Belarus (magazine #9 2015) by BELARUS Magazine

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

pp. 35—42

No.9 (984), 2015

BELARUS Magazine for you www.belarus-magazine.by

In Rhythm of Elections

Беларусь. Belarus

Politics, Economy, Culture

Events in Belarus and abroad

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contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 9 (984), 2015 Published since 1930 State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

Holiday held on major scale and with great success

Curious attempts to change history doomed to failure

Energy squared Most people in Belarus

Gas torch baton

Marathon for candidates Central

Commission on Elections and Republican Referenda officially registers candidates for the Presidential post

Key part of law enforcement

Knowledge leads to money Since our

independence, science has achieved considerable success in many industries — from agriculture to space

Strength of private initiative

беларусь.belarus 2015

Executive Secretary: Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by Vadim Kondrashov Nadezhda Ponkratova Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish.

Another format of rural living

With new books into new season

The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

48 SIZEABLE HARVESTS on one’s own field

Editor: Viktor Kharkov

— to businessmen. Anything can happen in life. We visited the emergent entrepreneurs who have just started up their own business. But it is necessary to make a reservation here. All of them were unemployed in the past, then received a subsidy from the state and now are planning how they will develop their own business

know Russian Gazprom as the largest miner and supplier of natural gas. However, the transnational company also runs a long list of social projects...

Right to success From the unemployed

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

Belarusian book publishers bring great premieres to Moscow

Bright palette Impressive recent cultural achievements

The strongest get victory Belarus

long ago acquired a reputation for being a sporting nation, achieving regular success at high level competitions and entering the top-twenty at the Olympic Games and other major international tournaments (among more than 200 countries participating)

Сolours for reserve forest

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.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at State Entertainment “Publishers “Belarus Printing House”. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No. 2340 Total circulation — 1874 copies (including 726 in English).

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: belmag@sb.by Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977 For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

REAL PARTNERSHIP

Friendship consolidates relations Beijing recently hosted celebrations devoted to the end of WWI and China’s victory in the anti-Japan war — gathering heads and representatives of almost fifty states. China’s Chairman, Xi Jinping, found time for informal talks with Mr. Lukashenko, as an all-sided strategic partner, meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

he heads of state enjoy strong and sincere friendship, as is wellknown. These warm and trustworthy relations are strengthened by the two heads of state’s friendship, as was mentioned by the First Deputy Prime Minister of China’s State Council, Zhang Gaoli. Mr. Lukashenko met the official several hours earlier, with the representative of the Chinese Government (who is responsible for economic affairs) assuring the Belarusian President that he would do everything possible to help realise the many agreements. Over the past four months, Mr. Lukashenko and Xi Jinping have met three times: a rare case in diplomatic practice. This vividly demonstrates the high level of their mutual relations. The leaders spoke not only of their common views on the results of WWII (a common thread through all jubilee celebrations). Retrospective defines perspective. Our countries aim to continue serious interaction. Mr. Gaoli has called Belarus ‘an iron partner’ and Chairman Xi Jinping has agreed.

Such an opinion is based on strong historical logic. The Belarusian President paid his first visit to China in 1995: his first official tour to a state outside the USSR as Head of State. With this in mind, Mr. Lukashenko can assert that Minsk is more than an opportunistic partner for Beijing. China appreciates this, especially taking into consideration the fact that, at present, the country is restoring global political and economic multi-polarity. Plenty of states are eager to make friends with China but Belarus made its wellgrounded choice long ago.

A landmark event confirms Belarus’ correct decisions of the past. On August 31st, Mr. Lukashenko signed Directive #5 ‘On Developing Bilateral Relations between Belarus and China’ which — as the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Nikolai Snopkov, notes — was not timed to the visit but prepared as part of the May decisions, made during Xi Jinping’s visit to Minsk. The events coincided, which is a good sign. People in the East appreciate signs and we — Belarusians — also treat them with respect and understanding.

Nikolai Snopkov, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, comments on Directive #5:

Documents of the kind are rare. They define the key strategic avenues of society’s development. It’s been adopted as a continuation of the decisions made during Xi Jinping’s visit to Belarus in May. The document is based on major negotiations and focuses on avenues of strategic partnership, which should strengthen both states 2015 беларусь.belarus

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REAL PARTNERSHIP

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping

There are no doubts that a clear future is guaranteed along this path. Directive #5 indicates that Minsk is focused on the development of relations with Beijing, and China is reciprocating. Mr. Lukashenko thanked the Chinese Head for this, and for investments and credits allocated for major infrastructure projects. Much has already been done to construct the Great Stone Belarusian-Chinese Industrial Park (called by Xi Jinping ‘a pearl’ of the Silk Road). “This will be a unique project,” Mr. Lukashenko said and his Chinese colleague agreed, saying, “The Great Stone is a joint project; we can create a bright example with the initiative of the Silk Road’s economic belt.” Xi Jinping congratulated Belarus on its observer status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, expressing China’s desire to support regional integration

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Victor Burya, the Ambassador of Belarus to China:

During this visit, much attention was paid to issues of economic interaction, focusing on spheres of potential mutual support. Talks with China’s Chairman and the First Deputy Prime Minister of China’s State Council indicate that we share common interests. Xi Jinping confirms that our states are mutually supplementary and China is ready to assist Belarus in its economic development projects. “I understand your anxieties over the global situation. It’s not simple,” he said. “Many countries face difficulties of development. The situation is slightly better for our country. Proceeding from principles of strategic partnership, we’re ready to support Belarus.”

Xi Jinping wished Mr. Lukashenko all success at the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence that our nation will make a wise decision. He added that he would expect a new official visit of the Belarusian President to China. By Nikolay Ivanov

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Reuters

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Belarusian and Chinese military march together in parade

Military parade in Beijing Grand military parade in Beijing dedicated to the 70th anniversary of end of WWII attended by Alexander Lukashenko

he parade featured 12,000 military, and around 500 units of 40 types of machinery. It proceeded along Tiananmen Square, followed by over 200 planes and helicopters. It is China’s first ever such military display, with around 84 percent of the impressive machinery on show for the first time. Of course, the event was more than a demonstration of power, as the Chair-

man of the People’s Republic of China noted. He assured those gathered that his country is committed to peaceful development. He promised that whatever high degree China reaches in its development, it will never seek hegemony or geographical expansion, never inflicting ‘its past suffering on any other nation’. Symbolically, thousands of birds and coloured balloons were released into the sky over Beijing at the end of the parade.

Belarus emphasises that it respects each nation’s right to equality and sovereign path of development; these are values purposefully and persistently promoted by Belarus in its foreign political dialogue. In this respect, it shares a standpoint with China, as a like-minded ally. The celebrations in Beijing were attended by presidents, heads of government and representatives of 50 states and international organisations, which speaks much of the respect in which China is held. The closest partners also sent their military to take part in the parade, with the festive march of foreign guests opened by Belarusian soldiers and closed by those from Russia. From this, we can draw conclusions on China’s priorities of international co-operation. By Dmitry Krymov

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Curious attempts to change history doomed to failure President exclusively interviewed by Renmin Ribao newspaper: the most influential in China and among so worldwide, with over 1,000 reporters across 70 offices and a circulation of 2.8m — annually supplemented by over 100,000

n his interview, Alexander Lukashenko said: World War II was a central event of the 20th century, shaping the course of history worldwide for decades to come. The main burden of the war against Germany was laid on the Soviet people, while the main burden of the war against Japan was laid on the people of China. I don’t want to underestimate the role of our allies. Of course, they also made a big contribution to our common victory in Europe and Asia. However, figures speak for themselves: in accordance with recent research, the Soviet Union lost about 27 million people during the war and China lost 35 million. Other countries didn’t bear such huge losses. As part of the Soviet Union, Belarus probably suffered more than other countries, as we lost almost one third of our population. Belarus reveres memorable events. Last year, the country celebrated the 70th anniversary of Belarus' liberation from Nazi invaders and, this year, it celebrates the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. These events are genuine holidays of unity and solidarity for our nation. We must openly acknowledge that there are world powers at present interested in revising the results of World

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War II. Why do they do so? They aim to discredit the historical truth, challenging the present rights and interests of countries which shouldered the greatest burden of war in Europe and Asia. Such things must not be allowed. As a wellknown saying goes, those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. In this context, China has a special and — if you like — a historical mission: if 1.5 billion Chinese remember and honour the truth of World War II, then no one will be allowed to distort it or bury

it in oblivion. We should recall the post-war world order led by the United Nations. We must remember that, as an improved version of the League of Nations, the UN played a positive role. After 1945, major powers avoided ‘hot wars’. However, the situation is different today. The past decade, with its single-polarity, is over.

We are once again speaking earnestly of building a multi-polar world. In this respect, ideas from 70 years ago are important again: that the United Nations should play a central role. Of course, it must move with the times and conduct reforms. However, I’m convinced that the goals and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, as well as the purview of its main bodies envisaged in this document, should remain unshakable. The Chinese people have thousandyear-old glorious historical traditions. It is common knowledge that the diligence of the Chinese people has helped China to become a modern country, playing a crucial role in global processes, driving the global economy and being a role model for developing countries. I’d like to wish the people of China peace and the fulfilment of the Chinese dream of building a stronger and more prosperous state, on the basis of robust economic development, personal success and public wellbeing. I wish to assure you that Belarusians are reliable and faithful friends of the Chinese at the centre of Europe. Belarus values and is proud of its all-round strategic partnership with great China.

UNIQUE SUBJECT

Energy squared Most people in Belarus know Russian Gazprom as the largest miner and supplier of natural gas. However, the transnational company also runs a long list of social projects. The largest is being realised in Minsk, with the construction of the multipurpose complex Gazprom Centre, on the city’s central avenue, near the National Library. Destined to become a real mini-city, it will be not only a prestigious workplace but a place for relaxation as well. Alexander Lukashenko and the Chairman of the Gazprom’s Board, Alexey Miller, recently met to hold a celebratory ceremony to mark the launch of construction.

t the end of last year, Moskovsky bus terminal was demolished, which did not meet with universal approval. Even the most inveterate grumblers are sure to be delighted with the plans for the former bus terminal. The scale of construction is impressive. Walking around the perimeter of the foundations, you can see that it’s the size of ten football fields. Mikhail Gaukhfeld, the Deputy Chairman of the

Businessmen will find it a comfortable place for running businesses, gathering representatives of leading world brands. About 5,500 new jobs are expected to be created, which can only be to the good. At the design stage, the President requested that the site be planned with everyone in mind, offering services and entertainments to suit every taste: a multi-faceted medical centre and children's educational centre, outdoor tennis courts, facilities for game sports, training simulators, pools, saunas and baths. The site is also to receive Minsk’s first amphitheatre. Surrounded by fountains, and bringing coolness in the summer, they’ll be transformed into a skating rink in the winter, delighting Minsk residents and city visitors.

Belarusian Union of Architects, used a pointer on a layout drawing to tell us, journalists, about the future site. He called it 'unique' and justifiably so. Within a couple of minutes, I understood that nothing similar has been constructed in Minsk, or elsewhere countrywide. The 36-storey building will be 190m tall (the highest in Belarus) and will be a landmark architectural structure, including a four-star hotel, congress-centre, trading zone, restaurants and cafes, and underground parking for 1,300 cars. What else will it offer the city and its people? Architects would say that Gazprom Centre will make Minsk more dynamic and mo der n in appearance.

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Model of Gazprom Centre complex

The site is not only unique in scale but as a symbol of our successful Belarus and Russia Union State relations. Without exaggeration, it’s a shining example of mutually beneficial partnership. Sceptics have reproached official Minsk with playing off the West against Russia. A

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UNIQUE SUBJECT

President Alexander Lukashenko at the launch of the Gazprom construction ceremony in Minsk (on the left — Alexey Miller, the Chairman of PJSC Gazprom)

recent meeting with Alexey Miller saw President Lukashenko once again assert that Belarus will never make a choice between the West and the East. He declared, “We’ll never sell our security and independence, no matter how they may push us to the left or to the right. We’ve never sat down to talks where we’ve faced the option of having to choose between Russia and the West.” The President asked the head of Gazprom to relate this position to the

governing body of Russia, when the opportunity presents itself, saying, “Let them not doubt our honesty, principles and reliability.” An obvious example of such relations is Belarus’ interaction with the largest energy company, Gazprom. Belarus' Yamal-Europe gas pipeline offers Russia the shortest route to Europe for its natural gas and the President has noted the possibility of raising transit volumes. Alexey Miller

Word for word President Alexander Lukashenko: Russia is our Fatherland. We’ve never clashed with Russia, by and large. We’ve always had and will have questions about where we live in our ‘common house’. However, we’ve never had major problems and never will have. At least, they won’t originate from here. Any Western politician, and any American politician who arrives, will never tell you that we conducted negotiations at the expense of Russia or that we frightened someone with the threat of Russia. It has never been and will not be. At the same time we openly and fairly say: we want to normalise relations with the European Union and America: just as with Russia, just as with any state. These are our problems, and we’ll never solve them at the expense of our brotherly Russia.

has underlined that the company is increasing its volume of investments into Belarus, aiming to construct gas pipelines and gas distribution stations across the regions. He added that Gazprom is implementing various social projects, including helping fund the restoration of Brest Fortress, the Gazprom for Children programme, and the building of homes for large families. Over 30 such families have just received apartment keys in a new building, in the capital’s Mikhalovo-2 suburb. Such work can only be welcomed; after all, it completely follows our social policy. After the bilateral meeting, Mr. Lukashenko and Alexey Miller laid a commemorative capsule in the foundations of Gazprom Centre. Then, they toured the building site. Mr. Miller assured the President that the site will be built to the highest quality, in the shortest period. At the end of 2018, the city will gain a modern multipurpose complex which will become not only a centre of business and tourism, but a new Minsk landmark. By Yevgeny Kononovich

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EXPORT ARTERIES

Gas torch baton

The first main gas pipeline passed through Belarus thirty year ago, connecting Urengoy, Pomary and Uzhgorod. Billions of cubic metres headed to European consumers from Western Siberia via the export artery laid across Belarusian fields. It brought clean, inexpensive fuel to our villages and cities. However, large-scale gasification was only launched in the mid-1990s, with corresponding state programmes approved, and much money allocated.

s a result, 118 Belarusian districts and all 113 cities are connected to the gas supply, with over 70 percent of urban dwellers and 54 percent of villagers enjoying access to ‘blue fuel’. In Brest Region alone, over 10,000km of pipelines have been laid, to ensure use by residents of villages, agro-towns, cities and enterprises. Over just a few decades, Brest gas workers have laid enough pipeline to join Brest and Vladivostok. In addition, thousands of Polesie residents can proudly repeat the famous lines from Sergey Mikhalkov’s poem: ‘We have gas in our flat!’ Pipelines have reached the most remote areas of the country, including villages affected by the Chernobyl disaster (where using firewood is extremely dangerous).

Last winter was almost like a holiday — for the first time in our life: gas pipelines were laid through Boyary at the end of the last year Nikolay and Maria Sinkevichs, from Pinsk District’s Boyary village, invited me to their home. Its rooms are spotlessly clean and are adorned with my host’s embroidery: on the sofa, pillows and the table. A hand-embroidered towel frames an icon in the corner. Maria loves to embroider on winter evenings, explaining, “Our stove failed to warm us, so we had

to resort to using firewood. It took a lot of effort to keep it going. Now, I only need to switch on the lamp and I can calmly embroider by the window.” Nikolay adds, “It’s hard for me to collect wood, as I’m 74. Last winter was easier, almost like a holiday — for the first time in our life.” Gas pipelines were laid through Boyary at the end of 2014, transforming the home life of Galina Shpakovskaya. She lives in a pretty house on the outskirts, and believes their entire village has been improved. “It’s now clean everywhere! People are installing inside bathrooms as a result.” Galina explains that the whole village agreed to cover the cost of having pipelines laid. “We’ve set up a co-operative, registering all documents; 70 percent of costs are covered from the village budget and the remaining 30 percent are paid by villagers. We’ve received privileged-term loans and have coped with the task well.”

