Belarus (magazine #8 2013) by BELARUS Magazine

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

pp. 21—36

No.8 (959), 2013

BELARUS Magazine for you

Беларусь. Belarus

Politics, Economy, Culture

Land

of sky

COLOUR

Page

INTERNATIONAL

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Socio-political Weekly

This advertisement appeared in the first issues of The Minsk Times weekly and remains the same today

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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 8 (959), 2013 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

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

Holiday of sincere feeling

Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

Spiritual element of faith

New breakthrough in partnership relations

44 Pictures of children’s summer School

summer holidays in Belarus are not just three months of free time for schoolchildren; they are an opportunity for new experiences. Traditionally, youngsters would head to camps for a taste of outdoor life and team spirit; today, such camps are just as popular

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko visits People’s Republic of China

52 Runway to the future

Good business for neighbours One of Eu-

Director with a pure heart New pre-

miere of Puccino’s Turandot — his last, incomplete masterpiece — interpreted by National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre Director Mikhail Pandzhavidze, marking anniversary in grand style

Land of sky colour Photographer Dzianis Ramaniuk sees his country in a water drop

Space and time of Vladimir Prokoptsov

rope’s largest wood processing and furniture making facilities opens near Mogilev

16 Targeted on success

Minsk student Alexey Ropan and Gomel gymnasium graduate Gennady Korotkevich among world’s top 24 programmers

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 “Belarusian House of Press” Publishing Office” UE. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No.2674 Total circulation — 1939 copies (including 734 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: mail@belarus-magazine.by Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977

Green branches on wide-spreading tree A delegate at the 6th Congress of Belarusians of the World urged, “Belarus is incomplete without us, and we are rootless without it. Today, the state perceives the Diaspora as an integral part of the Belarusian people and a powerful resource for the further development of the nation.”

Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova

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.

2013 беларусь.belarus

editor’s note

Advantageous angle

he 1,025th anniversary of Christianity arriving in Rus is a significant date in a religious and spiritual context, being solemnly celebrated in Belarus. In our article dedicated to the occasion, our correspondent writes: ‘Early one July morning, a stranger approached a group of journalists, who had gathered before the beginning of a solemn Divine liturgy under an open sky, at Nemiga, on the site of ancient Minsk Citadel. He said, “Holiday greetings to you! I wish you well and good spirits.” He congratulated us, smiled and moved on to where the participants of the finishing procession had gathered in front of the main stage for a prayer service. At least 50,000 Minsk residents and pilgrims from 11 eparchies of the Belarusian Exarchate attended that day, alongside those from abroad. Some arrived by car while others came in specially rented buses for the 1,025th anniversary celebrations, marking the arrival of Christianity to Rus. It was really a Holiday of Sincere Feeling, as the article is entitled. President Lukashenko met the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, in Minsk, alongside primates and representatives of local Orthodox churches, at an informal gathering at the Memorial Church in honour of All Saints. The important guests said many kind words about Belarus, Minsk and its residents, while voicing their appreciation for the nation’s loyalty towards Orthodox traditions. Thousands of people gathered around the church, as if to prove that our people cherish a Divine spark in their souls. Read more in Spiritual Element of Faith. Belarus is working hard to build relations with China, which remain friendly, while being filled with business pragmatism. Various joint projects have been established, while our longheld trade liaisons are being gradually supplemented by those of a military-technical nature. The top leadership of both states is finding time to help promote economic interaction, as was the goal of the recent visit to China by the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko. Read more about Belarusian-Chinese collaboration in New Breakthrough in Partnership Relations. Other examples of mutually beneficial international collaboration are explored in this issue, such as activity at the Mogilev Free Economic Zone. Lithuanian Vakarų Medienos Grupė and SBA Concern — leaders in furniture manufacture — have officially opened an industrial complex to process timber at our FEZ, investing over 100m Euros for a two-year period. Set to be

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one of the biggest Lithuanian investors in Belarus, the move also creates over 1,000 jobs, with exports under the globally known brand name of IKEA. In July, the President of Belarus visited both enterprises and their workshops, speaking to representatives and noting that Belarus always welcomes decent investors, being ready to support them. He views them as making a solid contribution to the national economy, while ensuring the arrival of new technologies and global experience. Lithuania and Belarus are neighbours, so business partnerships are logical and have been gaining momentum of late. According to Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, direct investments into Belarus reached almost 276m Litas last year. Of course, it’s always possible to expand partnerships, as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Evaldas Ignatavicius, asserts. He notes that Belarus and Lithuania are currently realising 15 investment projects — worth $650m. Lithuanian businessmen are showing increased interest in establishing production enterprises in Belarus, with the focus on regional collaboration, as is seen from our article entitled Good Business for Neighbours. Sometimes, investments appear unexpectedly, as you can read in Runway to the Future. A former military aerodrome is becoming a large logistics centre, having fallen into decline since the USSR’s collapse; many military bases ceased operation, with regiments disbanded and barracks and ammunition stores emptied. With no planes taking off and the military disbanded, the town of Bolbasovo (near the Vitebsk Region’s Orsha) experienced difficulties. It’s aviation regiment finally left in 1994, leaving Orsha Aircraft Overhaul Plant, located in Bolbasovo, to take over the premises. Now, the town’s future is firmly connected with the site, which hopes to become one of Europe’s largest logistical centres. Dzianis Ramaniuk is always ready to look at life from an unexpected angle, being a passionate photographer. He shoots Belarusian landscapes, which he views as divinely ordained, like icons. How can we not agree? His huge albums depict Belarus from flattering, new angles, as you can see in Land of Sky Colour.

BY Viktor Kharkov

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Holiday of sincere feeling

Joy of service

Greetings to Orthodox Christians of Belarus!

ne early July morning, a stranger approached our group of journalists, who had gathered before the beginning of a solemn Divine liturgy under an open sky, at Nemiga, on the site of ancient Minsk Citadel. He said, ”Holiday greetings to you! I wish you well and good spirits.” He congratulated us, smiled and moved on to where the participants of the finishing procession had gathered in front of the main stage for a prayer service. At least 50,000 Minsk residents and pilgrims from 11 eparchies of the Belarusian Exarchate attended that day, alongside those from abroad. Some Page

Dear fellow countrymen! I send my best greetings on the occasion of the 1025th anniversary of Christianity arriving to Rus. The adoption of Christianity became a life-giving source for the Eastern Slavs, while shaping the development of statehood, national cultures, science and education. At all times the Church has served as a beacon of hope and preached the best traditions of mercy, diligence and devotion to the Motherland. Today its authority and experience stand high in the society. The Orthodox Church brings wisdom and love to our lives, while helping maintain stability and harmony in our Belarusian house. The anniversary, which is widely celebrated in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, helps us to feel the power of faith, the importance of the chain of generations and the spiritual unity of the fraternal peoples. I’m convinced that at a new stage of its history the Orthodox Church will continue its service, uniting people and staying committed to its duty before the God and the Fatherland. I wish you strong health, every success in good deeds and undertakings, happiness, peace and kindness. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko

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arrived by car while others came in specially rented buses for the 1,025th anniversary celebrations, marking the arrival of Christianity to Rus. Pobediteley Avenue was filled with the joyous sound of church bells change ringing, recalling the movement of the Faith along the rivers Moskva, Dnieper and Svisloch. An atmosphere of spiritual calm reigned, with some parishioners looking closely to find ‘their’ priest among the clergymen, like children searching for their parents, to acquire greater confidence and inner comfort. ‘Where is our priest Serafim?’ I heard a woman say worriedly from behind. Then, she composed herself, deciding that he must be busy, and moved to discussing with her neighbours an unexpected snow-white cross which had appeared mysteriously in the cloudless sky. Sceptics would have declared it the result of planes flying through but it certainly looked magnificent. According to legend, a similar sign appeared in the sky on the day St. Andrew the Apostle was crucified. The liturgy featured the choir of Minsk’s Holy Spirit Cathedral, filling everyone with a feeling of powerful elevation. It seemed that the triumphant Earth was combining with the radiant celestial heights. The prayers, led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and various primates and hierarchs of local Orthodox churches, were pronounced in several languages but, each time, everyone responded ‘Peace be with you’. Patriarch

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Kirill joined our Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, the Patriarchal Exarch of all Belarus, Filaret, alongside ordinary Belarusian priests and their parishioners for the church service, which was also attended by hierarchs of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus: the Archbishop Metropolitan of Minsk and Mogilev, Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, and the Bishop of Pinsk, Anthony Demyanko. At the end of the liturgy, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed everyone with an archpastoral word while the Metropolitan Filaret called on all those present to take Christ into their hearts. He emphasised, “At the heart of our meeting is Christ. He is and will ever be amongst us. In front of Him, we today proclaim Orthodox unity. I believe that no one will leave Minsk Citadel without receiving consolation. Each of us should feel the heart beat of the Universal Church during the Patriarchal liturgy. Moreover, we should know that our own heart, in God’s eyes, weighs no less than the whole world.” Events then moved to the place where a stone Orthodox church once stood: probably one of the first around Minsk, dating from the late 11th-early 12th century. Here, a memorable plaque marking the 1,025th anniversary of Christianity arriving in Rus was laid into the church’s foundations, in the altar apse. In addition, a certificate was signed by the primates of local Orthodox churches. By Galina Ulitenok

Artur Prupas

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Spiritual element of faith President of Belarus has met Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, alongside primates and representatives of local Orthodox churches. The warm meeting was hosted by the Memorial Church in honour of All Saints in Minsk, with important guests saying many kind words about Belarus, Minsk and people who live here. Moreover, they thanked for faith and adherence to Orthodox traditions. Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered around the church as if to prove that our people carry a God’s sparkle in their soul and sacredly keep it.

n welcoming the guests, the President thanked them that it was decided to finish solemn events, dedicated to 1,025th anniversary of Christianity coming to Rus, in our country. The words of gratitude were addressed to the whole Russian Orthodox

Church for constructive position which helps citizens preserve faith to common historical roots and kind legacy of ancestors. The President defined the preciousness of the mission saying that, “This is powerful support to those integration processes which are developing on the post-Soviet space. The single faith which is the basis for Slavonic cultures brings us closer and makes us understandable to each other. No borders are able to divide that deep unity which originates from our history.” The President assured that the Belarusian nation reverences and preserves the faith of its forefathers during centuries. The number of believers is constantly rising in the country and this is a great value in our difficult time. Mr. Lukashenko paid attention, “The crisis of the Western civilisation has become more apparent recently. It is not merely a financial or economic instability, but a most profound crisis of moral and religious values. It came in the era when industry and technologies have made an unbelievable breakthrough that promised to bring prosperity to the entire humanity... However, it has become clear now that man shall not live by bread alone and that material values alone cannot ensure a peaceful and prosperous life. We have to make a choice again and again, we have to search for solid moral guidelines and choose our set of values,” the head of state said. Mr. Lukashenko was happy to say that religious and secular authorities have established really partner relations in Belarus. A decade ago a co-operation agreement was signed between the state and the Belarusian Orthodox Church, which is being constantly filled with definite joint endeavours. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill noted that the celebration of the 1025th anniversary of Christianity arriving to Rus is a unique event. According to him, the mood of people during the celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the baptism of Rus was different. He noted that great changes have taken place in Belarus for the past 25 years. “Today, we all are different. Those who 25 years ago could only dream about it can now witness that the Orthodox faith is a spiritual force that has become the foundation of not only personal and family life, but the lives of the nations,” the Patriarch noted. The Patriarch added that Belarus had also improved over 25 years, “The spiritual foundation that was laid 1025 years ago is common to all the nations — the heirs of Duke Vladimir and of Kievan Rus; this common ground is the most important thing that should be the basis of our co-operation, our integration. We believe that if that foundation is the cornerstone of our integration, if this foundation is the pillar for the ‘building’ of the future, it will not be washed away by showers and destroyed by earthquakes. This ‘building’ will stand the test of time,” he stressed. The President and clergymen shared opinions about the role of Orthodox faith in contemporary society and its development. By Dmitry Kryat

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New breakthrough

in partnership relations President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko visits People’s Republic of China

he capital of China has warmly and hospitably received a d ist i ng u ishe d guest, with a great crowd gathering to meet the President of Belarus on arrival. As his

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cortege left the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, many filmed the procession on their mobile phones, and smiled in welcome. Clearly, friendly relations between our countries exist not only at high levels; ordinary Chinese citizens view Belarusians as friends. President Lukashenko was visiting the People’s Republic of China for

the seventh time, having made his first official trip in 1995. The current President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, visited Belarus in March 2010, as the Chinese Vice President. Meanwhile, the previous head of China, Hu Jintao, came to us in 2000. Interstate dialogue has a rich history and continues to develop rapidly.

VISIT Mr. Lukashenko stressed that no problems exist relating to our trade, investment or politics, adding that Belarus has always supported the initiatives of the People’s Republic of China within international organisations. “We once dreamt of a sales turnover of $500m between our two states; now, we’ve reached about $3bn. It’s huge progress. China gives as good as it gets and has never failed to support Belarus. Some criticised China and Belarus for violating human rights but all have fallen silent after recent publications detailing how the West has behaved in this sphere. China and Belarus have suffered accusations but have stood firm together,” notes the President of Belarus. The Head of Belarus is delighted to see our countries closely cooperating in the spheres of space, military-technical equipment and hu man it ar i an is m , c om me nt i ng , “No major problems exist in any of these fields, allowing us to move towards strategic partnership and co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and Belarus.” Xi Jinping has announced, “Our relations are developing steadily, step by step, now reaching an unprecedentedly high level. A new stage of rampant development has arrived, and the President of Belarus is a great friend of the Chinese people. You’ve made an enormous contribution to the development of ChineseBelarusian relations. At this historic moment in time, when our relations are moving into a totally new level, your visit, I’m sure, will inspire further development of bilateral cooperation between our countries.” The President of Belarus responded, “You’ve explained precisely our new level of relations and strategic partnership. We’re developing a new longterm ‘road map’ — as it is needed today. I feel confident that, by the end of the year, our departments and governments will be offering a programme of further co-operation between Belarus and the People’s Republic of China.”

We once dreamt of a sales turnover of $500m between our two states; now, we’ve reached about $3bn. It’s huge progress Such a document is already being designed, filled with business content. The Belarusian delegation arrived one day prior to the President, meeting Chinese colleagues to discuss how best to further investment partnerships and interaction in the sectors of energy, automobile building and inter-municipal dialogue, including relating to the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park. All mutual arrangements are being fastened by concrete documents; in a single day, 12 were signed, including one raising $500m for a joint venture manufacturing Geely cars. Minister of Industr y Dmitr y Katerinich tells us, “The decision has been taken, with a schedule agreed for plant construction. The projected capacity is 120,000 cars annually. The plant will be constructed according to rigid Volvo standards (bought some time ago by Chinese partners).” Pre fe re nt i a l l o ans h ave a l s o been agreed for building transmission lines for the Belarusian atomic power station, notes B elar usian Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik. Having spoken with Liu Chaoan, the Chairman of the Board of the North China Power Engineering Company (NCPE), he explained, “We talked not only about the future project — which we plan to start on January 1st 2014 — but about possibilities for joint co-operation in third countries and in China. We have well-trained professionals from whom both China and Belarus can benefit.”

Agreements are now also in place for China’s building of a therapeutic complex at Minsk’s Central Regional Hospital and constructing a student hostel. The General Prosecutor’s Office of Belarus and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China have signed a cooperative agreement, as has our State Military-Industrial Committee and the Chinese State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence. The cities of Minsk and Shenzhen have signed an agreement on friendly delegation exchanges while Guangdong Province and the city of Harbin are creating sub-parks at the ChineseBelarusian industrial park. Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Tozik emphasises, “I believe we cannot overestimate the importance of this visit for bilateral relations. A f i f t h Pre s i d e nt i a l ge ne r at i on has come to power in the People’s Republic of China while the present visit is the result of a decade of cooperation, allowing strategic directions of development to bear fruit for the future. More than 30 documents, agreements, contracts and records have been signed, including those concerning import and export deliveries, investment projects and credit agreements: these are worth a total of $1.5bn.” There are so many areas of mutual interest, which find expression in a declaration signed by Mr. Lukashenko and Page

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X i Jinping , not ing all-round strategic partnership between Belarus and China. This outlines key political, economic and humanitarian interaction, stating: ‘The parties are set to develop a programme to promote strategic partnership between Belarus and China. Our countries will strengthen mutual support in protecting their basic interests: cooperation in matters concerning state independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, interests of national security and development’. Belarus has reaffirmed its adherence to the ‘One China’ policy, while China has confirmed its understanding and respect for the independent domestic and foreign policies pursued by the Republic of Belarus. China has also announced its disapproval of external interference in the internal affairs of Belarus under any pretext. Belarus and China are unanimous in their b elief for the need for reform within the United Nations Organisation and its S ecurity Council. They share similar views and approaches to modern international and regional issues, as stated: ‘The parties are against: the use of force or threat of force; the overthrow of lawful governments of other states; unilateral sanctions imposed by some countries against others; and terrorism in all its forms’. We speak different languages but share a dialogue of mutual principles. Minsk and Beijing have agreed to promote the development of humanitarian co-operation in all spheres and at various levels. The Chinese are keen to welcome more Belarusian students and support the expansion of Chinese language teaching in Belarus. Meanwhile, they have invited 200 Belarusian children from regions affected by the Chernobyl accident for summer respite trips in 2014. The declaration states that both sides are ‘ready to undertake further measures to assist and simplify mutual

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trips by citizens, ensuring the safety, legal rights and interests of citizens and legal bodies in each territory’, while creating ‘more favourable conditions for deepening co-operation and exchanges between Belarus and China in various areas’. Another agreement tackles the investment sphere, dealing with the second stage of electrification for the Gomel-Zhlobin-Osipovichi railway line. China is to allocate an $80m loan for the project, while Belarusian Railways is to supply 18 electric freight locomotives — worth $117m. A separate contract sees Belarusian Gomselmash supplying 1,500 harvester

assembly machine sets to the BelarusianChinese agricultural mechanical engineering joint venture: Harbin Dong Jin Gomel. Long-term co-operation has been agreed between the two enterprises, with the joint venture expected to be assembling 2,000 harvesters annually by 2015 — worth $60m. Collaboration in tractor building is to continue, with contracts signed in Beijing for the supply of 50 sets for Dong Jin Minsk Tractor Co. Ltd. and 300 sets for Ili Yuncheng Company. Meanwhile, MTZ has signed a contract with Chinese CNR Corporation on the joint development of electric motor drives for tractors.

