Belarusian Industrial and Investment Forum — a Major Exhibition Project

2nd Festival of Science There are many hosted by Minsk’s amazing legends Botanical Garden, with thousands of Minskers in Minsk, we look and guests coming to the at some of the capital to enjoy it 6 most notable 10

PUBLISHED SINCE FEBRUARY 2003 NO. 36 (802) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 WWW.SB.BY ALEKSEY VYAZMITINOV Exhibition of fresh ideas Belarusian Industrial and Investment Forum — a major exhibition project in the CIS uniting several international specialised exhibitions in the field of sci-tech development and modern technologies — was hosted by Minsk’s Football Arena last week 5 Belarus-USA: dialogue continues the world was on the brink of a fought against fascism along- At a meeting at the Palace of Independence, Aleksandr agree that the current state of Lukashenko and the United States Under Secretary of new arms race with unpredict- side the USA, “We lost a third affairs is unnatural, abnormal, State for Political Affairs — David Hale — discussed able consequences. However, of our population. We would and we are glad that this chap- bilateral Belarusian-American relations, regional security according to the President, not like to see anything similar ter is close to its end because of issues and the situation in Ukraine, among other topics. encouraging information has on Belarusian territory again.” the steps your country and you A further important outcome of the meeting was the recently appeared. As for the situation in personally have taken. We also agreement to renew diplomatic mission representations “The agreement is now Ukraine, Mr. Lukashenko once note the vision that you have at ambassadorial level. The Head of State noted with sat- practically destroyed. Howev- again stressed that, without adopted: greater diversity — isfaction that the guest’s visit was evidence that the USA er, statements have appeared the participation of the United both in internal affairs and in re- paid attention not only to Europe but also to Belarus. that neither NATO nor Russia States, this conflict will not be lations with the outside world. are going to place these mis- resolved. “This is a diplomatic We support this and will do our By Yevgeny Kononovich late August, Belarus welcomed siles in Europe. In turn, I also matter. If negotiations fail, then it best to help you along the way,” the US President’s National said recently that we will nev- will be necessary to involve new said the American guest. Steps towards each other Security Adviser, John Bolton, er be the initiators of anything support. New ideas must appear. David Hale noted that the Belarus has always declared amongst other high-ranking that would destroy this treaty. I think the United States could US is doing this not to compete its readiness to restart Belaru- American officials. Moreover, we will never place contribute to the settlement of with any other country but to sian-American relations. Welcoming the United such missiles in the territory of this conflict,” he emphasised. ensure that the potential of Bela- Aleksandr Lukashenko States Under Secretary of State Belarus to complicate the situ- rus-American relations is fully re- clearly outlined Belarus’ po- for Political Affairs — David ation (if this does not threaten Historical moment alised. “This region is very dear to sition, “As for our relations Hale, Mr. Lukashenko said, “It’s our security),” Mr. Lukashenko David Hale agreed that us, and we are attentive to security with you, you are aware that nice to see you here, not only in said, adding, “But these two Belarusian-American relations threats. In addition, we strongly this is not the only signal we are support the sovereignty and inde- sending to the US leadership pendence of Belarus,” he added. regarding normalisation of our David Hale called the deci- relations. It is not normal that, sion to restore diplomatic mis-

FOCUS in the modern world, two states sions between Belarus and the who once fought on the same United States at the level of am- side against the enemy — have bassadors a historic moment in such, shall we say, poor rela- bilateral relations. Most impor- tions now. Of course, we will do tantly, he emphasised, “While everything possible to ensure our normalising our relations, we do relations develop.” not ask Belarus to make a choice We must admit that, in re- between the East and the West. cent years, political dialogue The USA respects Belarus’ de- between Minsk and Washing- sire to determine its own path and ton has significantly intensified. contribute to peace and stability American diplomats are visiting in the region.” Minsk more often. For example, There is a certain regular- in 2017, Belarus was attended ity in the fact that against the by a delegation of members of backdrop of warming political the US Congress led by Senator relations, economic co-operation Roger Wicker, to participate in between our countries has also a session of the OSCE Parlia- revived. Last year, trade turnover mentary Assembly. A year later, reached $711.6m (117.6 percent the Assistant Secretary of State Belarus, but also in Eastern Eu- statements — made from left need to be normalised and the compared to 2017). This year, for European and Eurasian Af- rope. I am pleased to note that and right, from the West and countries should make up for growth continues and, from fairs, Wess Mitchell, visited this is evidence that the United from the East — convince me lost time. He took the oppor- January-July, trade turnover our country and, this March, States has finally paid attention that we will not have to resort tunity to convey greetings to amounted to $532.5m — 43 the USA was informed about not only to Europe as a whole to these extreme measures in Mr. Lukashenko from the US percent more than in the same the lifting of restrictions on the but also to Belarus. At this dif- Belarus. We have neither a de- Secretary of State, Michael period of 2018. The embassies number of employees of the US ficult time, your interest in the sire nor the money for this.” R. Pompeo. “He asked me to be of the two countries can work Embassy. This was followed region is encouraging.” It’s true that, from a histor- present at an important histori- more effectively to promote this by visits to Minsk by the Dep- One of the burning issues of ical perspective, hardly anyone cal moment of our bilateral rela- dynamic. Therefore, the deci- uty Assistant Secretary in the our time is the fate of the Trea- in our country would wish to tions. After our meeting, we will sion of Minsk and Washington European and Eurasian Bureau ty for the Elimination of In- make an issue of it. The Head make an announcement that we to restore diplomatic representa- at the US Department of State, termediate and Shorter-Range of State recalled that, during will exchange ambassadors, af- tion at the level of ambassadors George Kent. Most recently, in Missiles. With its dismantling, the last world war, Belarus ter so many years without. We could not be more opportune. New stage of co-operation with UEFA By Svetlana Savelieva our requests and always helped us, espe- with their Belarusian colleagues. “The the development of infrastructure, pur- cially rendering assistance to children’s Belarusian Football Federation and chase of necessary sports equipment and Belarus is ready to host top level sports. We’ve never heard any reproach UEFA co-operate very well, but even inventory. “We plan to provide support European football championships from the Union that we wasted the mon- good co-operation can be improved. We in terms of training coaches. It is impor- — including the 2022 UEFA Super ey given for football projects,” he said. have good professional relations with tant that there is support from the Minis- Cup, as noted by the Head of Mr. Lukashenko assured those pres- the federation. We’re also friends, which ter [Sports Minister] and his understand- State during his meeting with the ent that this will continue. The Head is important. I am glad to see that sport ing: in football, progress is quite slow, President of the Union of Europe- of State also noted, “You have never you need to start from a young age and an Football Associations (UEFA), brought a major football event to us. If develop from there. You can’t become a Aleksander Ceferin the Union of European Football Associ- champion in one day,” the guest stressed. Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded ations thinks of holding an event in this Mr. Ceferin also commented on the his guest that the venue of the UEFA Su- direction, you should know that we are President’s proposal to organise the per Cup is currently being discussed and ready to host any competition, at any lev- Super Cup in Minsk, saying, “As the The Minsk Times stressed that, if it is Minsk, the country el, as far as our continent is concerned.” Head of UEFA, a transparent organi- Thursday will do everything possible for the event Mr. Lukashenko added that he is sation, I can’t make any statements be- September 26 to be held at the highest level. pleased to meet with the Head of UEFA cause it [the choice of the UEFA Super 2019 The President thanked UEFA for the also because he is a big fan of football. Cup venue] is a matter for voting. If I assistance they have provided to the most “In my childhood, I played football. start drawing any conclusions now or popular sport in Belarus — football. It’s my sport. I played football for a Aleksander Ceferin voice any decisions, it would be inap- “We hope that with the election of you long time until I got injured. It’s always receives such support in Belarus. I’m propriate. I do not yet know where and as the Head of the Union, our relations nice to talk to people who know what especially happy for football, of course. when the next competition will be held, and contacts will increase, and we will football is all about,” the Belarusian Tomorrow we will start a new stage of but I’m convinced that the Belarusian have a full understanding on all issues — President said. our liaisons,” he said. Football Federation is quite capable of although I cannot complain about the In turn, the guest stressed that UEFA According to Mr. Ceferin, UEFA has applying and of organising a tourna- 2 past. UEFA has always responded to is aimed at further active co-operation long supported Belarus by assisting with ment at a high level.” Stretching the connecting thread The harvesting campaign, flax processing, the future prospects of the Grodno Region and the upcoming parliamentary elections were the issues high on the agenda during the President’s working trip to the Korelichi District. Aleksandr Lukashenko made a Preparations number of important announcements concerning the future of the flax industry, as well

