BELARUS #06/2012

As it must be

BELARUSMagazine for you Politics, Economy, Culture

no.6 (945), 2012 Беларусь. Belarus

pp. 25—32Soyuz

Belarus —russia

Belarus became the first country where Vladimir Putin paid an official

visit as Russia’s President

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Беларусь.BelarusContentsMonthly magazine

No. 6 (945), 2012

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

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.

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Publisher: “SB” editorial office

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

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© “Беларусь. Belarus”, 2012

�

52BEautiFuL SoNgS

18DiPLoma routE

14 RemaRkable location The Post-Soviet space remains mostly ‘terra incognita’ for inter-national businesses

20 JuneisfullofmemoRies

22 tests foR tRue soldieRs Today’s Belaru-sian army needs recruits able to make good tactical decisions. They put their skills to the test, hoping to earn the right to be awarded the ‘Valour and Mastery’ badge worn by the elite of the Armed Forces of Belarus

33 WhendReamscometRueOver the last two years, ten new sanatoriums have appeared in our country

34 GenealoGicalJouRneyExploring the his-tory of their ancestors, Belarusian writers make curious literary discoveries, while augmenting our knowledge of our Fatherland’s past

38 ancient city siGhts Belarus, the whole Slavonic world and millions of cultured people all over the globe are celebrating Polotsk’s 1150th anniversary

41 Whatphotostell

42 motifofblossominGappletReeBela-rusian artist Mikhail Rogalevich leaves his trace on national pictorial art

48 backhomeVitebsk hosts celebrations dedi-cated to 125th anniversary of Marc Chagall’s birth

50 topbeautyTV host Irina Khanunik-Rombal-skaya wins Mrs Multiverse International

FEStivE PoLotSk WELcomES guEStS 68 paRtneRshipfoRGood

9 tRoikamovesfoRWaRdSingle Economic Space of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia reach-es ‘designed capacity’

12 insiGhtsintofutuReMinsk hosts 7th Belaru-sian International Media Forum under ‘Partnership for the Sake of the Future: Models of the New Era’ motto

� 2012 беларусь.belarus

BY viktor kharkov,magazine editorБеларусь. Belarus

editor’s note

Over cOurse Of time

Our rich history is evident in the recent celebration of the 1150th anniversary of the ancient city of Polotsk.

Polotsk is a symbol of our national heritage, of which we should be proud. As many guests as possible are to be attracted to this geographical centre of Europe (as proven by the juxtaposition of the co-ordinates of the extreme continental points of the North, South, East and West). It is a tourist pearl which we should allow to shine in all its colours.

The anniversary of ancient Polotsk shows that Belarus isn’t the backyard of Europe; it is a Eurasian gateway. It is central to the implementation of our ‘integra-tion of integrations’ idea. The union of the potential of the European and Eurasian unions will enable us to create absolutely new opportunities for dynamic develop-ment and all-round collaboration between the nations of the continent. Our state’s major role as a connecting link is being promoted, with its geopolitical importance accented, as explored in Festive Polotsk Welcomes guests.

Eternity dictates that today’s events are tomorrow’s history; however, only those events which claim special importance will occupy a worthy place. Undoubtedly, meetings between Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin will be among them — at least, it seems so today. Mr. Putin’s first official visit has been paid to Minsk, with definite symbolic significance. The Russian President is demonstrating that Moscow places Belarus high on its political agenda. The concluding document of the meeting was a joint statement by the presidents of Belarus and Russia, noting the strategic character of relations between our two countries in all spheres, proving their eagerness to further develop the Union State.

The statement also mentions the desire to unify economic conditions within the Union State and the Single Economic

Space. The presidents are committed to a high level of interaction regarding the construction of a nuclear power station in Belarus — with enhanced security. This proves their readiness to ensure efficient liaisons, promoting global nuclear security. Our two states have time and again proven their readiness to ensure close co-ordina-tion in protecting and promoting common interests within the international arena. Moreover, they are keen to promote OSCE reform, returning the organisation to its role as a forum for open political dialogue in Europe, on equal terms. as it must Be is dedicated to this topic.

According to one of our authors, the Single Economic Space of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia has reached its ‘estimated capacity’. From an initial idea, it became a project and, now, is a geo-economic reality. The operative union of our three former Soviet republics (boasting 170m people and $2 trillion of GDP) is the first such (since the collapse of the USSR) in Eurasia, spanning the space between the European Union and China.

While the EU’s integration has taken decades, the Single Economic Space is forming much more rapidly, with busi-nessmen oriented towards the Russian

market being the first to feel the benefits. Positive trends have become apparent countrywide. Over the first three months of this year, trade between our three states has increased by almost 20 percent, improving the standard of living for ordinary citizens — as was always the major intention. The results are reported upon in troika moving Forward.

Journalists are among those constantly analysing the situation. Minsk recently hosted the 7th Belarusian International Media Forum, held under the slogan ‘Partnership for the Sake of the Future: Models of a New Era’. Each year, the latest topics are chosen for discussion, with professional experts taking part: political analysts, scientists, sociologists and politi-cians — alongside journalists. This year’s plenary session tackled prospects for the development for Eurasian integration. The major conclusion was that the post-Soviet space can resist globalisation only by uniting efforts and simultaneously taking into account national interests.

Let’s look again at the course of history, remembering that Belarus, alongside the whole Slavonic people and millions all over the globe, is celebrating Polotsk’s 1150th anniversary. Accordingly, this issue of our magazine has another text dedicated to this ancient city — ancient city Sights.

Belarusian painter Mikhail Rogalevich’s works reflect historical events, juxta-positioned against everyday routine. His canvases reveal his own impressions of life, brightly and figuratively; no doubt, he’ll be remembered for his original creativity. Pathetic image of Blossoming apple tree is devoted to his achievements.

I hope that you’ll also find much more of interest in our magazine.

� беларусь.belarus 2012

Our big familyBElarus rankEd 87th worldwidE for population

T he Deputy Chair of the National statistical Committee of Belarus, Yelena Kukharevich, has told a

press conference that Belarus is ranked between sweden and somalia in terms of population. among the Cis states, Belarus retains fifth place: behind russia, ukraine, uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

as of January 1st, 2012, Belarus’ population stood at 9,465,000 (9,461,000 as of March 1st). The average popula-tion density in Belarus is 46 people per square kilometre with cities obviously far more densely populated: Vitebsk region boasts just 30 people per square kilometre (the least populated) while Minsk has over 6,000.

in 2011, the Belarusian population fell by 16,000 people. “This is equivalent to a town such as Oshmyany or stolbtsy disappearing from the map,” notes Ms. Kukharevich.

The trend of decline continues, since the number of those dying exceeds the number of newborns. The natural decline totalled 26,000 last year, with the recent trend for migration gain only partially compensat ing. in 2011, migrat ion surplus reduced the natural decline by 38 percent. Most areas are seeing a similar situation, with a rise in population only registered in five districts: Minsk, Mozyr, Brest, Derzhinsk and Ostrovets.

Rating reflects positive assessment

Standard & Poor’s International Rating Agency confirms long-term sovereign credit rating for Belarus at ‘B-’, with outlook improved to ‘stable’

Analysts see ‘signs of stabilisa-tion in the country’s economy

and improvement of short-term financial conditions’. Moreover, the agency has confirmed Belarus’ short-term rating at ‘C’ level. Clearly, the iMF’s optimism regarding our economic devel-opment is echoed by this new positive assessment.

s&P notes that the country’s reserves in foreign currency have risen, with direct pressure on the Belarusian rouble exchange rate almost absent and inflation gradually slowing. in the first three months of 2012, Belarus’ GDP rose by 3 percent, totalling Br105.6 trillion (around $13bn). according to governmental forecasts, annual GDP growth is set to reach 5 to 5.5 percent.

in this first quarter, the manu-facture of industrial goods rose by 8.3 percent to reach Br153.6 trillion in total (around $19bn); the annual growth forecast is 6-7 percent.

Airport to become more attractive

Minsk National Airport soon to receive new look

Initially, Chinese investors were to help organise the reconstruction of the airport but our own special-

ists have since developed an alternative, costing around $81m.

according to the airport’s Director General, Dmitry Melikyan, serious reconstruction will soon be launched. The gates and departure and arrival halls are to become wider, while the airport’s technical equipment is to be modernised, with the system of luggage transportation improved.

More check-in desks are to open, while fencing of the air terminal (established to meet international standards) will be removed. Meanwhile, the concourse of duty free shops is to be enlarged, making the total floor space of the airport larger by about 10,000sq.m.

PanoraMa


As it must bebelArus becAme the first country Where VlAdimir Putin PAid An officiAl Visit As russiA’s President

By his arrival and the unusually sincere format of his meeting with President alexander lukashenko, the russian leader, Vladimir Putin, is showing that Moscow

places Belarus high on its political agenda.Presidents’ negotiations, both in

close and expanded formats, took place in Zaslavl state residence. Mr. lukashenko heartily welcomed his honoured guest, saying, “i’d like to thank you and the russian leadership for everything we’ve done, especially in recent years. We’ve seen results in policy and economics.”

The creation of the union state — in which both sides have reached significant progress in all areas — is the political result of 20 years of diplomatic relations.

Mr. lukashenko is convinced that we must further strengthen and promote the union state, noting that the economic achievements of inte-gration are significant. He explained, “We’ve established the Customs union and the single economic space, trans-ferring our experience to a wider range of states. Other countries look atten-tively at us… i’m sure that the russian Federation will continue developing and strengthening its eurasian vector. We’re ready for this.”

evidently, Mr. Putin completely ag re es w it h t h i s appro ach . He

explained why he’d chosen Belarus for his first presidential visit, stressing, “This is natural. Belarus is our close and special partner.”

The President of russia also noted the success of our two states in devel-oping trade-economic collaboration and expressed gratitude to Mr. lukashenko for his active support of integration processes. The tête-à-tête conversation lasted no more than an hour. in the hall for extended negotiations, the Belarusian President summed up the results of the meeting, saying, “We’ve just discussed a range of problems and have found complete understanding. We have no closed topics. We’re united in politics and economics, as well as in military-technical co-operation, more than ever before; we’ll be building our relations for the benefit of our nations without threat-ening, disturbing or creating problems for anyone.”

Mr. lukashenko assured, “Belarus is the closest and the most faithful of russia’s allies. it has always been so and will continue. We’ll be consistently advo-cating the development of the closest friendly relations with our major strategic partner — the russian Federation. This fully meets the will of our nations.”

The Belarusian Head of state announced figures to show the success of interaction: annual trade turnover has reached almost $40bn and continues to grow. Over the first three months of this year alone, it rose by almost a third.

Mr. lukashenko is keen to create joint manufactures and holdings, in addition to expanding trade.

“We should stop competing against each other at least within the frames of the Customs union, jointly entering the markets of third countries,” he stressed.

The russian President supports this initiative, having noted, “We see how the Belarusian leadership takes difficult but absolutely correct decisions to stabilise its economy. We proceed from the fact that the results will be even more large-scale… This means that our joint efforts and activity within the single economic space yield fruit.”

The russian leader highly praised the level of political dialogue between our states and said that the heads of both houses of russian Parliament would soon visit Belarus. He added, “The dialogue between Belarus and russia has acquired a very intensive and positive character. This is largely due to the determination of the Belarusian leadership for such work.”

The major final document of the meeting was a joint statement by the presidents of Belarus and russia, in which they noted the strategic character of relations between our two countries in all spheres of inter-state interaction, proving their interest in the further development of the union state. as far as the future of integration processes within the post-soviet space is concerned, Mr. lukashenko and Mr.

visit


Putin are confident that ‘the eurasian economic union, involving Belarus, Kazakhstan and russia and formed on the basis of the Customs union and the single economic space of our three states, will be a powerful and influen-tial geopolitical structure — attractive to other states who share the idea of eurasian integration’.

The statement also mentions the interest of the two sides in forming unified economic conditions within the union state and the single economic space. The presidents are committed to a high level of interaction regarding the construction of a nuclear power station in Belarus — with enhanced security. This proves their readiness to ensure efficient liaisons, promoting global nuclear security.

The two sides attach great impor-tance to issues of military-technical co-operation and interaction in the sphere of ensuring wider security.

Belarus and russia ‘intend to partici-pate actively in collective efforts to enhance stability at all levels, including the prevention and peaceful resolution of international conflicts and counter-action of other threats’.

Our two states have proven their readiness to ensure close co-ordination in protecting and promoting common interests within the international arena. They have also noted the importance of further promoting OsCe reform, returning the organisation to its role as a forum for open political dialogue in europe on equal terms.

The joint statement reads: ‘Belarus and russia will co-ordinate their efforts to counteract attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of union state members and member countries of the single economic space via the introduction of restrictions or sanctions’.

addressing journalists, Mr. lukashen-ko stated, “Trustworthy dialogue has been

established and maintained by both sides, enabling us to achieve weighty results over the entire agenda of our co-operation.”

The President of Belarus highly appreciates Mr. Putin’s visit, saying, “This visit is more important than many economic agreements between Belarus and russia, or with other countries. it is a signal of our great future. as far as Belarus is concerned, we’ll continue worthily. We’ve gathered here to improve the lives of our people.”

Mr. Putin echoed those thoughts, adding, “i’m convinced that russian-Belarusian relations have a big future. We’ve signed an agreement which under-lines the priority of our bilateral relations and our common hopes for active, fruitful work in all directions. as integra-tion processes intensify, the unity of our states will only grow stronger, opening up opportunities to solve long-term and current tasks.”

By Dmitry krymov

Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko at Minsk National Airport

BEL

TAvisit


Celebration

festiVe PolotsK welcomes guests

the Ancient belArusiAn city hAs turned 1150, hoWeVer, it hAs neVer been so young And beAutiful As todAy T

he magni f icent

saviour Monastery of st. Yevfrosiniya and st. sophia’s Cathedral, the restored monument honouring the fallen heroes of the 1812 war and the Field of Battle Glory Museum are just a small snapshot of Polotsk’s attractions. Many contem-porary sites have also opened, making the city a wonderful place to live. Others are still being worked upon, so the face of Polotsk could look very different within two years.

Of course, the city is a true national treasure; we should be proud, showing it off to tourists as much as possible. Moreover, it is located at the geographical centre of europe — as proven by the juxtaposition of the co-ordinates of the extreme conti-nental points in the North, south, east and West. Polotsk is a tourist pearl which we should allow to shine in all its colours.

The 2008-2012 comprehen-sive programme for Polotsk’s development (approved by Presidential Decree in December 2007) has borne fruit. arriving to congratulate the city and residents on the jubilee, President lukashenko voiced his pleasure at how his instructions have

been carried out. His first ‘stop’ was to see the newly opened humanitarian departments at Polotsk state university. Of course, the walls themselves are steeped in history, having once housed a collegium. However, only the ruins of the original building remain. in 2003, the President instructed restoration to

begin and he admitted, “i didn’t believe that you would restore it… but you’ve done so very well.”

Our ‘two’ Polotsks are separated by just a decade. The contrast is even more striking if we compare one century with another — as we see from reproductions of Vladimir likhodedov’s old postcards depicting city views. These hang on the walls of Polotsk state university, presented by sB Belarus-segodnya newspaper, following its searching for the lost project, which received the ‘For spiritual revival’ award. The editorial office then donated the postcard reproduc-tions to the university.

The President viewed the exhibit ion of university archaeo-

logical findings and walked the corridors and classrooms, also dropping into the assembly hall, the media centre and the library — where students were studying. Mr. lukashenko asked whether they found it comfortable there and the young-sters nodded in a friendly manner.

However, the President questioned the quality of several textbooks, which he thought were clearer and more inter-esting in soviet times, having better illustrations. He noted his desire for publishers to make more effort in this sphere. However, he praised a Great Patriotic War textbook for years 10-11 and admired the presence of many editions in both Belarusian and russian on the shelves, noting, “everyone should be able to freely choose which of the state languages they use for studying.”

Discussions continue regarding languages of study but the President believes everyone should make their own choice. He asserted, “Why do we need to raise questions which have been already settled in a calm manner? if Kosinets (the Chairman of the Vitebsk regional executive Committee) wants to study medieval history in Belarusian, let him take a textbook and do so. if radkov (the First Deputy Head of the Presidential administration) wants to study in russian, he can do so.”

The President heard of some aspects of Polotsk’s development, revolving around the fundamental principle that all histor-

Festivities to honor Polotsk’s 1150th

anniversary began with opening a monument

to architect John


Celebration

ical relics should be preserved or restored. Those lost should be recreated while the city should be harmoniously filled with contemporary and functional infrastruc-ture to make the city even more comfort-able for Polotsk residents and guests.

later, Mr. lukashenko made his assessment, addressing Polotsk residents on the eve of the festive concert. “i was glad to see that the city hasn’t frozen in its development, becoming a city-museum only living through its former glory. its aspiration towards the future is seen in all corners, with life busy everywhere. The economy is devel-oping successfully, as is social infra-structure for Polotsk residents and their many guests, while the heritage of past centuries is being carefully and sensibly preserved,” he noted.

Mr. lukashenko told those who are against Polotsk’s sensible development, “To those who openly or secretly try to counteract the modernisation of our

city, i say that modernisation doesn’t mean reconstruction in a contemporary way. We try to retain all we can from past centuries, so that our nation can be proud of Polotsk’s legacy. especially for those people, i’d like to say that i’ve adopted a general plan for Polotsk’s restoration. The city of Polotsk will definitely exist, as will our spiritual foundations and the culture of our nation.”

at this moment, applause interrupted the President’s speech but he summed up by saying, “We’ll turn Polotsk into a true ‘Mecca’ for those who are cultured.”

The Belarusian leader lavished praise on the city, calling it ‘the father of Belarusian cities, a mirror of the history of Belarus, the spiritual cradle of the nation and the origin of our statehood’. He added, “every Belarusian should certainly visit this city, feeling pride in not only their own efforts but in our hard-working and talented people. Moreover, every european should visit

this geographical centre of europe. On walking these streets, where the tradi-tions of the West and the east, as well as diverse faiths and cultures, have inter-twined for over a thousand years, we can more easily understand that our common past is to make a step forward.”

He continued, “Belarus isn’t the backyard of europe but a eurasian gateway: a practical embodiment of integration. The union of the potential of the european and eurasian unions will enable us to create absolutely new opportunities for dynamic devel-opment and holistic co-operation between the nations of the continent. We see it as the major mission and geopolitical role of our state to link them, promoting liaisons.

Mr. lukashenko heartily congrat-ulated Polotsk’s residents on their wonderful anniversary. Festive celebra-tions continued until dusk.

