BELARUS #2/2010

BELARUSMagazine for you Politics, Economy, Culture

no.2 (917), 2010 Беларусь. Belarus

Following winter fashion p. 32—33

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Six circulations – in Belarusian, English, German, French, Spanish, Polish.

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Magazine for you

Politics, Economy, Culture

no.8 (911), 2009

Беларусь. Belarus

SiLK Men’S SaSHeS

WoVen By

BeLaruSianS Were

a True faSHion HiT

in franCe During

THe reign of

LuDoViC XV;

THere Were

aTTeMpTS To

faKe THeM aLL

oVer europe.

CoLLeCTionS

Began

in THe LaTe

19TH CenTury

Made in Slutsk pp. 36 — 37

Беларусь.BelarusContentsMonthly magazine

No. 2 (917), 2010

Published since 1930

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

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

Editor: Viktor Kharkov

Executive Secretary:Valentina Zhdanovich

Design and Layout byVadim Kondrashov,Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich

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

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

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

Publisher: “SB” editorial office

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

79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013

Order No.442Total circulation — 2047 copies (including 620 in English).

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

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

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

E-mail: [email protected]

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

© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2010

36RoStiSLav YaNkovSkY, “i FEEL mYSELF to BE thE hEaD oF a DYNaStY moRE thaN EvER BEFoRE”

4 Wind of changeMutual top-level visits paid, Belarus-Turkmenistan relations expe-rience the upswing

10 TWisTingpaThofoilfloW

18 ourpeopleaTTheun The job of inter-preter / translator opens up various oppor-tunities to work with people from around the world, studying their traditions and life-style, as well as to gaining acquaintance with their culture

20 abiliTyToinspiredemand

26 curefor‘sWeeTdisease’

28 plaTinum baTTles Tumours Bela- rusian scientists invent means to fight cer-ebral tumours

30 inTo The fuTure! Theory of probability doesn’t seem abstract when it comes to genetics

40 all rouTes lead To poloTsk Ancient capital announced Belarus’ cultural capital for 2010

44 famouspersoninThearTWorld

50 fesTivalofsTars

52 TWo faTes uniTed by one ambiTion There are many paradoxes in the sporting world and some life stories are quite aston-ishingly similar. One moment, an athlete is unknown; the next, they are a world star

24SEEiNg iS BELiEviNg

54moRE thaN thE FamE oF gRuNEWaLD uNitES uS! 12

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oLYmPic mooD

� 2010 беларусь.belarus

Past and PresentPast and Present

More than the fame of Grunewald unites us! AmbAssAdor of belArus to PolAnd, H.e. mr. Victor GAisenok, tells of unbreAkAble HistoricAl ties between belArusiAns And Poles And of tHe new tAsks set by modern times

Ambassador, this year, Belarus and Poland are celebrating the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald, where our

forefathers stood shoulder to shoulder. Will we be encouraging a shared memory from Belarusians and Poles?

2010 marks the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald — a remark-

able event of European significance. It is one of the brightest pages of our shared history, since the victory much influ-enced the formation of the Belarusian nation and the union of our peoples. Belarusians played an important role in European history, even at that time.

International celebrations of the jubilee are a matter of honour for the Belarusian Embassy to Warsaw; we should popularise the history of Belarus’ nationhood, as well as prospects for strengthening bilateral liaisons with Poland and Lithuania proceeding from our common histor-ical-cultural heritage.

I would like to note that Belarus has proposed a joint four-sided organisational committee to celebrate the jubilee, with the participation of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. Solemn events throughout the year are to include scientif ic confer-ences, seminars, exhibitions and fairs. Displays by knights’ clubs, folk masters and medieval-style musicians will evoke an exciting historical

atmosphere, creating the mood of the age. The celebrations will end with an official closing ceremony on the battlefield in July, including a major reconstruction of the battle, with the participation of a Belarusian club.

In D e c e m b e r, t h e Nat i on a l History Museum of Belarus in Minsk is to host an exhibition of a monu-mental masterpiece — ‘Panorama of the Battle of Grunewald’ (created by Polish artists Zygmunt Rozwadowski and Tadeusz Popel).

We’ll once again prove that Belarus has its own glorious history, closely connected with the fate of Europe. We should remember the Battle of Grunewald as a struggle but also as a cultural act. We should recall the active role played by Belarusians in European history. At present, Belarus is developing the ‘Eastern Partnership’ with the European Union; we need to remember that this works does not start from scratch. Belarus has been, and remains, a European state — boasting its own historic destiny.

Let’s return to modern times. Is Belarus using the potential of good neighbourly relations in the economy to the full, taking into consideration that Poland is the closest EU state to us.

In my view, Belarusian-Polish trade-economic relations have great possi-bilities, as yet not fully realised. Before the global economic crisis, turnover was steadily growing, with ever more Belarusian and Polish goods being traded. Our companies were devel-oping their economic ties. The resto-ration of pre-crisis trade volumes and enhanced collaboration in this field is a complex task; to achieve this, we need to consolidate our efforts.

Poland’s support of our trade-economic contacts with the European Union is of great significance, and is seen in many directions: in particular, regarding the renewal of the application of the Generalised System of Preferences regarding Belarus; our country’s joining the WTO; and access to EU markets for Belarusian potassium chloride and textile goods. Poland is also supporting the

certification of Belarusian agricultural products, while offering consultations and training for Belarusian specialists. This expert assistance is of great value.

The Polish Foreign Ministry is soon to discuss giving foreign assistance to Belarus, funding an educational programme for veterinary specialists. This would allow our agrarians to gain acquaintance with EU standards regarding animal-origin food production. Belarusian companies would also gain access to auditing, allowing them the right to export to the EU. The project — planned for realisation from June-July 2010 — aims to raise the competitiveness of Belarusian agricul-tural products on the EU market and to prepare Belarusian enterprises for their certification on this market.

I’d also like to note the assist-ance of Poland in the privatisation process, attracting investments into the Belarusian economy. At the beginning of this year, the State Property Committee and Poland’s AKJ Capital signed an agreement making AKJ Capital the first investment agent of Belarus. Polish

specialists are now preparing develop-ment programmes for the Belarusian chemical industry and tourist branch. Seven investment projects at Belarusian enterprises are under focus.

Our country’s participation in the Eastern Partnership programme has inspired debate over our visa regimes — since visas hamper free movement. Does Warsaw understand Belarus’ move to simplify the visa regime with the EU?

We are seeing more regular dialogue with Poland on this issue. During talks with representatives of the Sejm, the Government and diplomats, we are looking at Poland’s aspiration to act as a ‘bridge’ between Belarus and the EU. Poland’ Foreign Minister has many times stressed that his country is working to liberalise the visa regime for Belarusians and reduce the cost of Schengen visas for our citizens.

An agreement is due to be signed between the Belarusian and Polish governments on border movement, with the signing expected to take place during

The Battle of Grunwald is of pan-European importance

12 беларусь.belarus 2010 132010 беларусь.belarus

BY viktoR khaRkov,magazine editorБеларусь. Belarus

editor’s note

Awkward age

T ime runs on regardless of life’s rich tapestry. W h at e v e r h ap p e n s , we can be sure of the passing of time. Belarus

magazine is celebrating its 80th anni-versary, having launched in the 1930s — which was, of course, a completely different age. However, the magazine has kept to its initial mission of reflecting reality and honouring heroes. We have always been at the centre of events and remain so as we pass into the 21st century. Our present has its own unique characteristics and we do our best not to neglect them.

We aim to recognise important and interesting events, reporting on the phenomena and people who embody contemporary, sovereign and independent Belarus. We are a European country with centuries of history and rich culture. Over the last five years, the magazine has acquired a huge read-ership all over the globe and is now published in several foreign languages. Remote Argentina and Mexico, as well as France and Germany, can learn more about our Belarus. It’s impos-sible to list all the foreign states where Belarus magazine appears but we do sometimes hear from our readers around the world, who comment on what they’ve seen and read.

Of course, our magazine is also oriented to those residing in our native Belarus. We hope that our dear readers are interested in our articles, wherever they reside.

This jubilee issue pursues the same goals. It is dedicated to contempo-

rary relations between Belarus and Turkmenistan — once former Soviet republics and now independent states with their own biography of inde-pendence and sovereignty. Our look at Belarusian-Turkmen relation-

ships has been inspired by the recent official visit to Minsk by the President o f Tu r k m e n i s t a n , Gu r b a n g u l y Berdymukhammedov, and his nego-tiations with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Degree of Change describes the essence of Belarusian-Turkmen liaisons.

Turkmenistan boasts rich resources — an essential factor in building future ties. The issue of hydrocarbons has been recently topical in Russian relations. The pragmatism of Russian politicians towards resource supplies sometimes seems overstated but we explore this topic in Twisting Path of Oil Flow.

Contemporary politics always possess some historical elements, which can’t be ignored. This year, Belarus and Poland will be celebrating

the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald. Will the anniversary of the historic battle, where our ancestors stood shoulder to shoulder, inspire a positive shared memory? Belarus’ Ambassador to Poland, H.E. Mr. Victor Gaisenok, tells us about our insepa-rable historical ties, as well as the new tasks which lie ahead, in More Than the Fame of Grunewald Unites Us!

Meanwhile, the f irst student village is being launched in Minsk, as presented in Student Accommodation Opens. 2010 began with pleasant news for Minsk’s State Linguistic University students; the university signed a memo-randum on mutual understanding with the UN Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Management, Muhammad

Shaaban. The University is to train high c lass t rans-l a t o r s a n d interpreters for the UN, as detailed in O ur Pe opl e at t h e U N . We l o ok at

the professional opportunities open to these students, as well as the University’s other international projects.

One of the country’s most ancient cities — Polotsk — has been named the republic’s cultural capital for 2010. All Routes Lead to Polotsk asserts that Polotsk has always been, and remains, a centre of cultural life. Finally, Olympic Mood looks at the mood of our Belarusian athletes in Canadian Vancouver — the capital of the Winter Olympic Games.

Enjoy this jubilee issue of Belarus magazine. Eighty years old is an awkward age — as we transition from the present into the future.

EnErgy rEsourcEsEnErgy rEsourcEs

Twisting path of oil flowIn the beginning of 2010, a Belarusian-Russian agreement on extending co-operation in the fuel-energy complex was due to be signed. The draft project envisaged, in particular, the possibility of Belarusian companies mining oil in Russia. Simultaneously, the privatisation of Novopolotsk’s Naftan-Polymir Oil Refinery (with the participation of Russian capital) was expected. According to Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, LUKoil and Rosneft planned to gain shares of ownership

However, the expected exchange of strategic assets has not yet t a k e n p l a c e . T h e Russian Government

has announced 100 percent duty on oil supplied to Belarus from January 1st. Minsk views this as a violation of Customs Union regulations — which came in force early this year. Accordingly, the Belarusian leadership has insisted on clarification of the prin-ciples of the Union; it is supposed to be a duty-free zone between Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, including for strategic supplies of oil and gas. Moscow appears to think differently, believing that energy trading should follow other rules, stipulated by the additional agree-ments to the Customs Union.

Political analyst Yuri Shevtsov notes, “In Belarus, national interests are placed above private, as is the country’s social-economic model. Russia has a different approach, with the interests of large corporations defended at high state level. These often determine policy.”

The Dean of the Belarusian State University’s Economic Department, Mikhail Kovalev, adds, “There may be some logic in the fact that export duty on Russian oil cannot remain in

Belarus. However, let’s look at the situation from another angle. Huge amounts of products arrive on the Belarusian market from South East Asia, via the Russian border. However, entrance duties d o n o t e n t e r o u r b u d g e t in the least! It is n o t c o r r e c t t o exempt oil, or any another commodity group, from the general context of the Customs Union. Rather, we should find an all-embracing and systematic solution to the issue of duties.”

Such a decision would probably lift acute problems in our bilateral relations. However, the experience of recent years shows that, in spheres where turnover reaches billions of dollars, compromise is difficult. Extremely complicated talks regarding terms of supply for Russian oil to Belarus in 2010 ended with document signing. Raw materials for domestic needs are to be supplied to our refineries without duties (in line with the Customs Union). Meanwhile, oil for processing and exports will be liable to 100 percent duty. The capacity of Belarusian oil processing facilities exceeds domestic

needs for oil products; from January to February, the issue of local refineries’ loading and profitability was acute. Diversification of the energy policy - which began in 2007 after the Russian Government, headed by Mikhail Fradkov, introduced a partial duty on oil for Belarus (then, Minsk convincingly proved that the tariff contradicted the basic documents of the Belarus-Russia Union State. However, Moscow did not abolish the duty.) - will continue. The risk from relying exclusively on a single supplier of raw materials is too high.

Belarus already has concrete results in its search for an alternative to Russian oil.

In late 2009, Venezuelan PDVSA Corporation gave Belorusneft the rights to control, service and mine

attractive direction, where there is potential for selling extracted oil or transporting to Belarus.

In recent years, Kazakh oil supplies to Belarus have been discussed, as highlighted by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Minsk, Anatoly Smirnov. He announced in January that exports to our Mozyr and Novopolotsk refineries could begin this year. The diplomat explained that oil would be processed and trans-ported further — to the EU. Previously, high tariffs on hydrocarbon transpor-tation hampered such co-operation but, with the Customs Union’s estab-lishment, the problem is being solved. Mr. Smirnov noted that Kazakhstan is ready to supply raw materials to Belarus in any volume.

Theoretically, Kazakh oil could satisfy the Belarusian oil processing branch fully. The Mozyr and Novopolotsk refineries have a joint capacity of 30m tonnes a year. In 2008, Kazakhstan mined 75m tonnes, while its domestic processing slightly exceeded 7m tonnes. Governmental experts consider that, this year, up to 100m tonnes will be mined; by 2015, the figure is expected to reach 150m tonnes.

Is Kazakh oil attractive for Belarus from a commercial point of view? In an interview with Business FM radio station, Dmitry Alexandrov, an analyst from Univer-Capital Company, noted, “Kazakhstan previously charged export duties but these are now gone. In this sense, Kazakhstan can offer greater concessions than Moscow. An average tonne of Kazakh oil is cheaper for Belarus by $60 to $85.”

The Managing Director for Oil Processing and Marketing at National KazMunaiGas Company, Daniyar Tiesov, told the Kazakh media, “If it’s profitable, then it’s quite possible that we’ll go to these plants.” He noted that the project needs detailed study, jointly with Belarusian colleagues.

Economist Leonid Zaiko explains his view, saying, “Pumping Kazakh oil to Belarus through Russian oil pipelines makes better commercial sense.

However, this conflicts with the interests of Russian energy companies.” This was underlined back in 2007 by the former Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belarus, Bolat Iskakov. “Tariffs are set by the pipe’s owner. Of course, we would be ready to pump oil to Novosibirsk and then directly to Belarus. We are also ready to supply oil and gas. However, the owners continue to tell us that the pipes don’t have infinite capacity.” The diplomat stressed, “Of course, we are interested in raising oil transportation volumes via Belarus, as well as increasing deliveries to Belarusian refineries. Ninety percent of petroleum refinery products are exported to the European Union.”

“Transportation of Kazakh oil to Belarus by rail could be a possibility, as transportation tariffs must be unified within the Customs Union format. This would make transportation via Russian territory more feasible,” emphasises Mr. Zaiko. “It’s also potentially possible to deliver Kazakh oil via the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports and transport it via the Odessa-Brody oil pipeline.”

Evidently, raw material delivery from Kazakhstan to Belarus is a real possibility for the future (although, probably, some time ahead). Belarus is just as interested in the proposal as Kazakhstan.

Belarusian refineries would not be able to fully substitute Russian raw material in the near future. Russian oil businesses are not interested in seeing this happen, since Belarusian processing is attractive. Its level of modernisation is quite high and delivery schemes for raw materials and exports of ready oil products to the EU are functioning well. “If oil suppliers owned the refineries, facilities would be fully loaded and stable deliveries would be ensured,” explains Mr. Kovalev. “However, what price are such buyers ready to offer? Logically, Belarus won’t sell its prime assets for less than they are worth. It’s a real issue!”

The problem remains a stumbling block to oil co-operation with Russia, pushing Minsk to find alternative partners.

By Vitaly Volyanyuk

two oil deposits near the Orinoco River basin. The agreement was signed by Alexander Lukashenko and Hugo Chávez in September 2009 and this top level agreement was quickly realised. The extension of collaboration in the oil sphere can be easi ly explained, since it brings commercial benefit to both M i n s k a n d C a r a c a s . O n c e t w o oi l deposits are mastered, joint Petrolera BeloVenezolana’s extrac-tion volumes should double. Last year, the joint venture extracted 680,000 tonnes of oil, bringing profits to Belorusneft of $60m (it owns a 40 percent share).

Venezuelan oil is not transported to Belarus (as this would be economi-cally unfeasible) but is sold on the global market. As a result, the country earns currency to pay for Russian oil. However, in emergencies, Venezuelan raw materials could be delivered to Belarusian refineries, via Baltic ports.

Apar t f rom working on the Venezuelan market, Belarusian oil specialists have been operating in Iran since 2007 — at joint Belpars Petroleum Company Limited. The company is mining the Jofeir field, whose hydro-carbon deposits are estimated at 273m tonnes. The Caspian region is another

Russia


All routes lead to PolotskAncient cApitAl Announced BelArus’ culturAl cApitAl for 2010

Polotsk has been chosen several times as a venue to celebrate the Day of Belarusian Written Language. Last year, the geographical centre

of Europe was found to coincide with the ancient city’s major square. Polotsk is, no doubt, a centre of cultural life. For Belarusians, it is ‘their own Jerusalem’ — symbolising the nation’s spiritual life. It has been called ‘a glorious city’ in ancient chronicles, so the official announcement of its status as the country’s cultural capital for 2010 is no surprise. Planned events should impress both local residents and guests.

From Belarus’ centre to eu-rope’s centre. The Cultural Capital of Belarus event is the first of its kind in

the republic. In-ternational e x p e r i -

ence has been taken as a

model, since Europe has been pro-claiming cultural capitals

for many years. In 2009, neighbouring Vilnius, with which Belarus has

long-term ties, was awarded this right.

“ B e l a r u s hopes that one

of its cities will be named Europe’s cultural capital one day,” notes Tadeush Struzhetsky, Belarus’ Deputy Culture Minister. “At the same time, we’re accu-mulating our own experience in organ-ising similar events. Many of our cities are ready to battle for the title of Belarus’ cultural capital, laying their claim to Polotsk’s place. However this year’s choice is undoubtedly wise. Polotsk has always ‘produced’ outstanding cultural figures -- famous nationwide and worldwide. Additionally, the city was the capital of the first state of Belarusian ancestors; the Principality of Polotsk existed almost 1,000 years ago. These traditions still influence the life of society and people’s consciousness.”

“The status of the cultural capital should attract numerous tourists to Polotsk. This year, the city will host exhi-bitions by wonderful painters, concerts by leading artistic groups, performances by famous theatres, cinema premieres and presentations of books by contemporary writers. “These will distinguish Polotsk against the background of the country’s other cities, showing the diversity of its cultural life,” stressed Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko, during the opening ceremony on January 21st. The Slavonic Bazaar Festival will also move to Polotsk from neigh-bouring Vitebsk for a few days. Polotsk boasts many opportuni-ties and wishes to organise more cultural events.

“The President has underlined on several occasions that the cultural and economic life of the country shouldn’t be concentrated solely in Minsk,” empha-sises Nikolay Ilyushonok, the Deputy Chairman of the Polotsk City Executive Committee. “The Culture Ministry initiated the Cultural Capital of Belarus event with the aim of intensifying collaboration with local authorities and of further developing and enriching the cultural life of the regions. Public initia-tives have been launched to support national culture, attracting wide public and tourist attention.

Studying proposals from the regions, the Culture Ministry decided to grant the honourable title to Polotsk — Belarus’ historical-cultural and spiritual centre. Polotsk plans to continue playing a major role as one of the country’s cultural centres. In particular, as part of the Cultural Capital of Belarus event, the Polotsk Angelet children’s art festival is to open, celebrating talented young artists. Of course, Belarus has produced many world celebrities. Marc Chagall,

for example, was born near ancient Polotsk. In the early years of his life, he was closely connected with such towns as Liozno and Vitebsk.

Polotsk possesses every chance of being not just Belarus’ first cultural capital but one of Europe’s cultural capitals.”

Great ship sails deep waters.Polotsk’s ancient coat of arms depicts a large ship, sailing along the broad Dvina River. This year, the city on the large riv-er is to become a major regional centre, opening up new prospects. Europe’s geo-graphical centre will offer tourists more attractions than ever before. The Culture Ministry has already announced major events, planned for Polotsk this year.

Ivan Khrutsky’s exhibition showcases him as the best still-life painter in Belarus and Russia — where he studied and lived for many years. This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the master’s birth. His works are kept in Minsk and abroad; however, Polotsk residents will be the first to see canvases by their great countryman.

Originals of Frantsisk Skorina’s books are on loan from the National Library. At present, Polotsk has no original copy of Skorina’s first Belarusian Bible but this will be on display for several days.

Soloists from the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre are to perform near the walls of ancient Sophia — an architectural masterpiece

c r e a t e d d u r i n g the Byzant ine-

Orthodox and Baroque ages,

built from the 11th-1 8 t h century.

The Covent of the Savior and St.Yevfrosiniya is the oldest in the country. It has been functioning since the 12th century

status Citiese Cities status


� беларусь.belarus 2010

�

To all those involved in the creation of Belarus magazineI congratulate you on the jubilee

with great pleasure. It’s wonderful that our country boasts such a wonderful business card. One edition greatly helped me in making contacts with colleagues from India, since it offered them personal and official informa-tion on me. I hope that the magazine will continue promoting interna-tional ties, enhancing our country’s prestige. I sincerely wish you a long and successful run and positive thinking.