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CNR representatives will be liaising with BelAZ, helping Belarus set up casting and wagon-building manufacture in China and the supply of ten heavy-duty dump trucks, as well as spare parts — worth another $13m. Sig ne d do c uments include a memorandum between Mogilev’s Regional Executive Committee and Jin De Hua, tackling liaisons in the field of alternative energy sources: a loan of around $50m is being allocated by the Chinese company. Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. Guangdong Sun Island is keen to build a 10MW photo-galvanic electricity station at the Mogilev FEZ, investing

$25m to produce solar modules, while the Great Wall Corporation is to create a technological cluster at the ChineseBelarusian Industrial Park. A similar document has been signed with Chinese ZTE Corporation. Collaboration is expanding in the spheres of power engineering, construction, transport and automobile building, with mutual interest in ICT. Trade and economic co-operation is basis for development of relations between Belarus and China, noted President of Belarus on meeting Premier of State Council of China, Li Keqiang, in Beijing. “The President of the People’s Republic of China has arrived at the common view that, whatever our relations may be, personal or interstate, economics guide all. I asked him to help our delegation to establish contacts with China for the future. This will allow us to work more intensively in the sphere of economics and finances and will help the People’s Republic of China work more actively in Belarus,” explains the President of Belarus. Mr. Lukashenko emphasises the great influence of China in the international arena. “China, as I often say, is an empire without which no issue is solved in today’s world. It should have a presence in Europe and we are ready to promote this, first of all economically.” He wishes to see Belarusian-Chinese relations enter a more ambitious phase, raising the investment component in our creditinvestment co-operation. Belarus is especially interested in attracting investors into the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park. “We’ll be grateful to the Chinese government for rendering maximum assistance in this matter, believing that the world will see the most advanced Chinese technologies and developments in our park,” Mr. Lukashenko stresses. Bio-pharmaceuticals, new materials and information-communication technologies are priority sectors

and the Head of Belarus is confident that, with joint effort, we can create a site with no European rival. Li Keqiang is similarly confident that Mr. Lukashenko’s visit will redefine bilateral relations and inspire multi-faceted co-operation. Mr. Lukashenko also met the Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Yu Zhengsheng, noting that he is counting on support from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in developing relations between Belarus and China. Yu Zhengsheng commented that China knows of Mr. Lukashenko’s efforts to promote friendship and cooperation between our two countries. “More ove r, a s t he Pre s i d e nt of Belarus, you are seriously fulfilling your duties to protect independence and promote national security,” he underlined. Mr. Zhengsheng believes that the newly signed declaration on establishing bilateral strategic partnerships will stimulate friendship and co-operation between Belarus and China. “I’m delighted and flattered to receive such praise. The government headed by you holds authority in the People’s Republic of China but I know that your recommendation and advice are essential to strategic decisions in China,” noted the President of Belarus. “The ‘group of wise men’ operates in the interests of the People’s Republic of China, uniting its population and all Chinese living abroad.” “I hope that your awareness of Belarusian-Chinese relations and your appraisals will become a serious guarantee that you will advise the Chinese authorities to maintain the friendly relations which exist today,” Alexander Lukashenko added. During his visit to China, the Pre s i d e nt of B el ar us s i g ne d 3 6 documents worth almost $1.5bn in trade and investment, truly setting us on a new path of partnership. By Vasily Kharitonov

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GROUND FOR INVESTORS

ogilev FEZ is now home to one o f L i t h u a n i a’s furniture industry leaders: Vakarų Medienos Grupė. The enterprise is working with SBA Mebelain to launch production of chipboard, wood veneer furniture and plywood, with over 100m Euros invested over a two-year period, making it one of the biggest Lithuanian investors in Belarus to date. Over 1,000 jobs have been created, with exports under the globally known brand name of IKEA. In July, the President of Belarus visite d t he ne w sites and t heir workshops, noting that Belarus always welcomes decent investors and is ready to support them, since they make a solid contribution to the national economy, while ensuring the arrival of new technologies and global experience.

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From scratch

Good business for neighbours One of Europe’s largest wood processing and furniture making facilities opens near Mogilev 10

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Not long ago, the 21 hectares now occupied by VMG Industry JSC at the Mogilev FEZ were wasteland. These days, neat, modern buildings, tarmac roads and green lanes are visible, creating comfortable and spacious conditions for workers. Viktoras Adomaitis, the General Director of Vakarų Medienos Grupė, remembers every detail of his arrival, noting, “We began thinking of investing in Belarus in 2007 but such a major project required much preliminary work. In 2010, we signed an investment agreement and, in June 2011, laid a capsule in the foundations of the site. Naturally, it was a challenge to develop the 60,000sq.m our industrial facilities occupy and we had to assemble the necessary equipment from scratch. However, we enjoyed good support from local authorities and all our problems were settled in the shortest possible time. I’m convinced that any country which creates such favourable conditions for investors must have a great future.”

GROUND FOR INVESTORS Two years later, the new plant dispatched its first goods (under contract) to IKEA; among them were furniture, chipboard, and details and frames for bed bases. Mr. Adomaitis proudly tells us that his methods are unique in their use of low-grade raw materials, while ensuring efficiency. With its huge forests, Belarus is abundant in timber. “Even firewood is used,” admits the company’s Director, Giedrius Kaukas, speaking of the advanced modern technologies. Of course, the use of high-tech equipment requires well-qualified staff; it’s sometimes a true challenge to find such personnel, as unemployment stands at just 0.5 percent in the Mogilev Region. Accordingly, the company trains its own staff, while providing uniforms and higher-than-average salaries. Next year, free meals are being introduced for staff. At present, 730 people are employed at VMG Industry, with a further 250 soon to be hired, so that the company can reach full operating capacity by 2015.

Single aim connection It takes just 10 minutes to drive to the other wood-processing factory using Lithuanian capital: Mebelain JSC (part of VMG). It buys hardboard panels to make its wood veneer furniture, supplying shelves, tables and chests of drawers to Swedish IKEA and to the Russian market. The factory is its third investment project in Eastern Europe and is probably the greatest success, with 300 employees, 100 percent exports and extensive sales markets. Egidijus Valentinavičius, the Deputy President at Lithuania’s SBA Concern, is pleased with the project realisation in Belarus, also appreciating the partnership of his countrymen. “In co-operating on the project, we created a system embracing all aspects of the production process: from initial processing of raw materials to final products. This is a wonderful example of how a joint activity can help Lithuanian busi-

 Free economic zones have been established in Belarus since 1996 — aiming to promote foreign investment inflow while raising exports and implementing new technologies. Six free economic zones operate in the country at present, offering almost 147,000 jobs: one in each regional centre and one in the capital. They unite 516 companies and ensure a significant contribution to the national economy. In 2012, FEZs exported $4.6bn of produce — 18 percent more than in 2011. Mogilev FEZ was established in 2002, for a 30-year period. It unites 45 residents; from January-March 2013, they generated almost $250m of profit. nesses to strengthen their position on export markets, while enhancing their competitive advantages. Everything is available in Belarus: raw materials, as well as talented and smart people. We planned to come to the country long ago, launching a 16m Euro project. We’re going to move further — investing more and launching new projects,” he asserts. Sigitas Paulauskas — the Chairman of Vakarų Medienos Grupė Board — views the project as unique, saying, “For the first time, we’ve united numerous i nt e r n at i o n a l e nt r e p r e n e u r i a l financial structures and institutions — jointly building one of Europe’s largest complexes of wood processing and furniture production. This is a new business page in the economic history of Lithuania and Belarus.”

Money prefers comfortable venues Lithuania and Belarus are neighbours, so business partnerships are logical. These have been gaining momentum of late, according to Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: direct investments into Belarus reached almost 276m Litas last year. Of course, more is always possible, asserts the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to Belarus, H.E. Mr. Evaldas Ignatavicius. On the Presidential delegation visiting the facilities, he noted that Belarus and Lithuania are currently realising 15 investment projects — worth $650m. Lithuanian businessmen are showing increased interest in establishing

production enterprises in Belarus, with the focus on regional collaboration. He explains, “Lithuanian investments are coming to the Grodno and Gomel regions, with businessmen interested in the advantages of the Customs Union and prospects for further exports to Russia, Kazakhstan and the Middle East. Belarus views EU technologies and investments as attractive, so our interests coincide in this respect. At present, Lithuania chairs the EU, so new co-operative spheres should open up to us.” Investors need simple and clear laws, mutual understanding with local authorities and a stable economic and political situation in the country. While enjoying all these, Lithuanian businessmen within the ‘furniture cluster’ near Mogilev are offered a privileged regime in the free economic zone. Investors in small Belarusian towns and rural settlements enjoy similar privileges to FEZ residents, thanks to Presidential decree #6 (signed in 2012). Free Economic Zones are not the only advantageous venues in the Republic for foreign injections. In the mid-1990s, Belarus was hardly recognized by international ‘doing business’ ratings; change has been drastic however, with Belarus now ranked 58th (among 158 states). Last year, Belarus was also among the top hundred nations for having made progress in this sphere. The top thirty is now our goal, with such facilities as those established in the Mogilev FEZ helping Belarus achieve this. By Lilia Khlystun

2013 беларусь.belarus

Runway to the future

надзея панкаратава

THERE IS AN IDEA

Former military aerodrome transforming into major logistical centre

a ny m i l i t a r y bases ceased op e r at i on i n Belarus after the USSR’s collapse, with regiments disbanded and barracks and ammunition stores emptied. Planes no longer took off and those who once worked with the military faced unemployment. The town of Bolbasovo (not far from the Vitebsk Region’s Orsha) experienced such difficulties, having accommodated an aviation regiment until 1994. Afterwards, Orsha Aircraft Overhaul Plant, located in Bolbasovo,

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took over the aerodrome. Now, the town’s future is firmly connected with the site, which hopes to become one of Europe’s largest logistical centres.

Road to the sky The runway was built in Bolbasovo in the mid-1930s, with the town gaining an aviation regiment in 1939: headed by twice USSR Hero Sergey Gritsevets. During the Spanish civil war, he brought down over 40 enemy aircraft: seven on one particular day. Boris Davydov also served at Bolbasovo, navigating the TU4 plane which dropped the first Soviet atomic bomb on the ‘Polygon’ nuclear

test site near Semipalatinsk in 1951 (now north-east Kazakhstan). Vasily Chirkunov served with the 402nd aviation bombing regiment: the first in the USSR to use TU-16 remote bombing jets. He recollects, “We mastered the use of rocket rearmament and refuelling in mid-air, which enabled us to fly non-stop to the Far East.” Mr. Chirkunov also piloted the TU-22 super-sound rocket carrier, landing at an aerodrome near the Arctic Ocean, and took part in the Afghanistan campaign. In 1994, his regiment disbanded. He is now Deputy Director at Orsha Aircraft Overhaul Plant.

THERE IS AN IDEA

From bombardiers to helicopters

Orsha plant’s interesting and glorious history began in summer 1941, when it produced an aviation-repair train for the Baltic Fleet Air Force. During the Great Patriotic War, its brigades aided the heroic defence of Leningrad, and helped with the seizure of Konigsberg by repairing Pe-2, I-16, MiG-3, Yak9, Douglas, Hurricane and Airacobra planes, among others. Until the 1950s, Orsha repairers served with the Black Sea Fleet and later moved to the Kuibyshev Region. In December 1956, they arrived at Bolbasovo aerodrome, tasked with repairing TU-16 aircraft. After the USSR’s collapse, the Bolbasovo bombardiers were taken to Russia and the plant received few orders but Belarus’ State Aviation Committee oversaw the facility, which began to repair civil aircraft and helicopters. Orsha’s plant now focuses on modernising Mi-2, Mi-8 and Mi-26 helicopters (the latter is the largest in the world). General Director Vladimir Troitsky explains, “Our Ukrainian stock holder — Motor Sich — has created a unique new engine for the Mi-8, much improving its technical characteristics. Of course, buyers need to see it in action and our aerodrome — ‘inherited’ from

The advantageous location of Orsha Aviation Overhaul Plant is confirmed by its proximity to major administrativeindustrial centres: Moscow — 550km St. Petersburg — 720km Kiev — 490km Vitebsk — 95km Minsk —

205km

the 402nd aviation bombing regiment — is the perfect location. We’re now registering our own helicopter company, not only giving demonstrational and training flights but servicing gas pipelines.” The aerodrome — which the plant has owned for almost two decades — is truly unique, with a runway stretching 3km. Its concrete has a depth of 70cm, making it extremely strong: more so than some modern runways. In Soviet days, it was the reserve landing strip for the Buran shuttle. Now, it can cope with even the largest planes — including

heavy transport aircraft such as the Il-76 and An-124. However, the runway can only be used in daylight, lacking any illumination. Mr. Troitsky admits that the aerodrome has prestige but stresses, “To pay for itself, the aerodrome needs at least 2-3 commercial or cargo flights a week. Last year, we had just five. Our task now is to establish an industrial-logistical park at our aerodrome, to attract new custom.” The establishment of a logistical centre is envisaged by a Presidential decree, with work overseen by the plant’s Belarusian stockholder — a company called Systems of Investment and Innovation. Orsha boasts the country’s largest railway hub, with lines actually passing through the grounds of the plant. Major highways also cross the city: Moscow-Brest and St. PetersburgOdessa. Air traffic also contributes to the wonderful infrastructure for cargo transit, allowing Belarus to become a convenient centre. Mr. Troitsky notes, “Jointly with our partners — Beltamozhservice and Gazprom — we’re planning to build a large logistical warehouse, covering 10,000 square metres, requiring $1012m of investment.” The site will include a business centre, a café and a hotel, with a temporary storage warehouse opening this year; construction is in full swing, with the whole project due to be complete by 2015. Sergey Golesnik

 Orsha Aircraft Overhaul Plant aerodrome able to accept heavy transport aircraft such as Il-76 aircraft  World’s largest helicopter — the Mi-26 — at the plant’s workshop  Helicopter being loaded onto an An-124 plane, for transportation to customer  Soviet bombardiers depicted on gates of Orsha Aircraft Overhaul Repair Plant

2013 беларусь.belarus

PANORAMA  Key statistics

 Country’s deed is appreciated

Belarus less depression-prone than its neighbours

Belarus joined Treaty on NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) two decades ago — on 22 July, 1993

ur country was the first to voluntarily, and without any preliminary conditions or reservations, renounce nuclear weapons after the collapse of the USSR. All nuclear weapons had been removed by November 1996. Marking the 20th anniversary of accession to the NPT, the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced: ‘The contribution of Belarus to the process of nuclear disarmament is recognised by the international community and is proven by various international documents. The decision of Belarus set the tone for subsequent steps in the field of nuclear disarmament across the post-Soviet space, radically changing the dynamics of disarmament and opening paths to new initiatives in this sphere.’ According to the former Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed Mustafa ElBaradei, almost fifty countries have the ability to make nuclear weaponry, having

 Mighty winds share their power Total capacity of wind turbines in Belarus could increase 100 times by 2015

“W

e currently have 18 wind turbines, with a total capacity of 4 megawatts across Belarus. By 2015, there should be 13 wind parks operational, producing about 400 megawatts,” notes Igor Rogozin,

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access to the necessary technologies and materials. However, the greatest fear is that terrorist structures may gain access. Naturally, Belarus is keen to do all it can to prevent such a situation. The B elarusian Ministr y of Foreign Affairs comments: ‘Belarus considers that signatory states are obliged to pursue negotiations towards effective measures of nuclear disarmament, as enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, supporting a reasonable and gradual approach to nuclear disarmament, with a multilateral and irreversible character. Viewing the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a basic element of international security and strategic stability, Belarus intends to help strengthen a global regime of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.’ who heads Hydro-meteorological Department at the Ministr y of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. Many regions of Belarus enjoy the appropriate climatic conditions for wind power; research shows that 1,840 platforms could be set up for wind turbines, with energy potential of over 1,600 megawatts. “Taking this into account, we’re planning to develop wind energy over the coming seven years,” Mr. Rogozin emphasises.

elarusians are less prone to depression than residents of neighbouring countries, according to the American financial and economic news agency Bloomberg. Belarus is ranked 41st out of 74, while neighbouring Russia is 25th, Latvia 34th and Lithuania 38th. The ranking takes into account data provided by the World Health Organisation, the United Nations, the World Bank, Transparency International and other organisations. The survey included 74 states with a population of over one million and is based on seven key factors: homicide rates, GDP per capita on a purchasing-power-parity basis, income inequality, corruption perception, unemployment, urban air pollution and life expectancy. Bloomberg is convinced that these factors are crucial in assessing people’s lives in any given country.

According to Bloomberg, GDP per capita in Belarus totals $7,807, while average life expectancy is 71 years. Unemployment stands at 0.6 percent — the lowest to date — and Belarus is ranked 64th for corruption perception; Venezuela, Bangladesh and Pakistan top this list. The most ‘stressed’ country, according to the ranking, is Nigeria, which is followed by the South African Republic, El Salvador, Mongolia, Guatemala, Colombia, Pakistan, Jamaica, Macedonia and Bolivia. The most relaxed people live in Norway (74th place), Luxemburg (73rd) and Switzerland (72nd).

PANORAMA  Money returned at border Republican Unitary Enterprise Beltamozhservice chosen as Belarus’ Tax Free system operator

 Expenses halved Belarusian success in reducing energy use praised by Eurasian Development Bank

DB analysts have examined the degree and state of energy efficiency measures in Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, finding positive trends. They note that Belarus has achieved the greatest success, having reduced energy use by 50 percent since 2000. Thanks to comprehensive policies and adopted laws, work has been systematised as a national priority.

 Award bestowed on the best Belarusian scientist awarded by International Society of Electrochemistry

he prestigious International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) award recognises the work of Belarusian scientist Alexander Bondarenko: a 2002 graduate of the Chemistry Department of the Belarusian State University.

