BELARUS

magazineforyou
Politics, Economy, Culture
no.1(952),2013
. Belarus
The Spiritual
Revival awards
and special
Presidential
prizes on fgures
of culture and
arts have been
bestowed
CreativitY
must
never die
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.Belarus
Monthly magazine
No. 1 (952), 2013
Published since 1930
State Registration Certificate of mass
medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009,
issued by the Ministry of Information
of the Republic of Belarus
Founders:
The Information Ministry
of the Republic of Belarus
SB newspaper
editorial office
Belvnesheconombank
Editor: Viktor Kharkov
Executive Secretary:
Valentina Zhdanovich
Design and Layout by
Vadim Kondrashov
.Belarus is published
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. Belarus, 2013
1
Contents
24
18 SkorinaS work continueS Belarus and
Lithuania continue dialogue of cultures
21 chronicleSoftheirtime
26 151St year of operation Belarusian Rail-
ways is in its 151st year and, to honour the
date, a steam train has taken a maiden jour-
ney along the Porechie-Grodno section, pull-
ing several carriages of passengers. There, on
December 27th, 1862, its whistle announced
the launch of regular railway traffic through
the territory of modern Belarus
28 convenientcomingoutoftheShadowNew
Law On Trade to hit grey market for spare auto parts
30 driving forward integration Belarus
magazine talks to Andrei Savinykh, of the For-
eign Ministry of Belarus, about the develop-
ment of integration across the post-Soviet
space and new tasks for Belarusian diplomacy
35 preServinglegacy
46 formulaofSucceSSNational Academic Bolshoi
Opera and Ballet Theatre hosts 3rd Minsk Interna-
tional Christmas Opera Forum
52 SpectatorS to receive true pleaSure
Fewer than 500 days are left before the kick of 2014
IIHF World Championship in Minsk. How does the
capital prepare for this truly grandiose sport forum?
54 gamewhichuniteSNational team of Belarus
wins 9th Christmas International Amateur Ice
Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President
of the Republic of Belarus, beating Gazprom Export
from Russia in final match
8-9
10 openformatIt determined the form and
content of the press conference organised
by the President of Belarus for Belarusian
and foreign media representatives
14 lookingintothefuture
16 worthy of remembrance Top achieve-
ments of Belarus in 2012
40
Products
that imPress
Veterans in high sPirits
striVing to keeP
Pace with time
1 2013 .LARU5
BY Viktor kharkoV,
magazine editor
. Belarus
N
ew 2013 is already
well under way, with
Januar y days passing
swi f t l y. Al most a
twelfth of the year
wi l l soon be past.
Lets look back on the
mosaic of 2012 achievements, as explored
in Worthy of remembrance.
As is traditional, the Spiritual Revival
awards are bestowed in January, for those
talented and kindly people who contribute
greatly to the life of our country. We are
united by our shared moral standards,
spiritual kinship, glorious historical legacy
and deep respect for traditions, creating
a nation in the fullest sense. The value of
cultural achievements is inestimable in this
respect. President Alexander Lukashenko
addressed those awarded, saying, Man
cannot live by bread alone. Even the
powerful empires of ancient times
fell once they lost the ideals, morality
and faith which bound them. Such
treasures turn a population into a nation
and a place of residence into a homeland.
Encouraging Creativity details the work
of the Spiritual Revival award winners and
those given the special Presidential prize
for culture and arts.
Belarus began celebrating the New
Year a century ago, with Kolyady being
the major holiday, flled with customs and
traditions, as you can learn from Looking
into the Future.
Naturally, time marches on, bringing
inevitable old age. We all wish to live long
and healthy lives and to be cared for in our
twilight years. Taking care of the elderly is
not just charitable but an essential duty
of society. Read our Veterans in high
New year
briNgs New
adveNtures
new markets, ever in competition. When
relying on others, its important to ofer
unique goods or services: your own niche.
The national economy needs to be struc-
tured harmoniously and efciently, as we
see in Equilibrium of Successful Choice.
151st Year of operation is dedicated
to Belarusian Railways monumental anni-
versary, in honour of which a steam train
has recently travelled between Porechie
and Grodno. Amazingly, 150 years ago,
on December 27th, 1862, the frst whistle
announced the launch of regular railway
traffic through the territory of modern
Belarus.
If Europe were to have its own coat
of arms and needed to select a heraldic
image, the auroch would be a major
contender, being the largest animal
native to Europe. I t already has the
honour of gracing the flag of the Brest
Region, showing local feeling for the
graceful beast. Far and wide, the auroch
has been long associated with Belarus
and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Read
Preserving Legacy to fnd out more.
Returning to the topic of elderly
people, Peoples Artist of Belarus Leonid
Shchemelev, 90 in February, views his
age as no hindrance to continuing
creativity. His spirit remains in full force,
with each day spent in his studio, at
his easel. Striving to keep pace with
time explores his amazing lifetime of
achievements.
This was a true festival bright
in all aspects, while bringing joy and a
spiritual feeling of peace, as fts perfectly
the interior of our Bolshoi Theatre writes
Valentina Zhdanovich in her article
dedicated to the 3rd Minsk International
Christmas Opera Forum, traditionally
hosted by the National Academic Bolshoi
Opera and Ballet Theatre in January.
Formula for Success describes the event,
which attracted much attention.
The hands of time move on, with
our new year gaining momentum. Dont
miss out on all the adventures which lie
ahead.
DITOR5 NOT
Spirits, which looks at social care for senior
citizens in contemporary Belarus.
This issue also explores the topic of
neighbourly relations. For example, Belarus
has long-term close economic and cultural
ties with Lithuania. The Lithuanians admire
our preservation of the heritage of the
Grand Duchy of Lithuania, often visiting
our sites, while Belarusians love to see
Vilnius. Its pleasant to promenade the
streets where Frantsisk Skorina published
his books and where Yanka
Kupala wrote his first
poems. Skorinas Work Continues tells us
how Belarus and Lithuania continue their
cultural dialogue.
Dri vi ng For ward i ntegrati on
describes its development within the
post-Soviet space, alongside the role of
Belarusian diplomacy in this sphere.
The Belarusian economy is tiny on a
global scale, producing just 0.15 percent
of the worlds GDP. However, as a small,
compact country, this is sufficient. The
question is whether we can maintain and,
even, expand this share, to ensure a good
standard of living for citizens. Across
the world, there exist several poles of
economic development, each only super-
ficially friendly. Each vies to dominate
2 .LARU5 2013
panorama
Light of kindness
The All Saints Memorial Church in Minsk is young but already
boasts an amazing history. On January 7th, the President of
Belarus was joined by his youngest son, Nikolay, and the
Metropolitan of Minsk and Slutsk, the Patriarchal Exarch
of All Belarus, Filaret, in lighting Christmas candles.
It has been Mr. Lukashenkos tradition to visit a Belarusian
church on this holy day for many years.
Reasonable
leadership
Russian Public Opinion Research Centre
(VCIOM) discovers that Russians still
view Belarus as their most reliable and
stable partner
I
n total, 1,600 respondents were polled
across 138 towns and cities from 46
regions, territories and republics of
the Russian Federation. Of these, 46
percent named Belarus as Russias most
reliable partner within the interna-
tional arena, followed by Kazakhstan
(38 percent) and Ukraine (17 percent).
Over the last fve years, Russians have
traditionally named Minsk and Astana
as their most reliable partners within
the CIS, notes the Centre.
Other countries significantly
lag behind in the trust rating, with
Armenia receiving just 5 percent,
Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan a humble
4 percent each and Uzbekistan only 3
percent. Moldova, Turkmenistan and
Tajikistan polled a modest 2 percent
each while Russians view Georgia as
their least reliable partner within the
post-Soviet space.
Russians view Belarus as a leader
among CIS states for stability and
success as noted by 45 percent of
respondents. Meanwhile, 33 percent
prefer Kazakhstan; Ukraine is ranked
third, with 19 percent. With modest
figures are Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan,
Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

T
he memorial church on Minsks
Kalinovskaya Street honours not
only the saints but all those inno-
cently killed in our Fatherland,
recalling our severe history and the great
price paid by the Belarusian nation for
its freedom and independence.
Construction is now being completed,
as senior priest Fiodor Povny reported to
the President. In the churchs lower chapel,
he and the Head of State lit candles and
exchanged Christmas gifs: a wall clock
for the Metropolitan, decorated in unique
Sozh filigree style; and an icon of the
Nativity of Christ for the President.
Mr. Lukashenko listened to a choir
of Sunday school pupils from All Saints
parish and then joined the Metropolitan
Filaret for an informal chat over a cup of
tea. Christmas is a good day for kindly
conversations.
By Kirill Dovlatov
B
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3 2013 .LARU5
5PIRITUALITY
S
peaking at a ceremony
to bestow his Spiritual
Revival and special
Presidential prizes on
the countrys most
talented and self-sacri-
ficing individuals, he
noted that their contri-
bution enriches our moral standards,
spiritual kinship, glorious historical
legacy and deep respect for traditions,
which bind us as a society.
The Head of the State underlined,
For over a century, philosophers have
been arguing over which has priority:
our spiritual or physical needs. Today,
looking around this hall, in which the
cream of Belarusian intelligentsia has
gathered, I cant help but ask myself the
same eternal question. Undoubtedly,
our material needs must be fulfilled
but we hold them within us, which
is hard to describe: some divine
spark or spiritual fire. It inspires us
to feel and think, love and suffer,
dare and create.
Mr. Lukashenko continued, Man
cannot live by bread alone. Even the
powerful empires of ancient times fell
once they lost the ideals, morals and
faith, which bound them. Such treasures
transform a population into a nation; a
place of residence into a homeland.
Accordi ng t o t he Presi dent ,
Belarusians have always praised the
power of the word over brute force,
bringing forth not aggressors or
enslavers but enlighteners, scientists,
artists and poets. He stressed that
the Belarusian people have survived
historical catastrophes while retaining
a strong legacy of tales, monuments,
traditions and songs. Our nation has not
dissolved in the sands of time but has
kept its identity by cherishing heroism
and honouring its ancestors.
Mr. Lukashenko mentioned that
the holiday of Christmas has become
a symbol of revival in contemporary
Belarus, with the return to century-
old values which have shaped our
historical path.
Our spirituality, art and culture are
our lifeblood, giving us strength to live,
the President asserts. As such, the state
has always supported creativity and talent
and will continue on this path, nurturing
new generations, so that our creativity
never dies. We wish to help each of you,
the few endowed with a special gift,
making your dreams come true.
According to the Head of State, 2012
saw wonderful examples of the revival
and blossoming of culture. Nesvizh
palace and park estate reopened after
huge renovations, while the Kupala
Theatre was also rebuilt and the new
Museum of Great Patriotic War History
opened its doors for the first time.
Belarus is becoming a European centre
of culture, hosting major international
festivals, exhibitions and artistic projects
covering all genres: from folk crafs to
classical works and the avant-garde.
Mr. Lukashenko believes that our young
artistes victories at prestigious contests
bring glory and pride to our country. He
underlines, Te most important task is to
give us a sense of the meaning and value of
life. Culture and spirituality guide societys
attitudes towards work, our children, our
fellow man and, of course, towards our
Fatherland. Theres no freedom without
culture. Where moral barriers are absent,
freedom degrades into destructive power
and anarchy. We are only truly free if we
enjoy self-discipline.
We, Belarusians, shouldnt allow
ourselves to lose our identity or faith-
fulness to our heart, as these defne the
spiritual code of our nation, continued
the President of Belarus. He is convinced
that cultural development should be
expanded to embrace innovative ideas,
encouraging competition and respect
for creative freedom, since these are
powerful tools of progress.
We are firmly against political
motifs entering into the artistic sphere;
barriers should never appear in this way,
the Head of State underlines. He believes
that we are shaped by our cultural envi-
ronment, so must take care to ensure
that our children are raised in a society,
which refects our deepest values.
Mr. Lukashenko added, We ll
always support those who use their
creative talent to promote patriotism.
Belarusian culture should inspire us
morally, forming the foundations of our
nations spiritual identity. Te Bible says
Creativity
must

never die
Alexander
Lukashenko
emphasises that
Belarus major
creative projects
have brought it to the
centre of European
cultural life
4 .LARU5 2013
5PIRITUALITY
that a town is built on the righteous; in
the same way, a nation is built on its
heroes. Today, we honour those who
can be rightly called heroes of our time.
Tey are real enthusiasts, who never fail
to help those most in need.
The laureates of the Spiritual
Revival award include doctors from
Gomels Centre for Marriage and Family
Matters, who help women become
mothers. Te Director of Radoshkovichi
boarding school, who has acted as a
father to dozens of orphans, has also
been awarded, alongside those respon-
sible for restoring priceless historical
treasures and clergymen who have
dedicated their lives to charitable works.
Thank you for having such generous
hearts, said the President.
Last year was the Year of Books, with
writers awarded for their love of literature
and promotion of our national culture.
Mas t er s f r om t he Nat i onal
Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet
Theat re and f rom t he Theat re-
Studio of Film Actors were awarded
for vivid adaptations of Belarusian
literary works to the stage and screen.
Meanwhile, staff from the National
Library of Belarus and from the Yanka
Kupala State Literary Museum were
also recognised for their consider-
able contribution to preserving and
promoting our literary legacy. The
President told them, The country
appreciates your work and talent.
The Head of State congratulated
everyone on their awards, emphasising
that they are worth more than money
alone, Thanks to these awards, all
Belarus will know of the achievements of
the laureates; youll become an example
to young people.
We also congratulate the Spiritual
Revival award winners and those given
the special Presidential prize for culture
and arts. Their self-sacrifice, sincerity
and modesty are the inspiration to us
all. They are our contemporaries and
Belarus is proud of them!
Culture and
spirituality guide
society's attitudes
towards work, our
children, our
fellow man and, of
course, towards
our Fatherland.
B
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5PIRITUALITY
particular faith. We have just fve paid
employees in the Vitebsk Region, who
ensure that donations by individuals
and organisations reach people in
need of assistance: those who are
unwell, the elderly and orphans. We
hold summer camps for handicapped
children and their parents as well
as recuperative trips for children
to Poland and the Czech Republic.
We also search for foster carers for
children from Belarusian families
on low incomes. Its lovely to have
our work praised at such a high level.
The restoration of the tradition of
charity work in Belarus is wonderful,
since its far more satisfying to give
than to take, asserts Mr.
Kulpeksha.
By Sergey Golesnik
Vocation calls us
to good works
V
italy Kulpeksha, Director of
the Caritas Charity Catholic
Society religious mission of
the Roman-Catholic Churchs
Vitebsk Eparchy, has two degrees: one
agricultural and one legal. In 2003, he
was invited to Vitebsk to become the
Eparchial Departments administrative
assistant. Then, in 2007, the Bishop of
the Vitebsk Eparchy, Vladislav Blin,
appointed him a director of the Caritas
religious mission (translated from Latin
as mercy). Mr. Kulpeksha is a secular
believer but is convinced that the most
important quality is a desire to do good.
We dont even ask our volunteers
whether they are followers of any
old fame likes new one
N
atalia Neifeld, 25, has been the
director of the Dribin District
Local History and Folk Museum
for just four months so modestly
gives credit for the special Presidential
prize to her whole staff and, especially,
her predecessor, Yelena Rebkovets. Its
easy to see that she is devoted her job, as
she tells us, Dribin has been long known
for its felt making. Since the 19th century,
our felt makers have created hand-made
felt boots for sale locally, as well as to
will become regis-
t e r e d o n t h e
UNESCO List.
By Olga
kislyak
neighbouring districts and the Smolensk
Region. The secrets of the craft were
passed down from generation to genera-
tion and a secret felting language was even
invented. Over time, the number of master
craftsmen has dwindled, as its no easy
task to create felt boots. Accordingly, were
restoring knowledge of this unique craf at
our museum. I can now make felt beads
but am yet to master felt boot making
although Id love to. Anything made
by hand is valuable, being unique. Well
continue to promote felt making, which
has been given the status of a historical
and cultural treasure of Belarus. We also
hope that Belarusian felt making
For the sake
of future
generations
O
ver t he
l ast five
y e a r s ,
the child
mor t a l i t y r at e
from birth defects
has fallen five-fold
.LARU5 2013
5PIRITUALITY
fund the restoration of
cultural monuments,
d e s p i t e difficult
economic conditions. Nesvizh Palace has
been registered on UNESCOs World
Cultural Heritage List, putting Belarus
on the map. Last year, it was visited by
almost 500,000 people. Naturally, the
infow of tourists opens up new oppor-
tunities for the further development
of the towns infrastructure, while
bringing jobs and additional
revenue for the budget. We
still have works to complete,
such as the landscaping
of the grounds around
the palace, notes
Mr. Drushchits.
By Viktar
andrjev
our legacy
T
he De put y Di r e c t or of
Belrestavratsiya JSC, Sergey
Drushchits, is an absolute
authority among restorers. He is
a person of few words, preferring action,
and has worked tirelessly to restore
various architectural sites to their former
glory. Among these pearls is Nesvizh
Palace, which was completed to a tight
schedule, with each detail preserved
authentically.
The unique project is a credit to
our creative team of builders, engineers
and artists, who share the Spiritual
Revival award. Its vital for the state to
revived nunnery
T
he Mot her Superi or of
Grodnos St. Nativity of the
Blessed Virgin Stavropegial
Nunnery, Gavrii l a, tel ls
us that her work to revive the
Orthodox church on the site of the
St. Prechistenskayas Church, which
existed in the 12th century, is the
result of her divine calling. In the early
1990s, as an ordinary nun, she did the
seemingly impossible in persuading
the regions leadership to transfer the
nunnery into believers hands.
Mother Gavriila recollects, In the
1960s, the nunnerys possessions were
expropriated and the building used to
house a branch of DOSAAF (Volunteer
Society for Co-operation with the Army,
Aviation, and Fleet), where motorcycles
were repaired. In 1977, the building was
transferred to the Republican Museum
of Atheism, with concerts and exhibitions
held inside. A piano stood at the original
altar place. Twenty years ago, we received
the opportunity to restore the community.
Te frst Christmas mass was attended by
just 15 people, including the priest and
choir but, this year, there was not a spare
seat to be had. At present, 16 nuns live at
Grodnos St. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Stavropegial Nunnery. Weve opened
Grodnos first Sunday school, teaching
around 100 children. I accept the Spiritual
Revival award with gratitude and joy and
will continue to place others needs above
my own. For a nun, the most vital aspect is
to pray and assist others.
By Katerina Charova
in the Gomel Region, largely thanks
to the work of Gomels Regional
Medicine and Genetic Diagnostics
Centre, which also offers advice on
marriage and family matters. Chief
doctor Oleg Krivo-lapov admits that
reducing the mortality rate is the
Centres foremost aim.
Its a huge honour to receive the
Spiritual Revival award, since it
recognises the work of all Belarusian
doctors in reducing child mortality
and disability. It particularly recog-
nises our own staff, whose institu-
tion cel ebrated its 20th birthday
in 2012. With state funding, weve
been able to modernise, using both
simple and high-tech methods to
ensure babies health. Our key task
is to provide families with the most
complete and exact information on
the future health of their child, at
the earliest stage. Weve seen much
success, since our regions level of
infant mortality from birth defects is
one of the lowest in the country. We
plan to introduce mass biochemical
screening of birth and chromosomal
defects for each mother in the Gomel
Region, to allow them access to full
genetic knowledge on their baby,
notes Mr. Krivolapov.
By Vera Dromova
7 2013 .LARU5
5PIRITUALITY
history interlaced
with fates
S
everal years ago, Anatol y
Cheboganov was known as a
successful entrepreneur and
a patron of arts. Now, hes also
known as a serious researcher, being
a member of the Union of Writers of
Belarus and a corresponding member
of the Academy of Russian Philology.