Lidia ErmoshinaHead of the Central Committee of the

Republic of Belarus on elections and republican referendums

Dear friends!I sincerely congratulate you

on the remarkable jubilee. It has been 80 years since the release of the first issue of Belarus magazine.

The edition, which is Belarus’ calling card, reflects the life of our country comprehensively and in detail, while covering international collaboration. Undoubtedly, this promotes mutually beneficial and fruitful co-operation with foreign countries while strength-ening Belarus’ status around the globe.

I’m sure that the editorial staff won’t rest on their laurels, but will aim for further creative achieve-ments in Belarusian journalism.

I wish all employees of Belarus magazine success in realising new ideas and projects, while enjoying health and happiness.

Oleg ProleskovskyMinister of Information

of the Republic of Belarus

Congratulations

FOR CONTINUATION SEE P. 49

Several years ago, I was fortunate to work with Belarus journalists.

I believe it was the best interview I’ve ever given. As a scientist, I was given the opportunity to say everything I thought and was treated respectfully as a conversation partner. When they sent my text for checking I found that none of my thoughts had been omitted and my judgements remained undistorted. I was speaking about Belarusian nature and geology, explaining that we continue to study the ground for deposits. I tried to dispel the common opinion that Belarus is poor in mineral resources. After several journalistic questions, I understood that those talking to me truly support our Belarusian land. Moreover, they understood me perfectly, despite my using scientific terms.

Reading the magazine further, I saw that it boasts expert knowledge and true professionalism. It can’t be otherwise, since it bears such a great name: Belarus!

I enjoy your magazine and continue to read it with pleasure. I’m very glad to congratulate you all on the jubilee.

Anatoly Makhnach, an academician at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and chief research officer

at the Belarusian Research Institute for Geological Exploration

I’m very proud that Belarus magazine has chosen foreign

languages as one of its major topics. This is vital for the country, which is actively integrating in the international community.

Looking closely at the edition, it’s a great resource for use in the teaching of foreign languages across the board, via various educational establishments in Belarus. Our readers are keen to learn about outstanding people, sights and contemporary events in Belarus.

The magazine is used in English, Polish and Spanish, since it helps us teach foreign languages while orienting readers to understand foreign partners. The magazine inspires discussion on so many topics and presents diverse infor-mation on modern Belarus.

I congratulate the magazine on its jubilee! I hope for further fruitful co-operation and expect new and interesting materials on its pages.

Larisa Trigubova, Director of the School of Retraining and

Teacher Development at Minsk’s State Linguistic University


toPiCal

Wind of changemutual top-lEvEl visits paid, BElarus-turkmEnistan rElations ExpEriEncE thE upswing

Tu rk me n is t an c ove rs almost 500,000 square metres, being 2.5 times larger than Belarus, yet its population comprises

just 7m. Efficient land development is a priority, with geologic explora-tions placing the country in a leading position worldwide in regard to oil and, especially, gas deposits. However, the Turkmen desert is rich not only in hydrocarbons. The Garlyk potassium salt deposit should make Turkmenistan an influential player on this market, assuming successful development and efficient logistics. Accordingly, Belarus plans to share its rich experience, as well its scientific and technical skills in the mining sphere. On January 11th, an agreement was signed stipu-lating that Belgorkhimprom JSC will build a ready-to-operate mining and processing plant in Turkmenistan. This is a pilot project for bilateral relations, with further co-operation reliant on its success. Minsk has a long list of proposals for Ashgabat, as announced during Alexander Lukashenko’s visit in June 2009. These were later confirmed and defined during a return visit by the Turkmen President to Minsk.

“In Belarus, we are attentively following major construction in Turkmenistan,” Mr. Lukashenko t o l d P r e s i d e n t G u r b a n g u l y Berdymukhammedov during his first official visit to Minsk in late January 2010. He assured the Turkmen President, “We are ready to share our skills in modern technologies and our experi-ence, ensuring the successful realisation of development plans in the Turkmen

economy. These signed agreements and documents will strengthen our collabo-ration, helping us create a favourable environment for the further extension and deepening of relations between our countries.” According to the Belarusian President, the mining and processing plant is ‘a landmark in our relations, promoting bilateral co-operation in all related branches’.

Mr. Berdymukhammedov’s first official visit to Minsk was not his first trip to our country. Several years ago, he attended a CIS Summit (held at the National Library of Belarus) as Deputy Prime Minister. After a long absence of Turkmen heads at such events, it was a sign that a new stage of foreign policy had begun. In recent years, Ashgabat’s diplomatic activity has been much enhanced. Mr. Berdymukhammedov visited Italy not long ago to meet Silvio Berlusconi and was given all possible honours. Shots of their friendly hand shake became a Euronews headline. He also recently made a successful, much-talked-of visit to France. Meanwhile, the Chinese leader, Hu Jintao, is coming to Ashgabat, and the Turkmen Foreign Minister is negotiating in London… Several years ago, this situation could hardly be imagined, with Turkmenistan seemingly taking a path of self-isolation.

In Minsk, Mr. Berdymukhammedov spoke much of peace and the principles of the UN Charter, which Turkmenistan advocates within the international arena. Ashgabat loves the word ‘neutrality’, seeing itself as a Central Asian Switzerland in terms of its foreign political status and level of economic development.

In 2 0 0 8 , g a s e x t r a c t i on i n Turkmenistan dropped by 7bn cubic metres, falling to 70.5bn cubic metres a year, due to insufficient investment — a problem spanning many years. This has brought limited possibilities for the transportation of gas to foreign consumers. Now, objective economic necessity pushes Ashgabat to activate diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, many countries — including some western states which previously treated this Central Asian country with arrogance — are searching for ways of infiltrating Turkmen deposits of gas and other natural resources.

Turkmenistan’s old Soviet gas pipeline leads in only one direction — to the north, to Russia. Previously, Gazprom bought all of Turkmenistan’s gas; however, Ashgabat was unsatisfied by this single market situation and has been endeavouring to change it. Since independence, a gas pipeline has been launched leading to Iran, but this state is an energy market leader — so cannot be called a ‘strategic consumer’, unlike Europe. Europeans want to connect Turkmen gas deposits to the Nabucco pipe but the Chinese have been the first to break ‘the gas blockade’. China is now almost a world leader in terms of consumed energy. A new gas pipeline to China was launched a few months ago, as covered widely by news agencies.

The geographic position which could have been called unprofitable just a few years ago is now Turkmenistan’s advantage. The more Ashgabat can enter foreign markets, the more independent and influential it becomes. “I’d like to


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note Turkmenistan’s active promotion of its own vision of solutions to topical problems of international energy co-operation,” noted Mr. Lukashenko at the Minsk meeting. “Our approaches coincide in many ways, creating a basis for close and positive interaction - bilaterally and within the framework of international forums. In Belarus, we believe global energy relations should take into consideration the interests of all participants: exporters, importers and transiters. It’s important to respect the long-term interests of partners. Pursuing last-minute benefits undoes the previous good work of building trusting relations…”

“Turkmenistan is interested in extending co-operation with Belarus in the fuel-energy sphere,” confirmed Mr. Berdymukhammedov, adding

that Belarusian-Turkmen relations are characterised by mutual respect and equal rights.

Energy is a promising branch of co-operation while traditional trade continues to steadily develop. In 2004, turnover reached $17m and, in 2009, is thought to have exceeded $70m. However, the President of Turkmenistan admits that he believes more could be achieved. Of course, bilateral economic relations boast greater potential. “With no other country are we fulfilling our agree-ments so quickly,” Mr. Lukashenko stressed, confirming that Minsk also hopes to radically raise turnover, as well as mutual investments.

Among t he most success f u l projects has been a contract to deliver 1,500 Belarusian tractors. In Ashgabat,

a Government session summed up the results of the visit to Minsk, with Mr. Berdymukhammedov calling his visit ‘very productive’. He notes that, in 2010, Turkmenistan is to purchase 1,500 MAZ vehicles, in addition to a large number of Belarus-made agricul-tural machines.

During his visit to Minsk, Mr. Berdymukhammedov looked closely at opportunities within Belarusian industry, visiting the Minsk Automobile Works, the Minsk Tractor Works and the AGAT Scientific-Production Centre. At the MAZ factory, he was shown the latest trucks and buses. The Deputy General Director for Foreign Economic Ties, Vladimir Lyusikov, explained, “These are examples of machinery currently under-going testing in Turkmenistan.” He noted that the Turkmen market is a priority for

Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov and Alexander Lukashenko at the meeting in Minsk

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the plant. In the past three years, 1,000 trucks have been delivered there, with buses expected to be supplied from 2011. “We are also planning to set up a major service complex in Ashgabat, able to provide spare parts for all our machinery operating in Turkmenistan, as well as to train drivers and technical personnel,” Mr. Lyusikov added. “We hope to see long-lasting and mutually beneficial co-operation with our Turkmen partners.”

At the Minsk Tractor Works, General Director Alexander Pukhovoy introduced the Turkmen President to the newest developments. Mr. Berdymukhammedov was clearly in-terested in the technical characteristics of new models and their prices. On leaving the plant, he emphasised, “This is a good factory — no other words are needed.”

During his off icial visit, Mr. Berdymukhammedov also visited Minsk-Arena — to attend an exhibition organised by construction manufacturers and producers of consumer goods. The President stood near a stand showcasing projects relating to bridge construction - a topical theme for Turkmenistan. Last year,

developed several directions for joint realisation. Mr. Lukashenko believes that provision for training Turkmen students could be included directly in contracts relating to the supply of Belarusian machinery. Belarusian specialised universities are ready to train 120 Turkmen students for work in the potash fertiliser industry, supplementing the hundreds of Turkmen students who already study in Minsk. They crowd flights on Turkmen Airlines each holiday season, making it difficult for others to obtain tickets. The presidents agreed that, next year, the number of Turkmen students attending Belarusian univer-sities will rise to meet Turkmenistan’s requirements: perhaps 2,000 in total.

Ashgabat has its own view of its inter-national partner — Belarus. Aigozel Aramedova, from the Turkmen Foreign Ministry’s International Information Depar tment , te l ls us , “B elarus’ economy is multi-branch, with well-developed industry. Belarusian auto-mobile giants MAZ and BelAZ occupy a worthy niche in the global market, as do ‘Belarus’ tractors, road-construc-tion and communal machinery. The Belarusian economy shows social balance, with strong legislation and major potential for developing various branches, including science intensive production. With political and social-economic stability, this makes the country attractive as a reliable partner within the international arena.”

Ten documents were signed as a result of the visit — encompassing the traditional avenues of co-operation, including trade and education. Also, an intergovernmental agreement on military and military-technical co-operation was signed, conforming to international law, the Presidential Press Service informs us. Mr. Lukashenko accompanied his guest to the airport personally, showing special care and attention. In line with Belarusian diplomatic protocol, it indicated that talks were a success and demonstrated the highest regard for the foreign leader.

By Igor kolchenko, By Vitaly volyanyuk

a railway bridge was built over the River Amurdarya by Ukrainian specialists. Mr. Berdymukhammedov is also interested in the possibility of using Belarusian bridge builders. He was also attracted by refri-gerators and washing machines made by Atlant, as well as Keramin products.

The Turkmen President praised the venue for it cycle track, skating stadium and hockey arena. Nikolay Ladutko, the Minsk City Executive Committee’s Acting Chairman, accompanied our guest. He tells us that the President ‘was interested in the smallest details, asking who designed the building, and how much time and money was needed’. Mr. Berdymukhammedov was even inter-ested in who produced the tiles.

The Co-Chairman of the Inter-governmental Belarusian-Turkmen Commission on Economic Coopera-tion, Viktor Burya, tells us, “It was flat-tering to hear such praise from the President of Turkmenistan regarding our companies’ technological skills. It’s likely that Belarusian machinery will be in demand in Turkmenistan.”

Joint work in the field of science and technology is also an

important element of bilateral dialogue. B e l a r u s i a n sc ient ists have

In 2010 Turkmenistan acquired one thousand five hundred MAZ vehicles


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New starting pointNew Ambassadors from 13 foreign states officially begin their work in Belarus by presenting their credentials to the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, at the Palace of the Republic

Addressing the newly appointed French Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Michel Raineri,

the Belarusian President expressed gratitude to France for its support of Belarus via constructive dialogue with the EU. According to him, solid foundations have been laid to intensify economic ties between our states.

Speaking to the Dutch Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Marcel Kurpershoek, Mr. Lukashenko expressed his hope for further expansion of economic ties while noting

their current high level. The Netherlands is Belarus’ second largest trade partner. Between January and November 2009, bilateral turnover totalled $3.4bn. “We hope that no political stereotypes will hinder this fruitful process,” added the President.

Addressing all diplomats (including those from Tajikistan, Bulgaria, Cyprus,

Peru and a range of African countries) Mr. Lukashenko reminded them saying, “Belarus has always been and will remain open to mutually beneficial partnerships. We have only one condition: a respectful attitude towards our nation and readiness to work with us without grudge or pressure, but sincerely, fairly and openly.”

European accent in Customs UnionVisit by EC delegation to help intensify Belarus-EU dialogue

Commenting on the results of the meeting, the Belarusian Foreign

Ministry noted that the country has positively assessed the working visit by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Trade to Belarus, viewing it as inspiration for further dialogue between Belarus and the EU on a wide range of bilateral trade-economic collaboration. The delegation was headed by the Deputy Director General of the Directorate General for Trade, Péter Balázs.

Minsk hosted negotiations on trade-economic co-operation between Belarus and the EU. In particular, the European Commission has been reported on new opportunities to expand exports of goods and services from the EU countries, due to the creation of the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan.

cheese, milk, butter, sugar and beef). Moreover, as a result of Belarus’ with-drawal from the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences, Belarusian exporters are suffering additional economic losses of around $300m annually.

Belarus has also called on the European Commission to collaborate in creating transparent and open trade borders between the Customs Union and the EU. This would ensure speedy movement of cargoes and stimulate bilateral trade. In this context, Belarus has outlined its interest in joining the SPEED pilot project on preliminary exchange of customs information, currently opera-tional between the EU and Russia.

During the talks, open and substan-tial dialogue (the first in several years) took place regarding Belarus’ joining the WTO. The republic is ready to submit detailed information on its economic and trade policy, including that referring to decisions adopted as part of the Customs Union of Belarus, Russian and Kazakhstan. The parties have agreed that sharing information will promote the EU’s recognition of the Belarusian economy’s market status.

In 2007 (when the concept of the Customs Union was developed), the EU Customs Union was taken as a base model, since it had been operating efficiently, with proven success. Talks noted that divergence from this model could significantly distort the Customs Union, creating discrepan-cies and bringing unequal conditions for

businesses within the three states. In this respect, the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan should be created in strict compliance with international standards and principles.

The attention of the EC delega-tion was drawn to the need to restore a favoured trade regime with Belarus and to shape legislation to further strengthen Belarus-EU economic ties. At present, the EU preserves high import duties for a wide range of Belarusian exports (such as trucks, trailers, cheeses, cottage

A solemn ceremony of credentials presentation


A student’s homethE BElarusian statE univErsity opEnEd a nEw hostEl in minsk in Early 2010, making it thE first Building in thE studEnt villagE (schEdulEd for complEtion in latE 2013)

The new hostel for Inter-national Relations and Law students has been visited by President Lukashenko. He

chatted to Belarusian students, alongside those from China and Turkmenistan. “We’ll build more hostels for students, including those from abroad. Foreign students studying here are our ‘ambas-sadors’ abroad,” noted Mr. Lukashenko.

The President was interested to discover what the Chinese and Turkmen young people think of life in Belarus. “It’s good, it’s peaceful,” they replied in unison. “We’ll never offend you,” promised the President, explaining that, unlike some other countries, including those which neighbour Belarus, his nation treats foreigners benevolently. Tolerance is a Belarusian trait, making the country attractive on the market of educational

services. However, the main attraction for foreign students is value for money.

According to the Ministry of Education, last year, over 7,000 students from 83 countries studied in Belarus; these included young people from remote Argentina, Australia, the Maldives and Zambia. At present, Belarusian universities are partnered with scientific organisations and universities from 57 countries. Over 600 agreements are in force, including those relating to student exchange. The universities of Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and China are the largest partners of Belarusian higher educational establishments.

In the past decade, student numbers have more than tripled, with technical and humanities subjects proving most popular, unlike medicine — which used to enjoy great demand.

In addition, military matters are gaining popularity, with students from China, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, Libya and Vietnam attending the Military Academy and military departments at civil universities. “A complete cycle of military education has been estab-lished, training specialists in operative-strategic, operative-tactical and tactical levels,” the Defence Ministry notes.

The Belarusian State University has been the most popular higher educa-tional establishment for foreigners for many years. The Marketing Department of the BSU’s International Relations Chair has conducted research showing that Belarus and its leading university are associated with quality, order and acces-sibility in the minds of foreign students.

According to the latest data, over 800 Chinese people are studying at the BSU, comprising the largest foreign group. Additionally, dozens of youngsters from Turkey, Vietnam, Iraq, Iran and Libya study here. Among CIS citizens, Russians lead (259), followed by Turkmenistan students (218). Foreigners are primarily interested in studying economics, inter-national relations, management, juris-prudence, international law, Russian language and literature, and geology.

University rectors and the Education Ministry plan to enhance the attractive-ness of education in Belarus for foreign students. Universities are relying on professional market research and active advertising to enhance their export of services. In 2010, profits from educating foreign students should rise 1.6 times on 2005, to exceed $7m, as is stipulated in the development concept for educa-tional service exports. Of course, this is far from being the limit.

By Vitaly volyanyuk

Provisions for EduCation

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The new hostel boasts wonderful opportunities for fitness


Visiting friends in SardiniaItalian Sardinia boasts mountains and warm sun, numerous woods and marvellous meadows, vineyards and spacious pasture lands, as well as fishing villages and snow-white sand on shores of emerald sea… During the winter holidays, around 100 Belarusian children have visited this beautiful Italian island. Annual recuperative trips for Belarusian children are organised by the Humanitarian Citizens of the World Association, jointly with the Sardinia Italian-Belarusian Centre for Co-operation and Education in Minsk

Ten years ago, Sardinia first accepted those Belarusian children for recuperation who had suffered from the

Chernobyl catastrophe. In 2004, the Sardinia Italian-Belarusian Centre was

founded in Minsk, involved in devel-oping bilateral ties in various spheres.

“Init ia l ly, the Centre’s major goal was recuperation of children abroad,” explains the Director, Andrey Virkovsky. “However, we’ve been

expanding our activities gradually and now provide assistance to those wishing to take part in trade fairs and exhibitions in Italy and Belarus. Additionally, we’re engaged in social projects and international programmes while conducting joint international cultural and art events and working to develop tourism and preparation of specialists.”

Six years ago, the Sardinia Centre founded the Sardinia Global Training Centre, accredited by Belarus’ Education Ministry. It helps train construction specialists to European standards, financed by Sardinia’s regional govern-ment. Large sums have been allocated to develop the Centre and equip it. Those benefitting are primarily young people, trained to become professionals and take a worthy place on the labour market, realising their potential.

Mr. Virkovsky believes that the Sardinia Centre works as a single and efficient mechanism. Often, children travelling to Italy for recuperation later go on to train at the Centre.

The Italian-Belarusian Centre organises recuperative tr ips for Belarusian children twice a year: during the winter and summer holidays. These children primarily include orphans and those from boarding schools. They stay with Italian families and, this summer, around 400 Belarusian youngsters will visit sunny Sardinia. All expenses relating to the trip are paid by Italy. The Italian-Belarusian Sardinia Centre for Co-operation and education helps organise visas and books tickets.

This April, Belarusian families will welcome Italian children, a scheme initiated by the Honorary Consul of Belarus to Cagliari (Sardinia’s capital), Giuseppe Carboni, the Italian-Belarusian Sardinia Centre and the Belarusian Education Ministry’s Centre for International Relations. Last year, young Italians also had the oppor-tunity to visit Belarus, when a group of Sardinian children recuperated at Zubrenok Camp.

By Lyudmila minkevich

Humanitarian routEs

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Twisting path of oil flowIn the beginning of 2010, a Belarusian-Russian agreement on extending co-operation in the fuel-energy complex was due to be signed. The draft project envisaged, in particular, the possibility of Belarusian companies mining oil in Russia. Simultaneously, the privatisation of Novopolotsk’s Naftan-Polymir Oil Refinery (with the participation of Russian capital) was expected. According to Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, LUKoil and Rosneft planned to gain shares of ownership

However, the expected exchange of strategic assets has not yet t a k e n p l a c e . T h e Russian Government

has announced 100 percent duty on oil supplied to Belarus from January 1st. Minsk views this as a violation of Customs Union regulations — which came in force early this year. Accordingly, the Belarusian leadership has insisted on clarification of the prin-ciples of the Union; it is supposed to be a duty-free zone between Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, including for strategic supplies of oil and gas. Moscow appears to think differently, believing that energy trading should follow other rules, stipulated by the additional agree-ments to the Customs Union.

Political analyst Yuri Shevtsov notes, “In Belarus, national interests are placed above private, as is the country’s social-economic model. Russia has a different approach, with the interests of large corporations defended at high state level. These often determine policy.”

The Dean of the Belarusian State University’s Economic Department, Mikhail Kovalev, adds, “There may be some logic in the fact that export duty on Russian oil cannot remain in

Belarus. However, let’s look at the situation from another angle. Huge amounts of products arrive on the Belarusian market from South East Asia, via the Russian border. However, entrance duties d o n o t e n t e r o u r b u d g e t in the least! It is n o t c o r r e c t t o exempt oil, or any another commodity group, from the general context of the Customs Union. Rather, we should find an all-embracing and systematic solution to the issue of duties.”

