BELARUS #08/2011 by BELARUS Magazine

Soyuz

Belarus — Russia

pp. 25—32

No.8 (935), 2011

BELARUS Magazine for you

Golden race pp. 54—55

Беларусь. Belarus

Politics, Economy, Culture

NEW

DIMENSION 200 no.8 (911),

4 6 3 " #&-

Belarus Беларусь.

e nomy, Cultur Politics, Eco

Magazine

for you

SaSHeS SiLK Men’S WoVen By nS Were BeLaruSia ion HiT a True faSH During Ce an in fr of THe reign ; LuDoViC XV THere Were To TS Mp aT Te aLL faKe THeM pe. oVer euro nS CoLLeC Tio ga Be n in THe LaTe y 19TH CenTur

Made in Slutsk pp. 40 — 41

pp. 36 — 37

www.belarus-ma

Magazine for those Magazine for thosewho want to know who want to know more more Six circulations – in Belarusia German, French, Spani www.belarus-magazine.by

Feel free to subcribe for 'Belarus' magazine

Six circulations – in Belarusian, English,

YOU CAN SUBSCR

Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No. 8 (935), 2011 Published since 1930 State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

Security is collective matter

Eastern partner

Right mood for business Alexander

Semeshko, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the United Arab Emirates, shared plans on projects to be jointly implemented by the two countries

40 42

Festival of three sisters

Scientific ‘hypermarket’ houses ideas

Bright future for small businesses

Nostalgia for Zdravnevo Heirs of prom-

Entrepreneur Alexander Dmitrovich’s mini facility in Grodno produces river trams which cruise the Avgustovsky Canal, Pripyat and Nieman

Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary:

Outpost of good neighbourhood

New interest inspired Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s life revealed via old postcards

Natalia Gaida: I like open-hearted and smiling people Sounds of high drama Maxim Gorky

National Academic Drama Theatre premieres Lion in Winter, staged by director Valentina Yerenkova, based on famous play by James Goldman

No limit travel Kirill Kravtsov covers distance from Gomel to Chyrvony Kastrychnik village across oceans and continents

inent Russian artist Ilya Repin come to Belarus from abroad for first time to visit memorable sites relating to their famous forefather

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

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at “Belarusian House of Press” Publishing Office” UE. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013 Order No.2201 Total circulation — 1980 copies (including 781 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.

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

sites offer a whole variety of recreation opportunities

vault of ultimate King and Duke of Great Duchy of Lithuania resurrected in Brest Region

Vadim Kondrashov, Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich

www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: mail@belarus-magazine.by

Bonuses for travellers Belarus’ tourist

Volchin — King’s Refuge Church-burial

Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout by

From years gone by and our forefathers Belarusians from Polish Podlaskie Voivodship do not forget songs of their ancestors

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

Youngsters with healthy ambitions

E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

2011 беларусь.belarus

From the editor

Rich August

he old proverb that a summer day feeds a year sums up the work of our farming community, to whom we owe so much. They work tirelessly through the hottest month of the year gathering in the harvest, to ensure that we’ll have enough bread. Of course, there’s always plenty of grain in our stores, so no real cause for concern. However, with so much hard work at the heart of preparing the soil, sowing and tending crops, it’s essential that our harvesters call on all their professionalism to skilfully gather in the fruits of so many people’s joint efforts. The app eals of yesterday for everyone to go to the fields to bring in the harvest are certainly a thing of the past; modern technology allows the process to be conducted by a smaller, skilled team — quietly and more efficiently. Grain farmers still spend the whole day in the fields though, dedicating every waking thought and deed to their mission. They need no cajoling, since they already have a strong sense of responsibility and conscientiousness. Everyone feels the importance of moment. The traditional concerns of rural workers remain, with villagers and urbanities, young and old, feeling that August is a ‘bread affair’. People recognise that a thrifty attitude is essential, even in these technically advanced times. It’s especially evident to those involved in agriculture. This issue of the magazine explores several serious topics. The recent informal summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, hosted by Astana and chaired by President

беларусь.belarus 2011

Alexander Lukashenko, saw our country propose range of initiatives. We aim to ensure prompt response towards crisis situations while enhancing the role and influence of the CSTO. The development of a collective rapid response

force is being discussed, alongside how best to battle contemporary threats and challenges. Minsk is advocating the expansion of the CSTO’s liaisons with other international organisations: the UN, OSCE, CIS, NATO and EU. Events in North Africa and the Middle East are influencing the CSTO zone of

responsibility, as we discuss in Security is collective matter. The informal summit was hosted by the Kazakh capital but we are choosing to tackle the eastern vector for other reasons also. Belarus’ bilateral collaboration with these states is explored in Eastern partnership. For example, Belarus and Azerbaijan are united by many aspects besides their common Soviet history. Our two states have an almost equal population, GDP per capita and human development index (as annually calculated by the UN). There are many examples of mutually beneficial Belarusian-Azerbaijani collaboration, guiding us to focus on this foreign political vector. The notion of ‘foreign policy vectors’ is quite new, guiding the country’s strategies to ensure its national interests. Of course, the East has a vital role to play, while the West is of no less importance. The latter primarily determines the European vector of our foreign policy, with regional collaboration at the forefront. Belarusian-Polish cooperation provides a good example, as Candidate of Political Sciences Ruslan Yesin, the General Consul of Belarus to Gdańsk, explains. He tells us how these liaisons are developing in Outpost of good neighbourhood. From years gone by and our forefathers continues this topic, describing how ethnic Belarusians in Poland honour the traditions of their ancestors. August has been rich in achievements, including those in sports. Alexandra Gerasimenya became world champion in 100m freestyle swimming. With good reason, we bring the emotions and joy of this young athlete to our magazine cover. Her determination to succeed is symbolic of national feeling. To read more about Gerasimenya’s triumph, turn to Golden race. VIKTOR KHARKOV, editor of magazine “Беларусь. Belarus”

Panorama

Electronic display boards to help in studies

 Ecologists invite businessmen

From September 1st, an experiment is being launched at eight schools and gymnasiums, with electronic display boards replacing weighty piles of textbooks, freeing pupils from heavy knapsacks and bags

he Ministry believes that environmental activity is yet to become an element of the business process, alongside the enhancement of product quality, sales growth and logistics networks. Most companies still view money injected into ecological matters as an expense with no real return which can result in raised prices, reduced direct and indirect costs, improved image and accession to new markets. Pro c e s s i ng an d s or t i ng communal and industrial waste, disposing of it safely, or recycling materials in an environmentally friendly manner is usually low on the agenda. Domestic businesses are demonstrating no interest in mastering recycling, although it is a vital aspect of the country’s sustainable socio-economic development. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministr y notes: ‘Ne w public technologies are needed to ensure the country’s ecological development. These can balance the interests of entrepreneurs and ecologists as part of the further promotion of partnership between businesses and society — including via establishment of a wide network of connecting links (such as associations, technoparks and business clubs) with the aim of realising a ‘state-business-science’ cluster principle in solving ecology related problems’.

Belarus’ Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Ministry initiates establishment of Business and Ecology Club

ill the innovation prove popular? According to specialists, book readers, netbooks and other useful devices can be partially funded from the money usually set aside for printed textbooks, with them easily paying for themselves over the course of the time. Pupils aged 15-16 years from the BSU Lyceum are to be the first to pilot the project, which is being introduced for a two year period. Of course, most will already be familiar with the technology, and will easily be able to download information. The search facility of the software makes finding relevant pages simple — even quicker than turning the pages of a book. Some wonder how the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade pupils at Novopolotsk’s state general education gymnasium will get on with their netbooks but Anna Novikova, a teacher of history and the gymnasium’s curriculum secretary, sees no problems from a technical point of view. “They will certainly understand how to download literature, together with their parents,” she notes. “Already, many have computers at home and our 2nd and 3rd grade pupils have also attended computer classes this year. However, we’ll soon see from the experiment whether these devices can completely replace books.” Yuri Gladkov, the Head of the Education Ministry’s Department for General Secondary Education, underlines that it’s vital to gain feedback from parents, teachers and pupils before launching these devices countrywide.

 Meeting European standards Modern checkpoint at Geraneny ensures comfortable crossing of Belarus-EU border

he checkp oint has b een launched at Lida border guard section, now open full time (having been open previously only at weekends and used mostly by Lithuanians and Belarusians visiting relatives or cemeteries). The old, 1990s checkpoint is now transformed; it s t w o - s t ore y bu i l d i n g i s equipped with modern telecommunication and engineering networks and a video surveillance system, with six flats available for officers and their families, in addition to garages and a dog breeding centre. The Belarusian State Border Committee is convinced that the checkpoint will meet European standards and will prove popular once an agreement on localised border movement with Lithuania comes into force. The new checkpoint will reduce queues, while its location helps border guards promptly react to challenges.

2011 беларусь.belarus

On the agenda

Security is collective matter In MID-AUGUST Astana hosted an informal summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation

athering heads of state from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, chaired the meeting and, after its completion, informed journalists of the CSTO’s new plans, which will guide documents to be adopted at the CSTO official summit in December, in Moscow. The main news is that further reinforcement of the organisation is planned. At present, it acts as a consultative-advisory body but Minsk believes the CSTO should transform into a fully-fledged military-political bloc.

match that of other CSTO partners). This summer, the brigade was visited by the CSTO General Secretary, Nikolai Bordyuzha, who highly praised its level of military readiness and equipment. The enhancement of the CSTO’s role in the sphere of anti-crisis reaction is the third initiative proposed by Minsk. The organisation should also more efficiently counteract modern challenges and threats — such as terrorism, cyber crime, drug trafficking and technogenic disasters. Moreover, Belarus has attracted the attention of its CSTO partners to new challenges and threats observed this year.

Belarusian initiatives

Analysis of events in North Africa and the Middle East was a key topic at the Astana summit. The wave of anti-governmental riots in Tunis, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and Syria inspires a new look at security issues. Talks at the Rixos President Astana Hotel, in its Zheruiyk Hall, focused on whether the CSTO would be able to shield against similar destructive events. Minsk does not simplify the reasons behind these southern ‘revolutions’, which have been building for decades. According to the Belarusian delegation, recent events are the result of growing social stratification within society and high levels of political corruption and religious wrangling. However, Minsk is also convinced that, regardless of internal reasons, there has been external direction… Moscow also speaks of the ‘external’ factor. This February, President Dmitry Medvedev stressed the danger of the Middle Eastern scenario for other regions, saying, “The situation observed in Arab countries might threaten de-integration of densely populated

Having chaired the CSTO in late 2010, Minsk has proposed several initiatives aimed at making the organisation even more efficient. In particular, Belarus advocates the expansion of CSTO international co-operation, including more active liaison with the UN, the OSCE, the CIS, the Eurasian Economic Community, the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, NATO and the European Union. Strengthening of collaboration in the military and military-technical fields is another priority, with Minsk attributing much significance to the regional group of troops of Belarus and Russia. The latter is a key element of our collective security system in the Eastern-European region of the CSTO’s responsibility. Additionally, Belarus is continuing its training of the 103rd guards separate mobile brigade of the Armed Forces, making sure it is operatively ready. The brigade is part of the CSTO’s Collective Rapid Reaction Force and is now being equipped with modern armaments and military machinery (to

беларусь.belarus 2011

Lessons of ‘Arab revolutions’

states.” He added then that ‘a similar scenario was previously planned for Russia… but it won’t go through here’. The technologies being used to aid revolt in the Middle East and Maghreb deserve special attention, with the Belarusian delegation stressing in Astana that Arab ‘revolutionaries’ widely use modern communications and the Internet. These are becoming powerful instruments of political struggle. With this in mind, issues of information security are of acute importance to every CSTO state — as the host of the informal summit in Astana, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, stressed.

Common line

Evidently, events in the Middle East and Maghreb can easily have a negative influence on the zone of CSTO responsibility. The CSTO Secretariat notes that terrorist structures are now active in the Central Asian region. Supporters of radical Islam are growing in strength, as are those promoting extremist views. Drug trafficking, which helps finance terrorist and extremistgroups,continuestoextend,while armed Afghan gangs could soon be seen along the border areas of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (which are CSTO member states). Belarus is also affected by these trends, although not yet directly. On the eve of the Astana meeting, Mr. Lukashenko noted, “It’s no secret that the whole Muslim world is boiling, so we can’t exclude that difficulties may appear in our Muslim states, primarily in Tajikistan; problems also exist in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Kazakhstan is also being ‘heated’ from all sides.” Kazakhstan is Belarus’ partner within the CSTO and a member of the Customs

On the agenda attention, as they are now often used to destabilise state systems. Participants of the summit also analysed recently signed legislative documents relating to the CSTO activity and announced that, by December (when the CSTO official summit is to be held) all will have been ratified. Mr. Lukashenko underlined that Belarus has already completed this task, leaving its CSTO partners to follow.

Belta

Assessments and expectations

Alexander Lukashenko, Emomalii Rahmon and Dmitry Medvedev at the CSTO summit in Astana

Union and future Single Economic Space. No borders exist between our states, so Minsk is keen to see stability across the whole Central Asian region.

Serious measures

As to how to assure security, Minsk believes that the CSTO should be transformed from a consultative-advisory body into a fully-fledged military-political bloc. Belarus considers that the organisation should be able to promptly and efficiently respond to challenges and threats from outside and inside the CSTO member states. At present, it lacks such power — as was well proven by last year’s events in Kyrgyzstan, when ethnic conflict erupted. Around 500 people died and several thousand were forced to flee their homes, while the CSTO observed from the side, unable to act, since this would have been outside of its legal remit. According to its charter, the organisation has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of fellow member states unless it receives an official appeal. However, because of delays and uncertainty, a tragedy could occur… Evidently, the CSTO needs a

clear plan of action for such cases, to allow it to provide urgent assistance to member countries without violating national sovereignty. The organisation must be legally competent and efficient. Talks in Astana covered this issue and, after the meeting, Mr. Lukashenko told journalists that he and his colleagues ‘have tackled the work of the CSTO critically, noting a range of drawbacks, including internal shortages’. The Belarusian President added, “We’ve unanimously announced that we’ll take a range of steps this year, enabling us to enhance the role of the organisation. We’ll endeavour to strengthen the CSTO and will do so.” Equipping the CSTO’s Collective Rapid Response Force will be one of the first steps. As Mr. Bordyuzha later commented, this is to be equipped with the most modern and operatively comparable armaments, employing 20,000 military, ready to forestall any emergency. While strengthening the military component of the organisation, the heads of state also agreed to jointly counteract modern challenges regarding information and cyber space. These spheres are worthy of special

The Astana summit has already gained diverse assessments, with many accepting it sceptically — pointing out the absence of some members: the President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, failed to attend. Rumours circulated that the state may be planning to leave the CSTO but Mr. Bordyuzha denied them, expressing his hope that the President of Uzbekistan will attend the CSTO official summit in December, in Moscow. Mr. Bordyuzha also admitted that the CSTO lacks solidarity among its members and mutual support. “Greater concurrence is needed, in addition to greater attention to the needs and problems of other countries,” he said, adding that this drawback was ‘noticed by all heads of state’ at the Astana meeting. Of course, solidarity is vital — as never before. The repetition of ‘Arab’ nongovernmental scenarios is a real rather than invented threat. Events in North Africa and the Middle East show that disturbance in one country can easily affect others. The Afghan problem is no less important. The situation on the southern borders of the CSTO may worsen if NATO troops fully or partially leave Afghanistan... Next year, the CSTO is to celebrate its 10th anniversary, while the Collective Security Treaty will celebrate its 20th. Having been established as a NATO analogue within the post-Soviet space, it is experiencing serious inner contradictions. The December official summit in Moscow is expected to demonstrate whether these can be resolved in action, rather than on paper, and whether the CSTO might yet become an efficient military-political bloc. By Vitaly Volyanyuk

2011 беларусь.belarus

Cooperation

Eastern partner Apart from our common Soviet history, Belarus and Azerbaijan share many other features: an approximately equal population and GDP per capita and similar human potential index — annually calculated by the UN

ver t he past decade, our st ates have le ad within the CIS regarding economic development. Belarus’ success revolves primarily around its processing industry while Azerbaijan has become a large supplier of energy to the global market. In this respect, our economies complement each other. Our bilateral co-operation has gained even greater impetus following top level meetings between our countries. Since 2006, Alexander Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev have exchanged visits regularly. From July 7th-8th, a Belarusian governmental delegation — led by Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich — visited Azerbaijan. Top level contacts have resulted in the intense development of our relations with this Caucasian republic. On meeting Mr. Myasnikovich, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, spoke of how best to promote our bilateral

беларусь.belarus 2011

collaboration, saying, “Everything which we’ve agreed upon is being realised.” In particular, Baku has confirmed its interest in further oil supplies to Belarus. About a week after the Belarusian delegation’s visit, Azerbaijani ‘black gold’ was already pumped to Mozyr Refinery. Over the past five years’, relations between our two countries have made a serious breakthrough. Belarusian diplomac y has apparently failed to achieve similar progress with any other state — except perhaps Venezuela. Figures confirm this, with Belarus-Azerbaijan turnover rising from $30m to $150m over the past five years. This could reach a billion dollars in 2011 — owing to supplies of Azerbaijani oil. Meanwhile, Belarusian exports have reached $140m, with the share of Belarusian products on the Azerbaijani market rising to 2.23 percent; our sour cream and cheese are sold in Baku shops.

However, figures alone do not fully reflect the scale of Minsk-Baku cooperation. Our capitals have exchanged embassies and launched a direct flight while Azerbaijan assembles Belarusian tractors and trucks. From February 2011, Belarusian refineries will also be pumping oil from this Caucasian republic — aiding the country’s energy security. Moreover, it’s well known that Azerbaijan allocated a $200m loan to Belarus a year ago, spent on satisfying Gazprom’s invented financial claims. It is an act which won’t be forgotten...

Building relations

O n me e t i ng Mr. A l iye v, t he Belarusian Prime Minister noted that projects realised jointly by Gyandzha Auto Plant and Belarusian machinery producers are examples of successful bilateral liaison. On July 7th, the Belarusian delegation attended the launch of a workshop to assemble MAZ chassis-based waste collection vehicles.

Belta

Cooperation

MUZ truck assembly at Gyandzha Auto Plant

The project is overseen by Gyandzha Auto Plant, Minsk Automobile Plant and German Haller. Mr. Myasnikovich believes the facility could one day transform into a successful transnational corporation — profitable for everyone. The Chairman of Gyandzha Auto Plant’s Supervisory Council, Khanlar Fatiev, tells us that tri-lateral cooperation could raise the number of the plant’s employees to 1,000. “Every year, we increase production volumes; in 2010, production was up 40 percent on 2009. Our jointly manufactured machinery has made a name for itself on the Azerbaijani market and we’re now studying sales elsewhere — in particular, Turkey. Six of our tractors are currently undergoing adaptation in Turkey and we plan to receive certification by late 2011, allowing us to sell our joint products there,” he notes. Gyandzha Auto Plant has been assembling Belarusian tractors and

MAZ trucks for several years, also jointly producing automobile cranes. In this respect, the city of Gyandzha is a unique hub for Belarusian exports to the Azerbaijani market. During Mr. Myasnikovich’s visit, contracts were signed to dispatch 300 MTZ tractor sets and 300 MAZ vehicle sets to Azerbaijan.