His Presidential prize
is perhaps the crown of
his career.
After compi l ing
his own family tree
t wo de c ades ago,
he c ont i nue d hi s
research, looking at
several noble families
from Belarus, revealed
across volumes of his
I am Your Son series.
These explore the countrys history
over the last five centuries, through
the lives of certain people. He spends
all his free time in such research, such
is his enthusiasm.
He notes, I was lucky to find new
documents about the heroes of the 1812
Patriotic War and about the Chairman of
the Institute of Belarusian Culture, Stepan
Nekrashevich. I plan to research as many
families as I can, releasing 2-3 volumes
of family trees annually.
Moreover, I plan to set
up a fund to support
genealogical studies.
If a special team were
founded, wed be able
to work on many more
families, which would
be a signifcant contri-
bution to the history of
our homeland.
By Ivan ivanov
at souls dictation
S
ince 2003, Igor Dyatlovsky,
who comes from a family
of teachers, has headed
Radoshkovi chi boardi ng
school for orphans and children left
without parental care. He followed
in his fathers footsteps, graduating
from the Minsk Pedagogical Institute
in 1991 (named afer Gorky and now
called the Maxim Tank Belarusian State
Pedagogical University). By 2005, he had
turned the school into a full secondary
establishment and had removed the
dormitories, installing a new boiler
house and medical
block
with swimming pool and sauna.
Keeping the children ft and healthy is,
of course, a priority. On site is a dentist,
as well as physiotherapy and massage
rooms, a phyto-bar, facilities for thera-
peutic exercise and a steam room.
Tere are even ski and cycle tracks, an
ice hockey rink and tennis courts.
According to Mr. Dyatlovsky,
his aim is to make the children feel
at home. Accepting our congratula-
tions, he noted briefy, on his way to
a meeting, Tis is a great honour for
me but dont ask me about my merits.
I simply love what I do and put my
soul into it
By Alla Martink
T
he pol i cy shows
t r ue huma ni t y,
allowing people to
enjoy their twilight
years rather than
simply surviving, as
was heard repeat-
edl y dur i ng t he
Presidents visit to the Republican
House of War and Labour Veterans.
Most are already over 90 years old.
The veterans home was recon-
structed at the instruction of the
President, who believes that all such
institutions in Belarus should offer the
same level of comfort. Even without
hearing the veterans views, its clear
that they enjoy active and interesting
lives. The gym and swimming pool
are never empty. Others are involved
in needlework or writing poetry,
devoting themselves to hobbies for
which they lacked time previously.
Moreover, theyve achieved great
success in these pursuits.
Cheslav Vysotsky is keen on art,
with various oil paintings hanging on
the walls of his room. He presented
Mr. Lukashenko with one his works.
Mr. Vysotsky came to Belarus two
decades ago from Lithuani a and
has spent the last decade at home.
He admits that he never had time to
indulge in painting before, but can now
dedicate himself fully to exploring his
talent. Te President also received a gif
from some of the women: an embroi-
dered Christmas tapestry. Talent is in
no short supply.
Te home is clean, cosy and warm
just as it should be. Of course, its
facilities surpass those of any normal
home, since medical services and
caring staf are on hand day and night.
Meanwhile, residents are never short
of company, despite lacking their own
family to care for them. Sadly, some
do have family, but are unable to live
with them; instead, they pay a nominal
sum of Br3m per month for their keep.
Te President is dismayed that some
elderly peoples children refrain from
upholding their duty of care to their
8 .LARU5 2013
veterans
in high spirits
State takes care of children and the elderly
parents; others are pensioners them-
selves, so the situation is complex.
Mr. Lukashenko made his feelings
known, saying, We should oblige children
to look afer their elderly parents; if they
dont wish to do so, they must pay for their
care. If legislation is lacking, amendments
should be made in the frst half of the year
to ensure that children take care of their
parents. A corresponding instruction is
now underway.
A similar system obliges neglectful
parents to pay for the maintenance of their
children by the state, with fees covering
expenses fully. Homes for the elderly
would beneft from similar funding.
The President was then invited
for a cup of tea, entertained by the
young-at-heart veterans reading of
verse and singing, accompanied by a
bayan. Mr. Lukashenko joined in the
choruses with pleasure, since most of
the melodies were familiar from Soviet
times: folk ballads and war songs,
alongside those composed by the
residents themselves. The President
was praised for his singing and was
invited to join the choir. Everyone was
delighted.
The elderly are also interested in
politics and spoke of the war. Someone
lamented that partisans are being unde-
servedly forgotten, so the President
replied, People certainly know of the
contribution played by the partisans.
Some are now trying to discredit the
movement but, in our country, we have
not allowed your deeds to be distorted.
Te partisans are honoured at the
new Museum of Great Patriotic War
History, which is destined to be recog-
nised as a leading museum worldwide
dedicated to WWII. Mr. Lukashenko
stressed that, this year, the site is to be
fnally completed, launching its halls
dedicated to the partisan movement. He
notes, It will be a grand museum: the
most modern and majestic. Everyone
visiting Minsk, entering the museum,
will understand the sacrifce made by
our nation on their behalf. Western
Europe should realise that it owes its
modern existence to us and should
remember our sacrifces, appreciating
that they owe their lives to our resist-
ance and determination. Occasionally,
we Belarusians are blamed, which
should stop. We havent been paid for
our contribution to the Great Patriotic
War victory. You live thanks to many of
our people dying.
Te veterans nodded in agreement
while the President admitted that hed
like to see them at the opening of the
new museum. Id like your lives to
continue, as an example to others, so
they can appreciate the value of life,
underlined the Belarusian leader.
A certain poem recited at the tea
table echoed this sentiment: One can
be young at 90 or old at just 40.
Certainly, the elderly can inspire
us. Meanwhile, on reaching a venerable
age, life takes on a diferent hue.
By Dmitry krylov
Warm greetings during a visit of the Republican Home for War and Labor Veterans by Alexander Lukashenko
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9 2013 .LARU5
FRANK CONVR5ATION
Open fOrmat
it determined the Form and content oF the Press
conFerence organised by the President oF belarus
For belarusian and Foreign media rePresentatiVes
T
he press conference
l asted for around
five hours, with the
President answering
over 60 questions on
Belarus social and
economic devel op-
ment, its foreign policy and relations
with Russia, the West and other
countries and regions of the world. Te
media were also keen to learn about
integration within the post-Soviet
space and Belarus participation. As is
traditional, some personal questions
were also asked.
Hosted by the National Library,
the event gathered over 350 journal-
ists from 285 media sources. Of these,
about 200 journalists were from 184
regional media outlets. Foreign jour-
nalists from seven countries were in
attendance.
Te President noted that just over
a year ago, in this hall, and in approxi-
mately the same format, he answered
your questions, including those which
had a sharp edge. I detailed the condi-
tions under which socio-economic
stability could be ensured for Belarus,
while preserving the independence of
our state. If you remember, I didnt
promise an easy life; however, I didnt
scare you with gloomy prospects either,
noted the Head of State. 2012 is now
past, so we can draw some conclusions
and see what has come true and what
has failed to materialise, added the
Belarusian leader.
In particular, the President of
Belarus detailed the following:
the results of 2012
Weve achieved small but steady
economic growth while raising peoples
real incomes. Were ofen criticised for low
rates of GDP growth but its a very vague
concept. When I ask the Government for
explanations, they give me reports which
show that certain areas of agriculture and
industry have increased over and above
our targets: agriculture has grown by
6.5 percent (instead of 5 percent) while
industry is up around 8 percent (instead
of the planned 6.5 percent). Most vitally,
real incomes are up 20 percent.
We have not achieved every goal
and opportunities have, no doubt, been
missed but, over the past year (which
brought complex situations), weve
settled fnancial problems hanging over
from 2011. In honesty, in dealing with
these problems, we met the major task
for our economy; without financial
stability, it would be impossible to speak
about further development or moderni-
sation of production, let alone raising
real incomes.
Of course, people always want more.
The only way for us, Belarusians, to
achieve this is through hard work. Teres
no other way, as Ive said before.
Id like to give a simple but efective
example. 2012 saw improvements over
2011, with measurable results. Vitally,
we managed to expand exports and
achieved a positive foreign trade balance
(almost for the frst time in our history).
More currency came into the country
than ever before, despite the unfavour-
able world market. Many, including
journalists, criticised me, saying that the
economy wouldnt be able to cope with
such a task. However, it has.
Ive always asked journalists to
remain objective. Youve seen and heard,
so analyse, draw conclusions and criticise
as is deserved. Ill listen to your opinions
but please speak from the heart, with
personal conviction!
Dont confuse freedom of speech
with irresponsibility and be careful not
to encourage ignorance or disrespect
your audience.
I'm ready, as ever, to answer all your
questions sincerely and honestly in as
much detail as you require.
10 .LARU5 2013
FRANK CONVR5ATION
Priorities
We can ensure that our country
enjoys the essential requirements of
stability and peace, so that citizens can
lead normal lives. Ive been concerned
by the potential for fnancial confusion
on joining the Single Economic Space
and by related issues. You may remember
that we introduced duties on vehicles,
leading to our citizens spending $3bn on
importing them. Weve almost spent our
gold-and-currency reserves. I felt that it
was important to stabilise our fnancial
situation and weve done so. Moreover,
our gold-and-currency reserves have
achieved $8.2bn. We have a defcit-free
budget and, even, a small net surplus.
Weve financed all the measures wed
planned. No apocalypse occurred and the
national currency didnt crash on January
1st despite SMS-messages designed
to inspire panic. Economic stability has
been the main priority. Weve achieved
this while remaining within our target
fgures, including for infation. Weve also
created a reserve for this year.
I should tell you that what our ill-
wishers and enemies predict wont
come true. This wont happen. Well
continue to exist as a stable and inde-
pendent state!
Presence on latin
american, asian and
african markets
Tere was a time when we didnt sell
anything to Latin America; now, our
trade turnover is worth $3.5bn, with
our exports accounting for around
$2bn: very much in our favour. Tis is
my answer to those who were cynical
about us entering this market. We
should go anywhere were welcome!
Looking at Venezuela, Brazil and other
countries, its clear that we have many
commodities which are in demand
there. Venezuela is our stepping off
point for sales to Ecuador, Cuba
and the Central American countries
such as Nicaragua and, especially,
Brazil. Wed like to gain a foothold
there soon, aiming for at least $5bn of
trade turnover on this continent. Tis
will contribute greatly to our need for
diverse export revenue.
As far as Central Asian states are
concerned, were focusing on those
formerly within the USSR, since weve
always taken an interest in them, main-
taining trade relations and working
together to ensure production moderni-
sation. In Kazakhstan, were taking
part in about 20-30 projects, while
building mining and refining facilities
in Turkmenistan, where we also sell lots
of our goods.
China and India came on our radar
a decade ago. You probably remember
my first trips. Jing Zmn and I (the
third president afer him is currently in
power) set the task of reaching at least
$500m in trade turnover. Weve already
at least tripled this figure. We enjoy
efective collaboration with this empire.
Its the second most powerful country in
the world so, thank God, we enjoy good
relations. Teyve helped greatly, having
given us a credit line of around $16bn for
11 2013 .LARU5
FRANK CONVR5ATION
specifc projects. Svetlogorsk may serve
as an example in this respect, where a
bleached pulp plant is being built with
Chinese loans of about $1bn.
The same is true of India, which is
keen to share experience in the sci-tech
feld. We enjoy good relations with India,
although perhaps not as developed as
those with China.
Vietnam is also becoming a close
ally. Tis rapidly developing state boasts
a population of around 80m. Theyre
almost like brothers, welcoming us as
friends and being forthright in letting
us know what theyd like to buy from
us. Teyve also helped us interact with
Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Youre aware of a visit by our govern-
mental delegation to Bangladesh and
India, with a successful trip previously
to Myanmar. Now, a major visit is being
planned to Indonesia and Singapore, at
top level. We continue to see success on
these markets and are also establishing
relations with Mongolia, which is keen
to buy our agricultural and mining
machinery. Theyve already purchased
some from BelAZ.
role of neighbouring
countries in
relations with eu
Lithuania may chair the European
Union but this doesnt give it the power
to control affairs. I dont cherish any
hope in this regard.
We cant choose our neighbours:
they are given by the Lord, so we
should live in peace with them. In fact,
30 percent of Lithuanian state revenue
comes from Belarusians. In 2015, the
EUs subsidies to Lithuania will be
reduced (it currently gives 2-3bn) which
may bring some problems. Tey cant
afford to lose their partnership with
Belarus; only small minded people in
Lithuania would disagree. We ship up
to 10m tonnes of cargo via their ports,
which they rely upon. Weve told them
honestly that were looking at alterna-
tives in the Leningrad Region and in
Ukraine, to fnd the best rates, but we
wont put all our eggs in one basket.
As long as our partners in Lithuania
and Latvia treat us as we deserve, well
be happy to continue giving them
money, shipping our goods from there
and providing work for people. If they
behave with gratitude towards Belarus,
well co-operate with them.
Well be guided by Lithuanian and
Latvian domestic and foreign policy
towards us, treating them in a similar
fashion. Well develop co-operation
accordingly.
Prospects for the
union state
Regarding the Union State, weve
made progress with human rights and
the co-operation of our foreign minis-
tries and military forces, creating inte-
grated systems as in a single state. Te
Union State will be! We function quietly
within it, without any cutting-edge inno-
vation but perhaps we are yet to reach
that point of radical solutions.
Im without worries regarding our
relationship with Russia within the Union
State. We just need to gain a foothold on
the heights already reached.
Post-soviet integration
I see nothing wrong in Russia
gathering other states around it in a
civilised way. Speaking as a participant,
we are building our relationship based
on our own interests. I know that all
the states involved are taking the same
position. Recently, Tajikistan decided not
to join the Customs Union, choosing the
WTO instead. With Kazakhstan, part of
the Single Economic Space, we are nego-
tiating to join the WTO, in Russias wake.
We havent joined yet but our time will
come. We are already following WTO
guidelines, since our main partner within
the Single Economic Space is doing so.
Preparations for iihF
world championship
in 2014
The event will shake up the capital
and create a spirit of excitement, while
promoting sport. We may not win; in
fact, we probably wont. We may not even
receive a prize but well beneft in other
ways. A great many people will arrive for
the event, so well improve infrastructure
and ensure that we have another site for
hosting games. Besides Minsk Arena,
were building a new rink at Chizhovka.
It will be ready in time, Im sure.
We need to increase the number of
hotels but need to pace ourselves. We
can adapt sanatoriums and well control
prices. We dont want to be criticised, as
the Poles and Ukrainians were over the
Football World Cup, when prices rose
through the roof. Everything should be
decent, pleasant and comfortable for
players and tourists.
The Prime Minister has reported
eleven spheres of work in preparation for
the World Cup 2014, which seem to be
being solved more or less successfully. Ill
return to these in September for serious
analysis and Presidential input.
Foreign investments
If someone wants to invest $100m
into our economy, they can meet the
President and sign a contract but terms
will differ depending on the sector,
the purpose of the investments and
the creation of jobs. We used to make
employment a mainstay of investment
terms but its less important now, as there
are barely enough job seekers to occupy
the places on offer. Most important
is modernisation, even if this means
employing fewer people.
There have been occasions when
weve been ofered a decent sum to buy
an enterprise such as $13bn. However,
investors might be seeking one of our key
companies. We have to look at the advan-
tages of each investment. If you want to
buy our Belarusian Potash Company,
it costs $30-32bn; dont bother ofering
less. Some have complained of my refusal
to accept less but I wont sell our nations
assets for a song. We should ensure that
investments are performed honestly and
transparently, so that people trust us!
Te shorthand report of the Presidents
press conference is available at the
following websites: www. sb.by and www.
president.gov.by.
12 .LARU5 2013
TRADITION5
F
ather Fiodor Povny, the
Head of the Orthodox All
Saints Church in Minsk,
held the hand a three year
old toddler while everyone
joined in a simple dance
of three stamps and two
claps. Children and adults alike took part,
having gathered for the opening of the
Family Spirituality Welfare of Citizens
event, at the House of Mercy.
The refectory offered hot tea,
while some craft items were on sale
and children were entertained by
funny fairy-tale characters, ski races
and carting. Everyone was able to take
part in this exciting winter spectacle,
marking Yuletide (the week following
Christmas Day). The celebration
organised on the eve of the Old New
Year is already a tradition in the parish,
marking a time for winter festivities.
YuLetide
at house
of mercy
The event offered fun and generated
funds in a warm and wel coming
atmosphere.
The National Centre for Technical
Creativity took part, presenting its
road and air models, thanks to Father
Fiodors passion for aeronautics. He
sees children as being like little stars
shining in the orbit of the House of
Mercy, within whom he wishes to
inspire awe for life. The little ones were
entranced by Father Frosts arrival in a
real helicopter! Sunday school classes
are a priority for the parish. Naturally,
education is a cornerstone of the
churchs mission but Father Fiodor
also simply loves children.
He i s supported by cl ose co-
operation with regional and municipal
authorities, so the celebrations were
also attended by the heads of the
Pervomaisky District Administration
and t hose f rom t he Mi nsk Ci t y
Administration. The mayor of Minsk,
Nikolai Ladutko, promised that a new
school is soon to open near the House
of Mercy. A beautiful, modern suburb
is growing there, intended to enhance
the attractions of the capital.
Belarus enjoys a good relation-
ship between church and state, as
the Head of the Belarusian Orthodox
Church, the Metropolitan of Minsk
and Slutsk, Filaret, asserted in his
Christmas message: We are devel-
oping co-operation, communicating
in the l anguage of moral values.
History is written by human hearts.
The celebrations in All Saints parish
are living proof of this sentiment.
Yuletide lasts until the Eve of
Theophany. Epiphany koliva is called
rich, while Christmas is lean and
New Year hungry. Wedding weeks
are traditional after Yuletide: small
svadzebnitsa. One of these weeks in
the church calendar is called omnivo-
rous, when food not allowed during
fasting can be eaten. The colourful
week alternating fasting and non-
fasting days is later followed by
Maslenitsa (the spring carnival).
By Galina Ulanskaya
13 2013 .LARU5
TRADITION5
LOOking
into the future
belarus began celebrating the new year a century ago, with
kolyady being the major holiday just beForehand. ethnograPher,
writer and rector oF belarus culture institute, iVan kruk, tells us
about belarusian customs and traditions.
is attached to the origin of this holiday,
admits Mr. Kruk. Sadly, we have little
historical information.
koliva and
mushroom kvass
Kolyady is a two week holiday with
its own starting point and culmination.
A festive ritual dinner is at its heart, since
a richly laid table brings likelihood of a
similarly well-provided year ahead. We
say: The New Year will unfold as its
met. Twelve dishes are offered, repre-
senting the 12 months and 12 constel-
lations. Among them, its usual to find
mushroom and red bilberry kvass, cran-
berries, sausages, pancakes, machanka
(meat stewed in broth and eaten with
pancakes) and saltison (pork stomach
stufed with chopped meat). B
elarusians began
to celebrate New
Year only in the
early 20th century,
since our grand-
parents focused on
Kolyady which
coincided with the
turn of each new
year. No fxed date
Traditional folk ritual Carol kings was conducted by inhabitants of the Kopyl Districts Semezhevo village on January 13th
B
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TRADITION5
In ancient times, fir trees were
commonly believed to have magical
powers, so were treated with respect.
Decorating them was an act of placation
and ofering. With time, this took the
form of decorating with paper toys and
clay whistles; balls came later.
By the late 1960s, urban Bela-
rusians were beginning to adopt the
fashion of having a fir tree at home
but those post-war years were hard
for many, who viewed the notion as
a luxury especially in the villages.
