Belarus Headlines

April 5 — Volume 1, Issue 6 April 17 April 18

Dear colleagues and friends, Inside this issue A few days ago our web-site was hacked by unknown persons that is why it was inaccessible for 2 days. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. Chernobyl information evening in Brussels ...... 1 Office for a Democratic Belarus Belarusian-Latvian business Dear friends and colleagues, talks in Minsk yield tentative trade deals , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2

The Office for a Democratic Belarus Talks about Russian stabiliza- and the Hanse-Office in Brussels tion loan continue, Belarusian would like to invite you to the Cher- finance ministry says ...... 2 nobyl information evening and docu- mentary film screening to take place Pipeline around Belarus pro- th on Friday, 27 of April, at 19.00. posed again ...... 2-3

Hanse-Office Belshina plans to set up net- work of trading houses - Joint Representation of the Free and abroad ...... 3 Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the State of Schleswig-Holstein to the EU India, Belarus sign six agree- - ments ...... 3 Avenue Palmerston 20 Oman signs two economic B-1000 Brussels. pacts with Belarus ...... 3

Even today, 21 years after the explo- Criminal case against Malady sion at the Chernobyl nuclear power Front leader goes to court plant, the problem of its consequences documentary films “Once Upon a ...... 4 is as acute, as ever. 485 villages and Time” (2006, 10 min) and “As Is towns were lost, 136 000 people were Their Wont” (2006, 20 min) forced to flee from the contaminated Milinkevich visiting StPeters- area, with 2 000 000 still living there. (director Galina Galina Adamovich) burg ...... 4 Belarus received 70% of all radioactive Second Congress of Pro- fallout. Nevertheless, the present Bel- Entrance is free, drinks and snacks arusian regime prefers not to talk democratic Forces to be about the problem and discourages provided. held in May ...... 4-5 any scientific research on Chernobyl consequences. R.S.V.P. not later than April 25: Lukashenko tells his future Programme of the evening: ...... 5 [email protected] or by telephone T: + 32 2 401 61 41 - brief discussion about the Cher- (42). Belarusian TV manager nobyl catastrophe and its present denies Milinkevich live de- political context in Belarus; bates ...... 5 We are looking forward to seeing - photo report from the Chernobyl march in Minsk on April 26, 2007 you! PACE President raises Belarus issue ...... 6 (slideshow);

Adamovich) Milinkevich suggests opening European centres ...... 6 2 Belarus Headlines

Economics

Belarusian-Latvian Business Talks Talks about Russian Stabilization Loan in Minsk Yield Tentative Trade Continue, Belarusian Finance Ministry Says Photo: Mikalai Korbut, minister of finances Deals Talks about a stabilization loan that Wednesday's business matchmaking session involving the Belarusian government has Belarusian and Latvian companies yielded several tenta- requested Russia are continuing, tive agreements on trade deals. the press office of the finance min- istry told. The press office said that Held in Minsk, the event was attended by executives "sides concerned" held meeting with 63 Belarusian and 12 Latvian businesses. and exchanged letters. In particular, a Belarusian wholesaler agreed to buy It declined to comment further, fresh frozen fish from two Latvian suppliers. Belprod- saying that details of talks on the fud and Beltransinvest plan to sign contracts on the issuance of such big loans normally purchase of Latvian-made canned fish and medicines, were not disclosed. "Routine work while Alvo is expected to contract to supply furniture is being done now. We will inform components to the Latvian country. you when an agreement is signed," Girts Kronbergs, a representative of the Latvian Cham- it said. ber of Commerce and Industry, noted that Latvian On February 22, the Belarusian government asked Moscow for a businesses were increasingly interested in expanding to $1.5-billion stabilization loan, citing the need to plug holes in the the Belarusian market and vice versa. Two Latvian companies represented at the talks, Lauks budget caused by a hike in energy prices. and Duna, have been already selling their goods to Bel- The finance ministry's press office also refused to comment on a arusian customers, he said. Thursday report by the Russian Prime-Tass news agency that Russia had asked Belarus to look for more convincing grounds Joint Belarusian-Latvian projects are run by the Belaru- for obtaining a loan. The news agency quoted a source close to sian Steel Works and the Liepajas Metalurgs steel com- the Russian government as saying that Minsk cited the need to pany, the Minsk-based Milavitsa lingerie maker and survive higher energy prices and subsidize domestic refineries Lauma, and other companies. A joint enterprise has whose profitability had dropped. The news agency said that sub- operated in the Liepaja seaport since 2003. sidies to exporters contradicted rules of the World Trade Or- The Latvian executives are scheduled to hold talks at ganization that Russia was about to join. It said that the Belaru- the Belarusian State Material Resources Concern in sian finance ministry was expected to prepare more convincing Minsk on Thursday. grounds for securing the loan. 05/04/2007 13/04/2007 Source: BelaPAN Source: naviny.by