Green light for co-operation

The recent Belarusian visit has also inspired another interesting project: a contract for joint production of LED equipment in Azerbaijan, with $10m of initial investments. Moreover, we are envisaging supply of the first batch of sets for assembly of modern lamps. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenip otent i ar y of B el ar us to Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Nikolay Patskevich, comments, “The project is being jointly run by Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences and Azerbaijan’s Aviat ion Academy. We fore cast

serious production volumes and sales. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is to produce other manufactures by Belarusian scientists; we have great hopes for this science intensive production.” Production will be launched in several stages. Initially, LED lamps — street, office and communal — will be produced. As the Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian National Academy of S c i e n c e s’ Pre s i d iu m , S e rge y Rakhmanov, explains, “The scale will be enlarged after the pilot project finishes in September. A technopark will be established at the Azerbaijani Aviation Academy later on and I think our joint production will form a serious section of this new establishment.” Relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus are moving beyond pure trade now, shifting towards investment and innovative collaboration. Belarus plans to help modernise Transcaucus carriage making (300 out of Azerbaijani Railways’ 370 passenger

2011 беларусь.belarus

Cooperation carriages need replacing). In turn, Mr. Myasnikovich has proposed that Azerbaijani companies take part in privatisation in Belarus. “We invite your state structures and businesses to participate in the privatisation of Belarus’ companies,” he explained, adding, “It’s good to own assets in the geographical centre of Europe, to help diversify capital; we’ll ensure that your money is safely protected and that you enjoy harmonious development.” Sales of hydrocarbons in recent years have enabled Azerbaijan to generate profits worth many billions of dollars, making it a promising investor. Its new energy strategy goes beyond oil and gas transportation to global markets, with Baku showing ke e n i nte re st i n oi l pro c e ss i ng assets and networks to distribute oil products. Azerbaijan’s Industry and Energy Minister, Natiq Aliyev, states that Baku is ready to liaise with Minsk on oil supplies, privatisation of oil refineries and establishment of a network of petrol stations.

Azerbaijani oil

Belta

Every country has its own focus, with Azerbaijan known for its oil derricks. Of course, there is far

беларусь.belarus 2011

more to this beautiful nation: its picturesque landscapes, ancient history, the blue Caspian Sea, juicy fruits and hospitable people. However, Apsheron’s iron towers are a sight to behold: the first oil well in the world was drilled in Baku — on July 14th, 1848. The volume of proven hydrocarbon stocks in Azerbaijan stands at 4.2bn tonnes of conventional fuel, while forecast reserves amount to 10bn tonnes. From 1997-2010, oil extraction rose 5.6-fold, reaching 5 0 . 6 m t on n e s . E x p e r t s pre d i c t that Azerbaijan’s place in ensuring Europe’s energy security will steadily enhance. Meanwhile, Belarus is at the forefront of aiding the diversification of Europe’s energy consumption. After his meeting with the Belarusian delegation, the Industry and Energy Minister announced, “We’re ready to increase oil supplies to Belarus; I’m personally optimistic about this. We have a great deal of oil, so entry to Belarus and the Baltics is of great significance for us. As soon as these issues are settled, supplies will be renewed — being even more safe and efficient.” At present, 4m tonnes a year are aimed for Belarus, although the figure might rise in the future — depending on our two states’

economic interests and ‘to what extent these operations are profitable, proceeding from the market situation’. “Everything must be based on solid economic ground and mutual interests. These interests coincide at present,” noted Natiq Aliyev. “Our pilot projects, first contracts and testing of a complicated transport infrastructure system are complete. Azerbaijan is primarily interested in the transport corridor — focusing on the Odessa-Brody oil pipeline. We aim to deliver primarily crude oil to the European market.” Mozyr Refinery began receiving Azerbaijani ‘Azeri Light’ oil on July 15th, a week after the Belarusian governmental delegation’s visit to Baku. Tankers take it to Yuzhny Port and it later travels to Mozyr via the Odessa-Brody pipeline. Mozyr Refinery first pumped Azerbaijani oil through the Ukrainian Odessa-Brody pipeline (in the averse mode) and through the Mozyr-Brody section of the Druzhba pipeline in January of this year. Azerbaijani oil would replace Venezuelan ‘Santa-Barbara’ oil, which would be supplied to the American market instead. This would save money, as it’s costly to ship hydrocarbons from Venezuela to Odessa Port by tanker. The contract exchange brings more than financial profit, since it also supports Belarus’ desire to diversify fuel supplies. We have contributed to the shift of the Odessa-Brody pipeline to transporting oil in the opposite direction from previously, making it an important part of the Eurasian oil transportation corridor. Prior to the agreement between Belarus, Azerbaijan and Venezuela, it only operated in the reverse mode, pumping Russian oil. Those who created this 700km pipe planned to avoid such dependence; now, the Odessa-Brody Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan operates in line with their

Project initial plans. Belarus has ‘laid the road’ for other countries, since further capacity exists beyond Minsk’s contract for 14.5mln. tonnes a year.

Hundreds of millions at stake

Close East

This year, Azerbaijan sent two participants to the Slavonic Bazaar Festival: young singer

At least $1bn to be attracted for construction of industrial park jointly with China

On July 7th, the Belarusian delegation attended the launch of a workshop to assemble MAZ chassis-based waste collection vehicles. The project is overseen by Gyandzha Auto Plant, Minsk Automobile Plant and German Haller. Mr. Myasnikovich believes the facility could one day transform into a successful transnational corporation — profitable for everyone Aynishan Quliyeva and ten year old Yasin Gasaev (who won a 2nd class diploma in the Children’s Musical Contest). “Three hundred Azerbaijanis were present, all supporting us. Meanwhile, the Belarusians knew about me, recognising me on the street. I could hardly walk about without people asking me for photos,” Aynishan told journalists on returning home. Our warm Belarusian welcome, which is nothing unusual to us, delighted her. Humanitarian ties occupy a special place in B elar usian-Azerbaijani relations, ensuring enduring and stable co-operation. During his visit to Baku, the Belarusian President attended the Baku Slavic University, launching the Centre of Belarusian Language and Culture. Diplomats, translators and journalists are taught there, gaining the opportunity to learn more about Belarus. Such knowledge should definitely help them in their future work. According to Mr. Myasnikovich, Belarus and Azerbaijan enjoy great potential for interacting in the field

of education and staff training. Minsk has places open at its colleges and vocational educational establishments. “We’ll create the necessary conditions for your citizens to receive a worthy education, including offering English language classes,” the Prime Minister promised. Three Belarusian higher educational establishments — the Belarusian State University, the B elarusian National Technical University and the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radio-electronics — are to be included on Azerbaijan’s programme for foreign studies for young people. An agreement was signed during our delegation’s recent visit, alongside another guaranteeing mutual recognition of diplomas. Belarus will benefit from the export of its educational services — financially and in goodwill. At present, over 150 Azerbaijanis study at Belarus’ educational establishments, laying the foundation for further fruitful co-operation between our two countries.

elarus’ Deputy Prime Minister, Anatoly Tozik, tells us that, over the past 12-18 months, bilateral relations with China have moved up, with many companies approaching Belarus with direct investments. The largest project involves the construction of a Belarusian-Chinese industrial park. “Overall, we plan to raise at least $1bn of Chinese direct investments,” he notes, adding that the total volume of investments could reach $1.5bn, as the project envisages infrastructure development. An intergovernmental agreement is expected to be signed this September, during an official visit by the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the All-China Assembly of National Representatives, U Bango, to Belarus. “We are interested in making this visit rich in meetings, as it could inspire further collaboration,” asserts Mr. Tozik. Belarus also plans to construct Lebyazhy residential suburb, near Minsk, with $200m of Chinese direct investments. The five-star Beijing Hotel is to begin construction this year, attracting about $200m of direct investments. Meanwhile, a multipurpose information, trading and business centre — China Town — is planned, with Belarus hoping to raise $300-350m of direct investments. Mr. Tozik notes that top level agreements have already been reached. “We are now preparing the necessary documents to ensure our Chinese partners enjoy favourable conditions while realising these projects,” he emphasises.

By Igor Kolchenko

2011 беларусь.belarus

Vector of interest

Right mood for business Alexander Semeshko, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the United Arab Emirates, shared plans on projects to be jointly implemented by the two countries

el ar usi an manufac turers’ search for new foreign economic markets is inspiring stronger co-operation with this Arabian Peninsula state. The UAE boasts the highest standard of living across the Middle East and South Asia and the best economic potential. Dear Mr. Ambassador, for most Belarusians, the UAE is commonly seen as a popular tourist destination, and is known for having the highest tower in the world and prominent oil mining. It continues impressing the globe with its unique achievements. In the quite short period since Belarus gained independence, the UAE has risen to be a key trading partner. Can you elaborate on how our bilateral relations are developing? What are the main features and what benefits do we gain? Diplomatic relations between Belarus and the United Arab Emirates

беларусь.belarus 2011

were established on October 20th, 1992, but active work began only in 1999 — when our country opened an Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Some time later, the Arab Emirates opened its Embassy in Minsk. I’d like to stress the high level of political interaction resulting from the Belarusian President’s visits to the UAE. Co-operation within international organisations has been established, while our position regarding major foreign political issues coincides or is very similar. We enjoy mutual support on promoting initiatives within the UN and other structures, with top ranking and inter-parliamentary contacts already regular. The UAE is keen to promote cooperation with Belarus in the field of counteracting human trafficking. At the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly, the UAE co-authored the Belarusian resolution: ‘Improving the Co-ordination of Efforts to Fight Human Trafficking’. It also supported

our resolution on prohibiting the development and production of new weapons for mass destruction. We’ve achieved good results in forming legislation to govern our bilateral co-operation. A package of documents oversees our trade and economic collaboration, including aspects of technical co-operation, assistance and mutual protection of investments, and avoidance of double taxation. In addition, agreements have been signed regarding the media, air transportation and the militar ytechnical sphere. The Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry enjoys co-operative agreements with chambers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and elsewhere. Mr. Ambassador, how did the Emirates view the results of the presidential elections in Belarus last December? I have a short and clear answer. The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al

Vector of interest Nahyan, and the Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, congratulated the Belarusian Head of State on his winning the elections. What are the fruits of BelarusUAE trade-economic co-operation so far and what are our further prospects? I believe that rising sales of our products on this market are evident; we hope that Belarusian exports to the Emirates will meet their full potential. In 2010, Belarus exported $7.9m of products to the UAE, while importing $5.5m. B elarus primarily sells bearings, fibreglass, tyres, joinery, construction materials and dairy products. In 2011,

machiner y, timber, trucks of all sizes, and tyres. There is a demand for those both in the Emirates and across other countries of the Gulf. Sales of our complex technology will require further provision of spare parts. Analysis of the UAE market and foreign producers’ work indicates that commodity distribution networks (an office, consignment warehouse and maintenance services) are the defining factor in gaining a firm niche. The markets of the UAE and other countries of the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf also require food and raw materials for production. These states import up to 90 percent of consumed food and, with a growing population, in the UAE, the need rises annually by around 12 percent. Moreover, unlike machine building, no further service

are pleased to see Belarus’ ‘Savushkin Product’ sour cream in Abu Dhabi shops; our Embassy staff and I love to buy it. Sunflower seeds are a new export article. Speaking of economic cooperation with the UAE, I must stress that significant prospects exist for onward export of products — to the Gulf States, Asia and Africa. This is due to developed warehouse, port and airport infrastructure, integrated into numerous free economic zones and technoparks. Mr. Ambassador, what opportunities do the UAE free economic zones provide? Are they convenient for Belarusian economic entities? The country has a well-developed network of free economic and special zones, where residents enjoy certain advantages. To set up a company

The markets of the UAE and other countries of the Co - operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf also require food and raw materials for production. These states import up to 90 percent of consumed food, and, with a growing population, in the UAE, the need rises annually by around 12 percent sales of x-ray equipment, cosmetics and chemicals were added, while exports of optical equipment more than doubled. Favourable conditions for doing business have been established in the UAE, especially regarding exportimport operations. Few entry duties exist and, where they do, they stand at just 5 percent (excluding alcohol and tobacco). Moreover, there are no taxes (excluding companies engaged in oil mining and tourism). Huge construction works are underway, so there is great potential for us to sell our construction materials and

maintenance is required, making food a simple export for Belarus. Meat and dairy products, fish, canned goods, groceries, confectionery and beverages are our main focus, with dried milk also enjoying demand. The Embassy has been holding talks with major food distributors regarding supply of food and other agricultural products. I’d like to note that, this year, exports of dairy products to the UAE have been steadily growing (as seen from the first four months of the year): supplies of cheese and cottage cheese have risen 28-fold while those of yoghurt and kefir are up 40-fold. We

within such a zone, no Emirate partner is needed (usually, firms operating in the UAE must have 51 percent of their shares owned by a local partner). Within a free economic zone, companies can keep 100 percent of their foreign capital and are allowed to send all capital back to their home country, with customs privileges granted. Being practical, how can Belarusian producers find partners in the UAE? Do any mechanisms exist? Firstly, there is significant potential for the establishment of direct ties between business circles from our two countries; the Belarusian Chamber

2011 беларусь.belarus

Vector of interest of Commerce and Industry (CCI) interacts with the UAE in this sphere. Each emirate has its own CCI and they are all efficient in representing its members’ interests, improving economic development countrywide. Collaborating with governmental structures, free economic zone administrations and business promoting organisations, the UAE CCI assists in establishing contacts. It also provides information, organising forums and

business contacts. The UAE is a large regional centre for business, trade and international fairs. Exhibitions organised in this countr y attract visitors and participants from the Gulf States, the Middle East and far beyond. In November 2008, Dubai hosted Belarus’ national exhibition, which aroused huge interest from local businessmen. The activity of our Embassy in the UAE is another efficient mechanism.

Belarusian products enjoy a great demand all over the world

conferences and actively participates in hosting international events. We have positive experience of cooperation between our chambers. Last October, we helped organise the 2nd Belarusian-Emirati Business Forum, with support from the Belarusian Embassy to Abu Dhabi. Meetings were scheduled at the Dubai CCI and with local business circles. Our Embassy is now negotiating the hosting of a business forum in Minsk, jointly with the UAE regional CCIs. Secondly, we participate in specialised exhibitions, which help establish

беларусь.belarus 2011

We help find potential partners, sending information to corresponding ministries and Belarusian companies. This year, we plan to set up a joint Belarusian-Emirate committee to oversee trade-economic collaboration; this intergovernmental structure should help develop our trade and economic liaisons. The UAE is developing quickly; it is rich and boasts a solvent market and huge re-export possibilities. Although the market and region remain new for our enterprises, there are already quite

substantial grounds for enhancing ou r i nte r a c t i on . O u r e c onom i c entities and exporters should clearly make use of the opportunities before them, with the Embassy rendering all possible assistance. Evidently, trade is at the heart of your work at the Embassy. Is there room for spiritual fulfilment via humanitarian collaboration? Last year, our Embassy initiated its Week of Belarusian Culture in Abu Dhabi, enhancing our cultural cooperation, supported by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. It was the first time that such a major event had been organised in the Emirates and the Persian Gulf. It was officially opened by the Head of the Administration of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. As part of the Week, residents of the Emirates were able to enjoy the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Belarusian State ‘Khoroshki’ Choreographic Ensemble and the Chamber Orchestra of the Belarusian State M u s i c A c a d e m y ’s R e p u b l i c a n Musical College. We also had exhibitions of modern Belarusian fine arts and photography, with samples of Belarusian cuisine offered; food is an integral part of the culture of any nation. I’m proud to admit that, this year, the Abu Dhabi cultural season (usually starting after the sacred month of Ramadan) also opened with our Week of Belarusian Culture. We view this event not only as the beginning of cultural exchanges but as a forum allowing our two states’ business, political and artistic circles to meet. It strengthens and promotes co-operation in various spheres, while helping initiate new joint projects. I hope a similar cultural Emirate event will be organised in Minsk; our Embassy is now actively working on this, with the Emirate side. Thank you for the interview! By Nina Romanova

Projects

Scientific ‘hypermarket’ houses ideas New database becomes venue for business and science

he saying goes that giving those in need a fishing rod is more useful than giving fish. To support businesses, it’s necessary to teach the strategy of fishing, as well as how to cook fish and where to sell it at a profit. In establishing a database of promising sci-tech ideas and projects, specialists from the Belarusian National Technical University’s Polytechnic Technopark have used this approach. In 2004, the Technopark realised a similar project for the Education Ministry and now has a new task: to add new functions to the already established portal. As a result, the latter will become a search and negotiation site for the University and country’s sectorial, branded and academic science, allowing industrial enterprises to place requests of science. Organisations such as the Industry Ministry and the Health Ministry are also keen to join the project. Independent examination shows that others with similar search systems and databases still lag behind the Technopark, which unites resources and synchronises the promotion of developments. At present, the Polytechnic Technopark ensures upto-the-minute support via its database,

showing the many Belarusian universities’ developments. Virtual intellectual exchange is promoting projects by independent developers and the Belarusian Society of Inventors and Rationalisers; proposals are available at www.belarus-project.by. “Organising meetings between scientific inventors and those interested in their application, we aren’t acting as a classical mediator paid for introducing would-be partners,” explains Polytechnic Technopark General Director, Yuri Alexeev. “We offer services free of charge. On being matched up, partners then conduct business independently, although we give help in preparing contracts, as well as legal, economic and information assistance. In working with a foreign partner, you need to understand the legislation of their country, while having an account in foreign currency. You need to be able to translate documents into foreign languages and solve many other tasks. However, everything you require, including the address of consultation agencies, is available on our site.” Many are using the opportunity already. Of course, these services cost money — funded by the State Committee on Science and Technology.

Nevertheless, the system is profitable for the state, enabling scientific centres to receive more orders, which raises tax revenue for the budget. Manufacturing sci-tech products — through the site’s mediation — is certainly profitable. The database is simple to use, providing information on everyone taking part. To act as a seller or buyer, each user must register via the site’s application form. They then gain access to partners and can update their information at any time, order services and products, receive news updates on particular themes, browse information resources and conclude contracts. Each user is responsible for providing accurate information, since materials are not yet centrally monitored. Expert opinions are soon to be made available on topics which might qualify for state funding. Users from 40 countries visit the database site at present, with the Education Ministry’s information-marketing section enjoying the greatest popularity (with visitors from 59 countries). Its ‘eexchange’ has been operational for five years now, while the number of universities’ agreements with enterprises (via the site) has risen hundreds of times. The website hopes to see even greater popularity in the future. By Dmitry Pimenov

2011 беларусь.belarus

New countdown

n July, the State Proper ty Committee conducted several auctions and contests offering state property for sale to private investors. This year, 180 state shares in open joint stock companies (not strategic for the Belarusian economy) are to be privatised, with the Government hoping to generate Br1.2tr (around $240m). However, the major goal is not immediate revenue; rather, the state seeks to enhance efficiency at these enterprises.

— from light industry, wood processing and machine building to radio-technical sphere, transport and construction. Baranovichi Sewing Factory, Slutsk’s Emalposuda and Bobruiskselmash (the oldest agricultural machinery producing company in the country) are expected to enjoy great interest. Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Boris Panshin, who heads the Belarusian State University’s Management Department, believes Belarusian milk and meat processing

while selecting production facilities which will prove attractive.”

Positive signals

International experts are to participate in the privatisation of 10 out of 180 Belarusian companies. Among them are Baranovichi Reinforced Concrete Products Plant (with a state share of 99 percent), Brest Construction Trust #8 (85.3 percent), Brest Electromechanical Plant (83.8 percent), Minsk’s Belsantekhmontazh-

You are welcome, Mr. Investor Belarus is now actively privatising small and medium-sized businesses Much interest expected

The Head of the Economy Ministry’s Main Directorate for Investments, Kirill Koroteev, notes that it’s difficult to guess who might buy Belarusian shares — foreign or national investors — as they enjoy equal opportunities. The list of enterprises offered for sale, with information on their financial state, is now available through Belarusian diplomatic missions worldwide. “This information allows investors to assess a company, gaining a closer look. In September, the most interesting assets will be offered for sale, so we expect to see foreign buyers demonstrating interest,” Mr. Koroteev tells us. As the State Property Committee’s www.gki.gov.by portal informs us, in September, several dozen enterprises will go on sale, covering various branches

беларусь.belarus 2011

companies will see the most interest from foreigners. “Investors will be injecting funds into the production and sale of eco-friendly food, which has huge national prospects. We cannot miss out on this chance.” He also believes that strategic investors will be keen to invest in housing construction, in addition to construction material manufacturing and light industry. “Belarus needs to create conditions for fair and transparent privatisation,” Mr. Panshin stresses, adding that each privatisationrelated decision must be well-grounded and seriously thought-out. “ The Government aims not just to sell enterprises, to ‘fill in’ gaps in the economy, but to look to the medium and longterm prospects for Belarus. It is vital that we choose our buyers carefully,

2 (77.4 percent), Avtomagistral (83.5 percent), Belgazstroy (50.6 percent), Minsk Margarine Plant (93.8 percent), Gomel Medplast (99.9 percent), Baranovichi’s Barhim (99.6 percent) and Molodechno’s Konfa (25 percent). The Director of the National Investment and Privatisation Agency, Dmitry Klevzhits, tells us that the sale of these state owned assets will be conducted with support from the World Bank and the Austrian Government — which will render consultative assistance and finances. The World Bank already has positive experience of working with private investors in Eastern Europe. “These countries have witnessed privatisation on a competent expert level. The WB can attract these specialists into the privatisation process in Belarus,” notes Mr. Klevzhits.