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EXPORT ARTERIES the end of 2014, pipelines were laid to remote Tyshkovichi. This large village has almost 1,300 residents but only two houses have gas at the moment. The chief engineer of the district branch of Ivanovoraigas comments, “Gas pipelines have been laid to the village and a co-operative established. Once all necessary agreements and registrations have been completed and a distribution gas pipeline has been built, gas will be supplied to all homes.” Lidia Kotkovets, who lives in one of the two ‘happy’ houses, is pleased. “I must admit: I was persuaded,” she admits. “I’m fully enjoying the advantages of gas supply. It’s great that my furnace works uninterrupted: in summer, we were using one gas canister monthly. We’ve been

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The Head of Pinskraigas, Alexander Sinkevich, took me on a tour of Boyary village, bordered by the River Yaselda, meadows and forests. It’s modest in size, being home to around 100 people, and has found a new lease of life recently, thanks to gas. Those used to urban living, such as sculptor and artist Sergey Zhilevich, may find themselves released from the ‘cage’ of city life in such a place. He moved from Pinsk to Boyary, building a house in his grandfather’s garden. He has even encouraged the villagers to construct their own church. Mr. Zhilevich has filled the space around his home with a fairy-tale sculpture garden: open to all, regardless of him being at home. A yellow box with a gas metre indicates that the house is connected with convenient natural gas: the wonderful landscape of the village remains unaffected and the house is all the more comfortable. The village of Lyubel ‘envies’ its neighbours but, by autumn, should also enjoy its own gas supply: pipelines are being laid from Boyary. A powerful excavator is already digging a trench and small vehicles are operating nearby. It’s no easy task when the lanes are narrow and agricultural fields cannot be disturbed. Mr. Sinkevich tells us, “Since gasification began in Pinsk District, in 2001, 24 villages have received gas supply: 4,187 individual houses. Those in the Chernobyl affected areas are especially happy.” Neighbouring Ivanovo District is yet to enjoy extensive gas supplies. At

making jams and I’m preparing for my son’s wedding but I know I can cook without problems. Thank you.” A major section of the pipeline (over 4km) has been laid to Tyshkovichi under the Yaselda River and through surrounding marshes. Mr. Ignatovets stops his car by the river, explaining, “Initially, we planned to use the shortest route but then learnt that we’d need to halt at an ancient settlement. As a result, we laid pipes under the river and through its marshes, using special machinery (from Brest).” Brest Region is a Belarusian leader in terms of agro-towns’ gasification: 69.8 percent already enjoy natural gas supplies. Soon, the agro-town of Dostoevo (the home of Dostoevsky’s forefathers, in Ivanovo District) will have its own gas. Mr. Ignatovets shows me the future route. I wonder how villagers can afford to purchase gas boilers, since they aren’t cheap. However, I’m told that there’s a specialised shop selling a range of brands, under loan or payment in instalments. Automatic gas boilers (which keep the necessary temperature, switching on and off independently) cost more than those you load yourself with wood or peat. Undoubtedly, access to the gas supply raises our quality of life. Those living in almost 4 million Belarusian flats would surely agree. Once people have the chance to use natural gas, they do all they can to take advantage of the fact. By Valentina Kozlovich

Expert view Alexander Prostakov, Deputy General Director of Beltopgas: Belarus is among the most advanced countries regarding the level of its gasification. Pipes stretch for over 53,700km, including 29,300km through villages. In the first half of 2015, 30 agro-towns and villages received gas supply. Beltopgas organisations have participated in several state programmes — including the 2010-2015 social-economic development programme for the complex use of natural resources in Pripyat Polesie. Homes in Gomel, Mogilev and Brest Districts (on lands contaminated by radionuclides) are now connected. In line with the programme (in particular, in Brest Region), 77.8km of supply pipelines have come into operation, costing Br45.8bln — including Br45.3bln from the Republican budget (partly from the Energy Ministry’s Innovative Fund). The 2011-2015 state programme for the sustainable development of villages has access to Br47bln for pipeline construction so far.

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GREAT PLANS

Ideas as foundations Building companies of Belarus expand geography of service exports across Russia and Kazakhstan

elarusian businesses have been operational since our country gained independence two decades ago. The f irst ent repreneurs carved their way in the early 1990s, relying on their own ideas and access to technologies. Later, some became major companies with a worthy reputation, having proven their success. With brains and hard work, we can achieve so much. It’s no easy task to set up a meeting with Nikolay Chernoshey, the Director of Delta, a drilling company; the businessman with 25 years of experience is always on the road. At last, we speak on the phone, while he’s waiting for t he Mo s c ow metro. He tells me,

“We’ve signed the contract; on Monday I’ll be back and ready to meet.” Your company is based in Rechitsa District? Yes, in the village of Borshchevka. Borshchevka is a village I know, located on the border of Gomel Region and Rechitsa District. It seems strange that Delta, as a leader in its niche, is located in this small settlement. I wonder what has drawn Nikolay to set up there. Is it his home village or have state preferences guided his choice? Nikolay is obviously full of energy. He replies that Russian Gazprom had the same thought and came to check up on his company in the village of Borshchevka. “They became convinced and now we cooperate,” he admits. He muses that it is his homeland in having been his place of work for about 30 years. “I arrived before the special preferences now available to start-up businessmen; they are to be envied. It’s inspired more

small companies to launch in our district. At first, there was only Delta. It’s especially strange to hear that it’s difficult to work in Belarus.” He tells us that he began by installing standpipes at private farmsteads. When things went downhill in the 1990s, knocking out the geological organisation he was employed with, engineergeologist Chernoshey had to reassess his options. He comments, “We decided to create a company dealing with the drilling of standpipes. At that time, Delta employed just six people and had to use old equipment. However, people were attracted by our potential and, as soon as we began earning our first money, we bought apartments. It took just two years before we’d purchased five apartments in Rechitsa. Since then, we’ve known that it’s vital to keep your word if you want to succeed.” Conditions have changed over the years but he admits that the state has always provided support to aid business development. He recollects one particularly hard year be-

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GREAT PLANS fore the state introduced interest-free loans for creating new employment opportunities. Delta announced the establishment of 21 workplaces, but set up 60. He tells us, “At that time, the money allowed us to buy equipment: converted ZIL-131 vehicles. They helped us to grow stronger. Regarding our initial advertising, luck probably played its part. We made a good TV commercial with our last money but it was very expensive to pay for air-time. Then, a state decree allowed Belarusian enterprises to be advertised on TV free of charge. We received two months of air-time and began receiving orders.” He continues, “Belarus has very good conditions for business, as I can testify, having something to compare them with. When you start up in business, you need to prepare well. Some people work for just three years, make some money, then go into liquidation. You need an idea, prospects, and a development plan. Trading isn’t enough. When it became obvious that there were limited opportunities in drilling standpipes, we began to master industrial water draining and pile foundation engineering. We learnt from others. We purchased modern equipment, always investing as much as we could back into the business.” “Our company is now capable of leading in its market. In Turkmenistan, there’s a Belarusian project to construct a potassium industrial plant. It needed holes drilling and the local, foreign firm didn’t have the expertise, so we were sent for. We arrived and drilled as needed. I’m not just blowing our own trumpet here; I’m explaining that you need to find a niche that isn’t being filled by others. You have to constantly keep on top of what’s new.” It’s impossible to have a relaxing chat with businessman Chernoshey, as his mobile phone is ever ringing. He takes a call from Belgium concerning equipment, then from Astana, where his primary projects are operational. He whispers to me, shielding the phone with his hand, “We tried to gain access

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to Kazakhstan for a whole year, taking part in various expositions. We created a branch, received a licence, and are now working there. We were the first Belarusian company to do so. Our Ambassador in Kazakhstan, Anatoly Nichkasov, with whom we developed our programme of entry, helped us hugely. Meanwhile, this is only the beginning.”

Nikolay Chernoshey, the director of Delta, a drilling company

From Borshchevka, we drive along the main village street, and then to the outskirts. Delta is humming with activity, building an office and a dining room. There’s plenty of equipment and machinery outside but most of their new machinery (upon which they’ve spent Br300bln) is on site in various locations. From Yakutsk, where the company is helping finish the GRES-2 Power Station, reports on progress are transmitted immediately back to the director’s office. Amazingly, our Belarusian flag flies over the site. Mr. Chernoshey notes, “We always take our Belarusian flag abroad with us to show that Belarusians have been here! We aren’t just a private company. We represent Belarus. We want our country to be associated with work that’s done well, to a high standard. We carry great responsibility for our nation’s reputation. We represent Belarus and Belarus represents us.” There’s so much yet to achieve: a bridge over the Sozh River; the headquarters of the Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus in Minsk; and work at Mozyr Oil Refinery and

on MKAD (Minsk Beltway). Abroad, Delta is involved in work at the Expoforum exhibition centre in St. Petersburg, reconstruction of heat electro-power stations 12 and 16, in Moscow, and at the Nizhnyaya Tura GRES-power station, which is located in the Middle Ural Range. There is also work at Garlyk ore-dressing and processing enterprise, in Turkmenistan, reconstruction of the Antipinsky refinery in Tyumen, and drilling at Tulachermet-Stal OJSC. Delta is completing work in Yakutsk, and is mastering Sakhalin. Last year, the company’s exports exceeded $33 million in value, resulting in its title as Belarus’ leading service exporter. It’s now aiming for a figure of $50 million. Nikolay underlines, “It’s wonderful that the export of building services is being brought to the President’s attention, since it should eradicate obstacles. Some issues continue to need correction: the obligatory sale of currency, and payments for non-imported goods. For example, in order to buy concrete, we need to follow formal procedures, which take at least two weeks in our country. As purchase quantities grow, we’ll need to update legislation to reflect our needs. I don’t doubt that we’ll get there.” We almost say goodbye, but suddenly the businessman turns back, wishing to take me on a tour of the village: the church which the company built and now cares for; and the school and the kindergarten, for which they recently paid for the installation of new plastic windows. In Gomel, there’s the children’s DYUSSHOR#5 (specialised sport school for children and youth) ice-hockey team, which they’ve been financing for eight years. I pause near the Delta sign on the road and stop two local women to ask: How do you find it living near Delta? Well, we’re from Delta too! Nikolay Chernoshey, in the car, explains, “Over 650 people work in the company! People from Borshchevka, Rechitsa and Gomel work here. So all are local; all are native.” By Violetta Dralyuk

IN RHYTHM OF ELECTIONS-2015

Open for dialogue The National Assembly’s House of Representatives hosted a meeting with members of PACE’s preliminary mission for the observation of Presidential elections. The event’s keynote was to demonstrate that our country is ready to render all possible assistance for the realisation of its mandate.

n welcoming the guests, the Chairman of the House of Representatives, Vladimir Andreichenko, said, “We are pleased to meet again with PACE representatives and hope these contacts will become a good basis for further co-operation in all issues of mutual

interest. As a result of the elections, our Parliament is ready to take into consideration all the recommendations of the international observers. Where necessary, we will make changes to election legislation in the future.” The Head of PACE’s preliminary mission, a Turkish parliament deputy, Reha Demenec, thanked the chairman for the invitation to participate in observations of the Presidential elections. Over a month of election campaigning lies ahead and, with this in mind, Mr. Demenec commented, “We are here to receive information from your side, also to listen to your recommendations and proposals.” The Chairman of the Council of the Republic, Mikhail Myasnikovich, replied, “We are fully open to dialogue and discussion of all issues.” In turn, Mr. Demenec stressed, “Belarus is a unique country in a positive sense. In this respect, we are keen to receive more information about it from you.” The PACE delegation should have been headed by an Armenian deputy, Arpine Ovannisyan. However, she was recently appointed Armenia’s Justice Minister and so the Turkish parliamentarian leads the mission. The team of observers also included Andrea Rigoni, the present rapporteur of the PACE's Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy. By Maxim Osipov

Direct speech Vladimir Andreichenko, the Chairman of the House of Representatives: It’s of principal importance for political competition that the election campaign is held in full accordance with Belarusian legislation. It should be held against the background of public order, peace and concordance. We have seen the results of the lack of political responsibility in other states — including our neighbours. The result is economic chaos and refugees; both the country and its people suffer where systems fail.

Central Commission on Elections and Republican Referenda officially registers candidates for the Presidential post

he candidates are; Sergei Gaidukevich, Tatiana Korotkevich, Alexander Lukashenko and Nikolay Ulakhovich. Our reporter attended the official registration meeting. The autumn weather was unusually sunny and the meeting hall on the second floor of the Government House was crowded. National and international observers and journalists were in attendance, but the ‘stars’ were the participants of the Presidential campaign and their representatives. The Central Election Commission studied a range of is-

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IN RHYTHM OF ELECTIONS-2015

Marathon for candidates sues during the run up to registration of the candidates. The procedure met the legislation in every respect: initially, the Central Commission received reports by the regional election commissions on the results of signature collection. The process lasted for over an hour and the official information made interesting reading. After detailed analysis, the registration of Victor Tereshchenko and Zhanna Romanovskaya was refused. The latter’s campaign group collected just 789 signatures (against the required minimum of 100,000). Tatiana Korotkevich became the first registered candidate. Her team collected over 107,000 signatures, with almost 105,000 of them confirmed. The first woman in the history of the Belarusian Presidential campaign does not

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think this is exclusively the result of her own personality. “This has happened because of the work of my team, as well as those who signed in my favour. My candidacy is the single democratic alternative. The authority should change but peacefully," she said. The second certification went to Sergei Gaidukevich who collected over 139,000 signatures. He commented, “I stand for strong, democratic, independent and calm country. I wish for peace and that its citizens enjoy worthy salaries and pensions. I’m for Belarus!” Nikolay Ulakhovich was the third to be registered, with 149,000 signatures. On receiving his certificate, the candidate said, “I’m participating in this important campaign for the first time. However, I view myself as a strong economy expert

as have worked in many areas. I hope I can bring my experience to benefit my country. We'll overcome the economic crisis jointly.” Alexander Lukashenko’s certificate was handed to the head of his campaign group, Mikhail Orda. Who commented, “Our initiative group worked everywhere — in large cities and small villages. While collecting signatures, we became convinced that people are not indifferent to elections. They clearly understand that, these days, the country’s fate is being decided upon. As a result, our candidate enjoys unprecedented support by the people.” Four candidates officially begin the pre-election fight. The campaign period has begun and the contenders will have the opportunity to publicise their manifestos widely. Apart from publishing them in state media, the candidates will be able to appear on the Belarus 1 TV Channel free of charge: from September 14th-25th at 7-8pm. Moreover, the candidates will also have access to radio broadcasting to present their programmes; the most ‘popular’ slots will be provided: from 6.10-7.10am from September 21st-October 2nd (working days). The most ‘spectacular’ action is scheduled for October 3rd: TV debates. By Maxim Osipov

On the topic Ballot papers prepared  The Central Election Committee has approved the form and the number of ballot papers. Their text will be written in Belarusian, with the family names of the candidates placed in alphabetical order. An ‘A — Against All Candidates’ option will also be in place. The ballot paper will be of 207х298 mm size and a total of 7,285,000 will be printed (4.5 percent will be spare).

SAFETY

Key part of law enforcement Belarus is a state for the people, as we often hear the President says. This is the philosophy of our state, acting as a guideline for our authorities and a blueprint for action. For citizens, it shows us how we may judge the actions of those who lead us. Without doubt, the conceptual decisions made by our state in recent years, regarding economics, policy, the social sphere, and law, derive from this principle.The Investigative Committee is not just part of the law-enforcement system but an integrating link, influencing the work of police, enquiry bodies, courts, and the General Prosecutor’s Office. The deeper sense of words is sometimes lost through frequent use. What are your ‘rights’? The right to life, health and safety? Speaking to the Investigative Committee during his June visit, in 2013, the President stated, “You should always remember that the future of people is in your power.”

he Chairman of the Investigative Committee, Valentin Shaev, tells us how this wish and requirement is being realised in day-to-day work, as well as why Belarus is proud of its new law enforcement body. He explains how investigation and human rights correlate. Several years have passed since the Investigative Committee began its work. It was the first law-enforcement structure to be created in independent Belarus and to have retained its original format (other state bodies inherited from Soviet times having been largely reformed). What has it achieved over the years?

The decision to integrate all the country’s investigative subdivisions was accepted four years ago: on August 2nd, 2011, at a meeting directed by the President, to improve the system of preliminary investigation. Decree #409, ‘On Forming the Investigative Committee of Belarus’, was signed by the President on September 12th. We can say confidently that the state and its citizens have no regrets concerning the creation of such a law-enforcement structure: the decision was right and timely. The most important thing is that it has allowed us to strengthen and protect the rights and legitimate interests of citizens in pre-trial criminal proceedings. It has given the chance to eliminate duplication of effort by law enforcement bodies and has helped optimise budgetary

expenses. Positive results of investigatory work prove that the decision to make pre-trial investigation independent was correct. We might call the Investigative Committee the grandest state project of the past five years. It is unique worldwide and has been created in such a short space of time. Why was it created? Preliminary investigation used to be carried out by investigators from the General Prosecutor’s Office, by bodies of internal affairs, by state security, and by financial investigations. They acted within a liaising structure but each felt to be an independent entity. I considered myself to be foremost an investigator and only then a prosecutor, as did many of my colleagues.

