN THE HISTORY From 1908-1915, he lived at Vilno’s 24 Užupis Street — in the house owned by the Łaskarys family (of whom Polish poet Jerzy Łaskarys was a member). In Užupis (Zarzecze), almost every stone reminds you of Ruszczyc, as his voice was heard at St. Baltrameus’ Roman Catholic Church in the autumn 1913, when he married there. Services at this church are now held in Belarusian. From autumn 1915 to March 1919, Ruszczyc lived in Bogdanovo and then — when the Poles occupied Vilno — he organised and headed a department of fine arts at the local university. The department was located within the former Bernardine Monastery, at 6 Maironio Street (the building now has a plaque honouring the artist). Moreover, the establishment is still operational, as the local Art Academy. At various times, it has nurtured such Belarusian artists as Piotr Sergievich and Michal Sevruk, and photographer Denis Romanyuk. Ruszczyc loved to paint landscapes, and produce sets for Vilno theatres, as well as illustrating books and painting posters. In late 2013, the 100th anniversary of Belarusian posters was celebrated, honouring Ruszczyc’ poster advertising the 1st District Exhibition of Folk Art (held in Vilno in September 1913). From 1923 to 1935, Ruszczyc lived at Vilno’s 22 Piles Street. Interestingly, between 1811 and 1814, and between 1817 and 1828, Polish poet Juliusz Słowacki had lived at this address. In 1927, a bust sculpted by Bolesław Bałzukiewicz was unveiled on the house façade, at Ruszczyc’ initiative.

On October 28th, 1932, the artist suddenly lost the ability to speak and found his right hand paralysed. In 1935, he returned to Bogdanovo and, a year later, died: aged 66. A monument to the great man is installed in Bogdanovo, on the hill. Sadly, his home failed to survive. Meanwhile, a street named after Ruszczyc has existed in Minsk since 2002. In Vilno, works by this Belarus-born artist are on show at the Lithuanian Art Museum and at the Academy of Sciences’ library (his 1895 landscape, Krevo Castle, is kept there). Until recently, Belarus had only one picture by Ruszczyc, held near the Roman Catholic Church, and depicting Bogdanovo’s church, which no longer stands. The canvas is currently on show at the National Art Museum. In 2015, Belgazprombank bought Ruszczyc’ Vilia and his Bread and Stack Stand, for its corporate collection: each depicts a

Bogdanovo landscape, showing how greatly he loved his homeland. Ms. Makarevich dreams of establishing a large museum exhibition devoted to Ruszczyc, in Bogdanovo and Volozhin, and has already collected many books on the artist, which are unique in Belarus. Among them are editions purchased abroad. The painter’s grandson (also called Ferdynand Ruszczyc) is a well-known museum expert in Poland and, some time ago, visited Minsk. He noted, “I’m doing everything possible to visit the homeland of my grandfather at least once a year. I bring my friends and relatives, to show them our roots, of which I’m proud.” The spirit of Ruszczyc is strong in Bogdanovo and it’s hoped that his old home and the Roman Catholic Church may yet be rebuilt, and a monument to Ferdinand erected. Having united Belarus with its neighbours, he deserves to be remembered By Viktar Korbut

Winners of the Vth Land and Sky of Ferdinand plein-air contest with head of jury Vladimir Prokoptsov

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FILM

Painted Chagall to appear in film In the past, the corridors at Belarusfilm were a marvellous place to visit: each door had a label with information on the film being shot. It is still interesting to walk along the studio’s renewed corridors and it’s impossible to walk past a portrait of March Chagall placed on one of its doors.

n seeing it, one would think that B el ar u s i ans have decided to shoot a feature film ab out t he i r famous countryman. However, Yelena Petkevich’s appearance indicates that the film is an animation. The idea of shooting several films devoted to famous Belarusian personalities was born at Belarusfilm after the success of ‘Fairy Tales of the Old Piano’: a series of cartoons on famous composers prepared jointly with a Russian Studio. Our directors — Irina Kodyukova, Vladimir Petkevich and Yelena Petkevich, created four

