Socio-political Weekly Published since February 2003 NO. 1 (719) Saturday, JANUary 6, 2018 WWW.SB.BY

From the editor Forward- looking Happy New Year 2018 every- I’ve been wondering what it one! As ever, we’re summing up means for us to be ‘cultured’. the results of the previous year, Naturally, education is impor- with politicians, economists and tant, but there’s more to achiev- sociologists having their say. ing an understanding of culture Naturally, at this time of year, than formal learning. Those we also tend to assess our own without prestigious diplomas life, seeing how our actions fit can demonstrate intelligence with the global footstep of the and sensitivity, while an exten- planet. It’s a time for making sive education does not neces- personal plans, and setting our sarily bring a sympathetic or own goals, just as in business, spiritually-aware soul. to avoid wasting precious time. Moreover, not all those we The hours march on but, if we would assume, by their profes- set clear objectives, there’s a sion, to have a cultured out- better chance of success. look, can be said to be truly As the year draws to a close, cultured. Fortunately, we have people often ask ‘What are your many publications exploring plans for the future?’ There’s our rich creative heritage, in- nothing unusual in planning cluding our own monthly maga- ahead, either by a few days or zine and our socio-political weeks. However, long-term weekly, to keep you abreast of planning is another thing en- creative developments. tirely: thinking of where you’d Congratulations on the arriv- like to be in five or ten years’ al of 2018! I hope that there is time. It’s so difficult to make much for us to look forward to, one’s life run according to a de- and that we’ll continue march- tailed programme; after all, fate ing into tomorrow, following often interferes! Nonetheless, our principles of independence there are advantages to having and sovereignty: the determin- targets in sight. When there’s ing characteristics of . a tangible goal ahead of us, we gain focus. By Victor Kharkov Participants of informal meeting of CIS Heads of State in Novo-Ogaryovo Much work still lies ahead Informal meeting of CIS Heads of State held in Moscow FOCUS By Vladimir Khromov larus is in favour of creating common wealth of Independent States, the Eura- to evaluate American President Donald EAEU markets for electricity, natural sian Economic Union, and the Union Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusa- The President of Belarus, Alexan- gas, oil, and oil products, in a timely State of Belarus and Russia — is living lem as the capital of Israel. “There may der Lukashenko, has characterised this manner. through a responsible period. Russia is be something to it we don’t see, but the year’s economic results within the CIS The meeting was also attended by about to have a presidential election so decision looks somewhat strange at first space as successful, speaking at an in- the presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia, it’s only natural that political strife will glance,” said Alexander Lukashenko. formal meeting of CIS Heads of State, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Ta- become more pronounced. We’re abso- “One should not destroy peace, for at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence of the jikistan and . The President lutely confident that political strife will which so much had been paid in this Russian President. of Russia, Vladimir Putin, noted that, not be as dramatic as it has been in Rus- part of the planet.” The Belarusian Trade turnover between CIS coun- during its chairmanship of the CIS, Rus- sia’s past.” leader stressed that we should abide by tries rose by nearly 25 percent in 2017, sia has focused on integration processes “Russia has saved Syria: has saved decisions made by the United Nations while Belarus’ share increased by nearly within the Eurasian space, strengthening the country I visited ahead of possibly Organisation. a quarter also. The Eurasian Economic CIS authority within the international everyone else present here. It’s a flour- The President of Belarus also em- Union, established several years ago, has arena. ishing, beautiful, magnificent country,” phasised the need to remove sport from demonstrated strong economic results. The President of Belarus noted the noted Mr. Lukashenko, believing that, if political struggles, mentioning the ban The President of Belarus noted that the removal of barriers to trade as a prior- Russia had not interfered, Syria would on the Russian team taking part in the Russian Federation will preside over the ity and commented that political strife have been destroyed. forthcoming Olympics, in South Korea. Eurasian Economic Union in 2018, and during the forthcoming Russian presi- “We also back your stance on Jeru- Mr. Lukashenko stressed that Belarus hopes that, during its presidency, Russia dential elections is unlikely to be overly salem,” asserted the President of Bela- supports Russia’s fight against doping, will present serious initiatives to bolster dramatic. He declared, “Our meeting rus, addressing the President of Russia, underlining that athletes mustn’t use the Eurasian Economic Union. has a political aspect because the core Vladimir Putin. The Belarusian Head doping, but that only those found guilty Mr. Lukashenko underlined that Be- of our associations — the Common- of State noted that it’s difficult for him should be punished. Welcoming hospitably These are Sustainable By Alexey Fedosov Development Goals Yufimuk family from Biała Podlaska becomes first By Maxim Osipov ander Chervyakov explains group of tourists to use the importance of SDGs visa free access to Brest Sustainable Development Goals for Belarus, saying, At Brest-Tsentralny Rail- (SDGs) have been set out within “Businesses are begin- way Station, the guests from the Transforming Our World: The ning to flow into social Poland were welcomed by rep- 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- entrepreneurship. New, auto- a n resentatives of local authorities, velopment programme. Last year, mated technologies are pushing ac- a tourist operator and mass me- Belarus presented its approach people out of the production cycle, cent on dia. The Deputy Chairman of at the UN headquarters, receiv- and our population is growing older. the regions. the Brest City Executive Com- ing positive assessment from the About 15 percent of people living in Be- Mr. Chervya- mittee, Sergey Zhukov, warmly international community and the larus are aged over 65, and this is set to kov added, “Today, welcomed the first visa-free UN leadership. Towards the end of rise to 23 percent by 2040. Of course, this we’re building our re- tourists and presented them 2017, open parliamentary hearings category of people needs lots of services, gional policy in two with a colourful book detailing at the Council of the Republic were and social entrepreneurship will occupy a direc- tions: forming centres of Brest’s sights. dedicated to the achievements of worthy place, finding a balance between economic growth; and jobs within one “We’re very pleased with SDGs. charity and commercial income.” hour commute of such centres. One of such attention. We’ve never Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Sustainable growth is impossible the instruments of this policy is our plan been welcomed in such a Andrei Dapkiunas, believes that the without permanent investment activity to industrialise the regions, developed by way, anywhere,” admitted the SDGs chime with work for the benefit of from businesses. Moreover, SDGs require the Economy Ministry.” guests. A tourist operator has the nation and in the interest of the inter- developed a route for them, national community. However, Belarus DIRECT SPEECH envisaging a pedestrian walk, has the potential to become something visits to museums, shopping, more than a participant. Mr. Dapkiunas Mikhail Myasnikovich, The Times Chairman of the Council of the Republic: Saturday, and acquaintance with national tells us, “We can offer our experience for January 6, cuisine. Despite Biała Podlaska multi-lateral diplomacy, our ideas and, Belarus is ready to facilitate the strengthening of glob- 2018 being just 30km from Brest, the finally, our venue for international dia- family were making their first logue on sustainable development.” al partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development trip. “Previously it was difficult Over the last two decades, the percent- Goals. We may become a platform for regional shar- to come because it was neces- age of people living below the poverty sary to wait for a visa. Now, line has almost halved, thanks, at least in ing of experience, knowledge and technology. We have everything is very simple: you part, to work towards the SDGs. Moreo- common tasks: enhancing people’s standard of living, need only a voucher, an insur- ver, child and maternity death rates have ance certificate and a passport. fallen and we have progressed in battling through making the economy more competitive, while 2 It’s great,” explained the guests. disease. Deputy Economy Minister Alex- attracting investments and innovative development. Belarusian oncologists deserve a Nobel Prize F ocus Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he talked to patients of Minsk’s City Clinical Oncology Dispensary

