N 1, 2010
New horizons |
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Undoubtedly, understanding comes through comparison. At the start of each new year, we always hope that it will prove better than the past. We wish this for our relatives and ourselves — even when we’ve seen success. It’s human nature to desire new opportunities and new prospects. The same principle can be applied on a national scale. Future success is built on today’s achievements. Of course, the global crisis has affected them but, according to the President (who recently met journalists) ‘the country has begun to raise its economic figures, enabling us to systema-tically increase salaries’. We can feel optimistic about 2010. |
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: ‘I believe politics should be sincere’ |
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“I see today’s talk as absolutely sincere and all-embracing — both from the point of view of its themes and the geography of questions,” Alexander Lukashenko asserted at his latest press conference. The President’s meeting with the media took place at the National Library, on New Year’s Eve. Mr. Lukashenko radically disagrees with the idea that ‘politics is a dirty business’. “I believe that politics should be sincere and fair,” he stressed. His words certainly inspired trust among about 250 journalists. These included reporters from central and regional, state-run and private media, all of whom had the opportunity to address the Belarusian President directly. Some were present at the hall, while others from regional studios used a live TV bridge. |
Results inspire further work |
 Traditionally, in January, during Christmastide, ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Presidential Awards are bestowed in Belarus, alongside special awards to notable scientific and art figures “Belarusian literary legend Kuzma Chorny once said that ‘the joy of labour demands that everything done well is recognised’. These words perfectly reflect the purpose of our awards, which we give to honour the most worthy representatives of our society,” noted Alexander Lukashenko, speaking at the Palace of the Republic’s awards ceremony. He emphasised that the annual event is unique in the CIS in including the recognition of creative achievements, “There are representatives of various professions among the laureates of the ‘For Spiritual Revival’ Award and special awards. However, they share a common feature: tireless service to the Belarusian nation. Our Fatherland relies on such enthusiasts.” |
Multi-vector approach |
 In 2009, several events of long-lasting significance took place, defining the state’s foreign policy for 2010Last year, Belarus joined the Eastern Partnership programme. Meanwhile, there were several high level visits to Minsk, with Belarusian top officials travelling abroad. Relations with Europe have been temperamental for many years, so today’s dynamics are a revelation. Additionally, the relations with our closest neighbours — Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia — have been dynamically developing. The signing of the Customs Union agreement in Minsk was perhaps the most important event. |
Impossible becomes possible |
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In 2010, Belarus’ GDP should grow by 11-13 percent — as approved by Presidential Decree. experts agree this is more than just an ambitious goal In 2009, the country’s GDP rose by just 0.2 percent and foreign markets are likely to see gradual revival rather than rapid growth. Meanwhile, the Russian Government is keen to reconsider terms for the supply of oil to Mozyr Refinery and Novopolotsk’s Naftan. This could damage Belarus’ economic interests so we must be ready for post-crisis growth to require much effort. Nevertheless, the Government and the National Bank are optimistic. “The target prognosis is realistic and achievable,” stresses Piotr Prokopovich, the Chairman of the National Bank. |
Looking into the cosmos and micro-world |
 Belarusian scientists and industrialists produce unique devices to study the Earth and the Universe The Large Hadron Collider, built near Geneva, at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), is known worldwide. The international scientific society is keen to discover answers to the most intricate questions of our Universe. Its atomic particles collide at maximum speed — achieved by generating a huge electromagnetic field (in a large circle underground). After colliding, new, previously unknown particles should emerge, as seen in the first moments after the Big Bang — the origin of our Universe. The technology is unrivalled, as we might imagine. Interestingly, Belarusian enterprises took part in its production. |
Equality index |
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Belarus ranked 34th in World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report, outstripping many post-Soviet countries and, even, European states In her childhood, Lyudmila dreamt of becoming a stewardess or … a sailor. As an adult, she understood that travel is a ‘magic key’ opening doors and defying the impossible. “My dream has come true,” she smiles. “My profession revolves around travel, so I’ve found my magic key.” Lyudmila Orlova is a camera operator, which many people view as a man’s job. |
Small town buzzes with life |
 Belarus is a country of small towns: 207 in total. Of these, 168 boast less than 20,000 residents. Each is unique in appearance, character and history. Some — like Turov, Zaslavl and Kamenets — have existed since the times of Kievan Rus; others — Novolukoml, Beloozersk and Kostyukovka — were founded on the basis of industrial and energy enterprises and are less than a century oldAbout 3m people (a third of the population) live in small towns, their well-being governed by the economic, social and cultural state of these settlements. With this in mind, the development of small and medium-sized towns is a priority for Belarus — as stipulated by a state programme worth Br2 trillion. This embraces 187 settlements. |
Testing with talent |
 We all have our own talents. The question is how to reveal, support and develop these talents. The Young Talents of Belarus state programme aims to give children the chance to fully develop themselves‘Hothouse’ conditions. I start my excursion into the world of children’s talents from Gomel Mayoral Office — an executive power. I’m told how the wunderkinds are discovered and how adults can help unveil potential. It’s common for parents to miss a child’s talents but teachers often succeed. On noticing an interest in art, sport or science, they can start developing it. “We are now paying attention to kindergarten children. Even at the age of two, we can notice aptitude, as the children learn to talk,” the Gomel region’s Education Department tells me. Children are able to develop their interests in music, dance, gymnastics and fine arts. Pre-schools are being encouraged to look out for talent countrywide. |
Return of relics |