Such a decision would probably lift acute problems in our bilateral relations. However, the experience of recent years shows that, in spheres where turnover reaches billions of dollars, compromise is difficult. Extremely complicated talks regarding terms of supply for Russian oil to Belarus in 2010 ended with document signing. Raw materials for domestic needs are to be supplied to our refineries without duties (in line with the Customs Union). Meanwhile, oil for processing and exports will be liable to 100 percent duty. The capacity of Belarusian oil processing facilities exceeds domestic

needs for oil products; from January to February, the issue of local refineries’ loading and profitability was acute. Diversification of the energy policy - which began in 2007 after the Russian Government, headed by Mikhail Fradkov, introduced a partial duty on oil for Belarus (then, Minsk convincingly proved that the tariff contradicted the basic documents of the Belarus-Russia Union State. However, Moscow did not abolish the duty.) - will continue. The risk from relying exclusively on a single supplier of raw materials is too high.

Belarus already has concrete results in its search for an alternative to Russian oil.

In late 2009, Venezuelan PDVSA Corporation gave Belorusneft the rights to control, service and mine

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attractive direction, where there is potential for selling extracted oil or transporting to Belarus.

In recent years, Kazakh oil supplies to Belarus have been discussed, as highlighted by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Minsk, Anatoly Smirnov. He announced in January that exports to our Mozyr and Novopolotsk refineries could begin this year. The diplomat explained that oil would be processed and trans-ported further — to the EU. Previously, high tariffs on hydrocarbon transpor-tation hampered such co-operation but, with the Customs Union’s estab-lishment, the problem is being solved. Mr. Smirnov noted that Kazakhstan is ready to supply raw materials to Belarus in any volume.

Theoretically, Kazakh oil could satisfy Belarusian oil processing branch fully. Mozyr and Novopolotsk refineries have a joint capacity of 30m tonnes a year. In 2008, Kazakhstan mined 75m tonnes, while its domestic processing slightly exceeded 7m tonnes. Governmental experts consider that, this year, up to 100m tonnes will be mined; by 2015, the figure is expected to reach 150m tonnes.

Is Kazakh oil attractive for Belarus from a commercial point of view? In an interview with Business FM radio station, Dmitry Alexandrov, an analyst from Univer-Capital Company, noted, “Kazakhstan previously charged export duties but these are now gone. In this sense, Kazakhstan can offer greater concessions than Moscow. An average tonne of Kazakh oil is cheaper for Belarus by $60 to $85.”

The Managing Director for Oil Processing and Marketing at National KazMunaiGas Company, Daniyar Tiesov, told the Kazakh media, “If it’s profitable, then it’s quite possible that we’ll go to these plants.” He noted that the project needs detailed study, jointly with Belarusian colleagues.

Economist Leonid Zaiko explains his view, saying, “Pumping Kazakh oil to Belarus through Russian oil pipelines makes better commercial sense.

However, this conflicts with the interests of Russian energy companies.” This was underlined back in 2007 by the former Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belarus, Bolat Iskakov. “Tariffs are set by the pipe’s owner. Of course, we would be ready to pump oil to Novosibirsk and then directly to Belarus. We are also ready to supply oil and gas. However, the owners continue to tell us that the pipes don’t have infinite capacity.” The diplomat stressed, “Of course, we are interested in raising oil transportation volumes via Belarus, as well as increasing deliveries to Belarusian refineries. Ninety percent of petroleum refinery products are exported to the European Union.”

“Transportation of Kazakh oil to Belarus by rail could be a possibility, as transportation tariffs must be unified within the Customs Union format. This would make transportation via Russian territory more feasible,” emphasises Mr. Zaiko. “It’s also potentially possible to deliver Kazakh oil via the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports and transport it via the Odessa-Brody oil pipeline.”

Evidently, raw material delivery from Kazakhstan to Belarus is a real possibility for the future (although, probably, some time ahead). Belarus is just as interested in the proposal as Kazakhstan.

Belarusian refineries would not be able to fully substitute Russian raw material in the near future. Russian oil businesses are not interested in seeing this happen, since Belarusian processing is attractive. Its level of modernisation is quite high and delivery schemes for raw materials and exports of ready oil products to the EU are functioning well. “If oil suppliers owned the refineries, facilities would be fully loaded and stable deliveries would be ensured,” explains Mr. Kovalev. “However, what price are such buyers ready to offer? Logically, Belarus won’t sell its prime assets for less than they are worth. It’s a real issue!”

The problem remains a stumbling block to oil co-operation with Russia, pushing Minsk to find alternative partners.

By Vitaly volyanyuk

two oil deposits near the Orinoco River basin. The agreement was signed by Alexander Lukashenko and Hugo Chávez in September 2009 and this top level agreement was quickly realised. The extension of collaboration in the oil sphere can be easi ly explained, since it brings commercial benefit to both M i n s k a n d C a r a c a s . O n c e t w o oi l deposits are mastered, joint Petrolera BeloVenezolana’s extrac-tion volumes should double. Last year, the joint venture extracted 680,000 tonnes of oil, bringing profits to Belorusneft of $60m (it owns a 40 percent share).

Venezuelan oil is not transported to Belarus (as this would be economi-cally unfeasible) but is sold on the global market. As a result, the country earns currency to pay for Russian oil. However, in emergencies, Venezuelan raw materials could be delivered to Belarusian refineries, via Baltic ports.

Apar t f rom working on the Venezuelan market, Belarusian oil specialists have been operating in Iran since 2007 — at joint Belpars Petroleum Company Limited. The company is mining the Jofeir field, whose hydro-carbon deposits are estimated at 273m tonnes. The Caspian region is another

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More than the fame of Grunewald unites us! amBassador of BElarus to poland, h.E. mr. victor gaisEnok, tElls of unBrEakaBlE historical tiEs BEtwEEn BElarusians and polEs and of thE nEw tasks sEt By modErn timEs

Ambassador, this year, Belarus and Poland are celebrating the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald, where our

forefathers stood shoulder to shoulder. Will we be encouraging a shared memory from Belarusians and Poles?

2010 marks the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald — a remark-able event of European significance. It is one of the brightest pages of our shared history, since the victory much influ-enced the formation of the Belarusian nation and the union of our peoples. Belarusians played an important role in European history, even at that time.

International celebrations of the jubilee are a matter of honour for the Belarusian Embassy to Warsaw; we should popularise the history of Belarus’ nationhood, as well as prospects for strengthening bilateral liaisons with Poland and Lithuania proceeding from our common histor-ical-cultural heritage.

I would like to note that Belarus has proposed a joint four-sided organisational committee to celebrate the jubilee, with the participation of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. Solemn events throughout the year are to include scientif ic confer-ences, seminars, exhibitions and fairs. Displays by knights’ clubs, folk

masters and medieval-style musicians will evoke an exciting historical atmosphere, creating the mood of the age. The celebrations will end with an official closing ceremony on the battlefield in July, including a major reconstruction of the battle, with the participation of a Belarusian club.

In D e c e m b e r, t h e Nat i on a l History Museum of Belarus in Minsk is to host an exhibition of a monu-mental masterpiece — ‘Panorama of the Battle of Grunewald’ (created by Polish artists Zygmunt Rozwadowski and Tadeusz Popel).

We’ll once again prove that Belarus has its own glorious history, closely connected with the fate of Europe. We should remember the Battle of Grunewald as a struggle but also as a cultural act. We should recall the active role played by Belarusians in European history. At present, Belarus is developing the ‘Eastern Partnership’ with the European Union; we need to remember that this works does not start from scratch. Belarus has been, and

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remains, a European state — boasting its own historic destiny.

Let’s return to modern times. Is Belarus using the potential of good neighbourly relations in the economy to the full, taking into consideration that Poland is the closest EU state to us.

In my view, Belarusian-Polish trade-economic relations have great possi-bilities, as yet not fully realised. Before the global economic crisis, turnover was steadily growing, with ever more Belarusian and Polish goods being traded. Our companies were devel-oping their economic ties. The resto-ration of pre-crisis trade volumes and enhanced collaboration in this field is a complex task; to achieve this, we need to consolidate our efforts.

Poland’s support of our trade-economic contacts with the European Union is of great significance, and is seen in many directions: in particular, regarding the renewal of the application of the Generalised System of Preferences regarding Belarus; our country’s joining the WTO; and access to EU markets for

Belarusian potassium chloride and textile goods. Poland is also supporting the certification of Belarusian agricultural products, while offering consultations and training for Belarusian specialists. This expert assistance is of great value.

The Polish Foreign Ministry is soon to discuss giving foreign assistance to Belarus, funding an educational programme for veterinary specialists. This would allow our agrarians to gain acquaintance with EU standards regarding animal-origin food production. Belarusian companies would also gain access to auditing, allowing them the right to export to the EU. The project — planned for realisation from June-July 2010 — aims to raise the competitiveness of Belarusian agricul-tural products on the EU market and to prepare Belarusian enterprises for their certification on this market.

I’d also like to note the assist-ance of Poland in the privatisation process, attracting investments into the Belarusian economy. At the beginning of this year, the State Property Committee and Poland’s AKJ Capital signed an

agreement making AKJ Capital the first investment agent of Belarus. Polish specialists are now preparing develop-ment programmes for the Belarusian chemical industry and tourist branch. Seven investment projects at Belarusian enterprises are under focus.

Our country’s participation in the Eastern Partnership programme has inspired debate over our visa regimes — since visas hamper free movement. Does Warsaw under-stand Belarus’ move to simplify the visa regime with the EU?

We are seeing more regular dialogue with Poland on this issue. During talks with representatives of the Sejm, the Government and diplomats, we are looking at Poland’s aspiration to act as a ‘bridge’ between Belarus and the EU. Poland’ Foreign Minister has many times stressed that his country is working to liberalise the visa regime for Belarusians and reduce the cost of Schengen visas for our citizens.

An agreement is due to be signed between the Belarusian and Polish governments on border movement, with

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the signing expected to take place during a visit to Warsaw by the Belarusian Foreign Minister. The document will embrace those residing near the border of our two states (up to 50km either side) simplifying their movement in either direction (staying for up 90 days within 6 months). Visas will be issued by Belarusian and Polish consular agencies, making this a concrete step towards simplifying communication between our neighbouring states.

We only need to look at a map of Europe to understand that the interests of Poland and Belarus coincide in one of the most important issues of European policy — energy security. How is our co-operation in this field developing?

Constructive Belarusian-Polish dialogue in the field of energy transit has been observed recently. The interrelation is developing aimed at the promotion of the construction of a second Yamal-Europe gas pipeline, taking into consid-eration its influence on the growth of energy security and high economic effi-ciency. Projects dealing with the diver-sification of energy supplies to Belarus are also in focus.

We are now interested in co-operation with Poland to renew elec-tricity deliveries, using the electric transmission lines operational between our countries. In this respect, much attention is being paid to realising construction of a coal-fired station in Zelva (with 920mWt capacity) and a Ross-Narew electric transmission line (with continuous current).

With our Polish colleagues, we’ve decided to study the technical and economic feasibility of mutual gas supplies to border regions and possi-bilities for collaboration in constructing underground gas storage in Belarus. We are also planning an early notifica-tion system, to monitor fluctuations in oil and gas supplies. We are interested in steady, intensive interaction with the Polish side regarding secure oil and gas supplies for Western Europe.

Polish Economy Minister Waldemar Pawlak, visiting Minsk, expressed

Poland’s interest in the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. Could this Union stimulate the addi-tional promotion of Polish (and European) products to the East?

During our talks, we noted that Customs Union issues are a subject of enhanced interest on the Polish side. Primarily, this is because Belarus — with its logistical and production potential — is becoming a more attractive trading and investment partner. In realising joint projects, Poland is receiving almost

unlimited possibilities for their use within the whole Customs Union territory.

We are organising a seminar in the first quarter of 2010 in Warsaw, for representatives of Polish business circles and associations of entrepreneurs; it will focus on Polish access to the Belarusian market, under the conditions of the Customs Union, for goods and services.

Cultural and public liaisons are a major avenue of bilateral co-operation but Warsaw has been recently imple-menting the ‘Pole’s Card’ in neigh-bouring countries; this ensures privileged access to education and jobs in Poland for Polish nationals. Doesn’t this hamper relations?

Let’s look at the rich cultural contacts which bond our people. In 2009, over 180 cultural events were organised (artistic and photo exhibi-

tions, meetings with Belarusian writers, concerts by professional and amateur teams, and individual performers, as well as the participation of Belarusian performers in international contests and Polish festivals). Days and evenings of Belarusian culture took place in Warsaw, Bialystok, Bielsk Podlaski, Biala Podlaska, Maciejowice, Poznan, Lodz, Gdansk and other Polish cities.

During the year, our Embassy has been actively liaising with a number of public organisations: the Poland-Belarus

and Poland-East societies, the Polish Fund named after Tadeusz Kosciuszko, the Centre of Slavonic Culture and the Nesvizhane and Braslavyane asso-ciations. We’ve organised various joint public and cultural events, while making contacts with Polish unions of authors and composers, artists, musicians and photographers.

Regarding the development of cultural ties, 2010 is the year of new projects and new ideas. I’d like to note the joint staging of Stanislaw Moniuszko’s ‘Halka’ opera — by the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus and the Bolshoi Theatre of the National Opera of Poland. Additionally, the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth is being celebrated by Poles and Belarusians. I hope the Days of Belarusian Culture in Warsaw, Poznan,

Representatives of Polish companies at Grodnochimvolokno enterprise

Minsk tractors exhibited in Warsaw attraced the visitors

Representatives of Polish companies at Grodnochimvolokno enterprise

Minsk tractors exhibited in Warsaw attraced the visitors


Past and PrEsEnt

Lodz, Bialystok, Gdansk and Gdynia will bring us even closer to one another.

For many years, our Embassy has helped organise ‘Krakow Ballet Nights’, the International Literary Contest in Kzheshitsy, the ‘Belcanto-2009’ International Vocal Contest in Nalenczow, and the International Folklore Contest in Olesnica.

I see diplomats’ role as being to create bridges between people, supporting projects which spiritually enrich and unite us. Sadly, not all initiatives pursue

this noble goal. Belarus believes that Poland’s policy of preferential terms for native Poles contradicts the principles of good neighbourly relations and mutual respect. Preferences for Belarusian citizens holding Polish ‘cards’ could affect international harmony in our country, aggravating the Polish diaspora and creating inter-confessional discord.

However, we are pleased that the ‘Pole’s Card’ for the Polish national minority in Belarus has in no way influ-enced mutual understanding between those of Polish nationality or otherwise. Our community has grown over many centuries, with no divisions based on blood or nationality.

Our European readers are no doubt keen to know whether Belarusian-Polish co-operation is likely to inspire Europeans to visit.

The Avgustovsky Canal and the National Park Belovezhskaya Pushcha are good examples of co-operative success; they are pearls. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha State National Park - situated on Belarusian territory — shares its natural formation with Poland’s Belovezhsky National Park. It is one of the oldest reserves in the world. In 1992, the Pushcha was placed on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, following UNESCO’s decision. It bears the status of a biosphere reserve and is

a major ornithological territory of inter-national significance. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha has been awarded a Council of Europe Diploma for its successes in promoting nature protection.

Last year, we celebrated the 600th anniversary of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha’s reserve status, jointly with our neighbours. Thousands of tourists from dozens of countries worldwide annually visit this unique forest, feeling the breath of nature and experiencing its primeval mystery. Belarus and Poland have every right to be proud of this ‘miracle of the world’ being situated on their territories.

The Avgustovsky Canal f lows through our two states, with the Belarusian section connecting the rivers Visla and Nieman. After reconstruction, it has become one of the most interesting tourist objects in our country, running

102.5km (including over 20km through the north-west of the Grodno region, stretching from the Belarusian-Polish border to the influx to the Nieman).

The Avgustovsky canal is unique as a transborder waterway, connecting all water arteries of Central and Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, its initial purpose as a transport artery connecting the rivers Visla and Nieman to the Baltic Sea has been lost. However, neither Poland nor Belarus doubt its attractiveness as a tourist site.

The canal is much valued for its unique ecosystem and unspoilt nature; it is a picturesque corner of the Avgustovskaya Pushcha and is home to many plants listed in the Red Book, as well as rich fauna. Two national parks are situated on Polish territory — at the south and north end of the canal; moreover, there are many reserve sites located around it. In Belarus, the Grodno Pushcha has been created from the Sopotskin and Gozha reserves. Moreover, dozens of unique historical and architectural monuments are situated near the Avgustovsky Canal. It is a unique ecological and historical-cultural area, with its own sub-culture.

For about a decade, the Avgustovsky Canal has hosted the ‘Avgustovsky Canal in the Culture of Three Nations’ festival on the last Sunday of August. This is a unique event gathering repre-sentatives and amateur artistic teams from Belarusian, Polish and Lithuanian national associations of the Grodno region. The festival is extremely popular with local residents and tourists alike. In 2009, over 10,000 people attended and this ‘water pearl’ attracts tourists not only in summer. A modern ski track (from 3 to 15km) is expected to be launched here to host winter sports.

Jointly with Poland, we’ve nominated it for inclusion on the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List.

What can you say about the Belarusian minority in Poland? What role does the Cultural Centre in Bialystok play in supporting our countrymen?

Our Belarusian Embassy to Warsaw aims to support the Belarusian minority

Pleasant acquaintances at the bicycle race "Bialystok-Grodno"Pleasant acquaintances at the bicycle race "Bialystok-Grodno"


Past and PrEsEnt

in Poland. The Belarusian Public-Cultural Association and the Society of Belarusian Culture are revering the traditions of their forefathers, success-fully operating in Poland.

You are right to stress the special role played by the Cultural Centre in Poland. Established as a structural subdivision of the Embassy and directly overseen by the Foreign Ministry, it pursues a double task: presenting and promoting Belarusian culture in Poland while supporting Belarusian organisations operating in Poland.

This Centre of Belarus abroad has opened for the first time in Poland — a country with which we have so much in common, primarily, a rich historical-cultural legacy. It hopes to develop fruitful contacts between Belarus and Poland in the fields of culture, art, education and science. The Centre is situated in Bialystok - so often called a capital of Belarusian culture in Poland. Most of Poland’s ethnic Belarusians live in the Podlaskie voivodship, with many carefully keeping their national tradi-tions and language. The Cultural Centre is working hard to promote relations with the Belarusian Public-Cultural Association of Poland, the Society of Belarusian Culture, the Belarusian Belavezha Literary Association, the Museum and Centre of Belarusian Culture in Hajnowka and with Polish educational establishments where Belarusian language is taught.

In its year of existence, the Centre has already gained authority among ethnic Belarusians residing in Poland, as well as among anyone interested in Belarusian culture and art. It has organised exhibitions of Belarusian artists and photographers, concerts by folk ensembles and pop performers, and artistic meetings of Belarusian writers living in Poland. There have been presentations of books and screen-ings of Belarusian feature films, docu-mentaries and cartoons. Of course, this is not the full list of activities.

There is a quarterly i l l u s t r a t e d i n f o r-mation bulletin — ‘Przeglad Kulturally’; t h i s i s a i m e d a t Polish readers but publishes materials in Belarusian as well. The Centre also assists partner ties between Belarusian and Polish educational establish-ments — in partic-ular, between higher educational establish-ments (such as the

universities of Grodno and Brest and Bialystok University).

We are striving to facilitate direct contacts between people, organising excursions for students from Polish schools, gymnasiums and lyceums who study Belarusian. Last year, over 240 children and their parents visited Belarusian cities with the Centre’s help.

Events are organised in the Podlaskie voivodship and all over the country. Our Centre is well known in Warsaw, Katowice, Lodz, Poznan, Gdansk, Siedlce, Radom and elsewhere. I should note that the Cultural Centre was established only a year ago. We are gradually accumulating experi-ence and skills, ready to improve and develop our promotion of Belarusian culture, history and art in Poland.

Thank you for your thoughts, Ambassador!

By Nina Romanova

Innovations come to the foreBelarusian-Syrian Sci-Tech Co-operation Centre opens in Minsk

The Belarusian National Technical University now has its own Centre

of Belarusian-Syrian Sci-Tech Co-operation, notes the Deputy Education Minister, Kazimir Farino. He believes the Centre wi l l foster contacts between educational establishments and encourage innovation and tech-nology transfer. This should facilitate the commercial application of scien-tific and innovative developments, while attracting foreign investments and technologies to create science-intensive products. The ultimate aim is to secure sustainable development for our economies.

Branches of the Centre will operate in Belarus and Syria, helping scientific organisations and manufacturers to advertise their activities, products and scientific and innovative developments. “We’ll be creating an electronic database of innovation projects of mutual interest, while sharing information on such projects and using the Internet to promote our work,” explains Mr. Farino.

The Centre is to study scientific and science-intensive markets, while analysing legislation relating to the sci-tech, production and educational spheres, as well as international trade. Consulting services will be available to individuals and firms alike regarding contracts, license agreements and the setting up of joint innovation bodies and companies.

By Yulia vaneeva


CooPEration

CATERINE SHAPOSHNIK

OVA

In terms of friendshipMinsk’s House of Friendship hosts party dedicated to 18th anniversary of Belarusian-Chinese diplomatic relations

The global financial crisis has had no negative affect on the strategic

partnership between Belarus and China. Instead, our ties are strength-ening and we have an optimal model of trade-economic co-operation, noted the Counsellor for Political Issues of the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, Cheng Daywen, at the party at the Minsk House of Friendship.

The diplomat stresses that bilateral economic l iaisons are success-fully developing, with many interesting and mutu a l ly b e ne f i -cial projects being realised. “We are

each other within the international arena and share common views on many international issues.

The event at Minsk’s House of Friendship gathered Chinese diplomats, representatives of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry and Parliament, alongside students and lecturers from the Belarusian State University and

Minsk State Linguistic U n i v e r s i t y .

Members of

the Belarus-China Society and

artistic intelligentsia also attended. The Head of the Presidium of the Belarusian Society of Friendship and Cultural Ties with Foreign Countries, Nina Ivanova, noted that geographi-cally remote China has become closer to Belarus, with bilateral

ties actively developing.A concert of Belarusian and

Chinese singing heralds a cycle of events dedicated to China. These include the screening of a series of documentaries and feature films about China. Meetings dedicated to Chinese cultural traditions are planned, as well as parties praising China’s legacy of literature and poetry. In autumn, the House of Friendship is to host Days of China, dedicated to the country’s 61st anniversary.