By Vladimir Velikhov

The patients told the Presi- dent how treatment procedures are organised over there, prais- ing sensitive attitude and atten- tion demonstrated by the medics. Professional skills of the doc- tors definitely inspire hope for speedy recovery. “They should be awarded a Nobel Prize: they cure everyone here,” Mr. Lu- kashenko concluded, receiving support from clinic patients. The President talked to each patient, including children. Al- most all of them have passed some courses of therapy and most of them demonstrate no relapse of the disease now. Mr. Lukashenko presented Christmas gifts to children and their parents, while congratulating them on upcom- ing holidays and wishing them strong health and long life. In turn, children presented their own souvenirs to the Head of State. Among them was a picture drawn At Minsk City Clinical Oncology Dispensary by a girl inspired by her mother’s ogy service has made it possible The President also got ac- logical institutions in the coun- improved and the material and recovery; the President promised to cut death rates despite of rising quainted with life-support sys- try. Since the introduction of new technical base has been per- that it would be put on display in morbidity,” noted the Chief Doc- tems of the Nuclear Medicine equipment in 2015 (spectrum ac- fected. The new radiological the Palace of Independence. tor of the Minsk City Clinical Department, while learning celerators — unique for the CIS), building (which will soon be While visiting the establish- Oncology Dispensary, Vladimir more of modern methods of di- the most modern techniques put into operation) will have Eu- ment, Mr. Lukashenko was in- Karanik, expressing gratitude agnosis and treatment of patients of high-precision radiotherapy rope’s largest nuclear medicine formed that the clinic provides to the domestic pharmaceuti- with cancer pathology and the have been applied. department for twenty patients services not only to Minskers but cal industry. “Over the past five conditions of their staying in the In 2011, a decision was — significantly increasing the to all Belarusians. years, Belarus-made medica- clinic. made to reconstruct the build- possibility of providing radio- “Efficient technologies have tions represent 92 percent of the The Minsk City Clinical On- ings and construct a new radio- iodine-therapy and diagnostics been placed at the cornerstone. medications we used to treat our cology Dispensary was founded logical building. Since then, the to patients suffering from thyroid Our modernisation of the oncol- patients,” he added. in 1934 and is the oldest onco- infrastructure has been much cancer. Country lives with hope for the young tral event of the Our Children char- Young ity campaign, with over 2,000 children aged from 8 to 14 years invited from all generation regions of Belarus. These included or- phans and children from foster families, to preserve children of refugees, students of cadet schools, and winners of international, and multiply national and regional academic excel- lence competitions, creative contests, achievements and sports competitions. 2018 will see improvements to edu- of modern cation, noted Alexander Lukashenko, with the school curriculum becoming Belarus even more intense and complex. “Of course, it’s necessary to pass this stage By Vasily Kharitonov worthily and to receive knowledge be- cause (you have also, probably, noticed “You’re smart and observant people, this) it’s impossible to move into the and you know that not all your peers on future without knowledge, especially New Year holiday for students and schoolchildren Earth can attend such parties with their today. Life has become much more president. In many places on our planet, Mr. Lukashenko stated that children best present for adults. “This is why we complex and you need to master every- children are starving. I’m saying this be- love their gadgets, as is to be expected, live and work. We believe that the time thing,” said the Head of State. The Minsk Times cause you need to remember, to ensure but he advised them to spend less time will come when you’ll also be happy to He added that Belarus continues to Saturday, you value our past and present. In doing in front of their computers because there see the happy eyes of your own chil- adjust the school curriculum to make it January 6, so, we’ll create a better future,” asserted are many good things outside. “Then, dren,” resumed Mr. Lukashenko. intelligible and to work in an optimum 2018 Mr. Lukashenko. you’ll become more beautiful and mod- The Head of State wished his young fashion. “So that teachers and parents Speaking at the Palace of the Re- ern. You won’t lose your identity. You audience a Happy New Year and ex- don’t force you to do too much, and to public, for a New Year charity event for should share your emotions with other pressed hope that they will preserve allow you time for sports and favourite children, held as part of the Our Chil- people. Unfortunately, computers can- their faith in kindness, demonstrating events. We’ve done much in this direc- dren campaign, President Lukashenko not give all that to you,” the Head of purity and sincerity towards others. He tion,” Mr. Lukashenko commented. underlined his hope that the younger State stressed. hopes that all their dreams will come Children also presented the Presi- generation will preserve and multiply The President asserted that chil- true. dent with New Year home-made gifts, the achievements of that before it. dren’s happy eyes and smiles are the The New Year party was the cen- on behalf of all children of Belarus. 3 Restrained pitching