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SAFETY Departments had various approaches to the practical application of criminal legislation and the idea of reform for the system of preliminary investigation had come up before. There had been two attempts to create a truly uniform investigative body: in the late 1980s and 1990s, but attempts failed, due to individual departmental interests. Owing to various circumstances, ‘uniform preliminary investigation’ was never realised. In truth, the quality of investigation left much to be desired, as the President notes. Two thirds of verdicts were ‘not guilty’, as investigators failed to fulfil their duties properly. There were cases of outright falsification of materials. Sometimes, innocent people were imprisoned and real criminals avoided punishment. It ruined lives! In such a situation, how can we call it justice? In 2011, various opinions came to the fore: including statements on the overly large number of personnel employed, and the poor quality of investigation during the transition period. The President showed political will and determination in creating an independent investigation body. Just taking that decision had a positive effect. Specific targets were set, with the Investigative Committee launching fully on January 1st, 2012. It wasn’t reform for its own sake, noted the Head of State. In a short space of time (just three months) there were significant improvements: a new legislative framework and employees, as well as equipment. Huge state resources were concentrated on solving intellectual, political, financial and organisational issues. Within the first year of existence, more

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a corresponding law in 2014, but it has many problems still to be solved: in particular, concerning the interaction of law enforcement bodies. Most of the countries within the post-Soviet territory haven’t even tried to carry out such reform. Russian experience was useful. Since 2007, it has had its own Investigative Committee under the General Prosecutor’s Office. However, it needs greater division of duty between the Prosecutor’s Office and the preliminary investigation body. Our Investigative Committee was created as an independent body, subordinate only to the President. Our colleagues f rom Russia undertake and investigate about 10 percent of criminal cases, while the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia takes care of other basic investigations. The Chairman of the Investigative Committee, Valentin Shaev The Investigating Committhan 300 normative acts were passed, tee of Belarus investigates 99.9 perregulating all aspects of our work. cent of all criminal cases. The State Among these was a law ‘On the Inves- Security Committee of the Republic of Belarus works on the others. tigative Committee of Belarus’. Just imagine the intensity of work! All those visiting our country are Without a pilot period, the Investigat- surprised by how orderly and safe it ing Committee began its work in full is. They say: “In your country, you on January 1st, 2012. The first case un- can walk calmly day and night!” Is der scrutiny was the murder of Yulia this to the merit of the Investigative Lyashuk, testing our professionalism. Committee? The crime rate was growing until It soon became apparent that our qual2005 but, since 2006, we’ve seen a fall ity of work was as it should be. Various models of investigation in the number of crimes. The most are possible, so how did you choose significant fall occurred in 2012: of 22.7 percent! this one? This proves that systemic, purWe used experience from other countries but, in many respects, we poseful measures are being taken to were breaking new ground. Without protect citizens, their rights and legal going into detail, Kazakhstan tried a interests. These measures are yielding similar model of crime investigation fruit. We can’t lay a fall in the crime but abandoned it in 2013. Armenia rate or number of murders at the feet also took steps to create a uniform in- of one organisation alone, since the dependent investigative body, passing whole law-enforcement system is co-

SAFETY ordinated, organised at the highest level of interaction. The Investigative Committee plays a significant role in developing the state and society, promoting law and order. I will repeat: it is a unique and successful body. Earlier, you spoke about productivity. Can you give us an example? It’s best to speak of positive trends. The organisational and practical measures taken by the Investigative Committee are improving the quality of preliminary investigation, which is increasing the percentage of criminal cases being solved (now almost 70 percent: up 10 percent on 2011). These measures are also reducing the national crime rate. Almost every murder is solved: the current indicator is 97.5 percent: one of the best in Europe. The same is true for rape and aggravated assaults, including those causing death. Compared with crime detection in Western Europe, our country solves 15 percent more crimes, on average. In ‘guaranteeing’ punishment and increasing the quality of investigation, we are reducing the number of criminals wanted by the police, and the number of missing persons. Investigators have reduced the number of unidentified bodies by more than 12 percent (since 2011). Speaking of wanted criminals, their number has reduced by almost a quarter since 2011. In catching criminals quickly, it’s a disincentive for others to pursue the same path. Investigators are entrusted with carrying out preventive measures within the limits of the law, discovering why a crime has been committed and making suggestions on how to tackle such crimes. Ultimately, we aim to discourage crimes from being committed. If your neighbour is called in for questioning, being suspected of having committed a crime, and the guilty person is then punished to the fullest extent of the law, it provides an example. Everyone who lives nearby

will know of what’s happened and will see that the law is an active force, with which to be reckoned. In raising the quality of investigation, we must mention paying compensation for damages during the course of an investigation, since the figure has grown by almost 10 percent. It’s an amount significant for victims and the state as a whole. Victims of crime approach us for help and are recompensed with property owned by criminals (approximately 125 percent of the value of what has been lost). Reducing time spent on investigations is also vital, while maintaining quality. From the point of view of the

guilty was passed against 333 defendants in 2011. Since the Investigative Committee began its work, this has reduced to 98 people. In protecting the rights of citizens and their legitimate interests, we’ve ensured that the greatest amount of evidence is gathered. We believe that no one should be found criminally liable without sufficient proof ! At various times, investigators have returned up to a fourth of materials (because of inadequate criminal evidence) and have even returned a half to some other structures. Since it began its work, the Investigative Committee has returned over 35,000 materials to inquiry bodies.

In protecting the rights of citizens and their legitimate interests, we’ve ensured that the greatest amount of evidence is gathered. We believe that no one should be found criminally liable without sufficient proof! victim, the faster the criminal case is investigated, the quicker the guilty person is found and compensation is awarded. The victim’s legitimate rights will be restored. Meanwhile, those under investigation must endure gossip and uncertainty, as must their family members. They want a fast resolution, to end the torment, and to be able to move on with their lives. In the first half of 2015, the number of criminal cases investigated in a single month doubled in comparison with 2011. We close about 40 percent of criminal cases within this time, while the rest take longer. In toughening our requirements of investigation and weighing evidence carefully, we’ve reduced the number of criminal cases coming up for appeal and additional investigation. In 2011, there were 917 criminal cases, against 216 in 2014: a fourfold reduction. Our priority is to reduce this further if we can. A verdict of not

Criminal proceedings are not always pursued to a final conclusion if evidence is lacking. In 2012, over half of cases were ‘thrown out’ for this reason. This is an indicator of our meticulous attention to detail and does not reflect poorly on the law-enforcement system of the country. You mentioned that investigators seek to find motivation for crimes, so that this can be remedied in future. Tell us more. The law directly entrusts investigators with finding reasons for crimes being committed, so that suggestions can be made to prevent further occurrence. In the first half of the year, we receive feedback in this respect from various bodies and organisations: on every third case. Moreover, in excess of 3,500 cases of feedback and suggestions are submitted by investigators personally, for example, via meetings and sessions. Since launching, the Investigative Committee has submitted more

2015 беларусь.belarus

SAFETY than 122,000 conceptions, resulting in measures being taken with 9,384 officials: more than 500 have been dismissed. Where negative trends and situations become apparent, we pursue the question with the relevant authorities. From June to July this year, we sent two letters to the Government to suggest the immediate adoption of measures to ensure safety of children’s play equipment and general security at such sites. Analysing criminal fraud cases in January of this year alone, we sent letters to the National Bank, the Ministry of Taxes and Duties, and the General Prosecutor’s Office. Your department actively participates in law-making. In investigating criminal cases, our investigators often reveal gaps in legislation. One such case, on surrogate maternity, revealed inefficient control over the process, so we prepared a number of proposals for Government. Despite being one of the youngest law-enforcement departments, the Investigating Committee has taken essential steps in shaping legislation, producing initiatives now embodied in regulatory acts. Some of our suggestions are now included in the law ‘On Fighting Corruption’, signed by the Head of State. Presidential Decree #6 ‘On Urgent Measures to Counteract Illicit Drug Trafficking’ contains detailed measures on toughening responsibility for sale and use of drugs, including reducing the age of criminal liability for drug trafficking (from 16 to 14 years). Our Plea bargaining is another new addition to national legislation, whereby a criminal can negotiate to reduce their sentence in return for giving information resulting in other prosecutions. How many investigators were there before the creation of the Committee? We have a quarter fewer now; we chose by level of professionalism. Over

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From the author The creation of the Investigative Committee of Belarus raised much debate. However, the Head of State’s decision to create an independent department of preliminary investigation has been a real breakthrough for the legal system of Belarus, bringing a new level of rigour. This protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens serves the interests of citizens, wider society and the state. Alexander Lukashenko, before handing the banner to the Committee, formulated tasks to be solved, saying, “The life and health of people are proclaimed as supreme values in our country: the basis of national safety. Law-enforcement plays the lead role in accomplishing this mission. To increase its efficiency, it has been decided to create a uniform, independent body of preliminary investigation: the Investigative Committee.” the past year, personnel have been restricted across 37 regional and city departments, following careful analysis of workloads. Some have been reorganised into inter-district and united city departments: in Vitebsk, Gomel, Baranovichi, Brest, Pinsk, Orsha, Bobruisk, Grodno, Mogilev and Polotsk. This has enabled savings to be made in the cost of running buildings and vehicles. In fact, 16 regional departments have been reduced in size, allowing us to optimise our structure, and keep only the best-qualified personnel. Seventy staff members have been let go from the central office of the Investigative Committee, from the departments of the Investigating Committee in the regions and Minsk, and from regional, city and district departments of the Investigative Committee.

In the near future, another 120 staff are to be let go: mainly executive personnel and those in ‘rear’ services. This aims to save money while improving quality and an efficient approach. In saving funds, these can be directed towards other social programmes. There’s always a human factor and risk of error. How do we ensure that such mistakes are kept to the minimum? Do investigators work in teams, with someone to oversee conduct? Like many readers, you’re interested in corruption. My position is to be principled and strict, aiming to eliminate the problem. Last year, I began criminal proceedings against subordinates who, for the sake of fleeting profit, forgot the meaning of such words as ‘law’, ‘justice’ and ‘Fatherland’. Some have now been condemned... The system operating within the Committee aims to exclude error. We are guided by circumstances. Young investigators are partnered with more experienced, and those with more experience are charged with the most difficult, intricate cases. Investigative teams are created where necessary and there is an internal procedural division, which has the power to override certain decisions. Independent investigation does not mean uncontrolled. The General Prosecutor’s Office plays a supervising role and the court makes final decisions on guilt. Tell us about your international co-operation. The international arena already knows us as a reliable and competent partner, capable of rendering legal assistance quickly and well. We’ve developed constructive interaction not only with law enforcement bodies across the CIS (such as the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, the Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and the Ministry of Internal

SAFETY

The international arena already knows us as a reliable and competent partner, capable of rendering legal assistance quickly and well Affairs of Kazakhstan) but w it h c o l l e a g u e s from other states. Just recently, we met representatives of the Federal Crimin a l P o lice Office o f G e r m a ny, making arrangements for mutual legal assistance with Pakistan. Our profess i ona l is m in counteracting

transnational cybercrime is recognised by the world financial community. Visa Company has praised our exposure of a number of crimes regarding payment cards, committed outside our country and within. In 2014, we rendered our first legal assistance to law enforcement bodies across 16 states, and addressed requests from 61 countries. We directed materials to extradite 186 accused persons, and arrested persons outside of Belarus. Our employees, as part of Belarusian delegations, have participated in various foreign conferences, forums and consultations, on a wide spectrum of law-enforcement themes: cybercrime, counteracting human trafficking and money-laundering. Where are investigators trained? Most of those currently employed are the same investigators who served in law-enforcement bodies, state security, financial investigations, and the General Prosecutor’s Office previously. They know their work well, being professionals. We haven’t yet raised a new generation but we’ll be working to do so at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. We employ law graduates from our universities and a new speciality was launched for our department at the Academy of Public Administration (under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus) in 2013-2014.

Afterword

On the eve of the 4th anniversary of creation of the Investigative Committee in Belarus, the heads of investigative committees of Belarus and Russia unveiled the monument to marshal Georgy Zhukov at historical and cultural complex “Stalin Line”, and also more than 150 members of these investigative committees took the oath

In conclusion, the Major General of Justice, Valentin Shaev, underlined, “Speaking of our activity, I can say that we, with steady firmness, have put into practice the requirements of the Head of State regarding priority tasks for the Investigating Committee. Observing the law, and protecting the interests of citizens and the state, we aim to ensure that no innocent person is arrested and condemned, while crimes are exposed and investigated quickly and professionally.” By Victor Ponomarev

2015 беларусь.belarus

AMOUNT OF CHANGES

Minsk among top ten cities for comfortable lifestyle

ew York’s Mercer Consulting Company’s annual ratings for comparative cost of living across var ious cit ies worldwide places Minsk among top ten cheapest, with Moscow ranked 50th (down from 9th most expensive in 2014), and St. PeTop 10 most expensive cities of the world 1 Luanda 2 Hong Kong 3 Zurich 4 Singapore 5 Geneva 6 Shanghai 7 Beijing 8 Seoul 9 Bern 10 Ndjamena

 Values in focus Sovereign Belarus: Era of Achievements exhibition by Belarusian Telegraph Agency opens at Minsk’s Moskva cinema

he exhibition showcases 50 photos, of which 25 are in colour, showing

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tersburg in 152nd place (from 35th in 2014). Experts explain the fall of the Russian Rouble against the Dollar has helped make the Russian cities more affordable for international travellers and expats. The ratings compare the average cost of living across 200 cities, against that in New York. Cover-

Top 10 cheapest cities of the world 198 Tbilisi 199 Managua 200 Cape Town 201 Minsk 202 Banjul 203 Skopje 204 Tunisia 205 Karachi 206 Windhoek 207 Bishkek

how we lived 25-30 years ago, compared to today. Human memory is unable to keep every detail from fading, but photos help us recall past events and restore our impressions. They enable us to assess the scale of change. According to BelTA Director General Dmitry Zhuk, the project primarily targets young

Nadezhda Ponkratova

 Life is great where we are

ing five continents, criteria include the cost of transport, accommodation, food, clothes and entertainment, making it the most comprehensive rating system to date, used by multinational companies and governmental agencies working abroad (to calculate c omp e ns at i on for employees). For the third time in a row, Angola’s Luanda is named the most expensive city, followed by Hong Kong, Zurich. Singapore and Geneva, ahead of Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Bern and Chad’s Ndjamena. Some cities in Central Europe have become ‘more affordable’ as their local currencies have fallen in value against the American Dollar: Prague has moved from 92nd to 142nd place, while Budapest is now 170th (135th in the past). Meanwhile, Minsk is ranked 201st: truly, life is great where we are! people, who will be able to learn more about the history of their country. The Deputy Chair of the Standing Commission for Healthcare, Physical Education, Family and Youth Policy at the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, Yelena Shamal, notes that the exhibition makes history more accessible for the young while jogging the memories of the older generation. “I hope that this exhibition will help us remember the things that are really valuable to us,” she said. The event is part of BelTA’s project to illustrate the changes of the past 20 years in Belarus. Comparing modern photos with those from the archives, we can see industrial and agricultural progress, as well as that in transport infrastructure, science, medicine, and the Armed Forces. Recent shots show the spheres of life in which our country has made the greatest progress and of which it can be most proud.

LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | SCIENCE

Knowledge leads to money Since our independence, science has achieved considerable success in many industries — from agriculture to space Space technologies

Passport for gene

n 2012 the successful launch of our own satellite completed the project to undertake remote soundings of the Earth, and we joined other countries as a notable space power. At the 68th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in November 2013, a decision was made to include Belarus in the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. At this time, $16 million spent on the creation and the launch of the device had already been repaid, and income from it totalled $47.89 million by this summer. Pictures from its orbit are currently in demand among our many foreign services, ministries and departments. In two to three years the creation of a new device is planned, this will offer pictures at twice the resolution of the present ones.

he Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the National Academy of Sciences has developed the genetic testing of 80 genes, 60 of which are connected with diseases and 20 linked to high sporting achievement. It has been possible for several years now to obtain a genetic passport. The information for it comes from DNA analysis and is fixed in the form of a certain combination of letters and figures. The average price for the analysis of one gene in our country is much cheaper than in the countries of Western Europe and Russia. Sports genetics has also become widespread. Since 2010 the institute has undertaken genetic testing of more than 300 athletes from 17 teams. The scientists advise the medics about any necessary corrections to potential genetic abnormalities, in order to increase the effectiveness of their athletes. Scientists work in close co-operation with these medics. Last year, experts from the Institute of Physiology of NAS solved a long-standing scientific problem by establishing the causes of respiratory standstill during obstructive sleep apnoea.