Pipeline around Belarus Proposed Again

The Ministry of Industry has already been in favour of the resolution. and Energy has again in- The new line will span Unecha-Velikie Luki-Primorsk. It would troduced a draft resolu- increase the capacity of the port at Primorsk to 150 million tins tion on a second line of per year and allow Russia fully to bypass Belarus and Poland with the Baltic Pipeline Sys- its exports to the EU. The Industry and Energy Ministry com- tem, with a capacity of 80 mented that implementing the project will “encourage the million tons per year, to growth of Russia's export potential and allow it to reduce tran- be built by Transneft. The sit risks,” but declined to mention specific details of the pro- project had been used by Russia as a means of posed line. pressuring Belarus, since On January 1, 2007, a Russian duty of $180 per ton on oil ex- it would allow Russia to transport oil without using the ported to Belarus went into effect. In response, Belarus imposed Friendship pipeline, which passes through Belarus and a $45 per ton transit fee on oil pumped through the Friendship Poland. The discussion of the resolution will take place line. Transneft proposed the first version of the resolution on a behind closed doors – a good indication that a decision new branch of the Baltic Pipeline System on January 3. Belarus withdrew the transit fee on January 10, after a telephone con- 3 Belarus Headlines

Economics

Pipeline around Belarus Pro- Belshina Plans to Set up Network of Trading Houses posed Again ... Abroad in 2007 versation between Russian president Belshina, a major Belarus tyre in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Almaty Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President manufacturer, plans to open a (Kazakhstan), Donetsk (Ukraine). More- Alexander Lukashenko. On January 12, network of its trading houses over, Belshina trading houses will appear the Russian duty was reduced to $53 outside Belarus. this year in Botswana, Guinea, Indonesia. per ton, and the resolution on a new At the moment Belshina is com- Belshina is one of the biggest tyre manufac- Baltic Pipeline branch was returned “for pleting the creation of its trade turers in Europe. It produces nearly 200 development” in February. organisations in Smolensk, Petro- standard sizes of tyres for passenger cars, Transneft vice president Sergey zavodsk, Nizhniy Novgorod, heavy-duty trucks, road construction ma- Grigoryev told that it would take a year Krasnodar (Russia) and in Vilnius chinery, buses, tractors and agricultural and a half to bring the new pipeline (Lithuania), the company told. equipment. online. He would not speculate on The new trading houses will al- In January-February 2007, the company when the government would make a low Belshina to freshen up and increased the output by 42.3% from the final decision on it. Industry experts enlarge its offering range in for- same priod last year. The sales soared by estimate that the new branch would eign markets and bring its prod- 45%. Belshina exports about 60% of its cost $2-2.5 billion. ucts closer to customers thus products to more than 40 locations world- 12/04/2007 boosting sales. In Q2, 2007 Bel- wide. shina plans to open trading Source: Kommersant houses in Tiumen, Irkutsk, Kursk 14/04/2007 (Russia), Source: BELTA India, Belarus Sign Six Oman Signs Two Economic Pacts with Agreements Belarus