Energy saving is also extremely important to Kazakhstan, where energy losses exceed two-thirds of total energy produced. Russia’s energy efficiency remains above the developed economies’ average, having improved between 2000 and 2008. Ukraine also needs to raise its energy saving. EDB experts believe that countries within the Single Economic Space states, alongside Ukraine, need to promptly find low-cost ways of enhancing energy efficiency: reducing energy losses (including eliminating technical losses of electricity and heat) and the appliance of administrative and saving measures.

he Council of Ministers’ decree is accessible for public viewing via the National Law Internet Portal. It allows nonpermanent residents of Customs Union member states to receive back any VAT on purchases when exiting the Union. Belarus introduced the Tax Free system on January 1st, 2013, as a way of returning VAT to foreign nationals purchasing merchandise in Belarus. In order to claim, the minimal purchase must be worth Br800,000 (around $90) and be from a single transaction. VAT will not be returned on commodities exempt from VAT or subject to reduced VAT (for instance, food). To meet the VAT return scheme, foreigners must produce their receipts at the border checkpoint, on leaving the country. Money is then received as cash or through bank transfer to their personal account. The Tax Free system is widely used globally, as a state measure to boost trade and support small businesses engaged in inbound tourism. It should enhance Belarus’ image — especially when hosting international cultural and sports events — and should encourage foreign tourists to make purchases.

The ISE unites over 2,000 scientists from 60 countries, releasing nine topranked scientific journals. Alexander Bondarenko received his first international award from the Elsevier Publishing House for his publication in Electrochimica Acta, the official journal of the International Society of Electrochemistry, in 2006. He is currently leading a young team at the Centre for Electrochemical Sciences, Ruhr-University Bochum (Germany).

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WINNERS

Targeted on success Minsk student Alexey Ropan and Gomel gymnasium graduate Gennady Korotkevich among world’s top 24 programmers

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lexey and Gennady are through to the finals of TopCoder Open 2013 — a prestigious annual individual competition, which gathers IT programmers from around the globe. Viewed as an unofficial world championship, Belarus’ success is both pleasant and expected although, in recent years, the country has been developing its information technologies and has gained a reputation worldwide. ‘Algorithm’ is the most popular event at the comp etition, envisaging the solution of algorithmic problems and finding others’ faults. This year, just 24 young people (out of almost 3,000 entrants, among whom were Belarusians) are going through to the finals — to be hosted by Washington DC’s Hilton Hotel, from November 10th-14th. Eleven countries are to be

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FACT represented, with six programmers from Russia, three from Japan and two from the USA, China, Poland, Taiwan, Ukraine and Belarus. Canada, Slovakia and Georgia are sending one participant each.

Victory for whole country Professor Mikhail Batura — the Rector of the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics and a Doctor of Technical Sciences — views the victory of his student as being not only an individual triumph but a reflection of the efforts of the University and of the state. He tells us, “I know Alexey well. He is a member of the University programming team, which has many times won international competitions. In joining a small group of the best — the world programming elite — it indicates that our University’s status is well-deserved. I view the University as a component of our country. Many consider our recent victory grounds for national pride. Interesting parallels may be drawn: the USA and Japan have larger populations than Belarus so it would seem logical to find more talented people there but it’s our guy who has succeeded in joining the leaders.”

Prospects for development Mr. Batura believes that Belarus has good prospects for IT development, adding, “Importantly, this branch enjoys state support. Meanwhile, our dynamics of development are well confirmed by the High-Tech Park’s

activity. Established in 2005, it aims to promote the branch, retaining talented young people. From 20052006, Park residents mastered around $30m in international contracts while, in 2012, the figure rose to $300m. The number of operating companies within the Park has risen drastically, now reaching 130 and likely to keep growing. Decades of intensive development lie ahead.” Mr. Ropan is yet to decide on his future plans, telling us, “After defending

my diploma paper, I felt free yet needed to choose my next path. I still have no idea. As regards my entry to the TopCoder Open 2013 finals, this was a surprise. I was anxious during the quarter-finals but, in the semi-finals, didn’t expect to succeed against such strong rivals, including Belarusians; accordingly, I felt less nervous and found the tasks easier to solve. My calmness helped me to avoid mistakes. The finals are now coming and I plan to seriously ‘fight’. Gennady Korotkevich is an old friend and, after gaining our place in the finals, we chatted by phone to congratulate each other. We kept in touch more before he went to Russia, where he is studying in St. Petersburg.” Alexey admits that the competition allows him to meet and chat with interesting, like-minded people. Regarding his success so far, he notes, “It’s actually easier to reach your goal if you set your sights modestly.” He refers to the calmness that comes from not placing undue pressure on yourself to perform. In reality, the young men have spent years working hard and deserve their success. By Olga Sergeeva

 Calling home from abroad Mobile operators compile country ratings of where Belarusians most use roaming services

n May and June, the subscribers of Belarus’ top three mobile operators — MTS, Velcom and life:) — placed most roaming calls while visiting Russia, followed by Ukraine and Poland. Lithuania, Turkey and Germany were next in line. According to MTS, rather unsurprisingly, summer sees Belarusians using 60 percent more roaming services than in other seasons. Interestingly, more Velcom users visited Italy than Bulgaria, Spain or Latvia — for the second year in a row. The Czech Republic enjoyed more popularity among those subscribed to MTS and life:) — than Italy, Spain or Latvia. Egypt has lost its position in the ratings compared to last year, most likely due to the unstable political situation.

According to MTS, in May and June, Belarusians also used their phones in Panama, Uganda, Chad, Kenya, Uruguay, Mozambique, Nepal, Costa Rica, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Kuwait, Nicaragua and Nigeria.

2013 беларусь.belarus

CLOSE PEOPLE

Green branches on widespreading tree

n answer to the question ‘Where does our notion of homeland reside?’ most of us would recall childhood memories, finding something that comforts us from our homeland. Some would call this a sentimental notion while, for others, separation from their homeland brings true pain. Oginski’s famous polonaise Farewell to the Fatherland begins: ‘One loses something close, dear, when standing speechless in front of strangers in a foreign world.’ Those who have left their homeland usually retain the deepest sense of love. “You can’t imagine how much we love our native Belarus, from so far away, in a foreign land,” noted Anna Mazur sadly, from Kishinev city. A young mother of three sons, she left Minsk for her now beloved in Moldova ten years ago. It was a difficult transition but she smiles, “We probably love our Fatherland more than you...” Anna was one of the few to receive an honourable certificate at the Congress, being given the prestigious title of ‘Belarusian Mistress’ for her art classes at the Sunday Belarusian School in Kishinev

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A delegate at the 6th Congress of Belarusians of the World urged, “Belarus is incomplete without us, and we are rootless without it. Today, the state perceives the Diaspora as an integral part of the Belarusian people and a powerful resource for the further development of the nation.” (she jokingly calls the school her fourth child). She deserved this award for her untiring work with children. On the eve of the Congress, artist Vyacheslav Ignatenko — who is well known even in Belarus — presented more than 50 of his canvases at an exhibition entitled Kaleidoscope, organised at the Museum of Modern Art. His old friend Anna, who is an artist and photographer (a member of the Union of Photographers and Designers of Moldova), represented the Diaspora of Moldova at the Congress alongside Vyacheslav and the Head of the Belarusian Community in Moldova, entrepreneur Yuri Statkevich (who supplies apples to Belarus). They made suggestions and, of course, brought the beautiful gift of an art exhibition. Artist Vyachka Telesh from Latvia also arrived with ‘treasures’, presenting some of his works to Belarus after the exhibition at the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts. In my notebook, where I wrote some phrases and thoughts from various speakers, I underlined the words: ‘if we align ourselves with that which is foreign, we feel that we are different’. The

‘moment of truth’ for emigrants is when they try to decide on their identity. The nature of national identity received much attention at the Congress and it was clear that the gathering is really inspired by Belarusians who, despite being separated from their ‘native’ people, desire never to be ‘strangers’ in their Fatherland. They love to get together, chatting about their problems and sharing their experience in how they deal with homesickness. In a press release sent to the editor, the Congress was defined as a significant event for Belarusians from the metropolis and from abroad, promoting the unity of the nation, strengthening ties between Belarusians from various countries and helping to solve common problems. The international public organisation Union of Belarusians of the World — Fatherland holds a similar congress every four years. The first, in 1993, brought together more than a thousand delegates from Belarus and from abroad. This year, just 240 home delegates attended, alongside 95 guests from 18 foreign countries and from Belarus itself. The speakers referred back to the past many times, evaluating the successes and failures of the past

Ivan Zhdanovich

CLOSE PEOPLE

Delegates and guests from almost twenty countries arrived in Minsk for the Congress

20 years and trying to understand the phenomenon of the Belarusian Diaspora. Everyone added their own touches to a colourful, three-dimensional painting entitled The Belarusian Nation in the Context of Globalisation: Challenges and Opportunities: the main theme of the forum. Today’s ‘globalised’ world boasts technology allowing books to be published easily (based on Congress materials — as the organisers promise) or to place information on the Internet, making the texts accessible to all. I remember how difficult it was in the late 1980s even to print labels for meeting guests at the train station or airport. However, the speakers noted that ‘globalisation’ threatens our national identity, its characteristics and traditions, diluting them with outside influences. Unsurprisingly, delegates are keen to promote the use of Belarusian language at home, linking it firmly with national identity. Although delegates expressed differing views on bilingualism and whether those who cannot speak Belarusian can be considered to be Belarusian, there was total agreement that the Belarusian language is the foundation of the nation. A number of resolu-

tions adopted by the Congress included the phrase: ‘The Belarusian language is the main factor in maintaining the Belarusian nation’. Another resolution stated: ‘We appeal to all Belarusians in the metropolis and abroad to use the Belarusian language actively, every day, in all spheres of life.’ The delegates were appealing to our souls’ deeply hidden love for our native language. According to Oleg Trusov, the Chairman of Francisk Skorina Belarusian Language Society, when people forget our language, it is a serious threat to our national security. He explains, “In losing the language, we lose our spiritual core: the one dominant, which allows us to identify ourselves as Belarusians. Population censuses show that there are fewer of our people in every country. The nation is contracting rapidly, at home and abroad. After the war, there were 300-400 thousand Belarusians in Poland; the last census showed only 47,000. In Russia, not long ago, there were 1,500,000 Belarusians; today, there are 800,000. It’s the same almost everywhere and there is a pattern: when first generation émigrés lose their language, the second and third genera-

tions lose their nationality. Our famous countryman, the Chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Lev Sapega, knew this well; in 1588, the third Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania recorded that Belarusian was the language of our state and should be used by state clerks. Outlining the problem of national importance, Mr. Trusov noted happily that some Belarusians living abroad do retain their native language and use it daily. He praised such zealots of Comradeship of the Belarusian Language and added that ‘young people around the world are actively learning the Belarusian language, and not only Belarusians, but Italians, Arabs, Chinese and Brazilians’. Until they start speaking our language, the Belarusian Diaspora, as they say, will be exposed to having their national identity eroded, becoming cosmopolitan. Some desire neither the Belarusian language nor culture: only their salaries. Young people tend to show less interest in national identity and feel fewer ties to their ‘home country’. The question arises as to whether the state should bother to maintain support for a pseudo-Belarusian Page

2013 беларусь.belarus

Ivan Zhdanovich

CLOSE PEOPLE

Among delegates – Vyacheslav Ignatenko (on the left), Eduard Agunovich and Anna Mazur

community: for those who show no heartfelt love for Belarusian culture and traditions. The issue of state support was discussed, with greater support offered for maintaining contacts between the Diaspora and the State: a mutually beneficial partnership. Already, national costumes and musical instruments are supplied to communities and groups who show their desire to pursue a path of nurturing their roots. Opening remarks at the Congress, and the main report, were delivered by Yelena Makovskaya, the Head of Fatherland. At a plenary session, on the first day, the Minister of Culture, Boris Svetlov, gave a speech in which he underlined the Government’s perception of the Diaspora as an integral part of Belarus. He emphasised its power as a resource for the further development of the nation. Present were leaders and representatives of other governmental departments and agencies, as well as those from diplomatic missions and the clergy. Belarusian immigration researcher Natalia Gordienko was joined by the Chairman of the Belarusian-American Association in Washington, Ales Kipel, in noting the features of Belarusian organisations abroad. Afterwards, Oleg

Page

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Rudakov, the former head, and now a member of the Irkutsk Region Council of Belarusian Culture (named in honour of Jan Chersky) shared his 18 years of experience. All the speeches are to appear on the Fatherland website. A great number of business proposals were made, which were then taken into account in the finalisation of certain resolutions adopted by the Congress. Discussions focused, in particular, on the possibility of the Diaspora strengthening national identity and the cultural heritage of Belarus abroad. The collaboration of ‘new’ and ‘old’ immigration, for the benefit of national development, came under scrutiny. After dinner, on the first day, there was a two-hour gala concert, featuring participants from Belarus and abroad. The audience warmly welcomed Irkutsk folk group Kryvichy, singer Alena Kopylova from Novosibirsk and Anastasia TerentyevaTrubyankova from Tomsk, as well as Czech Belarusian duo Sergey Dovgushev and Alexander Yasinsky. Inna Snarskaya, originally from Polotsk, read her poems (she now lives in Ukraine). Young Belarusian group Native Heaven entertained, as did and Pawa and Palace groups. The next day, in the same building of the International Education Centre of Johannes Rau, delegates continued to

deliver speeches. There was also a series of presentations of new projects and books from Belarusians from abroad. Results of work in various spheres were summed up and final documents passed, while the governing bodies of Fatherland were elected: Yelena Makovskaya as Head of the Association and Nina Shidlovskaya as Chairman of the Board. The Congress’ approved documents concern all Belarusians, regardless of where they currently reside. In particular, the Congress is making an appeal to the National Assembly, the Government and the President of the Republic of Belarus to set up legislation to govern interaction with Belarusians abroad. The Congress approved the Belarusians Abroad programme, designed for the coming four years and aiming to: keep a Belarusian presence worldwide, in various forms; to consolidate the Belarusian nation; and to strengthen civil society in Belarus. During a break, I saw an elderly person in the courtyard, stooped, as if looking for something on the ground. On approaching, I realised that he was trying to realign a paving slab which had come loose and moved in the rain. That small act showed that we Belarusians, regardless of where we live, are long-sighted. We understand the importance of influence in the world today, but also wish to preserve our legacy for the future — and we can see what needs fixing under our noses! We love to bring beauty into the world; and we are not afraid to get our hands dirty. With such an attitude, what can we not achieve! Our path into tomorrow may sometimes seem uncertain but, if we ‘repair the potholes’, we’ll help ourselves move forward. Like living branches of a tree, Belarusians can bloom in different directions, nurturing the main trunk of their Motherland. Recall those words from the unknown delegate: ‘Belarus is incomplete without us, and we are rootless without it’. For five years, I studied in St. Petersburg, so I feel I can speak from experience in saying that our homeland strengthens us and we can strengthen it in return. By Ivan Zhdanovich

Soyuz T

he presidents of B elarus and Russia, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin, studied 11 issues with members of the Union State Council of Ministers Mikhail Myasnikovich and Dmitry Medvedev. The parame t e r s of t h e Un i on St at e budget for 2013 were approved, totalling 5bn Russian Roubles, for the financing of 38 Union State high-tech projects. Joint manufacture in the spheres of telecommunications, aerospace and pharmaceuticals are planned, alongside a range of humanitarian projects. The construction of the Belarusian nuclear station is the most major of these joint investment projects but many of our technological alliances are progressing at a great pace. Rosbelauto Holding is to include MAZ and KamAZ, while we have major projects of mutual support relating to space satellites and defence. A while ago, our presidents signed a resolution regarding trade-economic collaboration for 2011-2012, approving an agreement on co-operation in the Antarctic, and renting land for building a guest complex at the Belarusian Embassy. Vladimir Putin was also presented with the Belarusian Order of Friendship at the Union State Supreme State Council session.

The 8th Belarusian International Media Forum was hosted by the Grodno Region’s Mir, with traditional support from the Permanent Commission of the Union State

peaking to media representatives, political analysts and social scientists from various countries, the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, noted, “Within the Union State, we should devote attention to the history of Belarusian-Russian relations. Monuments to 1812 Patriotic War

Belta

The Supreme State Council of the Union State recently met in Moscow to once more discuss the launch of the Eurasian Economic Union, scheduled for January 1st, 2015

 Media voices

heroes have been jointly opened and restored, and we’re now preparing to make a contribution to coverage of WWI events. In 2015, our people will together celebrate the 70th anniversary of Great Patriotic War victory.

 Distance is no obstacle to collaboration Belta

 Clear vision of the future

Belarus — Russia

 Talents revealed in youth The results of the Talents of the 21st Century sci-tech creative contest, for Union State pupils, were recently announced at the National Zubrenok Education and Recuperation Centre

undreds of youngsters from across Belarus and Russia took part, submitting innovations under eight nominations. These were judged by leading scientists from the spheres of technical design, radio-electronics, energy-saving technologies, astronomy and cosmonautics. The State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, presented awards to the winners and heaped praise upon the exhibits.

The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has honoured employees at the Institute of Heat and Mass Transfer (National Academy of Sciences of Belarus) with the V. Koptyug Prize

n particular, the following academics have been recognised for their work with the Siberian institute: Leonard Vasi lie v, Ni kolay Pav lyu ke vich, Valentin Borodulya, Yuri Teplitsky and Nikolay Grinchuk. Serious theoretical research into the sphere of heat and mass transfer in porous and disperse mediums has led to progress, helping Belarus to set up production of highly-efficient power units (boasting efficiency improvements of up to 92 percent by using local fuels such as peat and wood waste). Collaboration between scientific centres of Belarus and Russia has been enjoyed for several decades.