New countdown He is convinced that investors will be attracted by Belarus’ plans to become a fully-fledged member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) — part of the WB. It deals with insurance of political and non-commercial risks and Belarus has been its member since 1992 but, in recent years, only one deal has been conducted with MIGA participation. For our country to enjoy full membership, it needs to sign a basic agreement on local currency and another guaranteeing foreign investments. The Belarusian President has signed a decree regarding these talks, while the Parliament has ratified amendments to the Convention E st abl ish i ng t he Mu lt i l ate r a l Investment Guarantee Agency. All legal issues are soon to be settled. According to Mr. Klevzhits, Belarus’ full-scale co-operation with MIGA will show investors that our country is using a globally acknowledged mechanism of investment protection and is eager to ensure this protection.

Blue chips

B elta

In addition to privatising small and medium-sized enterprises, Belarus also plans to sell some of its large, highliquidity assets this year. Blue chip firms such as MTS (mobile communications) and Beltransgas (gas-transport) are likely to go on sale. According to the Chairman of the State Property Committee, Georgy Kuznetsov, the latter is to be sold to Russian Gazprom this autumn. Belarus has already sold 50 percent of its shares to the Russian monopoly and, as Mr. Kuznetsov notes, ‘this year, the remaining 50 percent are to be sold’. “Talks are underway, with documents almost ready,” he adds. Mr. Kuznetsov admits that the negotiation process has not been easy, telling us, “ There would be no problem if this were a straightforward purchase, with sale contracts to be signed. However, the agreement is accompanied by other issues — such as tariffs and volumes.

Settlement of these issues is essential. The sale will go smoothly once these issues are solved by Belarus and Russia at a high level.” As regards MTS, Belarus assesses the value of 51 percent of its shares at $960-970m. According to Mr. Kuznetsov, documents are ready and now undergoing agreement with state bodies. “We’ve offered Russia to buy the controlling stock at $1bn,” says Mr. Kuznetsov. Russia has officially refused the offer, so it now seems likely that the shares will go to auction, with a starting price of $1bn. Mr. Kuznetsov adds that some investors are already showing interest in the company.

Human factor

International experts have their own views on the Belarusian Government’s privatisation initiatives. Martin Raiser, the World Bank Country Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, noted during his recent visit to Minsk that the WB ‘welcomes the authorities’ privatisation plans’. “It’s evident that many countries conduct privatisation to

raise budget revenue. However, we recommend that they don’t exclusively rely on funds from privatisation, but simultaneously toughen their macroeconomic policy. These two factors — privatisation and a strict macroeconomic policy — should result in a stable economic situation,” he explains. The G over nment shares t his approach to privatisation. Selling state property is just one of the important measures necessary to improve the general economic situation. The Government stresses the importance of fairness and transparency, in addition to investors’ social responsibility. “We aim to see each new owner fulfil their obligations of social partnership,” Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich told journalists in July. “At present, we cannot afford to see human needs take a back seat to profit. A balance must be struck.” By Vitaly Volyanyuk

Lida Furniture Factory has engaged in a large-scale technical reequipment, which is expected to ensure meeting the highest production quality standards

2011 беларусь.belarus

Entrepreneurship

Bright future for small businesses Entrepreneur Alexander Dmitrovich’s mini facility in Grodno produces river trams which cruise the Avgustovsky Canal, Pripyat and Nieman

Business is not a toy

Individual entrepreneur Sergey Mankevich, from Grodno, turned to private business activity after being dismissed from a large state company. “I had to support my family, so decided to bring in toys from abroad, for onward sale,” he recollects. “To act legally, I registered as an individual entrepreneur.” After several years, he had done well enough to buy a car and construct a house. When the scales of his business expanded, Sergey established a legal company. He explains that toy trading is a gold mine, as children have a never-ending desire for new toys. However, as Sergey

беларусь.belarus 2011

Belta

ost effectiveness is their major advantage, as trams are much cheaper than motor cruisers, consuming 10 times less fuel. Since early 2011, the number of individual entrepreneurs has risen by over 10 percent, with almost every fortieth Belarusian enjoying this status. These people have helped saturate the domestic market with goods and services, offering jobs. Moreover, individual business activity is a path to even greater enterprise. What can individual entrepreneurship bring to Belarus? Another river tram is just as good as those produced before

admits, sales have fallen recently, as the sharp devaluation of the Belarusian rouble has led to prices of foreign toys rising (they account for 90 percent of his sales). To increase his share of domestically produced toys, millions of dollars would need to be invested in their production, so he is considering diversifying his business.

Tit for tat

According to the Justice Ministry, over 250,000 individual entrepreneurs are registered in Belarus and, in the first half of 2011, their number rose by

23,000. Specialists say that this growth is the result of considerable simplification of registration procedures, reducing time needed. Becoming an individual entrepreneur is a good way to ‘softly’ join business, since they enjoy relatively low taxes, simplified accounting and paperwork. However, they are limited in their development: individual entrepreneurs are forbidden to employ others except close relatives. “We are pleased to obser ve a stronger business initiative among our population,” notes the Director of the

For information Entrepreneurship Department at the Economy Ministry, Alexander Gruzdov. “Most Belarusian entrepreneurs are still working in the field of trade but, for economic development, it’s more important for them to show an active interest in the real sector, production and services.”

Lucky are those who are lucky

“It’s much easier now to register as an individual entrepreneur than it was several years ago,” says Minsker Sergey Kucheryavenko. “Moreover, we can gain advice easier, via special centres and business incubators.” Mr. Kucheryavenko initially began his business with passenger transportation, later shifting to tourism and founding an enterprise. As an individual entrepreneur, he has been three times named ‘Best Entrepreneur of the Year’. Relying on his experience, Sergey advises beginner-businessmen to choose a sphere in which they are already experts. Moreover, customers’ needs and demands should not be neglected. “For example, transportation services are just one link in the complex of services I render. Each entrepreneur must be far-sighted,” he explains. Mr. Kucheryavenko believes that Belarus could learn from Ukrainian experience, allowing each individual entrepreneur to employ s e veral workers. This would generate new jobs, while increasing tax payments to the state budget.

Family classics

“Individual entrepreneurship is a successful, democratic form,” believes BSU Professor Boris Panshin. “This is a family business, so well-developed in Italy, Germany and France, where families run breweries, cheese making plants, confectioneries and sewing parlours. These enable each generation to earn money.” With this in mind, Mr. Panshin believes Belarusian individual

Smart transport Intellectual transport system to be launched in Minsk in 2014

Individual entrepreneur Alexandr Dmitrovich is content with what has come out

entrepreneurs have a future… but, primarily, regarding family businesses. The official considers that further expansion of preferences for individual entrepreneurs could bring unfair competition. If they are allowed to have several employees, they’ll lower their costs (in comparison to legal entities), allowing them to sell their products and services at lower prices, thus ‘undermining’ small firms. According to Mr. Panshin, the share of small and medium-sized businesses must rise in the future. However, this does not mean that large state enterprises have no future. “Rumours of large companies being divided into several smaller ones to improve efficiency are a myth,” he is convinced. “In the USA, there are a great number of small enterprises but large companies — such as Boeing — play a decisive role in the country’s economy.” Nevertheless, family businesses also have a future in Belarus, with the number due to rise several fold, alongside their taxes paid. It’s quite possible that, in the future, family businesses will produce 20-30 percent of the country’s GDP. By Roman Afanasenko

Figure  Since Januar y 2009, the

number of individual entrepreneurs in Belarus has risen from 216,000 to 232,000. Some time ago, Minsk accounted for about 20 percent of them but, now, the figure has reached 25 percent.

he system is to include six subsystems, united by a single control and monitor centre. In particular, there will be an automated traffic control system directing traffic flow by controlling traffic lights. Another automated system will record violations of speed, manoeuvring and parking, sending an inhibiting signal to forward traffic lights and recording number plates. About 500 cameras are to be set up at known hazard points.

Observatory from the past Remains of Struve Arc geodesic point unearthed in Drogichin District

he dig was conducted in the village of Belin, by specialists from Belaerokosmogeodesiya and CredoDialogue joint venture. In the 1820s, a geodesic point was located there, in addition to an astronomic observatory. The Struve Geodetic Arc is among Belarus’ UNESCO World Heritage List sites. Created in the 19th century by famous Russian geodesist and astronomer Vasily Struve, it enabled him to calculate the length of the terrestrial meridian. The Struve Arc is a chain of 265 geodesic points, stretching from Norway to the Black Sea, with 31 crossing Belarus’ western part; about twenty have so far been discovered. The Drogichin find supplements this figure, hinting at where researchers might find other mini-observatories. The Struve Arc passed through ten states but the most points have been preserved in Belarus. These differ in shape and size — varying from a pyramid of cobblestones to a granite cube (laid into the ground) and an iron cross.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Fest of Neighbourhood

Festival of three sisters The festival history of Belarus is diverse and multifaceted

ome are more popular than others of course, with a few having a less than predictable future. However, the International Slavonic Unity Festival — or the Festival of Three Sisters — annually brings together multitudes from the border regions of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.

Friendship Monument

The Festival was born more than 40 years ago, back in the Soviet times, when Belarus, Russia and Ukraine were part of one big country. Neighbours leaving in close proximity to each other even during that borderless time felt an acute

беларусь.belarus 2011

need to meet in a special way, leaving aside daily routine to celebrate friendship. This natural inner wish finally found an outlet, initiated by the younger generation. Schools from the neighbouring regions of Bryansk (Russia), Gomel (Belarus) and Chernigov (Ukraine) took a step which later transformed into a major event — without limitation on age or nationality. In August 1969, those from the border districts gathered near Novye Yurkovichy village, in Klimovsk District of Bryansk Region, for their first assembly of the kind. In the 1970s, at the crossroads of our three republics, the Friendship

Monument was erected in memory of the Great Victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Since then, the grandiose memorial commemorating the power of unity has been the ‘permanent residence’ of the Slavonic festival. The site is unusual, being on a hill. From its summit, all three roads — to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine — can be seen. During the Festival, these become ‘rivers’ of guests. Although the majority of visitors arrive from the neighbouring three republics, every year, the geography expands, w it h g u e st s ar r iv i ng f rom n e w regions and countries. Nevertheless, t he e vent’s phi los ophy remains unchanged: the world is unshakable when ruled by openness and good-neighbourliness…

The power of spirit

Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Slavonic Unity was untouched. The Festival takes place each summer, gathering friends. The only change is that participants are from a greater number of states. You can reach the monument either by private car, or by public transport from Grodno. On the day of the Festival, the central city square is usually crowded with

Belta

Fest of Neighbourhood

Festive mood reigns at the event

buses, with trips taking only an hour and no passport control… This year, the Festival was hosted by Russia. Among the thousands of people, some wore national costume and white headscarves. Nowadays, the Festival also attracts religious pilgrims. The honoured guest was the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, who spoke a solemn public prayer for the unity of Slavonic people, “Nobody can doubt that a common foundation exists for our three fraternal peoples. We are strong only if we preserve and cherish this base rather than weaken it. This will allow our three buildings to keep their strength, despite bad weather or, even, an earthquake.” This spiritual thread is new to the Festival in recent years. The monument is now often visited by churchmen taking part in the celebrations and also gathers pilgrims. Faith unites, enlightens and supports… The heads of neighbouring eparchies and regional administrations have unanimously agreed that there should be a place of worship near the Friendship Monument, to host church and public events — regardless of citizenship or borders…

To see others, to show oneself

The Festival site becomes a huge town hosting craftsmen, artists, entertainers and master classes. To see and feel everything you would have to walk several dozen kilometres. The hit of this year’s programme was the reconstruction of ancient times by each region, portraying remarkable events from history or the old way of life. The theatre performance was especially impressive and touching. It is one thing to read of history on the Internet or in books; it is another to see it with your own eyes, even in a stylised form. Heroes of historical performances later scattered, promenading the streets: brave knights and soldiers, girls dressed in muslin and merchant wives. Costumes could be tried on, souvenirs sought and everyone was ready to chat.

Historical recreations were not the only part of the Festival. The 50th anniversary of the first human space flight, made by cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, was celebrated. A ‘space road’ was made in his honour, featuring astronauts, people in costumes of aliens and various other attractions and entertainments. The craftsmen roads allowed guests to try their hand at forging, glass-making, clay modelling and embroidery, with samples of delicious Slavonic dishes available. The Belarusian tents were filled with the scent of draniki potato pancakes frying, while the Ukrainians treated their guests to borsch soup and lumps of flavoursome salo. There was so much to explore. The Festival has left bright impressions, recharging everyone with positive energy and leaving them in a fantastic mood for the year ahead. By Violetta Dralyuk

New projects  The Festival of Ethno-Cultural Traditions Polesie Call was

held for the first time in autumn 2010, in Lyaskovichi of Petrikov District. Residents of Belarusian Polesie showed their unique folk traditions and handicrafts. Meanwhile, the Festival of Youth Subculture took place in Chechersk for the first time in 2010. Breakdancers, bikers, graffiti artists and others met for creative battle.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Belta

Heritage

I.L.Repin’s descendants on an excursion to Zdravnevo Museum-Estate

Nostalgia for Zdravnevo

Heirs of prominent Russian artist Ilya Repin come to Belarus from abroad for first time to visit memorable sites relating to their famous forefather

n 1899, the outstanding Russian painter Ilya Repin bought land in the village of Kuokkala (near St. Petersburg), building Penaty Estate. After the 1917 Revolution, Kuokkala became Finnish territory and the artist was obliged to emigrate. The life of his granddaughter, Tatiana, was just as complex. In 1892, she settled at Repin’s summer home: Zdravnevo Estate, near Vitebsk, on the picturesque bank of the Zapadnaya Dvina River. With her husband, Ivan Diakonoff (the son of a local priest), she worked as a teacher at a local primary school. However, the political Sword of Damocles hung over them, as they were former land owners. Unsurprisingly, in 1930, the family moved to Repin

беларусь.belarus 2011

in Finland and, after the artist’s death, went to France. Until recently, none of the Diakonoffs had officially visited former Soviet sites previously connected with the famous painter. Only once did Tatiana’s son — Kirill — visit Moscow, accompanying the Mstislav Rostropovich Orchestra in the early 1990s. Not long ago, a landmark event occurred, with Kirill’s four children visiting Repin’s homeland in Ukraine, also coming to Russia and Belarus. Let’s look at how they were welcomed in Vitebsk and their feelings on visiting Repin’s Zdravnevo Museum-Estate, which is situated not far from the Belarusian regional centre. Kirill Diakonoff ’s children — Ivan, Nadine, Michel and Serge — arrived

with their families and numerous relatives, making a large delegation of 18 people. The oldest was 59 year old Ivan Diakonoff, who works as an engineer with the famous France Télécom Corporation and lives in Lyon. The youngest were Nadine’s 20 year old daughter, Celia Autechaud, who is a student of classical literature, and Michel’s 14 year old son, Cyprien, who is a college student. “It was only on visiting Kiev, Kharkov and Moscow that we discovered Ilya Repin’s true popularity within the former Soviet states,” admits greatgreat-grandson Ivan Diakonoff. “We are astonished to learn how carefully his memory is being cherished in Belarus and how much his artistry is known here.”

Heritage “Of course, visiting Belarus, we’d like to learn more about our prominent ancestor,” explains Ivan’s brother, an engineer and computer specialist from France’s National Institute for Applied Sciences, Michel Diakonoff. “Zdravnevo was where our father Kirill was born (unfortunately, no longer living). Looking at your woods and fields through the train windows, we imagined our father as a small boy, running through this beauty. It was very exciting.” Unsurprisingly, Nadine Diakonoff, a physical culture teacher from St. Étienne, burst into tears on approaching Repin’s Zdravnevo Museum-Estate, filled with emotions. “Some view these places as part of the history of art but, to me, they embody the history of my family,” she admitted. Ilya Repin’s father is buried in a village cemetery near Zdravnevo, as is Dmitry Diakonoff — the father of Repin’s granddaughter Tatiana’s husband. When the large French delegation arrived at the cemetery with flowers, it was as if a broken link between centuries and generations was restored. Judging by the names of Repin’s heirs — Veronique, Alexis, Sophie and Adrian — it’s evident that the family never forgets its Russian roots. Ivan Diakonoff ’s daughter Marina works at a primary school and, on being told that her Russian name would be Marina Ivanovna, says, “Of course, to some extent I feel myself to be Russian, being proud of my roots.” As if confirming these words, she repeats a Russian phrase often heard f rom her grandfat her Kirill: ‘Don’t talk with your mouth full’. Speaking of whether they speak Russian

at home, Nadine notes, “My father spoke fluent Russian but, as his wife was French, he spoke French with his children — showing respect for her. The Diakonoffs were obliged to flee their native home, leaving behind Repin’s pictures; they took only a few small drawings from Zdravnevo, which were later sold in France, to help support the family.” Michele confirms that the Diakonoffs’ forced escape to France was a true tragedy for the family. “It was such a drama!” he admits. “I’ve always felt that my forefathers were nostalgic for their homeland, which they loved but had to leave against their wishes.” Interestingly, among Repin’s French heirs there is an engineer, a teacher, a manager, a carpenter-cabinetmaker and a financial consultant — but not a single painter. Svetlana TerekhovaMayorgas is a remote relative of Ivan Diakonoff. She was born in Pskov and now works with the Union des Russophones in France. It is she who organised the large family’s visit to Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. Svetlana is the only delegation member to speak Russian, explaining, “When the family settled in France, no time was left for art. To ensure a steady income, all the young people were taught engineering.” However, even among these ‘technicians’, some are clearly talented and artistic. Serge Diakonoff is an engineer and electrician but is keen

on restoring old watches. “These out l andish me chanisms are my passion,” he smiles. “I restore them for myself and my friends but, not long ago, I also restored a large clock from the tower in my village.” On being asked whether he is an artist, he replies, “I hope so.” Nadine’s son, Ivan Autechaud, has other talents: teaching physical culture and playing the accordion with a band. “I’m impressed with the grandeur of Zdravnevo Estate and am surprised to see so many interesting photos of my relatives,” he says. “I play reggae with my band and feel inspired to now learn Russian, so I can compose a song in this language. I’ve been told about the Slavonic Bazaar Festival in Vitebsk and believe that it would be fantastic for our band to take part.” The Diakonoffs have donated a hand written collection of Repin’s poetry, belonging to granddaughter Tatiana, to Zdravnevo Museum-Estate. The original was sadly lost from Zdravnevo during an inspection by the Soviet KGB. In France, the poems were rewritten from memory, with some new poems added in French. Lovers of Repin’s Zdravnevo Museum-Estate may now form a club in France; a similar club already exists in St. Petersburg and, on learning of it, Michel Diakonoff immediately expressed his eagerness to find out more. By Sergey Gomanov

I. Repin Museum’s surroundings are a picturesque site

2011 беларусь.belarus

Tourismprospects

Bonuses for travellers Belarus’ tourist sites offer a whole variety of recreation opportunities

s a branch of the global economy, tourism is now second only to the trade of oil and weapons; its annual growth of 7 percent outstrips that of the global economy overall, while around 10 percent of all investments are found in this sphere. One in eleven people are employed in the tourist industry, which creates 4 percent of global GDP (reaching even 11 percent taking into consideration other related branches). Unsurprisingly, countries worldwide — developed and otherwise — are keen to attract the greatest possible number of tourists. Egypt is annually visited by 15 million people, with only 10 percent of able-bodied citizens employed in its service sector. In 2010, the country generated $13bn from tourism. Sadly, the spring revolution affected tourism income. The situation should soon revive however, with Russian language tourists having remained loyal visitors to Egypt’s beaches.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Of course, Belarus is not Egypt, having no pyramids, the Red Sea or Cairo Market. Yet it has ambitious plans regarding development of its entry tourism. The recently adopted S t a t e P r o g r a m m e f o r To u r i s m Development in Belarus (2011— 2015) envisages a 3.5-fold rise in the export of tourist services; by 2015, they should exceed $500m. According to forecasts, in the coming five years, the number of business, tourist and private trips should rise over 1.5-fold, with more organised tourist groups, allowing tourist companies to double their revenue.