return of American producers Frozen oil of shale oil, whose work is only profitable when prices production reach at least $60 per barrel. To maintain its market share increases against increased oil shale production, Saudi Arabia oil prices ‘flooded’ the market with oil in 2014, lowering the price per barrel from $120 to $27, within a few months. Saudi By Mikhail Overyanov Arabia retains profitability above $10 per barrel, but the Expectations of econo- strategy affected Riyadh’s mists and politicians are con- finances. It’s quite probable firmed, as OPEC member- that the country can no longer states continue limitation risk such low prices. of oil production until late As regards the USA, al- 2018, seeking to reduce ex- though its daily exports of cess market supply and retain oil have reached a record high prices. Oil has already 2 million barrels this year, risen in price, with the former the idea of shale oil devel- geopolitical focus re- opment and production re- turning to the interna- mains on paper rather tional agenda. The Director of Alpari than in action. In late The agreement Eurasia, Alexander Sabodin, Valuable forecast November, six new reached in Vienna believes other favourable The agreement to extend oil production among drilling towers were concerns OPEC mem- non-OPEC members will raise the barrel price launched in the USA ber-states and eleven prospects result from (giving a total number rising prices. He explains, non-member oil pro- above in 2018, if the market remains of 929) but French OFI ducers. The goal is to “I agree with the forecast $70 AM expert Benjamin otherwise steady. OPEC admits that the present reduce oil reserves in of the Government and Louvet believes this countries within the counts for nothing. He ECONOMY the National Bank. If we Organisation for Eco- $62-65 price corridor is satisfactory; tells us, “Production nomic Co-operation avoid unexpected external stability of prices is now paramount. in the shale industry and Development to factors — such as increased last January an average five-year a sharp drop in oil and February but lit- level. Surplus oil pro- tle progress has been duction has led to a prices — we’ll see registered since then. drop in the price per no more than 7 Much drilling has been con- barrel, although con- percent inflation this ducted but only at a handful sumer prices (for fuel year. Oil prices are of wells. The latest report by and goods) remain the US Energy Agency in- steady. The econo- an important factor dicates low production vol- mies of oil-producing affecting the exchange umes at shale wells.” countries have been rate in our country. If Growth in oil prices is suffering. However, we avoid any steep benefitting Belarus, with by reducing produc- budget revenue expected to tion volumes, crude change in the external exceed the target of Br1.1 oil prices have re- market, the demand billion, largely due to oil turned to around $65 and supply of foreign prices having been higher per barrel (rivalling currency in Belarus than expected. Additional 2015 prices). In early revenue will be used to cover 2016, a barrel could should remain steady newspaper reads: ‘Some two important factors, one the budget deficit of the So- be purchased at just in 2018.” consider that the struggle being the Middle East vi- cial Protection Fund and to $30. for power continuing in sion of US President Donald pay pensions. The rise in oil It might seem that Belarus Since the discovery of oil and the Middle East over the past Trump’. prices is likely to impact the can breathe easy, but geopo- the beginning of its indus- century stems exclusively Many analysts view the forecast for Belarus’ socio- litical intrigue has replaced trial use, the significance of from the value of its oil re- American factor as most sig- economic development for economic difficulties. The this extremely resource-rich sources. Those who view nificant. The OPEC + agree- 2018, which is currently Middle East continues to see region has increased dra- wars through the prism of oil ment on restraining oil pro- based on a cost per barrel of an intense struggle for power. matically. Turkish Hürriyet and natural gas emphasise duction essentially hails a full $45.90. Le Prairie residential district in France By Vyacheslav Prokofiev Logibat (the general constructor ed to name a street of Belaru- of the quarter), Luc Longueville. sian houses after famous French French to live in Belarusian The Ambassador of Belarus to physician and botanist Jean Em- houses France, Pavel Latushko, also ar- manuel Gilibert. This native of The whole world knows rived from Paris, while Mikhail Lyons was invited to Grodno that Belarusians have carpen- Kasko, the Deputy Chairman of in 1775, where he built the first try skills, making good quality Bellesbumprom Concern (pro- city hospital and a botanical gar- frame-panel houses. Soon, the ducing houses for the French), den; in the late 18th century, the The Minsk Times French will have the opportu- came from Belarus. latter was considered the best in Saturday, nity to appreciate them, as the Production will be situ- Europe. January 6, first stone has been laid in con- ated at Shklov’s Paper Mill (in Over the past three years, 2018 structing a residential district the Mogilev Region). In line about seventy Belarus-made of Belarusian wooden houses, with the contract, thirty-seven houses have been supplied to called Le Prairie (Meadows), in buildings (ranging from 80 to Belarusian housing development the French market, with some Villerupt, in the north of France, 120 square metres) will be con- in the near future and will be ginning, with Lorraine planning in Haucourt-Moulaine, not far near the border with Luxem- structed, meeting all French completed this year. to co-operate with Minsk long- from Villerupt. Several days bourg. standards and strict environ- According to the adviser term; over the next five years, ago, seventeen single-story The solemn ceremony was mental requirements, while en- of the Belarusian Embassy in 650 Belarusian houses are to be houses, to be used as social attended by Villerupt’s Mayor suring high energy efficiency. France, Vladimir Malevich, the built there. housing, opened their doors to 4 Alain Casoni and the Head of Construction will be launched present project is only the be- A proposal has been accept- new residents. ECONOMY

Fast and reasonably priced, though not truly healthy In eight months alone, seventeen large fast food chains have opened. What will happen next to the market? By Polina Kononova the development of FIGURES fast food in the Just a couple of years ago, restau- Food halls are likely to country’s shop- rant businesses went through bad times ping centres. in Belarus. The economic become the next step Arena City is a crisis and decline in the fast food pioneer in this in purchasing respect, with power coin- chain market, several outlets cided with attracting at its food court, the tight- which opened four ening of visitors and years ago and was legislation the first of its kind. and numerous investors These days, all shopping inspections. In centres have food courts. 2015 alone, over 200 ca- Meanwhile, the regions are tering sites were offered for sale. following suit, with com- At the same time, fast food operators and the regions. Accord- DIRECT SPEECH panies joining local mar- felt quite confident: places selling fried ing to Tvoya Stolitsa, a Alexander Chikilevsky, Head of Chefs kets gradually. chicken wings, pizza and French fries business real estate agen- and Cooks Guild of Belarus: Analysts assert that, continued to open. Our MT reporter cy, new international in future, at least one new investigates why overseas hamburgers players are likely to join All fast food chain outlets in Minsk work gastronomic format will have gained such a strong foothold in the market. Tvoya Stolit- under a franchise. Nothing new is really be introduced in Belarus: Belarus. sa tells us, “Minsk’s fast food halls which offer food market has shown opening. It’s more a case of ownership healthy fast-foods and or- Free cash desk rapid development in changing. Why are such places so popu- ganic products at afford- Queues are common at a certain recent years. 2015 saw able prices. In addition, fast food chain, in the city centre. Stu- a breakthrough, with lar? The fashion for fast food has reached they’ll host culinary exhi- dents, pensioners, young parents and KFC, Burger King and us only recently, so its trendy, and is likely bitions, master classes, ex- solid-looking guys with laptops sit at three pizza restaurants press lectures and diverse its tables. “I’ve an office near here and launching. In the first to continue being so for some time. Peo- thematic festivals. I visit this place once or twice a week,” eight months of this year ple ask why we don’t have our own Bela- “Investors are now in notes Vitaly, who’s ordered French alone, seventeen new search of a new niche and fries, wings and a salad. “I know that fast food chain sites have rusian fast food chain. The reason is that are turning their attention food here isn’t all that healthy, but the opened in Minsk; some Belarusian cuisine has no fast food. There to this promising avenue. place is convenient, service is fast and debuting on the market.” were attempts to open something of the Such food halls could prices are reasonable.” prove popular in the rap- The number of fast food chain out- From food court to kind but the project failed. It’s easier, and idly developing retail es- lets is mindboggling. Public catering food hall less risky, to buy a ready-made business tate sector — not only in continues to evolve, while operators are Food courts have giv- the capital but also in the strengthening their positions in Minsk en significant impetus to than to invest in creating something new. regions,” experts believe.