as commenting on the progress of harvesting works. Also, on that day, the Grodno for FOCUS Region was celebrating the 75th anniversary of its formation. parliamentary

By Svetlana Yevgenieva everything as you do: to make fore, we cannot ruin its produc- progress. If tasks are set in the elections pellets from waste, as well as tion. We must seriously deal with same way for Grodno residents, continue During his working visit, hard thread, ropes and flax oil. any issues and intensify the pro- then a 15-20 percent rise is pos- the Head of State went to Kore- All these must be revived as cesses,” said Mr. Lukashenko. sible; then you’ll be heroes,” There are 5,831 precincts lichi-Len JSC to find out about it was in the past — in Koreli- As for prospects for the Mr. Lukashenko said. for voting in the elections the technological processes of chi and at all flax plants across development of the Grodno He also commented on the of deputies of the House flax processing and look at sam- the country,” said the Head of Region, the President said, “I upcoming parliamentary elec- of Representatives of the ples of the local manufacturing State, promising to support flax see very good prospects. The tions. According to him, some National Assembly of the process. Mr. Lukashenko noted processing plants, if necessary, Grodno Region was the best — including in the West — be- seventh convocation. that he considers the organisa- with re-equipment, including in the Soviet Union and so it is lieve that if an election campaign “In the Brest Region, 911 tion of flax growing in the Grod- rendering financial support, not- today, if we speak of the whole is made with a great deal of fuss, precincts have been estab- no Region an example to other ing, “We will copy this system, if post-Soviet space.” then it is democratic. “However, lished. There are 768 in the areas. The harvest of 7,000 hec- necessary, in other areas.” However, according to the I believe that the country should Vitebsk Region and 1,009 tares of flax is being processed As for equipment for flax Belarusian leader, the region has not be disturbed. We must contin- in the Gomel Region. In by two plants. sowing and harvesting, the much to strive for: for example, ue to work. As President, I don’t the Grodno Region, there “These are now fully mod- Ministry of Agriculture and in agriculture, it could signifi- want to do anything detrimental are 669, in the Minsk Re- ernised and are capable of com- Food should work with ex- cantly increase its grain yields. to the country,” he stressed. gion — 982, in the Mogilev pletely processing almost all perts to decide what is required “I told the Governor that 1.2m Mr. Lukashenko also noted Region — 739, and in the the raw flax they receive. This and work on how to solve the tonnes are more than last year that, although local authorities city of Minsk — 707. When means that the Grodno Re- problem. Overall, according to but this is not the best level. We support and propose certain can- abroad, Belarusians will be gion’s Governor does not need Mr. Lukashenko, it is important could have 1.5-1.7m tonnes of didates, the latter will be elect- able to vote at 46 polling to implement any industry-re- to determine how much, where spiked cereals and 300,000 ed by the people. No pressure stations,” noted the Central lated modernisation to sow and and how to sow flax, as well as tonnes of corn — or 2m tonnes should be made in this regard. Election Commission. harvest flax. The system here is how many flax plants the country of grain,” he said. He emphasised that he supports Of the more than 5,800 ideal,” said the President. needs. 50-52,000 tonnes of flax The President believes it’s the preservation of the country’s polling stations, 234 will oper- However, not all the regions fibre are needed to supply Orsha necessary to intensify and make majority system of parliamenta- ate in sanatoriums, spa hotels, can boast similar conditions and Linen Mill. This volume can be significant progress, including ry elections. MPs must represent rest homes, hospitals and other the President demanded that the harvested in our own country. through technology, “We should their constituencies and engage health care organisations that Minister of Agriculture and Food “We’ll receive this amount have the best technologies — in dialogue with their voters. provide medical care in sta- and members of the Govern- this year and it will be of good like the farmers in Poland, Ger- “People should be the focus. Go tionary conditions, as well as ment investigate the matter — quality. This is the bar below many and France. We’ve toured to working teams, promote, ask in military units — 17. especially taking into account them to vote for you… A deputy As of September 16th, 423 that optimisation of the linen should be attached to their voter national observers had been industry and modernisation of and district.” accredited by the central, ter- businesses have been under dis- As for the current election ritorial and district electoral cussion for several years. campaign, he said, “We will commissions. To date, five The Head of State was conduct this campaign in our political parties have sent also shown Korelichi-Len’s fi- own way. It’s a rehearsal for the observers to the elections. A nal products. He tasted linseed future Presidential campaign. total of 26 people are accred- oil and appreciated its quality, We should continue quietly — ited. Public associations are paying special attention to its as is natural for Belarusians — more active in this regard, useful properties. Pellets made do what we, rather than those in with 357 people already being from linen waste were also on the West, East, South or North, accredited. The leaders are show. “It’s a super fuel!” noted need. We must do everything for the Republican Belaya Rus the President, stressing the en- our country to preserve it and Public Association, the Bela- vironmental friendliness of this ensure you — and not only you rusian Union of Women and product. It was particularly noted which we should not fall in the the world and have learnt how — live well. Our children should the Belarusian Republican that the company has established future. Flax is part of our culture. to do this. The entire Grodno know that they have their own Youth Union. 39 observers waste-free production. It was not me who put it on the Region could use all these new piece of land, and no one will be have been sent from citizens “It is important to process Belarusian coat of arms. There- ideas. We simply need to make in control of them.” by submitting applications. Those accredited to district election commissions have the right to be present in these com- Economic results must be tangible missions when receiving proto- cols on the results of voting at By Pavel Filatov only modest but also extreme- of seven forecast indicators managers should keep sowing polling stations. An observer ly unstable. This trend needs approved for 2019 are being and harvesting campaigns and — sent to a precinct electoral People must feel the to be reversed.” fulfilled. Targets for exports, so on under control. A depu- commission — among other positive results of eco- The President asked the labour productivity and gross ty prime minister should deal things, can observe the relevant nomic activity — noted participants of the meeting domestic product have not yet with the key issue: in relation to polling station. During early by Belarus’ President what had been done and what been met. “By region, only the agriculture, it’s exports of pro- voting and on election day, ob- Aleksandr Lukashenko needs to be done to keep the Minsk Region is within the duce,” the President stressed. servers have the right to receive during the governmen- economy strong and cancel GDP growth forecast,” he said. After the meeting, the information on the number of tal meeting to discuss out any factors that may lead Mr. Lukashenko reiterated Prime Minister talked to jour- voters included in the lists and economic performance to economic disparity. “We that deputy prime ministers nalists. Sergei Rumas