By Roman Pinin

Polotsk streets were flooded with joy

BEL

TA


Meeting

Partnership for goodDuring the recent Minsk meeting with Lu Yongxiang, the Deputy Chairman of the standing committee

of China’s National People’s Congress, Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko underlined:“We’ve achieved an unprecedented level of mutual trust and support in our bilateral relations. We’re grateful to

China for its readiness to lend a friendly shoulder at any time. In turn, we consistently support China in especially sensitive spheres. We’re proud that Great China has been our strategic partner and ally for so many years.” B

oth sides note that

interesting dialogue is happening across all areas and is actively developing in the political sphere — at all levels, including the very top. Business contacts are yielding fruit, as proven by the $3bn+ of trade turnover last year. Meanwhile, this is far from the limit.

The Belarusian leader noted that, in recent times, Belarus and China have been implementing investment projects worth many billions. He explained, “Major contracts have been signed in power engineering, construction, transport, communications and industry. We’re keen to further expand political, trade and investment collaboration, as well as to promote efficient interaction in the scientific, military-technical and humanitarian spheres. Our two states should concentrate in future on high-tech and science-intensive projects, promoting the modernisation of our economies and the creation of high-tech manufacturing.”

The Belarusian President espe-cially noted the importance of signing

BEL

TA

Chinese delegation in Minsk

an agreement to set up the Belarusian-Chinese Commission on High-Tech Co-operation. During the meeting, the guest also referred to the value of this document several times, noting the promising prospects connected with it.

Mr. Yongxiang emphasised that our two countries rely on their leadership to develop interaction. He asserted, “The personal attention of our leaders has allowed bilateral relations to develop along a stable and sustainable course, with mutual political trust intensifying and trade-economic liaisons activating. remarkably, mutual turnover has risen 20-fold — compared to the first years of our diplomatic relations: a rare case.”

a whole range of topics regarding bilateral co-operation were discussed in detail, with results announced and the next orienting points specified. Political interaction occupies a special place.

according to the guest, China’s position is to further reinforce political trust and expand mutual support while intensifying the existing political basis for bilateral relationships. He noted, “China

highly appreciates and is very grateful to Belarus for its decisive support — which tackles Chinese key interests. From our side, we completely understand and respect the path of development chosen by the Belarusian people. it proceeds from the national characteristics of the country and your foreign and domestic policy. We support the efforts of your state to protect your sovereignty and independence, as well as to develop your national economy, in defiance of external interference.”

Meanwhile, the Belarusian President added, “i absolutely agree with you. Today’s international situation is difficult and uncertain to a large degree. However, we should strengthen our co-operation and friendship. You should know that we won’t step aside one jot from our agreed directions. We’ll be firmly following the course of our agreements.”

Mr. lukashenko expressed confi-dence that the visit by the Chinese delegation to Belarus will become another step in strengthening bilateral collaboration.

By Vasily tikhomirov


intergration

troika moves forWArdsingle economic sPAce of belArus, KAzAKhstAn And russiA reAches ‘designed cAPAcity’

Almost six months have passed since our three states launched the single economic space. The initial idea became a project and is now a geo-economic

reality. The real, declarative union of our three former soviet republics (170m people and $2 trillion GDP) is the first such in eurasia (since the collapse of the ussr), located between the european union and China.

Of course, it’s no secret that the strength of integration depends on the benefits incurred. On 1st January 2012, Mogilev residents set off to congratulate relatives on the New Year in russian smolensk, unconcerned by possible border restrictions. No border control or customs inspection has ever existed between our countries. even prior to this, Belarus and russia had achieved in depth integration.

Naturally, changes have occurred, revealing themselves ever more vividly. While it has taken the european union decades to achieve today’s level of inte-gration, the single economic space is being established much more quickly.

Businessmen oriented towards the russian market have been the first to feel these changes, with positive trends apparent countrywide (in the

first three months of this year, mutual trade between our three states rose by almost 20 percent). ses activity can’t but influence the welfare of ordinary citizens — as has always been intended.

in addition, problems are coming to light, allowing us to weigh the pros and cons.

traDE iN haNDandrey anisimov, an expert with the

integration research Centre at the eurasian Development Bank, believes that integra-tion will most immediately impact on trade. The evident benefits of membership of the Customs union and ses are primarily our common customs territory, with its single system of regulations, allowing free movement of goods for our trio.

Companies trading with non-Cis states will pay less for logistics and customs clearance, making goods inside the ses more competitive (since there are no fees for transportation, customs duties or brokers, or for certification). By reducing bureaucracy, time and money are saved, with clear advantages.

rEmotE ProSPEctS uNDEr cLoSEr ExamiNatioN

although the internal economic benefits are already apparent, econ-omists believe that the ses’ full effect won’t be felt for a decade. Meanwhile, membership could be further expanded. ukraine’s joining would bring a significant

spur to economic growth, since its economy is so greatly connected

with those of the existing three member countries. sadly, political factors currently stand in the way.

The eurasian Development Bank believes that the ses (with ukraine as a member) could generate annual trade worth $1 trillion by 2030. igor Finogenov, the eDB’s Chairman of Management, spoke recently at the astana economic Forum, noting, “Belarus’ GDP should grow by an addi-tional 14 percent as a result of integra-tion, while that of ukraine could rise 6 percent. Kazakhstan’s GDP should grow by 3.5 percent and that of russia


intergration

by 2 percent. Belarus, ukraine and Kazakhstan will receive major benefits from integration per capita of popula-tion, while russia will receive benefits in absolute value. Of course, success is not automatic — it must be earned. Projects declared only on paper won’t bring economic benefits; it’s an issue of political will, tolerance and courage.”

What WiLL WE rEcEivE From mEmBErShiP?

it’s generally conceded that Belarus will benefit most from joining the ses, as the economy Ministry agrees. However, Belarus’ economy Minister, Nikolai snopkov, admits that there are also a few disadvantages. Foremost, the Government will lack the power to regulate the internal market as it has been able to in the past. Nevertheless, deliv-ering a report in Moscow, at a conference dedicated to the trilateral association, he asserted that our membership is likely to raise GDP by about 15 percent — more than for our partners.

last year, the imminent unification of import duties on passenger cars resulted in a sharp rise in imports (estimated at 6 percent of GDP) — a major cause of the Belarusian rouble’s crash. Meanwhile, incomes drasti-cally differ across our ses member states (especially following Belarusian devalua-tion) — which will make some imported goods appear expensive.

a joint session of the Belarusian economy Ministry and the russian Ministry of economic Development, held on april 6th, 2012, adopted a decision regarding the need to minimise the number of economic ‘surprises’. Programmes of development for the major sectors must be discussed, so that they complement each other.

thrEE ‘WhaLES’ oF BELaruSiaN ExPortS

it can only be a matter of time before tangible economic growth is seen from the ses. already, exports have risen rapidly, solving the ‘chronic’ problem of the Belarusian economy within a few months. This March, Belarus achieved

unprecedented success in foreign trade. according to National Bank data, the recent positive trade balance was the highest of the last decade, with exports exceeding imports by almost 30 percent. However, this success was primarily due to sales of oil products — including solvents, diluting agents and lubricants (all connected with oil processing).

The contribution of other commodi-ties to export revenue is less significant. evidently, the positive effect of devalua-tion has been exhausted (as forecast by Belarusian officials). Now, our foreign trade revenue relies on the ‘oil discount’ we receive from russia.

Following its success in achieving equal prices for natural gas for Belarus and russia, Minsk has ensured duty free oil supplies from russia for the next four years. since oil products account for the lion’s share of Belarusian exports, the agreement can be viewed as Minsk’s great achievement. However, Belarus is also dependent on a single supplier for its oil.

timE to tESt SuccESSESirina Tochitskaya, Director of the

iPM research Centre, notes that the positive trade balance of the first three months of this year was largely due to export growth and reduced imports.

“in the first quarter of this year, our consumer imports fell, as did invest-ment imports,” she admits. in the first three months of 2012, investments from abroad fell by almost $100m (compared to last year). Meanwhile, imports of consumer goods reduced in value by almost $650m.

last summer’s rise in customs duties later led to a sharp fall in imports of passenger cars. Meanwhile, individual incomes fell drastically in us Dollar equivalent (compared to the previous year). This resulted in people buying fewer imported goods. However, Ms. Tochitskaya emphasises, “We plan to raise salaries to $500, allowing the country’s population to buy imported goods once more, raising volumes of consumer imports.”

iNvEStmENtS WoN’t arrivE automaticaLLY

unfortunately, we are yet to see the ses bring increased investments from abroad, showing that foreign investors are not yet convinced of the wisdom of setting up their enterprises in Belarus — despite access to a market of 170m people.

Belarus has achieved serious progress (up 22 places within a year to 69th worldwide) in the latest World Bank Doing Business ratings. However, compared to our ses partners — russia and Kazakhstan — Belarus has a more complex taxation system, lacking free pricing in favour of state inference. according to experts, these factors are deterring potential investors. Meanwhile, Belarus is keen to develop local manufacture of passenger cars despite russia having already cornered the local market. The russian ambassador to Belarus, H.e. Mr. alexander surikov, has spoken against the manufacture of Chinese cars in Belarus.

Of course, we shouldn’t expect a signif-icant inflow of capital to Belarus purely as a result of the ses. rather, improved

�0 беларусь.belarus 2012

intergration

economic conditions and reformed economic structures are needed. Belarus’ economy Minister, Nikolai snopkov, tells us, “Our ses colleagues are outstripping us in institutional transformation, so we need to accelerate our work with inter-national investors. Why are we the first to form ideas while not being the first to implement them?”

might iS right?Nikita Belyaev, in his review at naviny.

by, notes that Minsk cannot control every aspect of the competitive struggle within the ses, since it occasionally suits some members to ignore the principle of free trade and true competition.

The flash of the first trade war within the ses occurred this January, when Belarusian Belkommunmash was prevented from selling trams to st. Petersburg. another instance of breaking ses principles occurred in the second quarter of 2012, when supplies of Belarusian dried milk to russia were stopped by the National Dairy Producers union of russia. Most recently, on March

26th, flights between Minsk and Moscow were cancelled following a dispute between our two countries’ aviation authorities.

according to the naviny.by expert, we should expect periodic conflicts, as ses members seek to protect their interests against a background of rising competition. Manufacturers in russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus will seek assist-ance from national regulating bodies, with their success governed by the degree of influence of the state within the ses.

Wto: thorNS aND roSESOne of the most often asked questions

of recent times (in view of russia’s joining the WTO) is how the Belarusian economy will be affected when barriers between our two states are utterly removed. The economy Ministry sees advantages to russia’s WTO member-ship, including the increased likelihood of Belarus gaining admittance. The Head of the Main Foreign economic Policy Department, roman Brodov, also notes that the legal and regulatory framework of the ses is based on that of the WTO, bringing our economy closer to interna-tional norms.

On the other hand, competition on our russian and Belarusian markets will inevitably intensify. WTO membership will result in russia reducing customs duties, including for many types of goods which Belarus currently sells on the russian market duty-free.

according to preliminary estimates from the russian economic Development Ministry, reduced customs duties on imported new trucks and buses (by 2015) will lead to a fall in truck manu-facturing of 18 percent, and that of buses of 32 percent. it therefore seems unlikely that MaZ and other automobile manu-facturers will raise their sales on the russian market.

Membership of the WTO also prevents direct state support for farming. in putting aside agricultural subsidies, russia will demand the same measures from its ses partners. Belarusian agricul-ture currently enjoys significant subsidies

and needs urgent reform; without this, it won’t survive competition.

Clearly, ses membership brings thorns as well as roses.

BELaruS — WEStErN gatE oF thE SES

it seems that the positive effects of the single economic space outweigh any disadvantages, since competition is itself a driving force for economic modernisa-tion. accordingly, we shouldn’t be afraid of change. as the russian proverb says: ‘if you’re afraid of wolves, don’t go into the woods’.

The ses will enable us to reveal the true advantages of Belarus, such as its geographical position as a bridge between the West and the east. it is a crossroads between europe and asia, at the heart of europe. These may be beautiful words but the most vital aspect is that we use this favourable location for our economic advantage. The ses gives us this opportunity.

according to the National Bank, domestic international haulers generated $940m from exported services last year (up 40 percent on the same period of the previous year). The Ministry of Transport and Communications plans to imminently raise this to $1bn and similar plans exist for the expansion of cargo transportation by rail and other types of transport. Over 100m tonnes of cargo annually travel between the eu and russia through Belarus and the figure is set to grow, so it would be unwise to fail to take advantage of this.

“as Transport and Communications Minister, i see great prospects in the co-ordinated development of the transport and logistics potential of the single economic space over all, and for Belarus in particular — the western gate of the ses,” notes ivan shcherbo.

The potential for developing the Belarusian economy within the single economic space is huge. Naturally, the ultimate goal is to raise people’s standard of living. This will be the only objective way of judging the success of integration.

By Igor Slavinsky

�� 2012 беларусь.belarus

Each year, the latest topics are chosen for discus-sion, with professional experts taking part: political analysts, scien-tists, sociologists and politicians — alongside journalists. This year’s

plenary session tackled prospects of devel-opment for eurasian integration.

according to Pavel Yakubovich, editor-in-Chief of sB newspaper, addressing several hundred representatives from 17 countries, who met at the conference hall of the National library, the forum posed the questions of ‘Which challenges await us regarding eurasian integration?’ and ‘How can Belarus, russia and Kazakhstan tackle these challenges?’.

The state secretary of the union state, Grigory rapota, contributed to the discussion, as did the First Deputy executive secretary of the Parliamentary assembly of the union state of Belarus and russia, Nikolay sosonko and the Chair of the Council of the republic’s Committee on international affairs and National security, Nina Mazai. scientists and political analysts Vitaly Tretyakov, sergey Baburin and Mikhail reutov were among those present. interestingly, opinions differed widely, with questions from the floor creating heated debate. However, the conclusion

was that the post-soviet space can resist globalisation only by uniting efforts and simultaneously taking into account national interests. “The integration of Minsk, Moscow and astana is a serious and timely measure, as seen especially vividly against the background of the crisis, which has spread all over the eu,” underlined Mr. Yakubovich, drawing preliminary conclusions. “The benefits of integration for Belarus, russia and Kazakhstan are evident.”

Vladimir Makei, the Head of the Presidential administration, gave a much-awaited speech which explored the trends of our new century and possible scenarios of development. unfortunately, the world is unable to always cope with challenges and threats, especially when old recipes fail and new ones are yet to be invented. He voiced a fresh thought: although the world is becoming ever more interdependent, free movement of goods, capital and labour can lead to unseen economic stratification.

“Globalisation shouldn’t be accom-panied by loss of national independence, or identity or the impoverishment of any population,” he stressed, outlining the major thrust of Belarusian integra-tion policy. “Belarus remains a socially-oriented state, aiming to enhance standards of living for its residents. eurasian integration shouldn’t be isolated.

inforMation spaCe

insights into future

minsK hosts 7th belArusiAn internAtionAl mediA forum under ‘PArtnershiP for the sAKe of the future: models of the neW erA’ motto

Vladimir makei, the head of the Presidential

administration:

“Globalisation shouldn’t be

accompanied by loss of national

independence, or identity or the

impoverishment of any population...Belarus remains a socially-oriented

state, aiming to enhance

standards of living for its

residents.”

�� беларусь.belarus 2012

inforMation spaCe

The Belarusian President believes in an ‘integration of integrations’ to unite the european and eurasian unions: from lisbon to Vladivostok.”

This inspired discussion of a range of narrower professional issues regarding the media sphere, with heads of printed editions and TV companies, as well as heads of journalistic unions, sharing their opinions. They debated the summer journalism school, the cradle of Belarusian statehood and spirituality (Polotsk) and the significance of our classical Belarusian literary geniuses, Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas.

The 7th Belarusian international Media Forum was launched with an expert session at the Town Hall, dedicated to the present and future of Minsk and its plans for the 2014 iiHF World Championship. Friendly greetings in various languages were heard on the square before the meeting officially began, as colleagues from all media spheres took photos

alongside characters dressed in knightly armour and velvet and ermine outfits.

The Chairman of the Minsk City executive Committee, Nikolai ladutko, then announced plans for the develop-ment of the capital — whose population now stands at 2m. afterwards, Belarus’ sports and Tourism Minister, Oleg Kachan, joined the heads of the National Olympic Committee and the Belarusian ice Hockey Federation in explaining preparations for the grand hockey tournament.

Belarus’ information Minister, Oleg Proleskovsky, expressed his pleasure, noting, “This event has already become a tradition and we are developing from forum to forum. This time, media repre-sentatives have joined political analysts and the heads of large research centres in sharing their views. Minsk is turning into a discussion ground for tackling acute social problems. The internet and social networks are now part of our modern world’s media forum, bringing

new challenges and opportunities to contemporary journalism. in my view, media space is gradually turning from a means of mass information into a means of mass communication.”

Others at the forum shared their opinions over its four days. around a hundred guests alone arrived from a total of 16 Cis and non-Cis states — including russia, China, india, Venezuela and ukraine. The heads of news agencies from the Cis had their own sessions, as did deans of institutes and journalism departments. several hundred Belarusian media workers also took part.

at the request of our foreign colleagues, who were eager to see more of the country, trips were organised to Polotsk, which is celebrating its 1150th anniversary this year, and to Kupala’s homeland in Vyazynka. The last day of the forum was dedicated to the Year of Book, organised in Belarus.

By Vasily kharitonov

At the session

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remarkable locAtionthE post-soviEt spacE rEmains mostly ‘tErra incognita’ for intErnational BusinEssEs. of coursE, it takEs yEars to Build a rEputation and BusinEss tiEs, so rEliaBlE information nEEds to BE madE availaBlE, promoting invEstmEnt opportunitiEs in our country.unfortunatEly, an invEstor can fEEl likE a warrior standing at thE crossroads — as in thE famous russian fairy-talE. thEy pondEr: ‘if you go lEft, you’ll losE your horsE; if you go right, you’ll BEcomE lost’. howEvEr, nothing could BE furthEr from thE truth in BElarus

A recent report in the well-known British Financial Times on business conditions in Belarus outlines f o u r prom i s i n g areas for invest-ments. The edition’s

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Dr. Reda, a professor from Austria, believes

Minsk to be an ideal business location

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recommendations — as made by FT editor Courtney Fingar and reporter-analyst Michal Kaczmarski — are highly respected in the business world.

interestingly, at the same time as the article was being written, Dr. reda arrived here from Vienna, to lecture in iT at the academy of Public administration. Within a few months, he realised that Belarus has many promising business opportunities, so he combined his lectures with practical work. He plans to establish a smart City in Belarus, in which private individuals and state bodies can use contemporary Cloud Computing Technology.