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FILM

musical biographies: of Beethoven, Bach, Profiev and Chopin. Moreover, Ms. Petkevich was awarded a prestigious animation award: the Golden Eagle. There is no one more suited to shoot a film on Marc Chagall. “When I was asked to prepare this film, I was close to losing my motivation,” the director admits. “It was a true challenge to work on Bach and Strauss; this was difficult and responsible work. I understood that the same situation would occur during my work on Chagall. Why did I agree? I love this artist. He greatly influenced me in my youth. I was impressed with his pictures. As a student of the Architecture Department, I spent hours in the library reading his books. At that time, it was extremely expensive and I could not afford to buy it. Accordingly, I spent my time in the library, trying to copy his drawings.” The director admits that books on Chagall (she now has many, including some brought by her daughter from France) were on her table each time she was shooting a part of the film. Ms. Petkevich has a great team. The script was written by Dmitry Yakutovich, while Alla Matyushevskaya is the art director. Jointly with director Irina Tarasova, the latter was awarded the Gold Vityaz for their Soldier animation film for children. Irina is also a passionate fan of Chagall and, unsurprisingly, the two women have no disagreements on the artist and his

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environment. Their Chagall in film will resemble the artist in real life. They have no plans to distort the truth. The script is based on his ‘My Life’ book and, interestingly, facts from the great artist’s biography will be accompanied by depictions of his pictures, which aim to illustrate some scenes from Chagall’s life and his outlook. The animation will be mainly devoted to the painter’s childhood and youth: the period of his life in Vitebsk. Despite this, the director faces a tricky task: to describe thirty of his formative years in just 13 minutes, the maximum length for an animation. The film on Chagall is serious and complicated. Belarusfilm understood this and the work has been scrutinised by the artistic council, the director is pleased by this, as she is proud of her work. Ms. Petkevich is among those who appreciate her colleagues’ opinion. “Criticism is very useful,” she explains. “Antonina Korpilova and Lyudmila Peregudova are respected film critics and their advice is extremely helpful.” The results of all this intense work will be ready after the New Year. It’s no surprise that the studio is now experiencing a revival. The success of Marc Chagall will determine whether other animation films on our countrymen will be made — including The Bear (a film on Pelageya Azarevich — one of the first Belarusian ballet stars).

Igor GALINOVSKY, the Director of the Animation Film Studio: Animation has never produced much money. Its mission is to teach and to form tastes. Belarusian cartoon makers are involved in the process. Films such as Masha and the Bear are like chips: they are tasty and attractive. However, what we are doing can be likened to porridge: it’s nourishing and educational. All our films — even those not very successful ones — are aimed at adding to the growth of our children. Accordingly, we cannot view Belarusian animation via the prism of an exclusively commercial benefit. Of course, we are not against making money. We are aiming for different goals. One of them is to sell a package of 180 animation films to a specialised Internet resource. The above mentioned Masha and the Bear has earned over $1m this way. As regards self-funding, we aim to reach 15 percent. This will not be easy but I hope we’ll succeed in the course of time. So far, we can boast that our full-length animation film — Nesterka’s Adventures — has paid 13 percent of its own costs.

By Natalia Stepuro

DESCENDANTS

Vladimir shlapak

Remaining close, though living abroad This year, Belarus was visited by descendants of the noble families of Chreptowicz, Czapski and Oginski, each drawn back to their historical homeland by nostalgia. Most Belarusians associate these famous families with past times and are known from our history textbooks. Few imagine that the grandchildren of those castle builders, book publishers and outstanding military men live in our modern world. In fact, they live close by, though beyond our borders. When they visit their homeland, they realise that they are awaited. Let’s recollect who has recently visited Belarus and which sites most impressed them. Who: Radziwills When: 2009, 2012 and 2014 Where from: Poland and Rome Where to: Nesvizh, Mir, Polonechka and Minsk

daughter Diana, her husband, Ferdinando Carabba Tettamanti, and their son, Massimiliano — a lieutenant with the Italian carabineers. They have lived in Rome since the autumn of 1939, when Maria Radziwill, her son Leon, and her two

n recent years, the Radziwills have visited their historical homeland regularly. On May 26th, 2009, they brought printed and hand-written books from their family collection, donating them to the Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts at the National Academy of Sciences’ Yakub Kolas Central Scientific Library. These editions now enjoy strict state protection. Led by Elżbieta Tomaszewska (a daughter of Albrecht Radziwill), members of the noble family visited the National Art Museum and Nesvizh Castle. Duke Matej Radziwill — whose forefathers lived in Polonechka in the 18th-19th century — also came to Belarus often, bringing his wife (also a Radziwill member). Sometimes, they came without announcement, wishing to quietly enjoy the Belarusian countryside. On June 16th and 17th, in 2014, Belarus received its first visit from the heirs of Leon Władysław Radziwill: his grand-

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DESCENDANTS

Who: Oginski When: September 25th, 2015 Where from: Poznan Where to: Zalesie

Victor Hilitski

Vitaly Pivovarchik

grandchildren were released from the secret police prison at the request of the Italian Queen. In 1953, Diana was born. In childhood, she often heard tales of Nesvizh Castle such that, on later visiting, she felt that she ‘recognised places described by her relatives in stories’. The Radziwills and the Tettamantis also visited Mir Castle and the National Art Museum, which holds a collection of family portraits. The noble visitors donated an album holding copies of family photos. Diana Carabba Tettamanti hopes to return again, saying, “We love this country and the places we’ve visited. They have value for me; I’ve always kept them in my heart.”