said that, on the actual number of voters in 2019, the results of the cannot be passive onlookers are personally responsible for during the meeting, it was re- who took part. year and the five-year and feel complacent about the the export of goods and ser- peatedly stressed that the gov- As for international observ- period, draft forecasts, balanced state. People who vices and demanded reports ernmental plans approved last ers, 34 have been accredited so budget and main mone- demonstrate their trust, includ- on every shortcoming. “Depu- year must be implemented. He far, all from the CIS. Foreign The Minsk Times tary guidelines for 2020 ing during various political ty prime ministers should not explained, “Therefore, in the experts have the right to attend Thursday “It’s not just about the in- campaigns, did not vote for run for ministers and the latter remaining four months, the meetings of election commis- September 26 dexes, which we will certainly this,” Mr. Lukashenko said. should not run for governors Government will make every sions, to meet with candidates 2019 discuss today. People should The President asked speak- — if, for example, agriculture effort to make up for what we and their proxies, to observe feel the positive results. The ers to focus on ways to fulfil all is in focus; they should focus have not done this year.” the issuance of ballots, the vot- economy must continuously the promises given to people, on technologies only. The Ag- As for 2020, the Head of ing process. improve well-being and qual- from decisions by local exec- riculture and Food Minister State considered the Govern- Elections to the House of ity of life,” the President said. utive bodies to goals and tasks oversees technologies and new ment’s plans insufficiently -fo Representatives are scheduled Without economic growth this of the five-year period. and promising ideas. Gover- cused and instructed officials for November 17th and to the cannot be achieved. He noted, Prime Minister Sergei nors, chairpersons of district to finalise the package of fore- Council of the Republic — for “I am concerned that it is not Rumas reported that four out executive committees and farm cast documents. November 7th. 3 Right-hand electric bus goes to the United Kingdom By Irina Sergeeva concept makes it possible to flexibly form Belkommunmash an infrastructure of charging stations even develops first CIS According to the deputy chief de- in old cities. signer of new machinery, Sergey Chistov, The electric bus will be presented at right-hand this is the first right-hand electric bus the Coach & Bus Live 2019 exhibition for in the CIS. It was buses, commercial transport and logistics, electric developed under to be held in early October in Birming- bus the state scientif- ham. The UK has not been chosen ran- ic and technical domly: the country supports the concept programme. The of freeing cities from internal combustion body is as adapt- engines and, by 2040, plans to remove ve- able as possible for hicles with such engines from city streets. subsequent production, “We had a positive response to our so that customers can proposals from the cities. We held talks configure right or left in Manchester and Nottingham and saw steering according to the interest of carriers and city officials in their requirements. electric transport. In the future, we plan The concept is sim- to operate this electric bus in the city of ilar to the Minsk Nottingham,” added Mr. Chistov. electric buses with Belkommunmash is also now ne- fast charging at fi- gotiating with a British manufacturer nal stopping points. of vehicles for joint localisation of pro- The 12-metre ve- duction facilities and further promotion hicle runs an average of electric buses to other states of the of 20km, then it is charged in 8 Commonwealth of Nations, such as minutes and continues operation. The Barbados, Malta and Cyprus. Visas to become cheaper Demonstrating suming negotiation process ion will be obliged to provide products to their full with the European Union which technical and financial assis- resulted in the development of a tance in this field. mutually acceptable agreement Mr. Glaz also noted that taking into account the interests the Belarusian President had of both sides in the most com- made important decisions on prehensive way,” said the offi- simplifying entry to Belarus By Igor Platonov cial. Mr. Glaz added that these for citizens of foreign coun- agreements will be concluded tries, including member states President approves draft in a package and will enter into of the European Union, in the agreements on visas and force on the same day. Howev- past couple of years, to assist readmission with EU er, the documents must first be the development of tourism, Anatoly Glaz, the Head of ratified by the National Assem- economic and investment By Svetlana Savelieva na, Greece, Iraq and other coun- the Information and Digital Di- bly of Belarus and approved by co-operation. “The number of tries, took part in a B2B event to plomacy Office and Press Sec- the European Parliament. After tourists coming to Belarus is Belarus. The Taste of Nature establish business contacts, also retary of the Belarusian Foreign the exchange of notifications the best testimony to the effi- exposition on display at visiting a major Turkish facili- Ministry, explained, “The Head the agreements will become op- ciency of such unilateral steps CNR Food Istanbul — a ty producing ingredients for the of State has made a decision on erational,” he explained. demonstrating the openness of food and beverage, food baking and flour-milling industry. signing visa facilitation and re- The visa facilitation agree- our country. About 500,000 processing, storage, cool- CNR Food Istanbul show- admission agreements with the ment envisages the mutual sim- foreigners used the opportuni- ing technologies, logistics cased over 2,000 brands from 18 European Union. This was not plification of visa procedures ty to travel to Belarus without and store equipment fair countries, including Bulgaria, an easy decision. The President for various categories of citi- a visa after the introduction Belarus took part in the ex- the UK, Germany, Greece, India, of Belarus made it realising the zens and lower visa fees. Cit- of the visa-free regime. The hibition for the first time. Krasny Spain, Italy, China, Turkmeni- great importance of mobility izens will be able to apply for majority of them are from the Pishchevik and Minsk Baking stan, and Uzbekistan. More than for Belarusian citizens, after a visas to the embassies of Euro- European Union,” he stressed. Factory have showcased their 50,000 people visited the fair. ECONOMY thorough assessment of all the pean countries and visa centres. In accordance with the visa confectionary, bakery, cereal and The Belarus. The Taste of Nature possible risks and consequenc- The readmission agree- facilitation agreement between macaroni products. New prod- exposition has been organised es. He stressed that Belarus has ment provides for a two-year Belarus and the EU, the Schen- ucts included fruit candies with by Belinterexpo Exhibition Uni- always been in favour of facili- transition period for Belarus gen visa fees will be reduced celery, corn, pumpkin and carrot, tary Company of the Belarusian tating human and business con- in relation to the readmission from 60 Euros to 35 Euros, and and macaroni for children. Chamber of Commerce and In- tacts, and the decision by the of citizens of third countries. the decision to issue the visa will Heads of the Belarusian com- dustry in co-operation with the Head of State reaffirms it. In accordance with the joint be made within 10 days (the peri- panies, together with business Belarusian Agriculture and Food “This measure was preceded declaration accompanying the od may be increased to 30 days if representatives from Bangladesh, Ministry and the Belarusian Em- by a complicated and time-con- agreement, the European Un- additional checks are required). Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovi- bassy in Turkey. Historical maximum for golden reserves