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Solid foundations The 44th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Belarus-Russian Union State met early this summer in Minsk, with several issues high on the agenda: strengthening of integration within the Union State and the Single Economic Space; the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union; and the elaboration of a co-ordinated approach to industrial policy, power engineering, production and agricultural processing. The results will guide the work of deputies over the next six months. Prospects for Eurasian integration were also discussed during a round table, which proceeded the plenary session.

rom January 1st, 2015, the Eurasian Economic Un i o n o f R u s s i a , Belarus and Kazakhstan should become operational, with Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine invited as observers. Most of our integration will be economic based but, according to Sergei Naryshkin, the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, equal labour rights and free movement, alongside equal access to health and educational services, are essential. Experience within the Union State has set a model to follow, with humanitarian aspects always to the fore. The State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, is convinced that such developments would set a good foundation for the new integration structure. Meanwhile, he views the existence of the Union State as complementary to that of the Customs Union and the CIS, saying, ”Difficult issues can be tackled in a narrow format before being applied more widely.” The round table discussion tackled various issues relating to integration, alongside the need to ensure market competitiveness abroad. An agreed industrial policy and common

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agrarian market are vital. The Head of the Belarusian Government, Mikhail Myasnikovich, believes that goods and services produced within the Customs Union should have special status. The ‘troika’ countries should reduce internal competition by uniting efforts, allowing them to compete against goods from third states. Mr. Rapota notes, “Recently, nonagreed action regarding industrial policy aroused great concern, since industrial policy can turn integration into disintegration, unless we adopt urgent measures.” Mr. Rapota is eager to organise joint sessions of industry ministries, while creating high-speed transport routes in coming years. “Heavy-goods lorries need to cover at least 250km in 24 hours across our roads (750km in Europe and over 1,000km in the USA). Unless we create high-speed routes across the Eurasian community, it’s almost impossible to speak of efficient integration.” The economic topic was high on the agenda at the Parliamentary Assembly session, which analysed in detail a Council of Ministers of the Union State report on the 2011 budget. While 18-24 months are usually set aside for analysing the budgetary report, the deputies have

adopted a resolution requiring the Union State Council of Ministers to submit its budgetary report to Parliament by November of the following year; so, the 2012 report may be heard this year. The Union State’s joint programmes are unrivalled among integration structures, creating the economic basis for fusing all spheres of state interaction. These account for up to 90 percent of the Union State budget. However, it can take 2-3 years, or even 4-5, to prepare documents for new projects, by which time they have lost their topicality. Mr. Rapota underlined that, since most programmes are connected with innovative technologies, time is of the essence. Several proposals have now been offered to the Supreme State Council of the Union State, aiming to reduce timeframes for the adoption of Union State programmes. Another important aspect is the development of expertise regarding the drafting of programmes by state customers. According to deputies, it’s high time to strengthen control over programmes at all stages, with special attention paid to efficient use of technologies. In many cases, new ‘high-tech’ products fail to enter mass production, merely being trialled, as notes Nikolay

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Kazarovets, the Chairman of the Standing Committee for Education, Science, Culture and Social Development of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, and Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Social Policy, Science, Culture and Humanitarian Issues. He comments, “New technologies and samples of equipment aren’t always launched into serial production. It’s the responsibility of customers and manufacturers to liaise effectively, to achieve the desired results. Otherwise, it seems that Union State programmes exist only to spend budgetary funds!” Parliamentarians also spoke about the lack of legislation governing Union State property. Despite Belarusian and Russian deputies in the Parliamentary Assembly being ‘new’ in 2012, they expressed their feeling of being ‘settled’ with one another already, allowing them to work jointly in a harmonious and efficient manner. The deputies noted that new forms of parliamentary activity are being sought. For example, the Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Security, Defence and Crime Control interacts with corresponding bodies relating to the border areas of Belarus and Russia. Bryansk recently hosted a

Joint programmes create the economic basis for fusing all spheres of state interaction. These account for up to of the Union State % budget

joint session for the Committee with Corresponding Committees of the Gomel and Mogilev Regional Council of Deputies of Belarus and committees of legislative bodies from the Bryansk and Smolensk regions of Russia. In 2013, there were 14 sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee and three sessions of the permanent seminar regarding issues of Union State construction. One seminar, held in April in Novosibirsk, saw parliamentarians and experts discuss priorities for scientific activity in the sphere of fundamental and applied research, as well as prospects for sci-tech project co-operation. Another

seminar, hosted by Tver in late May, saw opinions shared regarding experience, problems and prospects for inter-regional collaboration. In early June, Mozyr welcomed participants of a seminar dedicated to the topic of Sustainable Development of Territories Suffering from the Chernobyl Catastrophe: the Union State Experience. In mid-July, the results of the 44th session of the Belarus-Russia Union State Parliamentary Assembly were discussed during a meeting between Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vladimir Makei, and the Speaker of the State Duma of Russia, Sergei Naryshkin. Special attention was paid to applying the experience of Belarusian and Russian parliamentarians in creating social legislation for the Union State. The Single Economic Space of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia also came under scrutiny, alongside practical realisation of ratified bilateral agreements on the provision of equal rights for citizens of Belarus and Russia within the territory of the Union State. This topic may be revived at the next session of the Belarus-Russia Union State Parliamentary Assembly, hosted by Russia in December 2013. By Lilia Khlystun

2013 беларусь.belarus

Grain yields worthy harvest In 2012, bilateral turnover in commodities between Belarus and Russia reached almost $44 billion: up 7-fold on 1996. In many respects, this year can be considered symbolic for our two brotherly countries

ur Union State is based upon shared economic interest, rising from the ashes of t he USSR’s collapse, when traditional economic interrelations were dashed. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko began re-establishing these relations by touring Russia’s regions. In response, many eventually opened branches in Belarus and we entered into trade, economic, cultural, scientific and technical co-operation agreements, liaising with every part of the Russian Federation. The saying is true that we ‘reap what we sow’; our efforts are now yielding a worthy ‘trade harvest’. Belarus and the Nizhny Novgorod Region are a good model, boasting commodity turnover of almost $800 million in 2012: double that of a few years ago. Bilateral turnover in commodities increased by $150 million within one year. “We aren’t seeing such volumes of turnover with other countries but, importantly, we’re developing in key industries,” notes Valery Shantsev, the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

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The new target for the next 2-3 years is $1 billion: set by Business Cooperation Council Chairmen Vladimir Semashko and Valery Shantsev (the former being the first Deputy PM of Belarus). The rise aims to come from trade in engineering and agrarian products, rather than oil or gas. Production co-operation between the major factories of Belarus and the Nizhny Novgorod Region arose during Soviet times. Borisov Avtogydrousilitel, the Borisov Plant of Automotive and Tractor Electrical Equipment, Borisov Aggregates Plant, Grodno JSC Belkard and

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2010 2012 2013 Belarus and Nizhny Novgorod Region commodity turnover reached almost $800 million in 2012: double that of a few years ago. Bilateral turnover in commodities increased by $150 million within one year

Grodno Avtoprovod delivered components to Gorky Automobile Plant and to a number of other assembly plants. It was common for particular factories to supply others with components, forming part of a chain. Those days are now gone, with new relationships forged and loyalties based upon mutual benefit alone. The Head of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Government, Sergei Petrov, notes that emphasis is being given to the creation of joint enterprises — as the easiest path into new markets. Minsk Motor Plant is now the main supplier of diesel engines for medium duty trucks and PAZ buses while Belarus hosts vehicle assembly from Russian sets. In 2012, Belarus bought more than 180 town and school buses from Rusavtoprom enterprise, located in Borisov. Belarusian assemblies and aggregates comprise about half of the vehicle cost. In 2013, Borisov is to assemble about 200 PAZ buses while Minsk’s Belgazautoservice will assemble about the same number of medium duty GAZ trucks. Such links are replacing those of times past, bringing new liaisons and benefits. Mogilev’s Liftmash is well-known across Russia for making reliable elevators and Nizhny Novgorod has now agreed a joint venture with the enterprise, assem-

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bling lifts worth almost 3 billion Russian Roubles annually, covering 80 percent of the local market. Clearly, the potential for further cooperation between Belarus and Russia is huge, covering such spheres as industry, agriculture and education. Our Business Co-operation Council aims to support preparations for the 2018 World Football Championship, being hosted by Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod. Without doubt, the city will need new, comfortable spacious buses. Contracts are already being signed with Minsk enterprises. The agrarian sphere is no less promising, with deliveries of Belarusian agricultural machinery already a tradition. Mr. Shantsev notes the aim of purchasing 150 Polesie harvesters annually, from Gomel’s Gomselmash. Joint ventures are also planned, such as the making of jam for yoghurt. Such desserts sell well across the Union State but, until recently, the fruity fillings were imported from abroad. Now, the Brest Region is hosting a joint venture with Nizhniy Novgorod’s Gammi, opening a factory to make the necessary jams. Two

hundred hectares have been planted with delicious berries, for processing at Gorodeya Sugar Factory joint venture. Its goods will be used not only in Belarus and Russia, but exported further abroad. About 30 modern livestock farms are opening each year across the Nizhny Novgorod Region while Belarus boasts hundreds, fitted with the latest equipment. A farm housing 680 head of livestock can be up and running within two weeks, using Belarusian technology. Russia is now keen to employ Belarusian expertise to set up more such farms, with agreements signed. Belarus is also focused on the construction of its first nuclear power station, relying on the expertise of foreign scientists and engineers. Various enterprises from Nizhny Novgorod are helping those from Belarus, to the tune of $7-8 billion, notes Mr. Semashko. The Nizhny Novgorod Engineering Company is the general constructor of the Belarusian nuclear power station, using a great many Belarusian building materials, as well as equipment and

machinery. The arrangement is mutually beneficial. Certainly, such major co-operation is a global achievement, supported by the absence of a customs border between Russia and Belarus, equality of labour conditions and free movement of goods, funds and labour. All encourage other regions of Russia to co-operate successfully with Belarus. Krasnodar was the first to open its representation in Belarus 15 years ago and is now our major business partner in the agrarian and industrial sphere, providing Belarus with rice, vegetables and fruit, durum wheat and vegetable oil. Meanwhile, half of all wheeled tractors used there originate from Minsk Tractor Works. Belarusian heavy vehicles and buses and consumer goods are also widely in use. The next step is closer industrial co-operation in meat and milk processing, notes the Belarusian Minister of Agriculture and Food, Leonid Zayats. With each new contract signed, other Russian regions cannot help but view Belarus as a worthy potential partner. By Vladimir Bibikov

2013 беларусь.belarus

Common quilt from different threads Union State programme to return former glory to Belarusian and Russian flax branch

 Linen is comfortable to wear against the skin in warm and cold weather, being breathable and natural. It even boasts antibacterial properties and offers protection from harmful sunrays. Unsurprisingly, many armies — including those of Poland and the USA — issue linen clothes. The cloth is also extremely durable, withstanding up to 140 washes before perishing; cotton lasts for 70 in comparison.

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ver the past two decades, a r e a s cultivating flax have reduced 7-fold in Russia, while thread production has halved. In the early 20th century, Russia led in this sphere globally. Of course, Belarus is also known for its flax, with the flower part of our modern emblem. In fact, our flax crop is better developed than Russia’s, having received a great deal of state investment. Nevertheless, there is some way to go to completely modernise the flax industry, where obsolete technologies have led to increasingly poor harvests. A n e w Un i o n St at e programme now aims to promote innovative development within the f lax branch, with the first results a l re a dy e v i d e nt at t h e leading facilities in Belarus and Russia.

Fabric depends on raw materials Flax is a capricious crop: a challenge to cultivate well. After harvesting, it’s sent for processing — at such a place as Sholokhovo Mill, in Russia’s Kostroma Region. Deputy Director Tatiana Tikhomirova admits that her private company lacks raw material and workers, failing to operate at full capacity. Meanwhile, prices for the end product are falling and her equipment — installed in 1990 — needs replacing. Belarus is more advanced in terms of mill modernisation. Our Shklov facility, in the Mogilev Region, was established before the Great Patriotic War but its new processing line has revived its work, notes Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Vasily Pavlosky. He tells us, “At present, over 40 linen mills operate countrywide. Thirty will remain by 2015, with18 revamped, as in Shklov.”

Modernisation and co-operation

Around 15 linen mills were operational in Soviet times but only four remain: three in Russia and one in Belarus. Privatisation and inefficiency badly affected Gavrilov-Yama Linen Mill, in the Yaroslavl Region. Over 100 years old, this major company once employed several thousand people; now, it has only administration staff and a small sewing workshop. In contrast, Bolshaya Kostroma’s fabrics, curtains and other products sell worldwide — including in Scandinavia and Australia. The plant is making official souvenirs for the coming Sochi Olympics, in addition to its traditional bags for storing gunpowder and carpets for railway carriages. However, its regular Defence Ministry and the Russian Railways contracts are fewer these days. Modernisation continues at Vologda Textile JSC, enabling it to soon rival the most advanced European facilities. It is the only Russian company to have its fabrics regularly praised at the largest international fair: Paris’ Premiere Vision. Enterprise h e a d Ni k o l ay A l e k s ov explains, “The branch needs access to long term, cheap credit; otherwise, modernisation is impossible. It’s necessary to train high quality weavers, alongside decorators, and to develop our commercial designs, as well as making the most of commodity distri-

bution networks to promote our linen products. We’re now ready to work jointly with Belarus’ Orsha Linen Mill, facing today’s challenges together — including the expansion of Chinese manufacturing.” Orsha Linen Mill — one of the largest in Europe — is undergoing major modernisation. Its fabrics enjoy demand in Italy, Turkey, Canada and Japan, while the Union State’s domestic market is demonstrating increasing i nte re st . Howe ve r, t h e company’s General Director, Vladimir Nesterenko, asserts that pricing is the most important element for most consumers, above quality. He comments, “In my view, the major task of the future Union State programme is to ensure a complete cycle of ‘linen production’ — including sewing of clothes lines which are both fashionable and affordable.”

Numerous spheres of appliance Of course, flax has other uses besides making cloth. Its shive-fibres can be used to make fuel briquettes and fertilisers, while flax flour is perfect for baking. Flax is in element in gunpowder, geo-textiles and other important articles. I n G a v r i l o v - Ya m a , Moscow investor Maxim Sukharev has two facilities producing insulating materials, as well as art c anv a s e s an d f l a x oi l . Interestingly, Vologodchina Mill, based in the Vologda Region’s village of Sheksna,

 Oleg Kuvshinnikov, Vologda Region Governor: ‘Sadly, Russia lacks a targeted federal programme to support flax production; it’s a mistake, since this sphere should become our priority’.  Valentina Grishchenkova, Deputy General Director of Russia’s Central Scientific-Research Institute of Light Industry Automation (TsNIILKA JSC): ‘In realising the Composite Union State Programme, our scientists developed a new product: an insect repelling fabric. Foresters, geologists and the military, as well as mushroom gatherers and those living in the countryside, are keen to buy clothes made from this fabric, with trial batches selling well. Industrial production could be launched as part of the future Union State flax related programme’. is using flax to make medical bandages and surgical leg wraps, as well as packaging for bread. The Russians are keen to buy Belarusian raw flax but our co-operation stretches far beyond these projects. Ivan Golub, the Director of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Flax Institute, tells us that scientists are now joining efforts to create new varieties of flax, designed to yield greater crop volumes. “We’re liaising with our Russian colleagues. The Union State programme should help us to co-ordinate the creation of new varieties with greater resistance to disease and with greater harvest potential.” Mikhail Kovalev, the Director of the All-Russian Scientific-Research Institute of Flax Cultivation (at the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in Tver) proudly recollects that a new flax-harvesting combine has been designed jointly with Belarus and is now ready for batch production. Russian machine building

has been lagging behind world trends but Mr. Kovalev is hopeful that the Union State programme will change that for good.

Science ensures progress During a recent teleconference between Moscow and Minsk, Vyacheslav Pozgalev, of the Russian State Duma’s Industry Committee, stressed that our two states should focus joint efforts on enhancing production efficiency. Boris Bezlepkin, a departmental head on the Belarus-Russia Union State Standing Committee, agreed, saying, “Our joint efforts should create dynamic results, including ventures which involve risk; it’s necessary to embrace the future. Any new programme must bring a breakthrough in socialeconomic development — across certain territories and the Union State as a whole.” The Union State flax related programme is to launch in 2015. By Sergey Golesnik

2013 беларусь.belarus

Peculiarities of agrarian

market

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In May, 2013, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus agreed to co-ordinate their agro-industrial policies

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he three presidents signing a programme document in Astana, at a session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. Goals and objectives we re d e s i g n ate d, with the major principles listed as: balanced development of production; fair competition; equal access to the common agrarian market; and co-ordination of exports. Our states agreed to continue reporting on their level of state support for agrarians, exchanging statistics and complying with uniform production, distribution phytosanitary and veterinary standards. Innovations include forecasting, and market regulation based on such forecasts, co-ordination of agricultural exports and joint scientific research. The aim is to help farms by ensuring equality of access to loans and subsidies. Of course, where farms are heavily subsidised this also presents a false picture to investors and affects competitive conditions on our shared market. Experts are convinced that shared planning is the answer to ensuring that our agriculture is complementarity to that of our neighbours. Today’s best model ensures that supply is met by demand: based upon accurate knowledge of production, consumption and foreign trade. The Union State of Russia and Belarus has long used such a model in governing production of meat, milk, sugar and eggs. Last autumn, the Russian and Belarusian Ministries of Agriculture discussed the issue, noting that the Russian National Union of Milk Producers, SoyuzMoloko, had urged limits on deliveries of Belarusian milk to Russia in 2012. The new Eurasian Economic Commission is to oversee a trilateral production balance between Belarus,

Kazakhstan and Russia, following a plan approved by the Economic Council of the CIS in September 2012. The plan will use indicative factors of supply and demand as an additional guarantee of reliable delivery from EAEC (Eurasian Economic Community) countries into their common market.