By Alina grishkevich

d o i n g m u c h t o activate investment collaboration and co-operational ties with Belarus,” Mr. Daywen asserts, adding that our countries are true, reliable partners and good friends. Our atmosphere of political trust aids partnership and friendship. He notes that we support

Expanding the list of contacts Belarus and France agree on co-operation in the fields of culture and education

Belarus and France have signed an intergovernmental agreement on

co-operation in the fields of culture, education, science and the media. The document was signed during a visit by a Belarusian governmental

delegation to France, penned by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to France, Alexander Pavlovsky, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to

Belarus, Michel Raineri.The document is to improve legis-

lation governing co-operation between Belarus and France in the spheres of culture, education, science and the media, promoting stronger bilateral contacts regarding the study of history and culture in both countries.

Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, met Elysee Palace Secretary General, Claude Gueant. Also attending the meeting was Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Voronetsky and French Secretary of State for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche. “ We h a v e e x c h a n g e d views on various issues of Belarusian-French co-operation and have reached a number of agreements aimed at boosting bilateral collaboration, including Belarus’ participation in the Eastern Partnership p r o g r a m m e ,” t h e Foreign Ministry notes.

Mr. Semashko a l s o m e t s e n i or e x e c u t i v e s o f France’s largest c o m p a n i e s and banks.


EduCation

Minsk’s State Linguistic university is Belarus’ major ‘supplier’ of translators and inter-

preters, training specialists since 1964 in its divisions of corresponding language departments and, from 1969, at its independent School of translation and interpreting.

2010 began with pleasant news for mSLu students, since the university and the uN under-Secretary-general for general assembly affairs and conference m a n a g e m e n t , m u h a m m a d Shaaban, signed a memorandum o n m u t u a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g . according to the document, minsk’s State Linguistic university is to train high class translators and interpreters for the uN.

alexander Ponimatko, the Dean of mSLu’s School of translation and interpreting, tells us about new professional opportunities which have opened up for his students, as well as other international projects and partner work with minsk’s State Linguistic university.

MSLU is the 16th university with which the UN has signed a memo-randum on co-operation. How did the University earn this honour?

Actually, the UN has signed memo-randums on mutual understanding with nine universities from various countries. A further seven are to sign up in 2010, with Minsk’s State Linguistic University the first of these. After visiting Belarus, Mr. Shaaban went to Russia to sign a memorandum with Lomonosov Moscow State University. Other European univer-sities are next in line.

Since there are six working languages at the UN, memorandums on mutual understanding are to be signed with universities from countries representing these languages. Russian will be repre-sented by four higher educational estab-lishments: three from Russia and one from Belarus. The remaining languages — French, Arabic, Chinese, English and Spanish — will be ensured by two univer-sities for each particular language.

What inspired the signing of these memorandums?

At present, UN linguistic services, which employ around 2,000 special-ists, are seeking new staff, since several are reaching retirement age — particu-larly those with Russian language. Mr. Shaaban tells us that around 40 experts are to retire, inspiring an urgent need for replacements. However, competitive examinations conducted by the UN’s linguistic department demonstrated insufficient professional training of graduates at many universities, espe-cially in the post-Soviet space. They aren’t ready to pass such high level

exams. Additional training is needed and /or we need to adjust our syllabus and training methods.

What does the signed memorandum envisage? How will these new UN specialists be trained?

Firstly, the memorandum envisages an adjustment to our syllabus and programmes, with direct involvement of specialists from the Department for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Management. Secondly, we are creating a second stage of higher education for translator / interpreter training and may set up a high school of translation and interpreting as part of our Master’s Degree programme. This will enable us to train high class specialists, able to pass exams for further employment with UN linguistic services. Thirdly, UN linguistic service employees will provide consultative assistance while giving lectures, conducting master classes and workshops for teachers, and taking part in state exams.

How will these be implemented?As noted, specialists from UN

linguistic departments will visit our University. Since the UN headquarters is situated in New York, with branches located in Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi, we’ve agreed that specialists working in Geneva and Vienna will come to us. The UN will oversee the educational process, providing suitable materials for translation and interpreting: texts of various resolutions, memorandums and agreements, as well as terminolog-ical dictionaries.

Will students pass internships at the UN?

Our people at the UNthE joB of intErprEtEr / translator opEns up various

opportunitiEs to work with pEoplE from around thE world, studying thEir traditions and lifEstylE, as wEll as to gaining

acquaintancE with thEir culturE


EduCation

Yes, this area of co-operation envisages internships for up to 2 months, enabling our graduates to visit UN repre-sentation offices while familiarising themselves with the work of translators and interpreters, as well as short hand typists and editors.

When will training in compliance with the signed memorandum begin?

It’s already begun. We’ll receive recom-mendations from UN linguistic services’ curators and will introduce them into our syllabuses and programmes. Firstly, we’ll begin with written translation, as was agreed with Mr. Shaaban. We’ll inform students of opportu-nities to pass internships at the UN, about condi-tions for passing exams and requirements for applicants.

I believe these requirements a r e v e r y high?

One of the strictest r e q u i r e -ments for

future sp e c i a l i s t s i s p er fe c t command of two foreign languages. However, practice shows that, usually, university graduates’ linguistic profi-ciency in their first foreign language is higher. We’ll try to improve the situation when training our students.

Which other international projects are being implemented by the University, and by its Translation and Interpreting School in particular?

An important event in this area took place last year. Minsk’s State Linguistic University became a member of the International University Association, training translators and interpreters. This is a great achievement, enabling us to co-

ordinate our activities, primarily with European universities training transla-tors and interpreters. Additionally, we’ll be able to take part in seminars, confer-ences and round table discussions to learn about foreign experience and the latest technologies used in translator and interpreter training. Moreover, the University has 52 operational treaties of co-operation with foreign partners and takes part in 19 international programmes. Being a leader in Belarus’ linguistic education, the MSLU is also a

centre of major international events organised in the

country.

computers), providing modern educa-tional programmes, teaching materials and dictionaries.

How many foreign students currently study at the University?

We have a foreign division at our School of Translation and Interpreting, with a rising number of students. At present, 285 foreign students from 23 countries study intercultural commu-nication and foreign languages (among them, those from Argentina, Norway, China, Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan). They are also interested in the memorandum on co-operation, signed with the UN.

Where do your alumni work?All over the world: as Belarusian

representatives at the UN, as Belarusian Ambassadors around the globe (such as in Germany and Italy), at the Presidential Administration, the Foreign Ministry, the Defence Ministry and the Interior Ministry, as well as at leading enterprises and

companies in Belarus, liasing with foreign partners.

Does the University train enough translators and interpreters?

There’s no deficit of these specialists in the country, since other universities also train them.

What is the role of Minsk’s State Linguistic University in developing

Belarus’ international interrelations?The University plays an important

role, since we prepare specialists in intercultural communication. Without

them, intercultural communication wouldn’t exist or would be inefficient. We are working in several directions. Firstly, we train teachers, who prepare youngsters for intercultural dialogue. Secondly, we train translators and interpreters, who ensure this dialogue. Thirdly, we train and re-train (in foreign languages) leading specialists from various branches. Sometimes, because of lack of knowledge of a foreign language, we fail to deliver some initiatives from abroad, but I believe that our University is a leader in all these directions.

By Lyudmila minkevich

Does the MSLU support contacts with Embassies accredited in Belarus?

Of course. We teach 14 foreign languages and gain assistance from embassies using these as state languages. On the one hand, they provide the University with high level specialists; we employ highly qualified teachers whose native languages are Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Persian, Swedish and Spanish. On the other hand, they also help us create a system of centres of language and culture, equipping them with contemporary technical equipment (satellite television and


BEL

TA

Ability to inspire demandin 2009, rEtail turnovEr rosE By 3 pErcEnt in BElarus — not a Bad rEsult undEr crisis conditions. this yEar, an EvEn morE amBitious targEt is sEt to EnsurE 5- fold growth. how arE thEsE optimistic plans BEing supportEd? figurEs largEly procEEd from adEquatE incrEasEs in pEoplE’s Earnings

M eanwhile, domes-tic banks are to provide consumer l o a n s a t l ow e r interest rates than

last year. Of course, most Belarusians have a habit of saving, irrespective of how much money they have in their wallets. The globe is shifting from a

phase of consumption to a phase of accumulation. Experts warn that this should not be ignored.

Demand is often portrayed as an engine driving the economy. No matter how much we invest in produc-tion development, it will be to no avail if sales are not forthcoming. Last year, top officials worldwide debated how

best to stimulate demand. According to experts, China is demonstrating the best results in this area. Its residents are relentlessly pushed into buying domestically produced manufactures — primarily, white goods and cars. This year, demand stimulation in China is to continue, with loans of-fered for the purchase of products

The hypermarket ProStore offers everything a buyer might need


tradE suggEsts offErs

ProjECt

(except property and cars), as well as for holidays, education and other personal needs.

Without serious effort, global consumption is unlikely to grow, including in Belarus. People are choosing to save, due to real cuts in their income; others do this ‘just in case’. Experts say that, in this situation, long lasting goods suffer most. During the years of consumer boom, Belarusians forgot how each family used the same refrigerator for many years. However, the trend could return. Sales of mobile phones are indicative. Last year, global sales fell, with cheaper models enjoying greater demand. In Russia, sales of handsets fell by 25 percent and the average cost also dropped by a quarter. Experts believe the economy-segment suffers least in this situation, and may even grow. Premium-ranked goods slightly lose their position while ‘medium-priced’ products suffer most of all, due to the popula-tion’s desire to ‘make do and mend’.

“The first thing w h i c h s h o u l d b e d o n e i n t h i s situation is to provide people with dispos-able income,” explains the General Director o f t h e M a r k e t i n g S y s t e m s C e n t r e o f Strategic Development, A n ato ly A k ant i nov. “However, this money should be supported with real economic a c h i e v e m e n t s . ” R a i s i n g p e n s i o n s and salaries alone won’t work; buyers need to be lured with discounts. Of course, people may not spend their spare income in the way domestic

manufacturers might wish. They could choose brands boosted by expe-rienced marketing and promotion. Meanwhile, Belarusian products must compete on quality, as well as price. Managers need to be well trained. Our products are firmly placed in the economy-segment regarding their consumer properties. This inspires optimism, since this segment is predicted to grow.

Demand for quality is a significant trend, while customers still seek value for money. 2010 is our Year of Quality but could have been named the Year of the Domestic Market. Demand and

economic modernisation are developing hand in hand. Some may object to us using China as a model, since it boasts a market of several billion people. How e v e r, w e s h ou l d

not forget Belarusian savings. The construc-t i on i n du s t r y a n d m a n u f a c t u r e r s o f related goods rely on this. Our population may be t ightening its belt, spending less on clothing and new

white goods, but it’s also spending less on food — as seen in the January-November 2009 sales f igures (less than in the same period of 2008). This is an indication that people prefer material assets. Manufacturers need to address the

price-quality ratio, ut i l i s ing exp er i -

enced promoters a n d m a n a -

g e r s t o s e l l t h e i r p r o -

ducts.By Tatiana

kozlovskaya

Partners see prospectsBelarus and Czech Republic to create joint innovation centre

The Belarusian-Czech Innovation Centre is to facilitate the develop-

ment of innovative activities in both countries, introducing new technolo-gies into the manufacturing processes. Belarusian and Czech companies will be able to jointly study and master highly-efficient scientific achievements and conduct joint scientific-research and design works, in addition to promoting high-tech products to foreign markets.

The establishment of the Centre was recently discussed in Minsk by Igor Voitov, the Chairman of Belarus’ State Science and Technology Committee, and Pavel Sveida, the Secretary General of Innovation Commission of the Czech Republic. They discussed co-operation in the field of sci-tech infor-mation exchange and how best to attract direct investments into Belarus for the development of new technologies. In addition, they considered prospects for joint ventures. The Centre is to assist in their establishment.

The Innovation Centre is to be created in conformity with the protocol of the first session of the Belarusian-Czech Mixed Commission for Economic, Industrial and Sci-tech Co-operation, signed in April 2009.

By Olga Belyavskaya


finanCEs — PrivatE sPHErE

FoREigN BaNkS SERiouSLY iNtEREStED iN BELaRuS’ FiNaNciaL SEctoR

Th e g l o b a l economic crisis h a s i n s p i r e d foreign banks’

interest in Belarus, primarily Russian. They are now actively investing money into our economy and allocating loans. Last year was significant, with Russia’s Sberbank purchasing Belarus’ BPS-Bank (among the top five banks in the country). Four Russian banks allocated a syndicated loan worth 6bn Russian roubles

to the Belarusian Finance Ministry, reflecting positively on Belarusian depositors and loan-takers.

“The share of foreign investments in the cumu-lative statutory fund of Belarusian banks stood at 9.84 percent on January 1st, 2008, including 3.84 percent of Russian capital,” explains the Deputy Chairman of the Board of the National Bank, Nikolai Luzgin. Meanwhile, in early December 2009,

the total share rose to 20.12 percent (including 9.6 percent of Russian money). This does not take into consideration expected injections from Sberbank, which has signed an agreement on purchasing over 93 percent of BPS-Bank’s shares (worth about $280m). By 2014, this Russian bank plans to increase BPS-Bank’s capital by another $300-350m, giving a total volume of allocated funds of $2bn. According to experts, the

Belarusian banking sector could become even more ‘Russian’ in the coming years.

At present, Belarus has 32 acting banks, including 25 operating with foreign capital. Foreign investors’ participa-tion in 21 banks exceeds 50 percent while nine banks boast 100 percent foreign capital and twelve banks have foreign capital varying from 50 to 100 percent.

Evidently, the global crisis has pushed Belarus into attracting foreign resources into the country’s banking sector. With the inflow of foreign resources, Belarus has received additional reserves to fund domestic loans — used to modernise major enterprises. The Russians — acting as Belarusian bank shareholders — have made good profits from such loans, since the Belarusian credit market is not yet saturated (in comparison to that of Moscow). Russian banks operating in Belarus are inter-ested in seeing our economy develop, with companies able to take out loans and repay them successfully.

Belarus’ economy remains small at present, unable to influence global prices. Accordingly, it seems best to build transnational corpora-tions and exchange assets with strategic partners. Evidently, the promotion of Russian investments and banking tech-nologies has benefited ordinary Belarusians, who now have a wider choice of credit terms and saving accounts. These affiliates of Russian banks have inspired a consumer loan boom. Bank VTB, Moscow-Minsk, Belrosbank and Belgazprombank have

Such active assets

VIT

ALI

Y G

IL


mirror of statistiCs

contributed to the trend significantly.

However, these changes are the result not only of the Russians’ presence. The Belarusian banking sector is also using capital from Kazakhstan, Switzerland, Iran, France, Lebanon and other countries. It has been announced that up to 15 percent of Belarusbank shares could go on sale, with Western European capital more likely to be attracted than Russian money. This could bring cheaper loans, since Europe is offering rates in euros of less than 4.4-5 percent per year. Current rates stand sometimes at around 25 percent per year, which the Deputy Chairman of Minsk Capital Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Registr Group, Andrey Karpunin, thinks too heavy — especially for major investment projects which take several years to allow repayment of loans.

Of course, Russian banking capital plays an important role in the Belarusian economy. Many experts believe that the banking ‘beachhead’ could bring large investment projects to Belarus — such as the construction of Minsk-City and a Belarusian nuclear power station (already announced). Additionally, Belarus’ joining of the Customs Union on January 1st, 2010, is to bring increased duties on European, Chinese and other imported cars. Accordingly, demand for Russian-assembled cars could grow. Russian affiliate-banks’ preferential rates for car loans could inspire these sales.

By Roman annenkov

CA

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SHA

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Township bearing a city statusprEliminary data on changEs to thE dEmographic situation

The National Statistical Committee’s Calcu-lating Centre is looking

at the smallest details of our lives. Accordingly, security is very important. Staff gain entry with special cards and always sign a warrant on non-disclosure. “Much has changed in the processing system since the last census in 1999; this system is now simplified and centralised,” explains Svetlana Novoselova, the Head of the Census Department at the National St at i s t i c a l C om m itte e . “Previously, 900 people were employed to register census data; now, far fewer employees are needed. Also, the system is computerised and located in Minsk while, in the past, results were collated inde-pendently in each region.”

The first data is preliminary — as underlined by Vladimir Zinovsky, the Chairman of the National Statistical Committee. However, he admits that the f igures won’t change significantly after errors are taken into account. What has changed in our country in the past decade? The population fell by 556,000 — with 9,489,000 people residing in Belarus at present. In the ten year period between censuses, the Vitebsk, Mogilev and Grodno regions experienced the greatest fall in population — almost 10 percent each. Meanwhile, the city of Minsk has increased its population by 148,000. In these years, eight more towns have appeared — mostly due to villages receiving higher status. Meanwhile, the number

of urbanities has grown by 5 percent — exceeding 7m.

Naturally, urban growth is the result of movement from rural areas. In the past ten years, villages have lost 21 percent of their population (or almost 650,000 people). There has been a drop of over 25 percent in the population of villages in the Mogilev, Vitebsk and Grodno regions. Mr. Zinovsky notes that, from 1989-1999, their number fell annually by 42,700. However, in the next decade, this figure rose 1.5 fold.

Only one factor remains u n c h a n g e d f o r m a n y decades. As famous Maya Kristalinskaya sang in her song ‘according to statistics, there are nine guys for every ten girls’.

By Valentina mokhor


sCiEnCE

Seeing is believing

Th e Nat i on a l Ac a d e my of Sciences’ Institute of Microbiology can be congrat-ulated; it now houses the

Biotechnology Centre for Development of New Biotechnologies and Pilot Production of Biological Products.

Europe is currently seeing a boom in interest towards natural products grown without chemicals. Natural, organic ingredients are the latest trend. Cellular and genetic engineering may soon rival even the popularity of nano-technologies and will be the next words on our lips.

“Last year, we set up three new biotechnology centres. Over the next

five years, we plan to establish five more similar enterprises, including a blood plasma manufacturing plant,” explained Mikhail Myasnikovich, the Chairman of the National Academy of Sciences’ Presidium, at the opening ceremony, solemnly cutting a red ribbon.

Only those in gowns, covers and caps are allowed to enter the sterile, high-tech halls containing the latest equipment. The Centre’s employees warn that it’s impossible to tell whether bacteria are dangerous to us — although it’s more likely that we are dangerous to the bacteria, since the Centre doesn’t cultivate anything harmful.

The Centre manufactures drugs and bio-additives from natural ingre-dients, as well as undertaking genetic engineering. Meanwhile, the creation of food fermenting agents is likely to prove promising; these are added to milk to produce dietary products. For the 150,000 people suffering from diabetes, they are a Godsend, helping sugar transform into fructose. Moreover, ever-present bacteria are actively applied in bio-sensor devices, measuring glucose levels in blood; around a million have already been released.

Bacterial slime, applied on implants, also belongs to the latest developments. It has been designed to help surgeons, being used to reduce the risk of metal constructions being rejected by the body. There are so many applications, with bacteria used to restore biodete-rioration in buildings and to combat mould in flats. Ecologically speaking, water and soil can be purified by micro-organisms and bacteria can be used to protect plants from insects and weeds, while being added to fodder for agricultural animals. The potential is huge and yet to be fully investigated. Of about $200m spent annually to combat pests on agricultural fields, less than one percent is dedicated to biological products.

“After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the microbiological industry found itself in far from good condition. To revive it, close co-operation between science and industry is needed. It’s been easier for us to collaborate with private firms,” explains Emilia Kolomiets, the Director of the Microbiology Institute. “However, if we manage to create a market of biopharmaceuticals, the economic benefits from their applica-tion may total around Br3bn.”

Biofuels are another solid argument in favour of biotechnologies, with a pilot project involving Belarusian and Russian scientists, targeting EurAsEC. Drogichin’s Ekzon-Glukoza Plant (processing maize) could join the chain, creating waste-free manufacture.

By Natalia Pisareva

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sciEntists promisE that words with thE prEfix of ‘Bio’ will stEadily EntEr our vocaBulary


sCiEnCE

Photocamera for cosmonautsPhoto-spectral system, developed by Belarusian scientists, installed at International Space Station

“The developments were ordered by the Energia Rocket-Space

Corporation and the Geography Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences,” explains Boris Belyaev, the Head of the Radio-physics Department at the Belarusian State University’s Scientific-Research Institute for Applied Physical Problems.

From the outside, the photo-spectral system resembles equipment used by professional photographers from printed editions. However, it allows photos to be taken from a distance of 400km. Moreover, its digital camera and built-in spectro-radiometer enable it to receive additional information.

A cosmonaut uses a built-in computer to control the photo-spectral system, which is fixed on a carrier, installed on the space station’s illuminator. To receive shots and spectrums from space, it’s necessary to set the geographical co-ordinates for a specific site on the earth’s surface.

The photo-spectral system has been designed to forecast and monitor natural and technogenic catastrophes. It can help record the appearance of dangerous phenomena in the environment, fore-casting their development and enabling speedy response, to avoid unnecessary destruction.

The system is now undergoing final tests at the Energia Rocket-Space Corporation and should be brought to the International Space Station this April.

By Irina Yerofeeva

Sphere of mutual interests thE philosophy institutE at thE national acadEmy of sciEncEs and lithuania’s culturE, philosophy and arts rEsEarch institutE arE to conduct joint invEstigations of thEir national culturEs

The Director of the Belarusian insti-tution, Anatoly Lazarevich, tells us that an agreement on scientific

co-operation was signed in late 2009. Scientists from Belarus and Lithuania plan to research how their national cultures have developed under contem-porary conditions, with special attention given to studying intellectual cultures and spirituality. Moreover, they’ll be analysing how the history and philosophy of Belarus and Lithuania are interrelated. They also plan to study the philosophical problems of European integration in the context of contemporary globalisation.