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LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | SCIENCE

Right to be proud

Belarusians and the Hadron Collider

Mikhail Baturitsky and his gamma-quantum detector

ur experts have brought a direct contribution to the discovery of the well-known Higgs Boson, they take an active part in all work on the large Hadron Collider. Belarusians developed parts of the SMS and ATLAS detectors, butt-end electronic and hadronic calorimeters, muonic stripped cameras and took part in improving the elementary particle accelerator, as well as the development of new theoretical approaches to the description of physical processes and their forecasting. Now our physicists are periodically on duty at the central control of the collider, they monitor the condition and performance of their devices, and also remotely assess the condition of experimental installations as well as the accelerator itself.

oday, a project in the field of neuron research with the participation of scientists from the Institute of Physiology, is being prepared. We have already begun the creation of the scientific-technological park BelBiograd. Industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nano-andmicrosystem fields should find new applications on the basis of this park. It is expected that the creation of new enterprises will follow as a result of this activity. One of the most significant projects of the last decade is the Union State BelRosTransgen programme started in 2003. Its purpose was the industrial production of the strongest beta-immunomodulator, lactoferrin, which can be found only in human milk. In the autumn of 2005, workers at the Scientific and Practical Centre for Animal Breeding transplanted the human gene into 100 goats, and these animals gave birth to the first-ever healthy transgenic kids. Now our total number of transgenic goats exceeds 200 animals. The content of lactoferrin in their milk is very high, from 3 to 7 percent in 1 litre. The cost of one gram of this protein in the world market is between $3,000-5,000.

SKIFs and we

KIF supercomputers, created by Belarusian and Russian scientists within the Union State programme, are developing at an impressive pace. When, in 2003, SKIFK 500 was included in the world ranking of the 500 most highly productive computers (407th), it was considered a big breakthrough. But in 2004, the newly developed SKIF 1000 took 98th place in this list, while in 2008 we reached 22nd. These supercomputers are able to perform up to 2.5 trillion operations per second.

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LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | SCIENCE

Bug resistant potatoes

s agriculture is one of our basic revenue earners, many scientists work in close co-operation with agrarians. The Scientific and Practical Centre for Arable Farming of the NAS is engaged in the development of new grades of plants resistant to variations in temperatures and various pests, while the Agricultural Mechanization department develops new vehicles for agricultural production. In 2009, Belarusian scientists from the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the NAS of Belarus created a new variety of potato resistant to potato bug and fungoid pathogens. Varieties of our potato are now registered in Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, China, European Union.

History in a sash

Belta

ue to laborious work by the artists and historians of the Centre for research in Belarusian culture, language and literature, it has been possible to revive the manufacturing techniques of the once world-famous Slutsk sashes (the last two were made in 1842). In April 2014, the first newly produced sash was presented to Alexander Lukashenko during his visit to the Republican Unitary Enterprise Slutskie Poyasa. The scientists from the NAS were awarded a special presidential award for scientific and creative work on the revival of our national culture.

In the first person Vladimir Gusakov, Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS, comments: Scientific thought constantly brings new knowledge and innovative technologies to our lives. Our scientists take part in the formation of important manufacturing and knowledge-intensive industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nuclear power engineering and nanotechnology. The industries of mechanical engineering, chemistry, agro-industrial complexes, microelectronics and many others are being modernised and these are our priorities. According to the recommendations of scientists at the NAS, the National strategy of social-economic development to 2030 is to concentrate our scientific and technological potential on the creation of V and VI techno-economic paradigms with accelerated development of specialised innovative manufacturing such as microelectronics, photonics, optoelectronics, light-emitting diode techniques, laser technologies, space techniques, fine chemistry, bio- and nanotechnologies and the production of high-precision mechanical engineering, as well as information technology. We have already proved that our software and programming experts are competitors at the world level. Just last year the NAS signed 19 contract documents with foreign scientific centres. Our organisations participated in 22 international exhibitions, contracts for a total sum of $6 million were concluded. Export contracts with partners from 41 states were fulfilled. According to preliminary data, production for the sum of $1.65 billion was carried out last year within the limits of the state scientific and technical programmes.”

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OBJECTIVE DATA

Everything is relative Belarusian State University sociologists conduct online monitoring of public perceptions of socio-economic and political situation

BSU survey from last year showed an improvement in Belarusian families’ perceptions of their material welfare, explains the Director of the Centre for Sociological and Political Research, Prof. David Rotman. In 2014, almost one family in four (23.1 percent) felt provided with enough money to lead quite a comfortable life. Just 20 years ago, the figure stood at less than 3 percent. Almost half of all families (46.3 percent) felt they

could eat and dress well while 1.3 percent underlined that they felt able to make expensive purchases (such as a new car or flat). In 1994, more than half of Belarusian families (57.6 percent) reported failing to purchase even essential foodstuffs (against last year’s 3.3 percent). Over 70 percent of families in Belarus don’t feel that they are experiencing significant material problems. Recent economic difficulties have been beyond national control, since our export-oriented economy is greatly dependent on external factors. Negative trends at the world markets and among our major trade partners, naturally, affect our economic situation. Nevertheless, we are in a much better position than in the mid-1990s, when even simple foods such as sugar, milk, meat, butter and cereals were rationed. Today’s young people have no awareness of such a situation, but many of us can recall queuing to buy food, clothes and footwear. Salaries (of $20-30 per month equivalent) were always delayed, and people sometimes lacked even the money to pay for public transport. Those were troubled times. However, the country withstood them and learnt the importance of ‘pulling together’. We may still find reasons to complain about life, and wish to see our living standards improve further, but there is no comparison with life two decades ago. Last year alone, Belarusians bought 135,400 cars: there are over 300 vehicles per 1,000 Belarusians. The number of appliances per household is also rising (see diagram).

Availability of long-term use subjects in the household (per 100 households, pieces; in comparison with 2005-2014)

155

118

+ % 139 pcs.

116

refrigerators and freezers

automatic washing machines

+ % 155 pcs. colour TV

80 pcs.

84 %

78 pcs.

personal computers

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25 13

Over % of families in Belarus don’t feel that they are experiencing significant material problems

Nadezhda Ponkratova

55%

139 80 78

MATTERS OF SMALL CITIES

On visiting any district centre, I love walking through the streets, sitting on a bench in the local park, or perusing the shops. Small towns have changed in recent times, each having his own character, and have gained much from investment, allowing new buildings to appear. They have improved their economic ‘health’ as well, thanks to state programmes in the regions. Small and mediumsized town development is driving forward, as I’ve seen with my own eyes in the Mogilev Region’s district centres.

At the laboratory of the Sontsa perfumery-cosmetics factory

Strength of private

sipovichi has a l w ay s b e e n known as a major industrial centre in Mogilev Region. However, its economy has traditionally depended on enterprises located in other towns. For example, the local automobile aggregates plant supplies components to MAZ and MTZ. While the Belarusian industrial flagships flourished, so did the Osipovichi plant. However, when its partners began experiencing difficulties, the problems accumulated. Now, the town is more economically independent, having developed its own market character. Only a few state run

enterprises still operate in Osipovichi; the remainder are privately owned. Entrepreneurs have brought in investments, encouraged by preferential terms. Until recently, the automobile aggregates plant lacked funds to complete its latest workshop construction. However, the building has now received new life, housing the Sontsa modern perfumery-cosmetics factory: a major influence in its field in Eastern Europe. Taking a tour, I was impressed by the orderliness: no smoking or idle workers. Employee Yuri Solovey explains, “People come here to earn money and there’s no ceiling on your salary. I have my own targets and everything over this receives a bonus, which motivates me not to waste time. I’m former military, having served with a unit in Os-

ipovichi. I earned good money there but, here, my salary is higher. I also receive a uniform to wear.” Altimed is another Osipovichi enterprise, unique within post-Soviet territory in producing artificial hips and placing Belarus among the top three European states manufacturing in this sphere (with Germany and Switzerland). The Head of Altimed’s Planning and Dispatching Department, Vladimir Gruntov, tells us that the company produces around 6,000 artificial limbs annually. This has cut waiting time for Belarusian orthopaedic patients. Moreover, the company is now developing an innovation for Belarusian medical science. Jointly with the Deputy Chairman of Osipovichi District Execu-

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Vitaliy Gil

MATTERS OF SMALL CITIES

Altimed firm produces elements of hips endoprotheses

initiative tive Committee, Vladimir Devoino, we take a tour of the town. His pride and pleasure are obvious as he tells us, “A neglected shed was situated here but a private businessman began using it as a construction material shop. Here, you can see a former shop selling furniture; the owner de-

cided to expand the business and set up another company manufacturing plastic windows.” On entering, we see fitter Igor Sukach, who explains that, in the past, he used to travel to Moscow for employment, but now realises that similar salaries can be earned at home, without leaving his

family. Mr. Devoino is convinced that the district centre is full of advantages. He stresses, “It’s better to have many small facilities operating than one major company. If any problems emerge, these won’t affect the others. The people, the budget and the town all benefit.” Osipovichi investors aren’t satisfied with their results yet, ever trying to develop their businesses. Local Techsoyuz Polus, which produces polymer film as a rolled roofing material, is now negotiating supply to Russian tyre plants, while preparing a new project. It plans to manufacture film for packing heavy cargo pallets, such as bricks and construction blocks. At present, such film is imported but domestically produced materials would be at least 20 percent cheaper, benefiting our enterprises. Leso-Vek began as a small sawmill until owner Nikolay Kirdun thought it would be more profitable to install a dryer. He bought the equipment and is now preparing to build another workshop. Mr. Devoino notes the profit generated by private initiative, explaining, “Fifty percent of the district’s GDP comes from individual entrepreneurs’ products and services: private enterprises with no state share. The state has a small share in a few. Just 3-4 years ago, the share of private companies in the district’s GDP didn’t exceed 12 percent; now, businessmen’s contributions account for half of the district budget.” By Pavel Minchenko

Officially  The Economy Ministry informs us that, between 2007 and 2010, the state programme for the regions included plans for small and medium-sized town development, involving 170 major investment projects. Industrial production volumes rose over 1.5 fold, while the number of small enterprises almost doubled. Moreover, over 120,000 new jobs were created.The state programme resulted in a breakthrough for Belarus’ small and medium-sized town development. Now, the major focus for the regional development is the enhancement of living standards (irrespective of a place of residence) and the reduction of differences between regions, based on stable economic growth. This year, all regions are generating profit and growth in labour productivity is outstripping salary growth. Almost all districts are registering reduced production costs, which is raising our competitiveness.

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SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Right to success From the unemployed — to businessmen. Anything can happen in life. We visited the emergent entrepreneurs who have just started up their own business. But it is necessary to make a reservation here. All of them were unemployed in the past, then received a subsidy from the state and now are planning how they will develop their own business.

ranging some flowers and removing dry petals. “However, since opening my shop five days ago, I’ve hardly had time to sleep or rest: I’m working continuously.” Olga admits that the greatest challenge was to find premises. She need-

ed a small pavilion and, after long searching, succeeded, paying almost Br3m a month in rental. She comments, “I had to spend around $5m on renovations, plus Br37m on a cash register, second-hand refrigerator, stands and some other minor items. I

Owner of the flowers shop Olga Bernard

2015 беларусь.belarus

Tatiana Stolyarova

lga Bernard takes her keys from her handb a g , to op e n her shop; it bears a sign saying ‘Flowers’. “Come in,” she says, inviting us inside. Just a year ago, Olga worked in recruitment for a large company. To u g h d e m a n d s were placed upon personnel and she suffered from a permanent headache, due to tension and stress. She realised that she had to change her career, so she handed in her notice and, after job searching for six months, and being registered with an employment centre, decided to train in a new direction. She applied for a state subsidy and now runs her florist’s. “I ne ver have he ad aches now,” she admits, ar-

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS invested almost Br12m in flowers and packaging, with Br700,000 on a simple sign. You can easily calculate how much you need to start up.” A buyer interrupts us, saying, “I need a bouquet of white and red roses. Can you do that for me?” Olga bows confidently, “Of course.” However, as soon as the customer leaves, she exclaims, “I have no white roses! I need to quickly go to my supplier!” Olga is taking her first steps, so isn’t keeping a large stock, concentrating on those she believes are most in demand. However, it’s not easy guessing peoples’ pref-

erences. On the first days, people were interested in gerberas; as soon as she stocked up, interest dropped off. It’s time for Olga to go to her supplier who, she admits, isn’t always reliable. She relates how she often arrives to collect her order, only to find that the delivery is delayed, or of poor quality. “It’s made me nervous! However, I’m not afraid of difficulties. I plan to employ staff, so that I have more time to independently settle issues with suppliers and documents, while opening more outlets and launching Internet sales.”

Only figures

In the first half of 2015, the employment service assisted 992 jobseekers in launching entrepreneurial activity. All received subsidies for new businesses. Overall, 1,825 should receive similar support this year

Tatiana Stolyarova

Alexander Zolotarev is engaged in making cabinet furniture

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nother new entrepreneur is Alexander Zolotarev, making cabinet furniture. He retired from his job in a factory, in pursuit of launching his own business: a long held dream. He tells us, “I have a wife and a child. I understand that financial problems are inevitable initially, as I need to accumulate clients.” Alexander collects his toolbox and sets off to meet a customer within the hour. “My wife supported me, saying: ‘I’ll give you a year’.” He admits that his studies at the Labour and Social Protection Ministry’s Institute of Qualification Improvement have been of great help; he attended its classes while unemployed and registered at an employment service. Lecturers helped him prepare a business plan and Alexander learnt more about running a business. He opens his car to show me his work tools, explaining, “I bought them with money allocated by state subsidy: around Br16m.” He needs to meet all requirements: working as an

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS individual entrepreneur for no less than a year and paying the required tax of Br1.5m for six months. He only has a few clients so far but, unsurprisingly, is trying to work hard. “When I see that clients are taking their time to decide upon designs for their future kitchen, I never try to unduly hurry them. I propose possibilities and leave it to them to think about it. Some people are indignant on my behalf, saying that my modest income gives me the right to demand that customers decide within a certain timeframe but I ignore those comments.” Alexander made most of the furniture in his flat but admits that he and his wife don’t always agree on the details, saying that they often debate long and hard over something as simple as the shape and colour of a handle. Of course, modern clients are demanding so Alexander designs each piece to suit individual needs. “I believe that a professional must focus on a single niche. With this in mind, I’d love to concentrate on kitchen production,” Alexander explains, beginning to assemble a piece of furniture.

Competently

he village of Spichnik, in Pukhovichi District, is our next destination. A new farm is soon to open here: Sergey and Yelena Marchuks plan to breed pigs. The host meets me by the gates. Dressed in a uniform, he explains, “Sorry but I’m not in my best clothes. I’m working from sunrise to sunset. To do everything, I wake up at 4am.” The farm is yet to open, but the couple are preparing documents, repairing the premises and choosing machinery, while constructing their own house. Sergey and Yelena have three children. “Our middle son — Leshka — helps so much

Natalia Dolbik, Head of Economics and the Management Chair at the Republican Institute of Qualification Improvement and Staff Retraining at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection: Jobseekers wishing to launch their own businesses can address an employment department. Then the local staff can send them to our Institute to study the basics of entrepreneurial activity. This year alone, 142 people attended our courses, including 36 from Minsk. Many have received subsidies to open their businesses: a oneoff non-repayable state monetary grant, equal to 11-times the minimum wage, or 20-times the minimum wage if the entrepreneurial activity is connected with implementing sci-tech research and inno-

that even adults are envious,” Sergey says proudly, taking his son by the shoulder. “We’ve taught our children the value of work since their earliest years; my own childhood was the same.” “We’ll cope well, jointly with my husband,” adds Yelena, and Sergey hugs her, “Everything will be fine. If you can’t stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen.” Clearly, these ‘young’ businessmen are living through hard times; they need to prepare documents, and find land and loans, while facing unexpected problems. They know the theory quite well — receiving good support at the initial stage. However, life will show who’ll manage to remain afloat By Taisia Azanovich

vative developments. In Minsk, 61 people have received subsidies. Grants can be used to buy equipment, machinery, raw materials or services to set up entrepreneurial activity. You apply to the employment department where you are registered, providing a business plan. At our Institute, lecturers help ‘pupils’ make proper business plans. Many interesting projects have been born as a result. Our students have proposed a confectionery workshop, a workshop to restore architectural monuments and a service of serenade singing under windows. Not long ago, we liaised with a surgeon who wished to patent a helmet for toddlers. He had plenty of ideas so we transformed them into real projects which produce profit. Many of our former students are successful businessmen and it’s hard to believe that they were once unemployed.

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SERGEY LAZIUK

LIVING WITH COMFORT

Another format of rural living The state programme for rural revival and development aims to raise living standards in the countryside, including comfortable accommodation, practical infrastructure and worthy employment. Significant funds have been set aside for this since 2005, with 203 agro-towns appearing in Mogilev Region alone. How has life changed for rural residents over the past decade? We travelled to the agro-town of Lenino, in Gorki District, to find out!

hen we think of agrotowns, we are likely to imagine a chain of mult i - c ol ou re d houses with all modern conveniences, constructed under the presidential programme. Each is connected to the gas network, has asphalted roads, a permanent post office, a shop, a kindergarten, and a village first-aid station. In Lenino, this is true, and more!