Silver lining to every cloud

According to statistics, last year, the Belarusian border was crossed by 4m foreigners — including those on business trips and travelling as tourists. Meanwhile, Lithuania accepted 1.5m tourists. Of these, Belarusians accounted for the largest number: 300,000. People are attracted by the country’s coast, as the sea is

quite warm in July. Moreover, it shares an EU border and neighbours other developed states. The difference in figures seems huge; of course, Belarus’ figure includes everyone crossing the border — not just tourists. The devaluation of the rouble and deficiency in foreign currency at exchange offices have made holidaying in Belarus even cheaper for foreigners. Will the tourist branch be taking advantage of this opportunity? According to statistics, in the first five months of the year, 1.3m foreigners crossed the border — a 140,000 rise on 2010. Since early 2011, tourist companies have accepted 56,000 visitors (15 percent more than during the same period of last year). About $55m has been brought into the country, up almost 40 percent. In turn, imports of tourist services account for $16m, creating the first significant positive balance in many years. The results of the summer season are yet to be assessed but some new trends seem apparent.

Tourismprospects

Starry sky

New homesteads and hotels are being built in Belarus, while old castles are being restored. The renewed Nesvizh Castle has already opened its new halls to visitors, while a new hotel has been launched in the town of Mir — famous for its Mir Castle. A three star hotel is soon to welcome its first guests in Narochansky area, known as the country’s major resort. Its reconstruction began last May and a fifth floor raises the number of rooms from 74 to 99. As in any European hotel, these have Internet access and air conditioning. The Narochansky National Park provides information on prices, with the first applications already received; in September, tourists from Germany and Spain are expected. There are other positive examples of hotel business development but it’s too early to say that the country has a sufficient number of hotels. Large hotels are being built in Minsk but there is a lack of mid-level hotels at affordable prices

(in which most tourists are interested). Belarus. by portal offers online booking for about 40 Belarusian hotels, with their number due to double in coming months. The national system is now ready to integrate with international consolidators; after joining them, Belarusian hotels will become available to hundreds of thousands of foreign tourist operators. While new hotels are being built — an expensive and time consuming venture, much hope is pinned on the development of agro-ecotourism. In 2006, the country had just 34 rural guesthouses; this now stands at over 1,000. Special loans are available to those wishing to host visitors, with homestead owners paying a symbolic annual tax of $10. At the same time, the Government believes that agroecotourism brings in good revenue to the state budget, since tourists spend money, promoting rural revival.

I m pe t u s for development

In line with the state programme, the budget accounts for just 20 percent of expenditure, with the remainder covered by investments. The state is interested in developing Belarus’ tourist branch and, recently, announced its readiness to help companies which deal with entry tourism. The Sports Ministry is keen to financially support events which encourage foreign visitors. Some time ago, Belarusian tourist companies addressed the Ministry asking for half of their expenses to be covered — such as those incurred from attending international exhibitions. Belarus already has a national stand at international shows but it would be more effective to have more

2011 беларусь.belarus

Tourismprospects Sanatorium-resort affair

Belta

“Tyzenhaus’ Estate” rural guesthouse in Korolino

According to the most modest calculations, about 500,000 tourists from Russia visit annually. M any are attracted by our sanatoriums and rural guesthouses. I n the first half of 2011, about 100,000 foreigners recuperated at B elarusian resorts tourist industry representatives attend — from companies, hotels and spas. One proposal currently studied by the Sports Ministry envisages free participation at international tourist exhibitions for firms whose share at least a third of their profits from entry tourism. The move is common worldwide.

A bar on the border

The need to obtain a visa is seen by tourist firms and the Sports Ministry as a major obstacle to the development of entr y tourism. In April, Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Tozik attended an opening ceremony for the 14th Fair of Tourist Services — Rest-2011. He asserted that the visa regime for foreigners coming into Belarus as tourists is to be simplified in the near future. However, so far, the Foreign Ministry’s position remains unchanged: it stresses that visas are not the major barrier and insists on visa reciprocity with other states. In

беларусь.belarus 2011

contrast, the Sports Ministry believes that simplification of the visa regime would raise tourism by 20 percent. The Sports and Tourism Minister, Oleg Kachan, is convinced that it’s necessary to more actively attract tourists from beyond the CIS, in addition to those from neighbouring states — such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic States. “We need to show them that our country is accessible and we’ll focus on this avenue,” he says. “Of course, on abolishing visas, some revenue would be lost but each foreign tourist would spend 300-400 Euros on average during their trip, so the profitability of the move is evident. Lowering or removing visa fees would raise the inflow of tourists several fold,” asserts a representative from Vneshintourist Agency. “The Russians, for example, can cross the Belarusian border free of charge and have long chosen our spas and resorts for holidaying. Visitors from other countries are rarer guests at our sanatoriums.”

An increasing number of Russians are coming to Belarus; according to the most modest calculations, about 500,000 tourists from this neighbouring state visit annually. Many are attracted by our sanatoriums and rural guesthouses. In the first half of 2011, about 100,000 foreigners recuperated at Belarusian resorts. In fact, holidaying in Belarus is much cheaper than in Moscow District, even taking into account the cost of a MoscowMinsk-Moscow travel ticket ($100-150). However alluring Egyptian or Turkish beaches might be, Belarus is closer and has a similar climate to the rest of Central Russia. Moreover, our lack of borders or language or cultural barriers adds to our attractiveness. In all, 60 percent of places at the nine most popular TsentrKurort sanatoriums are booked by Belarusians, with the remainder paid for by Russians — mostly from Moscow. Another positive trend is that Russians are showing interest in touring Belarus. The director of a large excursion bureau, Galina Potaeva, agrees, “This season, our firm has welcomed double the number of tourists on last spring, with most coming from Russia. They bring foreign currency into our country by buying souvenirs and visiting restaurants and cafes. This is one way of foreigners investing in our state economy. This season, entry tourism is more popular that exit travel. Belarus is becoming a more fashionable destination for Russians, Ukrainians and Latvians.” Car plates on our roads indicate that travellers from Moscow and St. Petersburg are frequent guests, spending more than just a weekend here. Russia has many long holidays on its calendar and many of its citizens spend them touring Belarus — visiting Lake Naroch, the Braslav Lakes, Grodno and Brest regions and the city of Minsk. Surfing Internet blogs and social networks, we can see that Russians have widely explored our country, touring it from May to October. By Igor Slavinsky

Soyuz Meeting in Mir

Belarus hosted a traditional tourist gathering of Union State youngsters. About 500 boys and girls took part, coming from 33 regions of European Russia, Belarus and the city of Minsk

Strong partnership On visiting Vitebsk’s Marko Footwear Company, whose produce is well-known across the two brotherly states of Russia and Belarus

he Union State’s State Secretary, Pavel Borodin, noted our plans for a major Union State programme of joint footwear production. “We need to manufacture at least 150m shoes a year,” he stressed. Belarusian and Russian footwear producers and tanners are already closely liaising, with Russia supplying cast soles, heels, clues, other chemical products and non-processed leather to Belarus, while our country is increasing sales of ready made footwear.

Full security The first stage of the future Belarusian nuclear power station has been launched, enabling builders to start constructing accommodation for energy workers, in addition to necessary engineering infrastructure

he foundations of the station have been laid and, this autumn, foundations for the main building will be dug. Some time ago, Belarus asked St. Petersburg’s Atomenergoprom Scientific-Research and Design Institute to recreate the conditions which led to the Fukushima disaster for the ‘AES-2006’ project (due to be realised near the Belarusian district centre of Ostrovets). Their conclusions were that no similar situation can ever occur in Belarus. Security systems account for 70 percent of the station’s total cost, with about a hundred protective systems installed.

hey camped on the bank of the Nieman River, cooking food over fires and participating in a diverse sports programme. Winners of team and individual competitions were awarded prizes, cups and certificates. The children participated in football matches and skittles, attending pop concerts and touring Belarusian sights, while making new friends. Since 2007, Belarusian and Russian youngsters have camped in this way under the aegis of the Union State Permanent Committee.

No sleep at border Brest has hosted a regular sitting of the Union State’s Border Committee, focusing on the results of co-operation

wing to a programme envisaging the development of the Union State’s external border (running from 2007-2011), eight sites have been launched. These include the border points of Yarevo and Drobishuny, soldier canteens in Farinovo and Dzerzhinsk,

Belarus — Russia

Be-La-Rus gathers friends At the point where the borders of Belarus, Latvia and Russia meet, the Mount of Friendship is situated on the Belarusian side

here, you can find the international youth camp — symbolically named Be-La-Rus. It has been held for many years and, on July 28th-31st, celebrated its 20th anniversary, gathering 650 participants. The event — dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the first space travel by man — was organised by the Belarusian Republican Youth Union,theRussianYouthUnion,and the Union for Latvian Youngsters’ Progress Public Association. an administrative building for squadron management in Grodno and a hostel for manpower in Plyusy. In all, 16 automated border checkpoint control systems have been launched, while several border service departments have been equipped with video surveillance systems and two helicopters have been purchased. The sitting was attended by the Union State’s State Secretary, Pavel Borodin, and heads of Belarusian and Russian border committees: Major-General Igor Rachkovsky and Army General Vladimir Pronichev.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Industrious SKIF Belarusian-Russian supercomputer masters new spheres of appliance

he latest supercomputer can conduct billions of operations per second… but what purpose does this serve? We addressed the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ United Institute of Informatics Problems, which created the supercomputer with Russian colleagues as part of a Union State sci-tech programme. The senior researcher at the laboratory of technical systems’ synthesis, Dmitry Kunkevich, tells us how the computer can calculate the strength of a steel hook (like those installed on a hoisting crane). Pressing a button, the monitor shows a grid: this is a final elementary model. After several more actions, the hook is painted red, yellow and blue, indicating how it would behave at various loads. The areas painted in red show when metal will fail — requiring a stronger material or additional processing. “A SKIF needs just a few minutes to solve this task,” explains Mr. Kunkevich. “Virtual tests for more complicated articles are conducted under the same principle, though requiring more time.” The laboratory has been liaising with Minsk’s Wheeled Tractor Plant

беларусь.belarus 2011

and Motor Plant for several years. Scientists have been helping conduct virtual tests for a hydrotransformer (the most important part in the automatic transmission of a heavy duty truck). Absolute accuracy is required, since fuel consumption and vehicle efficiency are affected. It takes even the supercomputer a couple of hours to several days to solve the problem but it’s much quicker and cheaper than the usual calculation methods. Moreover, workers can operate the supercomputer without leaving their factory, via a special communication network. The United Institute of Informatics Problems has many similar examples. At present, one of the resource centres of the national GRID-network operates there, in addition to the National Centre of GRID Technologies. Three supercomputers, with a total capacity of almost 80 teraflops, are used. “Calculating resources and infrastructure created under the Union State programmes are being used to solve scientific and production tasks, including those relating to state sci-tech orders,” explains the Executive Director of the

‘SKIF-GRID’ programme, Anatoly Krishtofik. “A system of automated working places for doctor-diagnosticians, with remote access to supercomputers, is operational. Some designers from industrial enterprises also have access. Rapid calculations are required in many spheres, with some customers even waiting several days in a ‘queue’.” Supercomputers are helping scientists with many tasks — even the search for a cure for HIV A1 infection (the type most common in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine). Specialists from the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences’ Bio-Organic Chemistry Institute and the Health Ministry’s S cientif ic-Research Institute on Epidemiology and Microbiology have made significant progress. We don’t need to disclose the details but it’s worth mentioning that, for a supercomputer, it takes three days to make one calculation (with many required). Interestingly, for an ordinary computer, each similar calculation would take several years. At present, only a few economically developed countries — like the USA and Japan — own supercom-

Vitaliy Gil

puter technologies. Not long ago, they ration wells (each metre of which is part of our joint sci-tech programmes. were joined by Belarus and Russia, extremely expensive). Moreover, On March 15th, 2011, this interaction whose joint developments have many extraction output should rise by 10-15 gained new impetus: during a Minsk times been named among the top percent. The programme also aims to sitting of the Union State’s Council of supercomputers in the world. Now, search for underground voids suitable Ministers, Belarus and Russia signed scientists from our two states — who for storing natural gas. an intergovernmental agreement on have developed the SKIF computer ‘SKIF-SOYUZ’ aims to develop co-operation in the field of research — are working on expanding its GRID-inf rastr uc ture (including and use of space for peaceful purposes. capacity and fields of application. fulfilling the ‘SKIF-GRID’ Union Our countries are now jointly develThey plan to develop a oping spacecraft for supercomputer network single orbital grouping. with specialised centres. The joint launch of a Belarusian satellite and A l r e a d y, t h r e e n e w Russian ‘Kanopus-B’ in Union State sci-tech draft projects have been the second half of 2011 will be the first step. prepared: ‘SKIF-ORBIS’, ‘SKIF-Nedra’ and ‘SKIF“Interestingly, Belarusian-Russian SKIF SOYUZ’. supercomputers and the ‘SKIF-ORBIS’ ensystem based on them visages uniting Russian and Belarusian superare to be used to process c omput e r n e t wor k s , and store data sent by of fe r i ng s e r v i c e s t o remote sensing satellites,” machine building and explains the Deputy radio-electronic enterGeneral Director of the prises. It will primarily National Academy of solve practical tasks, Sciences’ United Institute with its software mostly of Informatics Problems, enjoying open codes Vladimir Anishchenko. (reducing the cost of “Supercomputer techaccess to the system). The nologies will be useful new programme is being in processing and SKIF supercomputer needs just a few minutes to solve complicated tasks analysing data from co-ordinated with major Belarusian and Russian ministries and State programme) and to create elec- hydrometeorology, agriculture, forestry agencies and is currently being studied tronic scientific infrastructure. The and emergency situation prevention. It’s by the Economy and Finance minis- system is used by the global scientific extremely important that the Belarusian tries. Speaking of the effects of the community for fundamental research scientific-education system is integrated programme, Mr. Krishtofik notes, “The and development of new science- with that of Europe, since this will open period of product development will intensive technologies, with their new possibilities for space research.” speed up 3-5 times, with the number further introduction into industries. Specialists believe that space of prototypes cut 2-4-fold, lowering It is targetting competitive economic grouping will enhance efficiency of the price of final products. Moreover, development. Belarusian and Russian satellites 4-5Belarusian and Russian companies will Unique Belarusian-Russian super- fold. After computer processing, data gain greater competitiveness in their computer technology created under can be sold abroad. This confirms the struggle for sales markets.” the Union State auspices boasts inno- huge potential of Union State funded ‘SKIF-Nedra’ is to process huge vative potential, ensuring a techno- s ci-tech, pro duc tion and s o cial volumes of information for Russian logical and economic effect in all programmes and actions. Belarus and and Belarusian oil and gas companies, related branches — even cosmic. For Russia are jointly realising 45 projects giving recommendations on how to almost a decade, it has been a focus of of the kind, in various areas. significantly cut the number of explo- Belarusian-Russian co-operation, as By Vladimir Bibikov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Distance no obstacle to business Regions co-operate in all directions

n May 2011, Armavir hosted a landmark event: the launch of the local Belarusian-Kuban Trading House , JSC. Of course, it focuses on trade, promoting business in all directions. Seven trade-exhibition and production technical premises, offices and warehouses — all boasting the most advanced equipment — occupy a large site near a major international motorway. It is like an incubator, or a hive, offering wide-ranging assistance to firms interested in developing Belarusian-Kuban export-import ties. It’s expected that, in 2011, the Trading House’s contribution to Belarusian-Russian trade should exceed 60m Russian roubles. Figures well confirm that proposals on co-operation will meet demand. Last year, mutual turnover between Belarus and Krasnodarsky Krai rose 1.7-fold, outstripping the figures of the prosperous 2008. Meanwhile, in the first five months of 2011, trade rose another 1.7fold (against the same period of 2010), without taking into consideration other Russian contracts. Importantly, the range of goods sold by each side has expanded. In Kuban,

беларусь.belarus 2011

Belarusian wheeled MTZ tractors are popular, in addition to MAZ trucks, hard cheeses and cottage cheese. In turn, Belarusians love local sunflower oil, rice, fresh and canned vegetables

and fruits. “The profitability of such supplies is clear. However, for them to become a reality, enterprises’ heads and authorities need to demonstrate particular initiative and persistence,” stresses the Deputy Head of Krasnodarsky Krai Representation in Belarus, Oleg Davydyuk. “Geographical distance and differences in economic law play their role, so each contract requires numerous

reciprocal business trips, intensive talks and compromise. However, our results are worth the effort.” Governmental heads are setting the example of co-operation to enterprises. This spring, a Belarusian governmental delegation attended a Working Group on Bilateral Co-operation sitting, held in Krasnodar. Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister, Anatoly Kalinin and Krasnodarsky Krai Deputy Governor, Vadim Lukyanov, reported on the past year’s results, while signing an agreement on trade-economic, sci-tech and cultural interaction for the future. “Belarus is among our most important partners, in all spheres — including culture and trade,” Mr. Lukyanov noted, calling our country ‘brotherly’. This attitude reduces the view of geographical distance as an obstacle, looking rather at the benefits. Finances are at the heart of all partnerships, with a range of major, mutually beneficial projects being realised — in line with signed documents. One envisages construction of a trade-service for Minsk Tractor Plant in Kuban. Already, contracts have been signed for the sale of Belarus-made melioration and disinfection vehicles and movable veterinary laboratories to the Krai. Meanwhile, a joint venture is being set up to produce hybrid maize seeds for Belarusian agrarians. Talks have also focused on a new trading house for Krasnodarsky Krai in Minsk. Entrepreneurs are also shifting from simple trade in commodities to joint production and financial co-operation. In late May 2011, Gomel-based Gomselmash demonstrated its grain and forage harvesters at the Zolotaya Niva Exhibition in Krasnodarsky Krai. Its machinery enjoys popularity among farmers, being efficient and wellpriced. The setting up of assembly of Belarusian harvesters at Kuban industrial enterprises is now being discussed. Such activity is the perfect background

for a sitting of the Economic Policy Commission of the Belarus-Russia Unions’ Parliamentary Assembly, held in Krasnodar. This recently focused on trade and economic co-operation between our two regions. K r a s n o d ar s k y K r ai h a s a l s o demonstrated its achievements at Minsk’s Belagro Fair, presenting the agricultural and processing branches of Russia. Over 2,500 specialists visited its stands, with numerous talks conducted. As a result, Belarus is now importing an increasing volume of Krasnodar rice, while considering the import of grape wines and cognacs. Me anw h i l e, B el ar us may b e g i n exporting its alcoholic beverages. Business circles are next to meet at the 10th International Investment Forum, held in Sochi this autumn. Clearly, although contracts are being signed at top echelons, partnerships exist at all levels; even small and medium-sized companies play their part, numbering thousands. Minsk Regional Executive Committee has signed agreements on co-operation with over 40 Russian regions — including Moscow and its region, as well as Kemerovo and Smolensk regions (often viewed as Moscow provinces). The Minsk Region currently trades with 76 Russian districts and, in 2010, mutual

turnover reached $2.5bn (up 21.6 percent). Supplies of Belarusian trucks have risen 2.5-fold while sales of milk and condensed cream have risen 2.7fold. Russia is now the major trading partner of Minsk Region, accounting for 35 percent of its exports and 29 percent of imports. Co-operative results are regularly analysed and corrected at sittings of interregional bilateral commissions and councils. Taking into account the number of the RF constituent entities, it’s clear why they so often visit Minsk, and vice versa. In early June, Minsk was visited by a delegation from Altay Krai, headed by Deputy Governor Vitaly Ryapolov. Belarus and the Krai are actively liaising in the field of agriculture, realising joint industrial co-operation projects. This time, the guests were studying the work of leading industrial enterprises in Minsk and Lida, deciding to set up assembly of Belarusian trams, trolley buses and agricultural machinery in Altay Krai. Such goods could be sold on to other regions of Siberia and the Far East. Similar projects helped increase bilateral turnover between B elarus and Altay Krai

2.1 times in 2010; this year, another 20-25 percent rise is expected. Over the past decade, relations have been dynamically developing, as the State Secretary of the Union State, Pavel Borodin, recollects. “Looking at the past, in 2000, I toured Belarus and half of Russia, where many factories stood idle. In 1999, turnover reached $6.8bn — mostly from the sale of oil and gas to Belarus and their further transit to the EU. By 2008, turnover had risen to $34bn and, this year, it could reach $40bn (as before, oil and gas account for $6.8bn with the remainder resulting from sales of machine and tool building devices and other commodities). We’ve raised 26,000 enterprises from their knees, while creating five million jobs.” The establishment of the Customs Union and the forthcoming Single Economic Space should fur ther strengthen Belarus-Russia interregional relations, while encouraging similar action from Kazakhstan — which is also a fully-fledged member of the above mentioned associations. By Vladimir Yakovlev

Belta

At Belagro-2011 Fair

2011 беларусь.belarus

Festival, we’ll see you later The 20th International Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Arts Festival is already part of history, as are its star studded concerts

Belta

he intrigue of the Vitebsk-2011 Pop Song Contest is now resolved, with Belarusian Alena Lanskaya capturing its Grand Prix. However, the Festival comprises more than concerts, contests, theatrical performances and film premieres. It also boasts a To w n o f Craftsmen, an open air show of paintings, various exhibitions and

беларусь.belarus 2011

presentations and meetings of friends. As is traditional, a large delegation from the Belarus-Russia Union State is welcomed at Vitebsk as a group of old friends; they have been participating in the Festival’s financing since 1998. Meanwhile, the Day of the Union State is among the brightest and most memorable of cultural events at the Slavonic Bazaar.