With the advent of the popularity of
TV sets, fir trees were also seen with
more regularity.
betrothed, masked
Kolyady is seen as an auspi-
cious time for fortune telling, being a
unique time between one year and the
next. Various rituals have been handed
down through the generations, aimed
at bringing prosperity and peace. As
ever, single girls are particularly eager
to learn of their future destiny, usually
trying to foretell their fate on the nights
of December 24th-25th, New Years
night, January 6th-7th and 13th-14th,
as well as the evening of January 19th
(Epiphany). Methods include counting
the boards in a fence: an even number
indicates marriage in the forth-
coming year. As the doorstep is seen
as a point of contact with those who
have entered the beyond, placing
pancakes there is another custom.
Girls each cook a pancake and
a dog is then summoned;
whoevers pancake is eaten
first will marry before
the others. Another
ritual involves sitting
in darkness between
two mirrors, with
l i t candl es .
The f uture
hu s b a n d s
i ma g e i s
supposed to
appear in the
refection.
By Victoria
Dorokhova
tion in the early 20th century. However, in
the 1920s, the Bolsheviks prohibited the
custom and the celebration of New Year,
hoping to end Christian practises and avoid
the influence of capitalism. The tradition
went underground
but was restored
in 1935.
Lean koliva has always been the
main dish to open the holiday, cooked
in a clay pot. Its made from oat or pearl
barley with honey, poppy seeds and
dried apples and pears. Te frst spoon
is traditionally put aside for those who
have died and then all the family begin.
A-shroving is the usual entertain-
ment on the second day of Kolyady
or on the night of January 13th-
14th (also known as Generous
Koliva). Villagers walk about
in clothes turned inside out, in
memory of their forefathers, and
are accompanied by a goat
which symbolises the sun in
Slavic mythology. Te goat enters
a house, welcomes its hosts and
then falls down as if dead.
When the hosts take out gifs,
the animal revives, as if born
again, indicating the return
of the sun in the new year.
Afterwards, those taking part
in the Kolyady procession sing their
good wishes to the family and hosts.
Generous Koliva falls on the
night of the Old New Year celebra-
tions and also traditionally features a
generous table, including a newly killed
pig: smoked, boiled and placed at the
centre of all the other dishes. Te family
gathers, wearing new clothing to
celebrate, and launches their feast
with pancakes marked with a criss-
cross pattern.
The third (lean or water)
Koliva party closes the holiday on
the night of Epiphany (18th-19th
January).
upside-down fr tree
Its hard to imagine but
fir trees were once decorated
upside-down. Of course, we
can hardly imagine New Year
without a decorated fr tree.
The custom originates
from 16th century
Western Europe and
was later adopted
by Russia; Belarus
joined the tradi-
15 2013 .LARU5
PCULIARITY
WOrthY
of remembrance
Top achievements of Belarus in 2012
space is ours!
B
elarus has fnally become a space
power. On July 22nd, at 9:41am
Minsk time, Baikonur cosmo-
drome in Kazakhstan saw the
launch of a Belarusian satellite. Tis allows
statute of
the grand duchy of
lithuania returned
T
he Thi rd St at ut e of
t he Grand Duchy of
Lithuania, dating from
1588, has been bought
from a private collector in Moscow,
allowing it to take its place at
Mogilevs History Museum. It is
the frst copy of the Statute to be
coverage of the territory of Belarus from
space, freeing us from reliance on the
purchase of such data from other states.
Meanwhile, Oleg Novitsky, of Cherven in
the Minsk Region, has joined the crew at
the International Space Station, making
him the third Belarusian in space.
held in Belarus and required a sum of
$45,000 for its purchase collected
through donations and sponsorship.
Te Statute was a great achievement
of European law in its day.
Slutsks Local History Museum is
raising money to buy some original
Slutsk belts from a Belarusian collector
while a belt has been donated to
Nesvizh Castle (woven in Slutsk style
by a workshop near Warsaw).
1 .LARU5 2013
go, bate! go, Vika!
S
ince winning the Australian
Open Tennis Championship,
Victoria Azarenka has taken
number one seed ranking.
This year, she also reached the
semi-finals of Wimbledon and
the final of the USA Open, as
well as claiming singles bronze at the
Olympic Games in London and mixed
doubles gold with Maxim Mirny.
Football club BATE, having
previously reached the Champions
League fnals, for the frst time claimed
two victories at the group stage,
beating French Lille and Munich
Bavaria (both 3:1). BATE took third
place and reached the 1/16 of the
Europa League: the best achieve-
ment of the Belarusian football
club to date.
by train with the wind
T
hree new Minsk metro stations opened
in south-west Minsk this autumn, with
another station to launch next year.
Further plans include a Moscow metro
line crossing the entire city from one side of
the ring road to the other.
New urban and regional rail lines have opened,
ofering business class seats, while modern Swiss
Stadler trains have been introduced by Belarusian
Railways, to improve speed and comfort. By 2016,
a factory is to open in the Dzerzhinsk District,
making passenger urban electric transport.
our people in cannes
S
ergei Loznitsa, of Baranovichi, attended the
Cannes Film Festival to present In the Fog
based on Vasil Bykovs story. It is the second flm
Mr. Loznitsa has taken to Cannes and won the
International Federation of Film Critics FIPRESCI prize.
Shot in Latvia, the flm shows a Belarusian village during
occupation in 1942. Mr. Bykovs permission was sought to
use his story, involving some time for consultations. In the
Fog also received a number of major prizes at flm forums
such as the Grand Prix: Te Gold of Listapad in Minsk,
where it was acclaimed for its innovative approach.
PCULIARITY
17 2013 .LARU5
NIGHORLIN55
skOrinas
work continues
Belarus and Lithuania continue dialogue of cultures
B
elarus has tradition-
ally close economic
a n d c u l t u r a l
rel at i ons wi t h
Lithuania. Since
ancient times, weve
been bound by ties
of neighbourliness. Lithuanians
admire our preservation of the
heritage of the Grand Duchy
of Lithuania, ofen visiting our
sites, while Belarusians love to
see Vilnius, bowing to the icon
of Our Lady of Ostra Brama.
Its pleasant to promenade
the streets where Frantsisk
Skori na publ i shed hi s
books and where Yanka
Kupala wrote his
first poems.
According to the Department of
Statistics, most overnight visitors to
Lithuania last year were from Belarus:
more than 350,000 people. Te Days of
Belarusian Culture were held again in
Vilnius in 2012 while Visaginas hosted
the 17th Festival of Belarusian Song,
attended by professional art groups
from Belarus and amateur Belarusian
groups in Lithuania. Vilnius, Kaunas
and Klaipda hosted performances
by theatres and musical groups from
Mogilev and Minsk and further events
are planned.
gymnasium with
deep roots
A Belarusian Sunday school operates
in Klaipda, while the centre of national
communities in Visaginas ofers lessons
in Belarusian language, literature,
history and culture. In Vilnius for more
18 .LARU5 2013
NIGHORLIN55
than 20 years, students have attended the
Belarusian-language school named afer
F. Skorina. Last year, it received the status
of gymnasium a significant event.
Indeed, from 1919-1944, in Vilnius, a
Belarusian gymnasium attracted those
seeking knowledge from across all of
Western Belarus.
The Deput y Di rector of t he
gymnasium, Roman Voinitsky, from
Vishnev, also heads the Belarusian
community in Lithuania.
He tells us, Our school
is ranked seventh
i n Li t huani a,
f i f t h a mong
Vi l nius schools,
and frst among those
for national minori-
t i es. Educat i on i s
through the medium
of Belarusian, while
students take exams in
Lithuanian.
The gymnas i um
follows a Lithuanian programme,
but uses Belarusian textbooks.
Tanks to the Minsk City Executive
Committee, the school received a
bus in which to visit Belarus.
Wake of the Nobles of the Great Duchy
of Lithuania of Tiesenhausen Dukes.
Mr. Plytkevich tells us, Initially, the
idea was that a Belarusian photogra-
pher should take pictures of attractions
in Rokikis and a Lithuanian shoot
in Postavy. However, I found it more
interesting to fnd parallels, comparing
the cities, which both belonged to
the Tiesenhausen family. They lived
first in Postavy and then transferred
to Rokikis. Postavys hospital and
tourist centre are connected with them
while Rokikis has a museum. The
Tiesenhausens were replaced by the
Pshezdzetski family in Rokikis, who
also owned Belarusian Zaslavl.
He continues, Naturally, we have
much shared history, despite moving
along diferent paths today, with diferent
languages. I think we remain close
mentally though, so Belarusians will fnd
Rokikis fascinating and Lithuanians
will be impressed by Postavy, whose
buildings and churches date from the
18th-19th century.
Pyatras Blazhyavichyus, who heads
the Department for Culture, Tourism and
International Relations
for the self-governing
Rokikis District, helped
the project win a grant
from the EUs international cross-
border co-operation programme: Latvia
Lithuania Belarus. Belarus has
been allocated 250,000 Euros to perpe-
tuate the memory of the Tiesenhausen
family. The director of the Postavy
Tourist Centre, Yegor Shushkevich,
created the Belarusian Father Frost:
Zyuzya Poozersky.
tiesenhausen
bound them
Mi nsk phot ographer Sergey
Plytkevich has been implementing joint
projects with Lithuania.
His latest is Postavy
Roki ki s :
Pa r a l l e l s ,
wh i c h i s b e i ng
s u p p o r t e d b y
t he Mi ni st r y of
Foreign Affairs of
Lithuania, through
a pr o g r a mme
entitl ed In the
B
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19 2013 .LARU5
Vladimir drazhin, ambassador Extraordinary and PlEniPotEntiary of bElarus to lithuania,
expertopinion
Step by step, Belarus and
Lithuania have built pragmatic
and balanced policy in all
areas. More than fifty agree-
ments are signed between cities
and regions of Lithuania and
Belarus in the areas of economy,
education, health, culture, sports
and tourism. as a result, today
the regions share in turnover of
Lithuania and Belarus is about
30 percent. Projects in the feld
of cardiology and oncology
are successfully implemented,
the exchange of students and
graduate students is getting
better. annual Days of Belarusian
Culture in Lithuania are met
with genuine interest and
kindness. acquaintance
with the culture of neigh-
bouring countries is an
opportunity to get to
know each other better,
to understand better and
remember the historical ties
that unite two peoples.
life returns to palaces
Work is also underway across Belarus
and Lithuania to restore the palaces of the
Sapega family, who were statesmen of the
Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Tis year, the
baroque facades of the late 17th century
Sapega palace located in the Antakalnis
district of Vilnius are to receive attention,
while the side facades of the buildings,
and the arches of galleries on the first
and second foors, will open.
The Academy of Sciences Library
in Lithuania (named afer Wrublewski)
holds a 15th-16th century gospel origi-
nating from Zhirovichi Monastery,
which also belonged to the Sapegas.
Meanwhile, Belarusian Ruzhany Palace,
of the Sapega family, was restored in
2008. Built in the second half of the 18th
century, it is surrounded by gardens,
parks and greenhouses, with a triumphal
arch gate: all recently restored. A semi-
circular colonnade connects the palace
with its west and east wings, in which a
museum and art gallery, a theatre and a
manege operate. One hall of the museum
hosts personal exhibitions by Belarusian
artists while the second is dedicated to
the Sapega family. In accordance with
the state programme Castles of Belarus,
by 2018, the entire east wing of the palace
should be restored, using Brest Region
budgetary funding.
great Princes come
to life in bronze
In June, Vitebsk will celebrate City
Day by unveiling a monument to the
Prince of Krevsk and Vitebsk, the Grand
Duke of Lithuania and the Russian
Olgierd, Algirdas. The Chairman of
the Vitebsk City Executive Committee,
Victor Nikolaikin, notes that a draf has
been approved for the horse sculpture,
which is being funded by sponsors.
Meanwhile, in Novogrudok, sculptors
Sergey Bondarenko and Pavel Luka are
creating a monument to the first King
of Lithuania, Mindaugas, who resided
there in the 13th century. Their entry
was chosen from among 16 submitted by
14 sculptors to the Ministry of Culture
and the Belarusian State Academy of
Arts and resembles those seen near the
Belarusian State Circus in Minsk.
Mr. Bondarenkos other works
are similarly lifelike: Gymnasts on
Horseback; Clown-Musicians; Clown
with Pig and Rooster; Cat; Turtle; and
Elephant-juggler.
dictionary to help
Tis year, the Embassy of Lithuania
to Bel arus is preparing the first
Belarusian-Lithuanian dictionary, to
include about 15,000 words translated
into Lithuanian. Examples of how to use
words in context, grammar and stylistic
information are being featured. An
ofcial statement reads: A Belarusian-
Lithuanian dictionary will be useful for
the Belarusian community in Lithuania
and for Lithuanians living in Belarus, as
well as for linguists, interpreters of both
countries and for anyone interested in
the culture, history and traditions of
these countries.
In 2010, the Lithuanian Embassy
to Belarus published an edition on
Lithuanian grammar, in Belarusian
language. In 2011, a phrase book followed.
A professional textbook and dictionary
remain lacking, although Belarusians
are the third largest national minority in
Lithuania afer Poles and Russians. Te
dictionary should help
them learn the intrica-
cies and peculiarities
of Lithuanian.
By Viktar korbut
NIGHORLIN55
20 .LARU5 2013
R5ARCH
ChrOniCLes
of their time
T
he National Archives of
Belarus has now completed
cataloguing previously
secret papers from the
late 1980s, detailing the
private lives of public
fgures. Intimate Diary, by poet Maxim
Bogdanovich, remains unpublished.
maxim bogdanovich.
words endure
Only the few whove seen pages from
Bogdanovichs Intimate Diary are aware
of its details. One such is playwright Yuri
Sokhar, who recently presented his Lost
Swan play, exploring the final days of
Maxim Bogdanovich, drawn from docu-
mentary sources.
My wife, Olga Stanislavovna, was
among the enthusiasts who founded
the Bogdanovich Museum in Minsk. I
travelled with her to places connected with
the poets life, including his parents home
and those of his acquaintances. In the
1970s, the Institute of Arts, Ethnography
and Folklore at the Academy of Sciences
of the BSSR decided to write the history
of national theatre. At that time, I was
working at the Institute and remember
the former director of the First Belarusian
Teatre (now, the Yanka Kupala Teatre),
Yazep Dyla, sending his recollections
from Saratov. A small notebook was in
the parcel, which must have lain in a trunk
in the Bogdanovich house. It is likely that
Maxims father, Adam Yegorovich, gave it
to Dyla. In this way, Intimate Diary found
its way to the museum, notes Mr. Sokhar.
Recently, the poets death certifi-
cate was discovered, in a church book of
1917, kept at the Yalta Historical-Literary
Museum. Te document was found by TV
journalist Oleg Lukashevich. It states that
peasant of Yaroslavl, Maxim Adamovich
Bogdanovich died on May 12th and was
buried on the 15th. In this way, the earthly
road of a Belarusian literary genius ended.
In Russian Yaroslavl, Bogdanovich
wrote golden classics of national poetry. In
Yalta, on the shores of the Black Sea, one
of his last lines was: Im not alone; I have a
book from Martin Kukhtas printing house.
Surprisingly, the major milestones
of his career are connected with places
beyond Belarus borders: Kukhtas
Printing House was located in Vilnius.
His only epic book Venok (The
Wreath) was published there in
the early 20th century, as was recently
revealed following the release of details
regarding his benefactor, Princess
Magdalena Radziwill. Her Zawiszi
family emblem of the swan is seen on the
books title page, indicating her funding
of the edition.
The Princess spent her last years
in Switzerland, where she died in 1945.
With assistance from the UNESCO
National Commission for Belarus,
the Charg dAffaires of Belarus to
archiVes reVeal unknown Pages
21 2013 .LARU5
His famous Paulinka comedy is present
in two editions, while his Heritage poem
(which became a hit for Pesnyary folk
group) is present in three copies.
Vladimir korotkevich.
25 years of life
In 2012, a 25 volume edition was
launched: The Collected Works of
Vladimir Korotkevich. It was the first
time that his works were published in
full, including diaries, letters, drawings
and, even, recordings of his voice.
The 25th volume is to appear in
2010, in time for the 90th anniversary
of the classical writer. Anatoly Verabei,
an associated professor at the Belarusian
Language and Culture Chair at the
Belarusian State Universitys Philological
Department, tells us, For the frst time,
readers can see previously unknown
Russian language poems by Vladimir
Korotkevich: Homeland and Prehistory.
Works by Byron, Adam Mickiewicz,
Ivan Franko and Alexey Tolstoy trans-
lated into Belarusian are also being
gathered. Drawings, caricatures and
self-portraits created by Korotkevich
will feature in a separate volume. Mr.
Korotkevich sang well and knew many
Belarusian folk songs, so these are being
released on CD alongside the Collected
Works. His television speeches are also
being published, while two volumes are
dedicated to his correspondence with
Vasil Bykov, Maxim Tank and other
outstanding personalities.
iosif Volk-leonovich:
language is my friend
In the 1920s, he was a landmark
figure in Minsks cultural life, helping
found the study of linguistics in Belarus.
However, his views often contradicted
those of his time and he was criticised
for closely comparing the Belarusian
and Russian languages. Only now are
pages from those years being unveiled
from the archives.
Mr. Volk-Leonovich studied at St.
Petersburg Universitys Historical and
Philological Department, attending
seminars and lectures led by outstanding
R5ARCH
Switzerland, Andrei Kulazhenko,
conducted research which led to a
discovery in Bourguignon, not far
from Fribourg: the grave of Magdalena
Radziwill, notes researcher Adam
Maldis. She spent her last years at an
elite boarding house for the elderly.
Were now making contact with her
great-great grandchildren, who reside
in the UK and Sweden.
Literary critic Tikhon Chernya-
kevich has prepared a collection of
documents on Maxim Bogdanovich
and his father, Adam Bogdanovich:
most are previously published. Ive
touched original manuscripts by
Bogdanovich, as well as those written
by his contemporaries and predeces-
sors. Readers will be able to look at the
life and creativity of the classical poet
with great intimacy, he tells us.
yanka kupala.
autograph on the monitor
The Yanka Kupala Museum has
released Autographs of the First Peoples
Poet of Belarus Yanka Kupala as
paper and electronic editions (the latter
available on CD). Impressively, the
poets works have been translated into
almost 100 foreign languages, making
Yanka Kupala a key representative of
Belarusian nationhood, language and
literary culture.
Autographs is the first complete
collection of the classical poets manu-
scripts from the Yanka Kupala State
Literar y Museum, supported by
the Culture Ministry and the
UNESCO National Commission
for Belarus. The edition also
includes Kupalas drafs of Along
the Way of Life (a collection of
poems) and is unique in allowing
us the opportunity to see his
handwriting at various ages.
Te museum holds over 500 of
the poets manuscripts. Te earliest is
My Fate (a poem dated 1904), which
bears a light verse in Polish on the reverse
O Kobiecie (On Women). Naturally,
originals are especially precious:
Bandarouna, She and I, Dream on the
Mound, Prymaki and Te Broken Nest.
22 .LARU5 2013
academics: Russian Shakhmatov, Polish
Professor Baudouin de Courtenay and
Belarusian Yevfmiy Karsky.
In Minsk, Mr. Volk-Leonovich
taught Belarusian language and litera-
ture for those studying at Polish and
Jewish training colleges and worked at
the Belarusian Language History Chair
of the Belarusian State University.
In 1925, Mr. Vol k-Leonovi ch
published his Language of Frantsisk
Skorinas Editions, followed in 1927
by Lectures on the History of the
Belarusian Language, whose costs he
met himself. They were approved by
the BSSR Peoples Commissariat for
Education as teaching guides but were
later considered inadequate.