Industry. The Omani National Economic Minister The Belarus and Indian compa- announced that Oman and Belarus have signed two major agreements for avoiding nies that signed MoUs are: Be- lAZ and Dhansar Engineering double taxation and boosting cooperation Co. Pvt. Ltd.; BelAZ and G S between the two countries' chambers of Atwal & Co.; BelAZ and Subron commerce and industry, Khaleej Times Construction; BelAZ and Power reported. Tools & Appliances Co. Ltd; Bel- stankoinstruments and Power The minister indicated that the agreements, Tools & Appliances Co. Ltd; and which were signed on the sidelines of the Belarus Metallurgical Works visit of Belarus's President to Oman, will (BMZ) and Adair Dutt & Com- further reinforce trade and economic ties India-Belarus business cooperation re- between the two countries. He added that ceived a fresh impetus Monday with the pany (I) Pvt. Ltd the two countries have pledged to create signing of six B2B (Bilateral Business) an encouraging investment environment for agreements in various sectors such as BelAZ is a world leader in manu- investors. heavy mining equipment, machine tools facture of heavy mining equip- and steel sector. ment, while Belstankoinstru- The minister also noted that the Sultanate The agreements were signed here in ments and Belarus Metallurgical has signed 26 similar pacts with several the presence of India's Minister of State Works (BMZ) specialize in ma- countries worldwide, as part of the coun- for Industry, Dr. Ashwani Kumar and chine tools and steel making, try's efforts to post a significant increase in the Belarus Minister of Industry, Ana- respectively. its overseas trade and joint investments. toly M. Rusetsky at the Fourth Meeting 17/04/2007 of the India Belarus Joint Business 16/04/2007 Council organised by Federation of In- Source: IRNA Source: MENAFN dian Chamber of Commerce and 4 Belarus Headlines Politics

Criminal Case against Malady Front Leaders Goes to Court

The criminal case against five mem- to apply to the justice ministry for the Messrs. Fedaruk and Korban, as well as bers of an opposition youth group group's registration this week. Mr. Haretski, Anastasiya Palazhanka called Malady Front (Young Front) and Alyaksey Yanushewski were "On the whole, we are working as accused of running an unregistered usual," he said. charged with acting on behalf of an organization has been referred to the Reports about a possible criminal unregistered organization under Article Savetski district court in Minsk, Barys case against Malady Front leaders 193-1 of the Criminal Code, which Haretski, one of the activists, told. started circulating when Dzmitry carries a fine, a jail term of up to six The Malady Front members have Fedaruk and Aleh Korban were ap- months or a prison sentence of up to been informed about this by investi- prehended together with 25 other two years. gator Syarhey Hrakhowski, according youths during a raid by officers of the to Mr. Haretski. "The court should Special Task Police Regiment on a On November 1, 2006, Malady Front either set the hearing's date or send private apartment in Minsk on Febru- activist Zmitser Dashkevich was sen- the case back for an additional inves- ary 4. The 25 people were soon re- tenced to 18 months in a minimum- tigation within 15 days," he added. leased and the 22-year-old Korban security correctional institution on the The activist stressed that the prose- and the 18-year-old Fedaruk were put same charge. cuted Malady Front members were in the KGB detention center. They set to continue their work. "We will were released three days later on greet Belarus' prominent people on their pledge to appear on summons. 09/04/2007 Easter today," he said, adding that As a result of a KGB investigation, Source: BelaPAN Malady Front leaders planned Milinkevich Visiting St.Petersburg Second Congress of Pro-democratic Forces Former presidential candidate Alyaksandr Mil- inkevich was expected to visit St.Petersburg on to Be Held in May Friday to meet with local liberal politicians and journalists. A decision to this effect was made at a meeting held the opposition coali- In particular, Mr. Milinkevich planned to brief tion's leaders in Vilnius on April 11 Russian reporters about the stance of the Bela- and 12, Anatol Lyabedzka, leader of rusian opposition on relations with Russia the United Civic Party (UCP), told. "under the circumstances of the regime's crisis in Belarus and a transition to the democratic Prior to the meeting, Mr. Lyabedzka; system of state governance," the politician's former presidential candidate Alyak- press office said. sandr Milinkevich; Vintsuk Vyachorka, chairman of the Belaru- The leader of the Political Council of Belarus' sian Popular Front; and Syarhey united opposition forces planned to offer his Kalyakin, leader of the Belarusian view of the current state of Belarusian-Russian Party of Communists, had held talks relations, as well as outline his vision of prospects for economic cooperation about the matter. between the two countries, in particular oil and gas supplies, and the possible involvement of Russian investors in the privatization of Belarusian companies. Messrs. Vyachorka and Kalyakin sug- gested holding the Congress, Mr. Milinkevich also was expected to raise the subjects of Belarusian-Russian whereas Mr. Milinkevich spoke integration, cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States and against this. However, they ultimately the Eurasian Economic Community, bilateral military ties, the presence of Rus- sian military installations on Belarus' territory, and a joint air defense system. reached a consensus that the Con- The Belarusian politician was scheduled to meet with reporters of the Rosbalt gress should be held in May. news agency. It was decided that delegates to the The visit had been organized by Russia's political organizations and the Belaru- Congress should be those whose sian community in St.Petersburg. status would be confirmed by a spe- cial commission, as well as some 13/04/2007 delegates to the previous Congress. Source: Milinkevich.org 5 Belarus Headlines