Our country is usually called a ‘land under white wings’ — stressing purity and harmony between man and nature. Cloud Computing indicates ‘calcula-tions in the clouds’ and brings to mind a beautiful image of contemporary Belarus, with ‘business under white clouds’. Belarus is certainly developing its iT field.


Four PromiSiNg DirEctioNSlondon recently hosted a presenta-

tion of fDi Magazine’s special supplement: Belarus Beckons. europe’s Final FDi Frontier Opens up. From the Belarusian side, the event was organised by the National investment and Privatisation agency and the Belarusian embassy to the uK, while the editorial office of the leading newspaper in the business world, The Financial Times, organised everything on the British side.

fDi Magazine is aimed at investors and is part of the Financial Times group. The 16 page supplement to the latest issue of fDi Magazine is completely dedicated to Belarus’ investment opportunities. after internships in Minsk, employees of fDi Magazine presented their independent and objective vision of the business envi-ronment in our country.

PrivatiSatioN. The fDi analysts note that privatisation will be of most inte-rest to foreign investors, as competition in Belarus is currently at a minimum. Moreover, the fDi report notes that, in March 2011, the Council of Ministers published a list of enterprises which could be offered as open joint stock companies. in fact, 134 more compa-nies as planned to be launched in this fashion by the end of 2013, offering many opportunities to investors. Natu-rally, those who gain the first foot in the door will be at an advantage.

it should not be forgotten that Belarus has membership of the single economic space (with russia and Kazakhstan) — boasting access to a market of 150m people.

Meanwhile, the fDi edition notes that Belarus still has far to go in offering adequate information on enterprises offered for privatisation — including audits by independent foreign experts.

BiotEchNoLogiES. The fDi report lists biotechnologies as the second most promising area for investment in Bela-rus, with the state enterprises Belbiop-harm and Borimed as the major attrac-tions, being most profitable. Borimed

receives 58 percent of its revenue from exporting abroad and became a joint stock company in 2009. Back in 2006, the state owned around 90 percent of pharmacies; by 2011, half of all phar-

macies were being independently run, showing that private business can work successfully.

another successful example of foreign investments into Belarus is the Bulgarian sopharma pharmaceutical company, which has purchased two Belarusian pharmacy chains and now owns 33 pharmacies.

Business Monitor international (BMi) — a leading research organisa-tion in this sector — added Belarus to its portfolio of accounting in 2009, showing recognition of the Belarusian pharmaceutical industry’s achieve-ments. initially, Belarus was ranked 59 out of 71 countries analysed. The Belarus Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare report Q4 2011, by BMi, notes that the Belarusian pharmaceutical industry increased its turnover from $720m in 2010 to $752 in 2011 — showing 4.4 percent annual growth.

However, despite the successes of state-run enterprises, the private pharmaceutical sector is, as yet, weakly developed, making it ripe for

foreign investors. in particular, the fDi report remarks on privately owned academpharm. successfully launched in 2009 (at the National academy of sciences) it now manufactures 1.5m pills per month and could raise this to 100m at full production capacity.

From 2013, medicines manufac-tured in Belarus won’t require certifi-cation for sale within the ses. Despite market competition from russia and Kazakhstan, foreign investors could play a part in raising production volumes and profits.

iNFormatioN aND commuNica-tioN tEchNoLogiES. Michal Kacz-marski notes that the Belarusian High-Tech Park is a growing iT-cluster at regional and international level. it offers its registered resident companies (cur-rently over 100) a range of economic stimuli — including significant tax pref-erences. This favourable environment for HTP residents working in the software sphere will continue until 2020.

The fDi report views the HTP as one of Belarus’ most successful examples of a highly qualified labour force of engineers, technicians and programmers. it has attracted the attention of such interna-tional companies as Microsoft and NeC, while ePaM systems is an example of a strong ‘local’ iT company. its shares have been quoted on the Nasdaq stock exchange since early 2012 and it could attract around $1bn in 2012 via the New York stock exchange (through iPO companies).

Moreover, according to fDi Markets — monitoring investments into new projects — since 2003, 37 foreign invest-ment projects have been implemented in Belarus in the sphere of iT and software development (information and commu-nication technologies). The fDi report notes that, since 2010, the number of similar projects registered in the republic has grown in volume (by 50 percent and 115 percent respectively).

Meanwhile, in 2011, the international Telecommunication union and the uN ranked Belarus 52nd out of 152 states

business spaCe


for its information and communication technology development index. These indisputable achievements make our country very attractive for investments directly into this sphere. The authors of the fDi report note that such a choice has already been taken by Microsoft and NeC, saP and Nokia, in addition to HTC and Telekom austria. Belarus is now expecting the arrival of other major investors and the Belarusian Government has set the ambitious task of entering the top 30 most attractive countries for doing business — not only in the sphere of information and communication technologies

NaNo-tEchNoLogiES. in line with the Nano-materials and Nano-tech-nologies (Nano-tech) state programme, Belarus is researching new applications for nano-technologies and materials, including new systems of low dimen-sional structuring.

The fDi report notes that Belarusian scientists are studying the mechanical and thermal features of micro- and nano-metric structures and are devel-oping computation models for molecular dynamics. in addition, new methods are being found for thermal probe micro-scopy and new types of small-sized modules are being developed to store hydrogen atoms in nano-metal film. instruments and systems are also being created for the formation of molecularly thin films.

in fact, Belarus’ experience in the sphere of nano-technologies is recog-nised by the global scientific community — especially the work of the National academy of sciences of Belarus. However, results have failed to attract the attention of private businesses either domestically or abroad, so it’s hoped that foreign investors will be able to bridge this gap. already, the Nas is working to commercialise its scientific research.

Our Belarusian scientists have, to date, signed contracts with international partners from 44 countries, generating $26m for the economy in 2010 (against $17.1m in 2009). However, the private

sector is still reluctant to take the plunge. Belarus aims to encourage ties to bring about mass industrial production of composite nano-materials — with the assistance or direct participation of foreign investors.

at the end of the report, fDi makes an optimistic forecast regarding prospects for the arrival of investors into Belarus. To inform the report, Michal Kaczmarski interviewed Belarus’ economy Minister, Nikolai snopkov. He tells us that, according to the uN Conference on Trade and Development ( u N C T a D ) , direct foreign i n v e s t m e n t s into Belarus rose 4.5-fold in 2010 (compared to 2005) and, as of

December 1st, 2011, 6,430 enterprises were registered in Belarus as having foreign investments — double that of December 1st, 2004.

kNoWLEDgE iS moNEYNow, let me tell you a history of a

definite person which, probably, will once become an episode from the credit history of our country.

Dr. reda, who teaches at the Vienna university of Technology, has been lecturing in iT at the academy of Public administration (under the aegis of the President of Belarus) for the past month. He admits that, within these weeks, he

has come to realise that Minsk is an ideal place for iT related business. He plans to share his experience while also taking advantage of the situation.

“eight years ago, i was heading the marketing department of an interna-tional iT company, which had branches in 102 countries. i handed in my resig-nation to open my own company, which some said was crazy, as i was leaving

such a well-paid job. However, i knew what i was doing then and i know what i’m doing now. The head office of my company is in austria but i plan to open

a branch in Belarus, developing iT business in the republic. The sphere o f m y

interests encom-passes innova-tions which target

b u s i n e s s :

anything which generates money. it’s management in the widest sense,” he explains.

My company promoted the most developed smart City in the world: Masdar City in Dubai. it supports inter-action between the economy, the envi-ronment, society and technologies and is one of the largest projects at global level. My dream is to promote the creation of a similar smart City in Belarus, with the Government and state authorities using contemporary Cloud Computing Technology.

“When do you hope to see results?” i ask, meaning only a short term business

“The head office of my company is in Austria but I plan to open a branch in Belarus, developing IT business in the Republic. The sphere of my interests encompasses innovations which target business: anything which generates money. It’s management in the widest sense.”

business spaCe


strategy. However, his answer shocks me in its preciseness.

Within two years at the most.Will it generate a lot of money?Without limit.in fact, i don’t think Dr. reda is

motivated by great wealth. He is a ‘path-finder’, seeking out opportunities for investment. On what is his confidence in Belarus based? He tells us, “since February 8th, i’ve been working as an invited professor here. in this time, i’ve met many people and discussed many prospects. However, my conversations with my students have been most inter-esting. it’s incredible how Belarusian students talk about business, as they are so original in their thinking. europe lacks such creativity, so this in itself indicates great potential. Moreover, the state has evident advantages in the form of its geopolitical location, its proximity to russia and the future establishment of the eurasian economic union… i’m simply confident that, if international companies want to conquer the russian market and those of russia’s neighbours, they should initially set up in Belarus, liaising with Belarusian companies.”

as he begins to tell me about Cloud Computing, it’s hard not to feel inspired. These ‘calculations in the clouds’ sound beautifully poetic, although they are strictly technological. The promise of tomorrow has captured his imagination.

LEaDEr oN corPoratE SoLutioN markEtS aLrEaDY iN miNSk

That a conference was held in Minsk dedicated to the enhancement of invest-ment attractiveness of Belarusian enter-prises is evidence in itself of the fact that foreign high-tech companies are ready to inject funds into enhancing the quality of corporate management in Belarusian enterprises.

The organisers of the event — saP Company and infopark scientific and Technological association — attracted experts from leading consulting companies (working in Belarus and the Cis) as speakers, alongside heads of enterprises which have successfully

implemented integrated information systems. One conference participant, the Director General of the saP Office in Belarus, ilya Yuriev, is keen to see innovations applied. He notes, “Our message to heads of enterprises is to take three simple steps: launch the use of iT; attract investments; and enhance capi-talisation. We’ve invited acknowledged business ‘gurus’, such as experts from the Boston Consulting Group, to explain these steps.”

Founded in 1972, saP (systems, applications, and Products in Data Processing) boasts rich experience in developing innovations and imple-menting growth strategies; it is an absolute leader in its sphere. Today, saP branches operate in 50 countries worldwide, developing and selling software. Clearly, its arrival in Belarus is significant.

according to Mr. Yuriev, Belarusian directors already understand the impor-tance of iT for enterprises and are ready to realise comprehensive automation projects.

Meanwhile, the Belarusian market is strategically important for saP. its first project was with a Belarusian industry giant — the Belarusian steel Works. implemented in the 1990s, it was one of the first within the Cis. Belarusian resources are used in saP projects around the globe and, from the point of view of saP software sales revenue, Belarus was among the top three Cis states in 2010.

saP’s key clients in Belarus include Belaruskali, Belarusian railways, Belorusneft, Mozyr refinery, the Belarusian steel Works, Velcom, atlant-M, BelaZ and the Customs Committee. There are 29 in total, which form the basis of the country’s economy.

“This is illustrative of the aspira-tion of Belarusian companies to use world practices, while modernising their management and decision making systems. They aim to make themselves more competitive and efficient,” Mr. Yuriev asserts.

By Nina romanova

business spaCe

Automobile giants to receive registrationBelarusian heavy-duty dump trucks to be manufactured in Russia

Joint KuzbassBelauto enterprise has been the largest dealer of BelaZ

vehicles in russia for over three years. Over the last year alone, it has been responsible for selling over half the goods produced by the Belarusian manufacturer. it now has new plans: to launch production of a 90 tonne capacity heavy-duty dump truck, in Kuzbass.

“such co-operation is beneficial to both states. We can keep current machine building facilities at full capacity, while BelaZ can expand capacity to manufacture the latest heavy-duty dump trucks,” emphasises Mikhail Fedyaev, the President of the siberian Business union Holding Company.

annually, up to two hundred 90 tonne BelaZ trucks are to be manu-factured at Kuzbass, with even more powerful 130 tonne models planned for the future, meeting all russian needs for such vehicles. The Belarusian factory in Zhodino is designing new heavy-duty dump trucks which are unrivalled worldwide. at present, 220 tonne BelaZ vehicles are most popular and demand continues to rise.


eduCation

diPlomA routehigher educAtionAl estAblishments mAy undergo considerAble chAnge

Many say that so many young people now u n d e r t a k e h i g h e r education that it has lost its previous signifi-

cance. Over the past five decades, the number of students has risen 6-fold, with 90,000 people entering universi-ties annually. in Minsk alone, 70 percent of eleventh graders continue on to take a higher degree. Of course, quality of learning is essential; universities are being urged to raise their standards ever higher. Naturally, this is no simple task. From september 1st, most universi-ties and institutes will be following new rules, with the current ‘five year diploma’ perhaps becoming a thing of the past.

BEtWEEN thEorY aND PracticEChanging the approach towards

higher education cannot be achieved overnight, since alterations will undoubt-edly affect both first degrees and Master’s degrees. Belarus’ education Minister, sergey Maskevich, explains that sylla-buses are being revised, with practical elements being given more attention. in May, university representatives are to approve new syllabuses for september, so what should we expect?

special attention is to be given to humanitarian degrees, currently comprising philosophy, political science, history and economics. each module is to include a set of obligatory and optional subjects for study and aims to avoid the senseless repetition of past learning.

Vyacheslav Molofeev, the executive secretary of the Bsu entrance Board, explains how the innovation will work in practice. “Changes will take place across

At Minsk State Linguistic University

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all departments and will primarily tackle philosophy, psychology, economics, history and pedagogics — all part of socio-humanitarian modules — as obligatory and optional disciplines. Moreover, there is a proposal to shift the specialisation to a Master’s degree programme (as we have web-program-ming and internet technologies in the mathematics course). The major differ-ence will be seen in the Master’s degree programme, while other disciplines will receive expanded options.”

There are exceptions to every rule but, according to universities, there is no question of cutting any element of the socio-humanitarian are profile. History modules will keep their previous status in history departments while the number of hours spent on economics, sociology and pedagogics will be reduced. economic disciplines will naturally remain foremost in economic departments. Meanwhile, P.e. is to be removed from socio-humanitarian module (although will remain compul-sory for four hours a week through until graduation courses).

interestingly, the syllabus envisages over 1,500 hours for socio-humanitarian courses, with a third of these allocated for independent study. From september 1st, dramatic change will be seen, with students being given more time for self-study, as lectures and seminars are reduced to 30 hours per week maximum. The syllabus itself will be reduced by 300 hours.

The issue of foreign languages remains one of contention, with some worried that hours will be reduced. However, universities assure us that this won’t be the case, although language students will be given more time for independent study, as Natalia Baranova, rector of the Minsk state linguistic university, confirms. she notes, “Foreign languages, as well as Belarusian and russian, are obligatory disciplines at our university. However, cultural studies are also to be taught at the intercultural Communication Department.”

morE iNtENSE LEarNiNgHeads of universities believe that

‘compressing’ the programme will allow one or two terms to be saved. From september 2013, it may be possible to gain a univer-sity diploma within 4-4.5 years. However, a Master’s degree may be increased to two years. Few universities are in a hurry to adopt a final decision, as Mr. Molofeev notes; they wish to take time considering every aspect, approving courses with potential employers. The question inevitably

arises as to the fate of double degree gradu-ation courses.

some departments may even not cut the curriculum, since it’s clear that training for certain specialties (such as becoming a doctor or translator) cannot be easily accelerated. Ms. Baranova shares this opinion, saying, “as far as education is concerned, the next year won’t see any change. it’s vital for us to retain our quality of training. accordingly, we plan to keep the five year term for ‘Modern Foreign languages’ (practice and theory of translation). students study two languages, where one is often rare and quite challenging.”

according to universities, it’s vital to ensure that the shift to new educational programmes is gradual, with all aspects weighed carefully. New curriculums should enable the quality of education to be maintained — or enhanced.

By Olga Pimenova

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MeMory

June is full of memoriesMy good friend, Yulia Georgievna Kutas-Kholopova, is already 90 years old. During the war, she was a scout for the Special Forces Detachment. I look for her at every parade in honour of Victory Day; if she’s there, I know she’s still well. Victory Day gives her strength. This year was just the same. I saw her and rejoiced: alive, thank God! We sat on a bench in the park, chatting and remembering

“You know, my child,” she explained to me. “i look into the eyes of my peers, who are grey and old,

and i see the young ones of my family and friends who have already gone. it’s like a silent film, where everything goes without saying. You can’t get tired of it, because these

pictures are in your heart. They return to life when this holiday comes. it is painful and joyful, but everything is real ...”

every year, long before the annual celebration, Gomel begins looking like a ‘triumphal city’. everything is polished and preened while the air seems saturated with anticipation. We feel the echoes of the spring of 1945, when the thirst for victory demol-ished all barriers and brought an unexpected gift from heaven.

…The early morning of 9th May is unusual, if you look and listen carefully. Wartime songs play from the speakers in the quiet streets of the awakening city. There is sincerity, hope and faith in those songs — everything that was important then. The transformation is seamless. You leave the house as your ‘usual 21st century self ’ but arrive at the central square as a visitor to the past.

it can’t be otherwise, since old people appear in the streets so early. They are

calm and leisurely, like those war time melodies. Their military

awards on their jackets ring in unison with their unsteady gait.

Together, they return to the past, where most of what they

loved, saw, knew and expe-rienced remains. May 9th is like their second birth, because it was unbear-ably difficult to survive in that war.

This year, few of the veterans of whom i’ve

written were present;

Students from Emergency Ministry’s Gomel lyceum

meeting veterans


MeMory

each year, their number reduces. Time marches on, as is natural, yet this cannot help but shake us and intensifies our feeling of gratitude.i know some young people who regularly write letters to the elderly, on notebook paper. They talk about their lives — filled with school and friends… and they ask questions. This ‘pen pal’ fever is popular now, with young people realising that the elderly have much to share. also, they believe that receiving letters helps the veterans feel useful — not thrown away from the ship of life.

The urban biker club ‘Night Wolves’ makes a habit of riding out to remote villages in spring, visiting veterans in their little wooden homes, which are almost fused with the ground. The bikers want the veterans to experience the joy of communication. They bustle about, doing housework, and sit on the benches to chat about life. The veterans certainly seem happier during their visits.

i have dozens of such stories in my notebook. all are about the necessity of repaying debts while we have time.

Over a l l these years of cele-brating Victory Day, some traditions have appeared: rallies of memory near monuments, mass graves and memorials to fallen soldiers and civilians; flower-laying ceremonies, a minute of silence; and arm volleys. Millions of lives were lost, including three million Belarusians; we lost every third resident. The Nazis burned thousands of villages and towns...