Our past and future

The Union State allocated about 25m Russian roubles for the 20th Festival. Speaking at a press conference in Vitebsk, the Union State’s State Secretary, Pavel Borodin, promised to raise this sum 23-fold. “The Slavonic Bazaar demonstrates the spiritual unity of the Belarusian and Russian people; culture

This year’s Grand Prix went to Alena Lanskaya, representing Belarus

and spirituality are fundamental to all nations,” he said. As is traditional, the Day of the Union State opened with Great Patriotic War veterans laying wreaths at the Eternal Flame in the Pobedy Square. Here, Mr. Borodin presented new minibuses to an orphanage in Velikie Letsy (a village in Vitebsk District) and to Senno boarding school, also giving $15,000 to each. The Senno establishment is of special interest, as its pupils gain vocational training in woodwork, sewing and vegetable growing. “A year ago, Mr. Borodin visited us, presenting 45,000 Russian roubles, which we used to equip our sewing and woodworking workshops and buy computers,” recollects the Director of Senno boarding school, Leonid Kozlov. “He then asked whether we had our own bus, which was timely, as we lacked our own transport — despite needing to take over a hundred children to recreation camps and the medical centre and to the airport (for recuperative trips). Last year, we were invited to a Moscow exhibition of hand-made articles but had to decline, as we lacked our own bus. Instead, we took part virtually. Now, we’d be able to send a delegation to this fair on the new bus. We’re very grateful to Mr. Borodin for this.” Mr. Borodin told journalists that he has been working with boarding s cho ols since 1975 and has no plans to give up this job. During the Festival, he visited the Zhemchuzhina Rehabilitation Centre (Lepel District)

Another festival’s contest day coming to an end

— helping those affected by radiation as part of the Belarus’ Children and For Chernobyl Children programmes. Most of the 1,500 youngsters from Belarus’ contaminated areas have benefitted from the Centre, which is funded by the Union State Permanent Committee. In September, over 300 children will arrive there from the CIS. Mr. Borodin also visited two unique family-type orphanages, chatting cheerfully with children and presenting computers and other gifts.

Advantages of shared economy

Since the signing of the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State of Russia and Belarus, our two states’ turnover has risen from $6.9 bn (in 1999) to around $40bn in 2011. In all, 26,000 enterprises have been revived, while 5m jobs have been created. Unsurprisingly, the economic issue received special attention at the Slavonic Bazaar. A large delegation from the Belarus-Russia Union State’s Parliamentary Assembly visited Vityaz Plant, with deputies touring this unique CIS enterprise which boasts full cycle assembly of TVs. They admitted that

Vityaz could help establish economic ties between Belarusian and Russian regions while taking part in Union State programmes. A delegation from the Union State Permanent Committee visited Marko Footwear Factory, whose manufactures are also well known to Russian buyers. According to Mr. Borodin, the time has come to launch joint footwear production. “We should annually produce at least 150m pairs. We have everything needed to achieve this,” he said.

Artistry to flourish and friendship to strengthen

Nominees for the Union State Award in Literature and Art for 2011-2012 gathered at the Festival: People’s Artist of Belarus Georgy Poplavsky; Yanka Kupala Theatre actors from a performance based on Chekhov’s Wedding; and an artistic team from Pavlovo Posad Shawl Factory. Interestingly, the Festival’s organisers were asked to open a shop selling Pavlovo Posad shawls in Vitebsk. “Our company is among the oldest in Russia. Russian and Belarusian beauties have preferred our shawls for over two centuries,” stressed the factory’s chief artist, Victor Zubritsky. “We follow

authentic traditions; our art gives strength to people, which is the key. We also have a shawl devoted to Belarus.” Among those nominated are Russian Union of Writers member Gleb Gorbovsky and People’s Artiste of Russia and the USSR Yuri Bashmet. The 2012 award is granted to only three teams or personalities — to be chosen in September, in Moscow, by an expert panel. The evening of July 10th saw the Summer Amphitheatre host a gala concert, with Mr. Borodin presenting special diplomas from the Union State Permanent Committee: ‘For Artistic Implementation of Friendship by Belarusian and Russian People’. These were given to the Belarusian Philharmonic, singer Varvara and Byaseda and Belye Rosy ensembles. “We — Belarusians and Russians — are citizens of a single state, where all are equal,” Mr. Borodin stressed, addressing the Festival’s guests and participants. As if conf ir ming his words, Syabry ensemble and Ruslan Alekhno performed Two Sisters: Belarus and Russia (composed by Kim Breitburg) to a 7,000 audience. By Sergey Golesnik

2011 беларусь.belarus

Georgy Poplavsky, People’s Artist of Belarus

Pavel Borodin, the Union State’s Secretary, and Liliya Ananich, the Deputy Information Minister

Alexandr Khopkin, the RF Honoured Artist

Valeriya Fadeeva, an artist from Russia

Gennady Garbuk, People’s Artiste of Belarus

Crème de la crème

Nominees chosen for Union State Award in Literature and Art

ext year, the President of Belarus will hand out three Union State Awards for Literature and Art — traditionally chosen every two years and presented at the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Summer Amphitheatre stage. Masters of art were first acknowledged in 2002: Russian actor Alexey Petrenko, Belarusian playwright Alexey Dudarev and People’s Writer of Belarus Ivan Shamyakin. Other prize holders in recent years have included artists Mikhail Savistky, Leonid Shchemelev and Valentin Sidorov, actors Alexander Kalyagin and Rostislav Yankovsky, composer Alexandra Pakhmutova and conductor Mikhail Finberg. This year, the Expert Council on Awards under the Union State Permanent Committee has already defined the nominees. Russia will be represented by a writer whose life is closely connected with Vitebsk, Gleb Gorbovsky. Viola player, musician and conductor Yuri Bashmet has organised concert programmes as part of annual festivals in Minsk from 2006-2009. The final Russian nominee is the large team of masters from Pavlovo Posad Shawl Factory — especially for their ‘Legacy’ shawl collection. The Belarusian nominees are artist Georgy Poplavsky. Also nominated are

беларусь.belarus 2011

all those connected with the BelarusianRussian performance of Chekhov’s Wedding, staged at the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre (the director and artistic leader of Moscow’s Soundrama Studio is Vladimir Pankov and the art director is Maxim Obrezkov). The show features Gennady Garbuk, Igor Denisov, Zinaida Zubkova, Nikolay Kirichenko and Gennady Ovsyannikov, in addition to Soundrama musicians and Russian actor Andrey Zavodyuk. Each master unites the cultures of Belarus and Russia through their art. In the past, Georgy Poplavsky toured the entire Soviet Union. “Since then, decades have passed,” he recollects. “However, I still feel no borders between our countries. Moreover, I continue trying to teach unity and brotherhood to a new generation of artists, meeting them worldwide.” Gennady Garbuk — who is an acting legend — sees deep symbolism in the performance, saying, “In Wedding, actors communicate in different languages. At present, Belarusian and Russian theatrical art is closely related. In particular, many of our artistes successfully perform at prestigious theatres in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. Moreover, these ties stretch beyond the theatre. My elder brother, a captain of second rank, served 25 years with the Northern Submarine

Nuclear Fleet and now lives in Troitsk, near Moscow. He often tells me, “What discrepancies can exist between our countries if so many Belarusians live in Troitsk?” As in the Soviet times, our nations exist in unity: we fall in love, marry, give birth to children and help raise our grandchildren.” Pavlovo Posad shawls seem to be exclusively Russian, since such designs are woven nowhere else, but, since ancient times, the shawls have been loved in Belarus. The Russian factory’s chief artist, Victor Zubritsky, attentively follows demand for the shawls, manufactured since 1795. He tells us, “At exhibitions, women often tell us that our shawls are the best remedy for sorrow. I remember an interesting situation in Bobruisk, when a woman passing our pavilion decided to try on a shawl, having worn berets all her life. She immediately proclaimed, “It’s wonderful! It’s a true blessing!” “All nominees for the award are worthy,” believes Vladimir Karachevsky, the Co-Chair of the Expert Council and the First Deputy Culture Minister of Belarus. “Sadly, we have only three awards to give, so the competent Expert Council will choose the winners in autumn, at a Moscow sitting. For the decision to be objective, the Council will also take into account public opinion.” By Victor Korbut

ome Polish historians speak of Stanisław August Poniatowski without much respect, calling him a Russian puppet. During the second half of the 1750s, he lived in Russia, accredited to the court as the Saxon ambassador; Empress Yekaterina II even had an affair with the diplomat. In 1764, backed by Prussia, Russia lobbied Poniatowski for king. Of course, much time has passed and few would think that the last Polish king might be honoured in Belarus. However, Brest printing house recently published a book by famous Brest researcher Leonid Nesterchuk, entitled Stanisław August Poniatowski: Monarch, Enlightener,

Restoration of King Poniatowski can only be removed if the ground that the church is standing on is lifted. After abdication in 1795, the former monarch stayed in Grodno under effective home arrest. One year later, Russian Empress Yekaterina II died and her heir, Pavel I, invited the disgraced ex-king to St. Petersburg. There, in the winter of 1798, Stanislaw August died. After the farewell ceremony, his coffin and embalmed body was taken to St. Yekaterina’s Roman Catholic Church and buried in its crypt, where it stayed for almost half a century. In the late 1930s, it was hindering the town’s expansion and needed to be demolished, so the Soviet authorities invited Poland to take ‘their king’. Most Polish people perceived Poniatowski only as a betrayer, Yekaterina’s

secretly resigned to the earth in his native village. If it is true, where is the location?

Memory reloading

St. Trinity Roman Catholic Church was built in Volchin in 1833, near the main entrance to the palace and park, replacing a wooden church. It is a unique architectural monument, inspired by the Roman Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Today, the building is covered with scaffolding, being restored. The copper dome crowning the cathedral is already shining in the yard. Noticing a jeep with a ‘wilf ’ on the license plate, I make inquiries and discover that the owner heads the restoration company: Wilk (wolf) is his last name. It’s an interesting coincidence that

Volchin — King’s Refuge Church-burial vault of LAST King and Duke of Great Duchy of Lithuania resurrected in Brest Region Patron. In fact, he was born in Volchin village — now located in Kamenets District of Brest Region.

The secret of Volchin’s crypt

You can reach Volchin, near the border, by private transport or bus; the road is quite comfortable. Pribugskoye gas storage is nearby, where Russia stores its gas before sending it to the European Union. However, the main point of interest is above ground: St. Trinity Roman Catholic Church, currently being restored, where Poniatowski was baptised. “Our king is buried here,” note the construction workers of the Polish company in charge of the church restoration, speaking in the present tense. They are right in one sense, since the remains

lover and the major reason behind their country’s collapse; nevertheless, in 1938, his body was brought to his native land, to a remote province, to Volchin. St. Trinity Roman Catholic Church still hosts the only king to be born in Belarus, although the crypt was plundered in the post-war years. In 1988, Belarusian researchers discovered fragments of coffins there (Poniatowski was buried in three coffins inserted into one another), alongside a uniform and burial clothes bearing Polish eagles and the Poniatowski emblem. In 1989, another expedition, this time of Polish delegates, screened every piece of earth and dust in the crypt, finding that some parts belonged to an aged man. Volchin oldtimers say that Poniatowski’s remains didn’t disappear after the war but that he was

the distressed cathedral is being resurrected under the management of a man named similarly to the village of Volchin. The museum is to be founded by a local company called Voskhod-Kamenets… It is wonderful that the village, once a shining spot in Europe, is reviving its history. St. Trinity Roman Catholic Church hosts not only the last Polish king, but the last duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It has a direct relation to the state history of Belarus. The church has rescued from obscurity the figure of Stanislaw August Poniatowski — not only a politician but a patron and enlightener. He is now differently perceived both in our country and in Poland. Life sets things in their proper places. By Valentina Kozlovich

2011 беларусь.belarus

Partnership priorities

Ruslan Yesin, Consul General of Belarus in Gdansk

The old Gdansk Embankment

Outpost of good neighbourhood

When two regions neighbour each other, they always have a special relationship — even when those regions touch across national borders. Naturally, people share a common past, with traditions of good neighbourly relations

elarusian-Polish regional co-operation is a good example of a transborder relationship. The Consul General of Belarus in Gdansk, Ruslan Yesin, who has a Ph.D. in Political Sciences, shares his views. Mr. Yesin, Polish politicians and public figures regularly discuss the domestic political, social and economic situation in Belarus, while the Polish media often touches on the Belarusian topic. What inspires such interest in us? You’re right. I think the main reason is the common history, culture and Christian traditions of our two peoples. While we have different political systems

беларусь.belarus 2011

and views on integration processes in Europe, we are united by close family relations, especially along the border regions. Also, a number of native Polish people live in Belarus, while many Belarusians by origin reside in Poland. Besides, we are witnessing active development of commercial, economic, educational, cultural and scientific ties. In my view, it’s quite natural for Poland to be interested in its Eastern neighbours — especially on the threshold of important political campaigns. I wonder how Polish Pomorze people see our shared historical past. Differently. The most acute debates relate to the period of the Rzecz Pospolita (1569-1795) and the Warsaw

Pact (1955-1991). Some emphasise the political, others — territorial, the third — the cultural and spiritual component. As an historian, I tend to follow the latter. During my work in Poland, I’ve become confident that both Belarusian and Polish citizens care greatly about veterans and about preserving the memory of the victims of our two world wars. I’m proud that, with joint efforts to mark the 65th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazis, we managed to install a memorial plaque at the Stutthof Concentration Camp Museum in honour of the 1,002 Belarusians who perished in the concentration camp during World War II.

Partnership priorities

Yanka Kupala’s Memorial Plaque in Gdansk

Today, Poland is an active participant of integration within the European Union, while Belarus acts similarly in the post-Soviet area. How does this impact on Belarusian-Polish interregional co-operation? Every integration union strives to prove to its citizens and neighbours that its model is the most efficient, serving as an example to other countries. The CIS and EU are no exception. We seek good neighbourly and friendly relations not only with Poland but with Russia, Ukraine and other neighbouring states. I’m confident that the majority of Poles are keen to maintain and extend collaboration with Belarusian regions. For instance, the number of Polish visitors to Belarus is annually growing. In 2010, our office alone issued more than 6,000 entry visas, with half requested by those intending to visit relatives, friends or native places in Belarus. Over the past six years, many agreements have been concluded between the regions of our two countries: Mogilev and Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Minsk and Pomorze Zachodnie, Gomel and Lubuskie. These are not just statistics; agreements have ripened, continuing the efforts of our countrymen, creative intellectuals and businessmen undertaken at regional level throughout Belarus and Poland. Regional co-operation has driven forward contacts between business

Belarus’ Presidential Orchestra on a tour in Polish Pomorze

associations such as Gomel branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and Lubusz CCI, Gomel branch of the CCI and Zachodnie CCI, and Gomel-Raton Free Economic Zone and Kostrzyn-Slubice Special Economic Zone. In promoting interregional ties, we assist in setting up co-operation between towns and other administrative areas. Recently, we set up new twin relations between Grodno and Slupsk, Postavy and Wejherowo, and Novopolotsk, Polotsk and Gdansk. Relations already exist between Zielona Góra and Vitebsk, Chojnice and Mozyr, Zlotow and Nesvizh, and Mogilev and Wloclawek. How do economic ties between B el ar u si an and Poli sh reg i on s develop? For the past five years, we’ve witnessed steady positive dynamics regarding economic relations between our states. The Consulate General works in close liaison with our Embassy in Warsaw to promote Belarusian products and services on the Polish market, while attracting foreign investments into Belarus. I’d like to note that we’ve seen particularly high interest from Polish businessmen and investors in Belarusian companies. One such example is the Belarusian-Pomerania regional economic forums — arranged by us since 2007. Hundreds of delegates from the Polish business community

take part. As a result, Belarusian enterprises have begun supplying liquid gas, processed and sawn timber, biomass, foodstuffs and chemical products to the North-Western Region. In terms of investments, Pomorze investors are demonstrating steady interest towards Belarus. Investors from Poznan and Wejherowo have recently begun working at Vitebsk Free Economic Zone while Gdansk companies are finalising negotiations to purchase a Belarusian wood-working factory. They are also keen to build hotels in Belarus or to convert historical sites for this purpose. I must note that Gdansk ports are able to accept oceanic tankers, offering good transhipment and storage capacities and well-developed infrastructure. The potential for our co-operation is huge. Moreover, in past years, we’ve managed to successfully realise major projects. For instance, in the mid-1990s, Gdansk port handled a batch of 16,000 Belarusian tractors. In 2009, Polish ports received two ships under the Belarusian flag, transhipping 204,600 tonnes of frozen fish and 580,900 tonnes of seafood for Belarusian companies. Prospects for creating Belarusian wholesale structure in Pomorze for promoting food and non-food products to the Polish market are being investigated, as is the opportunity of using Gdansk Port’s logistical centre for tran-

2011 беларусь.belarus

Partnership priorities shipping Belarusian export goods. The Grodno-Gdansk railway branch line could support this idea. Chinese exporters have managed to establish their own wholesale structure in Gdansk’s suburbs, supplying their

trade and economic relations. What other directions are top priorities? Our main priority is the protection of the rights and interests of Belarusian citizens within the territory assigned to our consulate. Special attention is given to issues relating to children and to Belarusians involved in road accidents. We also assist our companies in settling disputes in Poland. Naturally, summer is our busiest time, as we try to look after Belarusians travelling to the Polish Baltic coast for holidays. We place adverts in the media giving advice on how to behave in the host country and how to avoid unnec-

Another significant event was the launch of the Belarusian House in Kashubia at the Pomorze Education and Promotion Centre in Szymbark. It opened with a photo-exhibition entitled ‘Unusual Belarus’ goods in large quantities across Poland. It’s an example we could follow. Obviously, creating foreign trading companies in Poland could help promote our goods, so that they appear more widely on the shelves of Polish stores and wholesalers. In terms of tourism, the idea of establishing a Belarusian-Polish centre on the Warsaw example is worth attention. Each year we are issuing more and more visas to Polish citizens wishing to visit Belarus as tourists or businessmen. In the past, the Consulate General has joined Mogilev, Minsk, Grodno and Gomel travel agencies in promoting tourist and health recuperation facilities in Belarus; clearly, this is paying dividends. It’s obvious that the Consulate General is working hard to strengthen

беларусь.belarus 2011

essary complications. We’re always ready to aid our citizens in the most difficult situations. Taking into account the territorial proximity of our countries, how does the Belarusian diaspora feel in Pomorze? There are many native Belarusians living in the North-Western Region of Poland; some estimates state more than 15,000. It is second only to Bialystok. Reasons for moving to Poland vary; some arrived directly after World War II, others came to reunite with their families or to study and decided to stay. The Belarusian diaspora is quite diverse and their opinions regarding the situation in Poland and Belarus are rather different. However, they are united by a desire to preserve their traditions and culture.