His 1929 lecture at the Belarusian
Academy of Sciences On Some of the
Most Important Weaknesses in Belarusian
Literary Language aroused a huge
response among linguists. In 1930, Mr. Volk-
Leonovich moved to Saratov, dedicating the
fnal years of his life to teaching the Russian
language. His hand-written archive mirac-
ulously survived and is kept at the Central
Scientifc Library of the National Academy
of Sciences, flling 171 storage units.
adam rusak.
a letter to his mother
Poet Adam Rusaks song Be of Good
Health was an immediate hit, although
few realise that he wrote the lyrics. Most
know the melody is over 70 years old and
assume the words are simply traditional.
Now, however, his daughter, Lyudmila
Rusak, is keen to have her fathers genius
recognised. She tells us, In 1936, Adam
Rusak a poet and musician from the
Kopyl Districts Pesochnoe village wrote
a letter to his mother. He was working as
a soloist with the Leningrad Maly Opera
and Ballet Teatre Symphony Orchestra.
He felt overwhelmed with homesickness,
which inspired his poem: Be of Good
Health. Composer Isaak Lyuban, who had
studied with him at the Minsk Musical
Training College, added the melody.
Te song gained popularity and soon
reached Moscow, where Leonid Utesov
sung it in 1938, using a translation into
Russian by poet Mikhail Isakovsky,
which he called Te Wish. No mention
was made of Mr. Rusaks original, despite
demands by the Union of BSSR Writers.
Only those familiar with Belarusian
literature know that Be of Good Health
isnt a folk song but the creation of Adam
Rusak and Isaak Lyuban.
Vsevolod ignatovsky.
revelations from the attic
A teacher training college which was
the forerunner of todays Belarusian State
Pedagogical University was named in his
honour. In the 1920s, the faade of the
building was decorated with a plaque
bearing the name of Vsevolod Ignatovsky:
Peoples Commissar for Education in
Belarus and the first president of the
Belarusian Academy of Sciences.
On February 4th, 1931, he shot
himself through the temple, in despair
at Stalins notorious repressions. Before
the doctors could reach his flat at 38
Karl Marx Street (the Second House
of the Soviets now 30 Karl Marx
Street) the intelligence agencies entered,
removing all his personal academic
papers, explains Vladimir Lyakhovsky,
a Candidate of Historical Sciences and
an associated professor with the BSUs
International Relations Department.
Te papers then disappeared.
Attempts to relocate them were
made by historians Rostislav Platonov,
Vladimir Mikhnyuk, Vitaly Skalaban,
Alexandra Ges and Nikolay Tokarev.
Finally, the National History Museum
received them as a donation from
Minsk resident Maya Stashevskaya. She
tells us, Te documents were given to
me in the mid-1970s by an elderly man
who called himself an old acquaintance
of my father, Alexander Stashevsky
the former Peoples Commissar of
Internal Afairs and Justice of the BSSR
and Ignatovskys comrade-in-arms. Te
papers then lay in my attic and, when
I remembered them, I decided to pass
them to the state.
The most precious among these
papers are the membership cards and
mandates of Ignatovsky as a member
of the Central Executive Committee
(Parliament) of the BSSR and USSR and
a deputy of Minsks City Council.
This is a certificate of the Peoples
Commissar for Education, issued by
the BSSR Government in 1925, notes
Mr. Lyakhovsky, showing the document.
Its designed by famous artist Gennady
Zmudzinsky, the author of the Order
of the Red Banner of Labour of the
BSSR. Alongside personal documents,
the collection includes five unpub-
lished Ignatovsky manuscripts, dating
from 1924-1927, which shed light on
some early 20th century episodes of the
Belarusian national movement.
By Viktar korbut
R5ARCH
V
A
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K
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23 2013 .LARU5
TCHNOLOGICAL RAK-THROUGH
prOduCts
that impress
B
o b r u i s k
Be l s hi na
to produce
t yres 6m
in height,
wei ghi ng
7 tonnes.
At present, the company
manufactures tyres in over
300 sizes, models and ply
ratings, with the unique
super-sized tyre soon to join
its inventory. Belshina JSC is
a giant, uniting four factories
which each boast their own
specialisation. It makes tyres
for mass use, large-sized
and super-sized (the latter
obviously arouses the most
interest). It even has its own
mechanical plant manufac-
turing equipment for tyre
production.
In making a tyre, its
carcass (boasting several
layers of durable rubber
cord) rolls slowly around
a huge cylinder. This core
is then supplemented by
bracelets of cord, rubber-
ised with a mixture of natural
caoutchouc (the only suitable
raw material). These layers
create a huge 3 tonne rubber
bun, which is placed into a
special furnace; vulcanisation
occurs over a period of 800
minutes (just over 13 hours)
at extremely high tempera-
tures. Te tyre then acquires
its tread pattern in the press
and is thoroughly inspected
before dispatch, ready to
carry dozens of tonnes of
load and endure the harshest
of climatic or environmental
conditions. Even the smallest
air hole or microscopic crack
or foreign body can cause a
puncture.
In desi gni ng a tyre
suitable for adverse condi-
tions, we really put it through
its paces, explains the Deputy
Director for Production at
Belshina, Victor Yarosh, indi-
cating a huge tyre rolling under
a never-ending load. BelAZ,
MAZ, Minsks Automobile
Plant, Minsks Tractor Plant,
the Minsk Wheel Tractor
Plant and ordinary car lovers
all appreciate the quality of
Belshina tyres, which have
proven their reliability and
durability many times over.
Tyres are far more than
shaped rubber and even
the pressure is vital: a fall of
just 10 percent raises fuel
consumption and shortens
lifespan. The breaker
B
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24 .LARU5 2013
AR 5PCULATION
which connects the core to
the tread and acts as a shock-
absorber plays a vital role,
and tyres should fit snugly
against the wheel. Naturally,
super-sized tyres for quarries
need to be especially strong,
enduring up to 110 degrees
of heat. Even tyres have their
limits though: dump trucks
shouldnt attempt gradients
of over 12 degrees unless
turning and tyres should be
allowed to cool afer intensive
use. Needless to say, sharp
stones can also take their toll,
especially when trucks are
heavily loaded.
We l l soon produce
even larger tyres, asserts the
Deputy General Director
for Ideol ogy, Personnel
Management and Social
Issues at Belshina, Alexander
Kozlov. As you know, the
Government has tasked
Bel AZ JSC with manu-
facturing the worlds first
quarry machinery capable
of carrying up to 450 tonnes.
Suitable tyres are needed:
6m in height and weighing
7 tonnes. By 2016, trial
models should be ready for
testing, with mass produc-
tion the following year.
Interestingly, each tyre
for a 200 tonne truck costs
around $20,000: the price of
an average saloon car. Te cost
of a giant BelAZ tyre remains
competitive, but is certainly
expensive. Belshinas produce
must rival that of its interna-
tional colleagues, ensuring
that it retains and expands its
place on the world market. It
currently exports to over 60
states including Singapore,
Australia, Ukraine, Canada,
Kazakhst an, Indonesi a,
and Brazil.
By Vladimir Chemodurov
Competitiveness
OBLIgES
banking sector Forecasts Falling rates For 2013
M
any view lending
a nd s a v i ng
rates in Belarus
as being too
high espe-
cially since most neighbouring
states rates are many times smaller.
Accordingly, it seems likely
that both rates will be
reduced in 2013 perhaps
even in the frst three months, as
noted by the Chairman of BelVEB
Board, Pavel Kallaur. He notes that
change will be gradual though. It will
rely on two factors: the National Banks tough
monetary-credit policy and a deficit-free
budget, he explains.
At the moment, credit rates at BelVEB
(among the top fve largest banks in Belarus)
fluctuate around the refinancing rate plus
7-10 percent. The gap between the official
refinancing rate and those mentioned in
advertising is to be cut. Te fall could reach 1
to 3 interest points at some banks; others who
have set rates artifcially high by applying 15
percent on top of the refnancing rate may see
an even more rapid fall of 5-7 percent,
adds Mr. Kallaur.
Speaking of the present situation
regarding savings, he emphasises
that no dramatic change will be
observed immediately. Exchange
rate trends for 2013 are now
being formed. Our banks plan
for 2013 relies exclusively on
macroeconomic fgures from the
National Bank and on the exchange
rate forecast by the Finance Ministry
(no more than Br8,950 per US Dollar),
he asserts.
According to Mr. Kallaur, in 2013, fnancial
establishments will be competing even more
for client loyalty. Were delighted that bank
clients are becoming more discerning, espe-
cially since weve begun ofering diverse new
products. As regards consumer and housing
loans, we ofer a wide choice. In 2013, I think
well see even better quality services being
provided and quicker decisions from banks.
Meanwhile, competition on the retail market
will inspire banks to cut their interest rates.
By Vladimir khromov
25 2013 .LARU5
JUIL WAY
151st
year of operation
A
pl aque has also
been installed in
Grodno, dedicated
to the jubilee of
railway travel in
Belarus. To mark
the date, railway
stations country-
wide recently arranged festive concerts,
attracting thousands in their best dress.
As in days gone by, the railway exuded
the air of being special.
Many old railway stations remain in
Belarus, being well-cared for. In Vitebsk,
the classic Soviet railway station has
been restored, with panoramic-view lifs
installed, its Stalins Empire Style archi-
tecture supplemented with the latest
computer technology, providing passen-
gers with all information. Meanwhile,
Minsks new railway station radiates
Belarusian Railways is in its 151st year and, to honour the date, a
steam train has taken a maiden journey along the Porechie-grodno
section, pulling several carriages of passengers. There, on December
27th, 1862, its whistle announced the launch of regular railway trafc
through the territory of modern Belarus.
European-style beauty. Brest-Tsentralny
(Central) station is now being revamped,
being one of Belarus oldest, flled with
marble.
Natural ly, the devel opment
of many Belarusian cities
including Baranovichi and
Mol ode c hno
Belarus has over
5,500km of railway
line, annually trans-
porting about 150m
tonnes of cargo and
100m passengers.

relied greatly on rail links. As a result,

several cities feature a train on their
emblem. Telegraphic lines were laid close
to steel rails, bringing telephone and
telegraph communication to Belarus.
Tese have now transformed into high-
tech fibre-optic lines, which provide
instantaneous information on train
movements, schedules and cargoes.
Tinking of the glorious past,
its interesting to walk
around t he
o l d
Eleven container
trains regularly travel
across Belarus, trans-
porting over 250,000
containers (in 20-foot
equivalent) last year.

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2 .LARU5 2013
JUIL WAY
locomotives and carriages restored
with love by railway workers and
exhibited at the Baranovichi and Brest
museums. Teres a feeling of nostalgia
in hearing a station bell announcing a
train departure. In fact, steam engines
were still in use until 1970 in Belarus
seven years afer the frst electric train
began running in the Republic.
The latest comfortable high-speed
trains will soon connect Minsk with
Lithuanian Vilnius, being similar to those
recently bought from Switzerland. Tese
are the frst in Belarus to rival European
style regional, inter-regional and inter-
national trains and the Belarusian
Government has signed an agreement
with the Swiss supplier to establish a
local joint venture; manufactures should
be ready later this year.
Belarusian Railways has independ-
ently mastered the production of a
diesel-locomotive shunter and has
raised its production of passenger and
cargo carriages. Our transport branch is
dynamically developing, as is ftting for
Belarus strategic location in the world.
Two major international transport
corridors pass through the countrys
territory: one connects London to China
and the Far East via Paris, Berlin, Moscow,
Nizhny Novgorod and Siberia, while the
other passes through Scandinavia to
Russias Black Sea, via the
Balkans.
Cargo fow is steadily growing, with
Belarus able to offer infrastructure for
these international routes. Belarusian
Railways is already a powerful player,
with huge technical and intellectual
potential, working with partners near and
far. In 1992, Belarusian Railways joined
the International Union of Railways,
the Organisation for Co-operation
of Railways and the Council for Rail
Transport within the CIS. In 1997, it
became a member of the Co-ordination
Council for Trans-Siberian transporta-
tion and work continues within several
bilateral international agreements.
The establishment of the Customs
Union and the Single Economic Space
of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan has
created further impetus for the develop-
ment of our railway network; over the
past few years, railway cargo transpor-
tation across Belarus has increased by
around 30 percent. Te steel rails laid in
the 19th century are still going strong.
By Vladimir
Yakovlev
30 new cargo and
24 passenger electric
trains are being
delivered to Belarusian
railways, in addition
to 8 heated passenger
trains, 6 diesel-loco-
motive shunters,
20 diesel trains, 29
electric trains and
hundreds of carriages
for various purposes.

27 2013 .LARU5
5MALL U5IN55
New Law On Trade to hit grey
market for spare auto parts
S
ome buy c ar s
partly as invest-
ments, planning
to maintain them
in a good state for
onward sale. However, not
everyone takes their car to an
ofcial dealer for servicing or
when new parts are required,
since prices can be steep. A
market exists for smuggled
spare parts, which evade taxes
and can thus be sold more
cheaply. Needless to say, this
opens the doors to abuse,
safety violations and fake
parts, as well as afecting the
state budget. The On Trade
amendment should deal a
crushing blow to such activi-
ties, notes the Deputy Trade
Minister, Irina Narkevich,
bringing the auto parts market
under a closer eye.
Recently, the state has been
making efforts to monitor
this retail segment more
acutely, with a special inter-
departmental working group
established two years ago. Its
quite difficult to determine
the volume of such sales but
its thought that as many as
80-95 percent of regional
sales may be shady (just over
30 percent in Minsk). In fact,
most sales occur via conven-
tional market sites (tables,
open air shelving units and
containers) so the new law
aims to tackle this by only
allowing sales of auto parts
through permanent market
or retail sites by 2015 (or, at
the latest, by 2016). Vendors
will also be obliged to use
cash registers by July 2013,
explains Ms. Narkevich. She
tells us, Consumers should
receive a receipt, so that
they can claim their rights,
if necessary. Used vehicle
dealers will need to obey the
same rules, with only indi-
viduals be allowed to work
without a cash register but
they can operate only five
days a month.
The working group is
not only developing penalty
measures to bring spares parts
vendors into the realm of legal
sales but is exploring avenues
to inspire investment into the
creation of specialised stores
and shopping centres such
as reduced site rental costs.
Ms. Narkevich is hopeful that
major importing companies
may create dealership chains
in Belarus to enhance compe-
tition and improve the quality
of customer service.
The process has already
begun, with leading auto
wholesaler Armtek opening
i t s own deal ershi ps i n
Convenient
COming
Out Of the
shadOW
A
L
E
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28 .LARU5 2013
RAND5
Bobruisk, Orsha and Minsk.
In January, its outlets will
appear in several other
cities, with another 20 added
countrywide in 2013. The
Director General of Armtek,
Denis Moroz, asserts that it
will take some time to curb
the grey market but believes
that customers will prefer
to buy parts ofcially using
specialised catalogues, since
the authenticity of parts
cannot be determined by
eye. The specialised advice
of ofcial dealers is needed,
especially considering the
technology used in modern
cars. Te modern technical
l evel of the automobi l e
industry dictates the need
to introduce new principles
of trade, says Mr. Moroz. As
an example, he notes that the
price of brake pads can difer
considerably depending on
the manufacturer; all may be
of high quality but some are
designed for sports cars while
the cheaper ones are suitable
for slower urban driving
and planned braking. With
the range of automobiles
available comes the need for
a wide range of products.
Only a big company can
afford such luxuries, Mr.
Moroz admits.
Ms. Narkevich notes that
large importing companies
plan to make use of the inter-
departmental working groups
expertise and is hopeful of
the creation of a transparent,
civilised and developed spare
parts market. Maintenance
services also have great export
potential. She is certain that the
industry can develop competi-
tively, with drivers from neigh-
bouring regions coming to
Belarus for their servicing.
By Veniamin Sviridov
franck muller
takes LuCh
fOrWard
new shoP and collection, with luch
remaining belarusian brand
V
artan Sirmakes,
Director General
and co-owner of
Swiss company
Franck Muller,
whi ch owns 80 percent
of shares in Minsk Watch
Plant, noted at the launch of
the factorys new store that
he plans to preserve Luch
as a Belarusian brand. He
presented next years collec-
tion of watches and noted
that past investments have
allowed the brand to retain its
reputation in the CIS. Were
pleased that weve preserved
Luch, which is famous across
the post-Soviet space. Our
very competent personnel
can help us move forward, he
underlined, adding that good
understanding exists with the
Belarusian Government in all
issues. Te company is keen
to produce beautiful watches
at a range of prices.
Belarus First Deputy
Prime Minister, Vladimir
Semashko, emphasises that
he sees seri ous
potential in
the Luch
trademark
and believes that Swiss Franck
Muller can lead the company
into the next century. He
admits that work lies ahead
to convince buyers of the
quality and prestige of the
Luch trademark. We still
have to convince people that
Luch watches equal those of
Franck Muller in quality,
stresses the Deputy PM.
Mr. Semashko also noted
t hat t he
decision
at Presidential level to sell the
controlling share in one of the
worlds most respectable watch
frms was taken with defnite
hopes of taking the enterprise
into the 21st century. Jointly
with sharehol ders f rom
Belarus and Switzerland,
were studying our first
quarter results, which show
fnancial stabilisation. We can
raise salaries at a rather good
rate and, more importantly,
have agreed a joint system of
development through until
March 2013. This envisages
ten-fold increased production
volumes, using a new line.
Tis may seem fantastic
but i ts necessar y
and we can achieve
i t , Mr. Semashko
asserts, explaining that
moderni sat i on and
good marketing will take
the Minsk Watch Plant in
the right direction.
By Andrey
trofmov
29 2013 .LARU5
FORIGN POLICY COUR5
M
r. Savinykh, were all
witnesses to the worlds
changi ng f ace, but
diplomats must respond
to the challenges which
appear. As if following some law of
nature, each century sees a new country
dominate, aiming to bring others under its
power and will, following its intellectual
and moral outlook.
In 17th century France, a new
approach was proposed, based on princi-
ples of national statehood, with national
interests as the ultimate goal. In the
18th century, Great Britain developed
its own equilibrium of power, which
dominated European diplomacy for the
following 200 years. In the 19th century,
Metternichs Austria restructured the
European concert while Bismarcks
Germany di smantl ed it, turning
European diplomacy into a cold-blooded
power game. In the 20th century, the USA
made its presence felt more than any
other ambiguous though its policies
may have seemed. Of course, youve
recognised the introduction to Henry
Kissingers Diplomacy; it may guide the
diplomatic strategies of the 21st century.
Belarus continues to search for its
own place in the world. Since independ-
ence, for the past twenty years, Belarusian
diplomacy has followed a multi-vector
strategy, with recent expansion into the
integration of integrations. Do you think
this is a break away from the past, or
simply logical development?
The integration of integrations
principle was frst mentioned in Alexander
Lukashenkos article, dedicated to the
creation of the Eurasian Union; it doesnt
contradict the multi-vector nature of
Belarusian foreign policy. It is a logical
development of our regional strategy,
presupposing a higher level of economic
interaction on the European continent.
Primarily, this includes harmo-
nising two major integration processes
in Europe: the Single Economic Space
(SES) and the European Union. Under
conditions of globalisation, accelerated
economic processes bring new demands
for local markets. Integration is a rational
and efcient answer to such challenges. In
creating a common market for the wider
Europe, we can inspire economic growth
in the EU, while developing our economy
to become more innovative and high-
tech. We can only beneft, with both sides
gaining advantages.
Foremost, were focusing on the
economy, to enhance citizens welfare.
We need to eliminate unnecessary trade
barriers, simplifying administrative regu-
lations and ensuring free movement of
investments, as well as scientifc and tech-
nological achievements. True integration
demands an open, transparent space based
on common rules.
Interestingly, this idea has strong
supporters and opponents in the West.
Tose in favour see long-term prospects
and opportunities while those against, in
defance of common sense, exaggerate the
risks and current problems, demonstrating
short-term thinking. Tey are stuck with
cold war stereotypes.