There is a special shrine near Gomel — the Mound of Glory. every year, young people bring capsules of soil from various battle fields, keeping the memory of the bloodiest events of the war. One is from near Kiev. To free the ukrainian capital, the river Dnieper had to be crossed; of 20,000 people, only 5000 succeed. On 27th October 1943, subdivisions of the 240th infantry division began to cross but only the platoon of sergeant Nefedov was successful with his small detachment, consolidating on the right bank. This is just one of two hundred stories told via capsules at Gomel’s Mound of Glory.

i can hardly imagine Victory Day without its bright parade of opening; it’s the same every year, gathering thousands of citizens on the square in Gomel. The old and middle-aged, teenagers and children throng the main streets, with flowers, flags and balloons, entertained by improvised concerts and exhibitions of art.

Historical amateur dramatic scenes conjure up the past: a stylised

sanitary train stopped in Gomel — learning of victory over Germany, which began the war. Meanwhile, a true ‘Partisan republic’ was arranged at one site, allowing visitors to walk the paths once trodden by partisans, who crossed impassable marshes to put out of action enemy tanks or help wounded comrades.

it’s also impossible to imagine this day without fireworks, street festivities or the veterans’ lunch with porridge. The Victory Day song, red carnations and st. George’s ribbons are symbols of 9th May. every family lost someone in the war, which began on 22nd June 1941...

By Violetta Danilyuk

Capsules of soil from various Great Patriotic War battle fields were brought to Gomel

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tests for true soldierstoday’s belarusian army needs recruits able to make good tactical decisions. they put their skills to the test, hoping to earn the right to be awarded the ‘Valour and mastery’ badge worn by the elite of the Armed forces of belarus

Recruits face challenging tests of their physical and mental abilities: p a r at r o o p e r s a n d members of special units and infantry, a l o n g s i d e c a d e t s

from the Military academy of Belarus. Tests are being run for the 9th time at the Guards separate Mobile Brigade shooting range near Vitebsk. When we arrive, it’s an immediate immersion into

the military environment. The soldiers have already navigated obstacles and we can hear the crack of submachine gunfire. Tongues of flame flare around us, like flashes of hellfire.

The recruits are obliged to tackle the most difficult obstacles, travelling along ropes 10m high. Others flatten themselves against the ground to creep under barbed wire while some jump over a stone wall and head towards the lake, where they must place their

gun and radio into a special bag before wading across.

Not everyone makes the grade: of 62 who began on day one, only six reached the finish line. it’s no surprise; before trying the obstacle course, they endured a 30km march. “after parachuting in, they have to cross wild terrain in full combat gear, orienting through the forest at night,” notes Major alexey Borisov, the Head of the ideological Work Department of the 103rd Mobile

arMy

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Brigade. “Moreover, you have to pack up your parachute and adjust your radio antenna to make contact. Marksmanship is tested in all types of weaponry used by the special forces: pistols, submachine guns, sniper rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers.”

The training is of the highest physical and psychological calibre. Moreover, servicemen can only apply after serving at least six months and their candi-dature must also be approved by the Valour and Mastery Movement Council of their military unit, as well as by their commander.

as a rule, the organisers of the tests have no criticism regarding soldiers’ physical fitness. in fact, most failures happen during the theoretical knowledge tests. Colonel Vadim Denisenko, the Deputy Commander of the special Operations Forces of the armed Forces of Belarus, tells us, “i’d like to underline that brains are more important than brawn. We ne e d s o ld iers who possess the necessary amount of knowledge and who can navigate difficult situations to fulfil a military t a s k . T h i s shou l d b e their aim!”

There are seven stages of testing over three days, including making your way through clouds of dense smoke with Kalashnikov machine guns to rendezvous with an intelligence group by night in the forest, before mining enemy ground. it’s no secret that the tasks are hard and that not everyone reaches the finish line. Only the strongest and most determined are awarded the ‘Valour and Mastery’ badge. some pass on their first try but it can take four attempts. Yevgeny sergun, a paratrooper with the 103rd Mobile Brigade recalls his own experience. each

stage was more difficult than the last, yet he eventually managed to receive the cherished badge and was then promoted to guard captain. He is now the Chief of the Mobile Battalion staff and, this year, is preparing his comrade, lieutenant sergey Pigas, for the same endurance tests. He is accompanying him through each stage, giving support and encour-agement. sergey is now through to the final stage, thanks to his mentor. exhausted after three days of continuous marathons and insomnia, he must stand against three rivals for two minutes, over three rounds. each holds a ‘Valour and

Mastery’ badge and it’s forbidden to leave the 5mх5m carpet.

if anyone is knocked to the ground they must

begin everything again next year. However, l i e u t e n a nt P i g a s stood his ground, earning an embrace of respect from his rival, congratulating him on entering this elite club of ‘Valour and Master y ’ badge holders.

“i’m delighted to have received

the badge at my first attempt,”

admits sergey, after recovering his breath. “i’ve been

striving for this since my third year at the Military academy and am grateful to all my friends for helping and encouraging me.”

This year, alongside sergey, four others have become ‘Valour and Mastery’ holders. They are professionals admired by youngsters and on whom commanders primarily pin their hopes.

Contenders who’ve successfully passed tests are awarded their ‘Valour and Mastery’ badges at a solemn closing ceremony, before departing for their military units with a new feeling of pride and fulfilled duty.

By Sergey gomonov

news

Capital boasting its own guideMinsk presented as contemporary European city, offering delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodation and rich historical and cultural legacy in recently published guide

The edition invites tourists to promenade Troitsky suburbs and

svobody square, to visit the Holy spirit Cathedral and st. simeon and st. Helen’s Catholic Church, as well as seeing Minsk arena and the National library. The ‘Wonderful Minsk’ route takes you from the railway square to the lower Town.

Those who enjoy sports can play tennis, go swimming or try carting. You can even take a helicopter ride or make a parachute jump. Moreover, the guide recommends buying souvenir craft items: those made from straw and linen, and embroidered napkins and cloths.

One chapter is dedicated to sites surrounding Minsk: travellers are invited to see rakov, Zaslavl, ratomka and Khatyn. The Museum of Folk life in Ozertso and that in Dudutki are also highly recommended, alongside the raubichi and silichi ski centres, and Yakutskie Mountains active leisure Park.


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Genuine interest

Featuring autogiants…Film about BelAZ wins prize at all-Russian contest for best corporate video

The B elaZ Works Here f i lm, dedicated to the Belarusian auto-

mobile giant, has won the contest’s major nomination —‘image Corporate Film’. it has taken the Grand Prix, which is the People’s Choice award. in total, 130 corporate films entered the contest, including works by world famous brands. However, only four reached the short list, being screened in Moscow during the Corporate Video in russia 2012: Major Market Trends Forum.

“To make a good film, we needed to establish good relations with our customer company: BelaZ,” notes Yevgeny Barkovsky, the producer of the lBlProduction Company, which shot the BelaZ film. “it’s a unique enterprise employing unique people. i now understand Belarus better as a slavonic nation.”

Solar parks for Bragin and Yelsk Three solar power stations to be built in Gomel Region’s southern districts

An irish company is investing in the construction of the alternative energy sites. in line with the business plan, the ‘solar park’ will be built in Bragin

and Yelsk districts, from 2013-2016, covering over 110 hectares. On reaching industrial capacity, 28MW will be generated with all electricity supplied to the regional energy system.

Belarusian developments have been recently presented at the international Vietnam expo-

2012, in Hanoi. Vietnamese partners showed great interest in Belarusian pilotless aircraft — developed by the Physico-Technical institute. They were also attracted by related tech-nologies: hydro-stabilised platforms for installing optic video systems on aircraft; nano-materials for optic systems and devices; basic technolo-gies, equipment and original technical solutions for multi-channel pilotless

aircraft navigation (weighing less than 10 and 100kg).

During the fair, a $500,000 contract was signed by the Belarusian National academy of sciences’ scientific-Production association of Powder Metallurgy and Vietnam’s Military-engineering institute. The Belarusian side is to develop technology to demolish buildings by explosive force safely — including remote detonation. They will also tackle ways of safely dismantling rubble, training the Vietnamese in all the new methods.

experts note that corporate videos are a new business competence, bringing fresh business solutions and the oppor-tunity to make bright and emotional connections with partners, clients and colleagues. The Belarusian automobile giant agrees, so is soon to present its new documentary to the public. according to Mr. Barkovsky, the film details the enterprise’s successes and prospects for development, using the idea that much has been achieved but that its path is also only just beginning.

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Vietnamese companies interested in belarusian technologies for pilotless aircraft


new horizonsminsk has hostEd thE 7th BElarusian intErnational mEdia forum, gathEring sEvEral hundrEd lEading journalists, political analysts, sciEntists and politicians — from 17 countriEs, with thE standing committEE of thE union statE BEing onE of its organisErs

The major discussion was dedicated to trends of integra-tion development within the post-soviet space. Primarily, debate centred on the union

state and the place of Belarus and russia in the Customs union and the single economic space (which also involves Kazakhstan), and the possible establish-ment of the eurasian union. each of these inter-state structures differs dras-tically from the soviet union, including sovereign countries with no wish to sacrifice their independence.

Grigory rapota, the state secretary of the union state, explains, “everything depends on the course of events. at present, the level of Belarusian-russian

integration is much higher than that within the euraseC. some functions are to be transferred, as serious progress has been reached regarding customs and tariff regulation. However, there’s no such progress in the sphere of ses creation — particularly, humanitarian social and military aspects. if the level of integra-tion can be made steady, we’ll be able to speak of one interstate structure flowing into another. However, the union state isn’t going to rest on its laurels and will be developing further.”

speaking at the session of media heads, Mr. rapota mentioned the need to ensure that each integration project is promoted, so that the public understand the socio-economic achievements of the

union state — including free movement of citizens of russia and Belarus in both directions, without the need to submit passports. Journalists dealing with the topic of integration should possess profes-sional skills while also being objective.

Various aspects of interaction were discussed by the heads of the journal-istic unions from participating countries and a summer journalism school was organised for youngsters. Guests visited the cradle of Belarusian statehood and spirituality — Polotsk, which is cele-brating its 1150th anniversary this year. 2012 is also the Year of Books in Belarus, so guests visited museums dedicated to our classical Belarusian literary geniuses Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas.

Grigory Rapota, the State Secretary of the Union State, answering journalists’ questions

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SoyuzBelarus —russia


double safety potential military-tEchnical

co-opEration BEtwEEn russia and BElarus rEachEs nEw lEvEl

Naturally, social, economic and military technical co-operation between Belarus and russia is a priority of union state

development. Our common air space is protected by a unified regional air defence system, while the Belarusian army has bought the latest air defence missile system (Tor-M2) produced in russia. The creation of new automated control systems, electronic warfare, the Belarusian earth remote sensing space system and the development of co-operation in the sphere of radio commu-nication are among the most significant and promising projects.

a recent large-scale scientific and practical conference, held in Minsk, attended by over 400 leaders and special-ists from ministries and departments, scientific and educational institutions and military-industrial enterprises, has strengthened practical military interac-tion between our two countries.

“The defence-industrial complexes of russia and Belarus are among the most organised regarding economic co-operation within the union state,” believes the Deputy Chairman of the state Military industrial Committee of Belarus, igor Bykov. “The Belarusian intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Co-operation holds regular talks for heads of enterprises. in December 2009, an agreement was signed between Belarus and the russian Federation to develop military-technical co-operation: another stage in

improving the legislative foundations of our bilateral relations. ultimately, a co-ordinated defence policy will promote a common defence space, strengthening the military capabilities of our two countries, and ensuring the security of the union state.”

Our russian partners highly appre-ciate the level of the Belarusian defence industry, whose ‘calling card’ is perhaps the joint production of Pechora-2M anti-aircraft missile system. Meanwhile, Belarus’ Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant is supplying components and equipment for other strategically important military projects: Topol, Bastion-P, iskander, and Tor systems.

The military-industrial complex of russia is also interested in Belarusian innovations using the latest information and telecommunication technologies — such as automated defence systems which protect against high precision weapons and ‘bullet-proof ’ armour.

The close co-operation of scientists and military experts within the union state is also enabling us to develop hardware and software for high-resolu-tion earth remote sensing. Belarusian Peleng, JsC specialises in designing and manufacturing space equipment, helping launch over 30 spacecraft. it has worked on a number of structural and technological approaches to enhance the resolution of pictures.

However, as noted at the conference, problems remain; legislation needs to be improved in the field of military-technical co-operat ion between Belarus and russia. “The agreement on military co-operation between Belarus and russia has no mechanism for implementing exchange or transfer of military products developed jointly by enterprises from both countries. The same situation is evident regarding scientific and technical products,” notes the Deputy Chief of General staff on scientific Work of the armed Forces of Belarus, Oleg Krivonos. “However, we do have quite a solid foundation for developing the military-technical co-operation of Belarus and russia, which we should use to tackle today’s chal-lenges and threats.”

By Dmitry umpirovich

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universities become partnersfirst forum of union statE of EnginEEring univErsitiEs hEld in minsk

Over the course of the three-day meeting, rectors, professors, graduates and students of more than 20 leading russian and

Belarusian technical universities gathered. The forum saw the discussion of topical issues regarding the training of processing engineers, co-operation in carrying out research work and how best to promote the projects of young scientists.

The russian state Technological university of K.e. Tsiolkovsky (MaTi) joined the Belarusian National Technical university (BNTu), which is the largest technical university in the country, in initi-ating and organising the event. BNTu also provided the meeting halls. The standing Committee of the union state helped arrange the forum.

“Belarus and russia are moving towards the innovative development of their economies and their integration,”

stressed the state secretary of the union state, Grigory rapota, opening the forum. “at the same time, our technical universi-ties are responsible for cultivating highly skilled engineers, at the cutting edge of scientific and technological progress. The union government is ready to offer them all possible assistance in creating innovative products. expenditure for this accounts for about half of the union budget — approximately 2.5bn russian roubles, covering 12 union scientific and technical programmes. We hope that joint discussion of urgent issues regarding the work of our leading technical universi-ties will greatly improve the training of technical specialists and the effectiveness of research in the union state.”

Besides representatives from the MaTi and the BNTu, others attended from Bauman Moscow state Technical university and from st. Petersburg state Polytechnical university. regional univer-sities (Voronezh, Tver, saratov, Gomel, Vitebsk and izhevsk) also sent representa-tives for the forum, which included a scien-

tific conference devoted to the theoretical and applied aspects of engineering. a series of ‘round table’ discussions dealt with mechanical and instrument engineering, power efficiency, energy conservation and nature management. Young scientists from Belarusian and russian universities took part in scientific and thematic workshops, with co-operation exchange promoted under the motto ‘science Production’. The science and Technology Park of the BNTu also reported on joint research projects, informing leading industrial enterprises about future developments.

“establishing cross-border co-operation is a vital aspect: one of the most important of the forum,” noted alexander Kalinichenko, a Professor from the Belarusian National Technical university. “The fact that russia and Belarus have almost no boundaries helps these ties. ecological matters remain to the fore. in particular, our university has a faculty of power station construction, dealing with the building of dams, canals, and similar structures. related joint projects could be implemented within the union programme.”

The university systems of our two countries complement each other effec-tively, with no obstacles to applications from either country. Moreover, exchange ‘internships’ abound. recently, russia allowed two groups of BNTu students (studying to work at the nuclear power plant being built in Belarus) to pass their internship in russia, learning from hands-on experience. in turn, russian aerospace enterprises are keen to see young russians study at Belarusian universities training engineers in high technology. russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a decree allowing such exchanges to take place, paid for by the state and enterprises.

it has been decided to make the forum a regular event, while participating higher education institutions will form a consor-tium for joint research and liaised training of specialists.

By Vladimir Yakovlev

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Forum participants sharing impressions


folloWing programme clearlyjoint projEcts form Basis of union statE intEraction

Union State scien-t i f i c , t e c h n i c a l an d pro du c t i on programmes are among the most effective. In 2012, about half of the

Union budget (approximately 2.5bn Russian roubles) is being spent on their implementation, with 12 projects currently in process. Here, we look at the most important.

WEathEr iN thE houSEThe programme of co-operation

between Belarus and russia in the field of hydrometeorology is one of the foremost and most successful. Three joint projects have been carried out consecutively, using union state funds of 190m russian roubles. in accordance with a recently fulfilled phase of co-operation, accurate air temperature forecasts (up to 120 hours ahead) and rain forecasts (up to three days) can be generated. This covers 152 russian cities and six regional centres of Belarus.

Methods of predicting storms have been improved, with accuracy of forecasts up by 2-6 percent. Ground recording equipment and radiosondes of improved

quality have been developed and tested for upper-air observation across the union state. These raise the accuracy of forecasts. Meanwhile, continuous monitoring of radiation pollution has been achieved, including coverage of Chernobyl affected areas.

The fourth programme of co-operation for hydrometeorologists from our two countries is being prepared, aimed at improving data on climatic conditions and environmental pollution. its seven sections include 38 projects and, thanks to the union programme, Belarusian specialists gain access to roshydromet (russian Federal service for Hydrometeorology and environmental Monitoring) forecasts. These use complex mathematical models, offering hydrometeorological data otherwise unavailable to Belarus.

SharED rockEt to SPacEsome Belarus-russia union state

programmes are devoted to the joint development of space exploration. in 2012, the National academy of sciences of Belarus completed one of the most science intensive programmes to date: Nanotechnology-sG, launched in 2009.

although it is an applied programme, its importance can hardly be overestimated, as it aims to increase the use of rocket and space equipment. Materials are being developed with improved strength for this purpose, while being lightweight and of small dimensions. The programme includes 34 large projects, including improved thermal protection of space-ships and the use of a special fuel based on nanomaterials. Microscopic particles increase the efficiency of the engine, allowing us to reduce its weight and size.

Various results have already been studied, including the strength of corrosion-resistant carbon coatings, tested with lasers. Belarusian and russian scientists have also developed multilayer film materials for protecting photoelectron equipment from magnetic and electromagnetic fields. such films are several times lighter than traditional metal screens — vital for spacecraft. The novelty has already attracted attention from several industrial enterprises.

rELYiNg oN microELEctroNicSelectronic devices resistant to

radiation and electromagnetic fields are better suited to use on space-


craft and airplanes and at nuclear power plants. Only a few countries have access to these technologies but Belarus and russia have joined forces to develop a new micro-system and unified integrated systems, supported by a union programme, running from 2010 to 2013.

in 2012, financing rose by a third. electronic devices and equipment for their production are being developed by Planar Concern in Minsk — one of a few manufacturers in the world producing a wide range of microchips. Commercial adoption of Belarusian developments is planned by russian avangard, JsC, while nine joint indus-trial centres for wider commercial use of innovations are to be created between 2013 and 2014 (producing goods for export).