Scientists from the Philosophy Institute at the Belarusian Academy of Sciences are constantly expanding their collaboration with colleagues abroad. They’re already closely liaising with specialists from Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Bulgaria, Germany and Poland. Recently, a new co-operative agreement was signed with the Institute of European Integration and Political Sciences at the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. This envisages analysis of socio-political and socio-cultural devel-opment in both countries in the context of European integration and interna-tional relations. Joint scientific research of political, social and demographic processes in Belarus and Moldova is also planned. Meanwhile, recommendations to aid Belarus and Moldova’s integra-tion into the European economic and cultural space will come under careful consideration.

The Phi los ophy Inst i tute i s conducting fundamental investigations into the theory and methodology of natural-scientific and social-humani-tarian cognition, philosophical anthro-pology, social ecology, ethics and aesthetics. It is developing innovative strategies regarding social, spiritual, cultural and scientific progress while studying topical problems of contem-porary socio-political and cultural development.

By Olga Belyavskaya

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Cure for ‘sweet disease’for thE first timE in my carEEr as a journalist, i’m writing aBout pEoplE who havE achiEvEd somEthing grEat. i writE thEsE magical words with rEsponsiBility and profEssional pridE. BElarusian doctors and sciEntists havE changEd thE livEs of many pEoplE, crEating a curE for thE ‘swEEt disEasE’ of diaBEtEs

16 year old Anya has been suffering from a s e v e re f or m of diabetes for several

years; she is one of almost 136,000 such people in Belarus, of whom, around 70,000 are insulin-dependent. Every day, she must inject insulin to regulate her blood-sugar levels.

Doctors all over the globe have been trying to find ways of easing life for diabetes sufferers and Prof. Alexander Shott may have made a breakthrough. For the past 25 years, his team has been working to find an alternative to injections. Scientific researchers and surgeons have been involved in developing a new method. Years of meticulous theoretical work and complex experiments have turned a scientific idea into a new method of treatment. Belarusian scientists and doctors Anatoly Leontyuk, Stanislav Tretyak , Alexander Prok horov, Valery Romanovich, Vasily Rudenok and Vitaly Goranov have now been given the State Award of Belarus for their efforts. Today, Anya and other patients have acquired hope and the chance of leading a more normal life, without daily insulin injections, drugs and strict diets.

Anya, and others like her, are already benefitting from the unique new treatment, with improved quality of life. After operations diabetic comas

and insulin-dependence are a thing of the past for them as they move into a new stage of health. In layman’s terms, Prof. Anatoly Leontyuk tells us, “Those suffering from diabetes are given transplanted islet cells from the pancreatic glands of rabbits and pigs, which can produce insulin. Usually, tissue taken from one organism and transplanted into another is rejected and destroyed. To avoid this, we need to transplant into the cavity of a blood vessel. During the operation, the trans-planted cells are placed into a porous synthetic tubule, which is then placed in the blood vessel. The ‘transplanted’ material supports the patient’s own pancreatic gland. Sometimes, patients no longer need insulin injections at all; where they do, the dose can be reduced three fold. ”

In fact, the operation is quite simple, involving little trauma, so many blood vessel surgeons should be able to learn to perform it. The number of those suffering from diabetes increases by 4 percent each year and all these patients need our help.

The new method is unusual in only requiring patients to stay in hospital for a short period. They can inde-pendently get out of bed and move around within a few days and feel more cheerful immediately, relieved from their symptoms of persistent thirst and weight gain. Their quality

of life is enhanced dramatically and they can forget their fear of diabetic coma. Their anxiety over the disease, which can lead to death, is released. Isn’t it wonderful?

Early on, Mr. Leontyuk used not only rabbits but more exotic animals in his studies. In early 1960s, on visiting a museum of fish, dolphins and whales in Kaliningrad, he saw whale embryos in test tubes. He asked for three of them and brought these to Minsk. “I’ve used whales in my scientific research of compara-tive embryology. They are a special and mysterious type of mammal, like human beings,” recollects Prof. Leontyuk. “Of course, whales live in water and can submerge deeply, going where even the most contemporary submarines cannot. They ‘speak’ to each other by sending sounds over great distances, beyond the powers of submarines’ technical equipment. I’ve tried to understand their mysteries, with whale hunters bringing me the embryos of sperm whales, fin whales and, even, rare blue whales. I had to work hard with these materials”

He now has a rare embryological collection of whales, allowing scientific study in Minsk. Since whale hunting has been banned all over the globe, it’s now almost impossible to gather such material to create a similar collection. Embryological collections worldwide

mEdiCinE discoveries


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are a national heritage and Prof. Leontyuk’s is worthy of high status.

Whale investigations have helped doctors to cure human illnesses and work is ongoing.

According to Prof. Vyacheslav Tretyak, scientists have succeeded in developing their cure for diabetes primarily due to having a unique team of like-minded people. Prof. Leontyuk is a European level morphologist, having found answers to how cells work and discovering where abnor-

malities lie. He is a pioneer in his field, even worldwide.

Alexander Prokhorov, a Doctor of Medical Sciences, has been examining patients, selecting people for future operations, while also observing post-surgery results. Valery Romanovich — a brilliant surgeon — performed the first operations after having practised on animals. Professor and morpholo-gist Vasily Rudenok conducted inves-tigations in Germany using the latest technologies, while investigating

cells’ ability to produce insulin. Vitaly Goranov is passionately engaged in improving cell structures.

However, it takes more than scien-tific enthusiasm to find cures. High intellect and dedication are needed to produce brilliant results. Scientists note that the state has given then steady support, with the Science and Technology Committee allocating considerable funds to implement the project. The Health Ministry’s Scientific Department and the Health Minister himself have championed the cause for some time.

The scientists aren’t calling their work a miracle, although it’s unique in many respects. They understand that the technology is far from a panacea and, like any other treatment, has side-effects. However, the benefits are undeniable. Moreover, the operation is conducted free of charge in our country (while costing at least $70,000 in the USA).

Specialists in Europe, the USA and Canada are keen to learn more about the work of our Belarusian doctors. The method is constantly developing, with animal testing of transplanted thyroid gland cel ls almost complete and similar trans-plants into people proving a success. Endocrinologists believe that these surgeries will help patients whose thyroid has been removed, relieving them of taking hormonal medicines for the rest of their lives. Doctors plan to transplant parathyroid gland cells in future. When the thyroid gland is removed, people are unable to metab-olise minerals and calcium, causing convulsions. Scientists also plan to grow nerve cells and transplant them into patients suffering from dissemi-nated sclerosis.

How does Prof. Leontyuk feel about his success so far? He responds like a true doctor, “Scientific ideas are born to relieve the sufferings of patients. Our idea and its embodiment have alleviated these sufferings.”

By Lyudmila Leonenko

Anatoly Leontyuk, M.D., was among the first to create systems which answer the questions on a human cell functioning

discoveries mEdiCinEE


Platinum battles tumours

BElarusian sciEntists invEnt mEans to fight cErEBral tumours

‘Cisplacel’ may only be the size of a postage stamp but it can battle tumours in the neck and head — such as are found in cancer of the

larynx, epipharynx, lingua and sinus. The Belarusian invention is rivalled only by that of America, which is uncertified in the CIS and far more expensive.

‘Cisplacel’ has been developed at the laboratory of medicines based on modified polysaccharides, of

the Belarusian State University’s Scientific-Research Institute of

Physico-Chemical Problems. It is part of the New Medicines state sci-tech programme, explains the head of the project, Pavel Bychkovsky. He tells us all about the discovery.

comPLEtE LiquiDatioN. ‘Cis-placel’ takes the form of small, bio-absorbable napkins contain-ing platinum-based anti-tumour cisplatin. The new medicine fights cancerous growths, al-lowing these to be eliminated. Operations tend to only remove cancerous tissue rather than the heart of the problem. Single, travelling cancerous cells often remain in the brain and leaving even a couple can be enough to generate a new tumour. ‘Cispla-cel’ fights these cancerous cells, liquidating them once and for all.

The laboratory personnel is satisfied with the results of the medication testing

EPHarmaCEutiCsE innovations


Without ExtRa chEmiS-tRY. ‘Cisplacel’ makes it pos-sible to avoid chemotherapy. Previously, cisplatin was in-jected into a vein, but only 7 percent of the substance reached the tumour. Mean-while, it was quite toxic on the body. The new drug targets the tu m ou r p r e -

cisely, killing it.

Polymer and natural, untoxic mate-

rials are now used, enabling ‘Cisplacel’ to be dissolved naturally. It can destroy a tu-mour in just three weeks.

chEaP aND gooD quaLi-tY. New ‘Cisplacel’ medicine surpasses its nearest foreign

analogue, ‘Gliadel’ by Amer-ican MGI Pharma Incorpo-rated, in being storable up to 150 degrees C (the Ameri-can rival must be stored at a temperature of minus 20 degrees C). Secondly, there is no need to halt blood circulation during its ap-plication, since ‘Cisplacel’ napkins naturally hamper blood flow.

PRicE oF hEaLth. ‘Cis-placel’ is several times cheaper than its foreign analogue. It has been clinically tested at the

Republican Centre of Neu-rology and Neurosurgery, receiving two golden med-als, in addition to diplomas and awards at international specialised medical exhibi-tions. In Belarus, ‘Cispla-cel’ is already registered and shall soon be available at all clinics treating can-cer in the area of the head.

By Viktar korbut

Winning over virusBElarusian ‘tamiflu’: our domEstic rEsponsE to flu is almost rEady

Over a short period of time, pharmacolo-gists have developed

‘Flustop’, rivalling ‘Tamiflu’ in its efficiency. It can be used to prevent and cure ac ute respirator y v i ra l infections, including the A/H1N1 pandemic. ‘Flustop’ is a branded generic drug, w i t h c o mp o n e nt s a n d efficiency similar to the original , marketed at a much cheaper price.

“We’ve approached the final stage of our work,” explains Dmitry Demid, the Head of the Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Research at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Pharmacology and Biochemistry. “We’re now

testing dissolution kinetics and extended release in the human body.” Special equipment is being used to model the human digestive tract.

‘Flustop’ is an absolute rival to ‘Tamiflu’ and, if all laboratory figures coincide, will be marketed as such. Clinical tests on bio-equiva-lency have begun at Minsk’s 4th Clinical Hospital and at the B elarusian State Medical University’s Chair for Clinical Pharmacology. Academpharm state phar-maceutical enterprise at t he Nat iona l Academy of Sciences is currently preparing to manufacture ‘Flustop’, ready for sale at chemists and clinics very soon. The first 300,000 packs are to be supplied to hospitals but its price is still open to debate. Scientists haven’t yet made final calculations but believe that its universality will be an evident advantage. “Init ia l ly, ‘Flustop’ was developed to fight A and B viruses; however, it’s also been found to be efficient against bird flu and against swine flu, enabling it to be widely applied,” promises Mr. Demid.

By Natalia Pisareva

innovations EPHarmaCEutiCsE


ExPERT OPINION

Doctor of medical Sciences Yuri Shanko, the head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery chair at the Belarusian medical academy of Post-graduate Education:

i’ve tested ‘cisplacel’ clinically — while operating on cerebral tumours. it’s sometimes extremely difficult to reach a tumour in the cranial cavity and side effects can include loss of vision, hearing, movement and other functions. in these cases, ‘cisplacel’ is a good assistant. the medicine — in the form of small napkins — is placed on the walls of the brain. the napkins are made of oxygen-ised cellulose which completely dissolves in 1-1.5 months. During this time, the medicine is released gradually in small doses — killing dissipated tumour cells to a depth of one centimetre. as a result, relapses are rarer. ‘cisplacel’ prolongs life by about 30-50 percent in comparison to previous cases.

Into the future!thEory of proBaBility doEsn’t sEEm aBstract whEn it comEs to gEnEtics

It seems that some of us are more likely to break bones when we fall, while others escape with minor bruising and a fright. The recently accredited Centre

for DNA Biotechnology at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Genetics and Cytology is searching for answers to such questions. Soon, it will begin to issue genetic passports to people and … aurochs. We’ll be able to find out which inherited diseases we’re susceptible to, while animal breeding will be enhanced from decoding genetic make-up. The Centre has begun to admit applications for human DNA tests and investigations will then begin.

“Should I be wary of contracting diabetes, since my grandfather suffers from it?” I ask Prof. Irma Mosse, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Head of Human Genetics at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Genetics and Cytology. “Although this disease can be inherited or acquired, we shouldn’t forget our genes. If you are aware of a predisposition, you’ll be cautious enough not to over indulge in sweet foods,” Ms. Mosse assures me.

O u r t e n d e n c y t o contract disease, even colds and infections, is genetically predeter-mined to some extent. The strength of our bones and calcium content is also somewhat ‘programmed’, meaning that some of us are more likely to be injured than

rEsEarCH

percent inherited diseases (such as Alzheimer’s) a r e b e i n g excluded. In p a r t i c u l a r , cardiovascular

d i s e a s e s a r e in focus, since

heart attacks are a common cause of death

which can be avoided by living a healthy lifestyle: good

diet, exercise and no smoking.“When people are told that

smoking is harmful, they sometimes argue that their first cousin once removed used to drink, smoke and was overweight but lived to a great age. It’s likely that he didn’t have genes which disposed him towards coronary disease, heart attack or brain haemorrhage.”

Osteoporosis and haemochro-matosis (abnormal accumulation of iron) are also registered on the list. Moreover, sensitivity to toxins can be tested, so that such people can avoid working in harmful environments (such as chemical factories). Around 45 percent of people have trouble eliminating such toxins from their body. Similarly, those with potential hearing problems should not work in noisy environments. It’s vital that those who want to go mountaineering or ballooning test their tolerance for lack of oxygen. Biathletes, training at high altitudes, are currently undergoing such tests. DNA-tests are especially vital for athletes, with hockey and football players often suffering from deep vein thrombosis. Boxers complain of brain injures even at the slightest stroke. If our genes tell us we are prone to sudden death from being hit by a hockey puck

or pushed to the ground, it gives u s t h e

others. Chekhov once wrote: ‘if a rifle hangs on the wall in the first act, it’ll undoubt-edly shoot in the l a s t ac t ’.

H a v i n g a genetic passport w i l l m a k e u s aware of our weak-ness es , a l lowing us to prevent them b e coming a t r ue problem.

The Centre for DNA Biotechnology at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Genetics and Cytology h a s c o n c e n t r a t e d on 30 genes which appear to govern the for mat i on of

certain diseases, when coupled with envi-

ronment. Cancer and other 100

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rEsEarCH

percent inherited diseases (such as Alzheimer’s) a r e b e i n g excluded. In p a r t i c u l a r , cardiovascular

d i s e a s e s a r e in focus, since

heart attacks are a common cause of death

which can be avoided by living a healthy lifestyle: good

diet, exercise and no smoking.“When people are told that

smoking is harmful, they sometimes argue that their first cousin once removed used to drink, smoke and was overweight but lived to a great age. It’s likely that he didn’t have genes which disposed him towards coronary disease, heart attack or brain haemorrhage.”

Osteoporosis and haemochro-matosis (abnormal accumulation of iron) are also registered on the list. Moreover, sensitivity to toxins can be tested, so that such people can avoid working in harmful environments (such as chemical factories). Around 45 percent of people have trouble eliminating such toxins from their body. Similarly, those with potential hearing problems should not work in noisy environments. It’s vital that those who want to go mountaineering or ballooning test their tolerance for lack of oxygen. Biathletes, training at high altitudes, are currently undergoing such tests. DNA-tests are especially vital for athletes, with hockey and football players often suffering from deep vein thrombosis. Boxers complain of brain injures even at the slightest stroke. If our genes tell us we are prone to sudden death from being hit by a hockey puck

or pushed to the ground, it gives u s t h e

chance to avoid dangerous situations. The DNA Biotechnology Centre is proposing that social and medical employees test their tolerance to the AIDS virus, since they come into contact with potential and diagnosed sufferers. Each case will be determined individually, with research of each gene costing $10-20.

Even more ambitious plans exist — such as the, as yet, little researched area of arterial thromboses. The influence of nano-particles on our body’s genetic make-up is to be studied, discovering if inflammation or poisoning are possible side-effects. Scientists need only time.

Aurochs’, pigs’ and horses’ genetic make-up is also to become clearer. According to international require-ments and regulation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, offspring sired from bulls purchased from abroad are to have their DNA confirmed. I was demonstrated a DNA-passport of one bull denoting ‘father’, ‘mother’ and ‘son’ — disassembled in 11 genes.

“Of course, it’s natural that, in purchasing an expensive breeding animal, farmers want to be sure of its pedigree; this is vital for the selection process. A DNA-passport will prove an animal to be the direct descendant of its parents. Moreover, we need to reveal any hidden mutations, which can be identified on occasion,” explains Maria Mikhailova, the Institute’s Deputy Director for Science and Innovation, Candidate of Biological Sciences and Head of Genetics Laboratory. “We would remove animals with defective genes liable to immunodeficiency; carriers barely l ive 5-6 months. Fortunately, our stud bull doesn’t have this mutation.”

The service is not cheap (costing Br 250,000 for a ‘family’) but is popular among farmers and breeding enter-

prises f rom Gomel, Minsk, Brest and Vitebsk.

Many have been approaching

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nology Centre, asking scientists to determine the virus causing ‘blue-ear pig disease’. They are studying its origin, so that a vaccine can be created. Such research can help improve meat and milk quality at reduced cost. In fact, the texture and taste of meat are known to be affected by animals’ ‘happiness’. Pigs subjected to stress produce meat which is tougher and more watery, since nervous animals are unable to metabolise calcium, leading to muscle spasms.

Scientists plan to use the same scheme to strengthen aurochs’ health. The population was restored after WWII from just 12 animals and now boasts over 800 aurochs, spread over 11 micro-populations (the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is home to the largest). Because of inter-breeding, they often fall ill and adapt poorly to new condi-tions. The DNA Biotechnology Centre will aim to prevent their extinction by selecting pairs most distant from each other genetically. Additionally, the Centre will combat poachers by iden-tifying European roe deer and wild boar by blood left on cars. Of course, legal hunting brings good revenue for the country and, by studying the popu-lation of European red deer, scientists plan to breed them to enhance their horns — the major attraction. A single drop of blood or saliva is enough to conduct research, although the process is far from simple.

Ranges and complexes of genes, rather than a single gene, are studied, enabling us to receive more exact data. Using special chips — compact reagent kits — foreign scientists can conduct molecular analysis of several hundred genes. However, this is very expensive — akin to paying triple the price for a meal at a restaurant rather than preparing it at home. Belarusian scien-tists know which ingredients are needed and in which proportions and are now considering launching their own chips, enabling hundreds of analyses to be made within a fortnight.

By Natalia Pisareva


ExClusivE Craft

Following winter fashion this yEars’ frosts havE BEatEn all rEcords, pushing pEoplE to rEcall thE traditions of thEir forEfathErs and wEar fElt Boots

Th e o n l y c o m p a n y m a n u f a c t u r i n g s u c h f o o t w e a r — Smilovichi Walk Mill — is working seven

days a week to fulfil demand, since this has increased 15-fold on last winter. By mid-January, the company had sold its entire four-month stock, which had remained unsold just a couple of months ago. Today, the factory is working around the clock, loading dozens of trucks daily. It’s not just Belarusians buying the boots; orders are arriving from Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Sweden. I n f a c t , b e t w e e n 30 and 70 percent o f p r o d u c t s a r e exported (depending on the season).

haND-maDE WoRk. Smilovichi has been making felt boots for over 85 years, using the same techniques of many years ago: there are 36 operations and, although some are mechanised (wool washing and combing) many still require handwork. However, the results are amazing; the lambs’ wool boots are ecologically friendly and keep feet warm even at temperatures of minus 30 degrees. The boots worn by our grand-mothers were heavy, crude and grey, with rubber soles, but today’s modern Smilovichi-made felt boots come in a range of attractive designs. In fact, there are over 20 models of valenki — from

simple versions to stylish fur-edged boots with appliqué decorations and polyurethane soles — even fashionable city ladies love to wear them.

Five years ago, the factory primarily produced boots for

those employed in the oil and gas industry, as well

as constructors and rai lway workers . Cr ude wo ol was used, in addition to

obsolete produc-

tion methods. However, the situation has gradually changed, with an Italian businessman involved in re-equipping the factory. He loves the exotic footwear so much that he has gladly contributed to its perfection. Now, the company has a modern line, attaching thermo-elastic soles. The four new machines have eased workers’ jobs while considerably cutting electricity consumption.

Meanwhile, the company’s range has enlarged beyond all expectation, with calf length and ankle versions, for men, women and children, in dark and light colours. Director Vasily Saban has been working with the business for two decades and admits that they experi-mented with new designs cautiously. The company worried that new models wouldn’t find customers. Accordingly, in 2008, just 2,000 new models were manu-factured; however, all were sold. Last year, 170,000 boots were produced, of which, 30 percent were new models, each reaping 30 percent profits. “Demand has never been as great as it is this winter,” admits Mr. Saban, adding, “We’re seeing orders two weeks ahead — with prepay-ment! Winter will end but we won’t stop

production; we’ll start preparing for the next cold season. Taking into

account present demand, we’ll be able to produce more. The factory’s capacity is to manu-facture up to 200,000 pairs of

felt boots annually.”

Anna Shapochnikova enjoys working with feltA

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ShEEPSkiN WoRth PRocESSiNg. Obtaining the raw sheep’s wool is the company’s major problem now, since it needs to import from Dagestan, Cen-tral Asia and Belgium, with only 5 per-cent produced domestically. The only farm involved in sheep breeding in the country is Konyukhi co-operative (in the Lyakhovichi district).