 Grodno is not known as a museum city for nothing. Its ancient palaces, unique castles and magnificent churches, which possess rare treasures, have been preserved. Sophisticated foreign tourists flock to see this wonderful city, admiring its collections of artefacts, gathered through the centuries. Unfortunately, many disappeared or were scattered during the troubled war years. However, Grodno residents haven’t lost heart; they continue searching for lost items. In the past, it was primarily enthusiasts who were involved in these searches; now, local authorities have joined the mission One of the city’s greatest losses was the miraculous icon of Kolozha Mother of God. According to legend, it was donated to the monastery by a dying beggar in the 17th century. The copper plate, depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, was a copy of the famous Vilnia Mother of God Hodegetria. In 1914, Tsar Nikolay II prayed before the icon with his family. The relic inspired incidences of miraculous healing but went missing in 1915; as German troops were approaching Grodno during WWI, treasures were evacuated. At that time, many Belarusian relics were brought to Russia, including two of the most important icons in Belarus: Zhirovichi and Kolozha. The Zhirovichi icon was found in the 1920s and was secretly returned; the fate of the Kolozha icon remains unknown. |
Visiting the kingdom of aurochs |
 Tourists from all over the globe come to Polesie and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha to meet exotic animals, to see five-century old lianas and embrace centuries-old oaksNature lovers are becoming regular visitors to Belarus. After last year’s 600th anniversary celebrations, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha — the world’s largest reserve — has become known to millions of people worldwide for its unique flora and fauna. However, there are many other unusual places located nearby, such as the basin of the River Pripyat. Its virgin forests and marshes are often called the ‘Belarusian Amazonia’. The purest lakes are found in the north of Belarus, boasting ‘pre-historic’ maxillopods; you can drink the water directly from its source. |
Living archive |
 History lover Andrey Kuvaev knows more about the Radziwills than any encyclopaedia As a boy, Andrey’s parents often took him to see his grandmother — travelling from Baranovichi to Gomel. The road was long, with several stops. Once, his father stopped halfway, at Nesvizh, the former residence of the Radziwills (the richest family of Belarus). His parents wanted to visit the palace, which hosted a sanatorium at that time. Andrey had thought that castles only existed in fairy-tales. However, this was a true castle — situated in native Belarus, rather than in Andersen’s fairytale kingdom. Acquaintance with Hercules. These days, the names of the Radziwills and Nesvizh are known to almost everyone; these monuments of culture — created under the aegis of this famous magnate family — are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, about 15-20 years, there were no books, films or Internet information on the noble family. Everything connected with their name was viewed as a legend or a fairytale. |
For friends and guests |
 Artistic gallery opens at Union of Theatre Workers of BelarusPlenty of pleasant events usually take place during the festive Christmastide. Outstanding operetta prima donna Natalia Gaida, a People’s Artiste of Belarus, is magically transformed into Theodora Verdier in Emmerich Kálmán's Circus Princess or into Sylva from his Csárdásfürstin. Ms. Gaida didn’t sing at the Union’s gallery’s opening but just the mention of the chance of performing her favourite pieces in the near future brought a smile to her face and a glint to her eye; her body language was clear. I was standing nearby and was able to overhear her conversation with the Chairman of the Theatre Workers’ Union, playwright Alexey Dudarev. “Ms. Gaida, will you be our hostess at the International Theatre Day,” Mr. Dudarev asked. “You’ll sing romances and arias from operettas and we’ll invite friends and will talk, as we did at the House of Arts…” Ms. Gaida eagerly agreed. |
House full of pies |
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‘Na pososhok’ (or ‘let’s drink a parting cup’) — is a well known phrase at the table. From where does it originate? I’ve never considered it before, but, owing to Tamara Sinyakova from the village of Lyady (in the Dubrovno district) I’ve seen and tasted this ‘pososhok’! Tamara is a hereditary karavainitsa (round loaf maker) Karavainitsa is not a profession; it’s more of a vocation. Women able to bake pies and other delicious foods, without which no holiday is complete, are revered for their talent. They tend to share their recipe secrets only with their heirs; those wishing to penetrate the mystery of making wedding pies and other authentic dishes, must be patient, determined and strong. |
Giving talent wings |
 Successful young artistes receive strong state supportEvery year, Belarus’ young talents give a concert. Laureates and scholarship and diploma holders of the Belarusian President’s Special Fund for Social Support of Gifted School and University Students join forces to show their skills. At the end of 2009, artistes from all over the country performed at the Palace of the Republic, enchanting the audience with their diversity of genres and high level of mastery. The Fund supports those recognised for their talent: most have already claimed victories at international contests. The recent concert was held in a warm atmosphere, with friends, relatives and teachers of young artistes present. Youngsters sang songs and played the cello, violin, flute, clarinet, piano forte, accordion, guitar and cembalo… |
Fortune favours the brave |
 Each New Year, we make wishes for the future. We hope not to catch a cold, that our boss will raise our salary, that our holidays will be sunny and that we’ll see success in our personal and professional lives. 2009 had its bright moments, including sporting achievements. Let’s look at those who surpassed themselves: who ran the fastest, dove the deepest, swam the hardest and jumped the highestBelarusian rowers have lately made a name for themselves, perhaps because the sport stirs something in our native blood. We all know that Belarusians prefer intimacy to corporate anonymity. We show loyalty and honesty by nature and, when we direct our efforts, little can hamper us. We persevere until we reach our goals. Accordingly, 2009’s top rowing sportsmen were Belarusians, taking gold at world championships: Yekaterina Karsten (rowing) and the crew of Roman Petrushenko and Vadim Makhnev (kayaking and canoeing). |
An idol to emulate |
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An Avenue of Olympic Glory was recently unveiled in Vitebsk, bearing plaques reminiscent of Olympic medals. Belarus’ National Olympic Committee tried to gather leading sportsmen from the past and present for the event I hadn’t realised that so many sporting celebrities were born or trained in Vitebsk region. |