No WaStEalthough Belarusian and russian

scientists call their joint programme Waste, in reality, it aims to ensure that all components of raw food processing are used efficiently (for human and animal nutrition). The scientific and Practical Centre for Foodstuffs of the Nas of Belarus has joined russian colleagues in producing more than a dozen products from waste (from brewing, making wine and spirits, and from the meat and dairy industries). These include vitamin and protein additives for animal feeds, alongside human dietary supplements. High-performance equipment for manufacturing such products has been developed, explains the state secretary of the union state, Grigory rapota, noting that the programme is to be fulfilled by late 2012.

“The principal novelty is that our equipment is 2-4 times cheaper than that of the West,” notes the Head of the Belarusian scientific-Practical Centre for Foodstuffs, Zenon lovkis, commenting on the preliminary results of the programme. “it is to be installed at Belarusian and russian enterprises, paying for itself within 3-4 years. in some cases, the equipment is completely unique. We have four patents in place and will continue to place appli-cations. Moreover, Belarus spends a great deal of money on importing feed additives from abroad, so it’s much cheaper to use our own raw materials and equipment to produce natural substitutes.”

StEm cELLSMuch is known of the ‘magical’

qualities of stem cells but few results are yet proven scientifically. The institute of Biophysics and Cell engineering, of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, is hosting the stem Cells union programme, running from 2011 to 2013, aiming to treat illnesses such as haema-tological diseases, chronic hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, cardiac ischemia and infantile cerebral palsy. stem cells are able to drive the body to produce new skin, nerves and blood, and can yield success where traditional methods fail.

“The programme includes several steps,” explains its research supervisor, NasB academician igor Volotovsky. “These include the isolation and stabili-sation of stem cells from bone marrow and adipose tissue, the study of spinal cord blood stem cells and the treatment of nervous system diseases. Preclinical studies are being conducted, working with russian colleagues to establish a joint venture to produce stem cells for application to two hundred diseases.”

eight Belarusian and russian research organisations and medical insti-tutions are involved in the programme, with clinical trials of drugs and stem cell treatment methods next in turn.

By Vladimir Fedorov

The Cell Technology Center studies stem cells

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supermAz has good head start

MaZ has spent the past decade taking part in two union state sci-tech programmes (aiming to develop

diesel automobile bui lding). its factory has expanded its manufac-tures while concentrating profits on new and promising developments. an illustrative example is its pilot three-link road train, which combines the latest achieve-ments in automobile building. MaZ ensures that it stays at the cutting edge of innovation by partnering the Joint institute of Mechanical engineering at the National academy of sciences of Belarus, headed by academician Mikhail Vysotsky (Hero of Belarus and Belarus’ General Designer in Truck automobile Building.

the electronic ‘brain’ which connects to a control panel — similar to a TV set. it makes it very easy to rebuild the vehicle. Moreover, each module has a diesel generator, with the generated current rotating the electrical motorised wheels.

MaZ’s Deputy General Director for Technical Development, Dmitry Korotkevich, comments on the unique technology, saying, ‘Our future is in such vehicles’. remarkably, the new vehicles and road trains are manufac-tured primarily from Belarusian units

and components — from elec-tronic parts to diesel

engines.

minsk automoBilE works producEs nEw gEnEration tEchnology

The road train is 47m long and can transport up to 60 tonnes of cargo across its three modules, boasting around 260 cubic metres of volume. its major drawback was originally limited manoeuvrability in narrow city streets. However, electronics now synchro-nously control its modules, allowing it to ‘stretch’ out like a harmonica, to tackle tricky obstacles. even bridges with weight restr ict ions can be navigated safely.

Television cameras in the cabin enable the driver to see any obstacles behind and each cargo module has a rotating axle, which is synchronously controlled (elec-tronically) by convenient power-steering. a small shaft has been installed on the draft pole of the cargo module, holding

electronics control many functions, including the brakes. They even monitor the trailer, making sure that it doesn’t overturn at sharp bends.

“actually, our three-link road train replaces the three usual highway road trains,” explains sergey Kharitonchik, one of its developers, and Director of the republican Computer Centre of Mechanical engineering at the Nas’ Joint institute of Mechanical engineering. “accordingly, we need three times fewer highly qualified drivers. Moreover, the total capacity of the engines is reduced by a third, reducing fuel consumption; this brings considerable benefits over long-distances — such as travelling from Western europe to the Far east through Belarus and russia.”

“The module road train uses the achievements of 12 fundamental researches in the sphere of mechanics, metallurgy and nano-technologies — from 12 scientific and research institutes of the National academy of sciences of Belarus. “We’ve laid the founda-tions for a whole new ‘family’ of trucks. These promising technical solutions will also find application in the production of tractors, harvesters and other self-propelled machinery.”

The Belarusian Government has been charged with organising wider testing for the unique multi-link vehicle, with changes to legislation forthcoming, allowing longer trucks to operate on the country’s main motorways.

By Vladimir Bibikov

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theAtres’ exchange toursartistEs from minsk and yEkatErinBurg to ErEct monumEnt to lEgEndary BElarusian singEr vladimir mulyavin (from pEsnyary Band) using monEy from thEir tours

The musical theatres of russia and Belarus have decided to restore the tradition of major ‘reciprocal’ tours, with sverdlovsk state academic

Musical Comedy Theatre coming to the Belarusian state academic Musical Theatre in Minsk from June 5-25th. The russians are to give nine perform-ances, including those bestowed with the National Theatre award of russia: the Golden Mask. Next year, the Minsk company will return the honour in Yekaterinburg. some of the funds raised from the tours will be allocated to constructing a monument to People’s artist of the ussr Vladimir Mulyavin, in Yekaterinburg.

“The theatrical environment has long since forgotten month long tours — let alone such tours of another, although very close, country,” asserts Mikhail safronov, the Director of sverdlovsk state academic Theatre of Musical Comedy and secretary of the union of Theatrical Figures of russia (a graduate of the Belarusian Theatre and art institute). “This is a great responsibility for us, so we’ve rehearsed seriously, bringing a solid repertoire and a company of 210 people.”

in your opinion, how do the theatres of Minsk and Yekaterinburg differ?

it’s difficult to say. Probably, our ‘exchange’ tours will show our differences.

However, russia and Belarus continue to share a single culture and are a single nation to me. Minsk has always been an educated city — for students and young-sters. The Kupala and russian theatres were in the limelight for theatregoers in soviet times, setting definite trends in theatre fashion.

Your theatre, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary next year, has become a true artistic holding…

Yes. We have our world-level ‘izumrud’ ensemble of russian folk music instruments. Meanwhile, sergei smirnov’s eccentric Ballet has been awarded the ‘Golden Mask’ four times (while being a frequent guest at the international Modern Choreography Festival in Vitebsk). We also have a children’s theatre studio, where 150 pupils study, and our premises host the international ’On the edge’ Festival of Modern Dance and the international Competition of Young singers of Operetta and Musicals. Talented Belarusian artistes have become laureates and Grand Prix winners at our festival many times.

These tours are sure to be very special to you, being an opportunity to return to your youth and breathe again the aromas of summer Minsk, remembering the time when you were a student at the Belarusian Theatre and art institute…

Yes, Minsk produces a charming impression in summer. Believe me, i’ve travelled all over the world and have never seen such an atmosphere elsewhere — or such benevolent and kind-hearted people. We of the older generation share our common soviet past.

One of my favourite performances by Minskers is ‘The soviet Period Park’, which recollects times past with warmth and nostalgia.

Our final gala concert is dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Mulyavin, who was born in sverdlovsk’s uralmash. The funds raised from our concerts will be used to erect a monument to this talented man, who created the wonderful and unique ‘Pesnyary’ band, which conquered the whole world. We’ll do the same with the sum collected from the Belarusian gala-concert in Yekaterinburg in 2013. Brotherly love should be proven in practice.

By Valentin Pepelyaev

Mikhail Safronov, the Director of Sverdlovsk State Academic Theatre of Musical Comedy


Vitebsk gathers friendsslavonic Bazaar to cElEBratE day of union statE on july 15th

This year’s 21st international slavonic Bazaar Festival of arts will be held in Vitebsk from July 10-19th, featuring artistes from 27 countries of

the world. This wonderful forum can hardly be imagined without the partici-pation of the union state, which tradi-tionally helps finance the event. The best performers and groups are awarded special diplomas and prizes from the union state Permanent Committee — ‘For artistic embodiment of Friendship Between the Peoples of Belarus and russia’. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary assembly of the union state of Belarus and russia bestows prizes at the chil-dren’s musical contest. laureates of the union state award (in the spheres of literature and arts) traditionally enjoy great popularity and, of course, one of the brightest pages of the festival is the Day of the union state, celebrated on July 15th this year.

On this day, the major stage venue of the festival — the summer amphitheatre — will be hosting a concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the National Orchestra of Belarus, headed by Mikhail Finberg and featuring sergey Drobotenko, Maridans Ballet and People’s artist of russia Maxim Dunaevsky. The

latter will also be chairing the jury of the international pop song contest: Vitebsk-2012. Meetings with Great Patriotic War veterans are being organised on the Day of the union state, alongside artistic contests and press conferences.

The 21st international slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk Festival of arts will open in Vitebsk on July 12th, featuring such stars as italian singer alessandro safina, and Chris Norman and samantha Fox from the uK. They will be joined by Buranovskie Babushki band, and solo performances from alexander rybak, anne Veski, lev leshchenko, Boris Moiseev and andrey Danilko, which should delight Vitebsk residents and guests. Tickets for concerts are already available at festival box offices in Vitebsk and can be ordered online. last year, 10,000 tickets were sold via the internet, with 12 percent of these purchased by foreign music lovers: in russia, the Baltic states and the uK (www.ticketpro.by).

solo concerts are to be launched in Vitebsk even before the official opening of the festival. On July 10th, Valeria will present her Best songs programme, followed by alexander rozenbaum and irina allegrova on the next day. The songs of summer night concert, featuring sergey lazarev, Timur

BEL

TA

rodriges, Zhanna Friske and Dmitry Koldun is sure to prove dazzling, alongside the stars of Chanson-TV, alexander Novikov, lolita and sergey Penkin. The stage is being decorated by set-designer Zinovy Margolin — who holds a russian Golden Mask Theatre award. The theme this year is Belarusian national ornamentation.

The Day of Masters of arts of russia is being organised on July 13th and the state Folk Dance ensemble (named after Maestro igor Moiseev) will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in the amphithe-atre. a gala concert of Belarusian stars is scheduled for July 14th, while irina Bilyk and andrey Danilko are to appear on the stage on the Day of ukraine — July 16th.

Countless stars are taking part, including Galina Polskikh, alexey Panin, Valentina Talyzina, Marina Yakovleva and rostislav Yankovsky. The festival cinema programme is offering works by russian, lithuanian, Belarusian and estonian film makers, while an exhi-bition of paintings is to go on show throughout the slavonic Bazaar. a Town of Craftsmen will even be creating a unique, unforgettable atmosphere in the historic centre, making wonderful items for sale as souvenirs.

By Sergey golesnik


rehabilitation

When dreams come trueoVer the lAst tWo yeArs, ten neW sAnAtoriums hAVe APPeAred in our country

Our number of health r e s o r t s h a s b e e n increasing annually, with ten opening over the last two years. The Director of the republican Centre

for recuperation and sanatorium-resort Treatment, Nikolay Mazur, tells us, “Most vouchers to our main sanatoriums (including Naroch) are now sold.”

altogether, 368 health resorts and spas operate in Belarus, hosting 1,346,300 people in 2011. in all, 600,000 vouchers were given free of charge for citizens of Belarus, while 193,500 fee-paying foreigners also visited (15,000 more than in 2010): 95 percent were from Moscow and st. Petersburg.

Belarusians pay less to attend spas than those with foreign passports: $200 for 12 days in a double room in the Naroch spa compared to $300 for russian citizens. Those from o t h e r

countries pay even more. Mr. Mazur asserts, “However, such prices are considered very low on the world market — especially since we provide five meals a day and modern treatments. Belarus offers high-level service and food, as well as a peaceful, safe environment, good facilities and low prices.”

Belarus has three health resorts on the Black sea coast (in russia and ukraine), another on the Baltic sea coast (in Jūrmala, latvia) and one more in the lithuanian resort of Druskininkai. it costs just 600 euros for 12 days at Druskininkai, with demand from Belarusian tourists ever rising. The Director of the state Tourism Department of lithuania, raymonda Balnene, tells us that, in 2011, the

country was visited by 26 percent more tourists from Belarus than in 2010: about 400,000 people. Ms. Balnene admits, “Belarusians

were foremost among visitors, ahead of russians, Germans,

Poles and latvians. every fifth tourist was

Belarusian in lithuania last year. spa-health-tourism was especially popular.”

Of course, russians tend to be greatest in number among tourists to Belarus while Belarusians also visit the health resorts of their eastern neighbour. The Ministry for sports and Tourism of Belarus and the Department for Complex Development of resorts and Tourism of Krasnodar Krai have agreed to use union state budget funds to subsidise the cost of trips for children, those with disabilities and those on low-incomes, allowing them to travel to Belarusian health resorts and rural estates and to the Black sea.

Holidays in Belarus are popular among our neighbouring countries, as the rector of the russian international academy for Tourism, igor Zorin, notes. He believes Belarusian spas to be not only cheaper than russian counterparts but praises their cleanliness, their tasty and nutritious menus and their polite, friendly service.

The Head of Centre for sanatorium Work at TsentrKurort, Oleg

Mi k hai lov, has calculated that Belarusian spas are around half the cost of those in Moscow and st. Petersburg.

Mr. Mazur adds, “israelis, alongside

those from lithuania, latvia and estonia, are

regular visitors to health resorts in Belarus. The Poles and Germans have

also begun to come in greater numbers recently.”

By Viktar andrejeuBEL

TA


roots

exPloring the history of their Ancestors, belArusiAn Writers mAKe curious literAry discoVeries, While Augmenting our KnoWledge of our fAtherlAnd’s PAst

genealogical Journey

The history of any country is actually the history of ordinary people. since Belarus gained inde-pendence, interest has grown in our past and in our ancestors, with

books detailing the coats of arms of Belarusian nobility proving particularly popular. everyone secretly hopes to find themselves related to those who valiantly defended our native lands from enemies, under these coats of arms. Their surnames are widespread across Belarus and beyond. Besides making history far and wide, those noble duke and magnate families owned villages, farmsteads, manors and towns. surely, some of us must be related?

Of course, knowledge of your family tree is not just self-satisfying. as the famous Belarusain poet and editor-in-Chief of Polymya magazine, Nikolay Metlitsky, said:

‘For the glory of our FatherlandThoroughly and earnestly from year to yearThe soul is gathering grain by grainIts treasure — geneology’

around the world, increasing numbers of people are seeking out their family trees, creating the ‘Fatherland’s genealogical tree’.

WE’rE aLL rELatEDWriter Vladimir lipsky was one of

the first to explore his family’s past, dili-gently examining archive documents to discover new facts. He a l s o wrote to contemporaries with the same surname, before compiling his 1998 book: a True story about Your and My Family Tree. His research contains much of interest about the roots of various families, the origin of their surnames and coats of arms once connected with the noble family of lipsky.

asking Mr. lipsky what inspired his research, he muses, “sooner or later, we each begin to ponder our roots, asking ourselves about our ancestors.” While we chatted, he drew a simple diagram for me, explaining, “if this dot represents a person, at the centre of the circle, their two closest relatives (their parents) are located in the upper orbit. The next orbit has four names: grandmothers and grandfathers. each further orbit

doubles, bearing 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512 names. Finally, 1,024 names are in the tenth orbit. We are each part of a great family, with many sub-

branches. These relatives didn’t live in prehistoric or Biblical times. Those in the tenth orbit were born some 300 years ago, passing their baton of life to us. They are responsible for bringing us into this world.”

He asserts that it makes more sense to place our predecessors above us in the diagram than below — as if creating a ‘sky of ancestors’ rather than placing them as our ‘roots’. Our slavonic ancestors saw their dead relatives as spirits guiding

The history of any country is actually the history of ordinary

people. Since Belarus gained independence, interest has grown

in our past and our ancestors... Everyone secretly hopes to find

themselves related to those who valiantly defended our native

lands from enemies under various nobility coats of arms


roots

everyday life so it’s intriguing to learn of our divine protectors.

Mr. lipsky continues to explore his geneology and, in 1999, published Mother — The Prayer of a son (decicated to the 100th anniversary of his mother’s birth). Maria adamovna Yanushevskaya was born in the village of Veliky les, near Zhlobin, to a noble family. in 1998, on visiting the Council of europe building in strasbourg to collect the international albert schweitzer Prize (for his charity work helping child victims of the Chernobyl tragedy) he couldn’t help but recall his own mother’s principles. in his book, he writes: ‘Mother! You were with me on that day, as i felt in each cell of my body. i also understood that you know albert schweitzer’s philosophy. This 20th century philosopher believed in ‘reverence’ for all life: the universal ethics of love. He had faith in our eternal responsibility for everything living on

the planet: devotion to our own life and to that of others. My God! These were the moral precepts of my mother! she taught me to value each moment on earth while having faith in life and performing good deeds’.

His nostalgic yet touching story of his mother is filled with tender-ness, warmth, wisdom and kindness. another extract reads: ‘Mother would boil potatoes and throw them into a deep clay bowl before placing them in the frying pan, on a special stand. We’d sit around the pan of full-flavoured, crispy potatoes, each eating, with the crispness ‘crunching beyond our ears’. My God, my mouth waters at the thought of such an evening. i must admit that i’ve eaten at luxurious restaurants in New York, Chicago, Mexico, Brussles, Copenhagen, Helsinki, insbruk, Vienna, sofia, Berlin and Warsaw, being served delicacies. However, none made my mouth water

like my mother’s potatoes: cooked in the open air in shovkavichi [his native village in Gomel region’s rechitsa District]. Fried by my mother in a cast-iron frying pan, they were the best!’

The story aroused great interest and was republished in 2004, in live Today. Moreover, Mr. lipsky published a more general book in 2006, entitled We: a story about Our surnames.