Politics

Second Congress of Pro-democratic Forces to Be Held in May

Parties and associations that do not partici- "The results of this voting will be issue of the Congress' pate in the country's political life, as well as summed up and the decision of the date will be technical, not non-governmental organizations, would not provinces will be binding for the opposi- political, the UCP leader be allowed to be represented at the Con- tion elite in Minsk," said Mr. Lyabedzka. said. gress. "We also suggest that provincial leaders Mr. Lyabedzka said that provincial opposi- should nominate seven more delegates tion leaders would soon hold conferences to the Congress, including representa- to vote on the agenda of the Congress and tives of non-governmental organizations on whether the issue of a single opposition or prominent persons in their regions." 13/04/2007 leader should be placed on it. If the conferences are held soon, the Source: BelaPAN

Belarusian Television Manager Lukashenko Tells His Future Denies Milinkevich Live Debate on Chernobyl Aftermath he would cooperate “with the demon and the devil in the West” to guarantee his country's energy Alyaksandr Milinkevich has asked the Belaru- supply. He was not warmly re- sian State Television and Radio Company ceived into the embrace of the (BSTRC) to arrange a live TV debate on the West, however. Nonetheless, aftermath of Chernobyl and invite him, experts after chiding Gazprom for mo- and Chernobyl cleanup workers to take part in nopolizing the natural gas market it. yesterday, Lukashenko stated that

Lukashenko revealed his po- the Belarusian economy is “55 He suggested arranging the debate on Channel litical future at a press confer- percent oriented toward the One (Belarusian Television) on April 25, the ence yesterday. He does not European Union” and drawing anniversary of the nuclear accident. want to be president of Russia the country toward “normal rela- (or the Union State), he tions” with Western countries. He sent the request to the head of the BSTRC, claimed, but he expects to He was not warmly received into Alyaksandr Zimowski, on Thursday(April 5). rule his own country for a the embrace of the West, how- long time to come. In his ap- ever. Nonetheless, after chiding The former presidential candidate said that pearance before the chief Gazprom for monopolizing the there were "serious grounds for assuming" editors of the Belarusian natural gas market yesterday, that the authorities concealed many problems press, he continued the theme Lukashenko stated that the Bela- facing Chernobyl cleanup workers, people re- he spoke on at the Cathedral rusian economy is “55 percent siding in Chernobyl-affected areas and other of the Holt Spirit in Minsk on oriented toward the European Belarusian citizens who he noted had to con- Easter Day, that is, friendship Union” and drawing the country sume radioactively contaminated food because with Russia. toward “normal relations” with of the government's policy. “I want them to know in Rus- Western countries. Mr. Zimovski said in his reply that he doubted sia that the Belarusian people Lukashenko denied that he in- the competence of Mr. Milinkevich and his never was and never will be a tended his son Viktor, who is his experts, and pointed to this as the reason for traitor,” he said, adding, “We advisor and a member of the rejecting the appeal. "Since I know you as a will never let the tanks country's Security Council, to convinced and consistent adherent to the through to Moscow." succeed him. He added that his Western stance on events taking place in our Two months ago, Lukashenko second son will not succeed him country, I believe that you also share the declared that Minsk's political either, but he is preparing his West's views on humanitarian and other aid to orientation toward Moscow third son, when he grows up. It Belarus that is provided for overcoming the had been a mistake and that can be assumed from his words Chernobyl aftermath," Mr. Zimowski said. he would cooperate “with the that Lukashenko has a small third demon and the devil in the son. West” to guarantee his coun- 15/04/2007 13/04/2007 try's energy supply. Source: BelaPAN, Milinkevich.org 6 Belarus Headlines