Plans based on reality The monitoring pursued by the Eurasian Economic Commission shows that the commitments enshrined in the Agreement for Common Rules of State Support for Agriculture, in effect since 9th December, 2010, have been maintained. It envisions two key requirements: prohibition of export and import-substitution subsidies; and limited subsidies for products unrelated directly to foreign trade but having some impact, due to influence on supply and pricing. Where state support is given, it is limited to no more than 10 percent of the gross value. As Russia is now a member of the World Trade Organization, its WTO commitments are accepted as commitments to the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Community. For Belarus, there exists a transition period, until 2016, during which state support will be gradually reduced. In other respects, each of our three states will independently identify the directions and forms of agricultural subsidy, undertaking necessary measures, notes Sergei Sidorsky the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Minister for Industry and the AgroIndustrial Complex. Support for crop production is now governed per hectare, with over 60 percent of targeted state subsidy used in this way in 2013. Mechanisms of credit for buying equipment and fertilisers are now used with more transparency and Russia, in line with its WTO commitments, is cutting its subsidies from $9 billion to $4.4 billion by 2018.

Without doubt, there is money to be made from agriculture; the world’s population is only growing, raising demand with each passing year However, the decision appeared on direct subsidy of milk production, for which Russia has repeatedly criticised Belarus. Interestingly, its total milk yields have declined annually by almost 5 percent. State support for farming in Belarus is more significant than that seen in partner countries within the Union State and the Customs Union — at about 90 percent (80 percent in Russia and under 50 percent in Kazakhstan). However, it’s difficult to say whether this is a negative situation. Mr. Sidorsky explains that small holders and enterprises in Belarus are ready for change and long-term modernisation, to make them more efficient (and less in need of subsidy). He notes that the system is far from perfect but that any new mechanisms adopted should have been trialled for at least five years: via a five year plan for village development. He is keen to see diversity in provision of credit to the agro-industrial complex, as state provision currently ‘absorbs’ half of the agrarian budget. Freedom of trade in goods should gradually expand, leading to greater national and regional specialisation within the Customs Union. Mr. Sidorsky admits that such specialisation will not become absolute, since components and ingredients and so on are often essential imports in creating a country’s exports. Holland is Europe’s largest exporter of pork, despite its cultivated land being reclaimed from the sea, necessitating the import of forage for the pigs. Belarus leads within the CIS in terms of agro-production per head and deliv-

eries abroad, as is predetermined by natural factors. It now aims to develop its dairy industry, with regional meatand-milk holding companies the way forward in ensuring efficiency. Without doubt, there is money to be made from agriculture; the world’s population is only growing, raising demand with each passing year. Overseen by state regulation, there’s no reason why farms shouldn’t gradually become completely financially independent. Care needs to be taken where harvests fluctuate, with the state ready to step in where needed, to avoid negative social consequences: buying and then selling goods to regulate supply and demand. Naturally, the common agrarian market of the Customs Union and Eurasian Economic Community needs to share regulatory measures, such as uniform levels of state subsidy, to ensure that member countries compete on an equal footing. The May agreement aims to raise the aggregate growth of agricultural production within the next five years by at least 20 percent, via beneficial mutual trade and increased agro-entrepreneurial activity. Imports of agricultural commodities from third countries should fall in value to $33-35 billion (from today’s $44 billion) with agrarian exports covering at least half the value of agro-imports. Within the next 8-10 years, Customs Union members should see a positive balance of foreign trade for agricultural commodities, although Mr. Sidorsky does not exclude the necessity of some subsidy from the Eurasian Economic Union budget. By Aelita Syulzhina

2013 беларусь.belarus

Artur Prupas

Sharing single platform

ussians can enter Belarusian universities in two ways: applying for a state funded place, based on central testing results; or paying for their studies (an option available since 2012) after passing a colloquium. In turn, Belarusian school graduates have several paths of entry to Russian universities. They can pass the Unified State Examination or the exams of their chosen institution; Russia has interdepartmental quotas for Belarusians, with 57 state scholarships allocated this year (students needing a grade point average of 8 in general certificates of secondary education). However, Belarus’ Minister of Education, Sergey Maskevich, notes, “Practice indicates that this isn’t too popular; where conditions are equal, school graduates like to enter the university of their choosing rather than that proposed by the Ministry. Moreover, some obligations are imposed as part of the quota project.” Among the higher educational establishments enjoying the greatest

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Belarus and Russia currently share around 300 co-operative educational agreements, with school graduates enjoying the right to further study at educational establishments in both states. It’s been a long-standing tradition. Around 2,000 Russians attend Belarusian universities at present, while over 21,000 Belarusians study in Russia: either independently or with state funding. All have equal access to scholarships and hostel accommodation and lecturers view them equally, with no distinction between Russians and Belarusians. popularity among school leavers are the oldest established: Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Belarusian State University, and the Belarusian State Economic University. Russia is starting to rank its state run universities, taking action with inefficient establishments. Belarus only has 54 universities, including nine privately run, so the situation tends to be guided by supply and demand. Over the past five years, the number of school leavers has dropped almost 3-fold but neither the Belarusian State University nor Minsk’s leading universities have been affected. In contrast, universities which rely more on fee-paying students only enrolled a third of their planned number in full-time studies last year: around 80 percent for correspondence courses. Young people are ‘voting’ with their feet. Meanwhile, the Belarusian and Russian Ministries of Education are worried that we may be heading for a shortfall in certain specialists, since universities tend to offer courses which have popular appeal, rather than the courses recommended by the government. Ever more technical staff

are required for industry and, in honesty, fewer economists and lawyers. Of course, state funded places are linked to priority specialities but do not always find appropriate candidates, since school leavers are more attracted to studying international relations, global economics, law and finance than engineering, technical science, agriculture and teaching. Only courses in architecture, IT and energy related spheres buck the trend. Russia is now debating the necessity of reviving the old practice of distribution for graduates since even those attending prestigious universities can have problems finding suitable employment. Naturally, modern education is costly, so state job placement satisfies various goals. Belarus has been using a distribution system for five years and it appears to be working well. Universities receive applications from companies — including private firms and foreign enterprises with a Belarusian share in their statutory fund; as long as they can pay a salary, they receive a specialist. “State funded graduates who find prestigious jobs and wish to refuse the state vacancies they are offered can choose

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to refund the cost of their education. Around 50 do so each year: mostly IT programmers in their second or third year at university,” explains Mr. Maskevich. “There are always some graduates who are grateful for help in finding a job; 10 percent of fee-paying students tend to take up state employment for their first job, being glad of the guarantees and privileges bestowed.” Attracting youngsters into scientific fields is a real challenge, despite the great needs of industry. The integration of educational processes within the Union State could play a huge role here. In 2013, the 2nd Forum of Engineering-Technical Universities met at the Belarusian National Technical University (the first featured the Union State’s State Secretary, Grigory Rapota). This event unites scientists from 27 Belarusian and Russian universities and is of great importance, encouraging experience exchange and joint innovative development. Co-operation with Nizhny Novgorod continues regarding the creation of a Belarusian-Russian business accelerator, supporting small, innovative enterprises; many similar

programmes are in the pipeline at all educational levels. Mr. Maskevich asserts, “We’re on the same page as the Russian Ministry, actively supporting certain youth projects and initiatives of bilateral collaboration. A road map has been compiled and we’re moving forward, within the restrictions of availability of resources.” Inte r- u n ive rs it y e du c at i on a l programmes continue, with the Belarusian National Technical University already training nuclear energy specialists: a new area for Belarus. In using Russian experience, it enjoys access to local research centres and established reactors, taking future nuclear physicists and engineers to such sites as Smolensk nuclear facility; four tours have already been organised, allowing students to gain familiarity with security systems and technological processes. This year, the Belarusian State University for the first time arranged radio communication with the International Space Station’s crew (jointly with a delegation from the South-Western State University). The two universities have signed an agreement on the development and launch of a

joint educational nano-satellite from the International Space Station. “The BSU boasts rich experience of space related activity; accordingly, it’ll be easy for us to liaise,” notes the Russian University’s Rector, Sergey Yemelyanov. The Belarusian and Russian educational systems gain a great deal from their co-operation. Belarus ‘borrowed’ the first tests for centralised testing from Moscow while the Russians — studying our experience — have outlined terms of transfer to the Unified State Examination. This educational year, many Belarusian universities are shifting to four-year programmes for training specialists, coming in line with Russian universities, which moved to a two-stage preparation model (4+2) three years ago. Interestingly, around 30 percent of all specialities — most relating to economics — currently require from 4 to 4.5 years of training at Belarus’ leading technical institution: the Belarusian National Technical University. Engineers still require 5 years of study — as previously. Russian and Belarusian curriculums now award credits to indicate achievement, with each educational year offering 60 such points. This will now allow us to compare and register the academic successes of students from all over the globe. “We enjoy a shared educational programme, enabling us to transfer, enrol or reinstate students from Belarusian and Russian universities without problems,” explains the Rector of the BelarusianRussian University, Igor Sazonov. In addition, Russia and Belarus are piloting a scheme whereby students may change university and retain their funding; Belarus has 17 schools working with the new system. Meanwhile, they are also launching a new system of salaries for teachers. Naturally, our two states have similar challenges to meet, each searching for its own paths of solution while sharing experience and expertise. By Maria Kucherova

2013 беларусь.belarus

Music, summer and cornflowers

22nd International Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk Festival of Arts waves farewell to 5,000 entrants from 31 countries. The major prize of the Vitebsk-2013 International Contest of Pop Song Performers went to Poland. Of course, with over 60 concerts, performances, exhibitions and presentations, visitors will take home a great many memories. Highlights included performances by Nadezhda Babkina and Syabry band, Kristina Orbakaite and Dima Bilan, Alexander Malinin and Yelena Vaenga, Al Bano and Roza Rymbayeva, alongside the Gypsy Kings and Eurovision stars Emmelie de Forest, Alena Lanskaya and Dina Garipova.

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n 2013, the festival gained an updated format, becoming more dynamic and compact. Rather than having the usual Days of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, all the countries were represented within the Day of the Union State.

Festival of festivals

As ever, on the opening day, the presidents of all three countries sent their greetings: President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. Mr. Lukashenko stressed that the Slavianski Bazaar is a spiritual catalyst for integration within the postSoviet and Eurasian space. He noted that

it occupies a special place in the constellation of international artistic forums and deserves to be known as the ‘festival of festivals’, presenting a wide panorama of world culture. This year, the President of Belarus bestowed his special award — Through Art Towards Peace and Mutual Understanding — on People’s Artiste of the USSR Edita Piekha, whose name is also included on Vitebsk’s Avenue of Stars, alongside those of other laureates. Speaking to journalists about the Day of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, the State Secretary of the Union State, explained, “The Union State continues to take part in financing the Slavianski Bazaar. It is also a founder of the award for literature and arts, given every other year. These aspects remain unchanged.

Alexander Soloviev from Belarus shared third prize with Kristi from Romania, while Russian Raya Movsisyan was awarded Vladimir Mulyavin’s special prize for embodying the national theme and high performance skills. Moreover, Soloviev and Movsisyan were awarded special prizes from the Belarus-Russia Union State Parliamentary Assembly. Michal Kaczmarek celebrated winning the Grand Prix and a prize of $15,000, from the jury headed by People’s Artiste of Russia Larisa Dolina: the first Slavianski Bazaar pop music win for a Polish entrant. Bulgarian Presiana Dimitrova’s beautiful singing won her the Grand Prix of the International Children’s Contest; Alexandra Laktionova from Belarus came second, followed by Dayana Kirillova of Russia.

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Facets of cultural projects

The updated structure of the Day of the Union State includes a proposal from the organisers and directorate of the event. I’m confident that it hasn’t harmed the forum in any way, as proven by the fact that all tickets for The Day of Friendship: the Union State Invites… concert sold out within two days. We’re pleased to see such high interest in Union State events.” At present, around half of the Union State budget is spent on Union State programmes, with many closely connected with developing cultural ties between our two states. The Vitebsk-2013 International Contest of Pop Song Performers — the major event of the Slavianski Bazaar — took place on the Day of the Union State, involving representatives of 21 countries.

As always, the Day of the Union State at the Slavianski Bazaar was diverse. Pobedy Square hosted Grigory Rapota, together with veterans and members of young organisations, as they laid flowers at the Eternal Flame. Speeches were given to commemorate the memory of those who died during

the Great Patriotic War and the veterans noted that there should be no ‘unmarked’ graves for defenders of the Motherland. Mr. Rapota heard about a Belarusian documentary film being shot about Alexander Kazarsky, who was born in the Vitebsk Region’s Dubrovno District. Commanding the Russian Mercury brig during the Russian-Turkish war of 1828-1829, he defeated two Turkish battle ships, in an unequal fight. A new monument to Kazarsky, who is a symbol of unity for Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians, has been installed in Sevastopol and, this year, a commemorative plaque is being unveiled there in honour of the Belarusian regiments who died during the first Crimean War. Later, during his traditional press conference, Mr. Rapota mentioned other interesting Union State projects for the near future. These include Igor Ugolnikov’s film about WWI, and a collection of works by young prose writers and masters of short stories — being published in Russian and Belarusian (regardless of the original language of the author).

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Edita Piekha, a laureate of the special award of the President of Belarus — Through Art Towards Peace and Mutual Understanding — noted, in Belarusian “I’ve been performing on stage for 56 years and have toured Belarusian cities many times. I’m pleased that I’ve been awarded such a high and important honour at the festival in Vitebsk. Thank you!”

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The Day of the Union State at the Slavianski Bazaar saw two bright and memorable events. The first involved a donation to the Ilya Repin Museum Estate in Zdravnevo of 14 reproduction works by this prominent painter. The museum was founded in 1988 and is located near Vitebsk; Repin bought the estate in 1892 and art experts believe that he worked there fruitfully. The reproductions include such famous pictures as Zaporozhian Cossacks, Barge Haulers on the Volga River, Ivan the Terrible and his Son Ivan and Zaporozhian Cossacks Write a Letter to the Sultan of Turkey. “We want to support the development of cultural ties between Russia and Belarus. Moreover, we’ve proposed opening an artistic and educational centre at Zdravnevo Museum-Estate. I’ve seen how many children visit the estate and they, as well as their parents, will be glad to learn more about the creativity of the great

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painter. I’d like to see the museum enjoy popularity, especially among the younger generation,” emphasised Mr. Rapota. Master classes for young painters and journalists were held during the Slavianski Bazaar, under the aegis of the Union State. Mr. Rapota visited Vitebsk Technological College while Victor Zubritsky, chief painter of the Pavlovo Posad Shawls Manufactory and famous Vitebsk designer Nina Bobrovich shared their secrets with budding artists. Ms. Bobrovich works in the city club of folk craft masters, at the Golden Ring of Vitebsk— Dvina cultural and historical complex. Interestingly, Victor and Nina have both designed items for the Belarusian-Russian collection of shawls and folk costumes, which was proposed for a Union State award in the sphere of literature and arts in 2013/2014. According to Mr. Zubritsky, it’s deeply symbolic that the joint project, entitled the Bouquet

of Slavyanka, has been presented at the Slavianski Bazaar. “Valeria Fadeeva’s shawl depicts a symbol of the Slavianski Bazaar: cornflowers. Old women sell cornflower bouquets everywhere in Vitebsk during the festival,” notes Mr. Zubritsky. T h e P a v l o v o Po s a d S h a w l s Manufactory showed 60 shawls in Vitebsk, including the designs ‘Rus’, ‘Ancient Castle’ and ‘Zhuravushka’. These inspired Ms. Bobrovich to make some folk sarafans (sundress pinafores), as worn by our grandmothers and great grandmothers in the Vitebsk-Pskov and Vitebsk-Smolensk border areas. Sewn from Pavlovo Posad shawls, the sarafans were then worn with ribbons, belts and shirts made at the Belarusian Orsha Linen Mill.

‘The song helps us build and live…’ Orsha Linen Mill came under discussion at the Slavianski Bazaar, with Mr. Rapota chatting to the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive

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In the days of the festival jolly atmosphere reigned not only on the Amphitheater stage but also on the city streets

Committee, Alexander Kosinets. The latter believes that Vitebsk is making a great contribution to strengthening the unity of Slavonic nations — especially through its festival. This year, Vitebsk hosted the First Student Slavonic Forum and the Vitebsk Region boasts strong economic ties with Russia, liaising with most of the Russian regions. According to Mr. Rapota, this collaboration may soon become ever closer. He explains, “We are elaborating the Union State flax programme, creating joint ventures to manufacture harvesting and processing machinery, as well as new items made from flax. Naturally, such a large enterprise as Orsha Linen Mill, in the Vitebsk Region, is of great interest to us.” On the Day of the Union State, Mr. Rapota also visited one of Vitebsk’s footwear enterprises — Marko: one of the largest in Belarus. It exports half of its produce to Russia and now plans to establish a holding; Russian enterprises involved in the production of leather and other items for the footwear industry are likely to join.

For the first time in the history of the Summer Amphitheatre, it hosted

18 000 spectators in a single day

Mr. Rapota also took part in the unveiling ceremony of a monument to his old friend Vladimir Grigoriev: the Belarusian Ambassador to Russia from 1997 to 2006. Mr. Grigoriev governed the Vitebsk Region in the 1980s and helped initiate the construction of the Summer Amphitheatre — the major stage venue of the Slavianski Bazaar, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Honouring laureates The Day of Friendship: the Union State Invites… concert was a beautiful conclusion to the Day of the Union State, featuring such stars as Edita Piekha, Dima Bilan, Yelena Vaenga, Teremquartet band, Ruslan Alekhno, Irina Dorofeeva, Alisher Karimov, Donny Montell and Damir Kedžo. Mr. Rapota also presented special diplomas from the Union State Standing Commission: for ‘The Creative Embodiment of Friendship Between the Peoples of Belarus and Russia’. Archpriest Fiodor Povny was awarded a diploma for his work in support of construction at All Saints Church in Minsk, while Belarusian TV hostess Svetlana Borovskaya was recognised for her series of reports on the Slavianski Bazaar. Russian Army Theatre actor Artem Kaminsky was also given an honorary prize, as was Eurovision2013 finalist and Honoured Artiste of Tatarstan, singer Dina Garipova. By Sergey Golesnik

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 Charm of palace on River Sozh The artistic and historical heritage of Gomel Palace and Park Estate draws connoisseurs of the beautiful from near and far

The international open air painting fair Images of our Motherland in Visual Art concluded on 25th July, in the agro town of Alexandria (Mogilev District). Ten young artists from across Belarus took part

n September, professional artists from Belarus, Russia and neighbouring countries will continue the artistic theme, gathering at the former estate of the prominent Russian painter Vasily Polenov, near Tula, and then in picturesque places of the Mogilev Region, the estate now houses a museum. The final canvases are to be exhibited outside, in October, at the Mogilev Regional Art Museum. Some of the works are likely to be purchased by museums in the Dnieper River area while some will be donated to the establishment hosting the exhibition. This year’s event especially honours artist Robert Genin, who was born in 1884, in the village of Vysokoye, Mogilev Province, and became an outstanding representative of the Paris painting school, creating monumental pictures and panel pictures. Later, he moved to Moscow, where he taught at the Proletarian Artel Art Studio, in Vladimir Region’s Mstyora.