Mr. Saban stresses that his factory would naturally choose Belarusian wool if it were available. Besides being of good quality, transportation costs are lower, which would reduce raw material cost by 40 percent. However, sheep are rarely bred in Belarus. In 1980, 400,000 sheep were being raised; today, this figure stands at a mere 6,000. Another 50,000 are bred by private farmers and villagers.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food believes it’s economically unfea-sible to breed sheep and a leading research officer at the laboratory of

sheep and horse breeding at the National Academy of Sciences’ Scientific-Practical Centre of Animal Breeding, Piotr Drobyshevsky, confirms this with figures. Konyukhi owns pedigree sheep and sells wool at Br3,500 per kilo but spends about Br12,000 on food to receive this kilo. Previously, profit from selling mutton and wool was almost equal; now, wool provides no more than 7 percent of sheep farmers’ income.

The Smilovichi factory, like other Belarusian light industry producers working with sheep’s wool, is obliged to purchase it from abroad. Every year, up to 4,000 tonnes of wool is imported — worth $16m. Konyukhi’s 5,000-6,000 tonnes of raw material is, of course, inad-equate. Specialists say that farmers and villagers could potentially occupy this market niche. Owners of private flocks note that these animals are easy to feed and house and enjoy our flat country.

Mr. Saban — who’s been breeding sheep at home for 13 years — agrees. His flock now numbers 40 and the family uses their meat and wool — given to the company free of charge. “It’s possible to purchase good quality raw materials in Belarus,” he believes. “The wool we buy from Konyukhi is of good quality, being like that of merinos — perfect for manu-facturing felt boots, as well as pillows and blankets. All these products enjoy good demand. Modern customers want ecologically friendly, natural materials — as confirmed by present demand.”

Apart from making felt boots, the factory is now preparing for an interna-tional exhibition in Stockholm. It hopes to receive new orders and ideas from the event, since Swedish buyers are sure to make suggestions for the next season. Winters in Sweden are snowy and frosty, so Belarusian felt boots are ideal.

By Lilia khlystun

It is impossible to do without felt boots in the snowy countryside

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mEmory

A side of Zaslonov

Depot in OrshaPainting ‘Konstantin Zaslonov’, artist Eugene ZaycevAssistant driver Konstantin Zaslonov

A side of Zaslonov we never knewin fEBruary, BElarus cElEBratEs thE day of homEland dEfEndErs — honouring thosE currEntly sErving in thE army, dEfEnding thE safEty of our country, and thosE who protEctEd our frEEdom and futurE during thE hard timEs of fascism. thE war saw many hEroEs — BravE, couragEous and rEady for sElf-sacrificE. among thEm was konstantin Zaslonov; thE 100th annivErsary of his Birth was cElEBratEd on january 7th, 2010

The Memorial Museum of Konstantin Zaslonov in Orsha (the district centre of the Vitebsk region) opened in

1948, making it the oldest museum in the city. During the jubilee celebrations, its staff presented legendary ‘uncle Kostya’ not only as a partisan commander and illusive undergrounder but as a many-sided artistic personality, a loving husband and a careful father.

Zaslonov was born in the Russian city of Ostashkovo (in the Tver region) to

a peasant family. The children worked from an early age, so Kostya became a herder at the age of eight. It wasn’t easy initially but, even then, it was evident that the boy boasted artistic talent. Inspired by the beauty of his native land, he drew landscapes and sketches of friends and relatives. How-ever, education was his dream.

Once, his teacher took the school-children to Nevel on foot — a 40km

hike. Kostya saw a steam loco-motive for the first time and

decided that he must learn how to drive it. In 1927, his dream came true; he entered the Technical School of Railway Transport. Kostya read a great deal, joined a radio club and was fond of photography. Of course, he

continued drawing — portraits of friends from school, still-life

images, rivers, and, even, a pair of simple work boots standing in the corner. Orsha’s museum currently has over a dozen water-colours and sketches by this Hero

of the Soviet Union.I n t h e 1 9 3 0 s ,

Konstantin entered the Leningrad Institute of Railway Transport but was obl ige d


mEmory

Depot in Orsha The ‘railway’ war

to break from his studies when the country needed staff. He was sent to work on the Ussuriisk railway and later served in Vitebsk and Roslavl. Before the beginning of the war, Zaslonov was appointed Head of the Locomotive Depot at Orsha railway station. After the Great Patriotic War began, he joined his fellow workers in evacuating valuable equipment to Moscow. Later, he returned to the small Belarusian city to organise an underground group operating within enemy lines.

“Undergrounders worked to destroy the water supply being used by the Nazis and directed Soviet bombers to train lines, derailing enemy engines,” explains the Head of the Orsha museum, Lyudmila Surdova. “These brave men delayed the Germans’ attack on Moscow by several weeks. Accordingly, Zaslonov was given the title of Hero of the Soviet Union in 1948.”

The fascists suspected Zaslonov but he always had a reliable alibi. Diversions took place while he played chess with his roommate — a German officer — in their rented flat. A set similar to that used by the great man, made in the 1930s, is on show at The Man Behind the Legend: Zaslonov You’ve Never Known.

“Konstantin’s padded jacket is worthy of viewing,” stresses Ms. Surdova. “We can tell that he wasn’t tall — only about 160cm. He was an ordinary man —

without any unusual physical capabilities. Zaslonov’s profession was peaceful but, when necessary, he set about defending his native land.”

His letters to the family — living in evacuation — show us his nature. He organised his partisan group (later becoming a true brigade) in February 1942. Zaslonov calls his daughters by tender nick-names and, foreseeing his forthcoming death, asked his wife to explain to their children the reasons for his struggle.

In November 1942, Zaslonov and five of his friends died near the village of Kupovat (in today’s Senno district). The same number of people managed to travel with him from Moscow to Orsha in 1941. Those at the museum (which

was open free of charge for all visitors on jubilee occasions) believe the coinci-dence was one of many. His daughters, Muza and Irina, tell us of many little-known facts from Zaslonov’s life. Last summer, Muza donated Zaslonov’s letters to the museum. Until then, they had been kept by the family. Interestingly, Konstantin’s grandson, Roman, is an artist — living in France.

On the occasion of his birthday, members of his family, historians, researchers and war veterans visited Orsha (or intend to come soon). The cele-brations are a significant event, standing alongside others dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the Great Victory, due to be marked this May.

By Sergey golesnik


By ThE wAy

In 1947, the remains of Konstantin Zaslonov and his young aide, Yevgeny Korzhens, were re-buried. In 1955, a bronze monument was erected on their grave in Privokzalnaya Square in Orsha. Its sculptor, Sergey Selikhanov, and architect Georgy Sysoev created a partisan’s face, filled with bravery and confidence. Meanwhile, a street, an avenue in the Park of Heroes, a school and a locomotive depot are named after Zaslonov. Streets bearing his name are found in over 40 Belarusian towns, as well as in the Russian cities of Ostashkovo, Nevel and St. Petersburg. He even has songs, a feature film and a theatrical performance dedicated to him. Last but not least, the Belarusian Ministry of Communications has issued an envelope to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Rostislav Yankovsky,

“I feel myself to be the head of a dynasty more than ever before”taking thE stagE in his dinnEr jackEt, hE pausEd to allow thE applauding audiEncE to ExprEss its fEElings of dEvotion and EstEEm on thE occasion of his 80th Birthday. with inimitaBlE dignity, particular to thE famous thEatrE and cinEma family of yankovsky, hE accEptEd thE congratulations. thE cElEBrations wErE gEnErous, as thEy always arE for pEoplE’s artistEs. hE has EarnEd thE right to hEar praisE, BEing part of thE country’s hEritagE

The event took place in his native Russian Theatre — as the renowned Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre is known.

Among the guests were state officials, ambassadors, Yankovsky’s colleagues and, of course, the Yankovsky dynasty from Belarus and Russia: from Minsk, Saratov and Moscow… Congratulations from various theatres were lively, with playwrights, screenwriters and performers sharing their greetings in their typically creative manner.

We chatted with Mr. Yankovsky about his life a few weeks before the solemn event, finding time in his routine. He was rehearsing Sergey Kovalchik’s new play, Pan Kohanku, from 10.30am-2pm. Yankovsky plays the protagonist, magnate Karol Stanisław — the last of the Radziwills, famous for his extravagance and wit and known as Pan Kohanku. The performance is based on young play-wright Alexander Kureichik’s story.

Even in his old age, Rostislav Yankovsky is still amazingly charming.

He looks like an elderly English gentleman at least ten years younger than his real age. I recall researching a big article with a colleague, to mark Yankovsky’s 70th birthday (resulting in articles in issues 9 and 10, in 2001). I could hardly resist the desire to pay my compliment to Rostislav but later considered that actors of his standing remain untouched by age. This is especially apparent when he begins talking. Listening to his voice brings so much pleasure. Moreover, his face is smooth, with twinkling eyes and a body that seems to stretch and unfold. Yankovsky is a very clever man and an interesting storyteller.

“Pan Kohanku is a story about the Radziwill dynasty, rather than the tale of one member. Naturally, it was written to reflect certain historical facts. The protagonist is an unusual, impulsive figure, powerful and mighty; he could have become the king. He looked after his men, ensuring they lived decently. I admire Kohanku for wanting to teach them ‘to fly’ rather than just dig the

land. He invented various machines and was undoubtedly talented. He travelled a great deal and, during the summer, sanded roads with salt to use bears to pull his sleigh,” explains Yankovsky, on his way to the make-up room. He offers an excuse for being late: together with Bela Masumyan [also a People’s Artiste of Belarus — author] they were discussing costumes. We enter his make-up room and Yankovsky sits down, leaning close to several framed photos.

“ This i s my grands on Ivan, Vladimir’s son.” [Vladimir is his youngest son — a famous music video and film director — author]

“Every time I enter the room, I chat to this photo — asking if he has anything to say to me. While being made up, waiting for my turn on the stage, I say, “Well, Ivan, do you think it’s easy to act?”

“Was he named in honour of his grandfather?” I ask, knowing the answer.

“Yes. He was named in honour of my father, Ivan Yankovsky,” he notes. On the wall is a photo from the remote 1930s, in a big glass frame: it shows his father and

tHEatrE personality


mother and a young Yankovsky. As some people say — it’s a family icon. I imagine Rostislav at four years old and recollect the great pleasure that Yankovsky expe-rienced during our last meeting, when talking of his childhood. He remem-bered his first ‘role’ — as a Polish priest. My eyes fall on Ivan’s photo and I wonder what will impress this boy and push to his first ‘role’.

I remember myself well at the age of four or five. We lived in Odessa. I still recall our first New Year tree — and Christmas. These were warm, wonderful holidays… My grandma took me to a Roman Catholic church for the Christmas service and I was struck by its magnificence. The moulding and stained-glass windows, strict rows of pews and the aroma of candles, the organ and the music… I was so impressed that, on coming home, I began pretending to be a priest, swinging the whirligig like a censer. I sang something obscure with a melody rather like a Latin prayer, as I’d heard in the church. Meanwhile, our neighbour Riva arrived and asked grandma: “Did a priest visit you? A rabbi has come to us.” She was forced to explain that it was just me playing!

Tracing the l i fe of Rost islav Yankovsky, you might doubt the power of parental example in influencing choice of profession (or genetic predis-position). According to logic, Rostislav should have become a military officer, like his father. Being the elder son, he adored his father who was a gentleman by birth, becoming a staff-captain of the Life Guards of the Semenovksy Regiment [Tsar’s Army regiment — author]. He later served in the Red Army but was persecuted in the 1930s. Rostislav remembers well his happiness on seeing his father return home from camp. The family was forced to move from Odessa to Rybinsk, where his father worked in the technical depart-ment ‘for provision’ at the water reserve, which was newly built at that time. Rostislav had the chance to become a pilot, studying for some time at the summer flight school, and could have become a professional sportsman, being a Tajikistani junior boxing champion. However, he preferred the acting life, making choices to bring him to the professional stage. His first real theatre job was during the war, in the 1940s in Dzhezkazgan (Northern Kazakhstan) — where his family lived at that time.

The Kazakh theatre came to our town, with ‘Girl Zhebek’ performed in the Kazakh language. Everybody

Rostislav Yankovsky’s green room holds numerous photos of his

relatives and close people, and the youngest among them — the

grandson Ivan Yankovsky

personality tHEatrEE

Rostislav Yankovsky is a People’s Artiste of the USSR and Belarus. Since 1957, he has served with the Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre and has created a series of roles known in Belarus and far abroad as theatre classics. He has graced stage and screen in around two hundred roles and, since 1993, has been the unchallenged Head of the International Listapad Film Festival. Yankovsky has been awarded numerous prizes and titles, including the highest state award — the Frantsisk Skorina Order.


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can understand drama. I watched the performance from behind the scenes and saw yurtas on stage — actors in national costumes who spoke in Kazakh and then returned behind the scenes holding bows and arrows. Some of them were holding their children by the hands, others put their children on the potty and others offered drinks. There was a huge difference between their stage performance and real life behind the scenes. I was bewitched…

I have always been impressed by the way actors express themselves not just in words but in their body language and facial expressions. They can say so much without speaking at all, proving the rich nuances of our psyche and the power of their talent. This talent pushed Yankovsky towards his world of dreams, towards the beautiful illusions of theatre and cinema. During the Second World War years, refugees were starving, living in sharp contrast to the fantasy world portrayed so often on stage. The performances gave them hope. They could imagine the war ending, bringing peace and happiness. Indeed, this happened for Rostislav Yankovsky. Through sport, he met Nina Cheishvili — a sprint record-holder in Tajikistan. After three years of courting, this ‘beauty, runner and Komsomol member’ became his wife. Even today, her eminent husband calls her his treasure, an actor’s wife, a real wife, his one and only…

Nina is a wonderful teacher. She taught geography at school and adores children. She used to take her students — boys and girls — on walking tours. She also played basketball and fenced with them. She took our sons, Igor and Vladimir, to various competitions. They love her a lot and, even today, share all their secrets with her. She has an open soul and is so easy-going. I love talking to her. You can’t help but love Nina. Besides, she is very clever and knows how to deal with my bad moods. She knows that, on the eve of an opening night, it’s best to leave me alone.

In the early 1950s, Rostislav worked as a motor pool dispatcher and was noticed taking part in amateur dramatics. He was invited to join the Leninabad Drama

Theatre. He graduated from the theatre studio there and worked at the theatre for six years. Later, he received an offer from Belarusfilm Studio to try a film test… and went to Minsk.

As a young actor, I was ready to take any role. I’d even play a locomo-tive on stage! I loved and still love the stage, gaining great enjoyment from performing — especially from rehearsals, where you learn so much about a character, perfecting your dialogue; it’s very important. The role isn’t set until the final run-throughs. After this, you don’t need your director. Your internal spirit takes over, bringing something that no director can inspire…

Which are Yankovsky’s favourite roles? As he said once, a self-respecting

actor doesn’t have a favourite role. All his roles are his children: one is pitied more, the other less, but he loves each equally.

There is one role which took more effort. I would even say, it was born from tension. I recollect it more often than others. There are failures, but I would never curse a role. We all have flops…

Today, Rostislav Yankovsky still performs with the Russian Theatre, where he has been working for more than 50 years. He plays in Wild Strawberries by Ingmar Bergman, Before Sunset by Gerhart Hauptmann, and The Imaginary Invalid by Jean-Baptiste Moliere… One of his latest outstanding roles is that of General Groznov in Truth is Good, but Happiness is Better by Alexander Ostrovsky (less than a year since

The final scene of the celebration with the Ynakovskys dynasty on the stage

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opening night). I’ve seen the play and enjoyed the psychological implications — characteristic of Yankovsky; he builds relationships with his stage partners in a masterly fashion.

Actors are like monkeys. We should grab you by the tail, drawing you into the action so that nothing else exists. Interaction with one’s fellow actors is vital, founded in rehearsals. There’s no point being on stage without this connection. You need to know who you are working with, living the role from the inside. This is the Russian theatre school — the same in America and in Belarus — as expounded by Chekhov. Al Pacino, Marlon Brando and Nicholson have all learned Stanislavsky School techniques, which give birth to real actors!

Yankovsky adheres to the same school and has long been faultless in all of his roles. Nevertheless, receiving complimentary words, he always knocks on wood.

How has he been feeling in the run up to his birthday? Does he have a message for us?

I don’t want to talk about myself. A lot has been said already. There has even been a big book about myself, published as part of the series ‘Lives of Outstanding People from Belarus’. Talking about my relatives is a different matter. They are absolutely wonderful. Not only because they are my family but because each of them is talented profes-sionally and personally. I feel myself to be the head of a dynasty more than ever before. Rather than repeat myself, I’ll talk about my wife, parents, brothers, children and grandchildren.

Family is a powerful thing. I’d like my grandchildren to be there for each other, always remembering those who have passed away and thinking of those who live today. I pray to the Lord that he teaches us to look after each other unselfishly. If you learn to do this, you can show character. You can learn to do this but, luckily, my own parents taught me from an early age… Sometimes, I’m asked if I’m happy and if there is such a thing as happiness. I always say that anyone with a theat-rical family like me, with a wife that he loves, children, grandchildren, and brothers, united not only by family ties, but by something more — love and good relationships, ‘infected’ with a passion for art and the theatre, which is like a charming drug, has all he could desire. If we, the Yankovskys, bear this wonderful last name, what else is there to dream about? Why shouldn’t we be happy? We are! There is happiness and good and love. It doesn’t come from above, it takes work. If you work hard, you’ll receive happiness and love.

Yankovsky again looks at Ivan’s photo. I try to read the thoughts of his grandfather, asking, “Perhaps, he will also become an artist?”

Rostislav smiles, “Why not! Perhaps! The profession is great, although very hard. To achieve something, one should not simply work but rather sweat one’s guts out. If you have talent, you should work even harder, so as not to waste this talent.”

Yankovsky tells me that his ideal birthday celebration involved seeing the faces of all his relatives and close friends in the audience. However, the wave of influenza made him fear that some would feel unwell and be unable to come. Of course, Rostislav is nervous of people’s expectations of him, since he is called ‘the country’s destiny’. “I am not afraid of inflated words and I like Belarus — how can I not love it? It is the moth-erland of my father and I have lived here for half a century. I always miss Belarus if I’m absent for a long while. When I come home from abroad, I always say to Nina, “Look, how beautiful it is here!”

On this optimistic note, we conclude and I thank Rostislav for finding time for me. He says, “You haven’t seen everything in my make-up room. There, above the table, is a real antique — a tragic mask from Greece. These are a couple of Veniamin Marshak’s carica-tures of myself.” Yankovsky admires the hand of the artist, saying, “He grasped my essence, indeed.” I quietly go into raptures over my interlocutor. He is so likeable and I wish him, above all else, good health. As his son, Vladimir Yankovsky, has commented, his father already has everything else.

By Valentina Zhdanovich

P.S. During the evening, one thought never left me: I felt a wave of love from the audience for the hero of this holiday. I felt the energy of their kind-ness and their open-minded interest in his theatrical and personal life. It was rather like being part of large theatri-cal family, emanating warmth and comfort. Those performing on stage are clearly inspired by the arts; I was being welcomed into their world, able to view the genuine solemnity without which no holiday (or theatrical art) is possible.

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All routes lead to PolotskAncient cApitAl Announced BelArus’ culturAl cApitAl for 2010

Polotsk has been chosen several times as a venue to celebrate the Day of Belarusian Written Language. Last year, the

geographical centre of Europe was found to coincide with the ancient city’s major square. Polotsk is, no doubt, a centre of cultural life. For Belarusians, it is ‘their own Jerusalem’ — symbol-ising the nation’s spiritual life. It has been called ‘a glorious city’ in ancient chronicles, so the official announcement of its status as the country’s cultural capital for 2010 is no surprise. Planned events should impress both loc al residents and g u e s t s .

From Belarus’ centre to eu-rope’s centre. The Cultural Capital of Belarus event is the first of its kind in

the republic. In-ternational e x p e r i -

ence has been taken as a

model, since Europe has been pro-claiming cultural capitals

for many years. In 2009, neighbouring Vilnius, with which Belarus has

long-term ties, was awarded this right.

“ B e l a r u s hopes that one

The Covent of the Saviour and St.Yevfrosiniya is the oldest in the country. It has been functioning since the 12th century

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of its cities will be named Europe’s cultural capital one day,” notes Tadeush Struzhetsky, Belarus’ Deputy Culture Minister. “At the same time, we’re accu-mulating our own experience in organ-ising similar events. Many of our cities are ready to battle for the title of Belarus’ cultural capital, laying their claim to Polotsk’s place. However this year’s choice is undoubtedly wise. Polotsk has always ‘produced’ outstanding cultural figures — famous nationwide and worldwide. Additionally, the city was the capital of the first state of Belarusian ancestors; the Principality of Polotsk existed almost 1,000 years ago. These traditions still influence the life of society and people’s consciousness.”

“The status of the cultural capital should attract numerous tourists to Polotsk. This year, the city will host exhi-bitions by wonderful painters, concerts by leading artistic groups, performances by famous theatres, cinema premieres and presentations of books by contemporary writers. “These will distinguish Polotsk against the background of the country’s other cities, showing the diversity of its cultural life,” stressed Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko, during the opening ceremony on January 21st. The Slavonic Bazaar Festival will also move to Polotsk from neigh-bouring Vitebsk for a few days. Polotsk boasts many opportuni-ties and wishes to organise more cultural events.

“The President has underlined on several occasions that the cultural and economic life of the country shouldn’t be concentrated solely in Minsk,” empha-sises Nikolay Ilyushonok, the Deputy Chairman of the Polotsk City Executive Committee. “The Culture Ministry initiated the Cultural Capital of Belarus event with the aim of intensifying collaboration with local authorities and of further developing and enriching the cultural life of the regions. Public initia-tives have been launched to support national culture, attracting wide public and tourist attention.