The Minsk Times Experience could be definitely useful Saturday, January 6, By Alexander Pimenov ing. “We’ve worked out a tional Bank’s Board. objective, including standard- every financial market player 2018 framework with the banking IT The integration of the na- ising payment processes and and facilitates access to every National Bank and bank- community, to include an oper- tional payment system, includ- establishing an integrated pay- domestic bank service, for in- ing IT community develop ating system and tariffs, instant ing instant payments, with in- ment system. dividuals and legal entities. He instant payment system money transfer, and irrevocable ternational payment systems, is The Deputy Chairman of is confident that Belarus’ expe- for Belarus payments. All will help banks currently under consideration. the National Bank’s Board rience in setting up, introduc- The formation of the na- improve their payment servic- According to Mr. Kalechits, notes that the Belarusian in- ing, and operating the interbank tional instant payment system es,” explains Dmitry Kalechits, EAEU member states have terbank identification system identification system could be aims to promote digital bank- Deputy Chairman of the Na- taken some steps towards this opens up new opportunities for useful for other countries. 5 Major potential of Covenant of Looking Mayors By Alexey Fedosov

Belarusian cities’ joining of beyond the benevolent European initia- tive Covenant of Mayors for Energy and Climate aims to promote reduced green- horizon house gas emissions, by at least 10 percent Dmitry Suyarkov, from Brest, has The Covenant of Mayors been attracted by the sea since is working to combat climate change, with the effect of green- childhood, excitedly consuming house gas emissions on urban Dmitry Suyarkov environments as a key focus. adventure novels about sea Twenty-six of Belarus’ cities and north winds and huge waves districts have joined the agree- journeys. He even attempted to could easily have overturned ment, committing to reduce CO2 enter nautical school. Although he the yacht. emissions by 30 percent (from a In Amsterdam, his wife Tati- base year). More than two mil- became a programmer, his dream ana, and their son, joined Dmit- lion people live on territories tak- ry, taking to rivers and canals, ing part and, in 2018, another five of captaining a boat lived on through France. Tatiana and or six cities are expected to join. his son then went home, while At an international level, and gained realisation when he Dmitry continued through Ger- Belarus has promised to reduce reached the age of 39. many, Austria, Slovakia, Hun- greenhouse gas emissions by al- gary, Serbia and Romania, to most a third (from 1990 levels). Normal flights within two and a half years Air China facilitates devel- opment of ties between Belarus and China The launch of a direct Bei- jing-Minsk flight two and a half years ago, by Air China, has Oleksa yacht has covered many miles along rivers, canals and seas helped Belarusian-Chinese co- By Nikolay Petrovsky nean is like elementary school, devil, who even left his job with moor in the Odessa Region of operation, with the route used the Baltic is more difficult, and a large IT company to make Ukraine. by businessmen, tourists and Not long ago, Dmitry re- the North Sea is more difficult, the trip. When everything was At home, good news await- students: over 60,000 passengers turned from a long journey on while the English Channel is a ready, Dmitry loaded his yacht ed him. “Several days ago, I were registered last year alone. the yacht Oleksa, which he built true challenge. I’ve needed to onto a vehicle and drove to Pol- was informed that I’d been The company is expanding with his own hands, visiting al- be very careful not to damage ish Elblag to launch Oleksa. nominated for the ‘Yachtsman its range, focusing on high qual- most a dozen European coun- the yacht, in order to stay alive! Over a period of 4.5 months, of the Year in Belarus-2017’ ity service. “Our company is a tries, crossing four thousand The sea is unpredictable; irre- he has traversed the Baltic and Award. It’s a pleasant surprise. state enterprise and an active par- kilometres. He admits, “Chat- spective of your level of prepa- North seas, and along the shores However, I’ve decided to sell ticipant in implementing the Belt ting with knowledgeable peo- ration, it can destroy you.” of Poland, Germany, the Neth- my yacht if I can. If I fail to and Road concept,” notes the ple, they wondered where I was Possible dangers and hard- erlands and Belgium. His voy- sell it, I’ll continue sailing,” he Director General of Air China’s planning to sail. The Mediterra- ships haven’t stopped the dare- age wasn’t simple, as strong smiles. Minsk office, Wang Zhengfeng. Roman On the edge Catholic

BELARUS BELARUS WORLD & Church in of the world By Vladislav Khoroshilov in the direct and figurative sense.” The expedition embraces re- Dyatlovo Construction of first stage of search into such areas as microbiolo- Belarusian Antarctic station to gy, geophysical monitoring, studying makes be completed within two years the composition of the atmosphere, In 2019, our specialists will ultraviolet radiation, and climate and launch year-round work in Antarc- ozone layer monitoring, using Bela- front page tica. At the moment, the tenth expe- rus-made equipment. dition is on location, comprising a Interestingly, even while dozens of Wall crew of four, with three more soon to of thousands of kilometres away join. They’ll work at the South Pole from their native land, polar explor- until spring, installing four new sec- ers are aware of events taking place Street tions of the future station, to include back home, such as the recent 2nd scientific laboratories and accommo- Congress of Scientists hosted by Journal dation. Minsk. In honour of this event, the The head of the expedition, Alex- expedition raised the flags in Antarc- The Minsk Times By Olga Korneeva ey Gaidashov, stresses the impor- tica those of Belarus and of the Na- Saturday, tance of their work, saying, “We’re tional Academy of Sciences. January 6, A photo taken at the now a step closer to the first Bela- 2018 Christmas service at the rusian winter. I would compare this Roman Catholic Church correspondent for Reuters in down in 1743, losing almost with the launch of the first Bela- of the Assumption of the Belarus, submitted the photo, the entire interior, including rusian satellite into near-earth Blessed Virgin Mary, in the taken inside the Baroque-style the main altar. In 1751, it was orbit. This is another Grodno Region’s Dyat- church, built in 1624-1646. reconstructed by architect A. world, another dimen- lovo, has been published Registered on the State List Osinkevich, funded by Duke sion, on the front cover of the of Historical and Cultural Mikołaj Radziwill. It gained influential US newspaper Treasures of the Republic a new façade and the interior 6 Vasily Fedosenko, a photo of Belarus, the church burnt was renovated. Participants of Belarusian expedition in Antarctica Jean-Yves Bouchardy, Representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for

Refugees in Belarus, arrived in Vitebsk to give INSIDE New Year presents to refugees from Ukraine and to listen to their problems, while also noting his approval of co-operation with authorities and non- governmental organisations working in the country