The Minsk Times By Natalia Yemelyanova Since early 2019, the gold market. In August, the National The National Bank predicts and the projected volume of Thursday and foreign currency reserves Bank and the Government hon- a slight decrease in the level of revenues in foreign currency, September 26 According to the prelimi- have increased by $1.7bn. Ac- oured the foreign and domestic gold and foreign currency re- we expect a slight decrease in 2019 nary data, Belarus’ gold and cording to the spokesman for obligations in foreign currency to serves by the end of 2019. “If international reserve assets by foreign currency reserves the National Bank, Aleksandr the amount of about $550m. we speak about forecasts for the end of the year,” the official reached a record total of Timoshenko, this growth, along the remainder of 2019, given explained. $8,891bn (equivalent) as of with other factors, was due the amount of liabilities in According to the country’s early September 2019 — primarily to the favourable foreign currency which main monetary guidelines for according to a report from situation on the domestic the Government and 2019, the volume of internation- the Information and PR foreign exchange market National Bank are al reserve assets is expected to Department of the National and growth in gold pric- to fulfil in Septem- reach at least $7.1bn as of Jan- 4 Bank of Belarus es on the international ber-December ($1.5bn) uary 1st, 2020. On the fringes of the forum Minsk has recently hosted the Belarusian Industrial and Investment Forum. Belarus’ Deputy Industry Minister, Sergey Gunko, said, “This

year, we suggested a slightly different concept for the industrial forum ECONOMY — combining it with the industrial and investment event, also adding an economy sector and the oil-gas, chemical and plastic industries. The fact that we are about to finish the five-year term (2016-2020) is the focus. We intend to study growth points and discuss what plans, products, and technologies we will begin the new term with.” Taking part in the forum were delegations from Germany, Hungary, In- dia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Ukraine and Rus- sia. They aimed to learn about Belarus’ export potential and opportuni- ties for expanding co-operation. During the event, Belarusian-Japanese and Belarusian-Slovak economic forums, as well as Indian-Belarusian and technological events were organised.