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The town has its own library, museum, a branch of the Gorki School of Arts, a teaching college, and a tourist information site. In 1968, it opened its Museum of Soviet-Polish Fighting Commonwealth, to honour the 25th anniversary of the battle near Lenino: the First Polish infantry division (named after Tadeusz Kościuszko) joined Soviet divisions against the Fascist aggressors. Since then, delegations from Poland, Belarus and Russia have visited annually. The Chairman of Lenino Rural Executive Committee, Konstantin Karpitsky, recollects, “Especially for tourists, we built a six-storey hotel and restaurant in the 1970s.

LIVING WITH COMFORT

Mereya recreation centre

Most of the time, it was empty and, during the time of the Soviet Union, there were plans to close it, reducing the heating to the bare minimum. Fortunately, the building was preserved and, since the village became an agro-town in 2006, young experts have been living there. The hotel has become a hostel.” The hostel’s flats each feature a living room and a bedroom, plus a bathroom and a kitchenette: the Yakubovsky family lives in one. Victoria Yakubovskaya arrived in Lenino with a diploma from the Mogilev College of Arts, becoming head of the local culture centre at 21. She decided to stay, telling us, “I liked the town, which is beautiful, cosy and wellappointed. I understood that I’d never be bored, enjoying a job which allowed me to be creative, and the company of good fellow workers. We organise various activities, with people from all around coming to us to dance. Ternitsa folk group is based out of the culture centre and we show films three times a week.” She continues, “I received somewhere to live immediately. The hostel isn’t of ‘corridor type’, with each space more like a tworoomed apartment. I’ve found personal happiness here, with my husband Dmitry and my daughter. When she was almost 2, we sent her to kindergarten, which is within walking distance. The village firstaid station is located nearby, with a doctor, physiotherapist, dentist, and pharmacy. We have a public amenities centre which offers a range of services, including the alteration and repair of clothes. There are

people who can come and plough your garden smallholding for you, help you set up a greenhouse, or paint a fence. We live in a beautiful place with all comforts.” Victoria earns about 3.5 million Belarusian Roubles a month, net, as director of the culture centre, and is conducting a further education course remotely (based in Minsk). Her husband earns about Br5 million and they feel that they have enough money. She explains, “In winter, we pay about Br350,000 a month for our hostel accommodation and less in summer. We’ve bought a car and plan to build our own house.” Of 513 families in the agro-town, about 300 have cars. However, it’s easy to reach Gorki even without a car, thanks to hourly buses and minibuses. Once the settlement received its status, not only its centre but adjoining roads were laid with asphalt, making journeys much easier. Galina Garstukova also has her own car. She moved to Lenino from Vitebsk several years ago, telling us, “I can’t imagine how I lived in a stuffy city for so many years. Now, we go to Vitebsk only to visit the Slavianski Bazaar. The city is full of vanity and far too busy. Here, we have peace and quiet.” She is a seller by education, but went to work at a kindergarten as a supply manager. Her husband works at a local farm as a combine operator. Galina explains, “The salary is not large: about Br3 million a month. My husband earns more than Br6 million during harvest time. However, here in the village, we have oth-

er advantages. We have our own house, kitchen garden, and farm, with hens and geese. Besides a school and kindergarten, we have a teaching college nearby. My 16-year-old (older) daughter studies at the teaching college and tells me that she never wants to leave.” The director of the teaching college, Sergey Penchansky, tells us proudly, “Our staff includes 70 people, of which 38 are our own graduates. Usually, 85 to 95 percent of graduates remain in the countryside, with some staying in Lenino, teaching at the kindergarten, at the secondary school, and at the School of Arts, which opened after the village received its agro-town status.” Lyudmila Korobkina, aged 32, came to work in Lenino as a kindergarten teacher. She has since married and has her own child. She notes, “If you’re comfortably off, you don’t need more. I’m content here, as we have good conditions for raising children, and have had a sanatorium group at the kindergarten since September. We have children’s discos at the cultural centre on Saturdays and the School of Arts runs classes in sculpting, painting and music. Most schoolchildren attend. Our library is good, as is our recreation centre, which is always busy.” Lyudmila’s husband Leonid works as a guard at the Mereya recreation centre. He tells us, “My brother lives in Minsk, but big cities don’t attract me. I worked as a mechanic at a local farm for 11 years, where my wife works now as a pig breeder. We received a house with all conveniences, where we’ve raised our son. We have em-

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LIVING WITH COMFORT ployment, a roof over our heads, and a full package of social services: everything you need to be content.” When Lenino became an agro-town, 74 cottages were built, in accordance with the state programme for rural development. None remained empty, becoming home to machine operators, cattle breeders, staff at the dairy farm, and engineers at Lenino livestock plant. In total, 270 people work at the plant. According to director Alexander Krupenko, there’s no difficulty in finding personnel. He tells us

tle, equipped with modern equipment, and including a supplemental feeding station. Every cow receives individual attention; depending on how much milk it gives, a clever device mixes fodder in the correct dosage. As the plant has only five farms and a pig-breeding complex, it relies mostly on milk. Last year, it sold 6,607 tonnes of milk: up almost 8 percent on the previous year. As local workers regularly win district, regional and Republican Dazhinki (harvest festival) competitions, this guar-

The state programme of rural development determines not only basic directions of intensification for production but paths to solving housing and personnel problems as well. Today, agrotown accommodation rivals that in cities, but takes into account the rural way of life and country mentality “Young people, after having worked here on job placement, often decide to stay: we have two agronomists, two economists, a livestock specialist, and a construction superintendent. Their average salary is about Br5 million, while our machine operators and dairy milking staff receive Br3.7 million. During harvest time, the same machine operators and combine operators receive up to Br15 million. Plus, for each tonne of thrashed grain, we give 1kg of grain to each worker.” After Lenino became an agro-town, the plant opened a new dairy-commodity complex, housing 840 cattle. Last year, another complex was constructed, for 536 cat-

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antees an essential increase of salary. In general, local residents don’t complain and, judging by the number of young people, Lenino has a future. There are 40 children at the kindergarten and 12 children were born in the agro-town last year. Life goes on... Victor Petruchenya, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Foodstuffs of Mogilev Regional Executive Committee, says, “The state programme of rural development determines not only basic directions of intensification for production but paths to solving

housing and personnel problems as well. Today, agro-town accommodation rivals that in cities, but takes into account the rural way of life and country mentality. Over the last four years, villages in Mogilev Region have received 42 new apartment blocks, with a total area of more than 3,500 square metres. Meanwhile, the state programme for rural development for 2011-2015 created over 1,500 jobs in the region. Another 4,700 villagers were temporarily involved in public works, while 155 received professional training. Within the framework of ‘youth practice’, 800 students were given temporary employment.” He continues, “We’ve received 15km of rural heating networks and 11 boilerhouses, as well as having 15 artesian wells repaired, and water-supply pipeline networks and sewerage networks replaced. We’ve had roofs of residential buildings replaced too, and more than 210km of electricity networks and transmission lines laid and repaired, as well as gas pipes laid and more than 62km of roads renovated. In all, 68 rural schools and kindergartens, and over 100 shops, have been repaired, and four public health clinics have launched. There’s Internet access at 23 rural recreation centres too. We’ve created seven agro-estates, and a salon-shop selling local crafts. We’ll continue in the same way, ever improving life for those who want to live and work in the countryside.” By Olga Kislyak

LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | LAND AND VILLAGE

Sizeable harvests on one’s own field Historically, our villages and lands have supported our nation, ensuring food safety. In Soviet times, our Republic occupied the leading position for agricultural development. From 1990-1991, it produced more meat and milk per capita than Germany, France and the UK, while its grain production was three times more than that of today’s EU states. We also led in potato and flax production. After the USSR’s collapse, the situation changed. The reforms of the 1990s resulted in the destruction of traditional networks of supply and demand, and the growth of loss making enterprises. The material base of the agro-industrial complex was broken, harming technical-economic potential and creating huge price inflation for industrial products and food. Villagers earned just $10 (in equivalent) while agriculture occupied 10 percent of GDP (the agro-industrial complex accounted for almost 30 percent over all). This inspired the state to revive and develop villages.

Sure footing The Presidential Decree of February 6th, ‘On Measures of Further Development for Agricultural Production’ launched post-Soviet rural revival. Agricultural companies were reorganised and joint stock companies were set up. In 2000, it became necessary to realise organisational, economic and social efforts through the adoption of an agro-industrial development programme (for 2001-2005). A period of sustainable development began, aiming to establish and strengthen mass production. On March 25th, 2005, Decree #150 was signed: ‘On the State Programme for Rural Revival and Development for 2005-2010’. Its focus was economic development and raising standards of living, with the accent on intensified production and sci-tech innovation. By 2007, Agriculture and Food Ministry enterprise exports had exceeded $1bln annually (up from $234m in 2002). Belarus topped the CIS in terms of meat consumption, and was second for milk. The key task of the present state programme for rural sustainable development (2011-2015) is to further improve the agroindustrial complex.

Modern Talking, or classics for cows Around 50 years ago, the average grain harvest in Belarus was around 9 centners per hectare; in 1970, it reached 17 centners, while Ukraine’s southern regions amazed the USSR with a record

while staff wear snow-white uniforms and use high-tech equipment. Belarus is running modern milk-commodity farms. In 2013, former Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Prokopovich noted, “If we had the opportunity to keep 2.5m cows — as in 1992 — and each provided 5,000 litres of milk, we’d face no

The Agriculture and Food Ministry’s enterprises export to 46 countries. Meat and meat products are sold to the CIS, Georgia, Korea, Hong Kong, and Spain, while milk and dairy products are supplied to Vietnam, Venezuela, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, China, Lithuania, Mongolia, the Netherlands, the UAE and Singapore 30 centners. Few would have believed that sovereign Belarus could enjoy such harvests and some of its farms even boasted 100 centners per hectare. Significant changes in cattle breeding have been observed over the past two decades. Classical music is played,

economic problems at all.” In any case, the task of reaching $7bln of food exports (against the present $5.8bln) no longer looks impossible. Our cheeses, yoghurts, sour cream and other dairy foods are well known abroad and enjoy growing demand.

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Belta

LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | LAND AND VILLAGE

Hothouse conditions for success Ten years ago, the Government provided guarantees (to a bank) for loans spent on constructing winter energy saving hothouses. Each farm had an individual project and sometimes needed to lay separate transmission lines, to reconstruct boilers and to lay additional heat pipelines. Results were prompt: average crop yields at such hothouses are not less than in the EU and some Belarusian farms are already growing melons and watermelons. Private farmers aren’t lagging behind: famous Stolin-grown cucumbers are sold in spring — both in Belarus and in Russia’s Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Cities close fields Belarus now has over 1,500 agrotowns, with attractive multi-coloured houses; they are a new type of rural settlement, and a wonderful way for specialists to work in villages. Welldeveloped, with production and social infrastructure, they have gas and water supply systems, asphalt roads and public transport links to district

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and regional centres. Agro-towns have shops, kindergartens, schools, sporting sites, hospitals and cultural establishments. Moreover, we are building Belarusian-style agro-towns in Venezuela, Kazakhstan and Russia, with Azerbaijan and the SAR showing interest. Famous French actor Gérard Depardieu has called our agro-town construction ‘unique within Europe’.

Science and engineering for rural areas Energy efficient tractors ten times stronger than ordinary machinery are already commonplace in our fields. Gomel and Lida harvesters are impressive, no matter where you live or what you’ve seen in life! Production of grain drying machinery was mastered in Belarus in 1995, developed by Amkodor jointly with the National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific-Production Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, and with the Belarusian National Technical University. In addition, 379 new varieties of plant have joined the state register this year — including 68 of domestic

selection. Overall, the register features 4,519 varieties (as of early 2015) including 1,110 bred by our specia lists. Nano-technologies are part of the agro-industrial complex: new nutrients, growth stimulators, bio-chips, and photo-glass for hothouses. Meanwhile, machinery is being built to last, using durable materials and coatings.

Rural tourism along festival avenue Agro-ecotourism is becoming one of the most attractive ways of holidaying in Belarus, for residents and foreign guests. It’s fashionable to enjoy the environment, go hunting or fishing, find out about cultural traditions and make your own Belarusian souvenirs. Agro-mansion hosts, farmers, craftsmen and representatives of tourist businesses are uniting in clusters to offer a wide range of services, unique tourist proposals and their own ‘brands’. Over 2,000 agro-mansions already operate countrywide, generating thousands of new jobs, developing infrastructure and promoting Belarus’ image. By Maxim Osipov

mutually beneficial neighbourhood

Fish swimming to the east Bryansk and Mogilev Regions working together for the benefit of their economies lifts has become more organised and efficient, less expensive and more beneficial for the municipal budget. Where old lift equipment was previously taken for scrap, for example, it is now reused in situ or taken for spare parts as appropriate. Under the current budget, more elevators can be replaced than was initially planned. At present, 300 lifts in Bryansk alone require urgent replacement. Those from Mogilev have agreed with their Russian colleagues that in the near future a replacement programme will be developed. Belarusian specialists have experience of this issue since a similar problem with outdated lifts in Tula has already been dealt with. Agricultural workers in Bryansk Region also need a large fleet of machinery, in particular, that produced by Bobruiskagromash JSC: mowing and baling machines. It’s not economical to bring these from Belarus, so a decision has been made to manufacture these goods on the premises of Bryanskselmash —

By Pavel Michenko

Goods turnover of Belarus and Bryansk Region, mln. dollars

1741+ 87+ 85+ 0 2005

2009

a joint venture with the Belarusian company Gomselmash. Initially, a section will be allocated for technical assembly. There are further plans to set up a joint enterprise, with some of the components being produced locally. The aim is that the first vehicle should leave the factory in September. Bryansk Region is also keen to farm fish. They have decided to purchase a trial batch of 300 tonnes of newly hatched trout to farm in Gorki. The project is ripe for serious development. The Russians are aware that there are not enough trout farms in Mogilev Region and have asked for costings for the whole enterprise. If they’re satisfied, they will ask Belarusians to construct a similar facility in Bryansk Region. There are also plans for Mogilev specialists to take part in the implementation of a range of construction programmes in Bryansk Region, building houses and roads.

170

412,5

2012

873

2014

850

Nadezhda Ponkratova

delegation from Mogilev area, headed by the Chairman of Mogilev Regional Executive C ommittee, Vladimir Domanevsky, has returned from Bryansk with good news. The partners have confirmed that the economies of the two regions should move forward cooperatively, agreeing to implement various projects, which will bring benefits to both sides. According to the Chairman of Mogilev Regional Executive Committee’s Economic section, Ruslan Strakhar, new developments are assisting pre-existing businesses as well. The Bryansklift lift servicing company, previously trading on a small scale in Bryansk, has been remodelled to form the larger company Bryanskliftmash JV in partnership with Mogilevliftmash JSC. Mogilev-made lifts have been supplied to Bryansk in the past but in a piecemeal manner. The new enterprise is streamlined whilst employing more workers because of it’s increased trading. The replacement of

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Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

Belta

The 2nd BelarusRussia Forum of Regions to demonstrate industrial potential of the Union State

Direct ties enjoy reliability

rom September 17th-18th, Sochi will warmly welcome the 2nd Belarus-Russia Forum of Regions, featuring at least 30 Russian Federation regions — including Moscow and St. Petersburg — and all those of Belarus, including Minsk. Co-ordination of the Union State’s industrial policy is high on the agenda, with the topic to be discussed by our Belarusian and Russian presidents, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin. The forum aims to create more comfortable conditions for developing diverse economic relations between our two fraternal countries, while concluding business agreements and contracts.