Jean-Yves Bouchardy Holiday far from home By Sergey Golesnikov regions. Meeting at Vitebsk’s children, three of employment centre, he heard whom were born in Most of those who gath- the problems that families Vitebsk. The fam- ered to chat with Mr. Boucha- face. Lyudmila settled in the ily, being large, has rdy were former residents Vitebsk Region, with her hus- already been given of the Lugansk and Donetsk band, in 2014; she has seven a flat. Sadly, Dmitry hasn’t yet solved his During meeting in Vitebsk housing problem, despite hav- changes introduced by Bela- tion of the Belarusian Soci- ing employment. Places at the rusian authorities into the law ety of the Red Cross, Galina hostel are in short supply and on refugees, from July 2017, Zhelanova, gave invitations to his income doesn’t cover the residents of the Lugansk and a New Year performance. cost of renting a flat. Donetsk regions should re- “Last year, the UN High Olga has long lived in the ceive free medical treatment, Commissioner for Refugees regional centre, with her hus- equally with citizens of Bela- has allocated Br40,000 for band and child, but laments rus,” he explained. people looking for a new having to pay for medical Mr. Bouchardy presented home in the Vitebsk Region. tests at the women’s health New Year gifts to refugees, as This money has been spent on clinic. However, Mr. Boucha- collected by the UN Children’s paying monthly assistance to rdy noted that problems relat- Fund (UNICEF) and Prior- those in need, and on the pur- ing to medical treatment have bank. Meanwhile, the Chair of chase of medicine and hous- Good mood is great already been settled. “Due to the Vitebsk regional organisa- ing,” she noted. One tonne of drugs Sentence can detected on border be appealed By Lyudmila Gladkaya proceeding towards this slowly while expanding the competence within a single year In the first six months of of higher courts. The transition to 2017, thirty-six acquittals the appeal study of criminal cas- were granted in Belarus, in- es has made justice more opera- In 2017, State Customs Committee confiscated cluding around twenty from tional. This move gives positive 62 times more drugs on the border than in 2016, sentences being served results. Over the past five years, for serious or very serious the number of repeated judicial while number of ‘arrests’ remained virtually offences. Around 5,000 reviews has fallen six-fold, in criminal proceedings were cases of revocation. The quality constant last year and the year before last discontinued at the initial of justice remains, with not a sin- By Yevgeny Zhurov stage without trial due to gle case of citizens’ unjustified conciliation, petty crimes or sentencing in the last five years.” Over the past year, more reparation. Prosecutor General Alexan- than one tonne of narcotic drugs The Chairman of the Su- der Konyuk believes the intro- and psychotropic substances preme Court, Valentin Sukalo, duction of appeal into Belarusian have been detected on the bor- recently attended an international law enforcement practice is a der: over 229kg of precursors conference, featuring the Gen- revolutionary step. He explains, and 15,000+ of medical prepara- eral Director for Human Rights “Cassation assumes a retrial, in tions (containing narcotic drugs and Rule of Law at the Council line with documents. In turn, an and psychotropic substances). of Europe’s Secretariat, Christos appeal is a particular investiga- The Chairman of the State Giakoumopoulos. Participants tion of the case in court, with the Customs Committee, Yuri Sen- discussed issues of appeal in attendance of witnesses and a full ko, notes that, on December the national criminal process, as examination of evidence. We’re 16th, a haul of over 355kg of well as the role and tasks of the very interested in the experience The Minsk Times hashish attempted to enter the prosecutor at this stage of pro- of the Council of Europe.” Saturday, Eurasian Economic Union, in ceedings, and the limits of court Talking to reporters, Mr. Customs control January 6, a vehicle marked as transport- rights in the second instance. In Konyuk shared his views on the 2018 ing ‘feed additives for pigs’. and service dogs confirmed the Last March, Bruzgi officers dis- line with the Belarusian national possibility of introducing the The smuggling operation was presence of drugs.” Ninety-two covered 70kg of drugs in a pas- model of criminal justice appeal, notion of ‘criminal offense’ into detected at the checkpoint be- hashish bricks were discovered. senger car (hidden in the cabin a higher court (on finding flaws the Criminal Code of Belarus. “I tween Lithuania and Urbany, There have been similar cases, floor) while October 2017 saw in the case) does not send the case believe this deserves attention. using scanning equipment. Mr. such as an attempt, last Febru- a Russian citizen seized at Ko- to a new trial but independently There are ‘minor criminal cases’ Senko notes, “The car had false ary, when 285kg of hashish zlovichi transporting 300kg of makes the final decision. Mr. which, from the point of view of walls filled with substances, in was detected in a truck passing hashish under the floor of his Sukalo explains, “We’ve cho- the law, could be dismissed as the front cargo compartment, through Kozlovichi checkpoint. Lexus car. sen our own model. We’ve been not being crimes,” he noted. 7 Rare Hundreds of swimmers supermoon delights stargazers brave icy waters for on New Year’s New Year’s Day dips Fireworks weren’t the only spectacle on New Year’s Day — as a mesmorising supermoon appeared in the night sky on January 1 A supermoon is an optical effect that makes a full moon appear much larger than nor- mal. This happens when a full moon coincides with the mo- ment the moon is closest to the Earth during its elliptical orbit. Supermoons appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a micromoon, which is when the moon’s orbit is fur- thest away from the Earth. Those who missed out on WORLD the New Year moon will have another chance to spot the im- pressive natural satellite on January 31st, when the super- moon happens during a total lunar eclipse. But don’t always expect a supermoon twice a month. On average, super- moons occur every 414 days, according to Space.com. Man rescued from sinking car It was certainly a fresh start to 2018 for some The United States Coast Braving temperatures of seven degrees hundreds — many in fancy dress — were to their furry namesakes. With temperatures Guard said it rescued an Celsius, revellers in the Netherlands took rewarded for their bravery with a hot bowl hovering around minus eight degrees Cel- 89-year-old man from a part in a New Year’s Day plunge into the of classic French onion soup. sius, hundreds jumped into the Atlantic vehicle that fell into the St. North Sea. The annual event has been tak- A smaller group of around 20 partici- Ocean to raise money for charity. Andrews Marina in Panama ing place since the 1960s and is now marked pants took part in a jump into the sea in Warmer, although still chilly, weather City by thousands across the country. Estonia. greeted four men who dived into Rome’s Coast Guard officials said A similar sight could be seen on the Coney Island’s Polar Bear Club came Tiber river. The yearly event has taken members on the Cutter Marlin French side of the English Channel, where out in force in weather perhaps better-suited place without interruption since 1946. saw a car go into the water and sent a boat crew to assist the man. The crew broke the vehicle win- dow and rescued the man.The Santa Claus boat crew took the man to shore in stable condition, where emergen- race in Spain cy medical services were waiting. More than 7,000 people dressed Ryanair applies as Santa Claus ran through central for UK licence Madrid in a charity race to raise to shore up money for cancer patients routes before Havana’s Malecon Brexit Ryanair recently applied for a British air operating is threatened by licence in a move it said may be required to keep its small domestic UK ser- climate change vice operating in the event Havana’s elegant Malecon intense — the seafront struc- of a hard Brexit is one of the city’s most tures can’t hold up. One recent Flying rights are currently famous avenues — where study found that up to 70 per- governed by EU-wide deals locals and tourists come to cent of buildings along the Ma- and because it is not part of the walk and fish, or enjoy the lecon’s oldest stretch will have World Trade Organisation, the sunset to be torn down. aviation sector has no natural The Minsk Times Built to protect the city from The Cuban government is fallback arrangement to protect Saturday, pounding Caribbean waves, the planning to rebuild the seawall flights if there is no deal be- January 6, coastal boulevard itself is now and erect wave-breaking struc- tween Britain and the European 2018 under threat. tures along the coast in a bid Union. “The recent hurricane to stop seawater from reaching Sacrificing comfort for a many dressing in green robes Ryanair, Europe’s largest caused irreversible damage that the Malecon. But it might not good cause, racegoers donned and elf hats in what organisers airline by passenger numbers, has force us to demolish several be enough. red robes, Santa hats and bil- claim was the largest Santa- follows fellow budget airline buildings along the Malecón,” By some estimates, the wa- lowing white beards to run 5 themed race in the world. Wizz Air in applying for a sepa- says local historian Eusebio ter around Havana’s northern km along Madrid’s famous Pa- Part of the entry-fee paid by rate licence in Britain via a UK Leal. As temperatures and sea coast could rise by as much as seo del Prado and Castellana each racegoer will be donated subsidiary. waters rise — and storms be- one meter by the end of this avenues. to cancer research nonprofit Materials prepared with aid 8 come more frequent and more century. Children also took part, Fundacion Intheos. of information agencies CULTURE CULTURE