Who: Sapegi When: 2003 Where from: Poland Where to: Ruzhany and Novogrudok

he 250th birthday of composer Michal Kleofas Oginski was recently celebrated in his Zalesie mansion — with the participation of his heirs, from Poznan. Among them were Zygmunt and Lidia Zielinski and their daughters. All the family members have a musical education: the husband plays the cello, the daughter has mastered the violin and his wife is a composer.

In 1939, when WWII broke out, Maria Sapega left Ruzhany, reaching Lithuania by car and then moving to Sweden and France. During the time of Hitler’s occupation, she helped partisans and was imprisoned as a result. Someone from the Vatican came to her defence and she moved to live in London, later going to Warsaw, in 1992. “We view ourselves as Poles. At the same time, we realise our close ties with our forefathers, who had their origin in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania,” she used to say. Maria Sapega died in 2009, while restoration works were in full swing at her palace. At present, it hosts a museum. Maria’s son, George, is keen to return to Ruzhany, with his son and wife (who has Brazilian roots).

egendary Lev Sapega helped to create the third statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Hi heir, Andrzej Sapega, died in London in 1989 but his wife Maria visited Ruzhany, with their two sons, in 2003. Until 1939, their forefathers lived in this Belarusian town. Maria Sapega came to Ruzhany with the aim of helping to restore the ancient St. Trinity Roman Catholic Church, which stands in the centre of the town. She helped fund restoration, while agreeing to ensure support from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

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Alexander Ruzhechka

DESCENDANTS

Who: Chreptowicz When: October 5th-6th, 2015 Where from: New York Where to: Shchorsy, Novogrudok and Minsk

eter Buteneff is an heir of the Chreptowiczs dukes. He is a lecturer at the Orthodox Seminary in New York and his forefathers once owned Shchorsy. In late 18th century, Joachim Chreptowicz became the first Foreign Minister of the Rzech Pospolita. Recently, Peter visited the homeland of his forefathers, who left in 1939. His mother also came from a noble family — Russia’s Trubetsky. The latter came from an even older dynasty : Lithuania’s Duke Gediminas. Peter’s visit was organised by Belarus’ Natalia Vasilevich, whom he met abroad. The National

Library also helped. Its Deputy Director and the Chairman of the International Association of Belarusian Language Experts, Ales Susha, accompanied the guest on his tour of Belarus. He says, “I showed Peter a book from the Chreptowiczs’ Shchorsy collection and the representative of the noble family was much impressed and interested. Our dear guest presented a book once belonging to his father to the National Library: a chronicle of the Butenev family. It starts from the Chreptowicz family and contains diverse, valuable materials on Belarus. In Shchorsy, we visited the remains of a former majestic mansion, also attending a service at the church built by the noble family many years ago. We also met Shchorsy residents; some remember times when the family ruled. It was pleasant to hear from Peter that many representatives of the ButenevChreptowicz family — who live all over the globe — asked him to return to our land, expressing their wish to also do so. Probably, this will happen in the near future.”

Who: Czapski When: 2009 and 2015 Where from: London Where to: Minsk, Stankovo and Priluki

Tatiana Stolyarova

lexandra Vankovich and Eduardo Orando Godlevsky visited Minsk for the first time in March 2009; in the late 19th — early 20th century, Jan Karol Alexander Czapski (a famous heir of Godlevsky) headed the city. Czapski’s heir visited Priluki and Stankovo, near Minsk, where the famous family’s homestead stands in ruin. This May, Godlevsky was invited by Olivaria Brewery (founded by Duke Czapski) to see places connected with his famous forefather, such as the Kupala Theatre and Gorky Park. The foreign guest enjoyed his visit and promised to return. Speaking many European languages, this noble man is now mastering Belarusian. By Viktar Korbut