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The forum promotes the exchange of opinions and considered decisions, held under the patronage of the Belarusian and Russian parliaments’ upper chambers, with active participation of the Standing Committee of the Union State. Naturally, the most important aspects of co-operation are discussed — primarily, relating to the economy. At the 1st Forum of Regions, hosted by Minsk in 2014, representatives of 19 Russian regions, and all Belarusian regions, took part, looking especially at the agro-industrial complex, to ensure food safety across the Union State. This year, the Sochi meeting is focusing on closer co-ordination of Be-

larusian and Russian industrial policy. Of course, diverse practical steps need to be taken. The State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, believes the Sochi event will be held at the highest level. “It’s great to hold a forum so devoted to interaction between regions; no other such of the kind exists. It’s a great venue for representatives to meet, to discuss topical problems and to take decisions. We always see the signing of agreements between regions, as well as between Russian regions and the Belarusian Government. Industrial co-operation is a regional responsibility — primarily, in the field of machine building. There are joint facilities in

Russia involved in assembling tractors, tools and micro-electronics, just as joint tool building factories also operate in Belarus.” Naturally, industrialists from Belarus and Russia plan to fully demonstrate their capabilities in Sochi, as they recently discussed at a selector meeting for representatives of Belarusian regions, ministries and agencies. The Chairman of the Belarusian National Assembly’s Council of the Republic, Mikhail Myasnikovich, headed the event. He said, “Belarus enjoys a unique chance to seriously demonstrate its private sector achievements, including in the sphere of services. Our country will certainly conclude new agreements and contracts.” Such plans are the result of Belarusian-Russian economic relations, supported by the Union State. The Eurasian Economic Space (with Armenia and Kazakhstan among its members) is opening further doors to co-operative expansion. New contracts should raise exports: vital to Belarus’ economic wellbeing. The Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic, Anatoly Rusetsky, underlines, “The forum will mainly focus on regional aspects of the Union State’s industrial policy, with three thematic sections: on our two states’ experience in realising major industrial policy tasks; on the powers of Belarusian and Russian authorities in realising industrial policy, and their experience; and on the role of Union State programmes in realising structural industrial policy and development of interregional collaboration and co-operative ties.” He continues, “With this in mind, a large scale exhibition of products made by Belarus’ major industrial enterprises is to launch; it’s currently being prepared by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, ministries, agencies, regional executive committees and concrete enterprises. In addition, BelAZ, MAZ, MTZ and Amkodor — well known in Russia — will demonstrate

their achievements. Gomselmash will present its newest harvesters and Mogilevliftmash will show its new lifts. The list goes on. Moreover, wood processing and oil processing industry goods are being demonstrated and there will be a display of the latest sci-tech achievements. A fair is to be held — selling Belarusian food and consumer goods: meat

The forum, devoted to interaction between regions, is a great venue for representatives to meet, to discuss topical problems and to take decisions and dairy products, sausages, footwear, clothes and textiles. Heads of companies and authorities will hold meetings. The task is not merely to increase our turnover but to strengthen production co-operation. We hope to sign at least $100m of business contracts and around 15 agreements on inter-regional co-operation.” “We can assert that the forum helps our Belarusian and Russian economies gain mutual penetration, building on their historical ties,” emphasises Mr. Rusetsky. “Over half of Belarusian exports are purchased by Russia while Belarus’ share in Russian foreign trade is large. The Central, Privolzhsky, Uralsky, and Northern-Western federal districts, in addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg, occupy leading positions in Russia’s mutual economic co-operation with Belarus. However, Belarus understands that it must defend its niche: any new contract envisages improving quality, and promoting new products.” Mr. Rusetsky continues, “We’ve long been working on the Russian market

and have noticed that, recently, some factors have emerged which significantly hamper our conditions of access: Russia’s (and Kazakhstan’s) joining of the WTO is having serious impact, as are sanctions imposed by some states on Russia and its response measures to protect the domestic market. In this respect, we’d like to attract attention at the forum to the efficiency of strengthening co-operative ties and of creating joint Belarusian-Russian import-substitution produce. Several decisions have been made within the Union State, aimed at establishing closer interaction between our two states’ industrial complexes. This work continues, as we enjoy huge potential in this sphere. The Eurasian Economic Union is giving a new outlook on the Union State’s role. Sadly, the Union has failed to settle all issues of industrial co-operation and, accordingly, must continue with these processes.” The heads of Belarusian regions are bringing a package of proposals to Sochi, with Brest Region presenting its high quality meat and dairy products, knitwear and cotton fabrics. Dialogue with heads of Pskov Region and YamaloNenets Autonomous Region continues, with co-operative agreements ready to be signed. Various plans indicate that the forum of Regions is inspiring further development of mutual relations in the field of industrial co-operation and in other areas important for Belarus and Russia. By Vladimir Bibikov

 Almost 3,000 organisations with Russian investments operate in Belarus, accounting for $800m of investment in total. At present, there are around 20 investment projects with Russian capital. Meanwhile, over 1,000 companies with Belarusian investments are operating in Russia.

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Keeping honour alive The meeting of cadets from the Union State was held in Belarus

‘F

or Honour of the Fatherland!’ was the motto of the civic event, which was displayed under the banner of the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory over German fascism. From September 3rd to the 21st, Zubrenok National Children’s Centre hosted more than 430 young boys and girls who were students of cadet classes and colleges throughout the Union State. 252 of them arrived from Crimea, Karelia, Moscow, Pskov, Volgograd and other regions and republics of Russia, 180 from Minsk and all regions of Belarus. Union State Day was the main focus of the camp. The programme of events included meetings with well-known people whose deeds strengthen the integration of Belarus and Russia, as well as the discussion of achievements and prospects of

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co-operation between the two countries. Each delegation aspired to show the features and opportunities of their region, its rich history and contribution to Union State development. Children demonstrated their knowledge of military history and military science, participated in the sports game ‘Hurricane’, competed in relay races in running, swimming and grenade throwing for accuracy and range. Young patriots also visited the updated museum of history of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk and toured the capital. The cadet camp has been in Zubrenok was held in Belarus for the 9th time since 2007; traditionally students from Minsk Suvorov Military School participate. In total, about 3,500 of boys and girls from Russia and Belarus took part. It is one of the major activities financed and held under the aegis of the Standing Committee

of the Union State. The Head of the Information Department at the Committee, Margarita Levchenko, explained the enormous value of such work, “The military elite has always been one of strongholds of both Russia and Belarus. The education of the people in protection of the Fatherland is a task of state importance. The development of the cadet movement and the preservation of Suvorov movement in Belarus and Russia is the sign of a respectful attitude to military men that provides stability and ensures the peaceful future of the Union State.” At the same time as the cadet meeting was taking place in Zubrenok, deputies from the House of Representatives of the Belarusian Parliament, representatives of the Standing Committee of the Union State, experts of some ministries and departments responsible for youth education and heads of various public organisations met in Minsk to discuss the civic and patriotic education of the youth of Belarus and Russia. Journalists invited by the Standing Committee also took part in the discussion. Margarita Levchenko noted during the discussion the importance of reinforcing the moral and ideological thinking behind the cadet groups. “At the heart of this co-operation lies a historic consciousness, a feeling of patriotism and readiness to fulfil ones civic duty. The Union State Standing Committee attaches a great deal of importance to this. As well as the camp, there is also a festival entitled, ‘Youth for the Union State’, tourist events filled with patriotic elements and cycle races for Belarus' and Russia's boys and girls, and many other things.” The participants of press were shown how civic-patriotic education works in practice, as they visited the Minsk secondary school #2. They also visited Minsk Suvorov Military School, where over 90 percent of graduates will continue their studies in military institutions of higher education, including Russia's. By Vladimir Yakovlev

Genes will reveal all Criminalists and medics wait for new Union programme

ur genes contain the information able to help us solve tasks earlier deemed impossible, especially in the fields of medicine and criminology. Belarusian and Russian scientists have already conducted major work and the new DNA-Identification Union Programme aims to unite their efforts and potential further. Launching at the beginning of 2016, notes the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, it will receive 3 billion Russian Roubles from the Union State budget over a period of five years. Returns are expected to be considerable: for criminologists, doctors and, of course, geneticists.

Criminals found by scent We know that it’s impossible to commit a crime without leaving any biological trace, since DNA can be extracted from a droplet of saliva, blood or sweat. Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Irma Mosse, who heads human genetics at the Belarusian NAS Institute of Genetics and Cytology, says that 75 percent of our characteristics are determined by our

genes: our appearance, character, health and intellectual and physical abilities. DNA-technologies can easily be used to tell our sex, age, skin and eye colour, and ethnicity. One of the initiators of the programme is the Investigating Committee of Russia, which wishes to use DNA analysis to help in solving crime. Two recent high-profile cases in the Russian Federation used DNA to help find those responsible. Following an act of terrorism in Domodedovo, the remains of the suicide bomber were used to identify his ethnicity. This information allowed investigators to locate his likely place of residence and his accomplices. Meanwhile, a murderer in Tomsk was identified by biological traces left on his victim. Belarusian criminologists have their own methods of DNA-identification, as do the Russians, for example, in defining age. The new Union programme aims to encourage information exchange with the State Committee of Court Expertise of Belarus and between the Investigating Committees of our two countries. A single database of genetic data is to be created, covering all ethnicities living in

The NAS Institute of Genetics and Cytology is ready for implementation of a new Union programme

Russia and Belarus. Of course, our border is always open. The Director of the Vavilov Institute of General Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Biological Sciences Nikolay Yankovsky, explains that the database should help investigators in narrowing down their search for suspects. DNA samples can even be used to define the birthplace of a criminal, down to their individual settlement. Naturally, a huge amount of data is needed and previous efforts have only been fragmentary. The finished database will cover all regions of Russia and Belarus. The Investigating Committee is sure to find uses for it in its daily work. According to the Deputy Head of the Central Administrative Board of Crimi-

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Our genes contain the information able to help us solve tasks earlier deemed impossible, especially in the fields of medicine and criminology nology, of the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation, Sergey Ryabov, within five to seven years, the Union State will be among the world leaders in applying genetic research to criminology. He describes the new programme as using ‘innovative gene-geographical and genomic technologies to identify personality and individual characteristics, from the gene pools of Union State regions’.

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Step to ideal medicine The second major direction of the DNA-Identification Programme is application in medical practice. Nobody doubts the need to treat patients individually, by personalising medicine, and adopting preventive measures by identifying those most-likely, genetically, to suffer from particular diseases.

Genetic analysis is essential, as Prof. Mosse explains. The NAS Institute of Genetics and Cytology is liaising with the Belarusian Scientific and Practical Centre of Cardiology in treating cardiovascular diseases, sharing information on why some patients react badly to certain medications (such as blood thickening and thrombosis, or blood thinning). Such matters are vital during heart transplant surgery, having grave consequences. Accordingly, scientists are defining genotypes linked to certain reactions, to determine medication suitability and dosage. In deciphering the human genome, the prospects for medicine are vast. Sports genetics are developing in Belarus and Russia, since athletes bring prestige. Parents can discover whether their child has sporting potential at the NAS Institute of Genetics and Cytology, by finding out if the child's body can cope with surplus loading. The genetics of intelligence are still little understood but are receiving attention. Prof. Mosse is sure that, in the future, it will be possible to define the abilities of a child from the earliest age: their propensity towards science, the arts, performance or cooking. No preference is random! Resistance to stress can also be explored genetically, which is important both for athletes (who have enormous physical and emotional stress during competitions) and for those in demanding jobs: divers, rescuers and cosmonauts. Genetics will be able to reveal psychoemotional qualities, such as levels of aggression, temper, courage, and ability to resist stress. Results will help show who is most suitable for ‘dangerous’ jobs. By Yulia Vasilishina

 The DNA-Identification Union Programme 2016-2020 covers ten directions of research: five in the field of medicine and the same for criminology.

MAZ moves to Urals Belarus-made buses gaining popularity in Russian cities

o far, the Union State has realised two sci-tech programmes in diesel automobile and engine building. Several years have passed but the results are still being seen, such as at Minsk’s Automobile Works, with bus production. Apart from making vehicles which run on traditional diesel fuel, the plant is developing eco-friendly engines. In 2013, the first passenger bus running on gas came into production. Its environmentally-friendly characteristics have helped attract business proposals, leading to the Minsk buses launching on the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Not long ago, several were supplied to Yekaterinburg. It helps that the Union State promotes equal economic conditions for Belarusian and Russian companies. The Minsk Automobile Works’ Deputy Chief Designer, Vasily Vladytsky, comments, “Russia is allocating funds

to purchase gas-fuelled vehicles, so ours are enjoying popularity there. Under this scheme, we’ve supplied a large batch to Yekaterinburg: around 60 second generation MAZ-203 buses. In addition, our plant is completing tests of the MAZ-103 (previous generation) which runs on methane. There’s a great deal of potential demand for these vehicles; in particular, Voronezh is interested in buying them.” MAZ plans to produce even more advanced machinery and is now completing tests of a new bus meeting the newest Euro-6 standards. Simultaneously, a bus running on methane (to the same eco-standard) is being produced, with the company planning to promote it to the European market, in addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The new MAZ trolley buses have even lower impact on the environment, being able to travel 20km without over-

head power and without emitting harmful fumes. Already acknowledged ‘best in the CIS, they've been demonstrated at international forums in Moscow and St. Petersburg, arousing much interest among Belarusian and Russian transport specialists. An electro-bus is next in line, aiming to be extremely eco-friendly, using accumulator batteries instead of combustion engines. Mr. Vladytsky explains, “Design of an electro-bus is our newest project. So far, we’ve prepared only the technical documentation but we understand that we must move quickly to find sales markets, aiming to produce a prototype by spring 2016.” Minsk Automobile Works produces 17 models of passenger vehicle, with dozens of modifications. It will present its newest achievements at the 2nd Forum of Belarusian and Russian Regions, in Sochi, from September 17th-18th. Numerous meetings with representatives of Russian regional and city administrations have been held, with agreements signed to supply Belarusian passenger vehicles: to Moscow, Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg. This year, as part of its community work, MAZ presented youngsters with a new school bus, which is safe, comfortable and spacious. By Sergey Vladimirov

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Warm house in Antarctica With Russians’ help, Belarusian polar researchers are to receive their own station

ust a few years ago, Belarus set an ambitious task: to gain a foothold on the coldest continent — Antarctica. At the moment, preparations are almost complete for the next (eighth) Belarusian Antarctic expedition. Importantly, for the first time, it will be accommodated at its own station. In late 2015 and early 2016, three residential and research sections for the first module are to be shipped to Vechernyaya Gora, enabling Belarus to conduct its national Antarctic expeditions all year round. Over past years, joint results have been achieved with Russia, with co-operation over a wide range of spheres — including sharing advice on routine matters. However, Belarusian expeditions have now ceased at the Russian polar station. Interestingly, the first modules of the Belarusian station are being shipped to the sixth continent by Russian vessels and planes, with issues of delivery discussed in Minsk by heads of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences and Russia’s Institute of the Arctic and Antarctic. The cost of shipment is a key issue. All previous supplies to the remote and

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inhospitable corner of Earth were realised with the help of Russian colleagues, who oversaw the logistics. Now, it’s necessary to deliver three sections (each of 20 foot container size) from St. Petersburg to Cape Town by sea. The Chairman of the Belarusian National Academy’s Presidium, Vladimir Gusakov, is convinced that no problems are insurmountable, saying, “We’ll ship new modules to gain a strong foothold on the sixth continent. I don’t think this will be extremely expensive. The price is such that the Academy of Sciences can cover it.” So far, no exact costs have been announced, as there are many variables, as the head of the Belarusian Antarctic expedition, Alexey Gaidashov, notes. Weather and ice can influence the cost and there is no commercial profit to balance expenditure. At present, Belarusian-Russian Antarctic collaboration is based on an intergovernmental agreement signed at the highest level. Mr. Gaidashov explains, “A Russian delegation has arrived to define a mutually beneficial variant and we’re liaising in the international sphere, to gain support at international forums where

decisions on the Antarctic are made. It’s vitally important. Largely due to such interaction, Belarus has received approval from the global Antarctic community to construct its own station. Russia’s help in preparing an assessment of this station’s influence on the environment has played a decisive role.” The first three containers being delivered to the Belarusian station have been produced at a Belarusian enterprise, using domestic technologies and mostly from local materials. The polar houses are cheaper than those imported and will be able to protect researchers from strong frosts and winds, ensuring comfort. According to Mr. Gaidashov, the three containers will form the station’s first module but, in the coming five years, 8-10 similar modules will be shipped to Antarctica. Construction of a polar station will become a key point in the national programme for Antarctic studies (running from 2016-2020 and until 2025). Belarusian specialists will work near the 61st Russian Antarctic expedition, just 27km away from Vechernyaya Mountain (at Molodezhnaya Station). By Vladimir Fiodorov

The bridge of friendship — is a book Writers of Belarus and Russia work together on new joint projects

n both Belarus and Russia, September is marked by the symbol of a book. The authoritative forum — the Day of the Belarusian Written Language — was held in the ancient town of Shchuchin in Grodno Region during the first weekend of autumn. It was the tenth time it has been held, and a large delegation of Russian writers, publishers and journalists attended the festival. They take part in the Consonance ‘round table’ meeting during which new Russian-Belarusian projects are discussed. “During the ‘round table’ we discussed a wide range of problems: the issue of thick magazines and the place of literature in society,” Yuri Kozlov, Editor-in-chief of Roman-newspaper explained. “I spoke about the idea of a collection of modern Belarusian prose in Roman-newspaper. The idea was well received and several authors have already expressed their interest. If the project takes place, it will be useful both for Belarus, and for Russian readers. Events similar to the Day of Belarusian