The largest association uniting not only the Belarusian diaspora but Polish friends of Belarus is the Poland-Belarus Society. It is known for organising numerous cultural events in Pomerania, which always enjoy nostalgic interest among the Pomorze Belarusians. Naturally, the Consulate General tries to promote these interesting events as much as possible. In what way? For instance, in 2007, Khatka Belarusian Cultural Association erected a memorial plaque to honour our classic poet Yanka Kupala, in Gdansk, supported by the Consul General of Belarus in Gdansk, Mikhail Alexeichik (1998-2004). Later, in 2010, this association suggested naming a street in Gdynia after famous Belarusian writer Yanka Bryl. It’s wonderful that one street in Gdynia now bears the name of our famous countryman. In January 2011, we held a Belarusian weekend for the first time in Gdansk, organised under the patronage of the Pomorze Provincial Governor’s Office and Gdansk authorities. Around 1000 Belarusians and friends of our country took part, enjoying a photo-exhibition entitled ‘A New View on Belarus’ and a Christmas concert by ‘Belarusian Soul’ folk band, from Gomel. This February, Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship hosted the Mogilev Region’s Days of Culture and Economy. It included a concert by a soloist from the Belarusian State Philharmonic Society, Honoured Artist of Belarus Irina Dorofeeva, hosted by Artus Palace (Torun). There was also an exhibition entitled ‘Belarus and Its People’. In April, the ‘Giuseppe Verdi — Messa da Requiem’ International Music Festival opened at Olivia Cathedral in Gdansk. A major performance by the Shirma State Academic Choir of Belarus opened the event. Another significant event was the launch of the Belarusian House in Kashubia, at the Pomorze Education and Promotion Centre in Szymbark. It opened with a photo-exhibition entitled ‘Unusual Belarus’, while Grodno

Partnership priorities folk band ‘Berestaviskia Muzyki’ performed. Meanwhile, the ‘Earth — the Basis of Motherland’ exhibition, dedicated to the 130th birthday of Yakub Kolas, was brought to Poland by the Yakub Kolas State Literature and Memorial Museum, hosted by Chelmno History Museum. Another remarkable event marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our colleagues from the Russian Consulate General helped organise the celebration, on 9th-11th August, hosted by the Russian Science and Culture Centre in Gdansk. In particular, there was a joint photo-exhibition exploring the modern life of our countries, including several joint film projects. Interest in this campaign was huge. Over several days, hundreds of people visited. Recently, the Presidential Orchestra and that of the Internal Affairs Department of Minsk Executive Committee toured and were warmly received by their audiences. In addition, there are some interesting initiatives from our associations. In Lubuskie Voivodship, there is the Polesie Friends Society, which regularly gathers Belarusians from Polesie regions in Bialkow. Also, the Yakub Kolas Fund in Chelmno is known for popularising our famous writer and poet’s works. Co-operation between non-government organisations can help towns like Bobruisk and Chelmno liaise. The authorities of both have agreed to establish partnership relations. Our sportsmen also contribute to cooperation, with our young Belarusian ice hockey players taking part in regional tournaments in Pomorze each year. Our footballers from Postavy regularly take part in competitions in Wejherowo, while Mogilev football players go to Torun. Boxers from Baranovichi attended games in Gdynia. Belarusians have always shown great interest in Gdansk, during summer time in particular, as it’s a well-known summer resort. I’d assume that the

Consulate works not only with Gdansk, despite its significance in Poland. For many people, Gdansk is not only an historical place of interest but a Baltic Sea resort. The galloping centrifugal forces of the 20th century formed the modern history of the Polish state system in this very place, without exaggeration. Gdansk is filled with special importance for the entire country. It is the ‘political capital’ and the leading scientific powerhouse for the Polish state. Special significance is attached to commemorating the memory of the tragic events which took place in Poland in the 19701980s, as well as the Solidarity Movement. To

Finishing our interview, what do you see as prospects for BelarusianPolish relations at an interregional level? Regional co-operation remains a top priority for the foreign policy of Belarus — an essential element of the ‘good neighbourhood belt’ surrounding our country. Poland places similar emphasis on regional liaisons within the framework of its European policy of neighbourliness.

In May 2009, to mark the 65th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from the Nazis we managed to install a memorial plaque at the Stutthof Concentration Camp Museum in honour of the 1,002 Belarusians who perished in the concentration camp during World War II this end, the European Solidarity Centre is being built on the site of the former Gdansk shipyard, where the first Polish President and Solidarity movement leader Lech Walesa worked. It will accommodate the Solidarity Movement History Museum and will be used to promote the Polish democracy model. It is, indeed, very interesting to work here. At the same time, we never limit ourselves to Gdansk. We cover the five voivodships of Pomorze, Pomorze Zachodnie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubuskie and Wielkopolskie: over a quarter of the country’s population and a third of Polish territory.

For many years, we’ve been fruitfully working with Polish regions. This isn’t just passing luck; we’ve made systematic efforts on both sides to promote friendly relations — based on our common past and neighbourly future. So, to answer your question, I’d say that regions seek to maintain and further expand co-operation in the spheres of trade, investment, education and culture. On our side, we’ll keep assisting our companies and organisations in finding partners within the territory of the Consulate, promoting Belarusian goods, attracting investments and popularising Belarusian culture in Poland.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Festival

From years gone by and our forefathers Yuri Ostapchuk, the founder of Syabrouskaya Byaseda festival, is also excellent in singing

h e Po d l a sk i e Voi v o d s h i p’s c i t y o f Michałowo recently hosted the Prymatskaya Byaseda (Talk) Festival, with Belarusian songs performed all night long. Nevertheless, the audience were fluent Polish speakers, despite Belarusians sometimes accounting for the major portion in local villages, learning Belarusian at school and often speaking Belarusian at home — preferring it to any other language. Events such as the Michalowo festival are financially supported by the Polish authorities.

Major holiday in small city

The Prymatskaya Byaseda (Talk) Festival is among the few events organised by Belarusians living in Podlaskie Voivodship. Since ancient times, the territory in the east of Poland has been inhabited by various nationalities: Lithuanians live to the north, Ukrainians to the south, Poles to the west and Belarusians to the east. The name speaks for itself: the territory on the Polish border was called ‘pod lyakhi’ (near Poles). Initially, it was part of Kiev Rus and was then included in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. From 1939-1941, it came under the ownership of the BSSR.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Belarusians from Polish Podlaskie Voivodship do not forget songs of their ancestors Michałowo, half way between Belarusian Volkovysk and Polish Białystok, had never previously hosted a Belarusian cultural forum, although concerts by folk bands were traditionally organised in the town of Gorodok (or Grudek), 8km away, as part of the Basovishche Rock Festival. Moreover, the founder and leader of Prymaki band, Yuri Ostapchuk, organised Syabrouskaya Byaseda (Friendly Talk) for nine years there before moving to Michałowo, launching a festival which enjoys support from the Belarusian Culture Ministry. As Culture Minister Pavel Latushko notes, such events help Belarusians preserve their particular identity. On talking with the Culture Counsellor of the Belarusian Embassy to Poland, Vasily Chernik, it becomes clear that Belarusians in Poland are facing a serious choice at present. Every decade, the number of people calling themselves ‘Belarusian’ in the census falls. Accordingly, song festivals confirm that Belarusians in the east of Poland still preserve their national culture. Podlaskie Voivodship is unique in having its own language — a mixture of Belarusian and Ukrainian. As a result, there is some debate as to which EasternSlavonic dialect it belongs to. Some villagers call their dialect ‘khokhlatsky’ (like ‘Ukrainian’), although they see themselves as Belarusians by nationality. It’s a true paradox.

Meanwhile, the Michałowo Festival’s organisers do not distinguish people by nationality. Many of those performing Belarusian songs view themselves as Poles, although their ancestors spoke Belarusian in the past. Despite these complications, Michałowo Mayor Marek Nazarko admits that ‘people longed for this holiday for a long time, as all our town residents have Belarusian roots’. According to him, the Festival is inspiring Michałowo’s development. Several years ago, it regained its status as a town (its population is 3,620 people). Now, it’s a dynamically developing centre on the Polish social, cultural and tourist map. Moreover, the development of unique traditions of national communities — including Belarusian — is officially backed by the EU policy. Similar festivals are common in the voivodship: Mielnik hosts Musical Dialogues Over the Bug River, gathering national communities from the region, while Białystok and Grodno organise joint artistic meetings for Belarusian folk bands from Poland and Polish groups from Belarus.

Best men in the village

In fact, the further preservation of Belarusian culture in Podlaskie Voivodship largely depends on such activists as Yuri Ostapchuk and famous local singer Sławomir Trofimiuk. The latter’s As band

Festival has been performing on major stages for two decades, while singing Belarusian, Ukrainian, Polish and Russian songs at weddings. However, Sławomir’s main goal is to promote Belarusian songs. He says, “Once, only Belarusians lived in my native village of Davidovtsy, 25km from Białystok, bordering the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Even now, only one Polish family lives here. Unsurprisingly, our traditions are strong. Although many young residents leave for Białystok or Warsaw to find employment, they keep their village lands; Belarusians will live here for a long time. We have a special language, which does not sound as literary as Belarusian but is also not Ukrainian, as many assert. It seems to me that our dialect remains unchanged since the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Reading old documents from that epoch (written in Old Belarusian), it’s as if their authors speak the language of my Davidovtsy.” Those in Podlaskie Voivodship feel a strong attachment to Belarusian and Eastern Slavonic traditions. Sławomir Trofimiuk, Adam Snarski and Jurek Jurowiec have named their latest album Pi e s n i Nas z ych B a ckou (Songs of Our Parents),

explaining, “The album features songs which our parents often sang. Among them are Belarusian, Russian, Ukrainian and, even, a Polish composition — Pokochalam Ladnego Bialorusa (Falling in Love with a Handsome Belarusian) — which was popular in the 19701980s. Through our work, we wish to show gratitude to our parents for having preserved our language and songs.”

Language for a ‘flower’

On crossing the Narew (Narva) River, you arrive to the south of Białystok, where Ukrainian traditions are strong. Among those coming to the Prymatskaya Byaseda Festival are girls from the Hajnówka House of Culture. They speak Polish but their songs express love for Ukraine. Only their grandparents spoke their ‘true’ language; already, their parents have forgotten their own Eastern Slavonic dialect, common in the past. It resembles that of Belarus’ Brest Region and Ukraine's Volyn Region, but most Hajnówka residents call themselves Belarusian — another paradox.

I found just one person at the Michałowo Festival speaking a dialect similar to literary Belarusian: Anelya Monach, who was born in Siemianówka, on the Belarusian border. She’s lived in Michałowo since the age of four and recollects, “My grandmother used to tell us that we were Belarusian. Really, our language differs from Polish. We say ‘gus’ and ‘guska’ while Poles say ‘gonska’ (meaning ‘geese’). We have ‘kvetka’ while Poles say ‘kwiatek’ (‘flower’) and we say ‘glyadzi’ while Poles say ‘spojrz’ (‘look’).” All these words are of pure Belarusian origin but will further generations in Podlaskie Voivodship understand them? As Yan Sychevsky, the Chairman of the Belarusian Public-Cultural Association in Poland, believes, if these song festivals go on attracting thousands of people, then the unique culture of local Belarusians has every chance of surviving in our modern global world. By Viktor Andreev

A Belarusian company performing on the Michałowo amphitheater stage (Poland)

2011 беларусь.belarus

In search FOR the lost

New interest inspired Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s life revealed via old postcards

adeusz Kosciuszko lived a life full of trials and adventure. He was born in the village of Marachevshchina (today known as Kosovo in Ivatsevichi District of Brest Region) in late 1845 or early 1846, to a middle class gentrified family. Following in the footsteps of his father, Colonel Ludwik Kosciuszko, our hero chose a military career, studying first in Warsaw, then at military school. Later, he perfected his military engineering skills in practice, studying in Paris, but lacked funds to buy his officer’s commission in the army of the Rzecz Pospolita. Kosciuszko then went into farming, giving painting lessons to the daughters of magnate Józef Sosnowski; elder daughter Ludwika fell in love with her teacher but the marriage was never to take place. Kosciuszko sailed first to Gdansk, then to Paris, before setting off from Le Havre to America in 1776 to join the American Independence Army as a volunteer. On 18th October of the same year, American Congress admitted him into the army at the rank of colonel and Kosciuszko became friendly with Thomas Jefferson — the main author of the Declaration of Independence. With all his heart, he adopted freedom-loving, democratic ideas...

беларусь.belarus 2011

His escapades fighting for American independence are well documented and published widely. He was promoted to general and then helped lead the uprising of 1794 for the independence of the Rzecz Pospolita. The life of Andrzej Tadeusz Bonawentura Kosciuszko is now open to all via a unique album entitled Tadeusz Kosciuszko in Old Postcards and Drawings (Minsk, Tekhnalogia, 2011). It is authored by Vladimir Lihodedov, winner of the prize ‘For Spiritual Revival’ — long term collector of postcards and historical researcher. His works are already known in Belarus and throughout the CIS. His latest book shows not just the iconography of the legendary freedom

and democracy fighter, but takes us on a tour of the places where Kosciuszko lived more than two centuries ago. Chapters include Hero’s Biography, Path to Life, The Struggle Begins, Return to Motherland, Leading the Uprising, Glory to the Defeated! and In Descendants’ Memory. As the foreword tells us: ‘The name of Kosciuszko unites various people on different continents. The national hero of Belarus and of the United States of America is also an honoured citizen of France. Everybody claims him for their own and he is remembered everywhere. This is a wonderful foundation for strengthening understanding between peoples, developing

The former piarists’ monastery where T. Kosciuszko studied

In search FOR the lost

fruitful relations at an inter-personal and inter-state level’. Scrutinising images of Kosciuszko — as described by several authors and reaching us through reproductions of photos — we gain a sense of a bright, diverse personality. He is enduringly attractive and intriguing: in general’s uniform or civilian clothes; on the sofa at home or in the prison cell where he was visited by Tsar Pavel I; next to Jefferson and Washington; being sworn in on March 24th,1794 in Krakow; and during the battles of Raclawice and Dubienka. Hundreds of books have been devoted to the freedom fighter, with over two hundred today stored in the US Congress Library — one of the leading world book treasuries. This edition is the first worldwide to contain such rich illustrations of Kosciuszko, however. More surprising is the fact that these illustrations are presented in the form of postcards and graphic work reproductions from the collection of just one person. Vladimir Lihodedov has spent two decades collecting postcards relating to Kosciuszko’s name, travel-

ling across Russia, Ukraine and Europe to attend auctions and contacting many collectors from the USA. Clearly, he is a passionate collector. We can only guess at how much physical and emotional effort has been devoted to the cause. The postcards closing the book vividly testify to the significance of the man who made such a serious attempt to change the history of Europe as the 18th century ended and the 19th began. In Descendants’ Memory shows the military and political career of our hero, whose deeds are marked by so many monuments in Belarusian towns and villages — Mir, Kobrin, Baranovichi and Brest among them. Streets in Pinsk, Slonim and Volkovysk were named after the hero and, back in 1905, a monument to our fellow countryman was unveiled in Chicago. Milwaukee citizens have commemorated Kosciuszko’s memory via a statue of him on horseback, placed in a park named after the US Army Brigadier General. US Congress not only conferred high military rank on the Belarusian but awarded him a 250hectare lot, with a life-term pension.

T. Kosciuszko Monument in Kobrin

There is even a town of Kosciuszko in the USA and Kosciuszko Mountain in Australia. More such examples can be found in Poland and Ukraine. A magnificent monument to the freedom fighter was erected in Lodz but demolished in 1939; its photo can be found in the album. The cover of the book bears the words of world famous politician Zbigniew Brzezinski: ‘It is an interesting and educational story of the life of a wonderful hero of the two fraternal nations — Poles and Belarusians, who fought not only for their freedom but also for the freedom of Americans. Kosciuszko’s devotion to the idea of human rights, social justice and national independence is an eternal testimony to his historical greatness’. The book by the Belarusian collector has already received high recognition from the European Hall of the US Congress Library and I’m convinced it will prove popular. It may inspire new interest in the personality of Tadeusz Kosciuszko in Belarus and far beyond. By Alex Karlyukevich

2011 беларусь.belarus

TheatreName

Natalia Gaida:

I like openhearted and smiling people 42

беларусь.belarus 2011

TheatreName

So much has been written about her that it is difficult not to repeat what has already been said of actress Natalia Victorovna over her fifty years of creativity by her enthusiastic fans, colleagues and critics. She is a stage goddess, an operetta star, a diva, a CSARDAS Princess and the life and soul of the theatre…

he compliments are not groundless, being filled with sympathy and love for this wonderful woman and actress who unites the best natural gifts: singing, dancing and an ability to convey the feelings of Silva, Bayadere, Roxana, Karambolina and Julia… Opera tenor Ivan Kozlovsky once compared her to champagne — a compliment which drew approval from the public. Knowing the roles she has played, and her own personality, the comparison seems perfect. She is filled with joy: sparkling, shining, gladdening the eye and pleasing the heart. From where does her energy come? Perhaps, she inherited it from her fathergeologist, who used to love poetry and operetta and could also sing and dance. Her mother boasted a dramatic soprano voice and we know that much can be explained by genes, education and our surroundings. Ms. Gaida tells me about living with her grandparents. Her grandfather was Hungarian Ferents Johan Gaida — a virtuoso shoemaker. He was taken prisoner by the Russian army during World War I and later changed his name to Frants Ivanovich. I vividly imagine the remote past of a small Siberian girl with freckles. She automatically straightens her back, stretching to proudly hold up her head as patent shoes are put on her tiny feet by her grandfather. I don’t know whether she imagines herself as an actress, or perhaps, Cinderella at the ball, but I understand her feelings: my first patent

N.Gaida as Silva fascinated spectators by an effervescent performance, femininity and charm

shoes had bows. They were real Coco Chanel shoes, brought from France; my mother gave them to me in Kyiv, after my admittance to university… Later, Natalia’s grandfather gave her shoes every year… but she never forgot her first pair, which seemed even more gorgeous against the background of post-war poverty. They fascinated her, making her think of her future as a grown woman. Natalia Gaida’s whole life is filled with music — wonderful and exciting music like the operetta genre.