Teyre not yet ready to perceive us as
equal partners, so try to fnd problems at
our expense, to block the process. However,
were convinced that integration is the only
way forward. Wider Europe must, inevi-
tably, form a single economic space, with
common standards and rules.
So Europe remains important, despite
Eurasian integration
Belarus aims to integrate in all direc-
tions: not only with Eurasia, but directly
with Western Europe. Were like a bridge
between the West and the East, and ever
will be.
Discussions abound regarding
Belarus possible loss of sovereignty. If
Belarus takes an active part in integra-
tion, transferring some powers to supra-
national level, its sovereignty is somehow
infringed
Sovereignty is not a tangible asset. No
modern nation can live in isolation since our
Belarus magazine talks to Andrei
Savinykh, of the Foreign Ministry
of Belarus, about the development
of integration across the post-
Soviet space and new tasks for
Belarusian diplomacy
driving forward
integratiOn
30 .LARU5 2013
FORIGN POLICY COUR5
contemporary world is interdependent. We
cannot ignore these complex interactions.
Rather, to make our sovereignty strong, we
need to make our own decisions about how
we can best serve our interests. We need to
adopt independent decisions to promote
these interests. If the delegation of some
authority to supranational bodies (such
as the Eurasian Economic Commission)
meets our interests then we can go ahead
confdently, without infringing our inde-
pendence. Nevertheless, we shouldnt
forget to keep an eye on our interests. In
this way, real sovereignty is ensured, rather
than declarative sovereignty.
From an economic point of view,
sovereignty is guided, mostly, by GDP,
added value and external surplus. If a
country can earn more from exports than
it consumes via imports, supplying inter-
national markets, it brings security; this
ensures sovereignty. A positive balance
of payments also testifies to a countrys
competiveness worldwide.
From an economic point of view,
our relations with Russia are strength-
ening our sovereignty, since they ensure
a vast market and economic sustain-
ability. Its a key element of our foreign
policy. We began as two independent,
sovereign states but are now developing
with common integration. How will this
integration develop in future?
We started this process as two sovereign
states and will continue in the same way.
Te formula for our integrated union will
be guided by our current joint work. As
were equal partners, some contradictions
and disputes do arise, as is normal. Teres
no other way to move forward.
Te appearance and solution of defnite
problems shows that progress is ongoing.
In overcoming difculties, we improve our
level of collaboration. We view this process
of rapprochement with deliberation,
making decisions which meet the interests
of the Belarusian nation. We are in control
of this process, which should lead to a
closer relationship between our states.
Already, we enjoy a high level of
interaction across many areas. We can
speak of a common defence policy and
joint action towards new challenges and
The 'integration
of integrations'
principle
presupposes a
higher level of
economic interaction
on the European
continent. Primarily,
this includes
harmonising two
major interaction
processes in Europe:
the Single Economic
Space (SES) and the
European Union.
threats; in proposing initiatives at the
UN, and at other international organi-
sations, we co-ordinate our positions,
supporting each other. We also share
an approach towards liaising with third
countries in the SES format; this process
will continue to develop and I think we
can say that well be able to achieve a
level of interrelation similar to that seen
between France and Germany.
Thats a rather unexpected compar-
ison Do you mean that integration has
a strong engine for driving forward?
Its just a parallel. Since the beginning,
Moscow and Minsk have focused on
integration as part of pan-European and
worldwide processes. Te EU is proud of
its visa-free space, common labour market
and multiculturalism, which we also enjoy.
Our states boast the highest degree of
economic complementarity and unifica-
tion of legislation. Were implementing
major inter-state projects and co-ordinate
our foreign policies well. Were also
pursuing a common policy in the spheres
of defence and security.
Most vitally, our citizens enjoy equal
rights as a result of this integration:
equal access to education, healthcare and
employment, regardless of their place of
abode. Tey have freedom to choose where
they reside and work.
Te example of Berlin and Paris demon-
strates that integration is ongoing. Its a
fundamental principle. Integration aims to
improve peoples standard of living so its
obvious that harmonising the interests of
Belarus and Russia must remain a priority
for now and for the future.
The number of those keen to join
this integration is rising. At the end of
2012, CSTO and EurAsEC summits
brought together fve countries: Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and
Tajikistan. Tell us about these top level
meetings. If our economic union is
progressing smoothly, why do we need a
new military organisation?
From a political point of view, the
CSTO is becoming a serious organisation
of regional security, as is to be expected.
NATO is located in the west while the CSTO
is at the centre and to the north-east of the
Eurasian continent. Were convinced that
the CSTO should play a key role in strength-
ening pan-European and Eurasian security.
Te CSTO and NATO function within the
Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian space, solving
similar tasks. Undoubtedly, both sides
would beneft from co-ordinating eforts.
Were very much aware that the
CSTO needs to develop as a multi-func-
tional organisation. Te threat of military
invasion is far from burning but cant
be completely ignored either. New chal-
lenges and threats, such as terrorism,
illegal migration and drug trafcking, can
seriously undermine internal stability and
security. Collective action is required to
successfully counteract them.
Some believe that these threats are
more acute in Asian countries, seeing
Belarus as being far removed, in all
senses
31 2013 .LARU5
Of course, were located in a more
favourable region; however, security is not
the business of one country alone. No state
can reinforce its security at the expense of
others. Moreover, were confdent that, in
helping strengthen security for our friends
and partners in Central Asia, we also
reinforce our own; everything is interde-
pendent in our global world.
I agree that, for example, Afghan drug
trafficking is a major threat to Europe.
Wont the easing of border regimes with
Central Asian countries encourage more
drug smuggling from Asia to Europe,
including via Belarus?
Afghan drug trafficking is a global
problem, requiring a comprehensive
solution. Firstly, this can be achieved
through strengthening the social and
economic condition of people inside this
country. Law enforcement agencies in
neighbouring states still have a role to play
in tracking and suppressing drug distri-
bution but the threat of drug trafcking
is much less signifcant than the benefts
of a single economic space. Windows of
opportunity exist as well as threat. We
need to see positive potential; as living
standards improve, fewer people will be
involved in crime.
We have the EurAsEC, the Single
Economic Space (SES) and the Customs
Union so which has priority? Would it
be better to have just one, strong integra-
tion association instead of several as
currently exist in our post-Soviet space?
Our task is to ensure that various
forms of integration mutually enrich
one other. Te Union State, the Customs
Union and the SES (and the would-be
Eurasian Economic Union) have been
born organically, so we shouldnt reject
any of them. Each has played a signifi-
cant role at some time, with its own
defned purpose. Te EurAsEC has many
common mechanisms and instruments
supporting foreign trade while the CIS
supports a common transport system and
shared technical standards. Each union
performs its own function.
Its true that some spheres may have
greater potential and, over time, these
unions may overlap in their activities.
Today, we see the most serious potential
from the SES.
Tariff and non-tariff barriers have
been eliminated within the framework
of the SES and the Customs Union while
foreign trade procedures have been
unified and significantly simplified. In
addition, all types of control along our
internal borders have been removed,
encouraging mutual trade within the SES
and the Customs Union.
Weve given a clear political signal to
the whole world that the SES is open to
new members beyond the CIS. Vietnam,
Egypt, New Zealand and the countries
of the European Free Trade Association
(Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Norway and
Iceland) have announced their intention
of signing an agreement on free trade with
the SES. In the course of time, these agree-
ments may bring even closer economic
relations. Anything is possible.
I think that its more important to
pay attention to the main principle which
underpins a single economic space: a free
market. This stimulates entrepreneurial
initiatives and eliminates administrative
barriers, while ensuring the security of
consumers and investors.
The same principle ensures the free
movement of goods, services, capital and
labour. This would allow us to develop
dynamically at last, while enhancing
peoples standards of living. If free market
principles are observed, well develop
successfully and more members will be
attracted into the union even those
beyond our neighbouring states.
These are also the principles of the
World Trade Organisation, with which
Belarus is negotiating membership.
Te WTO is a global system of inter-
national trade. It cant be called the highest
form of economic co-ordination, as it
features so much compromise over
a whole range of negotiating stages. In
honesty, its existing system is geared
towards more developed states. A new
round of negotiations is taking place (the
round of development) as the international
trade system within the WTO needs to
alter. It should stimulate economic devel-
opment and prosperity in developing
countries, helping make the world fairer
and more balanced.
These negotiations are taking some
time, as the process is complex, so we
need to view the WTO realistically. Well
work with it, following the existing rules,
for good or bad. Until other rules exist,
we should be realists, making the most of
existing opportunities. Belarus has already
been following WTO norms and will soon
formally apply to join, with support from
our Customs Union partners.
If economic pragmatism is a major
motivation in diplomacy then it must surely
follow that Belarus relationships with neigh-
bouring states are more benefcial than those
with distant partners. Our trade turnover
with Germany, Lithuania and Poland is
worth many billions of US Dollars
Tis is true but stability comes from
diversity, so the more countries we trade
with the better. We need to be able to resist
a future crisis by widening our suppliers
and buyers. We are always working to
FORIGN POLICY COUR5
gaining prestige is a
consequence rather
than a goal in itself.
It comes through
work within the
international arena
and, indirectly,
via interaction
with partners. Our
priorities are to make
the world safer, more
transparent and
more comfortable.
32 .LARU5 2013
master new markets in various regions,
which is especially vital in light of the
recent global economic crisis and the
fnancial instability which was caused by
western fnancial institutes. Were unlikely
to see any immediate upturn in economic
conditions globally so must pursue a
policy of diversifcation. We need to apply
this principle to our manufacturing also,
so that all our eggs do not remain in one
basket. Were developing foreign trade
infrastructure and ofering maintenance,
repair and, even, assembly of our goods
on local markets.
Nevertheless, almost half of our
exports go to the EU
Certainly, as our neighbours are there;
its a vast market.
It must make sense to gain an even
greater foothold on the EU market
Were keen to do so, mastering new
services and sectors. For example, we have
our ofshore programming and our own
software production at the High-Tech
Park. Recently, four Belarusian companies
began supplying dairy products to the
EU. Our trade-economic collaboration
with the EU is mutually benefcial so the
removal of existing political barriers would
inspire even greater interaction.
Our Foreign Minister recently met
ambassadors from the European states of
the UK and Estonia and the Czech Foreign
Minister. Was trade or politics the focus?
Of course, a whole range of issues were
discussed: both political and economic.
We proceed from the fact that clear, open
and constructive principles of interaction
are required with the EU.
Speaking about political and economic
co-operation with the EU, is its Eastern
Partnership programme efcient?
Its potential is yet to be fully realised,
for several reasons. First of all, the princi-
ples for involving players in forming the
agenda arent working well, since there is
some politicisation including towards
Belarus. Additionally, its funding is modest,
which prevents true efciency. It has not
even distantly approached this condition.
However, it has potential, so we wish to
remain involved. Its an instrument which
is yet to work but could do so in future.
Te Belarusian Foreign Ministry has
noted that guarantees given in 1994 (the
Budapest Memorandum) on the inad-
missibility of economic pressure on our
country have been ignored by the USA,
the UK and Russia.
Im surprised at the medias reaction.
Tey wrote that the Foreign Ministry had
suddenly brought this to attention when, in
fact, our dialogue with these countries has
been constant on this issue.
Why?
We were given strict legal promises
from these countries on non-interference
and non-use of economic sanctions but
these have been utterly violated by the
USA and the UK. Tey signed an obliga-
tion which they have failed to follow; its
unprecedented.
It seems to be the deepest sin in inter-
national relations
Foremost, its dangerous for those who
violate their own obligations, since they
show that theyre guided by might rather
than right.
Tis undermines their position
Tis undermines trust in them. We wont
endure such a situation. Well continue to
remind the UK and the USA of their obliga-
tions. In contrast, Belarus has fulflled every
one of its signed agreements.
Which new markets and partners
are we seeking out in 2013 and how will
Belarus foreign economic strategy be
shaped?
Te world has many dimensions and
were already present on many markets.
However, the degree of our involvement
could be greater. We need to signifcantly
reinforce our presence on traditional
markets while establishing commodity
distribution networks and extending our
co-operation: be it maintenance and repair
of our machinery or local assembly. We
also need to expand our range of manufac-
tures for export: this is the basis for Belarus
foreign economic strategy.
Trade is vital but collaboration with
international organisations is equally
so. Shouldnt a sovereign state maintain
prestige through membership of interna-
tional organisations, also allowing it to
defend its economic issues?
Gaining prestige is not our goal. It
comes naturally through work within the
international arena and, indirectly, via
interaction with partners. Of course, its
benefcial to enjoy a good reputation but
its a consequence rather than a goal in
itself. Our priorities within the interna-
tional arena are to make the world safer,
more transparent and more comfort-
able. Well continue liaising with the UN
to counteract threats to this comfort and
safety. Climate change, social inequality,
human trafcking, energy efciency and
eco policies are key areas on the agenda.
Are there any new initiatives?
Initiatives dont exist for appearances
sake; they are created to tackle emerging
situations. We never propose an idea just to
hear the sound of our own voices. We aim
to bring real benefts, with support from
other countries. For the past 4-5 years,
weve focused on combating human traf-
fcking. Te seriousness of the problem has
now become apparent to the international
community.
Unfortunately, its a trend to pander to
the public with sensational PR. Real action
is ofen replaced by empty words, giving
people a distorted view of reality.
Im sure youd agree that we need to
work on our countrys image. Do you like
Minsks new logo, which symbolises intel-
lectual potential?
Minsks logo is part of a local project
aiming to promote the city as one of scien-
tific knowledge and intelligence. We see
ourselves as independent, ready to work
hard to better our lot with our own hands
and heads. I like this approach. More ideas
may appear to embellish the concept. Te
Foreign Ministry has long been working
on Belarus image, since we believe it can
aid our economic development, attracting
investments and tourists.
Our image will continue to develop
through the years ahead, drawing on the
fundamental principles Ive mentioned. In
sharing these with the world community,
we share our history. Lets hope that the
world will listen attentively and with great
interest.
Tank you for the interview!
By Nina romanova
FORIGN POLICY COUR5
33 2013 .LARU5
CONTXT
Minsk Mayoral
Ofce studies
Minskers
opinions
Minsk City Executive Committee
studies residents opinions on branding
of Belarusian capital, asking for
suggestions on Minsk associations
T
he Minsk brand is being elabo-
rated until the end of 2012 by
British INSTID Company. Te
latter won a tender announced by
Minsk City Executive Committees
Tender Centre in mid-July, from a
total of ten applications.
Te frst visible results for Minskers
should be the appearance of the citys
logo. Moreover, experts are to conduct
master classes and give lectures to
Belarusian specialists in the spheres of
design, photography and city decor.
A repeating pattern of white lines
against a blue sky has been chosen for
Minsks graphic symbol while the citys
colour will be azure. Te developers
of the brand have even invented an
original title: Minskaya Lazur (Minsk
Azure). Tis stresses the citys aspira-
tion to be innovative, which some may
fnd unexpected. Te design will adorn
everything from postcards and bags to
road signs and public transport, being
recognisable to Minskers and guests
of the Belarusian capital, including
foreigners.
Tink Minsk will be the English
language slogan for the city. In fact,
t he IBM Corporat i on i nvented
t he Thi nk advert i si ng sl ogan
before WWII and, in 1997, Apple
Corporation used Tink Diferently;
however, it should work positively
with a foreign audience, feeling
familiar. Te working variant of the
Russian language slogan is
(Interestingly Minsk).
A slogan in the Belarusian language
hasnt yet been decided.

Hunt, go to the sanatorium

AND TRy DRANIkI...
tourists From abroad are attracted by low
Prices, euroPean quality and belarusian
national traditions
W
hy did nearly 450,000 foreign
citizens apply for Belarusian
visas last year? Of course, some
were businessmen attending interna-
tional scientifc and professional confer-
ences and many Western tourists came to
visit the IT Park. Yet more were tourists
eager to learn about our history, culture
and way of life, stresses the Deputy Head
of Tourism at TsentrKurort, Yelena Brok.
She tells us, Most foreign guests
to Bel arusi an health resorts and
national parks were from Russia, with
Lithuanians also frequent visitors to
health resorts. As a rule, they bring their
families too. Naturally, large events
like the Slavianski Bazaar and New
Year celebrations also attract groups
particularly of young people.
European tour operators usually
stress this element to tourists considering
coming to Minsk. Clearly, those from
Western Europe appreciate the fact, as
the growing number of entry visas show.
The capital also offers European level
hotels and reasonably priced inbound
fights, in addition to unspoiled country-
side as is rarely found elsewhere these
days. Additionally, many Belarusian
cities boast unique ancient architecture.
According to a study by Viapol Travel
Company, middle-aged visitors dominate,
with over 40 percent aged 36-55. Over 20
percent are 25-35 years old and, interest-
ingly, more than 70 percent have higher
education. About 60 percent of foreign
tourists place Minsk as their primary
destination, with Grodno leading among
large cities and Nesvizh, Mir, Postavy,
Glubokoe, Kamenets, Vetka, Pruzhany,
Mstislavl, Logoisk and Braslav being the
other main attractions.
Various events through the year will
draw tourists from far and near. One
of the frst is a dog sled race held from
26th to 27th January, at Raubichi, which
is gathering over 100 participants from
around the world. Te fnal schedule for
2013 was agreed in December.
By Oleg onufriev
34 .LARU5 2013
NVIRONMNT
People from around the
globe have long associated
Belarus and the Belovezhskaya
Pushcha with its aurochs. In fact, 428
currently live in the forest: the worlds
second largest herd. If Europe were to
have its own coat of arms and needed to
select a heraldic image, the auroch would
be a major contender. This largest animal
native to Europe already has the honour of
gracing the fag of the Brest Region,
showing local feeling for the graceful beast.
preserving
LegaCY
H
undreds of years
a g o, a u r o c hs
wander e d t he
boggy lands of the
Bel ovezhskaya
Pushcha forest. In
the 12th century,
the Grand Duke
of Ki ev, Vl adi mi r
Monomakh, hunted
them followed by
14th century grand dukes
Gediminas, Algirdas and
Kstutis. Before the Battle
of Grunewald, the army
of the Grand Duchy of
V
A
D
I
M

K
O
N
D
R
A
S
H
O
V
35 2013 .LARU5
NVIRONMNT
Lithuania was fed from animals hunted
in the Pushcha but, usually, the right to
hunt remained exclusive to the nobility.
Indisputably, the rulers of the Grand
Duchy of Lithuania, the Rzecz Pospolita
and, then, the Russian Empire viewed
the Pushcha as an inexhaustible source
of wild game. By WWI, just over 700
aurochs remained there and the last was
killed in 1919.
From 1929-1930, two and, then, fve
aurochs, from Germany and Sweden,
were brought to the Belovezhskaya
Pushcha, and were encouraged to breed.
By 1939, the Belarusian Government
had adopted a resolution to make the
Belovezhskaya Pushcha a state reserve.
By 1941, it was inhabited by 19 aurochs.
Since then, much has changed. In
2000, 218 of the majestic beasts were in
residence. By 2012, this had hit 428 a
fantastic achievement! Now, the number
of Pushcha aurochs exceeds the amount
that Europes oldest forest can sustain
in fodder, necessitating additional feed
being supplied.
People will feed and
give to drink
Aurochs eat up to 400 varieties of
plants in summer: leaves, sapling shoots,
grasses, mosses, lichens and, even,
mushrooms. Each summer, one auroch
can eat up to 4kg of woody forage and
30-45kg of grasses and drink up to 50
litres of water. Winter presents more
difculties since they must rely more on
shrubs, lichens and mosses. Tey cant
do without the national parks addition
of extra fodder: 950 tonnes of hay for
this winter, over 1,000 tonnes of silage,
500 tonnes of beets and 3 tonnes of salt.
Each auroch consumes 10kg of hay and
8kg of beets daily.