According to Mr. Utyupin, a strate- makes it possible, on the one hand, to ready to start the project to create so-called On the digital gic priority of the country is the building generate the necessary knowledge and, ‘digital production’ at two selected sites. of a smart economy focused not only on on the other hand, to implement it as ef- Within two and a half years, such plans future of the resource advantages, but also on high- ficiently as possible,” he said. are expected to be realised,” the Deputy tech industry and innovative develop- The Industry Ministry understands Industry Minister, Sergey Gunko, added. ment. “Success in the implementation of this and is now preparing to implement a After testing the business processes in real sector these tasks is largely determined by the pilot project to create digital production practice, taking into account Belarusian By Arina Norikova efficiency of the relevant system, which in the country. “In the near future, we are conditions, it is planned to scale them to the entire industrial complex of the country. The forum began with a panel The Economy Ministry is also ac- discussion: Investing in the Future. tively engaged in issues of digitalisa- It was lively and set the tone for tion and innovation. For example, a the whole event. Officials, repre- joint project with UNIDO is being con- sentatives of the real sector of the sidered, which involves the creation economy and experts discussed of certain competence centres based the forecasts and prospects for at techno-parks, where representatives the digitalisation of the economy, of small and medium-sized businesses argued and sought compromises. will be able to test the introduction of The Industry Minister, Pavel technologies for the digital transfor- Utyupin, stressed that the necessity of mation of their business processes. 2-3 digitalisation for industry is not a mat- techno-parks are planned to be used for ter of debate but grounds for activity. these ‘pilots’ in the regions. He noted, “Organisations of the Industry “At present, the Economy Ministry is Ministry have a significant impact on the preparing a report analysing the readiness economy. We export over 65 percent of of the Belarusian industry for this process. our products to more than 120 countries. The ‘Smart Industry of Belarus’ plat- Enterprises play an form — based on the important role in the knowledge exchange regional economy, programme with South primarily in terms Korea — has been pre- of employment, in sented. It aims to com- many cases forming bine the organisational entire cities based on and intellectual poten- the industry. There- tial of legal entities and fore, the problems individuals interested of modernisation of in using the key ele- the machine-building ments of the ‘Industry complex are particu- 4.0’ concept and new larly relevant, and the management princi- topic of the panel dis- ples,” said the Deputy cussion is investing Economy Minister, in the future.” Yuri Chebotar.

itive. The developers have already sold From start-up about a dozen such screens to commercial enterprises; two deals have been conclud- to launch ed with Russian enterprises. Another representative of the education system -- the By Svetlana Mikhovich Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radio-electronics -- presented its sys- Edible food films, reagents for tem of cold plasma generation at the fo- water purification, composite ma- rum. The device makes it possible to treat terials and biological preparations surfaces with low-temperature plasma for organic farming: a fair of inno- which can be used, in particular, in med- vative developments was held as icine: with its help, tools can undergo ster- part of the Belarusian Industrial ilisation and open wounds can be treated. and Investment Forum to attract investors not only from Belarus, them were the organisations of the Edu- Similar developments are now underway Last year, the same fair resulted in but also from other countries,” he said. cation Ministry, representatives of the Na- at the National Academy of Sciences. The Minsk Times signing 11 contracts by developers and The fair is the first step to implemen- tional Academy of Sciences and private A curious technology was presented Thursday industrial enterprises. This is the result tation of a development, but this stage is companies. It’s the Committee’s strategy by the EnergoTech Scientific and En- September 26 which everyone hopes for, believes the very important. For example, last year, the to support all developers. gineering Centre. Its turbo-sphere is an 2019 Deputy Chairman of the State Commit- development of edible film for food found Mr. Shcherbakov demonstrated the energy-saving installation that uses gas tee on Science and Technology, Sergey an investor. most interesting developments. Among pressure differences in the gas transmis- Shcherbakov. “We try to bring together This year, the State Committee on them was an interesting sample from the sion system to produce electricity. A pilot developers and innovators. At the fair, de- Science and Technology had one of the Belarusian State University: a design- project is being implemented in a boiler of velopers have an opportunity to commu- central stands at the forum: 25 Belarusian er programmable Squares Board LED Minskkommunteploseti. The technology nicate with potential investors, talk about scientific and innovative organisations screen. It has already attracted the atten- is innovative and energy-saving; it has no their projects and answer questions. We try presented over 150 developments. Among tion of advertisers and its price is compet- direct analogues in the world. 5 Electric scooters, robot wars and intelligent quests 2nd Festival of Science — drawing attention to striking achievements of modern science — hosted by Minsk’s Botanical Garden, with thousands of guests coming to enjoy it

By Irina Sergeeva and start-ups presented their developments. 3D printers Scientists of Belarus’ Acad- and the process of 3D robot emy of Sciences organised the making, a museum of ret- festival for the first time last year, ro-computers, laser tag com- with the aim of drawing attention petitions with robot-vehicles to the most striking and interest- and virtual reality contests ing achievements of modern sci- attracted attention. ence and showing how exciting The entertainment area of and unforgettable research can the festival welcomed visitors be. This year, the 2nd Festival of with scientific shows, exposi- Science was held. tions and master classes from The Botanical Garden was science museums. In turn, the crowded: whole families came Information Centre for Atomic to the event. For everyone to Energy organised an interac- have an interest, the area was tive performance — Sounds of divided into diverse sites. Construction, also telling the Those attending were able to festival guests about the nu- have a go at being designers, clear industry in science.