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Dmitry Ivchenko

JUBILEE

Devoted to Oginski Belarusians celebrate the 250th anniversary of birth of composer Michal Kleofas Oginski this year, supported by UNESCO

he musician’s mansion in Zalesie has been restored while diplomat and collector Piotr Kravchenko has donated four late 18th-early 19th century original manuscripts, bought at auction. He presented these at Minsk’s House of Friendship, with support from the Polish Embassy. Mr. Kravchenko’s interest in Oginski stems partly from him having been born in Molodechno; the famous family owned

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much of city in the past. Jointly with his friend Grigory Soroka, the Director of Molodechno’s Oginski Musical College, and with sculptor Valerian Yanushkevich and other enthusiasts, Mr. Kravchenko has helped promote familiarity with our famous countryman. A memorial plaque has been unveiled in Florence (where Michal Kleofas spent his last days), in Belarusian and Italian. Speaking at a celebratory reception, hosted by the House of Friendship, the Charge d’Affaires of Poland to Belarus, Michal Chabros, said, “Michal Kleofas Oginski lived in hard times, when his Motherland — the Rzecz Pospolita — disappeared from the map of Europe. However, his Farewell to Homeland polonaise has endured through the centuries. In 2005, I was surprised to hear it in Kyrgyz Osh — performed by a local accordion player, in the city square.” Bass baritone Vladimir Alexandrovich’s singing of an Oginski piece in Belarusian impressed guests at the reception. Born in Molodechno, the musician now works for Florence’s Comunale Theatre. His talent is one of many ‘exported’ around the world from Belarus. Sooner or later, however, all return to their homeland. By Victor Andreev

Vadim Kondrashov

NATIONAL PARKS

Pesnyary band sings ‘Reserve, place of crystal sunrise rays and the light rising above the land’: words devoted to a unique place which everyone should visit

reasons to visit Enjoy Reserve motifs

Touch history

grandeur of many‘Finding my way to the +‘Majestic , year oaks…’ s p r i ng a l o ng an i nv i s ible path…’ This is the largest and oldest forest in Europe — covering 500,000 square kilometres. Some of its trees are 300-400 years old and a true patriarch oak grows here — being 600 years old! With a cut-through hole, it continues to live in the Pushcha. Our ancestors believed that a person would be healed of any disease on passing through the hole, and many still hold the belief, making pilgrimages to the mighty tree. There are many other natural ‘tricks’ in the forest’: an oak and a birch grown into a single tree; and a birch with a gnarl in the form of an auroch head.

‘Children of aurochs do not wish to become extinct…’ The virgin wilder-

ness is a happy hunting ground for dozens of animals and birds. Importantly, the largest European animal lives here: the auroch. Many excursions are offered to the Pushcha: on foot, by bicycle or by car. The two-day ‘Pushcha Robinsons’ tour envisages spending a night in the forest.

Many centuries ago, Vladimir Monomakh used to hunt here and, in 1888, the Pushcha officially became property of the royal Romanovs, who began constructing their palace. During the Great Patriotic War, the latter was destroyed but the roads — laid so many years ago — are still operational; the cast-iron markers feature Imperial emblems. The local Viskuli Residence has been attended by all general secretaries and famous personalities but the site is known most for its hosting, on December 8th, 1991, of the heads of three Soviet republics: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. It was in Viskuli that they signed the agreement to establish the Commonwealth. In doing so, Stanislav Shushkevich, Boris Yeltsin and Leonid Kravchuk sentenced the great Soviet Union to death.

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NATIONAL PARKS

Belovezhskaya Pushcha Escape city bustle in the ‘Pushchanka’

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‘Warm your heart by tall birches…’ Guests of the local

Museum of Folk Life can try a nip of the local alcoholic beverage: famous ‘Pushchanka’, once appreciated by Russian tsars. On coming to the Pushcha, tourists can settle into their hotel, guest-house or agro-mansion, enjoying a range of facilities: a tennis court, gym, billiards, sauna, swimming pool and sports pitch. Local restaurants offer dishes cooked from freshly caught fish and wild fowl, or other Belovezhskaya Pushcha ingredients.

By public transport: direct express bus connects the village of Kamenyuki (where the National Park’s administration is situated) and Brest.

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Visit Father Frost

Look at Belarus from the White Tower

the grass is tall and . Where bushes are thick…’ hearing the voice of our /‘On forefathers…’ Belarusian Father Frost’s Residence occupies almost 15 hectares and is one of the most beautiful sites globally in which you may visit Father Frost. He welcomes guests all year round but, in summer, appears with a straw hat rather than his usual winter fur cap. Every year, around 150,000 children and adults visit him; he is a treat to behold, regardless of whether you are 8 or 80.