Where Father Frosts Residence is
now situated was once their stamping
ground so these beautiful animals
continue to be seen near the site and
tend to be unafraid of people. However,
some caution is required, as Alexey
Bunevich, a senior research officer at
the frst mention of the Pushcha
dates back to 983, when kiev
Duke Vladimir Svyatoslavovich
stayed there. From 1409, it was
mentioned as the Belovezhskaya
in both Polish and Lithuanian
documents and is thought to have
gained its reserve status that year;
chronicles from 1409 describing
king Jagailos hunt mention the
need for locals to gain special
permits for entry. in 1992, part
of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha
National Park was registered on
the UNESCo World Cultural and
Natural heritage List.
3 .LARU5 2013
the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National
Park, notes. He has dedicated around 30
years to studying aurochs and doesnt
advise us to come too close. Lonely
aurochs can be dangerous, especially
if something or somebody frightens
them. Others prefer to leave on seeing
people, he warns.
This autumn, an auroch slightly
wounded a man picking mushrooms in
the Grodno Regions Svisloch District.
The attack is thought to have been
inspired by the presence of the mans
barking pet dog, which then retreated
behind its owner. Te auroch initially
attempted to butt the dog but then lef.
Of course, such situations can occur,
as aurochs are simply so large that they
can cause damage with the smallest of
actions. In the Pruzhany and Kamenets
districts, aurochs have been known to
trample crops, requiring locals to bang
on saucepans and sound vehicle horns
to drive them away.
Te Deputy Director General for
Science at the Belovezhskaya
Pushcha Nat i onal Park,
Vasiliy Arnolbik, tells us that,
this year, funds have been
spent on fencing farmland. For
the frst time, 858 hectares of felds
have been planted with medic, rate,
barley, oats and root crops in
regulated farm zones, with
new haylofts and feeding
stations also built.
red book
residents
change homes
I w o n d e r
whether aurochs
could live in other
forests. According
t o Mr. Bunevi ch,
t h e i r n a r r o w
breeding (being
descended from
just seven original
animal s) has made them weaker
genetically. Tey need to be vaccinated
regularly and, of course, require extra
food sources in winter.
Today, the
Belovezhskaya
Pushcha is home to
1,800 red deer, 1,340
wild boar, 650 roe
deer, 428 aurochs,
160 elk, 380
beavers, 290 foxes,
17 lynxes, and 16
wolves
Balanoposthitis has been discovered
among the male aurochs, which seems
to be caused by their high density and
limited diet. Their rations have been
since altered and the balanoposthitis is
stabilising. Mr. Bunevich believes that
the optimal number for the national
park is 300-350 aurochs (around 100-
150 fewer than todays number) but
culling is forbidden for animals regis-
tered in the Red Book. Te only answer
seems to be to relocate some of the
herd, via the Plan on the Preservation
and Rati onal Use of Aurochs i n
Belarus. In recent years, annually,
up to a dozen have been relocated:
to the Nalibokskaya Pushcha, to the
Pripyatsky National Park, to forestries
in Osipovichi, Borisov and Grodno,
and to some Russian regions.
Belarusian aurochs currently have
no chance to visit their Polish counter-
parts since border fences prevent their
free movement. A joint trans-border
project to allow such crossings still
needs work but its planned that the
fences will eventually be removed if
not within a year, then maybe within 5-
10, allowing aurochs to freely wander
on both sides.
Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia
are ready to buy our aurochs
via a Union State project
to sol ve t hei r over-
crowded population.
Te Scientifc and
Practical Centre
for Bio-resources
a t t he Na t i ona l
Academy of Sciences
is co-ordinating the
project for Belarus
while the Institute
of Ecol ogi cal and
Evolutionary Issues at the
Russian Academy of Sciences is
guiding on the Russian side.
Mr. Arnolbik is hopeful
that the project will prove
successful, telling us, We
plan to study aurochs
genetic selection more
closely at a national
centre in the Pushcha.
By studying their DNA we
can select the strongest aurochs,
using them to supplement the local
herd and others, including those in
Russia. Even in our Pushcha, not
every auroch comes into contact.
By Valentina kozlovich
NVIRONMNT
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37 2013 .LARU5
HARDLy
a homebird
A
few years ago, a survey
st at ed t hat about 77
percent of Belarusians had
never travelled abroad
excluding trips to Russia and
Soviet Republics as students. Of course,
this is hardly a surprise and even a brief
look at the behaviour of relatives and
friends will show that most are content
to relax at home when they have time of
work, or to go to the countryside.
Last year, travel companies reported
a fall in the number of trips for tourism
purposes: largely connected with the
situation on the currency market. Closer to
the end of the season, there was a furry of
people seeking warm, beach holidays. 2012
has seen a slight recovery regarding tourist
travel, with 5m Belarusians travelling for
private interests and 200,000 for holidays.
Interesti ngly, this year, more
Belarusian trips were made abroad:
about four million (up 10 percent on
January-September 2011); 2.5m were to
the CIS (up 15 percent). Tese statistics
exclude Russia, since no state border
exists between us in the true sense of the
word, with no control over the number
of those arriving or departing.
This year, the number of arriving
foreign tourists has also increased. In the
frst nine months of the year, our countys
border was crossed by nearly fve million
foreigners (up 6 percent); only one-ffh
were transit tourists. More than 3.5
million foreign visitors stayed in Belarus
for more than two days but only 1,714,000
were non-CIS residents. Russians were
not included in ofcial statistics, due to
our integration. Between January and
September 2012, Belarus was visited by
33,400 Germans, 11,300 Italians, 11,100
Serbs, 12,400 Turks and 12,300 Czechs;
our close neighbours to the north and
west, the Latvians (123,200), Lithuanians
(877,400) and Poles (404,200), comprised
the majority.
Te Russian Public Opinion Research
Centre and the Levada Centre have
published an interesting study on the
tourist preferences of our neighbours,
showing that, for the last seven years, the
number of Russian tourists holidaying
abroad has risen just 2 percent. Most
residents of Russia view foreign trips as
a luxury, despite travel to Turkey being
cheaper than to the Crimea.
By Yevgeny Pimenov
Easy to fnd
your way
around
Tourists can now easily orient around
Minsks centre
T
he frst information stands have been
installed in Svobody Square, enabling
tourists to locate interesting sights, as well
as the nearest ATM, pharmacy, WC, taxi
rank or restaurant. All inscriptions are in
Belarusian and English.
Te project is being implemented by
the Belarusian Association of Transport
Experts and Surveyors (BAES) and by
Minsk Information and Tourist Centre,
using a concept of spatial orientation
for pedestrians. Tourists will be ofered
the most convenient routes to their
destination, with accuracy of up to one
metre, following similar technology in
Berlin, Warsaw and London.
In all, 44 points are to be installed
citywide, with stands soon appearing
on the squares of Nezavisimosti and
Privokzalnaya.
Congratulations
FROM ORBIT
panorama
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38 .LARU5 2013
T
his was Olegs third call
to me, notes Mr. Misko
(in the photo). He called
just as I was drawing his
portrait so maybe he felt something, the
sculptor smiles. We chatted for a couple
of minutes and Oleg sounded cheerful,
saying he felt fne. However, I could sense
that he missed the Earth, wishing to
touch it and take a walk, smelling Mother
Nature. Of course, he can see Earth below
all the time and tells me that, sometimes,
he can even distinguish Belarus when
the weather is good. Oleg asked more
questions than speaking of himself so
I told him about my preparations for a
personal exhibition. I emphasised that
I expect to see him at its opening. On
March 15th, hell return from orbit and
the exhibition is to open on April 12th, at
the National Art Museum. His bust will
be on show. Its ready now but
Ive kept it under wraps,
as cosmonauts tend to
be superstitious. When
Oleg lands, everyone
will be able to see it.
O l e g
N o v i t s k y
congratulated
all people of
Earth on the
Ne w Ye a r
f r o m h i s
space orbit.
Oleg wishes us all kindness and
beauty in life and, most importantly,
good health! Mr. Misko tells us. Oleg
usually calls the sculptor at his studio;
this was the first time on his mobile
phone. I thought he was somewhere
close to me because the audibility was
so good. I was going to invite him over!
recollects Mr. Misko. He simply said,
Hello, Ivan Akimovich. I asked who
was calling, not expecting him. He
told me it was Oleg and I couldnt help
but ask from where he was calling! He
replied, Dont you know where I am?
Im in orbit.
Oleg has promised to call Mr. Misko
again to relay how the crew
has celebrated the New
Year in space.
By Lyudmila
Minakova
Congratulations
FROM ORBIT
Belarusian cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky has wished his countrymen a
happy New Year during a telephone conversation with famous sculptor
and Peoples Artist of Belarus Ivan Misko. The latter has sculpted Oleg
many times and has visited his home, having become a good friend.
No need for
telescopes
British Independent newspaper
reports that ISON comet, discovered
by Russian and Belarusian
astronomers, will be visible from
Earth with the unaided eye
in November 2013
A
t present, the ISON comet can
be seen only with the most
powerful telescopes. However, it
will soon overshadow the Moon in
its brightness on the horizon. By the
end of summer 2013, well be able to
observe the comet using small tele-
scopes and binoculars. By October,
it will pass near Mars and, by late
November, it will be visible to the
unaided eye as soon as darkness falls.
On nearing the Sun, the comets tail
of dust and gas will begin to show
and, afer travelling round the Sun,
it will continue its journey, probably
never to return.
The comet was discovered
on September 21st, 2012, by an
employee of the astronomical
observatory at Petrozavodsk State
University, Artem Novichonok, and
by an amateur astronomer from
Belarus, Vitaly Nevsky, using a
reflecting telescope. Downloading
photos via computer sofware which
discerns the movement of asteroids
and comets, they discovered a
bright celestial body which was later
confrmed by the Maidanak observa-
tory in Uzbekistan.
panorama
39 2013 .LARU5
striving to keep pace
With time
art persoNality
People's Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev
pays no heed to age, continuing his
creativity at 90. He spends every day at his
studio, embracing his passion.
A
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40 .LARU5 2013
striving to keep pace
With time
L
eonid Dmitrievich
Shchemelev loves
to welcome guests
to his studio, where
he gives them a tour
of his lifes work.
Te walls are hung
densely with his
pictures, from foor
to ceiling and in
every corner: large and smaller canvases.
Its his own gallery, which reveals the
whole span of his lifes creativity. He fnds
his way easily in this seeming disorder,
where pictures move each time I visit. He
enjoys changing their position regularly.
Leonids mind is filled with plans
and ideas. He comes to his studio every
day, without fail. Its hard to believe that
hes 90! Naturally, the master of modern
Belarusian art has many anecdotes to
share. He boasts the title of People's Artist
and is a laureate of the State Prize, as well as
holding the prestigious Frantsisk Skorina
award. Hes enjoyed dozens of personal
exhibitions at home and abroad, and has
participated in various international art
forums. His works have been purchased
by many art museums and art galleries
around the globe, as well as by private
collectors in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine,
USA, Canada, Italy, France, Germany,
Spain, Australia, Iran and Israel.
Mr. Shchemelev also holds the Union
State of Belarus and Russia award. At
those times, the Russian artists Tkachyov
brothers were bestowed with the same
award. Perhaps, the jury liked the reassur-
ingly creative manner of Mr. Shchemelev,
besides his professional skills. The
Tkachyov brothers were contemporaries
of their Belarusian colleague, famous for
refecting past themes of labour and war
time courage, and Mr. Shchemelev has
always been their dear friend.
At one of his exhibitions, hosted by a
Minsk gallery, the canvases were clearly
filled with love for Belarus: landscapes
and portraits, still life works and genre
paintings, all painted with vitality. His
extraordinary passion is complemented by
a desire to work as much as possible and
refect the richness and diversity of life.
The window sills of the gallery
hosting the exhibition were graced with
vases of real fowers every day, harmo-
nising with the bright still life works on
show. Flowers on the window sills were
similar to those on canvas, although the
latter appeared brighter, burning with a
more lively fre. Of course, the artist has
the right to exaggerate and invent; this
is what sets art apart from photography.
Mr. Shchemelev proves time and again
that he is not limited by the borders of
creative thinking, being free to choose
images and accents.
Mr. Shchemelev shows us his view of
the world through colour and emotion.
Although, in recent years, his colour
palette has become less dominant, he
retains the ability to find expressive
pictorial solutions and convey his ideas
convincingly.
The first paintings which brought
Leonid Shchemel ev success were
dedicated to the war. He experienced
this frst hand aged 20, having been on
the front line for four years. It left an
indelible mark on his soul, inspiring his
series of paintings on his war genera-
tion. Today, he explores other topics
but explains, War is death and human
sufering. I like life, so paint on topics
inspiring optimism and faith in the
future without war or turmoil.
At the exhibition, works from the
past decade were on show, exploring
the Belarusian countryside, traditional
folk festivals, and those who know
how to enjoy life. A portrait of Peoples
Poet of Belarus Yakub Kolas was also
depicted, with a firm, confident gaze
into the distance. He is presented as a
philosopher yet with an understanding
for the common man. Meanwhile,
his lyrical female portraits celebrate
beauty and charm, with a touch of
other-worldliness.
Mr. Shchemelev remains brimming
with creativity, despite his grand age.
His passion for art keeps the fre lit in his
heart while his soul continues to bring
forth every human emotion, without
which art can only be hollow, as he has
long ago learnt.
You paint every day. To what extent
do your current works reflect todays
world and how much of the past do you
bring to them? Do you connect the past
and present?
Art holds a mirror to the world and
all that is in it. Im painting scenes from
the war of 1812, when France attacked
Russia, but can present the emotions
with a modern perspective, so that they
strike a chord today. Im a modern man,
so Im more concerned with the present
than with history. You can gain a better
understanding of todays issues by under-
standing the past.
I like modern art, although my
studio gallery has a picture of Napoleon!
I like to see a modern understanding of
the past a modern perspective. Art
brings joy and delight, as it has done
since ancient times. Ancient Greek art
is worthy of admiration, as you can see
the character and opinion of each artist.
I think its important to see the worlds
development though, since theres more
beneft in this.
persoNality art
People's Artist of Belarus Leonid Shchemelev
pays no heed to age, continuing his
creativity at 90. He spends every day at his
studio, embracing his passion.
'Still life', 1961
41 2013 .LARU5
From the autobiography of People's
Artist of Belarus L. Shchemelev:
I was lucky, being born in Vitebsk
a city of artists. I spent my childhood
surrounded by art lovers, albeit amateur.
I learnt about colour, canvases and
the smell of fresh painted pictures
early on. The Dvina River was nearby,
which is still sacred to me. My most
treasured childhood memories are of
delightful winter skiing and playing
on the banks of the Dvina in summer.
There were trips to my grandmothers
village and, of course, flms.
The war ended all that of course.
In 1941, I left, like others, to fight., In
1943, during the liberation of Belarus
under the town o Mozyr I was seriously
wounded and sent to hospital. However,
I recovered sufficiently to fight again.
In short, I survived those terrible
war years of the last century.
Destiny saved me and I went
to Minsks Art College. Later, I
worked as a teacher and, fnally, I
entered the Art Institute in Minsk.
I was lucky again, studying under
Vitaly Konstantinovich Tsvirko a
wonderful artist and teacher, who
opened my eyes to a new under-
standing of the world. I gradually
overcame my early artistic failures and
soon began to exhibit throughout Minsk,
Moscow and abroad.
I still work hard and now enjoy the
success of my children and grandchil-
dren. My artist's life is the best gif Ive
received from God: my admiration of the
world and ability to depict its surprising
paradoxes. Creating art brings me great
happiness.
Your teacher, Vitaly Tsvirko, disliked
public speaking but his paintings were
more eloquent than words. How do you
categorise yourself?
Im among those who love their
profession. I can describe my thoughts
in words and can critique the works of
others, although Im not a professional
in this sphere. When it comes to my
teacher, Vitaly Konstantinovich Tsvirko,
I have a great deal to say, as I gratefully
admire him as an artist and as a person.
When youve studied for a long time, you
fnd that many teachers infuence you.
However, those who teach art can
be the most
influential, as they teach you so much
about yourself. Tis allows you to grow
as an artist, understanding your role and
responsibilities. Mr. Tsvirko was such
a teacher to me. Being a great artist, he
passed on more than professional skills.
He showed me humanity and love for
the countryside both of which he felt
strongly himself.
Is this why pictures of nature
dominate your canvases, in various
states and moods?
I have few pure landscapes as most
use some pictorial construction or portray
action. My characters not only comple-
ment and enliven the landscape, but are
intrinsically connected to their environ-
ment. I dont create plots but I do work on
a theme, striving to reveal it to my viewer.
I paint life rather than fantasy.
You travelled a lot deal across the
USSR, visiting Europe and Asia. How
did they infuence you as an artist and
for what were you searching? What did
you want to understand?
I travelled a great deal, especially in
Soviet times, seeing all ffeen republics.
Ive been abroad many times and
always returned with vast amounts
of artistic material. More impor-
tantly, I was able to compare art in
each place, striving to understand
what feeds the creativity of each
famous artist (in the USSR and
abroad). I realised the obvious: art
'Hannachka', 1996
42 .LARU5 2013
is nurtured by folk art, culture and tradi-
tions. You can only reach the ultimate
peak of success, at home or internation-
ally, if you are true to this idea, processing
that which is unique and special. In the
end, you can present it to the world in a
way which is universally recognisable.
So, you had the opportunity to
compare sights with those of your
homeland. How does Belarus difer and
what do you think visitors notice most
on arriving here for the frst time?
Primarily, our countryside, as
Belarus is covered in a whole system of
pure spring lakes and a network of large
and small rivers. Tese nourish nature,
keeping colours fresh and juicy; it cant be
ignored. Colours dont fade, they simply
change with the seasons, remaining vivid.
The rich green of spring and summer
fowers is replaced by the amazing shades
and tones of autumn. The transition is
seamless and flled with majesty. Winter
then takes over, with its purity and white
snow. Our lace-frosted trees are like
nothing else. Our countryside never
looks weary. It is always alive and fresh.
Tis may be why Belarus has always had
so many wonderful landscape-painters.
From Mr. Shchemelevs autobiog-
raphy:
Of course, I worked a great deal
outside to create my landscapes not
only in my studio. The whole Soviet
Union was my studio, as I travelled phys-
ically, spiritually and mentally. I took
my sketchbook and album to almost
every Soviet republic geographically
and in my imagination. I visited the
Great North and the South, studying in
central Russia and in the Baltic States, in
Ukraine, the Caucasus, in Central Asia
and, of course, in my native Belarus.
I also visited a number of countries
in Europe and the Far East, including
Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia, Greece,
France, Germany, Spain, Austria and
Vietnam. I gave exhibitions, including
personal exhibitions in various cities
across Belarus, Russia and Germany. My
paintings have been on display in dozens
of foreign countries and have been
acquired by the largest museums and
galleries around the world. In this sense,
its a sin to complain about Fate.
A personal exhibition is a creative
test for any artist. About a year ago, in
one of the capitals exclusive galleries,
Mr. Shchemelev presented My Family. It
featured mainly portraits, which revealed
far more than a simple photograph might
do. The canvases showed those closest
people to the artist: his children, grand-
children, great-grandchildren and wife
Svetlana. One shows them all gathered
together but most are individual portraits.
Tey span the years, providing a family
chronology; some date from half a century
ago. The early works differ from those
created in his later years, showing how his
maturity has changed his style.
Mr. Shchemelev has always been
faithful to his professional credo, painting
that which appears important or inter-
esting to him. In fact, his choices have
not always brought him praise but he
kept to his chosen path and, in the end,
has received the recognition he deserves,
being famous and popular.
Even today, his outspoken views on art
and its role in society do not always please
ofcials. He asserts that artists need more
state support, and mentioned this again
at the opening of his most recent exhibi-
tion. He cares not for himself, having all
that might ever need, but speaks for his
fellow artists, whose conditions are ofen
constrained.