He has found much of interest in his own family tree. in particular, his remote ancestor — state official ivan Tyukhai-lipsky — was given a manorial estate in the early 16th century, by local Duke Fiodor ivanovich Yaroslavovich, in reward for his faithful service in Pinsk District. The estate was located near the village of alpen, just 5km from David-Gorodok.

His book tells us: ‘in this way, new family ‘springs’ are rooted in one land. New dynasties are born, sprouting green shoots even now. sadly, these descend-

Mr. Stetskevich-Cheboganov presenting his book


ants are absolutely unaware of their venerable past’.

Of course, Mr. lipsky is well aware of his own family history, with relatives residing in Belarus, as well as in Germany, Poland, russia, ukraine and elsewhere. “i found four people bearing the surname lipsky in the huge americana encyclopaedia, which is published in New York,” he tells me with pride. His book on genealogy was republished in 2010 under the symbolic title of We’re all related.

PrototYPES oF FamouS comEDYexploring his family tree, Mr. lipsky

made a literary discovery regarding the comedic play Pinsk Gentry, written by Vincent Dunin-Marcinkiewicz. The classic has long been studied in Belarusian schools, with performances staged by director Nikolay Pinigin in Minsk and Warsaw. some doubted Dunin-Marcinkiewicz’s authorship, finding it unexpected, wondering whether his characters were drawn from other sources.

While researching his family, Mr. lipsky found an archive of materials from stolin District which included

roots

documents relating to residents of alpen village (or Olpen). in Pinsk Gentry, events are said to take place in ‘O’, while one of the noble characters is ivan Tyukhai-lipsky. “i’ve been to that village,” Mr. lipsky notes. “it’s a remark-able place, filled with interesting people. One elderly lady told me that alpen is the second Warsaw. in fact, the folder i found detailed a criminal case from the remote past which involved Tyukhai-lipskie, who lived in alpen. The case lasted thirty years.”

The incident was as follows: one Tyukhai-lipsky, a Catholic, fell in love with a young Orthodox girl, seeking her hand in marriage. Despite agreeing to her wishes to have their children baptised within the Orthodox faith, he raised them as Catholics. a case was built against him — political in essence. However trivial this may seem, it char-acterises important historical facts from our past, crystallised through the history of one family.

at that time, the second partition of the rzech Pospolita took place, with Belarusian lands joining russia. local people were forced to accept the Orthodox faith, since it was that of the

russian Tsar; state policy inteferred in the life of an ordinary Polesie family.

“Tyukhai-lipsky’s children — baptised as Catholics — were brought from Polesie to Minsk three times for ‘reassurance’,” he explains. “Documents exist on their ‘interviews’. They were brought under guard by horse, trav-elling some three hundred versts (russian equivalent of about two thirds of a mile). reading about the case, i realised that, in Minsk, the children were taken to the Orthodox consistory, where attemps were made to persuade them to convert. My remote ancestor was a Catholic bishop there and his secretary was… Wincenty Dunin-Marcinkiewicz. Before seeing the bishop, the children told the secretary everything. This is how the playwright learnt about the village of alpen and Tyukhai-lipsky. i’ve even found two poems by Dunin-Marcinkiewicz, which directly testify to him going to alpen. as censorship existed during the rule of the Tsar, he couldn’t criticise the regime, so he settled for gentle mocking — not of arrogant local gentry but of russian judges. He was also a member of the gentry.”


roots

Mr. lipsky jokes that he once thought he originated from the marshes but has now found his noble coat of arms in the archives. This surely inspires hope for others researching their family tree. in particular, anatoly stetskevich-Cheboganov’s i’m Your son has aroused an amazing reponse countrywide, among genuine researchers and youngsters.

chroNicLiNg BELaruSiaN NoBiLitY

Family roots, like genes, bring us, sooner or later, into ‘new orbits’ of understanding regarding our place in this world. anatoly stetskevich-Cheboganov, who boasts noble family roots reaching back centuries, is known in Belarus as an entrepreneur, owning one of the Cis’ largest holdings — making specialised clothes. He is also a patron of the arts, having won high awards from the russian Orthodox Church for his charity work. However, few know that, since 1990, he has been researching his genealogy and that of other ancient Belarusian families connected with his own. using Mr. lipsky’s or bi t s y s te m , i t becomes clear that Mr. stetskevch has found relatives in each of those noble families. More over, he shares common relatives with Vladimir lipsky.

e a r l y o n , M r . stetskevich-Cheboganov (son of former partisan c o m m a n d e r V a s i l y Cheboganov) had a difficult life, being born in the village of Zasmuzhie, in lyuban District, in post-war 1946. He was raised by his grand-mother, Maria alexandrovna (Karafa-Korbut in girlhood), who taught him to read and to write long before he went to school. He graduated from lyuban secondary school with a gold medal, before going to leningrad

institute of Precise Mechanics and Optics. He later worked in the defence industry (as an electronic engineer and a designer of rockets), as well as holding various leading posts at Belarusian agro-industrial f irms. He attended the Higher school of Management — under the ussr state agro-industrial Committee (Moscow) — and the school of World economics and english lanaguge (england). as time passed, he set up his own business. Now, he is the Chairman of the supervisory Board of Directors (stetskevich Group).

in the first volume in the Chronicle of Belarusian Gentry series (over ten editions are planned in total), the author — who is now a member of the union of Writers of Belarus — tells his readers stories of his mother, alexandra Mikhailovna, as well as of his grandmother and other relatives who inspired his great desire to research his family. The first to be explored are his close relatives — the stetskevichs and satskevich-stetskevichs (of the

‘Kościesza’ coat of arms). He a l s o t e l l s u s

of the ‘Korczak’ coat of arms of

K a r a f a - Ko r b u t s . M r . s t e t s k e v i c h -Cheboganov’s direct

ancestor was a member of the Piotr family, who owned lands in Orsha D i s t r i c t i n t h e 1 4 t h century (he was born in 1320). The name of the

family came from his son, styatska. The author studies all connections to the present day, omitting not a single branch. The huge volume contains unique archive documents, photos and recollections by hundreds of people. Certainly, the family tree has many branches.

Of course, his work is ongoing — in proportion with that great family tree — exploring 40 noble

families. undoubtedly, this will ease the work of those following in his footsteps. Moreover, he has sought out as much information as possible about each of those to whom he is related.

“This information is priceless,” asserts doctor of philological sciences ales Belsky. “it will be extremely precious to our descendants. if someone wishes, they can learn the history of their family from this book — as if from a textbook. They can explore the identity of their relatives, where they lived, their occu-pations and achievements, as well as the challenges they faced. in the words of Maxim Bogdanovich, they can learn ‘about their great grandfathers, about their joys and sorrows and adventures, alongside to whom they prayed and for what they searched’. The author doesn’t merely outline his family tree through the centuries but creates a chronicle of local history, biographies and litera-ture, from collected archive documents, materials and recollections.”

Those with Belarusian family roots reside all over the globe and ‘noble’ surnames live on and are written about, including the stetskevichs and Karafa-Korbuts (books released in 2011 in russian by the Belarusian exarchate Publishing House and by rodnoe slovo Publishing House in Belarusian). Other volumes detailing the families of rudinskie, Tychiny, Zhdanovichi-Gurinovichi, sytko, lipskie, Zabely, Tatury, Nekrashevichi, Gl insk ie- l i k ho die vsk ie , r eut y, Koribut-Dashkevichi, Kernazhitskie, Mostvilovichi, Getolty and Tyshkevichi (from the Kolenkovichi family) are being developed.

“in reading about particular people and their deeds, we perceive our history differently,” noted Mr. stetskevich-Cheboganov, at the presentation of his book this year, on the eve of the 19th internatonal Book Fair in Minsk. Or ancestors made history, as we see from their deeds and fates. i believe that learning about our roots honours our ancestors in a patriotic fashion, inspiring love for home, family and Fatherland!”

By Ivan Zhdanovich

Major element of Stetskevich’s

“Kastesha” coat of arms was found on a cup from the set kept at “Salvation Arrow”

yacht (manufactured by Saint-Petersburg Emperor’s Porcelain Works in the xIxth

century)


searChing for lost

Ancient city sightsBElarus, thE wholE slavonic world and millions of culturEd pEoplE all ovEr thE gloBE arE cElEBrating polotsk’s 1150th annivErsary. if kiEv is thE mothEr of all russian citiEs, polotsk can BE Boldly namEd thE fathEr of BElarus. no controvErsy is sought; pEoplE simply wish to honour our most anciEnt city — our lEgacy and pridE

Like most Belarusian cities, Polotsk has endured difficult and dramatic times. Despite waves of outlandish violence, like the Phoenix, Polotsk has always revived from the ruins. its ancient churches over the Zapadnaya Dvina and Polota rivers have ever remained

guiding stars for Belarusians over the endless course of time.in recent years, the city has significantly improved its appear-

ance. lyudmila rublevskaya and Vladimir likhodedov ponder the correlation of the old and the new in the city, alongside the problems of developing this Belarusian ‘old-timer’.

Have you ever realised that you’re standing directly over the ruins of a 12th century monastery? Grass and asphalt are seen on the surface but, just below, are the remains of an ancient church — historical evidence from the past. it makes you feel quite strange. However, Polotsk residents daily walk here and are utterly aware of their city’s significance.

some Polotsk residents remember the old churches of their city first-hand. One such is famous collector and local historian Vladimir likhodedov, who has written 11 books. in 2006, a permanent exhibition opened in the History and Philology Department of Polotsk state university, housed by the former Jesuit Collegium. The joint project by Mr. likhodedov and sB-Belarus segodnya newspaper represented the history of Polotsk through postcards and photos from Mr. likhodedov’s collections.

Polotsk is now celebrating its 1150th anniversary, marking the occasion by opening some new sites. These include a unique clock on the former Jesuit Collegium. like only a handful in europe, bronze figurines (of Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya and other recognisable characters) appear at its window on the hour.

i’ve admired the city from one side of the Zapadnaya Dvina river, and from the island which once housed the Monastery of st. John the Baptist; a park is found there today, with a monument to those fallen in the Great Patriotic War. Polotsk. St. Nicholas Cathedral


searChing for lost

This unique view of the city is seen in many of the late 19th-early 20th century postcards in Mr. likhodedov’s collection. Changes to the skyline are especially obvious from here. st. sophia’s Cathedral in Polotsk still ‘floats’ magnificently over the Dvina river — like a white ship.

Of course, many legendary cities sadly fade, becoming no more than provincial settlements. Past landmarks of Belarusian and world history — Polotsk, Turov, Novogrudok and Krevo — are evidence of this, as i mention to Mr. likhodedov as we stroll the streets.

L.R.: Why did Polotsk lose its status to such a degree? Was this historical necessity or the hand of fate? i know various stories but even the location was chosen favourably, on the bank of a navigable river…

V.L.: Polotsk was always independent, throughout its whole history. even as part of the Grand Duchy of lithuania it boasted autonomy. Documents from those times show the name of Polotsk voivod beside the signature of the Grand Duke of lithuania, in agreements signed with the Grand Duke of Moscow. even the fact that Polotsk was one of the last Belarusian cities to receive the Magdeburg right, in 1498, can be explained; it was a significant step for any city but a step backwards for Polotsk.

L.R.: The Magdeburg right brought many privileges to the city, didn’t it?

V.L.: Polotsk simply didn’t need them, as it already had every-thing. Polotsk residents were proud of their city, writing that it was the equal of Vilno and Gdansk in magnificence. Of course, liberty always inspires envy and the desire to conquer. Moreover, no one liked the ancient family of Polotsk dukes, so the city began to lose its political importance. in 1772, after the first division of the rzech Pospolita, in the times of Yekaterina ii, Polotsk became a centre of Polotsk Vicegerency. it then became Polotsk Province and gained its own mint. However, after Yekaterina’s death, the

city was immediately transformed into an ordinary district town and the Polotsk eparchy moved to Vitebsk. in my opinion, those in power were afraid of Polotsk’s strength.

L.R.: The open foundations of ancient buildings are among the top tourist sites in many cities — such as Bulgarian Nessebar.

V.L.: i have photos of the churches of st. Boris and Hleb and Pyatnitsa. Meanwhile, the Monastery of st. Boris and Hleb is of no less importance than st. sophia’s Cathedral and Polotsk saviour Monastery of st. Yevfrosiniya. Of course, it’s difficult to restore the former Jesuit Church of st. stephen (st. Nicholas Cathedral) as a big house would need to be demol-ished. However, even this is possible!

To see the spirit of this ancient city, you need to visit not only the central square. We’ve walked along the Polota river, seeing its steep banks. it’s a legendary river, whose banks were used as embankments by ivan the Terrible and, probably, the first Polotsk settlements.

L.R.: Polotsk is also remarkable in the number of characters who have become symbols of Belarus: rogneda and rogvolod, Vseslav the Magician, Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya, Frantsisk skorina and simeon Polotsky. There are also less familiar legends — such as those regarding the dungeons of Waclaw lastowski, where the famous Polotsk library is thought to be buried.

V.L.: When we were children, we looked for those dungeons. There were once various entrances: from under the epiphany Monastery, above the Dvina river and from under the Jesuit Collegium and the saviour Monastery of st. Yevfrosiniya. However, all have collapsed.

L.R.: What about Polotsk’s library?V.L.: When ivan the Terrible ‘took’ Polotsk in 1563, he said

that the city’s greatest treasure was its library. some say that he took many editions away with him. This would mean that his famous unfound library includes Polotsk books. in 1579,

Polotsk. View over the city and the orthodox churches


stephen Bathory ‘took’ Polotsk and again discovered a unique library. i say ‘took’ because i believe the city to be free: it cannot be owned by anyone. academician shchapov mentions that the Jagiellon library includes some ancient books from Polotsk, so it’s likely that Bathory also removed some editions. The library moved to the Jesuit Collegium and some books found their way to Kiev and Moscow. after Polotsk joined russia, a library was created in the cadet school, with many editions again taken to russia and ukraine. Polotsk libraries are unique, being robbed repeatedly, yet always reviving.

L.R.: i’d like to believe that the Polotsk dungeons hold unique books, as well as other relics.

i’d also like to believe that artefacts will be found which are even older than the Cross of Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya. These may throw light on the earlier period of Polotsk’s existence.

L.R.: You’ve written many times that Polotsk is much older than officially recognised.

V.L.: i’m sure of it! archaeologists have found 5th century items here and some icelandic sagas mention Polotsk and its stone walls. They tell of attila’s commander taking Polotsk in the 5th century! even if this is a legend, why not use it? Yes, we count Polotsk’s age from the first chronicle mention — in 862. However, Polotsk had been a powerful city before this.

We continue chatting about Polotsk in the History and Philology Department of Polotsk state university, where famous historian and archaeologist Denis Duk, who heads the department, joins our musings.

L.R.: Do you agree with Vladimir likhodedov’s theories regarding the significance of ancient Polotsk and its existence in the 5th century?

D.D. archaeology is an exact science. if written sources aren’t proven by findings, we should doubt them. The most vital thing is that we’ve proven chronicle data regarding Polotsk’s age. The second important discovery is that we know that Polotsk was far larger in the 12th century than previously believed. it

was one of the largest cities in europe, rivalling Kiev’s square. it considerably outstripped Novgorod. in the 11th century, our city covered 180 hectares. Moreover, we’ve refuted the opinion that Polotsk declined in the 18th century.

V.L.: Yet the political role of Polotsk faded?D.D.: Yes, but it remained a sacred and cultural centre.

in the second half of the 18th century, Polotsk occupied 250 hectares. according to censuses, there were almost 3,000 residents and we’ve proven that there were at least 10,000. it was only during the second half of the 18th century that the stone buildings of the Jesuit Collegium and st. Nicholas’ Cathedral were built. st. sophia’s Cathedral was restored and the stone Bernardine Monastery was constructed, alongside Franciscan and Dominican monasteries and the epiphany Church. These works were funded by the state treasury while the epiphany Church was paid for by Polotsk’s bourgeois.

V.L.: Doesn’t the construction of churches prove that the city was highly developed from an economic point of view?

D.D.: at that time, even the Jesuit Collegium had many workshops where various professions were taught: from plas-tering and carpentry to painting and architecture. in the 16-18th century, Polotsk’s population expanded, with people arriving from its suburbs. Their shared surnames (from the names of neighbouring villages) show their similarities.

L.R.: The presence of a town hall indicated that a city had the Magdeburg right.

D.D.: This is another finding. until recent times, even the presence of a town hall was unknown. We discovered its depiction on a mid-18th century icon of st. Nicholas, from st. sophia’s Cathedral. The town hall has three floors and was located in Veliky Posad (the Great Trading Quarter).

The city is graced with posters bearing many images from Vladimir likhodedov’s postcards; ancient Polotsk looks down upon us, showing the magnificence of its churches.

V.L.: i suggested to the previous city leadership that we set up a museum of postcards. There are few such in europe and most are privately-owned. However, a building was needed, with money for repairs — so nothing happened. i think that such a museum could attract tourists. Moreover, i wanted to release a book about Polotsk for its jubilee but failed to find financing.

L.R.: Probably, this would be something similar to your Minsk. Travelling through Time?

V.L.: Yes. There were two circulations of books about Minsk. i believe that ‘Polotsk. Travelling through Time’ would also be popular. i have over a thousand postcards and photos of old Polotsk, as well as unique maps and editions.

L.R.: Of course, people from all over the globe will come here, thronging the streets of the historical centre. all sites have been carefully restored and those which haven’t been restored are conserved.

V.L.: i agree with you. Polotsk should become a city-museum.

By Lyudmila rublevskaya

searChing for lost

Polotsk. Vitebskaya street


snapshot

These ordinary men are part of the history of humankind, acknowledged as victors. They saved us all — past and future generations — from the awful

virus of the 1940s: the virus of Fascism. Many of those heroes remain alive

in the archive of war photographer alexander Ditlov: in photos, film and notes — the pages yellowed with time. However, everything is ready to be published at any time. until his death, Mr. Ditlov kept the memory of those courageous people met at the front, of whom he wrote.

Our contemporaries might hardly understand the artistic value of a match-box sized picture of a soldier in front of a trench, his legs placed wide and arms outstret-ched, as if ready to embrace someone. What meaning does it have? it must surely have been destined to be sent home, showing that he was alive and uninjured but miss ing his relatives. Of course, m a n y m o t h e r s and love d ones received similar ‘messages’ during those terrible our years. Photos from the front conjure up the pungent smoke of artillery, the speed of accelerating attack and human bodies suddenly limp, beyond pain once mown down by bullets. a sea of helmets surges forward. Bedraggled refugees carry their simple belongings. Children without parents

are fed porridge by soldiers. some of these true heroes survived and returned — whether awarded or injured.

in the summer of 1944, Mr. Ditlov’s regiment crossed the river Pronya, liberating Bobruisk and Mogilev and entering Minsk. The scale of damage to the capital shocked everyone. almost every building had been ruined, with only a handful intact: part of Nemiga, the

Opera Theatre and the House o f O f f i c e r s . People left their

shelters to greet the soviet soldiers staring at the smashed concrete walls of former homes. Black-and-white photos depict families with children, horses and bags — as if all had happened just yesterday...