Writing, give hope that both Belarus and Russia will remain the most well read countries.” Another Russian visitor, Georgy Pryakhin, the Director of the Khudozhestvennaya Literatura Publishing House, commented that most of all he liked the nature of the discussion. “It was not snobbish or showy, but sincere and serious conversation about co-operation. I have brought the whole library of books from the Khudozhestvennaya Literatura Publishing House to Belarus. I also put forward the initiative to issue a literary miscellany with the best works of all the participants on the 10th anniversary of our forum. The great Russian literature has Belarusian roots. To recollect Dostoevsky and even Gorky... Alexey Karlyukevich, the Director of the Zvyazda Publishing House, and I want to prepare a book about Russian writers connected with Belarus.” It is a well-known truth that literature is a spiritual bridge between cultures. The international literary competition of young Belarusian and Russian writers of the Union State is called the Bridge of Friendship. Its laureates can see their works in the Literary Almanac, which is published with the support of the Standing Committee of the Union State. Works are included in both the original and in translation. “Not every country can be proud of having such a significant body of literature. Russia and Belarus have it. I would like to encourage the young authors of this collection not to give up their creative efforts, to go forward, to believe in themselves,” this is how the State Secretary of the Union State, Grigory Rapota, completed his preface to the literary miscellany. The book containing the works of the winners of the competition Bridge of Friendship was displayed at one of stands on the Day of Belarusian Writing. While the festival in Shchuchin has gradually led to another book event, the Moscow international book fair, where Belarusians were already welcome guests. They never leave the exhibition without gifts and awards. This time, Belarusian publishers received the Grand Prix for the wonderful volume Castle Belarus and several diplomas in other categories. While numerous visitors were examining stands rich with the literary novelties of the Moscow exhibition, the discussion Belarus-Russia: A General View of the Future was continuing in the Business and cultural complex of Belarus' embassy in Moscow. For more than two hours well-known writers, publishers, diplomats and heads of media holdings of both countries held talks. “Together with our Russian colleagues, we have already implemented many publishing projects,” noted Lilia Ananich, the Minister of Information of Belarus. “But today it would not be right to speak only about a book. It is very important that the history of Belarus and Russia stands behind all this. Historical roots feed today's strategic partnership, our Union State is developing dynamically and has become an example for other integration processes in the CIS.” By Lyudmila Ivanova

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MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL COOPERATION

Belarusian food products firmly occupy their niche — not only at the domestic market but abroad

Where milk rivers flow

nexpensive and of premium quality, with some produced under strict Soviet regulations, Belarusian food products enjoy great export success. Our reporter investigates the source of Belarusian milk, visiting Shipyany-ASK Republican Unitary Enterprises, which specialises in meat and milk production. The enterprise also has agricultural interests, as is common in the livestock business. ASK believes that science and practice go hand to hand, mutually supplementing each other. Long ago, it began hosting the National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific-Practical Centre Republican Unitary Enterprise. As a result, Shipyany-ASK is at the heart of Belarusian seed development. Elite seeds are tested here, then sold countrywide. In addition, the first Belarusian seed plant is operational on its premises, using innovative technologies of seed drying and processing. Milk products are the key and, with this in mind, Shipyany-ASK completed construction of a major modern milk-

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commodity complex at the end of 2014; there are few similar in Belarus. It indicates that a farm is operating at a new level — including cattle breeding and managerial duties. New jobs are being taken mostly by young people, with milking staff aged 21-30. They enjoy good salaries (as worthily rival those earned in the capital). Once the complex is fully equipped and operational, salaries should rise. Maria Smyk — who heads the company — proudly admits, “Young people are attracted not only by our high salaries but by our convenient working schedule; employees have a day off every four days or two days off after eight days of working. Meanwhile, there’s no more hard labour of carrying buckets by hand.” Comfortable working conditions can be very attractive. Employees have access to showers and a room in which to eat their meals. During field work, combine drivers and animal breeders are provided with hot meals free of charge, and are taken to their workplace by bus.

Maria joined the company after graduating from a higher educational establishment, being employed as part of her obligatory student distribution. She explains, “I thought I’d work for a year or two but have chosen to remain here ever since. I’ve headed the farm and have worked as a livestock specialist but now head the new complex. We also have a man among our milkers; in fact, scientists have proven that cows are more obedient towards men and provide milk more eagerly, so it shouldn’t be surprising.” In confirmation, Maria recollects her student internship in the Czech Republic, where men were commonly employed on dairy farms. Belarus’ stereotype of milking being a female profession needs to be broken. In 2014, average milk yield (per cow) stood at 7,828kg; the ambitious target is now 8,500kg, requiring all reserves and scientific innovations to be used. As specialists assert, milk yield depends on the standard of forage, so research is being undertaken into making this as high quality as is possible. Pleasingly, the complex uses high quality forage: vital to successful milk production. As the saying goes: ‘Cows have their milk on their tongues’. With this in mind, it’s important to store enough forage for the whole year, and to ensure that standards meet European norms. By Piotr Ivanov

DESCENDANTS OF FRANcySK SKaRYNA

With new books into new season Belarusian book publishers bring great premieres to Moscow

he Moscow International Book Trade Fair took place at the Exhibition of Economic Achievements, bringing together 400 Russian and foreign publishers, from 30 countries. Belarus demonstrated its produce in pavilion #75, over 48sq.m, displaying the country’s best editions: artistic, educational, children’s, popular science and reference-encyclopaedic. Minsk book publishers have been taking part in Moscow book forums since 1977 but, this year, dedicated their exposition to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory. Among those at the event this year are Belarus Publishing House, Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House, Zvyazda

Alexander Karlyukevich, the Director of Zvyazda Publishing House, presents new books

Publishing House, and Yakub Kolas Polygraphic Factory. On show were works by winners of the International Patriotic Poster Contest for the CIS Youth, held under the slogan ‘We Appreciate Peace’. The Information Ministry of Belarus initiated the contest, and its head, Lilia Ananich, opened the Belarusian exposition. Ms. Ananich stated, “As is traditional, Belarus is here in Moscow for a book trade fair, not only to present its new editions but to develop creative contacts. The vital aim is to promote the creation of wonderful books. Many of our projects are possible thanks to cooperation and financial assistance from the Government of Moscow. We’ve brought landmark editions to this year’s event, dedicated to the history of our state and its modern day life, its culture and art, its present and future…”

The Director of Zvyazda Publishing House, Alexander Karlyukevich, tells us, “We’re presenting a range of new books, including two almanacs: Consonance. Belarus-Moscow; and Consonance. Belarus-St. Petersburg. These include works by prose writers, poets and literary critics, from our Belarusian capital, and from the two Russian capitals. In my opinion, these works perfectly characterise literary processes within the Union State. Deserving of mention is The Great Patriotic War in Photography, by V.I. Arkashev: an edition filled with over 500 original photographs on military and household themes, from 70 years ago. All were taken by military photo reporter Vasily Arkashev and have been stored at the Belarusian State Archive of Films, Photographs and Sound Recordings.”

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PARALLELS

Classical writers exchanging addresses There may appear to be no link between Yakub Kolas and Fiodor Dostoevsky apart from them both being classical writers. This hasn’t stopped the heads of the Yakub Kolas State Literary and Memorial Museum in Minsk and the F.M. Dostoevsky Literary and Memorial Museum in St. Petersburg, in their plan to work on a co-operative project based on the two characters.

his At the Crossroads trilogy: copies of manuscripts, illustrations, his life-time editions, extracts from films devoted to this work… an exhibition of personal belongings of the People’s Writer of Belarus will be held at the Dostoevsky House, including his revered dip pen,” notes Zinaida Komarovskaya, who has headed the Yakub Kolas Literary and Memorial Museum for twenty five years. Twice a year museum employees allow visitors to dip the pen into ink and write down a wish, which must inevitably come true. Ms. Komarovskaya believes that the exhibition dedicated to Dostoevsky’s creative activity will be of great interest to the Belarusian audience. During her recent visit to the museum of the Russian writer she was greatly impressed with the wonderful exhibition at the

Belta

Mr. Karlyukevich stresses that the album contains several little-known photos by wonderful Russian poet Alexander Tvardovsky, who served in the war years with the Third Belarusian Front newspaper. It was there that he first published his famous poem Vasily Terkin. Judging from previous trade fairs, we can say that educational literature enjoys great demand. This time, Pachatkovaya Shkola Publishing House brought several of its novelties to the Russian capital. Its Castle Belarus album was among the main highlights, presented by the Information Ministry of Belarus and Yakub Kolas Polygraphic Factory. Meanwhile, gourmets will be delighted to peruse Belarus Publishing House’s Belarusian National Cuisine. By Alexander Borisevich

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he director of the St. Petersburg museum, Natalia Ashimbaeva, noted the parallels that do exist between the writers, in particular the acknowledged special ‘deep kinship’ they shared. It’s known that Yakub Kolas (Konstantin Mitskevich) appreciated and admired the creativity of Dostoevsky. In his letter to S.M. Gorodetsky, for example, he wrote: ‘There’s no writer in the world whose talent is greater than that of Dostoevsky’. There are already plans for next year to exhibit materials about Dostoevsky and his creative activity in Minsk, while residents of St. Petersburg will be able to visit an exhibition dedicated to Yakub Kolas. “I think we’ll bring poetry and prose by Yakub Kolas to the city over the Neva River. It’s likely that it will be

classical writer’s restored flat, displayed as if a performance is being staged. The head of the Belarusian museum believes that even those who are not familiar with Dostoevsky’s heritage would feel the need to read his Demons and Brothers Karamazov after visiting. Acquaintance with Dostoevsky classes organised by the St. Petersburg museum for senior school children and students, has aroused special interest. These are not one off lectures, but rather fully-fledged museum lessons taken over the whole academic year. The participants take exams and receive certificates. They can be subsequently employed with the museum or continue their work as volunteers. The Yakub Kolas Literary and Memorial Museum also liaises with other Russian cultural institutions.

Vitaliy Pivovachik

WORD WAS THE MAIN THING

Holiday held on major scale and with great success Ancient Shchuchin hosts the 22nd Day of Belarusian Written Language, with baton being next passed to Gomel Region’s Rogachev

his year, a bright poster was released especially for the holiday — featuring a bronze monument to the legendary poetess, Tetka, erected in the town. L o ok i ng at t ho s e posters, it created a certain atmosphere for the event, which saw a visit by Information Minister Lilia Ananich. Shchuchin has become more beautiful of late, as Ms. Ananich mentioned to the press, expressing her admiration, and her hope that the holiday will continue to grow in scale and success. As has become traditional, the festival opened with an artistic theme: Road to the Shrines. On September 5th, the

Lilia Ananich:

At present, Belarus has 470 publishers, showing our love of literature. Over the past six months, almost 5,300 books have been released, although with smaller circulations than we might expect. However, state publishing houses have not slowed down their pace, accounting for 10-11 percent of the total number of editions.

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WORD WAS THE MAIN THING

Shchuchin’s atmosphere was festive

ninth international round table discussion was organised: Consonance of Literary Processes and Informational Society. In addition to the Shchuchin Readings conference, other major events included the Flourish, Our Native Belarus concert performance, on September 6th, and celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Victory and the Year of Youth. Shchuchin, for the first time, hosted the National Literary Awards, with seven Belarusian writers receiving recognition. Symbolically, after the Day of Belarusian Written Language, Belarus took part in Moscow’s International Exposition, where the results of the Art of Books CIS contest were announced. The Grand Prix will go to Castle Belarus. On the festival’s opening day, Nesterka bookshop cafe opened in town — becoming the first in the country to offer refreshments as you read, inviting you to linger. The launch attracted children and parents in large numbers. In addition, Grodnosoyuzpechat opened a pavilion selling printed editions and Belarusian-made stationery for schoolchildren. Drutsky-Lyubetsky Palace has been recently renovated, as has Tetka

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Library and as have some other sites. The Palace is to host a children’s arts school, with young residents gaining the opportunity to learn more while surrounded by beauty and comfort. Shchuchin’s atmosphere was festive and its programme rich — including thematic book, newspaper, poster and photo exhibitions, presentations of new books by Belarusian writers, and opportunities for readers to meet

authors. There was also a youth literary competition, a flashmob, sporting events, works by local craftsmen, and master classes in the art of vytinanka (open lacework using paper). The 22nd Day of Belarusian Written Language ended with the ceremony of the passing of the baton, a concert of art masters and wonderful fireworks. By Mikhalina Cherkashina

Day of Belarusian Written Language Polotsk (1994, 2003)

Postavy (2006) Glubokoe (2012)

Smorgon (2009)

Borisov (2008)

Zaslavl (2000, 2014) Shchuchin (2015)

The 22nd Day of Belarusian Written Language was held on September 6th, in Shchuchin, the home town of famous Belarusian poetess Tetka (Aloiza Pashkevich).

Mir (2002) Nesvizh (1997)

Novogrudok (1996)

Bykhov (2013)

Orsha (1998) Shklov (2007)

Mstislavl (2001)

Gantsevichi (2011) Kamenets (2005)

Pinsk (1999)

Turov (1995, 2004) Khoiniki (2010)

For the first time this year, the holiday saw the bestowing of the National Literary Award in seven nominations, hosted by the town’s major stage venue.

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Bright palette

Uniqueness, diversity of styles, forms and movements — all this is culture of Belarus

Impressive recent cultural achievements

n the years since Belarus’ independence, its achievements c an b e measure d in millions: kilometres of film; the sand and concrete used for the restoration of the atres, mus e ums and castles; visitors to festivals and sights. In the last 25 years, the country has been enriching its intellectual and art treasures and we can sum up the results, highlighting the most significant changes that have taken place in the Belarusian culture from the 1990s to the present.

heatres. In Minsk alone, three theatres have opened after reconstruction: the Kupala Youth theatre for instance, whose troupes had to perform as guests of other theatres for several years. As a result of the reconstruction of their buildings, they have made their initial appearance on their original stage, cementing the feeling of unity between previous generations of actors and audiences. These theatres are now equipped with the newest technology, making it possible to stage performances at a global level, while attracting young actors to their troupes. Moreover, audiences are increasing and good reviews on original shows are common.

useums. The National Art Museum is gradually expanding, realising its long held aim: to establish a museum quarter between Minsk’s Karl Marx, Lenin and Kirov streets. It will organise new sites for open-air exhibitions, cafes and research establishments. The Historical Museum of Local folklore is, in turn, receiving new exhibits. Just several years ago, the Slutsk museum hadn’t even a copy of a famous Slutsk sash but, at present, it boasts an original. As a result of a state project, the production of these unique sashes has been renewed almost two hundred years after it was stopped. A great event

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for the country was the opening of a new building for the Belarusian State Great Patriotic War Museum.

astles, palaces, churches. It would take several pages to list all the places of historical and cultural heritage that have been restored and renewed in recent years. Among the most significant are the restored mansions of Adam Mickiewicz in Zaosie and Tadeusz Kosciuszko in Merechevshchina. At the moment, Polotsk’s 12th century Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is being worked on and, recently, the Mir and Nesvizh castles opened after many years reconstruction; these are now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List — which has resulted in an increase of foreign tourists to the country. Several churches, destroyed in the 20th century, have been rebuilt in Vitebsk; these have significantly changed the panorama of the city’s historic centre, which now looks truly unique.

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culptures. Monuments to many figures of the national culture have been erected countrywide: these honour Frantsisk Skorina, Vseslav Polotsky, Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya, Sofia Slutskaya, Vatslav Lastovsky and Duke Algerd. It’s now also fashionable to erect street sculptures devoted to different aspects of our daily routine: among them are a sparrow, a horse, a girl with an umbrella and a smoking man. These simple images appeal to passers by and suit our clean Belarusian streets. On looking at the top of Minsk’s Privokzalnaya Square — where the ‘gates’ of the city are situated, one can see the grand sculptures of a worker, a village and a soldier. Just a decade ago, there was nothing there but now it seems as if these sculptures have been here for centuries.

ooks. In 2017, Belarus will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the first book printed by our countryman Frantsisk Skorina. A new Bible translation will be republished to mark the date and, for the first time, the ancient Polotsk and Turov gospel manuscripts are to be published. Modern prose writers, poets and playwrights are planning to publish new books and editorial houses are always looking to prepare something new and unexpected for their readers. For several decades, Adam Globus, Vladimir Stepan, Lyudmila Rublevskaya, Andrey Fedorenko, Mikhail Cherginets, Georgy Marchuk, Yugasya Kolyada,

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Andrey Khodonovich, Ales Badak and Victor Shnip have been amongst the popular Belarusian authors. Their works are also known abroad. Competitiveness and readers’ demands on writers are growing. This year, the first National Literary Award was presented at Shchuchin’s Day of the Belarusian Written Language. The construction of a new building of the National Library (in Nezavisi-

mosti Avenue) — initiated by the President — became a common goal for all Bela-

rusians. Moreover, citizens and generous foreigners made donations to ensure the national book treasury obtained a new modern building. The library, known nationally as a ‘diamond’ owing to its unusual shape, hosts the National Archives of Belarus. An observation terrace, with a wonderful panorama of the Belarusian capital is situated on its roof.

rt. Several galleries of modern art and a great number of well known names (nationally and interna-

tionally) — such as Andrey Vashkevich and Victor Alshevsky — show that Belarusians are successfully preserving the traditions of their national art school. The latter were created by our outstanding ancestors — including Valenty Vankovich, Vitold Byalynitsky-Birulya and Yazep Drozdovich. Every year, Belarus participates in a world biennale in Venice, and national forums, attracting foreign artists, are also organised regularly. This September, the Minsk-2015 Festival of Architecture was held, with masters from several dozen states as well as Belarus demonstrating their achievements. Many experts agree that Belarusian and foreign architects rival each other, confirmed by our city streets with impressive buildings: Minsk’s Palace of Independence, new trading centres, sporting grounds and residential districts in each region. Moreover, much is done in the sphere of the national cinema. Minsk’s Listapad Film Festival amazes spectators with worthy films and talented authors from all over the world.