INSIDE space explorers and investi- Leading universities demon- gate the depths of the ocean, strated students’ scientific de- as well as trying archaeology, velopments and presented their chemistry, biology and genet- show the public the most in- most interesting specialties, ics. Even small children could teresting developments and while children and adults were take part in scientific experi- findings. Samples of modern invited to watch videos in the ments and master classes. breeding and micro-clones of open air, play environmental The Chairman of the Pre- trees, rare plants and fungi, games and visit a photo zone. sidium of National Academy an archaeological museum, The APB-BirdLife Belarus pub- of Sciences, Vladimir Gusak- DNA portrait making, an art lic organisation showed how to ov, noted that his establishment therapy laboratory and a book become a friend to birds, offer- aims to become a platform for café were offered to guests of ing a live photoshoot. discussion of various ideas and the Botanical Garden. Anyone The festival also attracted issues. “To be popular, science could learn about their health, foreign visitors. The All-Rus- must be open and accessible to brain activity, take a cardio- sian NAUKA 0+ Science Fes- everyone — both adults and gram or check blood oxygen tival arrived for the second children. We need to show what saturation. Children watched time, presenting a platform scientists are doing, to demon- the process of magnetorheo- dedicated to the 150th anni- strate the results of our work in logical polishing and the life versary of the periodic table. various fields — such as phys- of cells under a microscope, The ‘Chemical Bar’ and dif- ics, agricultural, medical or learnt about medical technol- ferent variants of the famous biological sciences. This helps ogies and listened to stories Guests to the festival were At the ‘Robots and Tech- table were demonstrated. Rus- attract people to science so that about space. shown electric bicycles and nologies’ platform, leading sian guests are expecting a re- they continue moving along On the day, everyone could electric scooters developed by robotics schools held master turn visit from their Belarusian this path,” he said. try Belarusian electric scooters Belarusian scientists. The main classes and demonstrations colleagues: the NAS scientists Institutes of the National developed by the NAS’ Optron advantage of small electric on engineering, program- were invited to present their Academy of Sciences present- Instrument Making Plant — transport lies in its environ- ming and robot creation; var- achievements at a science fes- ed an extensive exhibition to riding alone or with others. mental friendliness. ious technological companies tival in Russia. Effects evident The number of foreigners taking advantage of Belarus’ visa waiver has exceeded 50 percent

is most likely to reap the benefits of gle zone, to also include five districts this change next year. in Grodno: Berestovitsa, Volkovysk, “The most important goal for the Voronovo, Lida and Shchuchin. Cit- The Minsk Times Sports and Tourism Ministry is to izens from 73 countries will be al- Thursday encourage tourists to stay longer in lowed to stay without visas in the September 26 Belarus. The regions will earn more specified areas for up to 15 days. 2019 profit as a result. At present, a for- The new regulations will come into By Olga Korneeva tor of the Tourism Department at the eigner spends on average 2.5 days effect on November 10th and, at the Sports and Tourism Ministry. in visa-free zones. After merging the moment, a ten-day visa-free regime From January-July 2019, about The Ministry expects the number latter, the duration of their stay is ex- operates in these areas. 174,000 travellers came to Belarus of international arrivals to keep grow- pected to increase to 3.5-4 days,” Mr. Meanwhile, visitors do not need under the visa free regime, 62 per- ing. A decree was signed to combine Gritsevich said. visas to enter Belarus and can stay in cent more than in the seven months of the visa-free zones around Brest and In line with the decree, the current the country for up to 30 days, provided 2018. The figures were announced by Grodno. It will come into force in the separate visa-free travel areas around that they arrive in the country via the 6 Vitaly Gritsevich, the Deputy Direc- coming future; therefore, the country Brest and Grodno will become a sin- Minsk National Airport. Electric scooters, robot Walk with us 76 Belarusian cities and towns wars and intelligent quests join European Mobility Week — a record high since the country started INSIDE participating in the campaign “The event debuted in Minsk in not to use personal transport and opt for 2008 and since then our cities have public transport, cycling and walking. taken an active part in the event. A The country also popularises segways, record high number of 76 Belarusian monowheels and scooters. cities and towns have registered on the On Car Free Day, drivers were European Mobility Week website traditionally offered free this year. Last year, travel on presentation of a the number was 66. driver’s license — not only The campaign gains in Minsk, but also in oth- popularity with each er cities around Belarus. year,” said Oksana Moreover, in Rechitsa, Yuchkovich, a con- for example, the local sultant with the de- authorities decided to partment for regulation offer drivers tickets to of impacts on air, cli- the Ecological-Biolog- mate change and exam- ical Museum. ination at the Ministry of It is clear that Natural Resources and people are not able Environment Protection. to completely give According to her, the up personal transport during Mobili- By Natalia Yemelyanova every year and, in 2019, it is about pro- country needs to reduce the number of ty Week and Car Free Day. However, moting cycling and walking in urban ar- vehicles on the roads as 63 percent of throughout the campaign, the Minis- European Mobility Week is an annual eas with the spotlight on pedestrians. The air polluting emissions are due to motor try of Natural Resources and Envi- international campaign which runs from 2019 slogan reads: ‘Walk with Us!’ Euro- vehicles. In Minsk, this share is even ronment Protection is trying to raise 16th to 22nd September to raise public pean Mobility Week traditionally begins higher — at 88 percent. Therefore, the awareness and encourage everyone to awareness of the excessive use of private on September 22nd, with the now tradi- Ministry of Natural Resources and En- do something to improve the quality vehicles. The campaign has a new theme tional urban environmental Car Free Day. vironmental Protection urges citizens of urban life. Bird of 2020 in Belarus Smart stop for passengers The first Minsk interactive multifunctional stop for public transport passengers launched near the Nemiga metro station exit, in the Upper Town