Te infuence of art is not to be under-
estimated. One middle-aged man at the
launch noted that his own son seemed
to only be interested in computer games
until his attention was caught by one of
Mr. Shchemelevs paintings in his home,
depicting a white horse (his oft used
symbol of luck, hope and determination).
Te work so touched the young man that
he began painting himself, asking his
parents to fnance his new hobby. Tey
readily agreed of course. The painting
now hangs in his own room.
At the opening of the exhibition,
several speeches were given in the artists
honour and I could not resist adding my
own thoughts, believing that my long
acquaintance with Leonid Shchemelev
gave me the right to speak. I noted his
dedication, working without respite,
despite his age. His spacious studio is so
full of paintings that there is no space lef
43 2013 .LARU5
on the walls, obliging him to rotate works
regularly. Surrounded by his treasured
children he begins work at his easel.
Tey are like his family!
Portraits of people hang alongside
your landscapes
Like any artist, I paint what pleases
and impresses me. I love those close to
me, so I paint them with pleasure. With
equal pleasure, I create portraits of those
who are close to me in spirit or convic-
tion. In my opinion, they are good as
they are.
Over the years, Ive attended your
exhibitions, seeing your still life works,
which I think are among your most
bright, emotional and beautiful. Are
you content for the word beautiful to
be applied to your art or do you fnd it
too trivial?
I think that beauty is a necessary
quality for art. Think of the famous
line: beauty will save the world. Why
should I be displeased? All art should
be beautiful, having been created by an
artist. Paintings should be especially
so, being so colourful. Landscapes are
naturally beautiful, being filled with
colour; without this, wed see only a
desert. As one artist said: Learn from
nature and create real art. Folk art draws
on all which is beautiful; its a formula
which can never fail.
Do you think today is a difcult time
for artists?
It has always been difcult for artists
but I endured the tough war years and
those that followed. Ive always had to
overcome something, be deprived of
something or sufer something. My life
has steeled me for anything, so I dont
find our modern world too difficult. It
was once much harder. My art still has
purpose: making others happy at exhi-
bitions. When times are hard, people
appreciate art and beauty all the more,
seeking the spiritual and perfect. Art
gives us afrmation that we are alive.
From Mr. Shchemelevs autobiog-
raphy:
Feelings are everything. If you can
embody feelings as concepts, youre a
philosopher; if you embody them as
images, youre an artist. Painters, like poets,
live through their works. Despite walking
on Earth, we can rise to the sublime
through our thoughts. I think theres a
boundary that shouldnt be crossed in
art and poetry.
I try not to distort the purity of
nature, believing that good art reflects
our spiritual life, the artist's personal
view of the world, the universe, the past
and the present. We give our own artistic
evaluation and nothing more. Tis is my
mission, so Im a very balanced artist,
seeking that which is reasonable, kind
and joyful. Tis pursuit brings me great
happiness.
Mr. Shchemelev does not seek popu-
larity; it comes of its own accord, as a
result of his talent. He happily shares his
works with his audience, which is diverse
in itself. He truly was born to be a Peoples
Artist by vocation.
Mr. Shchemelevs kaleidoscope of
colour and shades brings alive his world
of images and characters, which portray
the past and his hopes for the future. He
conveys his impressions with skill, giving
us not just beauty but an understanding
of lifes rich palette.
Mr. Shchemelev is interesting to
listen to, being sincere in his views
and unafraid of speaking his mind.
He always has something to say: about
art, the role of the artist or the national
component of art
Is creativity infuenced by its age?
Hugely; artists have always paid
attention to their society and time. The
change of authority and collapse of
the Soviet Union had an impact on us
although our national culture and its
vision did not fall apart. We enjoy a union
of thoughts and views. I look at Belarusian
art and notice with optimism that many
artists identify themselves with national
culture, inspired by our emotions and
troubles. Everyone sees life diferently but,
as a Belarusian, I notice this.
Do you think foreign art lovers are
intrigued by Belarusian art?
They notice the unique national
aspects. French and Italian guests have
visited my studio to buy works and chat
about their understanding of my pictures.
Tey were interesting and their view of
our art was original. Tey didnt just see
the old-fashioned elements of Soviet art,
whereby we were forced to produce a
certain theme or style. Tey saw my own
art persoNality
'Moonlight'. Oil, 1993
44 .LARU5 2013
personal expression and my vision of
our culture.
Do you think recognition is best
shown through the purchase of paintings
or through critique? How would you
describe your works?
I tend to paint modern works: contem-
porary portraits and landscapes. However,
Im also interested in historical moments,
having painted Napoleon, Alexander
Pushkin and events related to the last war.
Foremost, Im attracted to contemporary
reality. Its good to know about history,
but its interesting to show how people
live now and their attitude to the world
today. In short, I want to emphasise that
time plays a great role in art.
Are you concerned about preserving
the traditions of Belarusian art?
Its vital to the development of
society and the artistic environment.
If al l art around the worl d were
identical it would lose its interest.
Belarusian artists should be inter-
esti ng i n Ameri ca by di spl ayi ng
national colour and spirit. We can
promote knowledge of Belarus in
this way.
When I exhibited in Moscow, I did
not always receive approval, although
even hi gh of f i ci al s accepted my
works. You need to express a spirit or
a mood: the essence, for example, of
Belarusian nature. It helps to see how
other nations portray similar themes
and to note their differences.
From Mr. Shchemelevs autobiog-
raphy:
Today, as always, I work hard and
gain strength from creativity, colour
and the rhythm of time. Im inspired by
family and the moral support of friends
and, of course, by the amazing beauty
and tenderness of my native Belarus. I
feel empowered by its heroic and long
sufering history and its faith in its great
future.
Is today a favourable time for crea-
tivity?
For me yes. Im already at an age
where I can say more than I do, so I can
be critical. However, I think others fnd
it difcult. Artists are individualists but
must compromise, following the dictates
of their own heart. Its not easy. Art is
inspired by living but requires dedica-
tion and reasonable judgement.
Have you changed your style or
manner in the course of your career? If
so, how can you explain this?
Manner, taste and style change as we
grow older. Fundamentally, I have one
style, doing what I can in the way I know
how.
What is your philosophy as an
artist?
I find the world and its people
interesting. Ive visited many countries,
painting abroad, but always paint best
on coming home, with great inspiration!
This is normal for anyone who loves
their homeland.
Do you want to inspire deep thought
from audiences or simply be admired?
Delight lasts but a moment while art
which provokes thought endures. All
artists are philosophers to some extent.
Peoples Artist of Belarus Leonid
Shchemelev presents us with the oppor-
tunity to consider the unique beauty of
our native land, and to see the diversity
of the world around us, feeling the grace
and dignity of the individual. His simple,
unpretentious plots are charismatic in
their natural beauty and spirituality.
By Victor Mikhailov
persoNality art
'People from the North'. Watercolor, 1963
45 2013 .LARU5
fOrmuLa of success
the contest
Everyone who falls in love
with opera has his own afair
with this art which lasts all
life long. Accordingly, these
fans have their own prefer-
ences among performances,
singers and conductors.
Moreover, they boast a possi-
bility to open new names.
While listening to young
singers, I personally
marked out some of
them whose artistic
fate would be inter-
esting for me in
the future; Id
definitely wish
them all possible
ar t i s t i c l uck.
Naturally, vocal
singing is singing
to a subjective view
as any other art.
It often happens that
someones personal
opi ni on doe s not
coincide with a public
view. My preference
Maria Semochkina
failed to win an award,
although reaching the
fnals alongside other 12
singers from Belarus,
National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet
Theatre hosts 3rd Minsk International
Christmas Opera Forum
T







he fest was
truly bright bringing joy
and spiritual view on the
world. Moreover, it well
suited the Bolshoi Theatres
interior decorations which
re-opened (after a major
three year reconstruction) on
March 8th, 2009. On entering
the building, you cant but
smile opening your soul
to the beauty which sparkles
in crystal of the huge chan-
deliers and mirrors. Even in
the cloak-room you would
feel yourself a participant of a
wonderful solemn holiday...
In describing the recent
Chr i st mas For um, t he
greatest admiration rules:
truly, the event was the
most wonderful and impres-
sive. There is no doubt that
anyone who participated
in the holiday in previous
years would agree that the
forum is gaining momentum
every new year. Its six days
pl eased with premi eres
and a prestigious interna-
tional contest of singers of
Italian opera: Comptizione
DellOpera. Really, this one
of the brightest events of the
Bolshoi Teatre.
OPRA FORUM
The winner of the competition of young performers
Rahim Mirzakamalov
Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
and Korea. Pleasingly, she
attracted attention of some
of my colleague-journalists
as well. Moreover, two of the
Bolshoi Theatres acknowl-
edged soloists warmly spoke
of Maria during the second
round, noting that the lady
understands what she is
singing about. No doubt,
understanding is vital for
an operatic artiste and I
have no doubts that Maria
would have her own
wins in the future;
her delicate and
serene soprano
i s as ri ch as
her beauty and
womanhood.
Mari a probably
lacks technique or
something special
in singing top notes
(which is defnitely
important for an
oper at i c s i nger
and cannot but
noticed by profes-
sionals). However,
she impresses with
a restrained internal
drama and a wonderful
voice. When listening to
Ms. Semochkina during the
second round, I thought
that her nature would have
perfectly suit Eugene Onegins
Tatiana Larina. Marias ability
to feel deeply is evident but
she fails to fully reveal it due to
her young age. I once read an
interview with a Russian opera
diva Yelena Obraztsova;
she said that a true culture of
singing is based not only on a
virtuoso capability of singing
but life experience as well.
According to her, much must
be lived through, read and
seen before coming on stage
and talking to the audience. A
good singer must sufer, cry,
lose, fnd, love... Meanwhile,
the youth uses the privilege of
life: to ofen live it in the state
of joy, an accelerated rhythm
and a desire to be ahead
of time. As a result, some
young people fail to reveal
the complicated feelings
(natural to experienced or
God-kissed performers)
in singing operatic solo.
Moreover, as Ms. Obraztsova
4 .LARU5 2013
noted, in a desire to earn
more money, many young
singers start working over a
complicated repertoire which
they have no strength to cope
with; as a result, their career
fnishes quickly though its
beginning was brilliant...
As operat i c speci al -
ists admit, some singers are
traditionally unsuccessful
at contests. However, this is
not Ms. Semochkinas case
of course. In the past, she
many times won awards and
diplomas and, no doubt, was
pleased to win a Grand Prix at
the 3rd International Festival
of Slavic Music in Moscow
(2007). In addition, she was
acknowledged among the best
(being awarded a diploma)
at the Yelena Obraztsova
International Contest of Young
Operatic Singers, in 2009; the
event awarded no Grand Prix
then. At present, the singer
studies at the P.I. Tchaikovsky
Moscow State Conservatorys
Solo Singing Department,
also singing at the Chamber
Musical Theatre since 2011.
In the finals of the contest,
Maria sang Donna Annas role
(in The Libertine Punished,
or Don Juan), deserving our
respect. The Bolshoi Opera
soloists Anatoly Sivko and
Ilya Silchukov deserve our
praise as well; in the past,
they won several prestigious
international contests (repre-
senting Belarus).
Comptizione DellOpera
took place for the first time
in 1996 and, in 16 years of its
existence, its become among
the largest contests in the
world. In 2001, it was hosted
by Dresden and, in 2011,
Russias Bolshoi Theatre (in
Moscow) housed its semi-
finals and finals. This year,
the prel iminary singing
events took place in Vienna,
Dresden, Sochi, Moscow and
Minsk. The finals are tradi-
tionally organised as a public
concert.
Id wish to stress that all
fnalists are worthy of recog-
nition singing in Italian
under the accompaniment of
the Bolshoi Teatre Symphony
Orchestra (conducted by
Spains Daniel Montane).
Ancient and 20th century
Italian music was performed
in line with the contest
rules. Before the winners
were announced, flowers
and diplomas of participants
were presented to all fnalists.
Each of them attracted special
attention; some surprised
with their personal inter-
pretation of the performed
characters, others impressed
with their voice or the feeling
of music. Importantly, some
singers presented themselves
in an artistic manner; artistry
of Russias Karine Kerunts
attracted the jurys attention
being praised by represent-
atives of Linzs Brucknerhaus
and the Latvian National
Opera ( whos e General
Director and a jury member,
Andrej s Jagars awarded
the young singer with a
diploma). According to the
jury chair, a famous German
producer, the Director of the
German Bremen theatres
and an organiser of the
Dresden Opera Ball Prof.
Hans-Joachim Frey, its very
important how a soloist
represent themselves on
coming to an operatic stage. No
doubt, other features must be
present and if they organi-
cally combine a Grand Prix
award is inevitable.
The j ur y was grand,
featuring heads and leading
artistes from opera theatres
of Germany, Austria, the
UK, Switzerland, Bulgaria,
Estonia, Lithuania, Russia,
Ukr ai ne, Ge or gi a and
Bel arus. Thei r wi nni ng
choi ce was Uzbekistans
Rahim Mirzakamalov a
soloist at the A. Navoi State
Academic Bolshoi Theatre.
Rahim was also awarded
a special prize by the Lvov
National Opera and Ballet
Theatre, also being invited
to take part in the theatres
concert or performance.
This singer attracted my
attention as well, during the
second round. In view, the
holder the first prize does
not match the context of the
fve positions as enumer-
ated by Mr. Frey during his
meeting with journalists.
Really, Rahim can represent
himself and demonstrates a
perfect technique. Moreover,
hi s bar i t one i s st rong.
Nevertheless, I lacked the
dramatic depth, which I
noticed in Ms. Semochkina.
The second place went
to a very technical soloist
OPRA FORUM
All the participants of the opera fnal round came on the scene for awards
47 2013 .LARU5
of the Ukrainian National
Opera Darya Knyazeva
(soprano); she demonstrated
a strong voice and powerful
character. Te singer was also
invited to perform at the A.
Navoi State Academic Bolshoi
Theatre and German Erfurt
Opera Theatre. The third
place was awarded to Ayuna
Bazargurueva, from Buryatias
State Academic Opera and
Ballet Theatre (named after
Tsydynzhapov). Six best
fnalists including Karine
Kerunts were engaged by
directors of European opera
theatres; their names were
announced at the awarding
ceremony which took place
in the atmosphere of strong
audiences ovation. Actually,
the ceremony was a show in
itself. Public recognised jury
members and stars of the
global operatic art who came
to stage to award winners
with diplomas (jointly with
directors of opera theatres).
These experienced singers
demonstrated their mastery
next day, during the gala-
concert.
Premieres
Its a true holiday to
come to an opera theatre as
the elite operatic art always
inspires lofty feelings. As
a rule, the latter are expe-
rienced by well prepared
public true theatre goers
who love emotions aroused
during an opera perform-
ance. I dont remember the
name of a teacher (training
singers voice) who said that
emotions are a key to opera
understanding. If being a
spectator you trust these
emotions, then youd defi-
nitely feel the symphony of
music and singers vocal capa-
bilities which are unlikely
to arouse some insignificant
feelings. In turn, they would
bring you associations with
your own life opening the
layers which are seemingly
forgotten forever. An opera is
a supreme miracle and Id
love to repeat another time
each has their own affair
with this art. Mine started in
the childhood when on
hearing a radio version of A.
Alyabievs Te Nightingale
I tried to repeat its melody and
coloratura. I then strained my
voice. Of course, at that time, I
knew nothing of opera. I also
had little understanding of the
fact that a person might lack a
capability of singing.
At that time, I learnt from
my parents of my country-
woman an operatic singer,
Yevgenia Miroshnichenko,
who later became a Peoples
Artiste of the USSR and the
Hero of Ukraine. My father
and mother told me that the
lady was born in the village
of Pervoe Sovetskoe not
far from my native Volchansk
(in the Kharkov Region). I
was proud of this fact then.
Actually, opera was coming
to my life with my senior
brothers help; he took part in
an amateur singing team then.
During one of the concerts,
Yuris singing was heard by
a Kiev specialist. My brother
sang Whether Russians Wish
a War then and I remember
crawl while listening to his
performance. Yuri boasted a
rare bass and some even said
that he could have become
a second Fiodor Shalyapin
(i f he entered the Ki ev
Conservatory and developed
his talent). Te Conservatory
OPRA FORUM
A scene from the Sofa National Opera and Ballet Thetre's 'Siegfried'
48 .LARU5 2013
was ready to accept him
without examination but my
brother had already a family
of his own and his daughter
was due to be born at that
time... At present, his three
daughters sing wonderfully
and I even advise his younger
girl not to lose her talent for
singing. On becoming a Kiev
University student, I listened
to Ms. Miroshnichenko at the
Kiev Opera Teatre but, afer
leaving for Belarus, I forget of
the singer for some time. Te
recent Minsk Forum aroused
recollections of how my
friendship with the operatic
art started.
Of course, I compared
Ms. Miroshnichenkos serene
and accurate voice with the
voice of those Ive heard
earlier. Her talent is God-
given and Yevgenias perfect
combination of vocal mastery
and drama is truly rare. Its a
great pleasure to realise that
there are such artistes among
Belarusians. Among them is
definitely Oksana Volkova
an Honoured Artiste of
Belarus and a golden voice
of the country (as experts
admit). She is known all over
the globe and her lyrical and
unusually beautiful mezzo-
soprano combines with the
talent of drama as seen by
her singing Amneris part in
Aida (which I recently listened
to, during the National Award
days) and also Grey Legend.
Ms. Volkovas temperamental
Lyubka is a strong and bright
character, impressing with
the depth of her passion
and sensuality. You cannot
but feel passion for her,
although she is not Belarus
symbol in distinction from
Irina. Te latter is a bond of
Yekaterina Golovleva whom
noble Roman performed
by Russias Honoured Artiste,
Roman Muravitsky loves.
The character of Kizgailo
is performed by Stanislav
Trifonov.
Te performance is a love
triangle story. In the early
17th century, noble Kizgailo
is getting married near
Mogilev and his friend
Roman Rakutovich admits
that he is planning to marry
Kizgailos bond Irina. Kizgailo
is shocked: a noble man could
not marry an ordinary girl.
However, Roman is insistent
and his friend agrees even-
tually. However, Kizgailos
wife Lyubka is against the
marriage: she is in secret love
with Roman. Lyubka forces
her husband to send Irina to
prison. Te mens friendship
is broken and Rakutovich
decides to attack Kizgailos
castle. During the fight, the
host is killed and Lyubka
reveals her feelings to Roman.
However, the latter hurries to
Mogilev to free Irina; his troop
is defeated sadly. Roman is
captivated, awaiting for a
dreadful punishment: the cut
of his hand. Lyubka, in turn,
demands Irina to turn Roman
away otherwise, shell lose
her sight. Te lovers are being
tortured but they remain
faithful to their feeling...
Years after, the f i rst
edition of Dmitry Smolskys
musical version (based upon
Vl adi mi r Korot kevi chs
l i bretto) was staged by
Mikhail Pandzhavidze, at the
Bolshoi Teatre. Interestingly,
this aesthetic Belarusian-
l anguage per f or mance
received the 2012 Spiritual
Revival Award of Belarus
Pr e s i d e nt Al e x a nd e r
Lukashenko (traditionally
organised in early January)
and, this year, it opened the
Christmas Forum under
t he accompani ment of
the Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Ukraines
Honoured Artiste Victor
Plaskina. A national opera
performance at the Forum
ensured a qualitative launch
of the event, with audiences
able to enjoy a canvas of
times of the Grand Duchy of
Lithuania including the
beginning of its split and the
awakening of the national
self-consciousness. However,
in distinction f rom the
first edition (which mostly
focused on social issues), the
present show is targeted at
love; this feeling reigns at all
times, even against the back-
ground of dramatic social
events defeating death,
social and family strives.