By Veniamin Mikheev the Republic of Belarus, historian Igor Marzalyuk, and the Head of the Ancient Russian Art Department at the State Saints of the Undivided Church is an icon-painting Tretyakov Gallery, Natalia Sheredega. They noted that di- project unique in geographical scope, hosted by the Na- alogue between eastern and western Christians has never Each tional Art Museum of Belarus. Displaying over a hun- ceased, but that the Saints of the Undivided Church project dred icons painted in Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, the UK, should aid cohesion. Meanwhile, the Director General of Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, the National Art Museum of Belarus, Vladimir Prokopt- Finland and France, the exhibition features works by sov, read greetings from priests and figures of culture, con- exhibit well-known iconographers, such as Archimandrite Zinon gratulating the museum on the opening of the exhibition. (Theodore), Alexander Chashkin, Al- The event highlights under-re- exander Kornoukhov, Oleg Shurkus ported history from Western Europe (Russia), Todor Mitrović (Serbia), through the first millennium, while George Kordis (Greece), and Victor introducing various artistic schools, radiates Dovnar and Anton Daineko (Bela- trends and styles in contemporary rus). Many women are among those iconography. The history of Europe showcased. is presented as a history of holiness: The project launched in early from the apostles and Christian mar- 2016, following a meeting by Pope tyrs of the 2nd century to the faithful light… Francis with the Patriarch of Moscow rulers of the 10th-11th centuries, em- and All Russia, Kirill, in Havana. bracing the dramatic period of the for- The solemn opening of the exhibi- mation of the Church across regions National Art tion saw archpriest Fiodor Povny, the and countries, from Sicily to Ireland abbot of All Saints’ parish in Minsk, de- and Scandinavia. Museum of liver a moving speech. He announced, Very few ancient icons showing “We wish to remind the community of western saints have survived, so mod- Belarus hosts those who believe in Jesus Christ that ern icon painters have faced the chal- territorial and time frames are of no lenge of creating new iconography, exhibition of matter. We divide Christianity into interpreting images within the western and eastern, but this moves iconographic canon, using a 21st contemporary us away from the first centuries of century point of view to present Christianity, creating cooling and the saints. even opposition.” The exhibition features works Christian art, Referring to the time before the in traditional techniques, such as Great Schism of 1054 (the formal egg tempera, encaustic, mosaic, dedicated to separation of the Churches of the wood carving, ceramics and prints: East and West), he added, “The created specifically for the Saints ancient saints — first millennium was the time of the of the Undivided Church exhibi- undivided church. Iconography in tion. The vast majority are being venerated both in Europe grew to take centre stage in exhibited for the first time. Christian life, with icon painters re- The exhibition continues until the West and East turning lost images of ancient saints, February 20th, when it will tour enabling us to come closer to our the Russian cities of Yekaterinburg, Faith and enter into dialogue.” Perm, St. Petersburg, Moscow and Fiodor Povny compared the ex- Tambov. Negotiations are under- hibition with grain which, sprouting, facilitates the rap- way to tour several European states. prochement of nations, their spiritual enrichment and The organisers of the international project, which be- growth, while strengthening peace on Earth. gins in the capital of Belarus, are keen to draw the attention Each work is a miniature drama from the distant past, of Christian communities from the East and West towards interpreted and retold by our contemporaries; therefore, images of saints from the first millennium. The exhibi- comparisons are appropriate. For example, we might com- tion provides joint evidence, from Orthodox and Catholic pare Brendan the Navigator and Fiodor Konyukhov, or believers, of the Christian roots of modern Europe, while Bede the Venerable and Francysk Skaryna. Symbolically, demonstrating contemporary Christian culture and devel- we see the meeting of churches, with hope for shared un- oping cultural exchange between Christian communities derstanding, in the icon showing a salutatory kiss between of European states. St. Peter and St. Paul (the West most venerates Apostle The exhibition is astonishing in its radiance, as many Peter while the East gives that honour to Apostle Paul). of those who visited the opening commented. The icons Christ is the foundation upon which western and eastern depict men of faith who lived on European lands, mission- believers build their Faith, served by art and culture. aries and pastors, as well as kings and ordinary warriors, The ceremony was attended by archbishop Yuri Ko- scientists and monarchs, and people of various social stra- sobutsky, alongside a deputy of the National Assembly of ta. This is the Christian foundation of European culture.

The Minsk Times Saturday, January 6, 2018 9 Nadezhda Kucher will soon perform at Belarus’ Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