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Kremlin in Ryazan, entitled Busly (Storks), showing unique items of Belarusian culture. Ancient Gomel’s palace, on the River Sozh, regularly hosts exhibitions from St. Petersburg museums. Works by Tatiana Bykova are on show at present, until 15th September: Shades of Palace Times. Her clever ‘3D’ paintings take us back to the days of the Russian Empire.

 Successors of St. Cyril and St. Methodius The Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Minsk recently held an online competition dedicated to the 1,150th anniversary of the origins of Slavic writing

Artur Prupas

 Images of shared Motherland

he unique palace of the famous noble families of Rumyantsev and Paskevich houses a variety of fascinating artefacts, from weapons and items of interior decoration, embroidered cloths and linens and Polesie icons, to rare manuscripts and ancient items of clothing. Director General Andrey Gorbachev tells us, “These form the basis for exhibitions organised by the museum abroad.” Naturally, tours to Russia are common; in 2012, an exhibition of clocks once owned by the Rumyantsev and Paskevich families was taken to Kaliningrad with great success. Now, the Gomel museum is preparing a major exhibition for the

ith around 2,000 Belarusian students submitting entries, from across 120 towns and villages. Organised in two stages, the first took the form of a quiz of 20 simple questions on the history of Slavic writing; the second featured 40 difficult questions, asking, for instance, for all Slavic languages using the Cyrillic alphabet. Children were allowed to research online, without time limits, and were encouraged to read information from the website of the first electronic Russian Presidential Library. After analysing the answers, the jury named 31 winners, although only four answered all questions correctly, gaining 57 points. They received the top prize of an educational tour of the Golden Ring of Russia. Others, and their teachers, received books and diplomas.

PANORAMA  Mirror going to Hollywood Perfect film can be shot on smartphone camera

insk has summed up the results of the 3rd Smartfilm Mobile Film Festival, announcing its winners: Andrey Levkovich’s Mirror took first place, followed by Yuri Kopotkov’s Cinema. In line with the contest rules, the main victor travels to Los Angeles, visiting a Hollywood film studio; the latter is awarded with an Apple iPad. Smar t f i lm was organis e d by Velcom, with support from Belarus’ Ministry of Culture. Two nominations were announced: PRO (for professionally advanced film makers) and LIGHT (for less experienced). The festival’s creative concept reads: ‘Great Cinema in Mobile Format!’ Its organisers are convinced that worthy films can be shot on modest budgets — even filmed on a smartphone. The contest invited anyone to take part — directing and shooting their own short film on a smartphone camera. Many creative people entered, judged by an authoritative jury, headed by famous Russian film director Valeriya Gai Germanika. Last year, the contest gathered 74 works but, this time, 113 films were presented — including 60 in the PRO nomination. These rising figures please the project organisers, indicating not merely increased interest but a higher quality of submissions.

 Students painting entrances Students from Belarusian State Academy of Arts to paint entrance halls and lobbies of residential houses

“T

his summer, we launched the Cosy House project, by which students will be working with housingand-municipal services to paint at least 10 entrance halls in residential tower

 Comparing antiquarian timepieces From late July to late October, Time Travel exhibition hosted by Nesvizh Palace

he unique collection of mantel, wall and bracket clocks is joined by pocket watches and wristwatches from the 17-20th century, comprising treasures from state and private collections. Some pieces were made for the royal courts and a few are the work of famous European masters — such as Jean Lépine, a master of the court of Louis XVI, and Pierre Thomire,

blocks,” explains Yuri Chechukevich, First Secretary of the Minsk City Committee of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union. The apartment blocks have been chosen, with contracts signed. About 30 designs are available — including fairy tale themes and natural landscapes; residents can also add their own suggestions. Each lobby will take about two days to paint, ensuring that all work is concluded by October.

who created clocks for Napoleon Bonaparte. The exhibition has been organised by Gomel’s Palace and Park Estate Museum and private collectors, with support from the Museum of Clocks in Lithuanian Klaipeda. The latter holds an exclusive collection of 1,700 clocks and watches from various ages — from the first sundials to modern mechanical timepieces. Original and rare artefacts are joined by reproductions with no analogue in Eastern Europe. Gomel’s Palace and Park Estate Museum possesses the largest collection of clocks in Belarus, including items which once belonged to the owners of the country estate: the princely Paskevich family.

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Space and time of Vladimir Prokoptsov The National Art Museum Director, Vladimir Prokoptsov, is 60 this year; President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated him personally. Marking his birthday, and the 15th anniversary of his directorship, Mr. Prokoptsov has exhibited a series of his paintings, which confirm him as a friend of art.

is life has many ang les, since he heads the museum and continues to paint. We might think it's impossible to do the two, but he

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is adamant that these activities work well together. What drew you to visual art? To begin with, I liked drawing at school. We didn’t have a Pioneer House in our village so I drew from magazines. At school, I painted wallpaper and so

on. I bought paints myself and began feeling that I’d like to become an artist. My father wanted me to become an agronomist though, viewing artistry as a futile profession, while being an agronomist was serious. Being from a village, it was understandable. My mother was a

ART teacher at elementary school and, on the whole, supported me. I wanted to enter Minsk’s Arts and Theatre University (now the Belarusian State Academy of Arts), but I didn’t gain passing scores, lacking the training of children from Minsk, who attended art schools. I was from a village. So, I applied for the art-pictorial faculty of Vitebsk Pedagogical University and was accepted. I have no regrets, as I received an extensive education and the atmosphere of Vitebsk influenced me greatly. It’s an extremely attractive town, while Minsk is a megapolis, which lacks the artistic atmosphere of Vitebsk. It surely influences all its students. We all wanted to be famous, so we attended every class, including those in the evening and at the weekends. We were self-motivated, needing no external encouragement, and were each intent on finding our niche. Students from villages worked especially hard, as they knew they lagged behind in knowledge. By our third year we had caught up with and, even, left behind those students initially considered exemplary. Our studies inspired our desire to create. In fact, you can’t simply approach a canvas and create a work of art. You need to feel energy flowing through you. There are different cultural layers — first, second and third — and the same is true of canvas painting. Some excel in one medium alone — such as watercolour — but I’m grateful to Vitebsk for giving me broad experience. I feel nervous excitement each time I visit, although various buildings have changed location. Where today’s ‘Slavianski Bazaar’ is held, there was once Pen’s Studio and Vitebsk State University’s Pharmaceutical Department. The atmosphere is the same as ever though. My ‘Vitebsk at Night’ shows how I feel about it. Of all the artistic associations, I think the Vitebsk Artists Association is the best, having more members and being more active than those in Grodno, Brest and Gomel. Like musicians, who need to play daily to keep their talent, artists should

paint daily. Graduating from University does not make you a great artist. You need to work every day. Study needs to be followed by daily commitment, to rise in your profession. Artists are most stimulated when they are dissatisfied and feeling perturbed. Of course, some remain forever in obscurity while others might work unknown for years before exploding onto the public scene, finally impressing others. I took a postgraduate course at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, to broaden my artistic horizons. It showed me the art of concentration. As I’m now a museum director, I can no longer paint from dawn until night but it’s a good job for me, as I’m self-suffi-

about Stanislav Zhukovsky. Next, I’m planning an edition on Ferdynand Ruszczyc. Next year, we’ll hold an exhibition using works on loan from museums in Poland and Ukraine. We’re awaiting a picture of Ruszczyc — ‘Near Catholic Church’. I’d like to create a book about this artist for the exhibition too. In a word, I’m self-motivated and very proud of my work, in which I feel comfortable. I like to learn from others, looking at how other artists are arranging their works; I like to learn from other museum directors, seeing how they arrange lighting or how they paint the walls. The walls in our museum were grey while those of the Tretyakov Gallery are green so we made ours green also.

It’s good job fom me, as I’m self-sufficient: my education in fine arts enables me to speak with any artist or, even, with the director of the Louvre, as an equal. I feel that I’m in the right place. I enjoy working in the museum and I love my studio cient: my education in fine arts enables me to speak with any artist or, even, with the director of the Louvre, as an equal. I feel that I’m in the right place. I couldn’t become, say, the Minister of Cultural Affairs or the Prime Minister but my current occupation suits me. I enjoy working in the museum and I love my studio. I can switch from administrative work to artistic. I ‘swim’ in colour and listen to Pavarotti. As a master of fine arts, I pay attention to our national culture. During the Year of Books in Belarus, last year, we launched our ‘Famous Belarusian Artists’ series, for which I wrote two editions: about Belonicky-Berulia and

It’s understandable that it wasn’t initially your dream to become a museum director. It requires a lot of time, so is painting now just a hobby? It’s a serious job. If you wish to call yourself an artist, exhibiting paintings, you have to be serious. I understand all the responsibility. If, as a director, you also call yourself an artist, your colleagues will offer criticism. Since you manage them, they feel entitled to give their opinion on your work. It’s a game that must be played. If art were only a hobby to me, I’d simply paint for myself. However, it’s more than a hobby. I lack enough time, since I can’t paint from dawn until Page

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night as a free artist, only using the early mornings and evenings, weekends and holidays. Of course, only a handful of artists create one genius painting and go down in history for their talent. It usually takes many works to achieve acclaim, even though your ‘hundred’ paintings may not all be significant. You can paint just one or two annually and achieve acclaim, as long as they are able to touch people’s hearts. If other artists call them perfect, you have your answer. It’s important to me to receive professional approval as well as public popularity. It’s part of my path to self-perfection. It might seem strange for me to ‘switch’ between being an artist and a museum director but I benefit from both. In fact, my background will open doors to me sitting on expert commissions later. This is my second exhibition at the National Modern Fine Arts Museum, and my works have been exhibited at the Commonwealth of Artists. I’ve exhibited one or two paintings at other exhibitions. Is it important to convey your personal feelings in a picture? Of course; what other reason is there? You’d just be wasting paint! I’m currently working on a painting entitled ‘Vitebsk Night’ and am trying to bring my energy into the picture. Vitebsk has mystery to it, like the Da Vinci Code. It exerts an enduring attraction that will always excite me. My Motherland is the other topic of which I can never tire. My next painting is going to be called ‘My Home’. What keeps you painting: your personal feelings, your ability to draw, experience, or everything taken together? Of course, everything together; feelings cannot always be sustained and, without experience, there is no professionalism. Training helps you to produce a professional picture. However, every artist approaches an empty canvas with trepidation. There’s also an element of luck involved; sometimes, you might complete a work within a day or two but

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it can take much longer; I’ve been working on some for ten years. My ‘Vitebsk Dreams about Paris’ featured a young lady on the Moon, scattering cornflowers over Vitebsk. I came back to it after a few years and realised that there was something incorrect. I decided that the cornflowers looked too ‘literary’ so I repainted the picture with the girl throwing an armful of stars into the sky. This seemed more appropriately philosophical. Some pictures I repaint despite never exhibiting them, so my enduring interest is a combination of feeling, energy and professionalism. Does your lack of time impact on your creativity? Yes; absolutely. What I did earlier and what I do now are completely different in feeling, rhythm and philosophy. I like some on my past works, such as ‘Present Indefinite’, which I painted in 1997, when Satanists set fire to Zaslavl church and the roof fell in. I used English on purpose for the title. It hangs now in my office and I feel that it never dates. I have no desire to change anything about it. God forbid that a tsunami might happen tomorrow, or some other cataclysm. People used to say that man is lord of nature but perhaps nature

takes revenge, with the help of storms and snowfall in summer. ‘Present Indefinite’ envisions such a troubled future. Why does the style of your pictures vary? It depends on my mood and desire to experiment. I used to combine realism with impressionism but my recent pictures are more decorative. It probably comes with age and experience. I have a different mental outlook and ‘rhythm’ today; it’s as if I’m in a chariot and cannot stop. I give my feelings away on the canvas; it’s something I think all artists need to do and shouldn’t be ashamed of. Is each work individual or do you have an enduring motif? Of course, each picture is individual. When I paint something, I immediately come up with a name. Let’s say I intend to paint a lily, night or the dawn; first of all, I think about the philosophy of the name. To evoke mystery, you should use understatement and paint things in a manner other than realistic: clouds should be green or not at all. I steer clear of the obvious unless I’m painting a straightforward still life work. Even then, you can take various approaches, deciding whether to give your table legs and what colour to paint your apples. You can make them red: more red than any apple

ART normally would be… Every artist has their own philosophy and style. Do you court public recognition? Of course; all artists, actors, poets and writers want to be recognised for their talent. It’s been so since man first picked up a piece of coal and began to paint on a rock, seeking admiration from his compatriots. I don’t believe artists who say they don’t desire glory; I think we’re all ambitious. Of course, by nature, artists are individualists. Although poets and artists work alone, they dream of recognition. As a museum director, I want the museum to be the best in Belarus. In addition, I want to achieve something as an artist. This is natural; were it not so, how would we ever progress? Of course, there are various types of ‘glory’; one is achieved through labour while the other is cheap. Time is a great judge. I know a story about Minsk’s Surganov Street art studio. If it had ever exhibited every Belarusian artist in alphabetical order, there

would be more than a thousand represented: the first would be Alshevsky and the last Yanushkevich. However, the only one who’d be pleased by this approach would be Alshevsky! Nobody wants to be in second place. Are works by Belarusian artists interesting to foreign audiences? Yes; of course. In fact, the Belarusian school, especially the realist school of our older generation, is rated highly. Europe lacks such a level today. Sadly, we lack an art market which can support auctions. I’d like to see something in Vitebsk: the place permeated by the smell of paint since the times of Chagall and Malevich. Why do we have so many casinos and so few art galleries? We want to be a European capital and we certainly have the perfect geographical position. Our cities are well-groomed. We lack a Pavarotti but we have gorgeous artworks s o w hy

shouldn’t we take a leading role in the art market; especially when we have such traditions as Chagall and Malevich? When starting a canvas, do you have a theme in mind in advance or does this evolve? I invent a plot and title beforehand; in fact, the title guides everything, outlining the sense and philosophy of my work. It influences me hugely. My personal ‘birthday’ exhibition is entitled ‘Strings of Space and Time’. My strings are tense — as I’m an artist and a director. Space covers everything around me: my 60th birthday and the 15th anniversary of my directorship. My early works differ from those of today, as I’m changing all the time — from romantic visions to realism. Many of your artistic associations are connected with the land where you were born. I know you’ve drawn a series of pictures devoted to your homeland… Not long ago, I painted ‘Holiday StillLife’. Rushniks (hand-woven napkins) and ornaments are symbolic of village life and I decided to devote my work to those living in my native village. I’ll probably draw it in a larger size one day. Should a museum try to guide visitors’ taste? It’s essential. A museum should not operate without an aim: its mission is education and teaching. It’s an educational centre. Our museum is becoming more active, branching out. We recently showcased an exhibition entitled ‘Portraits of Grand Duchy of Lithuania Rulers’, gathering pictures from three Ukrainian museums, as well as our own. We organised a round table discussion with specialists and several major concerts, featuring Lithuanian, Polish, Ukrainian and Belarusian groups. An exhibition does not need to be limited to art works; it can continue its theme along different avenues, for the pleasure of children and adults. Our museum has received a lot of funding to modernise its halls and raise salaries, with the aim of guiding public taste. A museum must act ‘aggressively’, in the best sense, being three steps ahead — espe- Page

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cially in our modern time of globalisation. Visitors should be enticed, through lectures and excursions. I’m convinced that museums are educational; no other purpose is needed. Do you hope to see museum infrastructure develop? Of course; the President is keen on the idea of a museum quarter and, from 2014, much will be invested in restoration. Money has been allocated to design buildings and I hope our museum quarter will be complete within five years. What will be its major function? We’ll spread our collections and will create infrastructure. At present, our museum, sadly, lacks a fine café; we’d like to seat at least 100 and bring in specialised equipment to our Karl Marx Street address. We also lack a museum shop, in which to sell literature. I’ve visited many European museums and, on entering a 200sq.m shop, you find a wide range of books, albums, souvenirs (bearing the museum logo), decorations and so on. In fact, such souvenirs can account for around 40 percent of a museum’s profit! We’ll definitely enjoy all these in future; I’d love to see this happen. No one should leave the museum without a souvenir: a modest fridge magnet for children or a $50 illustrated album for a tourist. We’d need such editions in at least three languages: Russian, Belarusian and English. I’d also like to see more Russians visiting to us. We could sell reproduction prints of works by Pen or Chagall — or copies of icons. This is actually a ‘must’ for the museum. Accordingly, the major mission of our quarter is to create an atmosphere where people wish to stay all day: from 11am to 7pm. They could take a break at a café or sit on a bench in an inner courtyard, taking the air, then return to see another exhibition. It’s my ideal situation, which I’ll do my best to see come to life. Importantly, our top leaders are being supportive. You don’t shy away from drawing on foreign experience. When going to a foreign state and visiting a local museum, I focus not on the

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ART pictures but on the way they’re fixed to the walls. I look with the eyes of an executive manager, paying attention to flooring and lighting. Pictures are secondary. In your 15 years of directorship, have you seen modern visitors become more demanding and knowledgable? Of course. We have the Internet now, so people can take a virtual tour of the Tretyakov Gallery or some other museum. Modern art lovers can take a two-hour trip on a Belavia plane to Paris, to see the Mona Lisa. Nothing can surprise us now. Audiences are true gourmands of art: demanding and sophisticated. We need to be ready for this, keeping up with today’s technologies, exhibition styles, methods and staff training. It’s a global issue so I, as museum director, cannot remain idle. I keep my staff on tenterhooks — although some may dislike this. In the 1960-1970s, the museum was a safe harbour; now, it must earn money, as well as promoting the country’s image and organising international projects. Our visitors wish to see a Marc Chagall show or a Tretyakov Gallery exhibition. Moreover, museum staff should know foreign languages. In a word, the museum format needs expansion. Are you ‘fighting’ for visitors? We fight for every visitor. Only interesting exhibitions and programmes attract visitors so an ideal modern museum is a large cultural industry — like Hollywood. It must be difficult to manage such a ‘mechanism’? It’s not simple; it’s a huge responsibility. The museum is our country’s ‘calling card’. I’m always telling my staff that — sooner or later — new people will replace us. The museum should not remain idle; it must work and, accordingly, I bear huge responsibility, as its head. I feel and understand all this; unsurprisingly, I’ve gone grey early! Is a museum director a manager or an academic? Everything together. I can hardly imagine a manager — rather than a painter or art critic — as a National Art

Museum director. Can you imagine an economist heading the Hermitage or the Tretyakov Gallery? I personally cannot. Of course, these museums have their own managers but must be headed by a specialist. A manager should head an agricultural factory. If I had chosen an agricultural path, I’d have become an agronomist and a farm head. However, I chose a different path — becoming a museum director who is universal: I’m a manager, an economist and an art critic. This is especially topical for such a huge museum as ours. Artists come to the director to discuss shows and other aspects. As an economist, what would I be able to say to People’s Artist Georgy Vashchenko? We’d lack common points, failing to understand each other. This is why I have no shame in continuing to learn something new. What criteria are applied in assessing the value of paintings bought by the museum? We don’t purchase independently: a special council does this for us (regarding modern painters). If an item were to be bought from abroad — such as a Slutsk sash (which we lack) we’d have to show that it was destined for a particular exhibition. However, the final decision is made jointly. A contest is usually organised for especially valuable artefacts. Generally, the museum community — headed by its director — dictates policy; with this in mind, a director must be an expert either in tenders or in pictures. Do you suffer from a split personality: director Prokoptsov and artist Prokoptsov? I enjoy complete harmony, as the former supplements the latter. I did experience a split personality when working for the Council of Ministers, as I seldom took part in exhibitions. Back in the 1980-1990s, state officials were not encouraged to display their works alongside those of artists. I feel very comfortable now. In heading the museum, you’ve arranged many foreign shows. Do you plan to exhibit the National Art Museum’s rich collections abroad?