By Arina Novikova advertising but also about the city, its infrastructure and transport,” said The two wings of the bus stop cover Andrey Sushchenya — who heads the 40 sq.m; each is equipped with four USB City Code project (from the GIG In- ports for charging devices, an emergency vest company). and police call button, a screen to call a The City Code project aims to in- taxi, an ATM, a self-service terminal and crease the level of comfort and safety vending machines with small items. Wi- on Minsk’s streets with help of infor- Fi is also available. A touch screen dis- mation technologies. In total, about By Svetlana Savelieva plays the transport schedule and anyone a hundred such interactive stops are can plan a route. The station is later to be planned to be installed in the capital. APB-BirdLife Belarus announces supplemented with charging for electric The first Belarusian smart bus that the wood grouse has been scooters and segways. stop was unveiled in Gomel, in 2016. declared the bird of 2020 “These are multimedia systems It was a prototype stop which uses so- Next year, Belarus will host events providing information for not only lar panels. dedicated to this bird. “In most places where it lives, this is a rare bird in Belarus. Among its main threats are the disappear- ance of its habitats due to deforestation, extraction of resin on lekking grounds and predators, including the raccoon dog,” said Semen Levy, from APB-BirdLife. Wood grouse is a fowl-like bird. This species is not consistent throughout Be- larus and is more common in northern regions and in the east. There are two sub- species in the country: Western European and Central Russian. Previously, there The Minsk Times were about 8,000-9,000 such birds in Be- Thursday larus. However, wood grouse is a taiga, September 26 northern bird and, due to climate change, 2019 its population in Belarus is decreasing. The national Bird of the Year campaign has been conducted by APB since 2000. The bird of 2019 in Belarus is the big spotted eagle. The main goal of the campaign is to draw attention to the beauty of nature and birds and the need to preserve them. 7 City of Paris tests its ‘flying taxi’ With pollution a major issue for Paris and the city’s public transport bursting at the seams, one start-up has a solution involving the River Seine The Bubble, a ‘flying taxi’, is powered by electricity and lifts out of the water on ‘wings’ — and boasts green credentials such as being noise and pollution-free. It costs around 200,000 Euros to build and can reach speeds of up to 20.7mph. Test voyages in Par- is are limited to a maximum speed of 18.6mph. The service could launch as early as spring next year, according to a press release from the Paris Mayor’s Of- fice. The Seabubbles start-up launched a four-day test run on the Seine. Welcoming world leaders and However, the company says its journey has not all been plain sailing. During a WORLD diplomats as GA kicked off preview before the official tests launched, Paris river po- On September 17th, the 74th of United Nations experience’, eradication, zero hunger, quali- Makei, promotes its priorities lice ordered the Bubble to stop regular session of the United the UN Chief said, as Tijjani ty education, climate action and in accordance with relevant its activity. Nations General Assembly Muhammad-Bande banged the inclusion, all of which the UN national initiatives pertaining Co-founder Alain The- (UN GA 74) convened at the gavel to open his year in office chief called ‘central to the sus- to peace, multilateralism, se- bault said regulatory issues United Nations headquarters “He also brings valuable tainable development agenda’. curity and disarmament, sus- from the city of Paris have in New York, USA insights into some of the press- Pointing to the ‘five critical tainable development, human stymied progress, leading the The UN General Assembly ing peace and security, human summits’ on climate action, the rights, partnership and the UN company to pursue projects in is the forum to a world par- rights and sustainable devel- Sustainable Development Goals betterment. Mr. Makei has tak- Switzerland and the US rather liament at which all countries opment challenges facing this (SDGs), financing for develop- en in a number of high-level than solely in France. discuss global, regional and na- body, from the spread of violent ment, universal health care and events, including the Political “We are waiting for the tional issues. This year’s theme extremism to the threat of the Small Island Developing States Forum on Sustainable De- authorisation to have a com- focuses on strengthening multi- global climate crisis,” Secre- (SIDS), Mr. Guterres under- velopment, a meeting on the mercial line between east and lateral efforts to address climate tary-General António Guterres scored that ‘multi-stakeholder elimination of nuclear weap- west… but have a look, there action, poverty, sustainable de- said of Nigeria’s former UN engagement will be essential’. ons and a high-level plenary is absolutely nobody on the riv- velopment, and more. Representative. During the 74th session meeting to commemorate and er,” he said, adding that France The new President of the He commended President of the UN GA, the Belarusian promote the International Day is becoming ‘like a museum’ 74th session of the General As- Muhammad-Bande on prioritis- delegation, headed by Bela- for the Total Elimination of where tech innovation is too sembly brings to his role ‘years ing peace and security, poverty rus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Nuclear Weapons. highly regulated. Healthy selection of amazing machines They may look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but these motors could be on our roads a lot sooner than you think From a hybrid Lamborghini capable of 217mph to a futuristic off-road- er that can tackle any terrain, motor- ing enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in the near future. Some of the world’s biggest auto- A look makers have descended on Frankfurt to show off their latest motors and de- signs. Recognised as the world’s larg- inside the est motor show, Frankfurt also sees car manufacturers present some bizarre space hotel experience ideas for the future. But they’re a cer- tainty to get plenty of interest when For many people, getting away ning what may be the most ambitious they eventually hit the road. But arguably the biggest reveal from it all means decamping to a space hotel project of all: a sort of space- Leading the way is the new limit- came from British automaker Land cabin in the woods or a house by based cruise ship big enough to hold a ed edition hybrid Lamborghini Sian Rover, with its latest Defender. The the beach. Soon there may be an- pair of hotels that would accommodate which combines the 6.5-litre V12 21st century edition pays tribute to other option: lifting off to a hotel 100 guests and perhaps three times as engine from the Aventador with a the iconic 71-year-old Defender 4X4, serenely orbiting high above the many crew members. The facility would 48-volt electric motor. The Sian is which has been most notably driven The Minsk Times planet. feature artificial gravity and have restau- powered by a supercapacitor that by the Queen. And it also includes Thursday Though space hotels have long be- rants, gyms, sports arenas and concert Lamborghini claims is three times plenty of hi-tech features, including September 26 longed only to the world of make-be- venues as well as spaceplanes ready to more powerful than a conventional an X-ray vision mode that allows driv- 2019 lieve, that’s about to change. NASA whisk guests back to Earth in case of an battery of the same weight, making it ers to view underneath the vehicle. says it will open the International Space emergency. the fastest Lamborghini road car ever Nevertheless, electric cars were Station (ISS) to tourists as early as 2020. The foundation aims to assemble the produced. the big news at this year’s show, with A Houston-based startup called Orion facility in orbit by 2025 and open it to Audi also turned heads with its the Volkswagen ID 3 having made its Span has proposed a four-guest space visitors in 2027 or soon after, says Tim newest concept vehicle, the AI:TRAIL global debut, along with the Honda E, hotel called Aurora Station that would Alatorre, the foundation’s senior design quattro. The four-seater is an all ter- Porsche Taycan, Peugeot e-2008 and open in 2022. architect. “In a few years, we’re all going rain concept vehicle which gives a more all making an appearance. And now the Gateway Foundation, a to be just thinking of space as a normal glimpse into what future Audi SUVs Materials prepared with aid 8 start-up in Alta Loma, California, is plan- vacation option,” he notes. could look like. of information agencies Aleksandr Kishchenko’s space National Art Museum hosts exhibition of famous Belarusian painter Aleksandr Kishchenko — Space Pilgrim — showcasing more than fifty picturesque works by the artist. Some of the pieces, kept in the collection of the artist’s family, are on display for the first time. CULTURE minsknews.by