The fortified 13th century Belaya Vezha (White Tower) is situated in the district centre of Kamenets. It resembles a large chess rook and was long believed to have given the Belovezhskaya Pushcha its name. However, this is not true: the tower was only painted white in Soviet times (being plain brick until then). Now, it has been repainted white.

By car: from Brest, it’s 60km along the BrestKamenyuki highway (Р83) for 60km; from Minsk, it’s 360 km to reach the Pushcha, along the Minsk-Brest highway (М1) until theturnforZhabinka(Р7),thentoKamenets and on to Kamenyuki (Р83); alternatively, take the Minsk-Brest highway (М1) until the turn for Slonim (Р21), then drive to Kamenets and onward, to Kamenyuki (Р83), for a distance of around 380km.

CREATIVE INTERPRETATIONS

Yuri Bashmet enjoys recognition and love in Minsk. Moreover, this year, posters promoting his 10th international festival are competing with those for a concert by famous Stas Mikhailov. For the first time, tickets to the opening show of the Philharmonic, classical music event sold out quicker than those for the ‘king of chanson’.

New version of Onegin 50

Artur Prupas

rilliant musician and talented manager Yuri Bashmet knows well how to harmonise the world of classical music and mass culture. His concert brings together such greats as Konstantin Khabensky and his wife, actress Olga Litvinova, Zhala Ismailova (a winner of prestigious musical contests), soloists from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, and musicians from the New Russia Symphony Orchestra. They offer a balance between lofty art and easily ‘digestible’ melodies. This time, Mr. Bashmet is bringing Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin to Minsk, offering poetry and classical music. The master has many times spoken of an interpretation of Piotr Tchaikovsky’s famous opera and, speaking at a press conference just before the Minsk premiere, repeated that he aims to enlighten new generations to the delights of Pushkin’s novel and Tchaikovsky’s music. It helps having Konstantin Khabensky’s name on the poster but, as Mr. Bashmet admits, it takes skill to successfully advertise classical music. It’s not the first time that Mr. Khabensky has joined forces with Mr. Bashmet to combine music and drama. Past ef-

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CREATIVE INTERPRETATIONS There were many calls of ‘bravo’ from the audience, directed at Konstantin Khabensky and Yuri Bashmet. There was also hearty applause for Ms. Ismailova (who performed Pushkin’s Tatiana), baritone Ilya Kutyukhin (Onegin), Svetlana Shilova and Sergey Romanovsky. The latter was especially moving in his performance; singing the aria What Will Happen Tomorrow? prior to his death scene, cries of ‘bravo’ rose ardently from the stalls. Being rewarded with rich applause, Mr. Bashmet promised to bring his musical-poetic readings to Minsk another time. Mr. Khabensky has already agreed. They share a love for this type of work, with musicians appearing as actors and actors becoming musicians.

Maestro entrusts role of Tatiana to Salzburg operatic singer Zhala Ismailova In 2013, Konstantin Khabensky came to Minsk’s Bashmet Festival for the first time, where the artistic duo enjoyed success

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By Yulia Leonova

Artur Prupas

forts have been well-received; both are experts in this field, having liaised for several years. In the first version of Eugene Onegin, Ksenia Rappoport and Oleg Menshikov portrayed the drama of Pushkin’s poem. Mr. Khabensky was invited several years ago and, later, was joined by Chekhov Art Theatre actress Olga Litvinova, from Moscow. At the Minsk show, Olga managed to match Konstantin’s stature only towards the end, perhaps due to her ‘wife’ status. At times, her performance seemed a little rushed, as if she were afraid of forgetting her lines. Nevertheless, the Artistic Leader of Minsk’s Contemporary Art Theatre, Vladimir Ushakov, praised her portrayal, saying, “I love it! I’d work with Olga and Konstantin anytime, with pleasure. The idea of the performance is great, having an orchestra, singers and actors meet on a single stage. The story is well known, even where people haven’t read the original poem (it happens!) so it’s wonderful to stage something.” Another fan of the artistic duo is famous Belarusian conductor Mikhail Snitko. He attended the premiere, and commented, “It’s a complex show. I love the idea of organically intermixing Tchaikovsky’s eternal music with extracts from the poem of the same name. I love the New Russia Orchestra: it’s an international level team, from whom we can learn much. Wagner used to say that an orchestra must imitate a choir, by ‘singing’, i.e. musicians and artistes playing in unison. The New Russia Orchestra is this ‘singing’ orchestra. Bravo to maestro Bashmet!”