In September, during the new season opening at the Belarusian State Academic Music Theatre, she’ll be singing in Italian at her native theatre, in the Susanna Tsiryuk stage version of Hits of the Neapolitan Quarter. Of course, there will be Silva and Little Red Riding Hood: Generation NEXT. Other performances will surely follow; it can’t be otherwise. Known as the symbol of Belarusian musical comedy, she is full of creative energy, passionate about her profession and earnest in her desire to bring joy to people. What could be better! As one wise man said, joy is the secret: if you learn to experience joy, you learn the secret of life. She learns this from her four-year-old grandson Daniil, who always tells her, “Grandma, you are so beautiful!” These words fill her heart with love, she confesses. Her eyes, huge against her smoothly combed hair, become moist and her round face shines with marvellous freckles. I almost feel that small Natasha, with her straight back, rejoicing over her grandfather’s present, sits before me. I can’t help thinking that perhaps the secret is in those wonderful shoes. Natalia, if you were today told not to sing, what would you do? I would start teaching. If I were forbidden to sing for other reasons, but kept my voice, I’d find a chance to sing. How long have you been singing? Since I was three years old; I remember that time well — during the war. My father was in the army, so I lived with my mother in Sverdlovsk. She had to abandon her studies at the Ural Conservatoire to start working as

2011 беларусь.belarus

TheatreName a soloist with the Philharmonic Society. Although I was still very young, she often left me at home with a family evacuated from Moscow, who were living in our flat. They fed and dressed me but I entertained myself. I remember singing Yablochko and dancing. After the war, we lived in Semipalatinsk [Kazakhstan] where my mother attended the Teacher’s House for intelligentsia meetings. There was a choir, where my mother sang arias. I sang there initially, then later in the kindergarten and continued in school. I loved performing mother’s arias and Ukrainian songs. I can only imagine how funny it must have been to hear a child innocently singing ‘Onegin, I was younger then, and a better person, I think!’ I also attended a ballet studio and drama society. When I reached high school, one of my teachers told me that I should sing professionally, so I decided to go to Moscow to apply to the Gnesin Music School. I didn’t manage to impress them though; for two years, I simply returned with nothing to show for my efforts except some new life experience. Later, I chose the Law Institute and left Irkutsk, where we were living at that time, returning to my native Sverdlovsk. Entering my third year, N.Gaida in Immerich Kalman’s “The Csardas Princess”

беларусь.belarus 2011

I gained a place at the Ural Conservatoire part time, studying simultaneously at two schools. I even worked as a lawyer for a while. Later, in my fourth year at the Conservatoire, I began working for the Sverdlovsk Opera Theatre. It was a great school. Over a period of four and a half years, I sang 15 opera roles, although vocally and technically I was very ‘green’. In one interview, you mentioned that you don’t like your voice... Absolutely true; I have what’s known as a light voice. It’s lyrical but difficult to convey deep passion. I often used to say to my mother, who had a solid dramatic soprano, that I wished I had a voice like hers...

singing in my native town with my husband — who had a wonderful baritone [Yury Bastrikov, People’s Artiste of Belarus]. Sverdlovsk Theatre is wonderful and I was happy to work there. Such stars as Ivan Kozlovsky, Sergey Lemeshev and Irina Arkhipova began their careers there. Have you ever reg retted not becoming a lawyer? Never. I think I used my opportunities wisely in choosing operetta. Otherwise, I might have never established myself as an actress or singer. How did you get to Minsk operetta? Through opera. The Sverdlovsk Opera Theatre’s chief conductor, Kirill Tikhonov, went to Minsk. On returning,

Some roles embrace the entire universe of human feelings — from joy to deep suffering. They give an actor the opportunity to show themselves fully. Such roles can be played for many years, as they never bore you Was that why you chose operetta? Yes — in musical theatre, you can convey deep feelings and the dramatic nature of characters through dialogue, dance and gesture. I wanted it all but I realised t h at I w a s n’t good enough for opera. If I’d had my mother’s soprano voice, I might still be

he told us that the Belarusian Opera Theatre was having a ‘baritone contest’. My husband’s Rigoletto aria won the competition and I was accepted as a ‘bonus’ in addition to my husband. I worked there for almost a year, before going to Sverdlovsk for four months to film an operetta. At that time, the State Musical Comedy Theatre was being created and I received a job there, upon Tikhonov’s recommendation. Was it your destiny? Most likely! Back in Sverdlovsk, I was twice invited to sing in operetta. So, I was transferred to the new theatre. However, I also insisted on auditioning alongside the other candidates. I sang Tony’s arioso from Dunaevsky’s White Acacia and danced Karambolina from Montmartre Violin. We often hear that operetta isn’t serious and is less demanding that opera…

TheatreName

Natalia Gaida’s recitals are also always a success

It’s absurd to say so. A libretto or play may go out of fashion but music stays wonderful forever. Sergey Rakhmaninov, for instance, used to say that he had never heard anything better than The Merry Widow. In the Soviet period, when many musical masterpieces were created, operetta bloomed! It’s a democratic genre embracing all aspects of life — from love to hatred and betrayal. Perhaps, those who think badly of operetta had an unfortunate first acquaintance, seeing poor staging or bad performance. Musicals are much in fashion today, paying tribute to western culture. I saw Chicago, Philipp Kirkorov’s musical flop; the singing and dancing were quite good but there was nothing resembling the expression or mentality of black Americans. The strings of my soul remained untouched. Perhaps, we shouldn’t try to copy an alien way of thinking but rather try to add something of our own. I can’t say that the musical genre is bad though. You have played many roles: Bayadere, Silva, Moritza… Which is your favourite? Some roles embrace the entire universe of human feelings — from joy to deep suffering. They give an actor the opportunity to show them-

selves fully. Such roles can be played for many years, as they never bore you. In classical works, women’s roles tend to be quite similar: some are more dramatic, some have more of a story, others have more vocal scope. Perhaps, among them, Silva is the most significant for me, as it has a strong social aspect which I think is still relevant. In Soviet operetta, every role is interesting in its own way: a girl might have to show strength during the war years or, for instance, lives in Odessa. There are many interesting roles in Belarusian operetta too. Was Pavlinka one of your first roles in Minsk? I played Irina first: a female intelligence agent in Belarusian composer Yury Semenyaka’s operetta Skylarks Singing. This performance marked the opening of our theatre on 17th January 1971. Then, I took the lead in Pavlinka, which Semenyaka wrote especially for me. I was very proud to play this role. Pavlinka was also shown at the Yanka Kupala Theatre, becoming its trademark. When we moved to Minsk, we first went to see this play. The roles of Irina and Pavlinka gave me enough space to grow as an actress and as a singer.

How did you manage with the Belarusian language? Wonderfully! I was even praised by one of Yanka Kupala’s relatives on the opening night for my flawless literary Belarusian. She was surprised I could learn so quickly, being a Russian by birth. In fact, my mother’s family has some Ukrainian roots, so I inherited a good feeling for languages. Are you satisfied with your creative life? A human being, perhaps, can never be fully satisfied. I’m no exception. Looking at my life from a wider perspective, of course, I’ve achieved a lot. I have a profession which I love and can’t imagine my life without. Naturally, I regret some past choices and wish I hadn’t made some mistakes but, thank God, I’ve managed not to make any drastic errors. Nevertheless, no matter how much we want to learn from others’ mistakes, in reality, we only learn from our own. I regret that I missed out on learning to play the piano — it would be very useful. Sometimes, I wish I could both play and sing myself. At the Conservatoire I, naturally, could have learnt to play. Perhaps, I failed to do so because of my busy schedule, or perhaps I was just lazy! Maybe, you could get down to it now? Probably not: I now have a personal concertmaster. I’m planning to learn German though; my granddaughter is getting married in Germany, so speaking the language would be useful. Now I’m no longer teaching, I have more spare time, which I can devote to learning new languages. Currently, I’m studying Italian. Did you enjoy teaching? My diploma says: opera and concert singer, teacher of solo singing. The qualification was given only to those who demonstrated certain capabilities for teaching while studying. I taught for twenty years. Back in Sverdlovsk, after graduation from the Conservatoire, I lectured in vocals at the conductor-

2011 беларусь.belarus

TheatreName choir faculty. During my first years in operetta, there was no time for lessons. Then, from the 1990s, I began teaching a special course for musical theatre at the Academy of Arts. At the Conservatoire, I led the chamber class; I took the vocal class, later, at the Culture University. Teaching gave me great pleasure and I can say in all modesty that I can easily identify the vocal potential of a student and I know how best to develop it. However, I am lacking patience! I always want everybody to understand me instantly. If you are emotional by nature, patience and self-control require a great deal of emotional effort. I eventually decided to save my precious energy for my work in the theatre. Moreover, the theatre management put me in charge of our young singers. In my view, it’s a new way of teaching, which I’m really enjoying. Do you experience any spiritual feelings during a performance? A state of inspiration comes to me when my emotional mood coincides with that of my stage partners and the audience. When this happens, the play becomes extraordinary; it’s a rather rare phenomenon. I recall, during our St. Petersburg tour in 1982, we were performing Silva. It’s one of those plays which everybody remembers. It gained a reputation from the very start, so I was confident that our Silva would be a total success. In my entire career, I’ve never experienced such ovations and praise from an audience; it was remarkable even after the first act. Have you realised all your plans as a singer? I’d like to find a play where I can play a woman of my own age. Drama has a lot of such roles but there are few in operetta, unfortunately. I’m endlessly grateful to composer Vladimir Kondrusevich who, with his plays, has prolonged the life of my aged heroines. Today, unfortunately, not many new operettas are written.

беларусь.belarus 2011

What brought you to drama? How successful was your parallel work in musical roles? I think it was a huge gift from fate that I tried out as a dramatic actress. Maria Zakharevich, my friend and a fellow Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre actress, received a role in Simon’s Old Lady’s Survival Manual, translated into Russian, and needed a partner. She asked me to recommend somebody so I suggested

very comfortable with him and believe I was very lucky to meet him. He’s a caring husband, a thoughtful father and wonderful grandfather. I’m a good friend to him but perhaps not such a good wife. I’m a bad housewife, as I don’t like cooking. I don’t mind cleaning or washing clothes but not cooking. Having married, I warned him that I wouldn’t cook, so he took on the job. I eat whatever is served as I’m not too picky, although I like

A state of inspiration comes to me when my emotional mood coincides with that of my stage partners and the audience. When this happens, the play becomes extraordinary; it’s a rather rare phenomenon myself as the understudy. Thus I came to the dramatic stage. Later, there were more performances. The combination wasn’t harmful at all. In fact, it enriched my creativity. In the future, I wouldn’t rule out similar proposals. How do you treat other gifts from fate? I always welcome them! Any creative proposal is considered as a gift, be it dramatic, musical theatre or a concert. In the Soviet times, I gave many solo concerts, touring Belarus and Russia. Today, I work in close liaison with the creative manager on Tatiana Starchenko’s Musical Room, taking part in her programmes. Who, of your children and grandchildren, has inherited your passion and talent for singing? Neither my daughter nor my grandchildren; they sing, of course, but only for themselves. Is it easy for two People’s Artistes to live together? When I was young, I thought that I’d never marry. I’d quickly become disappointed with men, noticing even the smallest flaw of character. Later, like many other girls of my age, I began to seek reliability and consistency. That’s when Yury came into my life. I feel

tasty food. His main sacrifice has been leaving the Sverdlovsk Opera Theatre for me, although his position there was very solid. Our titles don’t hinder our everyday lives. We feel proud of each other’s achievements. Recently, you were awarded the Francisk Skorina order. Yes, it was a delightful moment in my life. Such recognition is very important. Actors need not only an audience’s applause but praise from the authorities. I’m very thankful that our cultural leaders of the highest rank, representatives of state power, are taking part in our creative work. We’re always glad to see them at premieres. Their presence in the house and their evaluation of plays is also important for them; it shows their competence in judging cultural life. Nations are judged by their level of cultural development. As far as I know, you’re a very sincere and open-hearted person. What would you say about your theatre colleagues? I must recollect the past. Sincerity and openness was the norm at the Sverdlovsk Theatre. It was usual for us to pay compliments to each other after a successful play, with the theatre management praising our efforts.

TheatreName Actors worried about their colleagues, attended each other’s performances during their spare time and never gloated over failure. The atmosphere wasn’t quite the same at the Minsk Opera Theatre but that wasn’t the best period for the theatre: the building was under renovation, with part of the troupe on tour, so people were very disconnected. I remember well, after Il Trovatore, I entered the dressing room of a singer who had

sung brill i a n t l y, to express my admiration. She was surprised but thanked me, saying, “Such compliments are unusual here. Oh, I f o r g o t y o u’r e a n e wc om e r.” I w a s , n a t u r a l l y,

perplexed. In the operetta, everything was different. It was like a family; we were all young and obsessed with the idea of creating a new theatre. The atmosphere was very friendly. And today? I like everything in my theatre. With age, I’ve begun to appreciate my stage partners more. I love everybody who performs with me and who directs. Of course, there are some people who I treat with more sympathy. I love openhearted and smiling people but I realise that not everyone is like this. Those who don’t smile have the right to remain more reserved: it’s their choice. I’ve learnt how to accept people as they are. However, I still believe that a smile makes our world brighter — even when you d on’t w a nt t o smile. Besides, we are social creatures, so we have no right to burden others with our cheerless, depressed appearance. Once, I didn’t smile at a colleague and he immediately asked if something was wrong. Ho w d o y o u k e e p strong? By spending some time in solitude. When I’m alone, I rest spiritually and physically. Solitude gives me the chance to take a detached view of myself and to think over some deeds and moods. I like to go to the theatre and N. Gaida is once again back in Silva, but performing as the Dutchess

cinema alone. Perhaps, this taste for loneliness comes from my youth, when I had the rare chance to be alone. It lasted until I moved to Irkutsk, with my parents, to our own house. After some time spent in solitude, I always start missing people. Then, I realise that my strength has been restored and that I’m ready to smile at everyone I meet that day. When I’m feeling sad, I don’t show it. Do you wish to further perfect yourself? I like that, in growing old, I’ve begun to better understand those matters which puzzled me in my youth. I’m no longer too categorical and have learnt to forgive people’s weaknesses. Nor am I as explosive as I used to be; I’ve encouraged myself to be patient. I’ve learnt how to simply be myself, regardless of others’ expectations. I think that, with age, we begin using our strengths more reasonably. Today, I’m totally different. I like myself more now and am open to new experiences. Also, I believe that people can change, unless they’re guided by false confidence in their own perfection, which is usually fed by awful egocentrism. Femininity and coquetry — how important are they for you? Femininity is given to us by nature — unlike coquetry, which is more of an ability to show off your womanhood. A sensible degree of coquetry can work miracles — in life and in acting. However, it’s important not to cross the fine line between flirtation and predator y behaviour, which kills natural femininity and is very unattractive — even repulsive. How have you changed from being young to today, when you have two grandchildren? When you’re young, you have light wings, needing to think only about yourself. With years, these wings gain weight. You become responsible for a family, for children and grandchildren, as well for your job, and no longer have the right to make foolish mistakes. By Valentina Zhdanovich

2011 беларусь.belarus

TheatrePremier

Sounds of high drama Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre premieres Lion in Winter, staged by director Valentina Yerenkova, based on famous play by James Goldman

he play has been many times staged in theatres of Europe and has inspired s e veral f ilms. It was shown for the first time on Broadway in 1966 and immediately enjoyed great success. It was then filmed by Anthony Harvey, starring Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton. The plot explores the family of King Richard the Lionheart — Henry II — and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It has been many times staged in Russia and was recently chosen for Inna Churikova’s benefit performance by her spouse, director Gleb Panfilov, performed at Moscow’s Lenkom Theatre. In 2003, a TV performance was shot, under Andrey Konchalovsky’s direction, starring Glenn Close and Patrick Stewart. Over all, there is little for playwright James Goldman to feel unhappy about, as actors of the highest calibre have played his heroes. Undoubtedly, the performance by the Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre, also known as the Russian Theatre, will inscribe a new page in the play’s history. Director Valentina Yerenkova’s complex, synthetic theatre unites various styles, while strictly following the playwright’s original intentions. She has not tried to break new ground, but has rather created her own world around it. The staging takes us back to 1183, during the Christmas celebrations. Elderly English King Henry II must name his heir, so gathers the entire family and prominent members of the nobility to his festive table. The family members detest each other, united only by their ambitious thirst for power.

беларусь.belarus 2011

The cast work together to create a holistic, almost mystical performance, in the spirit of Shakespeare, with some critics seeing parallels with King Lear in the play’s treatment of the nature of power and ambition. Production designer Alla Sorokina conjures up a medieval castle full of cold unfriendliness. The performance begins with the sound of chains clanking above the stage, symbolising the idea of irrefutable human enslavement. Tatiana Lisovenko’s costumes are wonderfully authentic, truly making us believe that a royal family stand before us. Especially remarkable are the gorgeous clothes of Bella Masumyan, which look as if they could grace any runway. Composer Alexey Yerenkov offers us complex polyphonic music, linking time and styles, emphasising the estrangement of the characters, their disunity and the uniting spirit of disbelief which dominates the family castle. Only s om e t i m e s d o e s h e a l l ow a few light, lyrical

turns to enter in, as if recollecting the love that drives the heroes despite their destructive lust for power. The choreography of the actors’ movements, directed by young ballet master Yevgeny Kornyag, is precise, showing his ability to recreate the spirit of the medieval age. Considering the current trend for theatres to stage commercial comedies and other light-hearted material, there are few daring enough to engage in serious costume drama. It is always risky, since audiences do not respond as easily to deeply psychological plots. Meanwhile, it requires great physical and mental effort to produce a believable performance. A mature and cohesive company is needed, with each member ready to work together, rather than trying to ‘steal the show’; the result is like finely woven psychological linen. Director Valentina Yerenkova is firmly confident in her chosen material, asserting that the time is right for such a performance. The play centres around family confrontation, picking up the themes of self-sacrifice and duty. “I hope that the public will empathise with these serious topics and will be awakened to the passions taking place on stage. I believe it is high time that we look inside ourselves,” she asserted before the opening night. The performance pivots around the psychological duel between Ivan Matskevich and Bella Masumyan’s characters The parts played by Ivan Matskevich and Bella Masumyan in Lion in Winter performance are a true asset to their stage career

TheatrePremier

Vitaliy Gil

Contest Call for Talents

A scene from Lion in Winter performance

— each powerful, selfish and purposeful. Their marriage of 31 years has survived despite contradictions and intrigues. “Before beginning, I recollected the faces of Peter O’Toole and Katharine Hepburn from the old American screen version,” says Ms. Yerenkova. “Their stern faces looked as if they had been carved from rock. I’ll always remember the final scene from the film and hope we have managed to emulate its fever pitch.” Ms. Yerenkova seems to have achieved her goal yet without blindly copying tradition. She gives a deeply personal and individual interpretation of the historical drama. Ivan Matskevich has many times played powerful masculine characters and certainly does this well, creating implacable protagonists. In playing Henry II, he brings his own flavour, showing sometimes a powerful monarch, or simply a man in love, unable to conceal his feelings. Eleanor of Aquitaine, played by People’s Artist of Belarus Bella Masumyan, whose birthday is marked by the performance, is Henry’s match. In her five decades of acting, she has taken on over 100 stage roles for the Russian Theatre. Her current performance is a worthy continuation, played with charm, wit and energy; she is able to manipulate others’ weaknesses and is always several steps ahead of her enemies. She is a real lioness struggling for her own interests; it was not without thought that Gleb

Panfilov produced his version of the play at the Lenkom Theatre under the name Lioness of Aquitaine. Their three children — Richard, Jeffery and John — are each different, performed by well-known Ruslan Chernetsky, Sergey Chekeres and Sergey Zhbankov. French Princess Elis is played by Veronika Plyashkevich and French King Philip by Andrey Krivetsky. These younger actors are sincere, transporting us into the wonderful and intriguing story. It is no mean feat, requiring great skill to portray the genuine character and habits of historical personages from medieval England. Each has managed well. Lion in Winter is neither a vaudeville nor a comedy. In the final scenes, it epitomises high drama. Undoubtedly, each of the actors feels responsibility for demonstrating maximum mastery and self-discipline. Ms. Yerenkova’s staging with a single team of actors emphasises her director’s choice of specific individuals. During her time with the theatre, she has gathered her own regular cast and, in this performance, the team shines gloriously. If you desire traditional psychological theatre, without any touch of the grotesque or clowning, this performance at the Russian Theatre is the one to catch. Perhaps, each of us can discover something new about ourselves, seeing our own reflection in the mirror of history.

Have you loved cartoons since childhood, knowing the catchphrases of characters by heart? Do you have good writing skills? If so, you could enter a contest organised by Belarusfilm National Film Studio

ontest participants will compete in writing a cartoon script on a patriotic theme, designed to enhance the role of national cinematography in the socio-cultural life of society, while preserving and developing the traditions of national film art. Scripts are to meet a certain artistic style, disclosing the richness of our inner world and the best elements of modern youth, while promoting an optimistic view of the development of our society and the state, as seen through the eyes of young people. The richness of our history must be reflected, with scripts being educational and entertaining, aimed at preschool and school age children. The contest is open to those under the age of 31, with applications received until October 1st, 2011 (inclusively). Three copies of each script should be sent (stating the expected running time and technique of film making). Copies of personal identification documents, including the passport of a Belarusian or foreign citizen (containing information on name, patronymics, surname, date and place of birth and registration — either at the place of living or the place of stay) must be included. Mark the package as ‘Youth Contest’ and send to the Belarusian Culture Ministry’s Cinematography Department (220004, Minsk, 11 Pobediteley Avenue). Results will be announced in November.