Each time, the perform-
ance of the most talented
singer conquers audiences
love: really, its impossible to
buy success even with
help of PR campaigns or any
merits of the past. Te same
approach applies to a show
especially if its born anew for
the second time. Of course, it
was risky to stage the play at
the Forum as, in 1978, Grey
Legend, was a huge success
being staged for several
seasons. However, the risk
was truly noble: the opera
using composer Smolskys
new music sounded as
OPRA FORUM
National opera "Grey Legend" captured the audience. Honored
Artiste of Russia Roman Muravitsky (Roman) and Honored Artiste
of Belarus Oksana Volkova (Lyubka)
49 2013 .LARU5
if it was a different play,
impressing with eye-catching
scenes, beautiful melodies
and wide vocal possibilities.
Its overture inspires to spirit-
ually participate in the show;
there is an impression that
we are listening to something
well known but the feeling of
a novelty also never leaves.
Pleasingly, our morally
fresh national opera has been
performed at the Forum.
Moreover, its a true joy that
our Belarusian language
being placed second afer
Italian in melodiousness by
the UNESCO classification
has been heard by global
celebrities: the jury members.
Mr. Muravistky was also
great; his Belarusian language
singing was serene. Our
letter which no other
language of the globe uses
was perfectly pronounced
by the Russian singer.
Like renewed Aida, Grey
Legend brightly demonstrates
Mr. Pandzhavidzes passion
for an epochal approach.
The chief director loves
scenes involving many actors
which he regularly intermix
with vocal singing. Actually,
al l components of Grey
Legend works well and scene
decorations by Alexander
Kostyuchenko are impres-
sive; as if the opera itself, its
expressiveness is strength-
ened by multimedia effects
creating an impression
of a film. The background
curtain of a black net has its
purpose as well serving as
a screen for video projection
and simultaneously creating
an efect of the time distance.
The latter seems hiding the
truth in the past, inspiring
fantasy. The construction of
two layers separating the
ground and the sky, the guilty
and the winners, love and
hatred is aimed not only
for artistes movement; these
foors are symbolically hint at
our life full of contradictions.
Those failing to understand
the symbolism wont lose: Mr.
Kostyuchenkos decorations
are based on the perfect taste.
Te huge festive dinner table
is wonderful with large fake
carcasses, jugs with wine and
other dishes. Te atmosphere
of the past is supplemented
with candle lighting which
well suits the castle mood of
the years passed away...
As regards the theatres
technical equipment, it makes
it possible to stage compli-
cated performance involving
many actors. Moreover,
decorations can be changed
endlessly if needed. Many
jury members appreciated
the theatres unique technical
possibilities as it can easily
host such a grand show as
Richard Wagners Siegfried
( of t he Sof i a Nat i onal
Opera and Ballet Theatre)
which involves 130 artistes
including soloists, a choir
and an orchestra conducted
by Erich.
on tour from
germany
Professor Plamen Kartalov
is Bulgarian Siegfrieds stage
director and the Head of the
Sofia National Opera and
Ballet Theatre. Jointly with
artist Nikolay Panayotov, he
staged an opera which dazzles
with cosmos, fantasy and
fairy-tale surreality. Siegfried
is a part of The Ring of the
Nibelung epic cycle and has
come to Belarus for the frst
time. This love story tells us
of the strength which inspires
men and women to approach
each other not only on the
Earth but in the Universe.
Te search of this feeling and
holding of it comes to focus,
with help of Wagner music
(conducted by German Erich
Wchter) which irritates our
minds with the aim of fnding
an answer to the eternal
question: what is the key in
our life. Moreover, audiences
can enjoy beautiful melodies
and all artistes powerful
vocal singing, while thinking
of the cyber-worlds which
our modern youth is creating
in their virtual life. Cosmos
is also reflected in decora-
tions, sparkling costumes
and multi-coloured lights.
Meanwhile, the opera
especially its main character,
Siegfried resembles a
comic strip; its like a game
within a game. Everything
which artistes sing of seems
serious and simultaneously
pathetic as if we are telling
a fairy-tale to children about
things which they should not
know at the moment. In my
view, this is an interesting
move. Its truly funny to
observe Siegfried played by
Kostadin Andreev on the
stage; he resembles a teenager
who does not know for sure
what he wants but is torn by
a certain power. With this in
mind, the main characters
vanity and amusing arm
waving have their ground.
Of course, anyone would
definitely decide for them-
selves how this fiery flame
of the mystical power could
be extinguished. Moreover,
OPRA FORUM
Honored Artiste of Russia Yuri Nechaev and Svetlana Shilova ("Prince Igor")
50 .LARU5 2013
Siegfried is a wonderful
opportunity to get acquainted
with a different opera style
which is not natural to our
mentality.
It was more customary to
listen to one of my favourite
operas: P. Tchai kovskys
Eugene Onegin. This was a
new version of the Belarusian
Bolshoi Teatre but it was no
less talented than the 1996
show. The main characters
were performed by soloists of
the Academy of Young Singers
(of St. Petersburgs Mariinsky
Theatre) and laureates of
international contests: Andrey
Bondarenko (Onegin), Maria
Bayankina (Tatiana), Dmitry
Voropaev (Lensky) and Yulia
Matochkina (Olga). Prince
Igor opera was also perfect
st aged by Al exander
Borodin and performed
by the leading soloists of
the Russian and Belarusian
Bolshoi Theatres: Svetlana
Shi l ova (Konchakovna)
and honoured artistes of
Russia Mikhail Kozakov
(Konchak) and Yuri Nechaev
(Prince Igor). Yaroslavnas
character was pl ayed by
Belarus Honoured Artiste
Nina Sharubina (who also
represented our country in
the jury).
Fans and experts of the
operatic art deserve special
respect. During six frosty
December days on the eve of
Christmas and New Year cele-
brations, they co-authored the
holiday presenting ovation
and applause to singers and
expressing gratitude to all
organisers and partners of the
Minsk International Christmas
Opera Forum.
ball on the eve of
old new year
Many of those coming to
the Forum also attended the
large New Year Ball held
on the eve of Old New Year,
January 13, as is traditional.
The ball is another creative
project of the Bolshoi Teatre
and is being anticipated since
autumn: in October, all tickets
were sold out. This year,
organisers prepared an addi-
tional holiday for their guests:
all those attending joined
artistes in a dance programme
and numerous entertain-
ments. Opera lovers defnitely
enjoyed the surprises and
presents of the theatre, with
amazing pranks, travelling to
fairy-tales and future-telling
creating a festive atmosphere.
Music never stopped, creating
the feeling of miracle and
happiness of life.
The Bolshoi Theatres
Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Ivan Kostyakhin
played for the Russian
Ball, while the Princely Ball
featured extracts of Khoroshki
Choreographic Companys
Polotskaya Tetrad (Polotsk
Notebook) programme. The
Vienna Ball, in turn, was accom-
panied by music of Johann
Strauss and Ferenc Liszt.
No doubt, the recent
January holiday was a success
which formula is simple: as
the Bolshoi Teatre staf admit,
everything here is subordi-
nate to the beauty and follows
the rules of the theatre (with
help of stage director Galina
Galkovskaya). I personally can
confrm this with pleasure.
By Valentina Zhdanovich
OPRA FORUM
Premiere of 'Eugene Onegin' with a young singer of the Academy of Young Singers of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg was a success
51 2013 .LARU5
speCtatOrs
to receive
true pleasure
Fewer than 500 days are left before
the kick of 2014 IIHF World
Championship in Minsk. How does
the capital prepare for this truly
grandiose sport forum?
y
evgeny Vorsin,
the Chairman of
the Belarusian Ice
Hockey Federation
and the Head of
the Directorate
for the Worl d
Championship,
tells us:
Te IIHF World Championship will
take place in May 2014 in the Belarusian
capital. Tis has been frmly decided and
this issue isnt on the agenda anymore.
All attempts from the side of influen-
tial parapolitical circles to take away the
tournament from our country failed.
In recent time, from September till
December, three inspectional checks of
the International Ice Hockey Federation
took place in Belarus and none of these
discovered any non-fulflment of obliga-
tions, taken by us. Moreover, the inspec-
tors have assured that our country isnt
just actively preparing for the event
but is even outstripping the fulfilment
of many positions which regard to the
tournament preparation. Major aspects
are two ice rinks which will be hosting
the World Championship. Tere are no
issues concerning Minsk-Arena while
Chizhovka-Arena is in its fnal stage of
construction, with external walls being
faced and works being conducted on
the preparation of the ice rink.
Schemes of placement of all
services technical, medical
and doping control have been
envisaged. No mistakes will be
made and constant consulta-
tions are taking place while
everything is being agreed
with the Infront Company.
As far as the placement of
the Championships guests
is concerned, these will be
able to use the services of 14
hotels able to welcome 2,500
people. Over 500
pl aces i n hotel s
have been booked
by official figures
teams, personnel and judges.
A large number of media repre-
sentatives is also expected: over
600 journalists and around
140 photo correspondents.
Te Belarusian quote is up to
50 people. All official figures
will have wonderful living
conditions, being accom-
modated in the Crowne
Plaza, the Minsk Hotel, the
President Hotel, the Victoria
Hotel, the National Olympic
Committee Headquarters
hotel while judges
will be accommo-
dated in the Garni
Hotel. Well be able to
welcome up to 20,000 at once,
HOCKY WORLD CHAMPION5HIP
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while also ensuring them places in the
Student Village where we can accommo-
date 8,800 people, as well as in 11 hostels
of higher educational establishments
(able to accommodate 9,000) which will
be repaired and ready to accept guests.
Everything will be OK: good teams
will arrive in Minsk and hockey of
perfect quality is guaranteed, with spec-
tators receiving true pleasure.
Does it mean that in 2014 the
academic year will finish earlier for
students than usual?
Well begin to prepare places for
tourists in student hostels approximately
one month before the kick of the tour-
nament in mid-April. Accordingly,
the academic year is likely to fnish by
this term, although the fnal decision on
this issue hasnt been done yet. Probably,
the terms will be just shifed to summer
months.
Of course, everyone is keen to learn
about ticket prices for matches
First of all, Id like to note that there
will be visa-free entry for everyone
wishing to see the World Championship
in our country. They will need just
to show a ticket original or elec-
tronic and their passport. Te ticket
programme has been already approved.
As far as the pricing policy is concerned,
initially it was planned that tickets for
matches will cost from 9 to 40 Euros.
Meanwhile, now, the attitude towards
this issue is changing. Previously, they
said that prices for all matches should
be equal. However, at the recent World
Championship in Finland the cost of
tickets was determined by the rating
of the playing teams. Well study this
experience. Moreover, the formula
for the organisation of 2014 World
Championship hasnt been determined
either. Now this issue is under discus-
sion and opinions have divided. Some
suggest that during the first stage all
participants should be divided into two
groups with eight teams in each group
while others propose to have only four
groups with four squads in each group.
Tis problem will be solved only at the
IIHF Congress in Sweden in May. From
March, we plan to start selling tickets
so I dont exclude that the terms may
shif to mid-summer early autumn.
Anyway, I think that well have enough
time to provide everyone with tickets.
Wont Minsk quests feel discomfort
because of the language barrier?
No. From January, we plan to start
work aiming to attract 850 volunteers.
Tese will be selected very thoroughly
while knowing a foreign language is one
of the requirements. At present, theres
still an opportunity to catch up ones
knowledge.
Did you analyse the attendance of
world championships in the Olympic
year? Dont you have fears that the
tournament wont arouse enhanced
interest?
I dont see any problem here. The
figure of 20,000, which was previ-
ously mentioned, is the number of
tourists which Minsk is able to accept
at once. However, around 80,000 fans
are expected to arrive. I dont think that
the Olympiad will somehow reduce the
interest towards the Championship.
According to the official data, the
number of tourists increases by about
30-50 percent from the average amount
in the year of the World Championship,
so everything will be ok. Good teams will
arrive in Minsk and hockey of perfect
quality is guaranteed, with spectators
receiving true pleasure..
By Dmitriy komarovskiy
IIHF General Secretary Horst Lichtner checks readiness of
hotels and Minsk-Arena to host the World Championship-2014
53 2013 .LARU5
TOURNAMNT
game
which unites
two for team mates. Including prelimi-
nary matches, he earned 11 points over
four games (6+5).
The Russian squad scored only
twice in the final, allowing Belarus
to claim the cup for the seventh time.
Belarus also won the Cup in 2005,
2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012;
Russia celebrated success
i n 2007 and 2011,
defeating Belarus
in the finals. The
Canadian team
took bronze for
the f i rst ti me,
having defeated
Austria in the
ma t c h f o r
third place.
national team oF belarus wins 9th
christmas international amateur
ice hockey tournament For the Prize
oF the President oF the rePublic
oF belarus, beating gazProm
exPort From russia
in Final match
O
leg Antonenko was the hero of the match at
Minsk-Arena. Te former Belarusian
national team forward may have
retired but has clearly
kept in good shape.
He scored three goals
himself and set up another
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Alexey Yashin,
forward of Russias
national team:
The final match
saw a quick game and
the Belarusian team
has an advantage
regarding the age of hockey players
who are young. Weve just receive true
pleasure from gathering together. Its
great to play at such arena and with so
many fans. Its really wonderful that
such tournaments are held.
Gnther Lanzinger,
defender of Austrias
national team:
I work as a chil-
dr e n s c oac h i n
Austria, so train with
other veterans seldom
just 1-2 times a week. We had to play
in Minsk in rather difficult schedule,
having four matches per day. Of course,
it was not traditional, but I wont say
that Ive got too tired or that Im dissat-
isfied. Vice versa, Ive received true
pleasure. Our squad has only three tour-
naments per year, so each game brings
only joy. Terere no questions regarding
the organisation of the tournament
either and Im confdent that the World
Championship will be held at the highest
level in your country.
Elmar Boiger,
forward of Germanys
national team:
On the eve of 2014
its especially important
for Belarus to train to
welcome guests from
other countries and I
should admit that youre doing well in this
respect. Ive arrived here for the ffh time
and Ill obligatory try to visit your country
again in future. Its a pity weve failed to
perform better but for me the tourna-
ment is important is its communication.
Hockey players get acquainted with each
other, make friends and establish business
partners Moreover, one can simply go
into streets and wonderfully spend time.
I and other players of the squad walked
much along the city and communicated
with people, for example, weve been to
the Komarovsky market. The language
barrier was felt somewhere and it wasnt
always easy to understand each other
but the contact was evident. People were
trying to help and prompt and were very
benevolent Its accustomed to bring
souvenirs from abroad. Although Im not
greatly keen on souvenirs I bought a fur
militia cap for my father in Minsk a couple
of years ago. However, Ill bring much
with me to Germany, as impressions are
the greatest souvenirs to me while I have
lots of good impressions about Minsk.
Todd Warriner,
orward of Canadas
national team:
I was told about the
tournament abroad
and Ive long wished
to attend it. At present,
I don t pe r f or m
anymore at the professional level so I
decided to arrive and to see Minsk. My
trip to the children orphanage has fxed
into my memory. It was great to take part
in sporting, as well as social life.
Frantiek Kaberle,
defender of the Czech
national team:
It was easy for me
to find motivation
to take part in this
amateur tournament.
I havent entered the
ice rink for eight months, so I responded
with great pleasure to the proposal to
become one of the players of our team.
Moreover, I havent ever been to Belarus
before. They say that first impressions
remain in ones memory for a long time
and its really wonderful that these
impressions are positive. This refers to
both the city and the organisation of the
competitions. If I have enough time Ill
be pleased to come here again next year
for the Christmas tournament and the
World Championship.
Commenting on the results of the
tournament, Oleg Antonenko notes
that the level of skill of those taking
part improves every year. He explains,
Few matches see high scores. The fact
that the Swiss were crushed by both us
and the Canadians is rather a coinci-
dence. Maybe, they werent on form
physically because their level of skill
and tactical training is pretty good.
For those over 40, the Christmas
Tournament is a real challenge.
Such a competition is, without exag-
geration, the equivalent of an amateur
world championship. Next year, its
likely to surprise us once again, having
featured not just goals and struggle but
charitable visits this year.
Organised by the Presidents Sports
Club and the Belarusian Ice Hockey
Federat i on, teams vi sited seven
orphanages in Minsk and a family-
type childrens home in the Minsk
Region. On the first day, squads from
Austria, Canada, Russia and Slovakia
congratulated children on the New
Year and Christmas holidays, giving
such gifts as a music centre, a large
Air Hockey game, books and toys,
MP3-players and cosmetics.
On the second day, the Swiss team
visited children at the socio-peda-
gogical centre in Minsks Pervomaisky
District, singing their national song in
their native language. Te German team
went to an orphanage in Borovlyany
while the Czechs visited a socio-
pedagogical centre in the Frunzensky
District of Minsk. The Presidents
team, comprising Oleg Antonenko,
Vladimir Tsyplakov, Sergei Shitkovsky,
Nikolay Vladykin and Denis Kurdeko,
took gifts to the largest orphanage
in the capital located in Minsks
Zavodskoy Distrcit. Tey presented a
microwave oven and video camera as
well as sweets and sof toys.
The Chairman of the Belarusian
Ice Hockey Federati on, Yevgeny
Vorsin, who also took part, feels
confident that such meetings should
become a tradition.
By Kiril Dovlatov
55 2013 .LARU5
MO5AIC
Image
CHANgE
ny years ago
Unique ethnographic album about Belarus
launched for sale this year
T
he edition brings together over 400 shots
by Belarusian ethnographer Isaak Serbov,
who visited the Brest, Mogilev and Minsk
regions between 1911 and 1912, at the order
of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society.
His photos reveal much about traditional
culture, folk costume and architecture across
Belarus at that time.
According to Ms. Belova, the album was set
to become a landmark edition of the previous
year, which was announced the Year of Book
in Belarus. Mr. Serbovs original photos are
kept by the Vilnius University Library, which
aided the release of the edition, supported by
the Belarusian Embassy to Lithuania.
alena lanskaya to rePresent belarus at
euroVision-2013 in sweden
M
ore than 80 singers and bands
tried to reach the fnals of the
national selection round for the
International Song Contest in Belarus,
with ten chosen. Belteleradiocompany
organised the competition to select the
top performer, with its jury headed by
its chairman, Gennady Davydko. Alena
Lanskayas Rhythm of Love received the
most audience and jury votes, sending
her to Swedens hosting of Eurovision
this coming May, in Malm.
Last year, Alena sufered great disap-
pointment after being congratulated
on winning the selection round for
Bakus hosting of Eurovision. However,
Litesound was sent in her place (after
having come in second). Alenas deter-
mination and tenacity have led her to
enter the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk
six years in a row, resulting in her Grand
Prix win in 2011. Perhaps shell enjoy the
same success at Eurovision, winning the
hearts of the European audience. This
time, her score of 24 points out of 24
possible gave her an easy victory. She has
been presented with an award especially
made by Neman Glassworks.
Now, aged 27, shes won numerous
music competitions in Belarus, Russia,
Bulgaria and the USA and is the youngest
Honoured Artiste of Belarus.
By Lyudmila Minakova
Idea gaining
momentum
Everyone knows about the Slavianski
Bazaar festival so its no surprise to hear
that the universities of Vitebsk and
Smolensk, which have been co-
operating fruitfully for a long time, have
initiated a student version of the event.
T
he idea is being supported by the
administrations of our border
regions, with Vitebsk chosen to
host the opening concert of the
1st International Student Slavonic
forum: the brainchild of Belarusian
and Russian students.
Representatives of eight univer-
sities came to the opening. More
students may yet take part, with
Dnepropetrovsk National University
and the universities of Khmelnitsky
(Ukraine), St. Petersburg and
Novgorod expressing eagerness to
join. Dnepropetrovsk took part in
the opening with the aid of video
conferencing.
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