The academy of sciences building was surrounded by barbed wire, as unexploded bombs often lay within such sites.

luckily, Victory came — through joint efforts. Generals at railway stations saluted soldiers returning home. a regiment hairdresser attended to one

soldier, who evidently wanted to look good for his relatives. One of the most striking images is that of a field near Tolochin, covered with hundreds of German helmets. These formed a hill similar to the Mount of Glory, devoted to those soviet soldiers who won the most terrible war of the second millennium.

Mr. Ditlov died in 2009, at the age of 97. However, his legacy is valuable e v i d e n c e o f a generation which refused to yield to the enemy, of true h e r o e s — w i t h determination and a tremendous desire to win. 67 years after the war, we see young soldiers who smiled into an ‘FeD’ camera in

May 1945. let’s remember them forever. Thumb through family albums and take flowers to their graves. No doubt, they’d appreciate our thoughts.

By Vasily mikhalevsky

old films And blAcK-And-White Photos remember them As young soldiers And sergeAnts. they smile At PhotogrAPhers from trenches, Pull heAVy WeAPonry through bogs And mud, run to AttAcK, And mArch in the red squAre PArAde in mAy 1945...

WhAt photos tell


Art creativity

motif of blossoming

APPle treebelArusiAn Artist miKhAil rogAleVich leAVes his trAce on nAtionAl PictoriAl Art

Blossoming apple tree, 1989


creativity Art

Without exaggera-tion, the image of an apple tree was the starting point for Mikhail r o g a l e v i c h ’ s

creativity — becoming known as his motif across dozens of artworks.

Blossoming gardens and fresh views of apple trees in blossom fill his soul with the spirit of awakening spring and spiritual relaxation. His life was difficult and largely tragic, featuring recognition and honour for some time before being undeservedly forgotten. Mikhail enjoyed a perfect family life

however, finding happiness, support and spiritual calm. Those close to him supported his work and helped him in realising his many creative plans.

since his death, museums, insti-tutions and collectors have been purchasing hundreds of his canvases and graphic pieces, leaving his huge, airy studio (which he received only after retirement) suddenly empty and cold. it once had almost no room due to the abundance of pictures…

His artistic legacy is well estab-lished, with over a hundred pieces acquired by a bank. a colourful booklet is being published showing his artistry while the new Museum of Modern Fine arts has promised to allocate a whole floor to rogalevich’s works — of which he could hardly have dreamed in his lifetime. His talent and contribution to national culture are at last recognised.

Valentina against red background, 1975Family, 1980

Without exaggeration, the image of an apple tree was the starting point for Mikhail Rogalevich’s creativity — becoming known as his motif across dozens of artworks. Blossoming gardens and fresh views of apple trees in blossom fill his soul with the spirit of awakening spring and spiritual relaxation


Art creativity

About time and myself, 1992

His f irst personal exhibition, dedicated to his 50th birthday, was hosted by Minsk’s Palace of arts in 1983; it was an unexpected event — a revelation to many. Over a hundred paintings and almost the same number of graphic works (only part of his artistic achievements) filled two floors of the country’s largest exhibition site. His images and colours were full of energy, like intellectual ‘fireworks’; emotions, deep sense and feelings harmonised to reveal this talented artist to his countrymen.

little was written on the eve of this exhibition, since his works failed to follow the traditions of socialistic realism. stereotypical assessments found him lacking. However, society’s mood was shifting, with the same Palace of arts hosting a display of Belarusian decorated carpets, alongside personal exhibitions by artists Piotr sergievich and Mikhail sevruk. The legacy of great personalities of national history and culture — Mikolay Gusovsky, Frantsisk skorina, and others — was being rethought. Traditional folk holidays — Kupalie and Kolyady — had become widespread, with the focus primarily on Belarusian identifi-cation as an independent nation.

at that t ime, Mr. rogalevich received worthy support, with his works touring Mogilev, Molodechno, Gomel and Vitebsk after Minsk. iskusstvo Belarusi (art of Belarus) magazine responded to the exhibi-tion with several critical articles. More over, Ma ladost magaz ine , alongside literatura and iskusstvo (literature and art) weekly also published delightful reviews. His well-received works were at last recognised for their talent: a breath of fresh air for the artist. His art was unusual in its purity and openness, offering an honest opinion to audiences and a simple attitude towards life. From the 1960s, Mikhail rogalevich tried not to miss a single republican exhibition, taking part in each — sometimes with the whole range of his pictures.

Mother and child, 1995


His inspiration came largely from his own life. He worked eight hours daily as an artist-designer, creating his own works in his free time, so had no time to travel into the countryside. He drew whatever was close by, drawing on personal feelings and impressions. His images are certainly strong, arousing the emotions of all who look upon them. He was the first in Belarusian art to explore stalin’s oppressive regime: stagnation (1965), Violence (1965) and Navala (1976) describe the de-kulaki-sation of his family and the arrest of his father and brother. He also created a series of works dedicated to the hardships and sufferings of his mother — a true requiem: We Were arrested Together with Mother (1965), Difficult Years (1978), Mother in a remote land (1980) and recollections (1985). she was three times arrested after the arrest of his father and uncle, and failed to return home.

His other enduring theme is that of the rural dweller uprooted from village to city, carrying their ‘luggage’ of customs, traditions and world outlook. Of course, this was taken from his personal experience and reflected a social phenomenon of the time.

The intense industrial growth of Belarus during the second half of the 20th century brought labourers in from the villages to work in factories. However, their customs could not be changed quickly, having been formed over centuries. Naturally, Mr. rogalevich did not forget his roots, bringing his folk customs to life via artistic activity.

The topic of family dominates his work, looking at the whole spectrum — including the less ‘glamorous’ aspects of life. His truthfulness and the power of his feelings are reinforced by creative maturity and profession-alism, giving dignity to his works, as is fitting.

Mr. rogalevich also explored the theme of love: anton and anna (1978) and Birthday (1985). The joys of his early family home are seen in autumn (1980) and Gathering apples (1982), which pay homage to family life. Having been orphaned as a child, he felt especially sharply the preciousness of family, defending family values as the greatest treasure.

using various storylines, he outlines the ways in which urban life draws on the folk customs of those from the villages, revealing the unique beauty in the decoration of Belarusian homes. His distinctive personal symbols include a rushnik towel embroidered with red horses at its edges (his only possession inherited from his parents). The image is first seen in his diploma paper, Otvedki — a traditional custom celebrating first childbirth (1964), placed in the foreground as a family

creativity Art

Self-portrait

Still-life with pears, 1968Remote land, 1974


Art creativity

(1998). it penetrates his theme of family, showing respect and adoration for the dignity of working women: The Hostess (1966), evening (1968), Morning (1975) and i Will Go to Harvest (1984). This becomes evident when looking at his graphic works, which include a series of drawings: ‘the one who sews’, ‘the one who knits’, ‘the one who washes’, ‘the one who cooks’, ‘the one who harvests’ and so on. each is a virtuoso drawing, giving us a clearly distinguished character through powerful strokes and use of light and shade.

We see that his works are the tip of the iceberg of Mr. rogalevich’s colossal creative potential. He presents the figure, movement and harmony of women in their eternal occupa-tions, or elevates them to monumental magnificence (Memory, 1974). He sometimes gives the fictional char-acteristics of goddesses from ancient mythology who ‘spun the threads of life’ or ‘solemnly ran their fingers over the beads of time’ (On a Festive evening, 1979; and Cranberry, 1983). He shows us something sacred and deeply hidden in womankind — truly worthy of glorifying. This is his greatest creative heritage.

The image of a working woman, the keeper of family life, long dominated his creativity. However, he gradually began to shift his focus to women as symbols of magnificence, stressing their divine creation. His idealisation continued for many years, with echoes of Botticelli and Modigliani. in fact, his main muses were his wife, daughter and mother. His most idealised female forms are found in anton and anna (1978), Tree of life (about those in love) and What a Wonderful World (1974-1977), where he gives us a girl floating above the ground with a flower in her hand. His Birthday — or love (1985) also deserves special attention, as his female form has an ethereal quality; we can only imagine that this repre-sents his mother, who died in stalin’s camps when he was still but a child.

Celebration,1985

relic owned by the newborn’s father. it features again in Young Family (1978) and autumn (1980) — symbol-ising spiritual legacy in its repeating depiction across several works.

Mr. rogalevich also gives us the image of a hard-working woman time and again. it is an important accent of his art, showing self-sufficiency: Belarusian (1976) and The Present

Woman in striped robe, 1970Physicist-experimentalist,, 1977


as one title suggests: about Time and Myself (1992). We see the bank of a tumultuous river, with one tree moving away from the others, finding itself perilously close to the edge; its roots and trunk hang in the air, yet a neigh-bouring tree holds it by the branches, which are entwined, as if embracing. even thunderstorms disappear, with a patch of clear sky sparkling between them. it is a metaphor for hesitation between the sky and the earth, between death and life, in which we must search for support, primarily spiritual. We must ‘wait until clear skies appear’.

During t imes of t rouble, it’s thought that art takes a backseat, yet

rogalevich’s exhibition at Minsk’s Palace of arts is always full of visitors: painters and architects, as well as students and doctors of science, in addition to ordinary workers. Foreign languages are heard, showing that his art touches the most sacred part of all human souls, regardless of nationality.

it is part of the Belarusian psyche to yearn towards spiritual purity and elevation, eternal adoration of the beauty of life and the dignity of humanity. The artist suffered so much in his life yet retained his faith in people, exploring this via his true talent.

By Vasily tikhomirov

creativity Art

Mother and child with flowers, 1974

He draws her portrait many times, like an icon, using his single small photo (which survived by a miracle from her passport) as his inspiration. The young woman with beautiful curly hair is anna rogalevich-alenskaya.

in this way, a series of portraits appeared, entitled My Mother (1968-1972), followed by My Mother in a remote land (1980) and recollections (1985). Their high drama is balanced by charming use of colour and poetic form. recollections is filled with bright metaphors, which continue through later works, including a rosebush of purple-red blooms. its sharp thorns make us think of insufferable pain — that within his memory and that of the whole nation. There were so many losses during war for each Belarusian family.

Mikhail rogalevich had no desire to sell his pictures, viewing them as his children. He made exceptions only for Belarusian national museums, on the provision that a duplicate was made for him each time.

To earn his living, he worked as an artist-designer at the National academy of sciences’ Physics institute, until retirement. He had his own study, in which he kept most of his pictures, hanging the others in lobbies and corridors. Others working there were his grateful audience.

in his free time, rogalevich created portraits of ordinary research officers and famous professors and academi-cians; many have been on display at republican group and personal exhi-bitions, with some purchased by museums. They are unique in showing the artist’s view of scientific figures as ordinary people, with the same anxieties and concerns as everyone. However, he also invests them with spiritual beauty beyond earthly achievements. They are the most valuable of his works because of their phenomenal originality.

His images show those close to him (and himself ) against the back-ground of nature. Of course, most of rogalevich’s art is autobiographical,


chagaLL aND NaïvE artWhich is being celebrated in his

home town of Vitebsk from July 6-7th. Of course, before then, various interesting events are planned for this landmark. insita-2012 brought together almost 80 artists from Belarus, russia, latvia, lithuania and the uK. Naïve art painters Maximov, Kondratyuk, leonov and Kryuger brought canvases to Vitebsk; these ‘cory-phaeuses’ (classical artists of the genre) were invited especially by the organisers of the exhibition. British Peter Hickson, an engineer and Cambridge graduate, paints well-known world figures (Portrait of Charlie Chaplin), as well as canvases which show his personal feelings, recol-lections and attempts to portray

reality (running Man, and Night and

Day in the Height of summer) . He worked at a

Belarusian enterprise in

the 1980s and, over

t h e

course of time, became a self-educated painter. Of h i s canvases, he

says, “a person should be sincere

in what they depict, since our life isn’t

nonsense and it’s so short. We should never forget that we

are created by God.”Marc Chagall would have

agreed. While living in France, he dreamt of visiting his native

Vitebsk, once more breathing the scent of his favourite cornflowers.

in reality, he never returned. However, Margarita saifugalieva’s Chagall, Hello from Vitebsk painting shows herself flying on the back of a fire-bird to Paris to find the great master, carrying a bouquet of cornflowers. usually held by the Moscow state Museum of Naïve art, the work is being displayed in Vitebsk on the eve of Chagall’s jubilee.

foruM

bAcK home

Tr u e a r t e x i s t s outside of time, as explored by Vitebsk painter Antonina Moiseeva’s Return of Marc Chagall. She portrayed the great artist on a white horse,

as if upon a cloud. He flies through the sky from Paris to Vitebsk — his native city, which was dear to his heart. It symbolises the fusion of times and cultures… and was recently on show at the 4th National Insita-2012 Exhibition of Naïve Art in Vitebsk. The wonderful forum launched celebrations dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of outstanding artist Marc Chagall.

Return of Marc Chagall by Antonina Moiseeva

VitebsK hosts celebrAtions dedicAted to 125th AnniVersAry

of mArc chAgAll’s birth


foruM

Chagall’s creativity is inseparable from that of naïve art. He borrowed much from those who initiated the genre, as Vladimir Grozin, Director of the Moscow state Museum of Naïve art, explains. He tells us, “Chagall is one of the avant-garde painters who noted and assessed the advantages of primitivism. However, he didn’t belong to either of these trends, being unique. Most painters of this trend were also somehow ‘isolated’; they perceived the world in harmony — at odds with reality — which created much drama in their canvases.”

Mr. Grozin has visited Vitebsk many times for exhibitions: usually coin-ciding with the international slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk arts Festival. Five years ago, with his Vitebsk colleagues, his museum released a catalogue dedicated to Chagall.

From archivES aND muSEum coLLEctioNS

Many foreign guests arriving in Vitebsk bring gifts connected with Chagall. For instance, Vladimir ugarov, Deputy Director of the alexander solzhenitsyn House of russia abroad in Moscow, recently donated 300 books on history, philosophy and culture (in

russian) to Vitebsk state university library. He has also brought copies of two letters from Chagall, addressed to theatre artist Mstislav Dobuzhinsky. The originals are kept in the archives of the House of russia abroad, having been donated by descendants of russian émigrés living in Frankfurt-am-Mein. Mr. ugarov b e l ie ves that the letters will be of interest to students, as well as to historians and art experts. He adds, “in his letters, the young Chagall complains that the tsarist census is too complex and asks Dobuzhinsky to help him. amazingly, the letters have never been published.”

The apostolic Nuncio for Belarus, archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, met the leadership of Vitebsk regional executive Committee in early april, mentioning his desire to organise an exhibition of original works by Marc Chagall in the Belarusian regional centre. “Works by the world famous master are kept in Germany, France and the Vatican, so we’d be pleased to assist in the organisa-tion of such an exhibition.”

The archbishop laid flowers at Chagall’s monument on behalf of the Pope of rome and visited the Chagall House-Museum in Vitebsk, noting with satisfaction that Belarus has been

hospitable towards various cultures and nations over the centuries.

vitEBSk aWaitS guEStSThe 22nd Chagall readings, scheduled

for June 9-10th, will be a major event celebrating Chagall’s 125th anniversary. it will be dedicated to the history of Vitebsk art College, which opened in the city in 1918 at the instigation of Chagall himself — as Commissioner for art in Vitebsk Province. lyudmila Khmelnitskaya, Director of the Marc Chagall Museum, tells us that art experts from Belarus, russia, latvia, France and Germany have offered their assistance. On July 7th, the courtyard in Pokrovskaya street will host a traditional theatrical holiday, entitled ‘at Marc and Bella’s’. Guests will be able to buy exclusive souvenirs and see painters, poets and musicians at work. The day before, a single picture will be unveiled at the art Museum in Vitebsk: Chagall’s portrait by Yehuda Pen — Chagall’s first pupil. it currently resides at the National art Museum of Belarus.

Chagall’s 125th anniversary is to be celebrated not only in Vitebsk but at the Tretyakov Gallery and at the Hermitage (where a conference dedicated to the master is planned).

By Sergey gavrilin

Chagall, Hello from Vitebsk by Margarita SaifugalievaNight and Day in the Height of Summer by Peter Hickson


Contests

A part from the crown, the Belarusian beauty

has brought home the title of ‘Missis Photo’. The contest gathered 35 ladies, with representatives from Croatia,

Canada, ukraine and Nigeria becoming runners-up. irina is proud of representing Belarus and smiles, “Our huge flag opened the show, as i was the first to step on

the catwalk. it was 1m by 2m (much larger than some others’ flags) so everyone noticed it!”

irina’s win in amsterdam is not her first title; last year, she was ‘Missis supermodel’ at

the Mrs. universe Pageant. That time, she took just two evening dresses and a national costume but packed almost

50kg of clothes this year. she tells us, “i was better prepared, knowing that i had to wear an official costume or dress, depending on the situation. This time, i

replaced a classical national costume for a playful model sewn especially for me by designer Yulia latushkina.

it symbolised a swan, being white and decorated with stones. it had a rushnik

and a head-band, with the high skirt resembling wings. it met Belarusian traditions, while being more modern. it took Yulia three days to decorate it.”

Was it easy for you to find a common language with other partici-

pants? Two months before the pageant, i

began studying english with a tutor — three to

toP beauty

tV host irinA KhAnuniK-

rombAlsKAyA Wins mrs. multiVerse

internAtionAl

ALE

xA

ND

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UZ

HEC

HK

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preMiere

four times a week. We had three or four major interviews with each jury member, so i needed to have confident knowledge of the language. Nobody spoke russian with me, except the russian language entrants.

What was the most difficult aspect of the contest?

The rehearsals were hard work, lasting eight hours daily over three days. We had one short excursion to amsterdam, but spent the rest of the time giving inter-views and photo sessions.