 Waiting in anticipation Belarusfilm National Film Studio prepares to launch filming for winners of Open Republican Contest of Cinema Projects

he competition was held in August, and work is now being launched on filming the winning entries. The first is Hold on to the Clouds: a television drama with 8 episodes, written by Valentin Zaluzhny and Ilya Tsofin, and directed by Roman Gapanyuk. The story follows the challenging work of a crew tasked with putting up power transmission lines, under the guidance of experienced foreman Vladimir Kovalev. As they work, we hear their concerns and worries, and learn about their mutual friendship and supportiveness, which helps them overcome any obstacle. Actor, director and scriptwr iter Roman Gapanyuk graduated from the Higher Theatrical College (named after Shchukin) and worked as a director for Brest Drama and Music Theatre. He directed A Special Case and A Sure Remedy, as well as 8-part series In the Constellation of Sagittarius (2015). Traces on the Water is a feature-length film written by Andrey Golubev (based on Nikolay Ilyinsky’s novel Foreign Native). Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the militia, the events take place in 1947, on the territory of Western Belarus. The army is battling isolated groups of bandits, trying to restore peace, as well as law and order in the war-torn land. Yegor Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky is directing the film, which is due to be released in late 2016.

AT THE MUSIC OLYMPUS

Art director Vladimir Perlin, the head conductor of the Gymnasiumcollege Concert Orchestra under the Belarusian Academy of Music, knows music’s influence on our hearts. The Honoured Artiste of Belarus, and holder of the Order of Academic Palms, has more than once experienced shivers and the spiritual satisfaction of music’s beauty.

To teach for him is like to breathe 52

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or the past five decades, he has aspired to teach his pupils to hear the heart of music. He has mentored well-known cellists, who now work and live around the globe, in such countries as Russia, France, Taiwan, Israel, Scotland and Germany. Vladimir Perlin often states that he teaches as he himself would have liked to have been taught. He recites poetry and jokes to help his pupils understand musical subtleties. His talent is remarkable, inspiring his students to reach for the highest goals as members of an orchestra. I once saw his young musicians on stage and was impressed by how relaxed they were during performance, and how very happy. They performed their parts with artistic flair, as if embodying the images created by their music. Their bodies and faces danced in time with the melody. All was stylish and smooth. Experts often mention Mr. Perlin’s teaching methods, and journalists like to repeat his favourite phrase: ‘It’s not enough to take a bow in your hands. You must be able to produce sound as if you’re caressing the strings with love’. Of course, seeing once is better than hearing ten times. Accordingly, I went to the gymnasium-college of arts to see the maestro’s ‘style’; the best way to learn ‘kitchen’ secrets is in the kitchen. Mr. Perlin was mid-rehearsal when I entered, his pupils practising for a concert of laureates, and scholarship holders from the Special Fund of the President of Belarus (marking the 20th anniversary of the Fund). The Belarusian University of Culture has a database of names of all those who have held scholarships, and Mr. Perlin and his pupils are well-known to its employees.

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AT THE MUSIC OLYMPUS Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper reported Mr. Perlin’s first trip abroad in the early 1990s, to West Germany, where he led his pupils in playing a small symphony by Vivaldi, near Cologne Cathedral. The owner of a small cafe nearby liked their performance so much that he treated them all with not only delicious icecream but dinner. On entering, I saw Vladimir standing with arms raised, reciting poetry. He nodded at me, inviting me in. His pupils were listening with acute fascination, with mouths agape. Then, he waved his conductor’s baton, and the music began. However, he soon

Roch’s Catholic Church. There are many such examples. Mr. Perlin seems reluctant to end the rehearsal, or to stop to give me an interview. I understand why: he is still wrapped in his world of harmonies and musical images. Vladimir, I’ve read often in the press about your hatred for the cello in your younger years and your love of sports. What happened for you to become not simply an outstanding performer and teacher, but a worldrecognised musical genius? As a child of war, I dreamt of becoming a tankman, a pilot, and a Hero of the Soviet Union, perform-

It’s not enough to take a bow in your hands. You must be able to produce sound as if you’re caressing the strings with love stopped them, being dissatisfied, saying, “You’re playing, instead of living! Where are your eyes? Why don’t I see excitement in your bodies?!” He quoted some poetry, and joked, which brought laughter. I couldn’t help joining in, as his jokes were so well-timed. He told us about the war, which he witnessed first-hand. The first chords began again, and were already different, coming alive, full of feeling. I felt as if the music were transforming into visible images. That day, during rehearsal, I also felt the music as an invisible yet perceptible substance, almost tangible, and able to touch the soul. I realised that this was the secret of music, as guessed by Vladimir Perlin. This is the magic he aspires to create. Vladimir Sinkevich, the grandnephew of Vladimir Korotkevich [the well-known Belarusian writer] was a wonderful cellist, although there was a time when his parents considered ending his studies. However, after two years, he was ready to play at St.

