N 2, 2010
Awkward age |
 Time runs on regardless of life’s rich tapestry. Whatever happens, we can be sure of the passing of time. Belarus magazine is celebrating its 80th anniversary, having launched in the 1930s — which was, of course, a completely different age. However, the magazine has kept to its initial mission of reflecting reality and honouring heroes. We have always been at the centre of events and remain so as we pass into the 21st century. Our present has its own unique characteristics and we do our best not to neglect them. |
Jubilee |
 Dear friends!I sincerely congratulate you on the remarkable jubilee. It has been 80 years since the release of the first issue of Belarus magazine. |
Wind of change |
 Mutual top-level visits paid, Belarus-turkmenistan relations experience the upswingTurkmenistan covers almost 500,000 square metres, being 2.5 times larger than Belarus, yet its population comprises just 7m. Efficient land development is a priority, with geologic explorations placing the country in a leading position worldwide in regard to oil and, especially, gas deposits. However, the Turkmen desert is rich not only in hydrocarbons. The Garlyk potassium salt deposit should make Turkmenistan an influential player on this market, assuming successful development and efficient logistics. Accordingly, Belarus plans to share its rich experience, as well its scientific and technical skills in the mining sphere. On January 11th, an agreement was signed stipulating that Belgorkhimprom JSC will build a ready-to-operate mining and processing plant in Turkmenistan. This is a pilot project for bilateral relations, with further co-operation reliant on its success. Minsk has a long list of proposals for Ashgabat, as announced during Alexander Lukashenko’s visit in June 2009. These were later confirmed and defined during a return visit by the Turkmen President to Minsk. |
A student’s home |
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The Belarusian State University opened a new hostel in Minsk in early 2010, making it the first building in the student village (scheduled for completion in late 2013) The new hostel for Inter-national Relations and Law students has been visited by President Lukashenko. He chatted to Belarusian students, alongside those from China and Turkmenistan. “We’ll build more hostels for students, including those from abroad. Foreign students studying here are our ‘ambassadors’ abroad,” noted Mr. Lukashenko. |
Twisting path of oil flow |
 In the beginning of 2010, a Belarusian-Russian agreement on extending co-operation in the fuel-energy complex was due to be signed. The draft project envisaged, in particular, the possibility of Belarusian companies mining oil in Russia. Simultaneously, the privatisation of Novopolotsk’s Naftan-Polymir Oil Refinery (with the participation of Russian capital) was expected. According to Belarus’ First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, LUKoil and Rosneft planned to gain shares of ownership However, the expected exchange of strategic assets has not yet taken place. The Russian Government has announced 100 percent duty on oil supplied to Belarus from January 1st. Minsk views this as a violation of Customs Union regulations — which came in force early this year. Accordingly, the Belarusian leadership has insisted on clarification of the principles of the Union; it is supposed to be a duty-free zone between Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan, including for strategic supplies of oil and gas. Moscow appears to think differently, believing that energy trading should follow other rules, stipulated by the additional agreements to the Customs Union. |
More than the fame of Grunewald unites us! |
 Ambassador of Belarus to Poland, H.E. Mr. Victor Gaisenok, tells of unbreakable historical ties between Belarusians and Poles and of the new tasks set by modern times Ambassador, this year, Belarus and Poland are celebrating the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald, where our forefathers stood shoulder to shoulder. Will we be encouraging a shared memory from Belarusians and Poles? 2010 marks the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunewald — a remarkable event of European significance. It is one of the brightest pages of our shared history, since the victory much influenced the formation of the Belarusian nation and the union of our peoples. Belarusians played an important role in European history, even at that time. International celebrations of the jubilee are a matter of honour for the Belarusian Embassy to Warsaw; we should popularise the history of Belarus’ nationhood, as well as prospects for strengthening bilateral liaisons with Poland and Lithuania proceeding from our common historical-cultural heritage. |
Our people at the UN |
 The job of interpreter / translator opens up various opportunities to work with people from around the world, studying their traditions and lifestyle, as well as to gaining acquaintance with their culture Minsk’s State Linguistic University is Belarus’ major ‘supplier’ of translators and interpreters, training specialists since 1964 in its divisions of corresponding language departments and, from 1969, at its independent School of Translation and Interpreting. |
Cure for ‘sweet disease’ |
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For the first time in my career as a journalist, I’m writing about people who have achieved something great. I write these magical words with responsibility and professional pride. Belarusian doctors and scientists have changed the lives of many people, creating a cure for the ‘sweet disease’ of diabetes 16 year old Anya has been suffering from a severe form of diabetes for several years; she is one of almost 136,000 such people in Belarus, of whom, around 70,000 are insulin-dependent. Every day, she must inject insulin to regulate her blood-sugar levels. |
Into the future! |