CULTURE With Parisian accent ‘Singer of the World’ Nadezhda Kucher plays to her own melody rather than others’ expectations By Natalia Stepuro prepare a concert of Russian ballads; I’ve I had everything scheduled even before German, Italian or English. If I fail to done so before, and may do so again, but that competition. I’ve enjoyed increased understand each word, I can’t convey the Nadezhda Kucher was named ‘Singer all my time is currently taken up by opera. attention since my victory in the Nether- idea effectively. This was a very difficult of the World’ two years ago and recently What about relaxation time? lands in 2012. This is a very good competi- job but we accomplished it. gave a concert at the Belarusian State Phil- I’m always rehearsing. After being tion, so I advise all young singers to enter. Famous Latvian actor and now harmonic, performing only French music. offered a role, I begin rehearsing. While Its initiators are interested in seeing their opera director Andrejs Žagars — who She oozed Parisian glamour, yet was born I’d love to just do something for myself, I laureates on the world’s leading stages. recently staged La Traviata in Belarus in Minsk, graduating from the local Mu- have no time, as I work all day and night. I They invite jury members who can offer — often repeats that he doesn’t work sic College. She later studied at the St. understand that I need to relax sometimes employment, and not only to the winners. with singers who don’t have actor ca- Petersburg Conservatory and now works What do you prefer: a permanent pabilities. at Russia’s Perm Opera House. Nadezhda work all day job in the theatre or foreign tours? I greatly appreciate drama direc- has sung everywhere, from the UK and That’s not a choice I can make. We tors who work with opera. I worked with Switzerland to Chile… However, her real ‘I and night. I have clear agreements in the theatre: Žagars on ‘The Masked Ball’ and with home is in Minsk, where she not only visits understand that our overseas tours are our priority. This Dieter Dorn, who was 80 at that time but relatives but meets fans. Her recent concert is connected to various issues: financial, full of energy. We sang ‘La Traviata’ to- at the Belarusian State Philharmonic was I need to relax career growth and development. I perform gether and he paid attention to the small- her first solo show accompanied by the or- several roles while my foreign tours enable est details of the psychological state of chestra, and was a sell-out. sometimes but I me to sing a different repertoire. Violetta. Our rehearsals were emotionally Nadezhda, why have you chosen Are you an experimenter? exhausting, lasting around six weeks, and French music? tend only to go to I’ve experienced all my life. Medea- were relentless, but it was a very interest- The idea for the French repertoire the cinema with material opera brought me ‘The Golden ing experience. The same could be said of came from People’s Artiste of Russia Ser- Mask’, which was like a bolt from the Žagars, whom I met at the Mikhailovsky gey Stadler. In late 2017, we performed a my husband’. blue: the proposal was very unexpected. Theatre. I was studying at the Conserva- Christmas concert together, at St. Peters- If I could have prepared in a short period tory at that time and had almost no expe- burg’s Alexandrinsky Theatre. but I tend only to go to the cinema with my of time, that would have been excellent. If rience. Students are taught ‘Acting’ and Have you considered giving a con- husband. When I’m preparing for a show, I’d failed, the project wouldn’t have been ‘Stage Speech’ but don’t receive serious cert of Russian ballads? I can think of nothing else. realised at all. This was my first work with training, being more like fledgling chicks I don’t like standards. In fact, I really Your coming year is fully sched- modern music. Its libretto was in German on graduation. I well remember Andrejs hate them. I don’t follow trends, preferring uled. Has winning the BBC Cardiff in- and the music was complex, with a compli- criticising me but I’m grateful and happy to offer something new. Development is es- ternational opera competition changed cated libretto. I always translate my roles to have worked with such a person, as I sential, or you stagnate. Of course, I could your life? independently, whether they’re in French, learnt much from him. Worthy secrets Costumes do of true attraction impress China By Nikita Sanaev ance but for having successful careers and for having conduct- By Olga Korneeva Belarus to China, Kirill Rudy, Darya Reut — from Minsk ed charity or community work. delivered a speech at the opening — becomes Second Vice Darya Reut, who has a Belarusian students placed ceremony, recognising the special The Minsk Times Mrs World 2017 four-year-old son, teaches Rus- second at International Con- role played by public diplomacy Saturday, Alice Lee Giannetta, of sian and Belarusian language test of National Costumes in in developing cultural exchange January 6, Hong Kong, has been crowned and literature but also works Beijing and contacts between young peo- 2018 the most beautiful married lady for a glossy magazine and has The competition has been ple from different countries. on the planet to, while Costa her own clothing line inspired held in China for the 7th time Belarus was represented by a Rica’s Jennifer Miranda is Vice by vintage trends. She’s been — attracting around two dozen team of Belarusian students from Mrs World 2017. working to help refugees from teams, including those from Be- Beijing universities, who joined The finals — held in Jo- Afghanistan and Ukraine in- larus, China, Venezuela, Vietnam, diplomatic mission staff. They hannesburg (South Africa) — tegrate into Belarus, under the Russia, Sri Lanka, the Republic performed modern dances on the gathered beauties from thirty- Belarusian office of the UN of Korea, Mongolia, Denmark, theme of the national calendar of five countries, with the winners Refugee Agency (UNHCR Be- Romania, Peru, Colombia and holidays — including Easter and 10 chosen not just for their appear- larus). Darya Reut Pakistan. The Ambassador of Kupalle. Named best in 2017 Results of past sporting year

Tatiana Petrenya ment of the kind: she was recognised SPORT The Sportivnaya Panorama best in 2006-2009, 2012-2013 and newspaper has for the 59th time 2015-2016. conducted a survey among journalists to determine the best Alexander Kudryavtsev Belarusian athletes of 2017. Among men, Alexander Kudryavt- As a result, Tatiana Petrenya sev 0- the most experienced defender has been named the best Bela- of the national team and Tsmoki club rusian athlete of the last year. 00 has been named the best basket- The trampoline jumper and the baller. Previously, he was unrivalled in 2017 world champion has won 2011-2013. the vote with a clear advantage. Vanessa Kolodinskaya Mikhail Gordeichuk Anton Kushnir Anton Kushnir BATE forward Mikhail Gordei- Freestyler Anton Kushnir is the chuk has collected a whole heap of best sportsman. Last year, the Sochi awards: he is recognised as the best Olympic champion won three stages football player of Belarus, has won of the World Freestyle Cup to occupy the race of scorers and received the the highest place among male athletes. prize of the best player ‘Belarusbank — Supreme League 2017’. Mikhail Vanessa Kolodinskaya helped the Borisov team once again Belarusian Vanessa Kolodinskaya win the championship, scoring 18 is recognised as the best female ath- goals with five assists in 29 games. lete of the year in Alexander Kudryavtsev Tatiana Petrenya Moreover, he played for the national women’s wrestling team six times according to the during the sea- United World Wres- son. tling (UWW). In 2017, she captured Victor Gon- gold at the World charenko Championship in The head Paris, becoming coach of CSKA a two-time world Moscow — Vic- champion. Previ- tor Goncharenko ously, she won gold — is named the in 2012. In addition, Anastasia Veremeenko Andrey Kovalev Mikhail Gordeichuk best coach of the Belarusian also won gold at the Euro- Belarus. The result has become appar- pean Championship in Serbia. ent after the Pressball sports newspaper conducted a poll among well-known Arina Sobolenko specialists and journalists. Mr. Gon- Last year, Arina Sobolenko performed charenko was recognised the best coach well as part of the national team of Belarus, of Belarus for the seventh time in his ca- reaching the Fed Cup finals jointly with reer, and for the second season in a row. her teammates. Moreover, the 19 year old Minsker reached the WTA finals for the Andrey Kovalev first time, losing to the ex-top-seeded of At the gala party in Gdansk, the the world — Maria Sharapova — in the best sportsmen, coaches and patrons of decisive match of the competition in Chi- Arina Sobolenko this Polish city were congratulated in nese Tianjin. These achievements enabled late 2017. Our compatriot and a former Arina to join the list of top 100 play- finished the year in the 149th position (ac- Victor Goncharenko head coach of Minsk Dinamo — An- ers of the world; she was 73rd in the WTA cording to the Association of Tennis Pro- Anastasia Veremeenko drey Kovalev — won the ‘Best Coach rating in late 2017. fessionals rating). This became possible The centre of Belarus’ national team of the Year’ nomination. He trains Gdansk’ owing to his four wins in the Challenger and Istanbul’s Fenerbahce — Anastasia Automatics at present and the city leader- Yegor Gerasimov tournament. Jointly with his teammates, Veremeenko — is named the best basket- ship highly appreciated the fifth place of The year was fruitful for 25 year old Yegor reached the playoffs, enjoying the ball player of the country. She was much his trainees in the elite division. Actually, Yegor Gerasimov: in early 2017, he was right to compete in the World ahead of her competitors, gaining 58 many thought his sportsmen would need among the top 500 athletes of the world but Group. points. This is Anastasia’s ninth achieve- to struggle seriously to survive in the PKL. Ambitious answer to Magnus Carlsen Sergey Zhigalko goes to World Chess Championships as European champion By Sergey Kruzhkov he was unrivalled in the Blitz coming a grand chess master category. in 2007; until he was 14 years Experts believe that Bela- Katowice recently gathered old, none could rival him at rusian chess is experiencing a over a thousand of Europe’s world and European champi- The Minsk Times revival, once more taking its strongest players, where Zhi- onships: even the current world Saturday, place among the global elite, galko earned eighteen points champion, Magnus Carlsen. January 6, after a period of obscurity. and was ranked first. Britain’s Zhigalko recollects his vic- 2018 The world’s largest tourna- Luke James McShane came tory over Carlsen at the 2003 ments are being held not far second while Peter Michalík World Youth Classical Chess abroad, but in Belarus, with of the Czech Republic claimed Championship, for boys un- our chess players no longer bronze. Belarusian Alexey Al- der 14, with great pleasure. At Sergey Zhigalko just ‘observers’, as we see from exandrov was also in the top that time, Carlsen was already while Magnus was only third. I didn’t feel that I was playing Sergey Zhigalko’s victory at ten. called a chess wunderkind but Sergey tells us, “My rat- with a future star. I think he the European Individual Blitz Sergey Zhigalko is our cur- Belarusian Zhigalko beat him ing was higher, so regardless also remembers our childhood Chess Championship, where rent leading chess player, be- to claim the title of champion, of what I heard about Magnus, meetings...” 11 The Minsk Times AGENDA Saturday, January 6, 2018 Show of the week