ing feats. I was a record-holder in Belarus for swimming, and a master of sports. I had no plans to connect my life with music. However, my mother (I will be always grateful to her) sent me to musical school for ten years, at the conservatory. In 1949, I learnt that she had done so in memory of her own father, who was the first director-founder of this institution in 1935 and the first teacher of the cello. My grandfather was burnt [by the Nazis during the war years], together with my grandmother, aged 39, in 1941. My early years of study were very difficult, but things changed when a certain teacher appeared. He opened my eyes to music and the role it could play. Stagorsky Alexander Pavlovich was an outstanding cellist, teacher and professor. He was aged only 7 when the Revolution began, so did not manage to finish school in 1917. He ended up teaching himself and would always say that ‘those who did their job would always be in demand’.

AT THE MUSIC OLYMPUS To do all I must, I get up at 5am, and go to bed at midnight. People call you the ‘best of the best’, having travelled the world, giving concerts and master classes, and having repeatedly played for British Queen Elizabeth. It is utter nonsense to elevate your own opinion of yourself. We should show our worth not in word, but in deed, with our instruments. We can then give praise where it’s due. To ‘overpraise’ a person inflates their pride. I don’t ask to take part in concerts, or go on tour, or appear in articles or films. Others find me. I simply aspire to bring happiness and pleasure to those before whom I perform. Do you think, love to art can be descended? It’s c u r re nt ly f ash i onabl e to speak of art and talent passing down through genes, including love of the arts. Certainly, there is something in this theory. For example, my mother composed an opera at the age of 7, while my grandfather founded the conservatory. However, you need more than talent to win the hearts of an audience. Masterly playing does not win souls. You can only achieve this by allowing your own soul to tremble during your performance. You should inflame your soul! Then, your music will influence the souls of your audience. Every day, I remind myself, and my pupils, of this fact. They need to understand this, so that their internal

riches find reflection in their performance. When they lack knowledge, as happens often, I share my own experience with them; I teach them to open their hearts. I give examples from life and chat, asking somebody to sing a folk song. Sadly, they cannot, as they do not know how! Then, I recite Lermontov or Pushkin. I want children to understand that Lermontov and Pushkin are as important to learning the grand piano and cello as the teacher who instructs them on holding their hands correctly. It is possible to play the same pie ce of music ver y dif ferent ly. You’ve just heard how the sound changed when the children began to relax more; it’s what I call the magic touch! When children are being sincere, they find the best path of self-expression. The main thing is to arouse their emotions. Can you teach anyone to play, even the ungifted…? I can’t work alone. Remember the well-known triad of pupil, teacher and parent. I had one young pupil whose grandmother used to accompany him to lessons, and all was perfect. However, one day, an infuriated woman rushed in, while we were watching a TV recording, which I had to stop. She was the mother of the boy and didn’t like my methods, thinking that her son wasn’t being pushed hard enough. She saw him as a budding Mozart. Her attitude brought down the house of cards.

Training professionals to a high level is like growing a tree. It takes time for the apples to form: perhaps five years. You must water the sapling, add fertiliser, graft on extra branches and prune where needed. When I take on children, I always insist on meeting their father and mother, since much depends on parents. They should be my allies. Are there any rules for teaching a child? If musical talent is sent by God, then who knows how to cultivate it correctly? There are no rules. The main thing is to support children. I know what to say and when, how to joke and how to scold. We all have different temperaments; the important thing is to love what you do. I’m 74 but I still love coming to work; teaching children is my ‘air’. When I see their eyes shine, it brings such happiness. What an amazing influence the soul of a child exerts on us! If you have children, you’ll understand! They cure all maladies! I love my pupils, while they love me. You see it at once, when you come to my lessons. We shouldn’t offend or deceive a child; we should love and support them, while preparing them for a professional life. If you feed a child only with sugary flattery and false praise, what will he or she become? Of course, sometimes, I manage to unintentionally offend someone but then I feel great regret. I’m my own strictest judge. Once my inspiration ends, I’ll leave the college at once.