EU and Belarus

PACE President Raises Milinkevich Suggests Opening "European Information Belarus Issue in Speech Centres on Human Rights, Democracy" at Belarusian Opening Spring Session Universities

Opposition politician Alyaksandr Named "Democracy, education Milinkevich has suggested establish- and Europe in Belarus," the pro- ing what he calls "European infor- posed project would envisage the mation centers on human rights establishment of such centers at and democracy" at all Belarusian all schools of higher learning in schools of higher learning. Belarus. Their operation would be coordinated by representa- The former presidential candidate tives of the Council of Europe or discussed the matter at his Monday meetings with Terry Davis, secre- the European Union. tary general of the Council of Europe, and Rene van der Linden, Mr. Milinkevich and a few other The president of the Council of Europe president of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Belarusian opposition politicians Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), in attended a meeting of PACE's stressed that "European unity will also Strasbourg, according to the politi- remain incomplete for as long as Bela- Subcommittee on Belarus on rus remains outside our common Euro- cian's press office. Tuesday. pean home." "Belarusian youths should have the opportunity to get first-hand While opening PACE's spring session in knowledge about Europe and Euro- 17/04/2007 Strasbourg on Monday, Rene van der peans, human rights and democ- Linden said that he had "sincerely hoped racy," Mr. Milinkevich was quoted Source: BelaPAN that the Assembly's recent constructive approach, culminating in my visit to Minsk, would elicit a positive reaction Statement of PACE Sub-Committee on Belarus from the Belarusian authorities." "But we cannot ignore the arrest and Strasbourg, 17.04.2007 – The Sub- The sub-committee urges Bela- detention of numerous opposition ac- Committee on Belarus of PACE rusian democratic forces to act tivists, seeking to exercise their right of believes that the strengthening of in a forward-looking manner peaceful demonstration on Freedom Belarusian democratic forces is a and start preparing the ground Day," he said, referring to demonstra- necessary and indispensable pre- for the parliamentary elections tion staged by opposition forces in condition for the democratisation to be held in 2008, with a view Minsk on March 25. of the country. An urgent step in to maximising their support "Nevertheless, it is still my hope that this direction, therefore, is over- among the electorat, taking we will soon be able to welcome in our coming ideological differences to stock of the experience gained midst a Belarus that has committed during the 2006 presidential itself to democratic reform," the PACE reach and preserve unity. contest. Belarusians should be president concluded. aware that they have a democ- 16/04/2007 In this context, the sub-committee ratic option and they should be welcomes the outcome of the free to choose it. Source: Vilnius meeting (11-12 April The sub-committee will en- Naviny.by 2007), in particular the decision on the modalities for holding the deavour to ensure that the Second Congress of Democratic issue of democratisation in Bel- Forces, in May 2007; the decision arus is kept high on the Assem- to ensure the broad involvement bly’s agenda and is given appro- of regional structures in the priate visibility. preparation of the Congress and the conclusion of a "gentlemen’s agreement" to abstain from parti- 17/07/2007 san attitudes and statements prior Source: coe.int to it.