By Sergey Petrov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Hobbies

e treats life as a game… but from where does this sense of ease originate? “It’s easier to teach a child something by playing games. The same is true of adults. They like to act seriously, forgetting even to smile — be it for themselves, their family or bosses. You need partners — or fans and spectators — to play and, the more often you do so, the more friends you gain. How else can you achieve true happiness?” notes Mr. Kravtsov, explaining his philosophy for living. He set out to traverse the world without money or any particular possessions — taking only a stool with him! After returning home, he explained his strange trip, which began from his native city of Gomel (Belarus’ second largest). He returned to the remote Polesie village of Chyrvony Kastrychnik, which isn’t even shown on most maps.

half of the world, from which I recently returned, helped me finally decide. You call yourself a wandering spirit. Why can’t you stay in one place for any length of time? What drives you? I’m driven by my passion for living; you only live once on planet Earth — our home. I like to see its other ‘rooms’. My wandering spirit is just one way of living. It differs from being a tourist, as it’s much easier to communicate with people and they don’t see you as a source of easy money, demanding service in return. Moreover, no one tried to rob me, since I had nothing with me worth stealing. I didn’t carry a camera around my neck and only took my laptop onto the street when strictly necessary. I was able to chat with people from all social strata and felt absolutely free when travelling. Sometimes, I’d stop somewhere for a month or longer,

I communicated in English in the USA, having studied the language at school. From Mexico dow n, e veryone speaks only Spanish, so I had to learn. At first, when I needed to eat or reach somewhere, I had to use sign language but, by the time I arrived in Brazil, I spoke Spanish fluently. It was extremely difLeonid Kanter (on the left) inspired Kirill Kravtsov to travel to Cape Horn with a stool

No limit travel Kirill Kravtsov covers distance from Gomel to Chyrvony Kastrychnik village across oceans and continents Tell us about yourself, Kirill. What took you on your ‘round the world’ trip and made you relocate from the city to a village? I’m 32 years old and graduated from the State Transport University’s Financial Accounting Department. I spent six years working in the economic sphere — at various state and private enterprises. By the age of 27, I was working as a logistics manager and as a glamorous photographer (something I’d dreamt of doing since childhood). I opened my studio, creating alumni photo albums for half of Gomel’s educational establishments. I also took shots of models and dancers, photographed advertisements and exhibited my works from time to time. From the age of 20, my life plan changed several times. However, my year long trip around

беларусь.belarus 2011

making new friends. As soon as I felt that it was time to continue my journey, I’d wake up at dawn and depart, while ‘the muse’ of remote countries allured me. You’ve travelled all over America — from north to south. What was the most striking aspect? I was astonished at the number of good people in the world, across different states. Fewer exist in the USA, Costa Rica and Brazil, perhaps because people there are wealthier, so tend to guard their possessions, afraid to take in travellers and become friends. Meanwhile, Mexico, Columbia, Argentina and the whole of Central America were almost like a fairytale. Their economic level is similar to ours but people enjoy life and smile at each other. Did you communicate in Spanish or English?

ficult for me to understand Portuguese though; the two are similar in writing, yet have absolutely different pronunciation. After a month and a half in Brazil, I’d also mastered Portuguese. Spanish is the easiest language to learn in its group, as Belarusian is in the Slavonic group: written the same as its read. How do you find a common language with those from another hemisphere, from another country? You can find a common language with anyone within five minutes. It’s enough just to be open with your feelings and observe a balance between what you receive from people and what you give. Wherever I stayed, I helped prepare food, clean and make repairs. It’s also vital to leave positive emotions behind you, so that your hosts are pleased to have you

Hobbies stay and would be happy for you to return. I’ve invited all my new friends to visit me in Belarus. Tell us about your Travelling with a Stool project. Who thought of the idea, who took part and why? What did you achieve for yourself or for your country? The idea of travelling with a stool came f rom my friend — a Ukrainian traveller, inventor and film director, Leonid Kanter. Six years ago, he decided to bring his four kitchen stools to the world’s four oceans. We met as he was bringing his third stool to the Arctic Ocean. We travelled a little together through Belarus and decided to set off on the next (last) ‘stool trip’. That was in 2007. Twelve Belarusians planned to join the last expedition to Cape Horn but only four managed it: Victoria Malaeva, Vladislav Yurkov, Yevgenia Mantsevich and I. The remainder stepped down for various reasons. Vika Malaeva joined us in New York, where we spent around three months, and then decided to stay on. We were a ‘cultural embassy’ for our country, chatting to our Belarusian diaspora and performing in churches and at various festivals. We wrote a blog on the Internet and performed in towns and villages around the world almost every day. We sang songs while preparing

Belarusian dishes and told people about our country. In a word, we promoted the ‘Belarus’ brand abroad. Why do you travel with a stool? It’s great to take your kitchen stool to the shore of the ocean; in our case, Cape Horn was our destination. Wooden stools are found in almost every Belarusian kitchen. Once, in New York, a couple passing by noticed and said, “Look, the stool is from the Soviet times — these people must be from our country!” Of course, it’s just a stool — carried as a joke or fancy — but passers-by usually smile at seeing it on your shoulders. It’s pleasant and you smile in return. Imagine everyone smiling at you for a year. It’s a great feeling. How did you promote Belarus in Latin America? What were people keen to know? We told stories about Belarus everywhere. People were astonished to learn that our police aren’t armed on the streets. We also told them that we often have temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius in winter and sometimes bathe in ice-holes! We told them that spring is a season of flowers, when the air is filled with love. We explained Belarusian hospitality towards strangers, so they understood the kindness in our hearts. We also told them interesting facts about our simple but wonderful life. How did you manage to receive visas for so many countries? It’s easy to receive a visa to any country. Just present all the documents required by an embassy, and convince a consul that you don’t plan to stay in the country illegally. Sergey Lukashevich, who heads the Belarusian Embassy’s Consular Department in Argentina, read about our project and was glad to meet us. I asked him for a Belarusian flag, which I left at Cape Horn. He helped me several more times with information and once assisted in speeding up my Chilean visa. I’m very grateful to him for this. You met representatives of the Belarusian diaspora. How do they live? Do they preserve their traditions and how important is the Belarusian language to them?

The largest Belarusian diaspora we found was living in the USA. Most are in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and their suburbs. Belarusian emigrants in New York speak Belarusian to each other. Their children don’t understand Russian, speaking only Belarusian or English. Some organise traditional festivals, in which we took part. I especially remember Kupalle, hosted by Valentina Yakimovich. She sews national shirts and invites Belarusians for folk holidays, even far away from her homeland. I met Vitovt Kipel — a famous figure of Belarusian culture, whose last major work was to release a big BelarusianEnglish dictionary. I met Belarusians in the north of Argentina who spoke only Spanish and learnt that quite a large Belarusian diaspora live in Buenos Aires; sadly, I failed to get acquainted with them. Why did you decide to settle in a village on returning home? Travelling through the USA, I realised that cities are similar worldwide, while villages are always different and their scenery is far more beautiful. Rural air is purer and rural water is tastier. At present, I’m the only resident of my village, although two of my friends have also bought houses there, coming at weekends. Every 2-3 days, friends come to stay — I’ve hosted those from St. Petersburg, Kiev, Minsk, Gomel and Lithuania already and will welcome friends from Latin and North America for New Year. ‘Chyrvony Kastrychnik’ will become a village brand. Will you become involved in rural tourism? I’ll probably try eco-tourism later, after I’ve made repairs and have restored the houses. At present, my primary goal is to organise art festivals in the village. I’m now preparing a non-commercial ‘Chyrvony Kastrychnik’ festival, to be held on October 1st-2nd. I’d like to please guests with performances by Belarusian folk bands, alongside samples of national dishes and drinks. We’ll also have some extraordinary exhibitions by artists and photographers and a trade fair of craftsmen. By Viktar Korbut

2011 беларусь.belarus

Olympics free pass

Youngsters with healthy ambitions For Belarusian football, June 2011 was a remarkable month. The country’s junior team headed for the European Championship in Denmark in high spirits and with high hopes, although few really believed in their realisation. However, the team not only qualified for the semi-finals but posed a serious thereat to the favourite of the tournament — Spain. Later, they beat the Czechs in the struggle for the third place. For the first time in the country’s history, they are through to the Olympic Games in London 52

беларусь.belarus 2011

Joyous moments of victory

lmost overnight, the squad has grown before our eyes, as if battle-hardened. Boys have become men, as if exchanging their children’s dungarees for business suits! Their blithe spirit is now ready for serious action. At Minsk National Airport, they were greeted like heroes — with flowers and music. They smiled modestly and seemed not to believe in their new status as one of the greatest football countries in the world: only four teams from Europe are to go to the Olympics. The Belarusian squad is among them, despite being previously unknown. The potential of the U21 team was noticed a year ago, when they beat the Austrians in a European Championship qualification round. Specialists unanimously agreed that Austria had brought some of the strongest players of the past decade — many of whom were already playing for leading European clubs. Nevertheless, our Belarusian team was unbeaten at home, defeating Austria 3:1 with only ten minutes of the match

Olympics free pass remaining. The Austrians needed victory but it eluded them. Later, they would say that, on that day, the Belarusians ruled the pitch. Two absolutely crazy goals were scored by our squad, which went on to do well in the European Championship final. The football gods were smiling on our players, appreciating their sincere efforts. The Austrians were the first to be scalped by the Belarusians, but not the last. Long-time football legends from Italy were the next to suffer. During a decisive two-match play-off duel for a place in the European Championship final, Italy arrived for their return game in Borisov with an easy 2:0 home victory, gaining the confidence of kings. However, again, the football gods smiled, allowing Vladimir Yurchenko to score twice within just several minutes. Another goal was achieved by defender Oleg Veretilo, during extra time; he sent the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs. Never before had the Italians experienced such shame. However, nobody believed the B elarusian team was capable of confirming their reputation in the final tournament in Denmark. Even the allknowing bookies, having a good nose for sensations, didn’t believe in our Belarusian lads — thinking that they’d used their luck in previous matches. The football gods smiled again in our first match — against Iceland. All of Europe was talking of their success in beating the Germans, scoring the highest number of goals in the qualification tournament. The traditional image of Iceland as a non-footballing country is changing! Their squad might have succeeded were it not for our Belarusians, who won 2:0. During the next two games we lost twice (1:2 against Denmark and 0:3 against Switzerland) but this mattered not. It was like a miracle. After our defeat by Switzerland, to qualify for the semifinals from second place in the group, we needed Iceland to beat Denmark 3:1 — which they did! The final goal determining the destiny of Belarus was scored in the very last minutes of the game! Rumours began that Belarus might take gold in the championship.

The semi-finals saw Spain crushing all in their way. The whole Spanish nation perhaps cried ‘Ave, Maria’ near the end of the first half, as Belarusian forward Andrey Voronkov plucked the ball from a seemingly hopeless position to hit the back of the net. The score of 1:0 was unbelievable! Our squad continued valiantly in the second half, repulsing numerous Spanish attacks. Finally, heaven sent the Spaniards a goal, shifting the score to 1:1. Thirty minutes of overtime was awarded to decide a clear winner. Sadly, a missed goal opportunity unsettled the Belarusians, who finally lost 1:3. Nevertheless, the team’s spirit remained intact for their battle for third place, which would take them through to the Olympic Games in London. Belarus’ rival, the Czech Republic, was seen as the favourite, but the football g o d s smiled

Gutor — named ‘best goalkeeper of the championship’ — failed to dive in the right direction, while his opponent’s kick failed to find the net, despite a beneficial position. Later, the Czech player would say that it felt as if somebody had hampered him; video-replay showed nobody near him at that moment however. The Belarusian footballers greeted like heroes at the National Airport smiled modestly. After their victorious season, head coach Georgy Kondratiev believes some could become Europeanscale stars. In five years’ time, if they avoid injury, they could make Belarus a leading football force.

The final goal determining the destiny of Belarus was scored in the very last minutes of the game! Rumours began that Belarus might take gold in the championship again, helping us win 1:0. Yegor Filipenko scored a superb goal as a result of a penalty shot. There were a few dangerous moments in the last minutes of the game, when everybody was making mistakes: first, our Belarusian halfback, then Filipenko himself let a Czech forward gain an attempt at goal. Goalie Alexander

Names to follow: Alexander Gutor, Sergey Politevich, Dmitr y Baga, Andrey Voronkov, Oleg Veretilo, Yegor Filipenko, Stanislav Dragun, Mikhail Sivakov and Pavel Nekhaichik. May the football gods always smile upon you. By Sergey Kanashits

2011 беларусь.belarus

SportsSuccess

Golden race Alexandra Gerasimenya becomes Belarus’ first ever world swim champion in prestigious 100m freestyle

erasimenya showed he r out st and i ng talent quite early — perhaps, even too early. At 16, this smiling girl appeared from behind more experienced Yelena Popchenko and Anna Shcherba; in 2002, during the European Championship in Berlin, she won her first adult medal, coming third in the 50m freestyle. “My philosophy is not to guess at the future. You should work hard and then leave it to fate; this is the route to success,” says Alexandra. Who would have thought nine years ago that the sensible words taught by her coach would prove true? At that time, neither Sasha nor her numerous fans in B elarus would have dreamt of her taking the swimming world by storm. Her German European Championship bronz e w as s o on

беларусь.belarus 2011

followed by two more European medals and her first gold — at the World Cup round in Berlin for 100m freestyle. Sadly, in the summer of 2003, testing found prohibited drugs in her body. It was a bolt from the blue. There was an investigation, with rumours of

port and comfort, helping her to relax and bide her time. Fortunately, the initial four-year disqualification term was halved. Nevertheless, those two years were a hard trial for her, endured with stoicism. Her official return in 2005

Eight years after Yelena Popchenko’s triumph, Alexandra Gerasimenya became the second Belarusian world swimming champion and our first ever in the prestigious 100m freestyle sabotage, but the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Doping Control Commission stood firm, banning her for four years and annulling her previous awards. At the tender age of 17, she went from being a Belarusian heroine and s w i m m i n g s t ar to shame. It was enough to have broken even the strongest of sportswomen, but Sasha received sup-

was a triumph. She went through to three finals, winning the European 50m bronze in Trieste and, one year later, claimed European silver in the 50m, officially marking her return to the elite. The moment of truth for Sasha and Belarusian swimming came at the World Championship in 2007, which was the first world event for the 21 year old sportswoman. It shuffled Olympic licenses and was tricky for Alexandra. On the one hand, she captured a pleasing silver (few Belarusians can boast such an achievement). On the other, it was not an ‘Olympic’ medal. As a result, at her first Olympics, she found

SportsSuccess

Alexandra Gerasimenya (on the right) greeted by her rival Jeanette Ottesen

herself competing against the world’s best, performing well in freestyle distances only, which left her in rather disappointing 14th place in the semifinal 100m. Later, her competitors sported the latest swimsuits, made from frictionreducing materials beyond the scope of Belarusian textile technology. She also returned from Rome without medals, although took two European awards towards the end of the season. However, these seemed like peanuts to Sasha and two more years passed before she reached the level she was aiming for. Hints of her potential began a year ago, at the European Championship in Budapest. FINA’s Technical Committee banned high-tech swimsuits, allowing Sasha to claim silver in the 100m freestyle. Finally, she became the European champion in backstroke. “I was eager to do well at the European Championship and was curious to see how my competitors

would perform when relying only on their own efforts — without the help of ‘rubber skin’,” asserted Sasha at the time, with meaning. Naturally, she was no less passionate about the last World Championship. Had her medal arrived in Beijing, her satisfaction would have been even greater but Sasha was still pleased by her 100m freestyle performance. “I never dreamt of it. It’s an absolute surprise! Gold medal in the 100 metres!” Nobody had seen it coming; until last year’s European Championship, the 100 metres was not her strong point. She qualified for the finals with the worst result, seeming not to have enough strength to swim the double length. Today, nobody cares about these thoughts. Eight years after Yelena Popchenko’s triumph, Alexandra Gerasimenya became the second Belarusian world swimming champion and our first ever in the prestigious 100m freestyle.

“I can’t say that this race was the best of my career,” Sasha said after finishing. “My time could have been better. On the other hand, the final was just as I’d planned with my coach, Yelena Klimova. I have nothing to complain about and hope that my main victory still lies ahead.” Naturally, she is thinking of the Olympic Games in London, which Alexandra will attend not only as one of the strongest swimmers of our time but as a main candidate for Olympic gold. She could re-write the history of not only Belarusian but world swimming. “After the last World Championship, I was offered Russian citizenship,” confesses Gerasimenya. “I was offered an attractive package of car, flat and a salary dozens of times higher than my currently wage. However, I refused, as I have other values and goals. I plan to take a short rest and will then start training for the Olympics. My status should be maintained!” By Dmitry Komarovsky

2011 беларусь.belarus

Mosaic

Japanese surprise A Million Scarlet Roses song performed in Japanese at closing ceremony of charitable exhibition of the17th-20th century porcelain, at City History Museum

insk collector Vitaly Zhukov instigated the exhibition and performed the song. He admits that his choice of Raimond Pauls’ song was no accident, as it used to be extremely popular in Japan. “The song is about love, faith, beauty and the fragility of our world,” Vitaly explains. “It’s a symbol of friendship between countries, also indicating Belarusians’ solidarity with the Japanese following the disaster in which over 15,000 people died in March, as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.” The exhibition featured expensive vases, decorative plates and elegant sets. Over 60 unique artefacts were on show; some of them have no analogues in Japan. All the money taken is sent to support Minsk’s twin-city of Sendai.

Past combines with the present Aida Kingdom exhibition unveiled at Minsk State Museum of History of Theatrical and Musical Culture

he exhibition is a joint project launched by the museum and the theatre, featuring photos of actors who have performed leading roles in the show over the years, in addition to set scenes from 1953 to 2011. The Head Editor of Belarus’ National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Olga Savitskaya, notes that Sergey Nikolaev’s unique costumes (from the museum’s archives) occupy a special place in the exhibition, which also showcases costumes from the Belarusian Bolshoi Theatre.

беларусь.belarus 2011

Glass paintings Gomel’s Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace hosts Traditional Housing Décor exhibition

he exhibition features 46 glass paintings, donated by the Belarusian State Folk Architecture and Everyday Life Museum. It houses collections reflecting the traditional lifestyle and crafts of Belarusians from the late 19th-early 20th century, including a rare collection of glass paintings (many unique). Glass painting was an original form of folk crafts, extremely popular across Europe during the Renaissance period, and eventually arriving in Belarus. Here, it was especially popular among

villagers — who made glass icons, placing them in special corners of their houses. In the first half of the 20th century, craftsmen would paint photo frames, female portraits, landscapes and flower banquettes, proudly adorning the walls of rural homes.

Waiting for autumn International Mammoth Festival in Minsk to show riot and abandon of contemporary avant-garde art for twelfth time

he organisers prepared spectators for the flamboyant show in advance, making the potential audience aware of the nature of its unique content. Their 20 minute presentation brought even the most sophisticated spectators into a trance. Barmaglot (Jabberwocky) Plastic Studio demonstrated true Brazilian passions: love, birth and death. Two creatures dressed in outfits made from plastic bags gracefully skipped onto the stage and produced unreal sounds, thrilling the audience’s imagination with striking symbolism. Spectators shifted nervously in their chairs and then loudly applauded; it seems that the more unintelligible a show, the more genius it displays. Phytoartdesign Studio presented an original collection of clothes, with wonderful girl-insects wearing cellophane cocoons and dragonfly glasses creeping onto the stage. Smoothly moving, they pushed dung balls before them. The show finished with a brutal collection, entitled ‘The City of Anthropomorphous Boxes, or Following the Traces of Salvador Dali’.