For the past five decades, he has aspired to teach his pupils to hear the heart of music. He has mentored well-known cellists, who now work and live around the globe, in such countries as Russia, France, Taiwan, Israel, Scotland and Germany

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AT THE MUSIC OLYMPUS

Vladimir Perlin’s pupils always show originality and artistry

How do you select pupils for the college orchestra? You saw how many students came to the rehearsal? I need just fifteen. Of course, it’s pleasant for me to know that they want to attend. Among them, I seek out the ‘idiots’, for whom music is everything! They want to give others a world of spiritual enrichment, making life purer, better, with fewer criminals and police. I need enthusiasts who work not for money but because they are driven by obsession. Such musicians will always be in demand, and will receive recognition. There are many such examples. How do you recognise a child’s talent? People refer to intuition. I am a physiognomist by nature. Even among those who would usually be expelled, I see their potential. Why do classics ‘never die’?

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Classical works shock us, bringing catharsis. Valentin Gaft [a well-known Russian theatre and cinema actor] wrote: The bow touches your soul, As soon as it touches the cello, Or the violin, Sacred instant — do not sin! The soul pines for purity, In that sound is the echo of our torment, Art: who blows and how! When there is such a String, And there are Hands, and Inspiration, There is music, and rescue therein, There is Truth exposed, Unspoilt by words, And you want to love and live, And to give everything, and to forgive. Such things sometimes happen. How can we make classics popular, so that young people can recall the composer of ‘The Four Seasons’ without

prompting? Most seem to learn about the classics from adverts on television or the radio. We need to discuss them more, and to write about them. We, musicians, can make the world better, at least indirectly, feeding the soul. A guardian angel will come and rescue us. I play with an open soul, and teach others this art. I want to play for pre-schoolers at our Young People’s Theatre. They would enjoy it! I’m sure! I can say without false modesty that it’s difficult to acquire tickets to my concerts as they are always sold out. People leave with tears in their eyes. Let’s speak more often about the miracle of music, and our world-class musicians. What defines music as world-class? Demand. You won’t be able to purchase a ticket to the Strauss Festival Orchestra in Vienna unless you book a ticket two years beforehand! Our

AT THE MUSIC OLYMPUS

Rehearsal at the gymnasium-college

college has trained a huge constellation of musicians who are in demand worldwide. For example, Ivan Karizna won the International Tchaikovsky Competition and, in 2010, reached the final of the classical Eurovision (Eurovision Young Musicians). This helped promote classical music. Andrey Ponochevny has gained numerous victories at various international musical competitions. Artem Shishkov is a laureate of fifteen international competitions, while Vladimir Sinkevich has won a competition in Korea, where no Slavic cellist has ever before won a prize. I could go on. Do you regret anything in life?

Meeting my teacher, Alexander Stogorsky, too late; 17 years of my life were less fruitful than they could have been. I also regret that, for half of my life, I was a convinced atheist. What changed your world-view? Does your faith help you to overcome everyday difficulties? When I was 54, I had problems with my hand, and even faced amputation. Then, I heard about an old woman who used the power of prayer to help heal her injury. I decided that things couldn’t be worse so I visited her, and saw candles everywhere in her home. They were crackling! She asked, “My darling, do you believe in

Belarus’ magazine reference  In 2003, the French Government awarded Vladimir Perlin the Ordre des Palmes Académiques (the Order of Academic Palms): the highest French order ever presented to a Belarusian. The Order of Academic Palms was instituted by Napoleon I in 1808 and is given to Frenchmen living abroad, and to foreign citizens who make a considerable contribution to promoting French culture worldwide. Officers, knights and commanders of the ‘Academic Palms’ become members of the Association of Members of the Order of Academic Palms, which is

God? I help only those who believe. Look at the flame!” I thought that she was playing a trick on me, yet I followed her advice. I went to the nearest church and was christened. I remember that I laughed inwardly while being baptised. The next day, I returned to her and the candles were no longer crackling! Then, many miracles began in my life. My hand was saved. Years after I’d decided to be christened, the church told me that there was no going back now and that my baptism set my path on Earth. However, thanks to my belief in God, I understood that being a believer and loving one’s neighbour aren’t shown in words but in deeds. This is the greatest feat we can achieve. By Alisa Krasovskaya

under the aegis of the Minister of Education of France. Vladimir Perlin was awarded as an ‘unsurpassed master not only for his proficiency of technique and his art of playing the cello, but in gratitude for his pedagogical talents’. For many years, under the initiative of Vladimir Perlin, cellist Jerome Pernoo, and pianist Jerome Ducros, the Minsk College has been successfully liaising with the Conservatory of the 19th Arrondissement of Paris and France’s National Higher Conservatory of Music and Dance.

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