On New Year’s eve Fire-Breathing Tractors show took place in Minsk

Exhibitions Theatres NATIONAL ART MUSEUM OF NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NATIONAL ACADEMIC BOLSHOI REPUBLICAN THEATRE OF BELARUS BELARUS OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE BELARUSIAN DRAMA 20 Lenin Street 116 Nezavisimosti Avenue 1 Parizhskoy Kommuny Street 44 Kropotkin Street Until 7th January. Symphony of Life Until 15th January. Passenger from 06.01. The Nutcracker; Iolanthe 10.01. Concrete 11.01. Doctor Raus’ Until 21st January. Valery Shkarubo: Nastrom 09.01. Rigoletto 11.01. The Fountain of Career Pictorial Art Until 20th February. Saints of Until 15th February. Valery Slauk’s Bakhchisaray Undivided Church Graphics CONTEMPORARY ART THEATRE Until 28th February. Exhibition of BELARUSIAN STATE ACADEMIC 5 Oktyabrskaya Square NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM experiments: Science Museum MUSICAL THEATRE 06.01. House Upside-Down 07.01. 12 Karl Marx Street 44 Myasnikov Street House #2 Until 10th January. Fashionable Century GALLERIA MINSK 06.01. Flying Ship 10.01. Casanova Until 14th January. Krakow Kalyady Batleika 9 Pobediteley Avenue 11.01. Sofia Golshanskaya YOUTH THEATRE Until 14th January. 13th World 17 Kozlov Street BELARUSIAN STATE MUSEUM Miracle Until 15th January. Robots YANKA KUPALA NATIONAL 06.01. The Fool 07.01. Morozko 09.01. OF GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR and Transformers Until 15th January. ACADEMIC THEATRE New Affair of My Husband 10.01. Playing HISTORY Museum-Factory of Fir Tree Toys 7 Engels Street Happy Family 11.01. Dowerless 8 Pobediteley Avenue 06.01. Kolyady Night 09.01. School of Until 31st January. Fighting for Homeland MUSEUM OF NATURE AND Taxpayers 11.01. Pinsk Gentry BELARUSIAN STATE PUPPET ECOLOGY THEATRE HOUSE-MUSEUM OF FIRST 117 Kazinets Street THEATRE-STUDIO OF FILM 20 Engels Street RSDRP SESSION Until 25th March. Water Residents ACTOR 06.01. Snow White 07.01. Morozko 31a Nezavisimosti Avenue 13 Pobediteley Avenue 11.01. Belvedere Until 14th January. Minsk 1917 PALACE OF SPORTS 06 and 07.01. New Year spectacular 4 Pobediteley Avenue clown performance: SmeShow 08.01. An YOUNG SPECTATORS’ THEATRE MUSEUM OF THEATRICAL AND Until 10th January. Minsk Christmas Festival Unnamed Star 09.01. Pygmalion 10.01. 26 Engels Street MUSICAL CULTURE HISTORY Abduction of Yelena 11.01. A Mechanical 06.01. Road to Bethlehem 11.01. 5 Muzykalny Lane CHELYUSKINTSEV PARK OF Man Savage Hunt of King Stakh st Until 21 January. Kolyady Sketches-2017 CULTURE AND REST Concerts 84/1 Nezavisimosti Avenue GAL-TVORCHESTVO Until 30th June. Legacy of Belarus: PALACE OF THE REPUBLIC NATIONAL ACADEMIC BOLSHOI 47 Nezavisimosti Avenue Dedicated to Minsk’s 950th Anniversary 1 Oktyabrskaya Square OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE Until 1st February. Exhibition of dolls: 22.12-06.01. Main Fir Tree of the Country 1 Parizhskoy Kommuny Street Fragile Dreams MIKHAIL SAVITSKY ART 21.12-07.01. Main Little Fir Tree of the 21 and 26.12. Blue Light concert GALLERY Country. Chicken Not/Against Fox show programme 22.12. 8th Minsk BELARUSIAN STATE CIRCUS 15 Svobody Square International Christmas Opera Forum: 32 Nezavisimosti Avenue Until 7th January. Naked Nature Until PALACE OF SPORTS gala-concert of world operatic stars 06-07.01 and 10.01. New Year Fairy Tale 14th January. Three Tortoises Until 4th 4 Pobediteley Avenue 26-28.12. Gala-concert of Belarusian in Circus February. Reflection 23.12. Oxxxymiron Bolshoi Opera stars

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