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Theory of probability doesn’t seem abstract when it comes to genetics It seems that some of us are more likely to break bones when we fall, while others escape with minor bruising and a fright. The recently accredited Centre for DNA Biotechnology at the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Genetics and Cytology is searching for answers to such questions. Soon, it will begin to issue genetic passports to people and … aurochs. We’ll be able to find out which inherited diseases we’re susceptible to, while animal breeding will be enhanced from decoding genetic make-up. The Centre has begun to admit applications for human DNA tests and investigations will then begin. |
Following winter fashion |
 This years’ frosts have beaten all records, pushing people to recall the traditions of their forefathers and wear felt boots The only company manufacturing such footwear — Smilovichi Walk Mill — is working seven days a week to fulfil demand, since this has increased 15-fold on last winter. By mid-January, the company had sold its entire four-month stock, which had remained unsold just a couple of months ago. Today, the factory is working around the clock, loading dozens of trucks daily. It’s not just Belarusians buying the boots; orders are arriving from Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Sweden. In fact, between 30 and 70 percent of products are exported (depending on the season). |
A side of Zaslonov we never knew |
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In February, Belarus celebrates the Day of Homeland Defenders — honouring those currently serving in the army, defending the safety of our country, and those who protected our freedom and future during the hard times of fascism. The war saw many heroes — brave, courageous and ready for self-sacrifice. Among them was Konstantin Zaslonov; the 100th anniversary of his birth was celebrated on January 7th, 2010 The Memorial Museum of Konstantin Zaslonov in Orsha (the district centre of the Vitebsk region) opened in 1948, making it the oldest museum in the city. During the jubilee celebrations, its staff presented legendary ‘uncle Kostya’ not only as a partisan commander and illusive undergrounder but as a many-sided artistic personality, a loving husband and a careful father. |
All routes lead to Polotsk |
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Ancient capital announced Belarus’ cultural capital for 2010 Polotsk has been chosen several times as a venue to celebrate the Day of Belarusian Written Language. Last year, the geographical centre of Europe was found to coincide with the ancient city’s major square. Polotsk is, no doubt, a centre of cultural life. For Belarusians, it is ‘their own Jerusalem’ — symbolising the nation’s spiritual life. It has been called ‘a glorious city’ in ancient chronicles, so the official announcement of its status as the country’s cultural capital for 2010 is no surprise. Planned events should impress both local residents and guests. |
Rostislav Yankovsky, “I feel myself to be the head of a dynasty more than ever before” |
 Taking the stage in his dinner jacket, he paused to allow the applauding audience to express its feelings of devotion and esteem on the occasion of his 80th birthday. With inimitable dignity, particular to the famous theatre and cinema family of Yankovsky, he accepted the congratulations. The celebrations were generous, as they always are for People’s Artistes. He has earned the right to hear praise, being part of the country’s heritage The event took place in his native Russian Theatre — as the renowned Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre is known. Among the guests were state officials, ambassadors, Yankovsky’s colleagues and, of course, the Yankovsky dynasty from Belarus and Russia: from Minsk, Saratov and Moscow… Congratulations from various theatres were lively, with playwrights, screenwriters and performers sharing their greetings in their typically creative manner. |
Famous person in the art world |
 It’s always nice to deal with a professional; even an informal chat is enjoyable, since serious topics emerge easily, with universal truths revealed. Mikhail Borozna — well-known in certain culture circles — is the Scientific Pro-rector of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts. He is highly respected as a fine arts specialist, with acknowledged authority. He is also an artist himself, creating graphic pieces with elements of photo installation. Art is his life; he is a professional expert and has achieved much. Who better to talk to us about the nature of contemporary art?Mikhail Borozna: — Candidate of Fine Arts Sciences, member of the Union of Artists, member of the Belarusian Union of Designers, member of the Photoart Association, art projects supervisor, curator of the Belarusian pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2011 and participant of various international art exhibitions (including the 8th Baltic Triennial of International Art in 2003 — one of the largest modern art forums in Eastern Europe). |
Festival of stars |
 There are still four years to go before the World Ice Hockey Championship, of 2014, is hosted for the first time in Belarus. However, it’s not long when we look at the scope of works to be fulfilled beforehand. We need new hotels, sports facilities and roads… Nevertheless, the first step has been taken, with Minsk-Arena opening in late January, hosting a Continental Hockey League All Stars match. The Arena is to be the main venue for the future world championship and its opening ceremony was suitably grand |
Olympic mood |
 Sergey Kanashits’ special report for Belarus magazine readers from Olympic host Canadian Vancouver Vancouver is known as one of the most comfortable cities in the world, impressive everyone, without exception. They are arriving like bees to a flower, ready for the Winter Olympic Games. I’ve just spent almost 24 hours on a plane but my jetlag and disorientation disappeared as soon as I saw the city skyline. The Olympics always causes the spirit to tremble; we can’t help feeling that we are involved in an historical event of global proportions, watching memories being created. |