We once finished at 2a.m. and were woken at 5am, being told that anyone who wasn’t ready in five minutes would be disqualified. The organisers wanted to see how we would react, and to see us without make-up. some put on dresses while others shrugged on jeans. You could see panic or joy on various faces. We were then taken to yoga — at 5a.m! They wanted to see how fit we were; some girls actually gave up, saying they were in pain.

in the finals, we were asked tricky questions such as our thoughts on the september 11th tragedy in the usa and whether marijuana should be legalised. They also asked us which animal we’d choose to be. i was asked a very difficult question: my favourite toy in childhood? i answered ‘a gun’ as my parents had been told that they were having a boy, so they’d bought lots of boy’s toys and clothes in advance. The jury was quite amused.

Who was your strongest rival?a dark skinned lady from sudan

was my favourite; she’s a famous model in europe, working with louis Vuitton Fashion House. The TV host from ukraine was also wonderful, being beautiful in all respects.

What were you asked about Belarus and what did you say?

i spoke a great deal about our country. When asked about whether i’d like to emigrate, i replied that i want to travel, attending beauty pageants and going on business trips, but i don’t want to leave my homeland forever. They loved this answer. The criticism offered by some

participants regarding their countries did not impress the jury.

What are your impressions of the Netherlands?

it’s a beautiful country. However, homes have low windows, without curtains, so you can see what everyone is doing inside. There are many handsome men but few beautiful women. i think Belarusian ladies would arouse delight among the Dutch.

What’s your attitude to some Internet rumours that your beauty is the result of plastic surgery?

at school, i was called Ponochka (a small cartoon duck) because my lip bent upward and my nose had a slight split. i must admit that i corrected that nose. i’m also suspected of making my legs longer but that’s just ridiculous! Why would i do that? My legs are long enough. Of course, i can add hair exten-sions but this is common for models. The fashion industry sets its own rules and we have to follow. Make-up can also hide a great deal.

Are you happy?is anyone completely happy? Can

we be always optimistic, smiling and radiating joy when we know others have problems? i take part in the ‘Dreams Come True’ charity project and, at weekends, my family visit those with disabled children. We take gifts and give our time but we know it’s impossible to remove another person’s sorrows. We live in an age of technological progress but, sadly, can do nothing to fight many diseases.

How do you imagine the future for your daughter Isabella?

On leaving for the amsterdam pageant, she asked me to bring back a crown and, looking at my evening dresses, said, “What beautiful dresses you have. i want to wear them as well.” i replied, “You eat too many cakes and sweets, so they’re unlikely to become yours.” she thought for a while and then said, “Mother, i promise that i won’t eat sweets. i want to grow up and wear your dresses.” We’ll see whether she’ll follow in my footsteps.

By Viktar korbut

“This performance features both the play and the dance”The famous ballet, based on Chekhov’s short story, was first put on in the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus

The National academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of the republic of

Belarus presents loud premiere: the first plays of the “anuta” ballet based on anton Chekhov’s short story “anna on the Neck” were played here. according to critics it is the most Chekhovian ballet. This famous play appeared on the Belarusian stage for the first time. it was directed by world-renowned dancer and choreographer Vladimir Vasiliev — People’s artist of the ussr and russia, the winner of the most prestigious awards, including the state award of the ussr and russia, the “Best Dancer of the world” award from Paris academy of Dance.

it is noteworthy that the first performance of the “anuta” ballet in May 1982 was presented not on theatrical stage, but on the soviet television. Outstanding ballerina ekaterina Maximova played the role of anna. The premiere of the film-ballet was a great success, it was purchased in 114 countries around the world where it did equally well.


Their songs awaken feelings long forgotten in the bustle of everyday life. We sometimes feel that we’ve lost the ability to burst into laughter or be moved to tears

— as happened so easily in childhood. However, certain melodies can revive us, bringing us back to life and happiness, raising our spirits. The allure Gypsy show brings joy, making us realise that those feelings are truly never far from the surface.

i first saw their creativity at a birthday party, where it’s now fashionable to invite well-known musical groups to perform. The wife of the birthday boy ‘presented’ her husband with Gypsies — artistes of the state Youth Variety Theatre. i must admit that i was hugely impressed by their professionalism and the guests were all amazed by the performance, let alone the guest of honour, who was moved for a long time by his unexpected gift, tenderly smiling at his wife and constantly thanking her. The surprise was a true success…

later, i saw a concert by the allure Gypsy show. it’s a real spectacle to see how the audience responds with tears,

laughter, cries of encouragement and applause to the songs. each is a mini-performance — bright in form and deep in content, testifying to the ‘strong hand’ of production director lyudmila rodionova, who also sings and designs costumes.

Of what does allure sing? Of love, life and fate: dear to every person. Moreover, they dance so spectacularly that you immediately wish to join in the whirlwind of dance.

On the eve of the 10th anniver-sary concert for the rodionov family, lyudmila and sergey came to our editorial office with daughter Natalia Gorbacheva, who sings.

Many describe performances as ‘Gypsy’ and ‘non-Gypsy’, with the former encompassing everything dealing with music, dancing and showbiz. How long has it taken for you to master this and what inspired you to create the ensemble?

This year, we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary of giving concerts under the ‘allure’ brand. initially, we were a trio playing Gypsy songs and ballads. Of course, we saw that people enjoyed our repertoire and had the idea of sewing costumes, for a ‘Gypsy’

segment. This proved a great success, much to our delight. i proposed that we bring dancers into our small family group and sergey and Natalia agreed. at first, one couple appeared, then another and so on. We also found a violinist and, in the course of time, an accordion player. Our ensemble formed over five years.

How did you become artistes of the State Youth Variety Theatre?

after one of our performances, Vasily rainchik, the artistic leader of the Youth Variety Theatre, approached us to ask where we were from and where we worked. When he learnt that we were independent, he invited us to join his theatre and go on a major concert tour entitled ‘For Belarus’ — travelling the country’s regions and performing at concert venues with audiences of 100,000. We were very keen and truly delighted, as we were always welcomed with great enthusiasm.

How do you find your work with the Variety Theatre?

it’s very comfortable — as there’s a good rehearsal hall and the stage is perfect. We’re very grateful to Mr. rainchik for all he does, involving us in concerts and performances.

beAutiful songs allurE gypsy show is to cElEBratE its 10th annivErsary in thE End of thE yEar. rEcEntly, at thE minsk automoBilE plant's palacE of culturE, lyudmila rodionova, thE artistic hEad of thE EnsEmBlE, has also cElEBratEd hEr pErsonal annivErsary

Performers entertainment


entertainment Performers

To whom do you owe your musical talent?

L.: i was born in ukraine’s Poltav region, where russian writer Nikolay Gogol wrote his ‘The Fair at sorochyntsi’. My roots are in Mirgorod and Dikanka, where all my remaining relatives live. My father had four sisters and, when they all gathered together, my aunts would sing and the whole street would come to listen. i often spent summer holidays in these villages, taking part in club concerts and various events. i earned fame as a local ‘artiste’. However, i’ve lived all my life in Belarus. My father — a military man — was trans-ferred to Minsk when i was four and i performed on stage from the age of five, singing in the legendary ‘Zorachka’ ensemble, at the republican House of Pioneers. Other groups followed. i’ve enjoyed so much experience and have

learnt to give myself fully to songs. ‘allure’ always sings live.

N.: it’s clearly where my musical genes come from. Before i began singing with my parents, i sang with the university of Culture ensemble and then with Gosteleradio’s ‘Gostitsa’ Folklore ensemble, singing a cappella in Belarusian. i’ve loved singing since early childhood and have now been singing on stage with my parents for 15 years.

s.: My father is also a military man, born in russia’s saratov region and serving in Minsk, where he stayed. My mother is Belarusian and played the harmonica, as did my aunt. There were Gypsies among my distant relatives (on my father’s side) which may inspire my ability for music. Moreover, my father played the balalaika brilliantly. all my life, i only thought of him as a military man but, in fact, he was also a balalaika-

player. i became closer to music as a ninth grade pupil, although i also devoted part of my free time to gymnastics — involved almost professionally.

after finishing school, i went into the army. On learning of my affinity for sports and music, they offered me a job as a musician. after completing my service, at the border, i headed the army orchestra, conducting the musicians. i then worked with the ‘Krasnaya Zvezda’ Orchestra, under alexander skakh — whose memory i cherish. He was an excellent teacher and gave me much ‘musical wisdom’. i’ve worked with other orchestras too, including at a restaurant.

How did you meet Lyudmila?S.: she came to the restaurant to find

a job as a singer. it was less than a year before she took the initiative in her hands. i was shocked that she wasn’t afraid of losing her voice but she suggested that

Lyudmila and Sergey Rodionov and Natalia Gorbacheva


we only sing live. Her powerful energy, determination, assertiveness and drive made me fall in love with her.

L.: Yes, singing in a restaurant is a good way of learning if you take yourself seriously and sing at full strength.

Does Lyudmila continue to ‘wear the trousers’?

N.: Yes. With my father, i’m happy to concede to her, as she does this very well.

Who arranges music for you?L.: sergey does and also writes

musical scores for our musicians, who all have a conservatoire education.

Does Gypsy culture influence your life, tastes and relations with people?

L.: as far as Gypsy traditions are concerned, we don’t observe them, as we aren’t Gypsies. There is nothing of the Gypsy in our everyday life, except for playing the guitar at home. However, musical Gypsy culture is a powerful influence on our lives; it has completely absorbed us. We don’t have any leisure time, as we’re constantly working. simply, it’s a cultural trend which is popular.

Why is this?L.: Gypsies have much we can learn

from. i think their culture releases us from inner constraint, inviting in a wonderful world of joy and cheer. We see from the stage how faces are transformed from sombre to smiling during the show. By the time we take our bows, we see completely different faces: cheerful and laughing.

Many Gypsy songs draw on philo-sophical musings, making them more intelligent than some. Does this matter to you in selecting your repertoire?

L.: Of course, it can’t be otherwise. We include only good songs in our repertoire. it’s no secret that we’re invited to corporate parties and birthday cele-brations, so we have to use psychology in selecting appropriate songs — for a man or a woman, a newly-wed couple or those who’ve lived together for many years. We also monitor the mood of the guest of honour and the reactions of guests, trying to involve everyone in our festive atmosphere. as a rule, everyone tends to enjoy songs ‘with meaning’:

about love, life and fate. They cry and rejoice at one and the same time. When we leave, they run after us, hug us, ask for autographs and praise us. What could be better?

How do you feel on seeing an e motional respon se f rom your audience?

L.: if they laugh, it warms our souls; if they cry, we cry with them…

S.: Previously, it was difficult, as Natasha used to always cry during concerts — until she matured.

N.: This happens even now, espe-cially when i have to sing for friends or relatives.

L.: Once, we were singing at the House of Veterans. One was sitting in the front row and i saw a tear running down his cheek. immediately, i felt a lump in my throat, making it difficult to sing. i understood that i shouldn’t allow this to happen but it’s much better than playing the clown or lip-synching.

How many people comprise your ensemble and where do they come from? Are there any Gypsies among them and how often do you perform?

L.: We now have 25 people in the ensemble but only one Gypsy — adam Malinovsky, who comes from Mozyr. He used to work with professional bands in

Moldova (in particular, the ‘Zhok’ state ensemble). The remainder all boast a conservatoire education while our dancers graduated from the university of Culture and the Choreography College. Over the past decade, the band has changed but the major core remains the same: the family of rodionovs and Gorbachevs. since our first days of establishing ‘allure’, alexander Kulgun, Dmitry Miranovich, sergey Kuchko and anna Mashkova have liaised with us. anya has worked with us since

childhood while the others have been with us for six to three years. all are young and talented.

Is Allure like a big family, where everything goes well?

S.: Of course. if some questions arise, as is natural for any artistic family, they are resolved in a peaceful manner. We all have different opinions but lyudmila advises our artistes to ‘grow’ as creative personalities, not letting their talent stagnate. You need to nurture your talent rather than concentrating on your fame.

L.: as soon as someone begins to think that they are a star, they should retire from the stage, as lyudmila Gurchenko once said. i like to repeat it for their edification!

IVA

N Z

HD

AN

OV

ICH



How do you enhance your profes-sionalism as director?

L.: i have no idea where my inspi-ration comes from — perhaps some natural intuition or genetic memory. sometimes, i’ve seen or read something long ago which has greatly impressed me. it transforms inside me, ferments gently and comes to light at the proper time, when we need to update our programme. i just sit and write a script. each of our concerts differs from the last. i also invent costumes, draw designs, find

fabrics and select colours. My brother’s wife sews them while i embellish them with various beautiful items.

I’ve heard that you hire a separate flat to store costumes?

L.: We can’t do otherwise, as we have 16 sets of costumes. We change costumes up to seven times during each concert — or even more. We’re often asked how we manage to change our clothes so many times…

Allure’s repertoire encompasses famous ballads and hits from long ago. Which new pieces have been recently added and what are your plans? Do you use Gypsy folklore, aphorisms and Gypsy words?

L.: We perform not only ballads and Gypsy hits, although Gypsy folk songs (in sergey’s arrangements) account for

90 percent of our programme. We also have songs by unknown composers.

S.: We love one particularly tender ballad, entitled ‘i Won’t speak with Words’ but no one knows the composer. Moreover, it has its own story of how it came to be added to our repertoire. Many years ago, a small Gypsy boy brought us an audio cassette, saying: ‘Take this, maybe, you’ll like something’. We chose this ballad out of all the songs and still sing it. unfortunately, we don’t know the name of that Gypsy boy.

What i like about Gypsy culture is that Gypsies can take any song they enjoy and re-sing it in their own manner, introducing their own nuances. Many ballads have been preserved due to Gypsies.

L.: Yes, Gypsies have taken the best, most spiritual elements from each culture. For example, they might hear a beautiful melody, remember it and then re-invent it in their own way. The Gypsy song is then ready for performance.

N.: During our performances, we also ‘flavour’ the songs with Gypsy words, as Gypsies do. For instance, we sing: romale, your boots are hot; my gold, my diamond, my pearl… or ‘Misto! sukar! Barvales!’ which can be translated as everything is well, wonderful and rich.

L.: adam teaches us a great deal. Our use of hands, legs, head and eyes and manner of dress are influenced by him. Before he joined us, we had a good teacher from the Gypsy diaspora — artur Gomanov — to whom we’re also very grateful.

According to Gypsy legend, God loves Gypsies for their ability to enjoy life, their merrymaking and talent. Accordingly, he decided not to ‘tie’ them to any particular land, unlike other nations. He presented them with the whole world. This may be why they like to wander. How often does your band tour, bringing joy to people?

L.: You’d better ask us when we’re at home (laughing). We’ve already visited a great many places, travelling all over Belarus and visiting the Canary islands, as well as israel, the Baltic states and russia. Once, we spent four days cruising the Volga river. When we sang the ‘Banks’ song, we were floating down the river, with people on the shore waving to us in approval and delight.

How did you end up in the Canaries?

S.: Our good friends live there, and helped in establishing the association of slavonic Cultures. They invited us to perform alongside world stars.

L.: although the British, italians and those from the Canaries accept us warmly, they can’t compare with Belarusian audiences, whose open reaction makes me cry. Our concert halls, wherever we travel, are always full. i must admit that it’s challenging to perform in your own homeland, since you have to meet audiences’ expectations. Moreover, you have to sing and dance in such a way that you inspire people to come to your concerts again.

This happened after our solo concert in Mogilev. as we left, people began to ask us when we’d return. such comments are so precious, they inspire us greatly. When we tour Belarusian cities, we enjoy our roads and fresh air and our beautiful and grateful people, who come to our concerts as if they are on holiday.

Allure Show performances are always bright and unforgettable events

entertainment Performers


S. it often touches our hearts to see audiences coming into our perform-ances.

L.: i most enjoy performing in my native land, although it would be nice to visit ukraine — my historical homeland. Negotiations are currently underway. There’s also a beautiful place between Mirgorod and Khorol.

How do ethnic Gypsies view your efforts? Have you ever given concerts to the Belarusian diaspora of Gypsies?

L.: We’ve never had this opportunity but our concerts in Nesvizh and uritsk (near Gomel) have been attended by large numbers of Gypsies — even whole families. it’s lovely when they come up after a performance to thank us. Our costumes are stylised and we aren’t Gypsies. Moreover, the arrangement of our songs is modern, so we feel nervous performing to ‘real’ Gypsies. However, in all our years of performing, we’ve never had a Gypsy criticise us. rather, they praise us.

N.: i remember one elderly Gypsy woman speaking to me in Gypsy language after a concert. When she learnt that i wasn’t a Gypsy she began to thank me. she was very grateful to me for promoting her culture. Praise from Gypsies, especially those who can sing and dance better than us, is hugely precious.

S.: They run onto the stage in the final moments of the concert and begin to dance with us! These are unforgettable moments at our performances, where there are Gypsies in the audience.

Gypsy music used to inspire famous composers, such as Franz liszt, Franz schubert and Johannes Brahms. They say that russian chanson also originates from Gypsy ballads, borrowing their dramatic effect and other characteristics. Do you have Belarusian songs in your repertoire or those of your own compo-sition, of which you’re proud?

S.: We do have some. For instance, ‘Gypsies Have Come to Our City’, with lyrics written by Mikhail Gets. We’ve used this song to open several of our programmes and co-operate closely with Oleg Yeliseenkov, using three of his songs, with my own arrangements. One, entitled ‘ravens’, was performed by alexey Petrenko, a People’s artist of russia, at Yeliseenkov’s artistic meeting; we joined him in singing it. Now, we have this song in our repertoire, alongside another by albert Mikhailov. He was once the Deputy Chairman of the starye Dorogi District executive Committee and approached us after a concert, offering his verses as a gift. i’ve composed music for them. We

recently learnt that he had passed away, yet his songs remain.

L.: Natalia has written a song about our ‘allure’. as far as Belarusian songs are concerned, of course, they are present in our repertoire. We perform these with our Belarusian pop performers: alexander Tikhanovich and Yadviga Poplavskaya — at the ‘slavonic Bazaar’ and at their artistic evenings. We’ve also sung with Victoria Oleshko, iskui Obolyan, Nikolay skorikov, Valery skorozhenok, Vladimir radivilov and other Belarusian singers. We respond eagerly to their proposals and try to return the offer.

Gypsies value their society, family, profession and faith. What about you?

L.: We agree that these are important values, but i’d also add friendship. How can you live without friends? To be sincere, i’d say that i appreciate all i’ve created. after i’m gone, ‘allure’ will continue — as long as it works at full capacity, as today. i can say that work and home (and family) are equal in importance to me because we also work

at home. Moreover, we work today, so that we can continue to

work tomorrow.By Valentina

Zhdanovich



BELARUS #06/2012

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Transcript of BELARUS #06/2012