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estivals. The International Festival of Slavonic Arts in Vitebsk has an unbroken tradition. It welcomes guests every year from Slavonic states and even further abroad, from such countries as Israel and Cuba. Vitebsk transforms annually into the cultural capital of the country. The Cultural Capital of Belarus is now an official annual event. Polotsk was the first to receive this title and, this year, Brest bears the honour. This creates an impetus for development, as funds are invested in the chosen city. The smaller festivals also bring places back to life: Dozhinki is held in small towns, medieval forums are organised in Mstislavl and Golshany, culinary events are hosted by Motol, Glubokoe, Rossony, Miory and the musical meetings of Molodechno and Mogilev are the true calling cards of Belarus. Belarusian operatic art, known globally, is well represented at the Bolshoi Theatre and the Nesvizh Castle; the latter annually hosts a festival of Minsk stars. The Minsk International Christmas Forum is organised as part of their Christmas Eve celebrations.

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ourism. Several years ago, almost 2,000 agro-mansions were established in rural areas of the country — a true breakthrough in the development of tourism. These offer traditional Belarusian style, showing their guests perfect service and local cuisine. This wave of agro-ecotourism has swept Belarus and, a supportive infrastructure is developing: new cafes, hotels and fuelling stations have opened in cities and villages, as well as along highways. Even provincial towns offer top quality accommodation for visitors and tourist companies proposes hundreds of routes in Belarus to satisfy the most demanding travellers. Minsk’s red double-decker offers an excursion along the capital’s major sights and its guides speak several European languages. In the future, similar buses might be launched in other cities, while hundreds of guides are ready to offer individual excursions countrywide. As the Head of Minsk City Executive Committee, Andrey Shorets, confirmed, in 2016, Minsk’s historical centre, the Upper

Town, will become a pedestrian zone. Zones of the kind will also be established in other cities.

atrons. In recent years, Belarus has benefited from the help of local patrons: these are firms, banks and individuals who finance cultural projects. This is common in the West but is only now spreading through our own country. Every year, the Culture Ministry honours the most generous sponsors. Works of famous artists can be brought here from abroad owing to the generosity of the donors, exhibitions of rarities are organised and new books are published. The Belarusian culture is rich and diverse and, in recent years, it has acquired new features. We are preserving our heritage and creating new literary and art works. Despite the process of globalisation, our traditions are alive and Belarusian culture will continue to thrive. Our unique independent culture is a pillar of our state. By Viktar Korbut

LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | SPORT

ts sporting sites are continually being updated, and expanded, to meet modern world standards, while those choosing to incorporate exercise into their life are growing in number. Sporting success enhances a nation’s prestige, as we realised on gaining sovereignty. Last year alone, our athletes won 558 medals and cups at various world and European championships, including at the Winter Games in Sochi. As never before, other nations are aware of Belarus. We are claiming our place on the map.

independently, as a sovereign state, in 1994, at Lillehammer, with just 33 athletes. Even then, we claimed two silver medals. For the following Games, in Atlanta, we sent 133 representatives, who won 15 medals. Our greatest success was at the summer Games, in 2008, in Beijing: four gold, five silver and ten bronze. The recent Sochi event saw our athletes bring home a record number of winter Games medals: five gold and one bronze. Meanwhile, they were placed eighth in the team standings: another record for Belarus.

tracting athletes from other countries. Constructed five years ago, it seats 15,000 and includes a sports arena, velodrome and skating rink. It has already hosted major international competitions and has been praised by participants and visitors alike.

The strongest get victory Belarus long ago acquired a reputation for being a sporting nation, achieving regular success at high level competitions and entering the top-twenty at the Olympic Games and other major international tournaments (among more than 200 countries participating) After acquiring sovereignty, despite social and economic difficulties, Belarus began focusing on sports. The National Olympic Committee was created in 1991, while the first law ‘On Physical Culture and Sports’ was adopted in 1993. Each year, the number of sports sites expands, used by amateurs and professionals alike. The first Olympic Games to be held after the collapse of the Soviet Union saw Belarusian athletes perform as part of a united CIS team. We only competed

Step by step

Such victories would never happen were it not for Belarus’ well-developed sports infrastructure: over 25,000 sports facilities. Every regional centre has its own sports palace and rink, and many towns more modest in size boast first-class sites. In recent years, towns such as Bereza, Pinsk, Molodechno and Baranovichi have gained new ice rinks. There is a new rowing base in Zhlobin, a palace of water sports in Brest, and over ten other major sites. Minsk Arena is perhaps the most grand of all Belarus’ sporting sites, at-

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On the path to success

L ast year, the countr y’s most a d v an c e d s t a d iu m y e t , B or i s ov Arena, opened its doors. Intended for 13,000 spectators, it entered the top-ten football fields constructed that year. Belarus is also famous for its training bases. Raubichi Olympic winter sports training facility

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LANDMARKS OF THE GREAT ROUTE | SPORT was revamped last year, attracting local and foreign national teams for training. The Olympic sports c ompl e x of St ai k i, n e ar Mi ns k , and the Ratomka Equestrian Centre (including horse breeding) are other iconic sites, not to mention

ever more international competitions at the highest level. Last year, we organised the World Ice Hockey Championship in Minsk at a worthy level welcoming a record number of fans: 643,434 people attended matches. The Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko, took unprecedented measures, signing a decree for visa-free entry for all participants and visitors. After the tournament, the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, René Fasel, called the Minsk championship the best to date! Over the last three years, our countr y has held two R hythmic Gymnastics European Championships, the UCI Track Cycling World Championship, the European Boxing Championship, the Biathlon Junior World Championship, the AMF Futsal World Cup, a final of the Modern Pentathlon World Cup and other major international competitions. The level of their organisation has proven that Belarus is ready to hold tournaments across a great many sporting spheres, at the highest level! A considerable number of international events have been planned for the rest of 2015: initially, the FIBA 3x3 U1 European Championship, followed by the Champions Hockey League, and the Junior Hockey League Championship. In September, Belarus hosted biathlon stars of recent years for the international festival ‘Race of Legends’.

Sports in vogue

the mountain-skiing complexes of Logoisk and Staiki, and the rowing centre in Zaslavl.

Hospitable reception Thanks to developing infrastructure and state attention towards sports, our country has been hosting

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M r. Lu k a s h e n k o c o m m e nt s , “Nothing else has the power to unite the nation, people and collectives in such a way as sport. Sport is wonderful; everyone should be involved.” Every year, the number of people taking part in sporting activities at amateur level grows in Belarus: currently 1.52 million people, or 16 percent of the population. Thousands of sports activities are held annually, with many events now tra-

ditional. One such is the All-Belarusian Track and Field Cross-country Race (organised by the Sovetskaya Belorussiya and Belorusskaya Lyzhnya newspapers). Mass sports are also developing in the country. Just a few years ago, organised cycle tracks only existed in Minsk. Today, they can be found across the regions: in Oshmyany, Gomel, Brest, B obruisk, Baranovichi and elsewhere. In winter, there are skating rinks, and places to hire bicycles, skis and skates, even in small district centres.

Medals are valued The development of sport is impossible without state support so, the B elarusian treasur y finances not only the building of sports sites but also supports various team sport clubs, and the sponsorship of young and veteran athletes, to help them in achieving victories at prestigious competitions. Generally, means are invested where results are evident, with winning athletes receiving bonuses, to encourage them onwards. Team sport clubs are obliged to be self-supporting but the state helps in directing the development of children and young people in various sports.

Victories and personalities Over the years, 75 Belarusians have won Olympic medals. Among the most notable is Yulia Nesterenko’s 100m gold, claimed in Athens in 2004. She then gained the nickname of White Lightning. Meanwhile, biathlete Darya Domracheva needs no introduction. At the Olympic Games in Sochi, she took three gold medals in personal races! An unheard of achievement! The 2012 Games, in London, saw former first seed Victoria Azarenko take bronze in the tennis singles, and gold with Maxim Mirny in the mixed doubles. By Tatiana Pastushenko

NATIONAL PARKS

Сolours for reserve forest In the second half of the 1990s, a new type of nature reserve was introduced in Belarus: national parks. Four have so far been established: the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Braslav Lakes, the Pripyatsky and the Narochansky. These territories are to be treasured, aiming to preserve our unique natural environment. Among their key tasks are scientific study, tourism and ecological education. The most titled park — the Belovezhskaya Pushcha — is no exception: it’s already on the UNESCO World Heritage List, holding a diploma from the Council of Europe and boasting the status of a ‘biosphere reserve’.

he Pushcha is the largest primeval meadow forest in the world, dating from pre-historic times. The first law on its preservation came into force in the 16th century, following an order by King Zygmunt I. The forest has always been known for its hunting, forestry and preservation and, in 1991, the official agreement on the dissolution of the USSR was signed within its territory. The Department of

Presidential Affairs oversees all the national parks of Belarus, offering them special protection, to ensure that they continue to grow and develop. The General Director of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Alexander Bury, proudly admits that foreign colleagues often express envy. He tells us, “The state is focused on preserving and developing unique natural sites, creating a bright example to follow. The CIS colleagues who visit tend to be envious, as we have such serious state support, and are under strict control. We gain significant financial as-

sistance, so have no need to sell any territory. Everything is being preserved and enlarged, to benefit not only Belarus but wider Europe.” In the recent decade, the Pushcha has changed its borders: in 2004, its territory was increased to 152,000 hectares; in 2012, another 57,000 hectares were added (in the early 1990s, there were just 15,000). As a result, last year, the repeated nomination of the trans-border Belovezhskaya Pushcha site was adopted. Its territory on the Belarusian and Polish sides rose to 140,000 hectares and,

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NATIONAL PARKS

in 2015, the territory of the UNESCO biosphere reserve was also enlarged. The forest is the Pushcha’s treasure, with some trees aged 250-350 years, and others as old as 500-600 years: oaks and pines. Interestingly, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha lacks natural lakes, except for artificially created water reservoirs (reconstructed in 2003). In 1995, part of the Dikoe marsh complex joined the national park and, this year, the marsh has been thoroughly studied, with an eye to making the first geo-botanical map of the area. Scientific activity within national park territories is co-ordinated by the

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National Academy of Sciences. The deputy director of the NAS’ Institute of Experimental Botany, Dmitry Grummo, asserts, “This is an important hydrological site: a watershed area of the Black and Baltic seas. The rivers Narev and Yaselda start here and the marsh plays a key role in preserving such endangered bird populations as the aquatic warbler and spotted eagle.” Mr. Bury adds that no species are being lost in the Pushcha: on the contrary, their number is growing. The population of aurochs is rising, with around 460 registered at the moment. Over the past two decades, their number has risen 3.3 times in t he Pushcha: many more than the forest can actually feed. With this in mind, forage is prepared f or a n i m a l s’ over w inter ing , at great cost. At present, the Nikor Scientific-Selection Centre is being established in the Pushcha, under the control

of the National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific-Practical Centre for Bio-Resources. It aims to study, preserve and ensure sustainable use of the auroch population. Long-term preservation (through breeding with genetic diversity) is the focus, with Polish colleagues providing assistance. The Pushcha is also keen to ensure that its economic activities do not harm the environment. Mr. Bury explains, “Production facilities have been set up to reflect national parks’ features: some focus on water and others on protection of marshes and agricultural fields. In 1996, the Shereshevskoe forest-hunting company joined the Pushcha and, in 2010, Vygonovskoe came on board. We’ve updated our material and technical basis, allowing up to 70-80,000 tonnes of fish to be bred at Vygonovskoe annually. The joined forestries are introducing wood processing and generate income by offering hunting to foreigners, who come eagerly seeking trophies.” According to Mr. Bury, aurochs are not offered for hunting, as they are listed in the Red Book. Up to ten aurochs are culled annually, with the permission of the Nature Ministry, but only where they are lacking in good health. He tells us, “A commission considers each case, deciding on the animal’s prospects. If it’s acknowledged to be of no value, permission can be granted to kill it.”

Reference  The Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park was established in 1991 and is now among the largest forests in Europe. It occupies 57,000 hectares (38 percent of the park).  Braslav Lakes National Park was established in 1995, uniting 74 lakes, with a total area of 12,590 hectares — around 17 percent of its territory.  Pripyatsky National Park was established in 1996, comprising mainly forests. It is Europe’s largest territory of transition and upper marshes: Mezhch, Kandzel, Yelovets, and Olkhovo (occupying over 30,000 hectares). Narochansky National Park was established in 1999, offering a spa and recuperative complex on Lake Naroch: the largest of its kind in Belarus.

Expert opinion  Natalia Minchenko, the Head of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection’s Department of Biological and Landscape Diversity: National parks, reserves and natural monuments occupy over 8 percent of Belarusian territory. They are not simply protected by law but receive financial support. In line with the 2015-2019 state programme to develop specially preserved natural territories, 75 events are planned to help develop our national parks and

our system of nature reserves. This year, over Br24bln have been put aside for the purpose, including for the development of tourist infrastructure. Ecological and information centres are planned for several Republican landscape reserves, in addition to recuperative zones at some lakes and at Braslav Lakes National Park. An open-air archaeological museum is planned for the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. The programme also aims to restore damaged marshes and bottomland oak forests and to prevent natural ecological systems from becoming overgrown.

Few people have no love of visiting national parks, since they offer an escape from urban living. In summer, there is the aroma of plant life and the cool forest air, while autumn brings a wonderful range of colours. Of course, in winter, Father Frost welcomes most of his guests to his village home in the Pushcha: 212,000 visitors come across the whole of the year. Since June 12th, the BiałowieżaPererov simplified checkpoint has allowed foreigners to enter from the Polish Pushcha into the Belarusian side, without the need for a visa, staying for up to three days. It’s enough time to relax and enjoy the environment, as well as trying Belarusian dishes of pickled chanterelles, pancakes with Pushcha bilberries and strawberries, and venison shashlik. Mr. Bury adds, “Almost 2,000 people have visited us in just two months. Tourists come from Poland, Europe and America. Previously, only organised groups visited us from abroad but, now, individuals are coming, as the new checkpoint requires no visas. They arrive alone, sometimes travelling by bicycle.” In 1999, the national park welcomed 46,000 guests and, last year, 428,000 were registered. Mr. Bury notes that the infrastructure has developed a lot since 1999, with new hotels, a restaurant and a café built. Meanwhile, Tyshkevich mansion has been revamped. In 2003, Father Frost’s Residence opened and, since then, has been visited by around 1.3m tourists. He asserts, “It’s a unique site playing a vital role in children’s ecological enlightenment.” In addition, last year, the Museum of Folk Life and Ancient Technologies opened in the Pushcha, enabling visitors to learn about the craft of carpet marking: Kamenets District rootstock weaving is included on Belarus’ List of Intangible Treasures. Coopers and blacksmiths organise master classes and the local mini café treats guests to ‘Pushchanka’: an alcoholic drink brewed to a unique recipe at the museum.

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NATIONAL PARKS

In coming years, tourists will be able to enjoy an open-air museum: unique in Belarus. On the eve of the 600th anniversary of the Pushcha’s reserve status, a major archaeological dig took place, unearthing over 50 items dating from the Stone, Bronze and Iron ages. It being impossible to place all the findings in the museum located in the national park’s Ecological-Educational Centre, it’s been decided to create a new site. Aiming to ‘recreate’ an ancient village, it will be sited between Kamenyuki and the park’s administrative centre. Mesolithic and Old Neolithic wooden homes will be assembled, alongside Bronze Age constructions and an Iron Age settlement, with entry gates, walls, embankments, ditches full of water, a leaf bridge, stable, a blacksmith’s and pottery workshop. This summer, digging was also conducted in the forest. Truly, it’s sad to leave this wonderful forest, which is so majestic, boasting great energy. All should enjoy our Pushcha and we have a duty to preserve and develop its beauty. Moreover, since 2011, a by-pass road has been in operation, giving easy access to the reserve. By Valentina Kolosova

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