Studying proposals from the regions, the Culture Ministry decided to grant the honourable title to Polotsk — Belarus’ historical-cultural and spiritual centre. Polotsk plans to continue playing a major role as one of the country’s cultural centres. In particular, as part of the Cultural Capital of Belarus event, the Polotsk Angelet children’s art festival is to open, celebrating talented young artists. Of course, Belarus has produced many world celebrities. Marc Chagall,

for example, was born near ancient Polotsk. In the early years of his life, he was closely connected with such towns as Liozno and Vitebsk.

Polotsk possesses every chance of being not just Belarus’ first cultural capital but one of Europe’s cultural capitals.”

Great ship sails deep waters. Polotsk’s ancient coat of arms depicts a large ship, sailing along the broad Dvina River. This year, the city on the large riv-er is to become a major regional centre, opening up new prospects. Europe’s geo-graphical centre will offer tourists more attractions than ever before. The Culture Ministry has already announced major events, planned for Polotsk this year.

Ivan Khrutsky’s exhibition showcases him as the best still-life painter in Belarus and Russia — where he studied and lived for many years. This year, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the master’s birth. His works are kept in Minsk and abroad; however, Polotsk residents will be the first to see canvases by their great countryman.

Originals of Frantsisk Skorina’s books are on loan from the National Library. At present, Polotsk has no original copy of Skorina’s first Belarusian Bible but this will be on display for several days.

Soloists from the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre are to perform near the walls of ancient Sophia — an architectural masterpiece

c r e a t e d d u r i n g the Byzant ine-

Orthodox and Baroque ages,

built from the 11th-1 8 t h century.

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Under the arches of st. sav-ioUr’s chUrch. When in Polotsk, it’s essential to visit the Convent of the Saviour and St. Yevfrosiniya, for three major reasons. Firstly, it was founded by Yevfrosiniya — the first woman in Eastern Europe to be canonised by the church. Secondly, it keeps a copy of St. Yevfrosiniya’s Cross — a 12th century jewelled masterpiece and our top na-tional relic. Thirdly, St. Saviour’s Church is the only one in Belarus to have com-pletely preserved its 12th century fresco paintings. Russian restorers are current-ly working on them. According to Mr. Ilyushonok, the paintings will be fully restored this year. It is delicate work. Each day, just 10sq.cm of painting is uncovered from Yevfrosiniya’s time. Of course, the top layer frescoes from the 16th and 19th centuries aren’t thrown away; they’re applied to a special film to preserve them for our descendants. Re-storers have been working hard for three years, with the same time needed to re-store the church to its former glory. This great deed will cost over $1m.

In 2010, a monument will be unveiled to honour architect Ioann, who built St. Saviour’s Church. On June 5th, Polotsk

residents and the entire country will solemnly celebrate the 100th anni-

versary of the translation of the holy relics of St. Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya. Previously, the remains of the Saint were

buried in Kiev, in the famous Kiev-

Pechersk Lavra, where they were brought from Jerusalem back

in the 12th century. Yevfrosiniya w a s t h e f i r s t a m o n g Belarusians to pilgrimage to the Holy Land; however, she didn’t return, dying in Jerusalem. The highest bishops of the Orthodox Church are expected to attend solemn celebrations.

In napoleon’s foot-steps. On the eve of 2010, a monument was restored, honouring the heroes of the 1812 Patriotic War. Funds were given by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Belarus-Russia Un-ion State and work was included in the 2008-2012 Polotsk compre-hensive development programme, signed by President Alexander Lukashenko.

The monument itself — a cast-iron column crowed by an Orthodox cross — was erected in 1850. Until 1932, it stood in front of St. Nicholas’ Cathedra l in P a r a d n a y a (now, Svobody) S q u a r e . I t has now been restored to its former place, with architects

and sculptors relying on archive materials and photos to ensure accuracy. They’ve studied and measured the 1812 monument to the heroes of Smolensk with the utmost care, since it’s similar

to that of Polotsk and has been preserved in its original state.

The monument reminds us that, in passing via Belarus to conquer Russia, Emperor Napoleon’s army fought major battles on our soil. In October and August 1812, two historical battles between the Russian and French armies took place near Polotsk. The October battle was the largest, lasting three days, with great losses on each side. According to histo-rians, Polotsk and its suburbs filled with the corpses of Russian and French soldiers.

By May, the monument will be complete, with two 1812 guns (seized from the French during Polotsk’s storming) installed either side on

g r a n i t e p e d e s t a l s . The 1,500sq.m column will be covered with decorative tiles and will be illuminated after dusk.

G u t e n b e r G ’ s homeland and

Jesuit capital. Polotsk’s place as a cultural capital in-spires us to assess its past — full of curious facts. Polotsk histori-

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Monument to the Heroes

of the Patriotic War of 1812

an Vladimir Lobach tells us some unu-sual stories about his native city.

Until the 16th century, Polotsk was considered to be Belarus’ largest city, paying the most taxes into the state treasury — proof of its cultural and economic power and magnifi-cence. Archives state that, in 1506 and 1507, Polotsk contributed 1,519 kopas (ancient monetary unit) of Lithuanian money into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s treasury, while Brest, Grodno, Novogrudok and Minsk jointly sent just 900 kopas.

Frantsisk Skorina — who first translated and published the Bible in Belarusian back in the 16th century — was also born in Polotsk. Moreover, Skorina was the first in Eastern Europe to begin publishing books. Polotsk gave Belarus its own ‘Gutenberg’.

Belarus’ first higher educational establ ishment — Polotsk Jesuit Collegium — was also founded in Polotsk. In 1812, it acquired the status of an academy, equal to university status. Famous Belarusian-Polish figures studied there, such as artist Valenty Vankovich and writer Yan Barshchevsky. From 1773 to 1814, during the Pope’s ban on the Jesuit Order in Western Europe, Polotsk became a capital of the Society of Jesus.

The most unusual monument in the country exists in Polotsk, honouring the Belarusian letter ‘ў’ — which distin-guishes the Belarusian alphabet from other Slavonic languages. The ancient city has many surprises and there are plenty of reasons to visit Belarus’ cultural capital in 2010.

By Viktar Korbut

ExpErt opinion

Vladimir Tochilo, Chairman of Polotsk City Executive Committee:

In 2012, Polotsk will c e l e b r a t e i t s 1 , 1 5 0 t h birthday. I would like to see our city earning money from tourism. I’ve been to Venice, Florence and other Italian cities, where tourist revenue accounts for half of the budget. We earn less than 1 percent from tourism! Don’t we have anything to show? In Verona, tourists flock to see the balcony said to have inspired the story of Romeo and Juliet — yet we don’t even know whether this is accurate. People go to Pisa just to see the leaning tower. Everyone is attracted by puzzles, myths and legends and Polotsk boasts plenty of those. Think of the underground tunnels leading from the former Jesuit Collegium to the opposite side of the Dvina River. In the early 20th century, researchers explored them. They’ve

been buried, but could be reopened. The story relating to the creation of a copy of St. Yevfrosiniya’s Cross is also unusual. D u r i n g w o r k o n t h i s masterpiece, the mystery of how to make cloisonné enamel was again discov-ered. To reproduce the reliquary to store the holy relics of St. Yevfrosiniya, the Belarusian President ordered over 100kg of silver to be given from the State Fund of Precious Metals and Precious Stones. A m a z i n g l y, 9 0 0 ye a r s later, St. Yevfrosiniya’s skin remains intact. Isn’t it a miracle? Similar miracles can be seen in our ancient churches, 11 state museums and 11 private museums. Each corner of ancient Polotsk is special. We’ll do all we can to ensure guests enjoy their stay, inspiring them to pay a return visit.

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Famous person in the art worldit’s always nicE to dEal with a profEssional; EvEn an informal chat is EnjoyaBlE, sincE sErious topics EmErgE Easily, with univErsal truths rEvEalEd. mikhail BoroZna — wEll-known in cErtain culturE circlEs — is thE sciEntific pro-rEctor of thE BElarusian statE acadEmy of arts. hE is highly rEspEctEd as a finE arts spEcialist, with acknowlEdgEd authority. hE is also an artist himsElf, crEating graphic piEcEs with ElEmEnts of photo installation. art is his lifE; hE is a profEssional ExpErt and has achiEvEd much. who BEttEr to talk to us aBout thE naturE of contEmporary art?

Mi k hai l B orozna : — Candidate of Fine Arts Sciences, member of the Union of Artists, member

of the Belarusian Union of Designers, member of the Photoart Association, art projects supervisor, curator of the Belarusian pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2011 and participant of various interna-tional art exhibitions (including the 8th Baltic Triennial of International Art in 2003 — one of the largest modern art forums in Eastern Europe).

What are the responsibilities of a curator?

The Venice Biennale is an exhibition of modern art and is sometimes called topical. To a large extent, it embraces conceptual art and is an experiment rather than a celebration of achievements. This is how the biennale describes itself. We don’t place works in golden frames, and have no traditional easel paintings or graphic pieces. Rather, we have works which synthesise ideas, creating modern philosophical experiments by musicians and film directors, as well as artists. We display a huge panorama of all visual means of modern art.

Belarusians took part in the 52nd Biennale in Venice, which had no integral programme or theme. Works were, largely, a demonstration of easel artists’ achievements. Today, we want to show art in action — including performance, improvised and spontaneous perform-ance, video-installations, photo art and cinema. I’m still evaluating the concept but the task is clear: to show the achieve-ments of Belarusians and our striving towards experimentation in conceptual art.

Is there much to show?Of course. It’s good that Belarusian

art is currently experiencing a crisis.How would you evaluate contempo-

rary Belarusian fine arts? Luckily, the crisis in art is provoking

development. Belarusian art isn’t resting on its laurels. It’s ever moving forward and young artists aren’t hampered by the pressure of past achievements; they’re free to experiment. Moreover, interna-tional exchange is active — as it never was in the 1980s. Artists have begun travelling, so their works have become mobile. They have exhibitions abroad. Our art has never endured real confron-tation between generations or trends. The more I study this issue, the more I realise the specifics of this region. In 1919, in Vitebsk, if people weren’t tolerant, Kazimir Malevich and his contempo-raries wouldn’t have been able to achieve their results in such a short time.

Today, many young artists of the middle generation have received interna-tional recognition, especially regarding their graphic, poster and photo art. I would never say that Belarusian art is provincial; it embodies artists’ desires and passions. Belarusian artists are striving to

From the series "Corona radiation", 1997


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demonstrate their works and win recog-nition, although it’s common knowledge that their incomes are modest.

You, as an expert, know the history of the development of Belarusian painting. How are modern conditions in comparison?

Comparison is very diff icult, although I’d say there are some similari-ties. For instance, Belarusian artist Joseph Aleshkevich — who lived in the 19th century — was educated in France and became a professor at the St. Petersburg Arts Academy. Of course, he was related to his native land but assessing this influence is not an easy task. Frequently, we base our view of pictures on how they are presented in a museum, rather than on how they influenced their

original audience. It’s difficult to gauge the influence of the past. Even today, there are works by Belarusian masters which are currently found only abroad; however, they’ll eventually receive a national context, due to researchers.

It’s difficult to compare because the styles and functions of art change. Art was becoming more ‘secular’ and free while pursuing various goals. However, we can compare the power of talent because people change little in this area. I believe that, after obtaining its inde-pendence, Belarus has inspired many people creatively. There have been no losses in this respect.

The interest in our history is becoming more acute. We feel proud of the fact that Frantishek Smuglevich was from Belarus,

and that the Lazar Bogsha Cross was made here. Not every country can boast of such talents as Chagall and Malevich — who lived and worked here. Belarusians have always existed within a global context.

Most collectors tend to direct their passion to artists from the past. They purposefully search out their earliest works. Why are contemporary fine arts often seen as second rate?

I wouldn’t agree. Collectors are simply being led by what they are told. It’s much easier to be led by what we are told about an artist’s creative life or biography than to decide for ourselves. I’d agree that the creative life of an artist is usually most interesting in its first phase — being more energetic. There are exceptions of course. For instance, Vitaly Tsvirko only came into his own in later years. In your early years of creation, you tend to be more sincere and less absorbed by technique. Of course, technique is to be revered, and collectors often choose their subject for this reason However, the technique of performance is losing its public popularity. There are masters of drawing and graphic art whom we can name, such as contemporary Belarusian graphic artist Yuri Yakovenko — one of the world’s leaders regarding miniature graphic art: in technology and technique of performance. Pavel Tatarnikov demonstrates supreme mastery in watercolour painting on paper. There’re names, although they are relatively unknown. Victor Alshevsky, Vladimir Zenkevich and Vladimir Tovstik also possess wonderful execution skills.

Around 20 years ago, many artists wanted to move towards a more formal painting school, saying they were striving to free themselves from creative dogmas. Did this hamper the traditionally solid, realistic school? Was real life perception lost behind these conventions?

I wouldn’t be afraid of artistic manifestations; competition stimulates development. People have always had historical grounds for similar statements. We can again recall the Vitebsk school and the consequences of the ‘Bulldozer Exhibition’ (open-air unofficial art exhi-

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bition on a vacant lot). The best repre-sentatives of the realistic school didn’t turn to abstract art. However, those who had to go, went. Perhaps, we should have exhibited them more often. Sometimes, technique develops at the expense of moral motivation. Art has always been part of the social order. Perhaps, this has harmed the school.

Shestaya Liniya (Sixth Line) Gallery in Minsk’s Yakub Kolas Street was home to the artistic underground of the 1970s and 1980s, where non-academic painters shared their vision: Igor Koshkurevich, Lyudmila Rusova, Alexey Zhdanov, Victor Petrov-Khrutsky, Todor Kopsha and many others. Their works show the unofficial side of Belarusian art from those years. Works were on show there for decades.

Their abstract forms of modern fine art were characteristic of the world trend. However, Western artists were able to discover and experiment with this trend much earlier than our artists. Did our Belarusian painters learn from their example, or were they just in need of fresh creative air?

This was naturally. Although many spoke of the ‘Iron Curtain’ informa-tion leaked to us from exhibitions in Moscow and everything began with the first International Student Festival in Moscow in 1957, where Picasso’s works went on show. Students from Belarus who were studying in Moscow saw them. Later, publications like Livshits books on art; they aimed to give a critical opinion on Western art but the illustrations of modernism in European art allowed them to become real textbooks. In the 1970s, alongside abstract art, Belarusian art was largely influenced by surrealism — which had concluded its popularity in Europe. Anything seen as ‘secret’ spread quickly. Belarusian artists like Georgy Skripnichenko and Nikolay Seleshchuk experimented within this genre and, today, the Belarusian art school is unthinkable without their names.

Regarding the realistic school, I personally think much harm was done. There was no free thinking criticism;

One such trend is the traveller’s diary. While many Western Europeans are not greatly interested in pyramids, our artists are rapturous. I see it as a positive trend. We are not limited and can perceive the world with open eyes. To many, the leaning Tower of Pisa is just a tourist site. Our artists see it with fresh feelings. This theme of travel is obvious and quite expressive.

You tell us that Belarusian artists are in the process of searching. If we look deeper, what is characteristic of the past decade?

We should note their respectful attitude to technique of performance. No matter what they tackle — video-instal-lation, performance, painting or graphics — Belarusian artists try to execute their work with the utmost mastery; it’s visible. Moreover, there is less literary founda-tion in art. In the mid 1980s, our graphic artists managed to reach huge success in poetry, literature and folklore illustra-tion. This was largely based on literature. Belarusian artists have been significantly

there was only professional assessment. There was no interrelation between the artist and the critic to allow us to say that surrealism was wonderful but out-of-date. We needed to urge artists to think about themselves and their works. Perhaps, Belarus lost a significant interval to digest this unknown period of art — which gave birth to Kazimir Malevich, Picasso and Dali. Unfortunately, we gave a belated summary of European art. Our artists wasted their lives in copying. Outstanding people with good tech-niques stopped searching for personal expression. From this point of view, I believe much harm was done I refer various forms of spontaneous perform-ances. In the 1980s, Ezov Boys was the most quoted artist for our artists yet, in German galleries, his works were already under glass. We had to assimilate the history of early 20th century European culture at an accelerated pace, at the expense of our own souls.

Which trends in national fine art are more obvious from the last decade?

Minsk, 2001 Morning news, Paris, 2002 From the series "Illusions of time", 2005

From the series "Objects of the past", 2008


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of course. Our students demonstrate wide knowledge in the field of arts history, being familiar with the latest achievements and different forms. We try to emphasise our desire to prepare experts for the future. We don’t want our students to take an aggressive attitude. Rather they should feel proud of the legacy they are inheriting. There are areas where we lead, graphic art for example; our Graphic Department is one of the best in Europe. We want to see our traditions continue, including those relating to monumental art.

What does the future hold for today’s graduates of the Academy of Arts? How would you assess their ability to realise their creative ambitions?

It’s not easy for them, although our graduates are not numerous. This year, just 23 graduate, including those studying on contracts. Many continue their education abroad — in Switzerland, Germany and the UK. They tend to succeed in finding jobs in Belarus; some teach or go to work for publishers. However, I’d like to see

influenced not by the Berlin Wall falling down but by Chernobyl. After April 1986, official art disappeared by itself, becoming senseless and useless. Every family was affected by the aftermath of Chernobyl, which changed their world-view. Artists became more concentrated, with their works based not on literature or ideology but on their internal world. Today, even in art critics’ press speeches, there is no confrontation.

To what extent does the Academy of Arts — our main arts educational institution — focus on preserving the Belarusian art school?

It is our main concern. Looking at what is going on in neighbouring art schools, in the Baltics for instance, we are using all possible means to preserve the uniqueness of our national art school and to teach students not only universal skills and knowledge about art but also to show them our tradi-tions. It is very easy to forget them. Therefore, the Academy focuses on this. There is still much experimentation,

more of them working in monumental art, mosaic, fresco and sculpture. I’m the Chairman of the Republican Council on Monumental and Decorative Art and am confident that the young generation is striving to realise its potential, which is very high. I’d like to see their works not only on the facades of Minsk buildings but in other towns. I want to see more friendship between artists, architects and designers.

What teaching approaches are developing at the Academy of Arts? Do you prepare experts with definite professions or do you focus on creative individuals?

We need to combine these statements to gain a correct answer. We are dealing with individuals who have their own ideas. The secret is simple: if someone is extra-ordinary, just leave them to fulfil their own destiny. Don’t interfere.

Let’s talk about your creative sphere of graphic art. What’s happening in this field today?

It has acquired some new features, being brighter and more colourful. It has been accumulating achievements in conceptual art, strongly related to texts and the philosophical thoughts of authors. Graphics are experiencing dynamic change.

The roots of Belarusian graphic art can be found in ancient manuscripts. The famous first printer in Europe, Frantsisk Skorina, laid the foundations. We have great traditions on which to build the national graphic school. How is it unique?

Why has graphic art developed so impetuously? I believe this is largely related to our way of thinking. Unlike painting, it would be easy for graphics to lose their spontaneity. Belarusian graphic history dates back to Skorina, or even earlier.

How great is the impact of modern technology on graphics? How does it retain its unique identity?

The impact is definitely there. However, it’s difficult to gauge; obviously, we have the influence of computer technologies. We teach the mastery of

Minsk, 2001 Morning news, Paris, 2002 From the series "Illusions of time", 2005



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conveying delicate spiritual emotions. Computers simplify these things — not always a positive move. Graphical art is a ‘concentrated’ art.

What is the main creative impetus in your own graphical art?

It’s hard to say. The love being able to think and create; it’s a constant desire. Conceptualism strongly influences me and I treat my works with emotional character. I want to share my ideas and, to some extent, am omnivorous. My interests are diverse. Just because I choose to draw a black square one day, it wouldn’t mean I’d keep drawing only black squares. I may be inspired by some abstract image or texture but I desire it to coincide with my emotional state. I don’t really try to please anybody.

Your goal is to cultivate the aesthetic taste of others, isn’t it?

Perhaps, yes. My creative works are never aggressive. There is nothing shocking in them. I’ve always treated

the world, nature and people with respect and love. I like to understand rather than destroy.

What’s your philosophy as an artist?

I may not have an answer to this question. Philosophy is a manifesta-tion of wisdom — and wisdom comes with age. Philosophy is a very complex way of displaying knowledge. My role is to create but I wouldn’t dare to call myself a philosopher. I don’t know much about this profession but I don’t aim to be a dilettante. This is my philosophy.

Do you trust your intuition in art?Yes . Intuit ion is exper ience

compressed in time. Experience allows me to trust my intuition. Not in every-thing, but in many cases. So far, my intuition has never prompted me to do something bad, so I trust it.

Are you biased as the author of your works?

Very. I’m a classic Scorpio. I never admire my works. I don’t display my own works in my studio or at home because I’d be always criticising them. I’m very strict with myself.

What assessment do you usually give your works?

They are part of my life. I can’t give them up, not my creativity nor my works. They are part of my body.

What is the future of graphic develop-ment? On one hand there are traditions; on the other, computer technologies are advancing. What will happen?

I believe that traditions will win over computers. Our school allows Belarusian graphical art to occupy a leading position in the world of graphics. If hand created graphics surpass computer generated images in popularity, the future of this sphere of art will be safe.

What new plans do you have person-ally?

So many; I want to participate in exhibitions, to publish my own book and to create a catalogue series. My immediate plans are related to the Belarusian pavilion in Venice. Curators can’t take part; it’s my job to find others to participate. It’s a task full of respon-sibility. My main goal is to show that Belarusians understand more than contemporary art. We can draw from it within the context of our reflections, since we are preoccupied with the same issues as the rest of world, of course.

How would you characterise the future of Belarusian fine arts?

It’s bright. I’m not an idealist, yet I see it as being worthy. The potential is signifi-cant. Our achievements show our ability to express ourselves and to allow others to understand us — in Belarus and abroad. We are entering a stage of active dialogue. The new generation has no language barrier. Art has developed its own universal language. Therefore, I see our future as being bright and confident. Naturally, it’s not without difficulties but I believe young people are striving to fulfil their potential. Art is not a smooth career path but faith can help you to create something.