We have such plans and have already exhibited Khrutsky’s pictures in Vilnius — as part of the artist’s 200th birthday celebrations. At present, we’re working on a joint project with the Vatican, taking our Belarusian Orthodox and Catholic icons there. Of course, such events need insurance. In autumn, we’ll take items from Neman glassworks to St. Petersburg’s Glass Museum. We liaise with provincial museums but have problems with central museums: the larger an exhibition, the more money is needed. Putting financial and organisational issues aside, which global masterpieces would you love to buy for your museum? At present, we’re negotiating for a Rembrandt and a Titian project (with the Ukrainians and Poles). We’re also ready to host a Picasso show (costing around $140,000). Which artefacts would the museum be able to buy? To make a purchase is a challenge, as this requires a great deal money. If I had money, I would not ‘hunt’ for a Rembrandt or Picasso; I’d rather buy a Chagall and works by the Parisian school artists. Actually, our possession of two pictures by Chagall and two by Genin is progress. These artists are widely exhibited in leadings museums worldwide — but not in their homeland. I’d remedy this if I had the chance… What is ‘true art’? It’s life. No life is possible without art. Fine arts make people spiritually wealthier, kinder and more harmonious. There is a set of cultural values which resemble behavioural norms (like letting the elderly go through a doorway first and respecting women). Why did ancient people draw on walls? Even then, they were observing the stars in the sky and were eager to reproduce them. In the morning, the stars disappeared but a handsome hunter or a scene from primeval life was painted on a wall. All these drawings are worthy of admiration. They are our heritage, with museum value. By Victor Mikhailov

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HOSPITABLE INVITATION

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children’s summer School summer holidays in Belarus are not just three months of free time for schoolchildren; they are an opportunity for new experiences. Traditionally, youngsters would head to camps for a taste of outdoor life and team spirit; today, such camps are just as popular. 44

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Camp of local significance Plenty of activities, in the fresh air, surrounded by forest, rivers and lakes: it’s the idyll of summer camp in Belarus. Of course, some teenagers spend their holidays working at spas, military bases or high schools, or help with restoration projects. However they spend their time, they are always the richer for it, while gaining the rest that comes from a change of scene. The school in the small village of Old Dyatlovichi, in the Gomel Region, closed 10 years ago — due to lack of demand. However, three years ago, it was reorganised as a ‘children’s resort’ for the summer months — now known as the Centre of Tourism and Local History for Children and Young People. As you might imagine, youngsters have the chance to learn the history of

their native land, taking excursions to sites of interest. They also take part in social projects, explains the Chairman of the District Executive Committee, Alexander Sitnitsa, “We wanted to breathe new life into the former school, so we gathered heads of enterprises to help us implement this good idea and, together, guided the project.” Mr. Sitnitsa adds that Old Dyatlovichi was once a significant town, but its population dwindled. However, its locale remains beautiful, being surrounded by woods, a river and, of course, fresh air. It’s now a hub for the district, attracting not only summer camp children but those with behaviour problems, as well as gifted youngsters. Voluntary groups and other clubs also meet there. The centre’s two-storey house looks like a picture from a glossy magazine, with its white bricks and modern windows.

HOSPITABLE INVITATION It’s light and comfortable inside, with laminated flooring and modern furniture. The ‘Boomerang’ camp is in full swing, gathering children whose lives have been far from easy. One of the rules is that no one talks about their past problems, turning a new leaf at the camp. Everyone is equal and encouraged to take responsibility for themselves. The youngsters come from several countries, which also gives the opportunity to broaden their outlook. Debates, strategic games and friendship evenings are organised, as well as plenty of adventurous activities, including swimming. In addition, by doing ‘good deeds’, the children earn ‘dyatly’ currency, which they can exchange for treats. They also have access to psychologists and have time to relax, as well as trying their hand at creative tasks. In a relatively short time, this small camp with a family atmosphere has become a place for foreign educational projects. This year marks its second International Linguistic Camp, including British students and teachers for two weeks, when the children speak exclusively English.

Difficulties of transition Teenage years can be difficult, being a time of psychological transition. Growing children need energy outlets and summer is the perfect time for this. The Gomel Region camp is a great place for teenagers, giving them the chance to put aside their usual worries. Those who aren’t flying high at school or have difficulty ‘fitting in’ with their peers can forge a better sense of their own identity and how they can contribute to the world. The ‘Student — You!’ project aims to boost youngsters’ selfesteem through the solving of challenges: an idea initiated some years ago at the Military Transportation Faculty of the Belarusian State University. Since then, teenagers have been joined by the military, rescue workers and policemen, alongside students and teachers, helping them realise their true potential. Vanya Kirillov, 15, has been to the camp twice, travelling from the city of

Vetka, after having the idea suggested by a local police officer. Vanya tells us, “I became interested, as there’s something new every day. Life is like in the army but more diverse. We’ve been on excursions to a rescue station and police station, as well as to museums I’ve not seen before.” Trips into the countryside are another source of delight, alongside various contests; there’s hardly a free minute, with each hour occupied meaningfully. Psychologists who work with children at the camp admit to seeing real change; youngsters become more sociable and open, as well as discovering new talents

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About 200 children from 13 countries recently gathered in the Gomel Region for the 11th International Forum of Young Fire Fighters and hobbies. Some even decide their future profession. It seems that the original aims of the project are being fulfilled, showing teenagers that there’s more to life than hanging about on street corners and giving them greater personal direction. Young men come to an understanding

that the world lies before them and that only they can shape their future. They’re shown that they have a role at the heart of their family, society and the nation as a whole, and that it takes inner strength as well as physical prowess to perform certain jobs. The camp encourages them to aim high. The popularity of such camps has increased over recent years, as their success is proven time and again.

Through thick and thin About 200 children from 13 countries recently gathered in the Gomel Region for the 11th International Forum of Young Fire Fighters, with representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, USA, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and South Korea. The event was hosted in the grounds of the Gomel Engineering Institute Lyceum (under the Emergency Situations Ministry of Emergency Situations). The two-week forum is held in Belarus every year at a different site, with Gomel having the honour this year. The first event aimed to introduce participants to one another, making new friends; this was followed by activities to promote professional skills. The Belarusian team told us, “Shooting, darts, military deployment and campfires are just some of the competitive activities.” Those from Poland added, “We’ll take part in a range of creative contests, including one for the best poster and newspapers, a national creative evening, and a culinary contest. Rescuers have many sides.” After spending even one day at the camp, it’s clear that the youngsters are enjoying themselves. The boys love competing in marksmanship and planning for ‘man-made disasters’ while the girls tend to enjoy musical performances and ‘first aid’ competitions. The benefits of such camps are obvious. All boundaries between nationalities are irrelevant, with youngsters easily making friends. The experience and skills they gain will stay with them for always. By Violetta Dralyuk

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THEATRE PERSONALITY

Director with a pure heart

Ivan Zhdanovich

New premiere of Puccino’s Turandot — his last, incomplete masterpiece — interpreted by National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre Director Mikhail Pandzhavidze, marking anniversary in grand style

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hen a creative person serves not personal interest but a higher purpose, they don’t act with awards or recognition in mind, but for the joy of delighting others and benefitting their country. One such is Mikhail Pandzhavidze, responsible for staging many wonderful shows since he joined Belarus’ Bolshoi Theatre in 2010. Hard work never goes unnoticed, resulting in two major awards: the National Theatrical Award for Verdi’s Nabucco and the special Award of the President of the Republic of Belarus ‘For Spiritual Revival’ — for staging Grey Legend, by Dmitry Smolsky. Before coming to Minsk, he worked at various other theatres across Russia, staging the opera Love of the Poet at the Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre (named after Musa Jalil); it was the first time that the theatre was nominated for the Gold Mask National Theatrical Award of Russia. His work there also earned him the G. Tukay Award of Tatarstan and the Tantana award for the play Jalil, by Nazib Zhiganov. Mr. Pandzhavidze is, of course, always happy to receive awards, since they evince success. He worked with pleasure in Kazan and is happy to now find a worthy niche in Belarus. In just three years, he has strengthened the image of our Bolshoi Theatre, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year. As a leading theatre across the CIS and Europe, it has toured over 30 countries, bringing joy to audiences far and wide. Belarusian actors are known and loved, having performed in Lithuania, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Estonia, Spain, the UK, France and elsewhere this season alone. Among the most significant creative projects of the Bolshoi Theatre are those involving Director General Vladimir Gridyushko: the Big New Year’s Ball, Evenings of the Bolshoi Theatre at the Radziwill Castle; and the Minsk International Christmas Opera Forum.

PERSONALITY How spectacular and magnificent was the anniversary concert, at which gathered stars of Belarusian opera and ballet; the audience was utterly captivated. According to Art Director Alexander Kostyuchenko, Mr. Pandzhavidze is transformed to another plane when all his hard work comes together, creating a masterpiece. It’s hard to disagree. In creating a play, he gives us his soul. The emotions aroused by the Bolshoi’s opera and ballet performances transport us to a higher level of feeling; lucky are those who have had their breath taken away by such a performance. Mr. Pandzhavidze’s Turandot chorus is so powerful that shivers travel up and down your spine. Puccini’s tremendous chorus in this

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desire to give all of himself to his work. In discussing the theatre, his face lights up. He shows me some video clips of his Barber of Seville and it’s obvious that every detail gives him pleasure, almost in a child-like fashion. I’ve seen most of Mr. Pandzhavidze’s performances in Minsk and know that some will continue to be staged for many years to come: Grey Legend, Nabucco and Tosca among them. I often urge friends to see his works, as his style is unique: vividly alive, intense and personal, unveiling each man’s true nature — for good or bad. Perhaps his greatest skill is his ability to uncloak the soul — not only of the protagonist on stage but our own soul. Performances resonate with

Perhaps his greatest skill is his ability to uncloak the soul — not only of the protagonist on stage but our own soul work has such psychological impact that we quite forget that we are watching a performance. Each member has their own distinct identity within that rousing crowd, inspiring a personal response from the audience. The gestures and expressions of each member resound, down to the natural carelessness on the children’s faces. You cannot but ponder the destinies of these ‘little’ people. Mikhail is a director with charisma, a leader in his profession and a wealth of talent, supported by an excellent crew of actors, musicians and technicians. Audiences laugh and cry when his curtain rises, showing their feelings readily. None leave the Bolshoi’s performances indifferent, which is his one true aim. Standing before me, Mr. Pandzhavidze is open and sincere, clearly without vanity in his appearance and driven by an inner

authenticity, allowing us to suspend all ‘disbelief ’ and see the action as a mirror for our own lives, inspiring us to contemplate our own actions and motivations. We see the rhythm of modern life, with its universal concerns. For many people, your Turandot was a great event. Was it difficult to work on the play? Are you satisfied with the result? What difficulties arose during rehearsals? As is natural with such a large production, there were difficulties. There are a lot of people to manage, the music is difficult and the singing parts are demanding. However, this is all familiar. In a past interview, I noted that the most difficult thing is to convince people that the only way forward is my way. Here, I had to convince them that Puccini’s unfinished work Page deserved my ending.

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Aida is a gift to “traditional” opera: a tribute to the memory of Chemodurov who worked as a theatre chief artist in 1959-1976

Did they accept it? Had they any choice? If they had rejected the idea, I would have abandoned the project. I’ve been planning Turandot since 2008, wanting to stage it in Volgograd; sadly, it lacked our facilities. The Kazan theatre where, this year, I staged Turandot, unfortunately is the inferior to ours. Are you pleased that our theatre boasts such high technologies? Why shouldn’t it? I keep up with the times. Opera is sometimes called ‘an institution of morality’. Do you agree? In general, art is driven by morality rather than show business. Opera is also educational, like other forms of

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Scene from play Aida

art. Whatever the theme, it teaches us something, as do drama and operetta. People commonly believe that directors have more influence over opera staging than the original composers, or the singers. What’s your view? Theatre life shouldn’t revolve around singers, since soloists, by nature, are individualists. The theatre is a joint structure. It is impossible to decide whether lyrics or melody are most important in a song or which hand is more important: right or left. The conductor is vital to an orchestra in the same way that the director guides a theatre production, even when music is involved. Opera is more than music on stage. Acting, costumes, sets, lighting and direction are also important, or the

over all effectiveness of the staging can be compromised. To be most effective, each production must involve the director, conductor and art director as a unified triad. Naturally, the ballet-master is also vital, but the director co-ordinates all aspects, placing themself at the centre. So, your co-authors are the stage designer, lighting designer and costume designer, each with their own professional subtleties, which you can shape and guide. Did GITIS University, one of the most prestigious in Russia, prepare you adequately? I was lucky to gain good training at GITIS. I had the opportunity to work with lighting for a long time at our educational theatre, and I also built scenery. It

PERSONALITY was very good experience and we were taught to work effectively. What do you most remember from your student years? There are so many stories that I can hardly choose! I remember the hostel where I lived with my wife and daughter. I could talk forever about the plays we performed and my teachers, as they were top-class. It was 1990, a time of change, and I was only 21. I had to work in different places, playing the violin in the underground and, even, creating a string orchestra. There were four of us and our story would make a great novel or film. I love to recall those times. How did you arrive in Ashkhabad? I was born there. My parents moved from Tbilisi to Ashkhabad in 1948, when there was a terrible earthquake. The city was almost wiped from the face of the Earth. Various experts travelled there to rebuild the city. My father, Alexander Sergeevich, arrived there as a child, while my mother, Tamara Fiodorovna, came to Ashkhabad after graduating, to work at the opera theatre. She met my father when they both were working in an orchestra. You might say that I was born in the orchestra pit. Our house was near the theatre, on the same side of the road. My mother didn’t spend long on maternity leave; as there was nobody to watch me, she brought

me to rehearsals. Music entered my life early; my childhood seemed filled only with the theatre, music and violin, so it was natural for me to think of this profession, although I was also good at sports. At 14, I was already working part-time at the theatre (serving an apprenticeship) while studying at college. I played second and first violins and even rose to the rank of leader of an orchestra. Both my grandmothers — on my mother’s side Russian and my father’s Georgian — were born in Tbilisi. They lived in neighbouring streets but did not know each other, never meeting until their children, my parents, met in Central Asia. My brother and I were born there. My mother’s father is from Smolensk and was a military conductor. In 1941, he went missing and, in 1944, one of his comrade-in-arms told us that Fiodor Markov had died during an attack. Did you ever meet the coryphaeus of opera direction, Boris Pokrovsky? Yes; he conducted my diploma defence. At that time, he was a very important figure — distinguished and interesting. Who among us does not know of his achievements? I’ve heard that the Mariinsky Theatre’s conductor, Valery Gergiev, is rather a dictator. Have you ever faced a similar phenomenon, and what is your attitude towards dictatorship?