By Viktor kharkov



Congratulations

I’m eternally grateful to Belarus magazine for its focus on

Belarusian culture. Being an artist, visual culture — in particular, pictorial art (part of Belarus’ image) is of great importance to me.

Few countries can boast so many talented artists. For the past 80 years, generations of journal-ists have presented their names and achievements to a wide public. Artists are grateful for editions like Belarus magazine, since they expand people’s knowledge of Belarus: of our natural culture, our respect for traditions and our yearning for experimentation and innovation.

In the context of your jubilee, I send congratulations to those involved in the creation of the magazine today. With all my heart, I wish for even greater popularity among readers.

May success and creative discoveries attend you!

Mikhail Barazna, Scientific Pro-rector at the Belarusian State

Academy of Arts

We all respond differently to editions. I’ve been co-operating

with the magazine for over 30 years. It boasts the best title in the world — Belarus. My first story — Holy Bird (which is said to be my best literary work to date) was published on its pages, but I’ve had several pieces in the magazine, each contemplating the meaning of life, creativity and the world of theatre. I’ve been inter-viewed by its journalists, each one giving the article their own twist. Each time, their questions have aroused interest, showing creative apprehen-sion. The magazine explores the most amazing events and meets with Belarus’ most prominent personalities.

I’m always pleased to open up a new edition of the magazine. There are information summaries, giving an overview of the country, and analyt-ical reviews of politics, economics, history, culture and sports. Of course, being a man of the theatre, I give most attention to pages dedicated to premieres, actors and producers. I’m glad to see artistic journalism. It reminds me that Belarusian theatre

is alive, moving with the times and, sometimes, even setting trends.

What good wishes can I send? Primarily, a long life and pros-perity, which, to my mind, is possible only if you are worthy of your honour-able title…

Alexey Dudarev, playwright and Chairman of the Belarusian

Union of Theatre Workers

It’s difficult for creative personali-ties to maintain their individuality

amongst so many but a true master will undoubtedly find their way. Belarus magazine is created in a masterly fashion, and with soul. It embodies a contemporary palette for informa-tion and journalism, assessing the country, its people and events. I’m particularly glad that your magazine always publishes cultural articles, since spirituality is vital in every age. Our cultural heritage is so rich that, I believe, your authors have no problem in finding topics. I’m particularly keen to read materials dedicated to pictorial art and I’m very pleased to be the focus of one such feature.

From the height of my creative experience, I urge you to continue developing. Bring new discoveries and new stories to light on our people; they’re worth it. Let people all over the globe learn more about Belarusians; we are also part of this world.

Leonid Shchemelev, People’s Artist of Belarus


intErnational lEvEl

Festival of starsThere are still four years to go before the World Ice Hockey Championship, of 2014, is hosted for the first time in Belarus. However, it’s not long when we look at the scope of works to be fulfilled beforehand. We need new hotels, sports facilities and roads… Nevertheless, the first step has been taken, with Minsk-Arena opening in late January, hosting a Continental Hockey League All Stars match. The Arena is to be the main venue for the future world championship and its opening ceremony was suitably grand

LiFEStYLE. No other venue in the post-Soviet space rivals Minsk-Arena. Even the USA boasts few such facilities. Three utterly unique sports arenas have been united into one, each a super-state-of-the-art engineering wonder and ful-filling different purposes. Of course, the focus of everybody’s attention is not the cycle track or skating oval, but the ice-hockey rink, seating 15,000. Naturally, every seat was taken for the opening match. Five years ago, any Belarusian hockey fan would think you crazy for suggesting that Minsk would ever host Wayne Gretzky or Mark Messier. The main arena at that time was the 3,000-seater Palace of Sports and it wasn’t grand enough to attract top super-stars. Belarusian ice hockey was taking its first unsteady steps. Today, it has matured be-yond recognition.

“In our country, sport is part of our lifestyle,” n o t e d A l e x a n d e r Lukashenko during his solemn speech. “Opening this super-modern arena, we turn a new page in our history. Minsk-Arena adorns our capital’s image as a ground for new champions, forging good health. In recent years, Belarus has become a leader in sports facilities construc-tion. Over the past ten years, we’ve erected over twenty complexes around the entire

gey Fiodorov, Sandis Ozoliņš and Mi-chael Garnett. From the VIP box, the almost four-hour show was watched by Vyacheslav Fetisov, Vladislav Tre-tyak, Wayne Gretzky and Mark Mess-ier… “I’ve already taken part in similar matches in Germany and Russia but, this time, I was touched,” admits the fa-vourite of Belarusian fans, reliable Con-tinental Hockey League goalie Andrey

country. Minsk-Arena has grown within the shortest possible time. It can host competitions for thirty kinds of sports and is suitable for various major cultural and entertainment events.”

StaRS oN icE. The facility’s hour of triumph will come in 2014, when Minsk will host the Ice Hockey World Championship. Nevertheless, the Are-na’s opening saw the ice packed with stars: Alexey Yashin and Jaromir Jagr, Maxim Sushin-sky and Ser-


intErnational lEvEl

Mezin. He defended Alexey Yashin’s team net in the second period, when the score was already 6:2 against Yas-hin’s squad. Sadly, he couldn’t help his team withstand the pressure of Jaromir Jagr’s boys who, by the final whistle, were even further ahead. Neverthe-less, regardless of the score, neither the participants of the game (who lost), nor their fans (who were found even in Norway) were upset about the result. Meanwhile, a colourful laser show al-most outshone the sports component of the hockey festival.

DEStiNY’S tokEN. Some significant events took place behind the scenes of general joy; when so many top hockey managers congregate, they can’t but discuss the latest problems. Interna-tional Ice Hockey Federation President René Fasel and IIHF General Secretary Horst Lichtner were at last able to ex-amine Minsk-Arena fully, having only previously seen it during construction. They began musing on the future of

SEE You LatER! Wayne Gretzky’s sil-houette decorates the emblem of the World Championship for 2014. Most likely, in four years’ time, the sportsman (once named the Great) will again visit Minsk to see world hockey stars. The event is being hosted by Minsk-Arena and Chizhovka Arena, whose construc-tion has recently begun on the banks of the water reserve in the district of the same name, in the Belarusian capital. “To be honest, I don’t know who our greatest contemporary hockey player might be,” Gretzky admitted during the press conference. “Malkin, Ovechkin, Crosby — they are all good. I believe each is outstanding in their own way.” Those who doubt Wayne’s words should wait four years. In March 2014, these guys will personally come to Belarus to determine the best in a face-to-face con-frontation, bringing real enjoyment to their audience. No one doubts that the venue will meet all the needs of the tour-nament, even surpassing expectations.

By Sergey kanashits

the Champions Hockey League and on NHL players’ participation in the Olympic Games. CHL Head Alexan-der Medvedev touched on problems regarding relations in American and European ice hockey, and the topic of CHL extension. Meanwhile, Wayne Gretzky played hockey with Alexander Lukashenko and… met his Belarusian relatives. At the turn of the last century, Terenty Gretzky took his wife Anna and son Zinovy to Canada, where, Walter — Terenty’s son by a second marriage — gave birth to Wayne. Learning that Wayne’s cousin lives in the small village of Svisloch in the Grodno region, a Slo-vak journalist offered to pay for a taxi to bring the pair together. “Grandpa Terenty loved me very much. When I began playing ice hockey, he and grandma attended my matches,” recalls the four-time Stanley Cup winner and the holder of 61 NHL records. “I’d like to share this pleasant news of our meet-ing with my father. I think he’d love to come to Belarus next summer.”

Minsk-Arena celebrates

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Two fates united by one ambitionThere are many paradoxes in the sporting world and some life stories are quite astonishingly similar. One moment, an athlete is unknown; the next, they are a world star. Two sportsmen from Grodno — Irina Shilova and Konstantin Lukashik — are Olympic champions in marksmanship, both having trained at the same shooting gallery for a long time. Both rocketed to fame and honour and both suddenly fell from grace. What happened to their talent and where are they today, those outstanding snipers who once were applauded around the globe?

It is amazing that the family name of Shilova wasn’t even in the leaflet of the USSR team sent in 1988 to the Olympic Games in Seoul. Irina only joined

the team one day before departure, inspiring jealousy among those she left behind. “At that time, I didn’t think of

the Olympics as something extraordi-nary, otherwise I would have suffered from terrible nerves,” she recollects. “Our senior coach, Shamburkin, kept telling us not to focus on the rank of the competition, just to shoot as usual; this was our job. Besides, I had to prove to everyone that my selection wasn’t

a mistake. I may have been a little put out at only being chosen on the last application day but I took it all calmly: beforehand and afterwards, on having won my medal. The most unexpected moment in Seoul was the deafening clicks of the numerous cameras. It was really shocking!”

Af ter the Olympics , rout ine returned. Sometimes, it was difficult. Ir ina confesses that there were times when she was so tired during training that she could hardly hold her rifle. She didn’t give up though, and continued to strive. In 1990, she even won the World Championship. At the time, nobody imagined it would be her last major achievement. Irina was especially hurt when, in 1992, the board voted against her inclusion on the Olympic team for air rifle shooting. It was a paradox, indeed! Shilova was already the most experienced sportswoman, full of energy. However, she failed to receive one more — so important — vote. She was particularly upset to know that her coach, Victor Avilov, hadn’t supported her. In fact, the marksmen failed to bring home any medals from the Games in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Shilova also failed to find victory in her small bore shooting.

I am standing with this legendary sportswoman at the shooting gallery; she rarely visits now — only for pleasure. Her professional sports career is in the past but she still likes the firing line and could spend hours there. The target is hardly visible in the distance — a black central dot three centimetres in diameter. Where is the famous ‘ten’ that inspired so much passion?

“The ‘ten’ is very small — about half a millimetre across,” explains Irina. “It is located in the very centre of the black circle. You must hit it precisely from ten metres away to win the medal. If you are slightly out, you lose.”

Irina tells us about the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. In order to qualify for the final, she had to strike the 10 target ten times in the last, fourth,

Irina Shilova, the Olympic champion

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Konstantin Lukashik at the beginning of his sport career

qualification series. Unfortunately, she had one 9 and it was fatal. The expe-rienced sportswoman was also very close to victory four years later at the Olympics in Sydney, the last Games in her bright career.

Why did she never manage to repeat her Seoul triumph? Irina herself doesn’t know the answer but confesses that she used to aspire to rival better sportsmen. Later, when there were no more competitors she, perhaps, relaxed and lost her eye.

Today, Irina has more spare time, which she gives to her grandson with pleasure. “He is very funny and interesting. Just looking at him makes me feel happy,” Irina smiles. She also likes cooking, creating spicy, sour and salty dishes. “Although I like everything, I tend to eat only what is known to me, not experimenting with my stomach,” she notes. “Once, abroad, I was offered a special seasoning — something like our adgika. It smelled pleasant but was green, so I never dared to try it.”

Konstantin Lukashik is also keen on cooking; even during f o r e i g n c o m p e t i -tions, he tries to vary his menu. It’s too early for him to give up shooting c o m p l e t e l y though. He loves to hold a gun and, being just 34, is st i l l young for marksmanship. Like a meteorite, he stormed into the shooting range and immediately began collecting titles. He competed in junior tourna-ments, then, simultaneously, competed against adults — including national, European and world champions. This only added to Kostya’s excitement.

During the Olympic year of 1992, Konstantin Lukashik struck everyone with his unbelievable ability to shoot the 10. At the tender age of 16, the boy from Grodno seemed a novelty and few took him seriously but, to their surprise, he won the qualifying Olympic tour-nament. In the decisive shoot-out, he defeated his fellow shooting masters not in air-rifle shooting — where he had already shown some achievements, — but in the free pistol competition. Second place wasn’t an option for the young sportsman.

The team coaches had no option but to include the young shooter on their Olympic squad, placing him, like Shilova, at the very last moment. Incredibly, he won his first gold medal on the very first day of the Olympic Games. Passions flared in the final, as his main rival was the most experienced sniper, Ragnar Skanåker from Sweden — 40 years older than Konstantin. Everything was decided at the final shooting, which lasted the usual 75 seconds. Marksmen tend to lift

the gun once or twice, with three times seeming irrational. Konstantin lifted his gun four times, sending his bullet into the target from 50 metres

away just a second before the control time expired! He scored 9.9, which brought him a

gold medal!Lukashik atten-

ded four more Games after his

gold triumph in 1992, and managed fourth

p l a c e on on e occasion, but never

again took a medal. He is reluctant to

discuss why and perhaps, he is right. He could still make a come-

back, being on the Belarusian team. He is training for the Games in 2012, in London — twenty years after Barcelona.

By Iosif Popko

Climbing up the ratingsVictoria Azarenko moves up to sixth place in tennis singles, according to revised Women’s Tennis Association’s ratings

Victoria’s success repeats that of her record-setting achievement of

October 2009. Having passed through to the ¼ finals of the Austrian Open, Victoria, 20, has moved up a place in the WTA rankings, pushing Russian Yelena Dementieva out of the top six (dropped from fifth position to seventh). The USA’s Serena Williams is ranked top seed and has won the Australian Open for the fifth time, knocking out our Victoria in a dramatic ¼ finals match.

In March 2009, Victoria entered the top ten tennis players of the world for the first time, remaining there until the end of the last season. Previously, only Natalia Zvereva managed such success (reaching fifth position in the mid-1980s).

Belarus’ Olga Govortsova is also in the top 100 (ranked 55th). Anastasia Yek i mov a , D ar y a Kustov a and Yekaterina Degolevich are among the second hundred in the world ratings.


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Olympic mood

Vancouver is known as one of the most comfortable cities in the world, impres-sive everyone, without

exception. They are arriving like bees to a flower, ready for the Winter Olympic Games. I’ve just spent almost 24 hours on a plane but my jetlag and disori-entation disappeared as soon as I saw the city skyline. The Olympics always causes the spirit to tremble; we can’t help feeling that we are involved in an historical event of global proportions, watching memories being created.

Vancouver itself is especially suitable as a venue, being surrounded by mountain peaks and covered with tall conifers. The quiet ocean fondles the shore while white snow-covered peaks rise against an absolutely blue sky. Nature is in harmony while the sporting sites of Vancouver and Whistler hum with the excitement of records.

Unlike Belarus, it’s warm and rainy here — which seems to little suit the Winter Olympic mood — but the weather doesn’t spoil the general impression. Thoughts are concen-trated on other things and everyone is keen to see as much as possible. There’s hardly a moment for sleeping.

The hockey tournament is undoubt-edly the main attraction of the event. Canadians are experts in this sport, so their team is a major favourite. For the first time in its history, an Olympic tournament is being held within the NHL format — increasing

sErgEy kanashits’ spEcial rEport for BElarus magaZinE rEadErs from olympic host canadian vancouvEr

sportsmen tête-à-tête. You can also see legendary Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky in the stands and eavesdrop on them talking to Vyacheslav Fetisov. They certainly have some interesting stories to tell. The Belarusian team is modest but proud, with its own goals and stars — such as goalkeeper Andrey Mezin. The local hockey arena is fantastic, but is rivalled by our own Minsk-Arena. However, the hockey here is of an outstanding, even galactic, level. It’s like being in a fairytale from which no one wishes to return.

Sadly, Belarus is not represented in figure skating — the second most

popular sport in Vancouver, after hockey. This gracious spor t

i s u n d e r d e v e l o p e d i n o u r c o u nt r y —

the chances of local professionals. The League is international of course, so most nation’s teams boast players from the NHL ranks. Additionally, we all know that surprises are possible — as confirmed by Salt Lake City’s Belarus-Sweden quarter-finals match in 2002.

It’s hard to find tickets for these matches at the Vancouver Games. All the players are popular but, naturally, Alexander Ovechkin and Yevgeny Malkin are true idols. The Olympics give us a wonderful opportunity to

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though why I’m not sure. On the days when Belarusians aren’t performing, it’s pleasant to watch the elegant skaters take to the rink. Yevgeny Plyushchenko took gold four years ago in Turin, but then announced his retirement; however, he is back in force, disap-pointing his rivals. Plyushchenko must have been bored of watching compe-titions rather than participating. He resumed training and, in a short space of time, was soon back on top form (some say even better). He skates perfectly and his extremely compli-cated programme is worthy of loud applause.

Meanwhile, we Belarusian jour-nalists are spending most of our time outside the city, in the mountains. We leave in the morning and return in the evening. The mountains are stunning in their beauty and the clean air is refreshing. H o w e v e r,

weather. On February 25th and 26th, 1988, the temperature in Calgary rose to an unpredictable 18 degrees above zero — with a sharp wind of 100km/h. Some events had to be postponed accordingly, with cross countr y skiers, trampoline jumpers, tobogan-nists and bobsleighers suffering most. However, those diff iculties were nothing compared to the problems which faced the second Olympics in Swiss St. Moritz in 1928. The Alps were stricken by a sudden thaw and artificial facilities to ensure the necessary quality of ice and snow did not yet exist. The track turned into a huge puddle during the 10,000km skating race, leaving the event unfin-ished. Additionally, during the 50km skiing race, the temperature rose from 0 to 25 degrees above zero; the racers finished shin-deep in slush.

Such situations are mostly in the past, since we have the technology to create snow and ice where it’s needed. Those from decades past would be surprised to see what’s possible these days. Moreover, our freestylers now lead the sport; Dmitry Dashchinsky and Alexey Grishin have been taking part since the 1988 Olympics in Nagano and are still going strong. However, their rivals are also strong and it was not easy for them to claim medals in Vancouver. Two more Belarusians — Timofey Slivets and Cup season leader Anton Kushnir — are also our pride. “Oh, Belarus, Anton Kushnir!” exclaimed the freestyle-knowing Canadians on meeting our squad (distinguishing us by our uniform). It was heartening to receive such a welcome…

We all know about the idea of the ‘Olympic family’; it expresses frater-nity — for sportsmen, journalists and fans. For these precious three weeks, the Belarusian team stands alongside others from around the world. We share a common goal: to demonstrate the best that is humanly possible. The team is proud to be taking part in these Winter Games and we are proud of our team!

our personal enjoyment is secondary to our coverage of our biathletes and freestylers — our major hope.

The men’s biathlete team have under-mined our faith in them somewhat, due to their weak performance last season and this. Of course, we expected better results and saw Rustam Valiullin as our leader. He is a time-tested sportsman, able to shoot without fail (as a Russian proverb says, even a stick shoots once a year). Moreover, Rustam is fast. Under favourable circumstances, he could win a much anticipated medal for Belarus. Darya Domracheva is also an athlete we can feel proud of, being among the leaders of her sport.

She is likely to become a biathlon star at the next Games in Sochi.

On the eve of the Olympics, a downpour fell on the snowy tracks near the resort city of Whistler. The temperature

was just six degrees above zero and, proceeding from

safety, all local mountain skiing tracks were closed. In

Cypress Mountain Park (hosting freestylers and snowboarders)

snow began melting. Of course, no one spoke of cancelling the Games but the mood was uneasy. Such caprices of nature are the climatic norm for Vancouver. Between 1996 and 1998, World Cup rounds for cross

country skiing were cancelled three times. Afterwards, Whistler was cut from the International Skiing Federation’s calendar for a decade. Since the beginning of the winter season, 35 snow guns have been operational in the snowboard park, transforming 100 million litres of water into man-made snow. Additionally, natural snow has been stored for use in replen-ishing the Olympic tracks.

Last time Canada hosted the Games, there was also much wor r y ab out war m

Belarusian Olympians in Vancouver


ContExt

Optimistic paletteall rEgions of thE rEpuBlic sEE incrEasing numBErs of nEw family unions

In 2009, 78,800 marriages were registered in Belarus — 1,600 more than in 2008. According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection’s Main

Department for Employment Policy and Population, the republic’s urban and rural areas are seeing increasing numbers of weddings. Moreover, urbanities are demonstrating an even greater activity. 11.4 percent more marriages were registered in 2009 in cities, against 7.8 percent in villages. However, the number of marriages among urban residents of the Vitebsk and Mogilev regions has fallen. In 2009, Mendelssohn’s march was played 0.2 percent and 0.4 percent (respectively) less frequently than in the previous year. Nevertheless, rural residents throughout the country are marrying just as often as before.

According to specialists, this year, the number of marriages in Belarus will rise, looking at 2008-2009 trends and favourable demographic tenden-cies. The number of potential brides and bridegrooms is rising country-wide, looking at their marriageable age. Additionally, 2010 isn’t a leap year, which usually sees fewer marriages.

Alongside increasing numbers of marriages, Belarus is seeing divorce figures fall — a no less important trend. 2008 saw 36,700 divorces, against 35,100 in 2009 (down 4.4 percent). Unfortunately, rural areas in the Minsk and Grodno regions have seen their number of divorces rise (by 4.8 and 2.4 percent respectively). Remaining cities and villages boast quite optimistic marriage trends and longer lasting marriages.

By Yelena Prusova

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Full-house at Belovezhskaya Pushcha500,000th visitor welcomed at National Park

Since the opening of the estate in December 2003, half a million

people have visited Belarus’ Father Frost. Alexander Onufriyuk from Brest was the 500,000th visitor, winning him a unique photo album, released in 2009 and dedicated to the 600th anni-versary of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha Reserve. Weighing 5kg, it is a rare treasure indeed.

In December 2009, Father Frost’s estate celebrated its 6th birthday. Over these years, it has become popular far beyond the country’s borders. The 15 hectare estate is located deep in the Pushcha, with aurochs coming to feed in winter. The residence boasts Father Frost’s carved palace, the Snow Maiden’s house (his granddaughter) and other fairytale elements. Undoubtedly, the greatest attraction of the National Park is a 120 year old, 42m fir tree.

The estate is open year round, welcoming children from throughout Belarus, as well as from Ukraine, Russia and the Baltic States. So far, tourists from over 70 countries have visited and January 2010 saw a record number of guests, with over 50,000 arriving during the first month of the new year.

By Anna kaverina


Documents

BELARUS #2/2010