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Dictatorship at such a level is good. I know Mr. Gergiev and hope to do so for some time. I don’t assess him as a dictator. Rather, he has charisma and is the central figure of the theatre, as you’d expect. He is a great person: pleasant and civilised. Some will always gossip but such words tend to come from those who feel inferior. The larger your group is, the stronger a dictatorship should be, or there will be chaos. Dictatorship should not be confused with rudeness. Is opera so different from usual stage drama? No: it’s the same. Only the genres are different, like varying religious denominations. If you don’t appreciate the importance of true acting on the opera stage, you’ll be confined to using terrible clichés and conventions, with overdramatic howling and banality. Stanislavsky said that when a director transforms opera into musical drama, drama and music cease to exist. He said many things in his lifetime and, above all, liked to experiment. What are the characteristics of a good actor-singer? They are the same as those for a good actor who is not a singer. I would emphasise one thing: being a good singer does not prevent you from being a good actor. Having ability for music does Page

I’ve used Stanislavsky’s method of analysis for the Turandot chorus, allowing them to shape their own characters, rather than directing them down to the last step 2013 беларусь.belarus

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not hamper acting talent. Do your actors pay attention to you? I can get what I need from them so they must listen to me. You should ask them if you want to know more. One of my colleagues called you a ‘titan’ on seeing your Tosca. Art Director Alexander Kostyuchenko calls you a ‘goldfish’ caught by the theatre. Is it nice to hear that? Of course; however, I don’t consider myself to be a titan. Only my efforts are titanic; especially for Turandot recently. The goldfish fulfils only three wishes, unless placed in a hot pan! The same may have happened to me! Your Nabuссo has been called a forerunner of psychological opera theatre. I think this applies more to Tosca, since Nabucco lacks many relationships, without which it’s difficult to explore motivations. It’s an opera-fresco: an opera-parable, where there’s little space for actors’ psychological exploration. And where would you like to try such exploration? Oh, everywhere. For example, Grey Legend is psychological theatre, combined with drama and music. Although it has many crowd scenes, it’s an actor’s play, with the potential for psychological exploration. First, we learnt to work with large sets, using machinery, to create a modern opera. Then, we focused on the relations between characters, without any additional effects, relying on the acting to carry the performance. My Aida is a gift to ‘traditional’ opera: a tribute to the memory of Chemodurov. Meanwhile, my Barber of Seville is full of comedy and tricks; delivery is everything, as in conventional Italian comedia dell’arte (masked, with the actors wearing set costumes to denote their role). Italian opera combines the beauty of Italian music with romanticism and comedia dell’arte. It’s timeless in its simplicity, hardly needing scenery or inventive costumes.

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There is always festive atmosphere reigning at a Big New Year’s Ball in the Bolshoi Theatre

Turandot combines psychological theatre with chorus work: not a stationary, old-fashioned chorus, but a vocal ensemble filled with individual personalities. I’ve used Stanislavsky’s method of analysis for the Turandot chorus, allowing them to shape their own characters, rather than directing them down to the last

step. Of course, sometimes I have to direct them to move to a certain part of the stage but the most important thing is for them to behave naturally in Turandot. It’s a rare thing but important and lies at the heart of future opera. I’m no innovator; some of my colleagues also do this. Some are successful; some are not.

PERSONALITY Do you think that opera goes through fashions? Opera has always been fashionable, as it includes all art forms. Moreover, we each find what we seek. I cannot speak from a sociological point of view but perhaps we are tired of materialism and spiritual impoverishment. It’s time now to nurture our souls. It’s like a pendulum moving towards Renaissance periodically. Is the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre praised by critics at home and abroad? If Russian criticism is foreign, then we are rated highly. Moscow and St. Petersburg offer criticism differing from our own. Some of our opening nights, including mine, have been welcomed in Moscow and St. Petersburg, while criticised by local experts. Of course, if you go to a performance seeking to find fault, you’ll certainly do so. Biased criticism is hardly worthwhile and I tend to disregard critics who have no relevant background. Just because you know how to swim does not mean you can swim. Do you think that criticism ever influences the progress of the arts? No, despite aspiring to be a public mouthpiece, critics tend to be subjective in their opinions. A fable by Sergey Mikhalkov explains perfectly: called ‘A Cock? Cock-a-doodle-doo! It Isn’t New!’ A jingle for a goat? And a collar for a horse? Where is democracy? Where is equality? Goose brood; it’s no brood, but caste! I cannot be silent! That’s enough! That’s Enough! Basta! An enthusiastic hubbub appears among the crows, who say, “How bravely he speaks! How independent is he! What criticism! It is a pity only that the voice is tiny!” It is not surprising that the voice is tiny, Belonging to a presumptuous dairy Piglet, Who, in a farmyard, tested its ardour! I would like to tell all young demagogues: Read this fable to your teachers! The Vienna State Opera theatre supposedly reserves one or two rows for journalists and critics. It’s a tradition arriving here. Is it important for you to have the press view your plays?

In the light of what I’ve said, yes, it is important. It would be better for them to come without bearing malice. Tatiana Mushinskaya wrote a good article on the subject. I treat journalism with huge respect, as I like this profession very much. However, I judge on merit and believe that journalists should be like knights: without fear or reproach. Otherwise, journalists are like the foremost ancient profession, selling themselves to the highest buyer. You seem to respect traditional approaches, including spectacle, with great public appeal. What motivates you these days? Thinking of Aida, it represents opera as in the times of our grandmothers. It’s a wonderful echo of the past, however grand the performance. As Jerome Jerome said of the little porcelain dog (considered to be a model of petty-bourgeois taste yet remaining an endearing curiosity), it will remain a symbol of its time. Many criticise me for my interpretation of Aida but I reply that tastes differ… Do you mean that everything is subjective? No: not everything. If this were true, there would be no point in art education. An appreciation of the arts can be had through training; learn the basics and then you can refine your mastery and feel qualified to comment with an informed opinion. We can never have all the answers, but we can have our own subjective views. However, only that which can be explained can be viewed objectively, and the power of the arts is beyond human explanation. People may think you are mad… There’s no need to explain. Don Quixote

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was also misunderstood. It is difficult to be Don Quixote but we shouldn’t be afraid of seeming ridiculous. The most difficult profession in the world is that of being a ‘fool’. It’s a skill to be able to arouse people’s deeper consideration through such antics. Which play is most enduring in the Bolshoi repertoire? Cio-Cio San: it’s difficult to say why. Is it easy for you to put performances aside? None has ever closed early but if this happened, I’d cope. I can always watch recordings of old performances if I’m feeling nostalgic. As Director, which of your duties is most difficult and most easy? There are three places where people serve: the army, church and theatre. I like to serve, but not to be a servant. How often do you feel happy? I’m happy now, as my daughter was born recently. We’ve called her Alexandra. Congratulations! Interviewed by Valentina Zhdanovich

Scenery fragment in play Aida (Art Director Alexander Kostyuchenko)

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LANDSCAPES

Land

of sky colour Photographer Dzianis Ramaniuk sees his country in a water drop

zianis asserts that Belarusian landscapes are like an icon drawn by God. His photographs seem to bear witness to this, showing his native land from the most amazing angles. Of course, Dzianis is a patriot, admitting that he has spent a lifetime searching for interesting panoramas. Travelling of many years with a camera resulted in a large project. Dzianis conceived to show Belarus through prism of the elements. His latest album is Blue Eyed Belarus, showing our culture, traditions, nature and daily routine against the background of water

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He loves to ‘hunt’ for the sun, fog, water floods and orchards in blossom, depicting the most picturesque side of nature, which may be otherwise overlooked. He also captures landscapes which have remained unchanged for centuries. His latest album is Blue Eyed Belarus, showing our culture, traditions, nature and daily routine against the background of water. Dzianis was born in 1970 in Minsk: the son of Mikhas Ramaniuk — an art

expert, ethnographer and author of the legendary book Belarusian Folk Costume. He studied at the Belarusian Academy of Arts and, then, at Vilnius’ Academy of Arts, going on to create the Chernobyl album, which won a Grand Prix at Moscow’s International Art of Books contest in 2006. Dzianis now plans to release an album featuring his own photos of Vilnius, while continuing his father’s studies. The photographer is now travelling the country in search of new shots and agreed to share his brightest impressions and the secrets behind Blue Eyed Belarus.

Unity of elements Two water basins form in Belarus: those of the Baltic and Black seas. Our rivers all end in one or the other and are among the most famous, largest, deepest and cleanest in the world. On those river banks and lakes, our ancestors made their homes, building ancient castles. The rivers were used

Dzianis Ramaniuk

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as roads, transporting people and commodities: rafts and barges were loaded with coal and stones. Of course, the most ancient and well known water route was that of the ‘Varangians to the Greeks’ — connecting the Baltic and Black seas via Belarus’ Dvina, Dnieper, Berezina and Pripyat rivers. Those waters run extremely clean and are easily accessible in Belarus, bringing beauty and life to the land. Belarusians proudly call their water reservoirs ‘blue treasure’; over 20,000 rivers stretch for over 90,000km, occupying a tenth of the country’s territory. The volume of underground waters can hardly be exactly measured. Water can be compared to newly drawn milk, a glass, a mirror or, even, time, having its own memory: a neverending circulation between the sky and the land, as the centuries pass. It witnesses historical events and has its own taste and sounds: the purl of a brook, river swells, the dash of waves and the peaceful silence of a lake.

View of the past from bird’s eye panorama

I took my first flight with a camera over Chereya Lake, in the Chashniki District. I was so impressed by that picturesque peninsula, seeing the ruins of St. Trinity’s Church — commonly known as Belaya (White) — amidst the green of spring growth and the white lilac and peach blossom. The church was built in the days of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — at the crossroads of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its stone walls are still astonishing in their ruggedness. No church services are organised there but the building stands, surrounded by the lake. You can’t help but feel that history has stopped and that nothing has changed over the course of time.

Roots of the sublime The River Narochanka starts in a reed bed in the pathless marshes of Cheremshitsy. At the end of the Ice Age, a huge water reservoir was

situated there; over the course of time, the climate changed, splitting the reservoir into large and small lakes. Beautiful Naroch and a nameless lake were formed, fed by the River Narochanka. The Naroch is Belarus’ largest lake — almost resembling a sea. Sunset over the Naroch is an amazing sight, with the surface of the water caressed by a gentle breeze. The waves reflect the sunrays, rippling like goldfish scales. In a thunderstorm, the waves are high and strong, able to upturn fishermen’s boats. Majestic pine forests surround Lake Naroch, a carpet of flowers at their roots; the blue waves seem almost to wash those tree roots. Naroch is a perfect shelter for waterfowl: gulls, ducks and swans live or stop there during their migration. Meanwhile, fishermen come from all over the country, all year round, ignoring the mosquitos, frost or heat, to worship at the ‘water altar’ — arriving before sunrise and leaving after sunset. Page

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Fishing has its own rituals, such that the chain of silhouettes — moving towards the water — resembles a group of pilgrims travelling to church. I understand them, having once been a fanatical fisherman myself. However, my passion shifted to photography, so now I observe their rituals from outside. I once came to Naroch in early winter, where the strong frosts, without wind or snow, had left the ice clean and smooth — even transparent in places. Walking over it, along the shore, I could see the bottom of the lake, as well as the fish and algae. Bubbles of air had been trapped in the water as it suddenly froze. Interestingly, that ice can be 80cm thick, only melting in April.

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Blue is the colour of water: an outstanding colour in our culture and daily routine. Every Belarusian village has azure-painted houses, fences, benches and window mouldings, while many wooden churches are painted blue — either outside or inside. Of course, Christianity denotes blue as the colour of the Heavens and all that is divine; azure hues bring us closer to God. Moreover, the colour brings light and expressiveness. In the Ushachi District, there are many blue lakes, inspiring local masters to decorate their houses with azure-coloured fretwork.

The East, reflected in lakes I noticed the symbol of life’s path, the Eastern sign of Tao — uniting Yin and Yang — while flying over the Orsha District’s Krasny Glaz (Red Eye) Lake. It was created by the wind, from water and floating weed. You’d hardly notice it from ground level, especially as this small lake is hidden amidst forest marshes. No two rivers or lakes in Belarus have the same bed shape or colour of water; the latter changes every day — depending on depth, season, angle and light.

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Dzianis Ramaniuk

Connection of folk art and nature

The most vivid memories from my trips around Palieśsie are connected with the images of mighty oaks. This awesome tree grows on the floodland of the Prypiać, more than a kilometre away from the river. The picture was taken on 10 May, when the oak had already opened its leaves but the area was still flooded. The water had made its markings on the tree trunk. They show how high the flood had been and how the water was gradually retreating.

Belief in natural power Everything starts with a spring and a gulp of cold water: vital for life. This water brings us true pleasure. Since ancient times, Belarusians have preferred clean natural water, which springs from ‘the Earth’s heart’. Diverse rituals are held by such springs, at Epiphany and on Saviour Honey Feast Day. In preparing the book Belarusian Folk Crosses — based on a monograph by my father, Mikhas Ramaniuk, I was much impressed by the folk tradition of worshipping at saint springs. A wanted to personally touch this mystery and register forms of worship fading from fashion. With this in mind, my expeditions to the Vetka,

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Chechersk, Bykhov and other districts began. I went to the village of Rudnya Bartolomeevskaya, in the Chechersk District, on a foggy morning in 2001. Women came calmly to the ritual site and, without words, placed candles on a bench, between a spring and crosses. They also placed offerings of bread, eggs and apples, for the divinity taking water from beyond the soil. The women tied towels around each cross and lay flowers. After crossing themselves and kissing an icon, they silently moved towards the crowd, for a prayer service and singing. All those present asked for health, remission of sins, patronage, youth and assistance in troubled times. At the end of

the ceremony, the women scooped water one after another, drinking it nervously. According to belief, the spring water is truly magical after the ceremony…

but, later, changed its route. A small lake only remains, dividing the town in two. Since ancient times, the river has been a symbol and an integral participant of town life: even depicted on its coat of arms. Flowers are another symbol of the town — planted near each house: peonies, asters, dahlias and narcissi. They also generate income from seed sales; in Soviet days, those seeds were known far and wide. Water Feast Saviour Day is celebrated in a special way here, with people taking blooms to a festive church service, to sanctify them. In line with local ritual, believers throw some of their flowers into the Goryn River, then cross the bridge after the liturgy, making a sacrifice to the beloved river. In this way, two symbols unite: water and flowers. In the summer of 1988 — when I’d graduated from school and was preparing to start my University studies — I spent time in David-Gorodok and its cosy streets. I remember exploring the inlets — like roads of water. I was much impressed by the numerous boats transporting hay and firewood; fishermen were everywhere. Unfortunately, I had no chance to photograph everything I saw but, some time later, I returned to the town and went to a festive church service, witnessing many people with flowers. Flower sanctification crowned the ceremony. Like fireworks, they were launched into the sky simultaneously with the priest’s aspergilla. Sprays showered everyone and the eyes of children and adults were filled with joy. It was a sacred yet simple truth of life…

Sacred simplicity

Unquenchable stone-well

O n Au g u s t 1 4 t h , O r t h o d ox Christians begin their celebration of the two-week Assumption Fast. On this day, water is sanctified at churches and the Water Feast Saviour Day is marked. Believers process to a spring, river or lake, where the sanctified water is expected to protect against disease. Water, flowers, poppies and honey are tokens of the holiday. In the past, the River Goryn passed via David-Gorodok

Water can take the form of a spring, a fountain, a babbling brook, waves breaking on a sandy shore, or a silent pool near a sacred stone. A stonedripper is found in the village of Dubok (Ostrovets District), at the entrance to the local Roman Catholic Church of Mother of God of Tireless Help. Such stones — with an indentation to hold water — were used in churches to contain Page

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There was a lot going on in the mediаeval knights’ festival in Mścislaŭ. There were sword fights, an attack on a citadel and a display of traditional crafts — all in the open air on a scorching hot day, when the temperature rose to 34oC. In the evening there was a dance. Boys and girls got everyone involved in a ring dance to the music of a group called Stary Oĺsa. The ring dance went on and on. I was suffering from the evening heat and a raging thirst. Suddenly I spotted a pair of eyes that looked like two wellsprings. Pure, shining and sparkling, they brought cool to my soul. An hour later Masha and I were friends. The blue-painted porch made an excellent background…

holy water [known as ‘vodyanitsa’]; believers thought the holes were formed by saints and bestowed the water with curative powers. Such stones are mostly of natural origin but some may be man-made.

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Sea fields ripple There are many nameless lakes in Belarus, some hidden amidst the marshes and deep forests, only visited by wild animals and local villagers. Those lakes sparkle, as if warning us not to come closer. There is no sea in Belarus but, if you observe the beauty and grandeur of a grain-planted field, you’ll see the resemblance to the ocean, since the wind creates rippling waves through the heads of corn, while stone-cornflowers are seen on the ‘bottom’.

Beavers’ kindness B eavers reside in our rivers, becoming active once the ‘ice armour’ melts. Hungry after winter, they seek out food in the water. The beaver symbolises wellbeing and health in Belarusians’ spiritual legacy. A Bobrovka (beaver hat) is said to prevent headaches and, in ancient times, a Grand Duchy of

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Dzianis Ramaniuk

LANDSCAPES

Lithuania statute forbade the killing of black beavers, on pain of a fine. There were even folk proverbs: ‘All beavers are kind’ and ‘No happiness comes to those who kill a beaver’.

Thin lines of tiles Blue was a popular colour of decoration for dishware and tiles, laid over a snow-white glazed surface. Dainty and light, such patterns brought pieces alive. Unique, hand-painted tiles once decorated a stove at the Umyastovsky family’s palace, in Zhemyslavl (Ivye District). Their images were unlike any other; sadly, only a photo now exists, from 2005. The colour blue came to art much later than others, once people had learnt how to produce it from azurite, cobalt and indigo. Meanwhile, Belarusian villagers used cornflowers to create a blue dye, depicting the sky, water and cornflowers in their folk embroidery. Talented Belarusian artist Yelena Kish drew her inspiration from water, portraying it in most of her works. She travelled through villages, earning money from creating beautiful, original rugs: such as once decorated the walls

of village houses, in place of canvases. Sadly, she ended her own life young, drowning herself in a river. Her Paradise rug, from 1930, is one of her most famous works, depicting outlandish animals amidst Belarusian birches surrounding a pond…

Minsk contrasts The Svisloch is a recreational zone, decorating the city of Minsk. In summer, many people take a boat or catamaran to sail along the river, viewing the city’s sights from a new perspective. You can grab a cup of coffee or snack at a floating café. The fountains sparkle and glisten in front of St. Joseph the Betrothed Roman Catholic Church. The old Troitsky Suburb is inseparable from the Svisloch in Minskers’ minds. Its renewed buildings are eye-catching from the opposite bank, looking across the water. Meanwhile, from the other direction, you see the stunning panorama of the modern city and Pobediteley Avenue. It’s especially impressive in the evening, when buildings are lit and each illumination is multiplied in river reflections. By Viktar Korbut