By Vladimir Stepan

The People’s Artist of Be- larus, Aleksandr Kishchenko, does not need a special introduction. He worked so hard that, over three decades of ac-

tive creativity, he managed to minsknews.by produce an incredible amount in all areas of art. It is largely due to his stormy nature that Belarusian painting has become brighter and richer. All Minskers and visitors to the city are familiar with his monumental works. Famous mosaics on the ends of the houses opposite the library greet everyone who enters Minsk from the east. Even if the artist had created only four of these mosaic panels, it would have been more than enough for his name to be revered. However, alongside the famous mosaics in different parts of the city, the largest ever tapestry was created according to the artist’s sketch- es. It was hand-woven at the Bo- The Tapestry of the Century risov Factory of Applied Arts, mental painters of Belarus. Ar- still-lifes and landscapes. The which today bears the name of riving in Minsk in 1963 at the Space Pilgrim exhibition is a Aleksandr Kishchenko. The invitation of Gavriil Vashchen- vivid confirmation of the thesis weight of the tapestry, reflecting ko to teach at the Department that if an artist is talented, then all the significant events of the of Decorative and Applied Arts he is talented in everything. minsknews.by 20th century, is almost 300kg, of the current Academy, he im- When walking beside the and its size is 19m x 14m, which mediately began to work and paintings, it’s as if one finds what the artist will become in out to be sublime and majestic can be compared to the height exhibit. His role in our art can oneself in the past, in those years a few years. It’s an incredibly while the action itself is won- of a six-story building. Since the be compared with the role of when Belarusian art was on an expressive work, reminiscent derful, and almost cosmic. One moment of its creation in 1994, Vladimir Mulyavin in music. incredible rise, when a galaxy of the great artists of the be- looks and understands much it has been exhibited only six They both arrived in Belarus of brilliant artists worked in it. ginning of the last century, has already changed, will times. Naturally, to show such from Russia, they both accept- This applies to literature, thea- those who made a revolution change, but this will remain a large-scale work, a special pa- ed it, fell in love with it, and tre, cinema and painting. in painting. the same for a long time, most vilion is needed. If a similar one made everyone talk about our Although most of the works Another painting is The likely, forever. In the same The Minsk Times had been built, then this could art with admiration. were created several decades Portrait of a Mother — a sim- way the images of reapers with Thursday have become one of the features Under the influence of Mr. ago, they look so bright and ple and straightforward story sickles, farmers with ploughs, September 26 that attract fine art lovers to Kishchenko, it is not only mon- have such a modern feel that that everyone has seen many lace-makers and embroiderers, 2019 Minsk. After all, The Tapestry of umental art that developed. Be- they seem to have been made times. An elderly woman peels as well as bakers with bread re- the Century is well-known and ing a man endowed with tre- very recently, literally on the potatoes. She is depicted fac- main in the history of art... is included in the Guinness mendous energy, he influenced evening before. ing the viewer. A golden face, The space of Belarusian Book of Records as the largest other genres as well. There A small canvas, created in the same golden hands, a knife, artist Aleksandr Kishchen- in the world. was not a single large exhibi- 1966, which, in fact, launched a potato and a thin, spiralling ko will offer new and unique Aleksandr Kishchenko was tion at which Mr. Kishchenko a unique and real artist, is golden peel... What could be images to the viewer, and the and remains one of the most would not show his paintings: The Circus Boy — restrained simpler than this everyday Space Pilgrim painting exhi- famous and significant monu- thematic canvases, portraits, in painting, it already shows routine? But the image turned bition is confirmation of this. 9 Legends from our favourite city The Romans believed there was such a thing as a genius loci — the spirit of a place. It makes each city unique and creates a special atmosphere. This could be through old temples and mysterious squares, city sculptures and narrow streets and, most importantly, the legends and traditions are associated with them. There are many amazing stories in Minsk, we look at some of the most notable.

By Lyudmila Rublevskaya the plot. It is known that when a groom of one the doomed he was dragged out of the court- beauties killed the dragon and Minsk’s icon of the room, he could only be removed was mortally wounded. They Mother of God along with the doorjamb, which say that at the bottom of the It was August 26th, 1500. he had seized onto. Volodkovich River Svisloch, opposite the Minsk dwellers living in the was shot right there, in the base- Yubileinaya Hotel, for a long area of the Troitsky Suburb saw ment of the Town Hall, and after- time it was possible to see a a wonderful light over the river. wards his ghost began to peer out crystal coffin with the remains When they approached, they of the windows of the building. found an icon near the bank of the River Svisloch, from which The spirit of giants the unearthly light emanated. It According to the legends, turned out to be the miraculous once stones grew and gi- icon of the Mother of God by the ants lived in Belarus; it’s Apostle Luke. From Byzantium, not without reason that it had found its way to Korsun, and then to Kiev. During the in- vasion by the Tatar Khan, Meng- li Giray, one of the invaders tore

CULTURE CULTURE off its precious cover and threw the relic into the River Dniep- er. Miraculously, the icon then floated against the current to the Svisloch. The shrine can now be seen in Minsk’s Holy Spirit Ca- thedral, and there is a memorial plaque at the place it was found.

Ghost of Minsk Town Hall Minsk Town Hall — evidence that the city was granted the Magdeburg Right — was built at the beginning of the 16th century and, in the middle of the 18th century, it acquired its ghost. Nobleman Michal Volodkovich, close friend of the legendary Radziwill Panie Kochanku, was distinguished by his exuber- ant character and extraordinary physical strength. His jokes were often very cruel: he could order a passer-by to take one hundred our great-grandfathers called Red Catholic Сhurch and one lashes. When, the bat- the mounds ‘volotovki’ — A beautiful but sad legend is tered nobleman Yatsyna sum- meaning graves of the gi- connected with one of the most moned the tyrant to a court held ants. One of these strongmen, remarkable architectural mon- in the same Minsk Town Hall, Menesk, lived on the banks uments of the capital, the Red Volodkovich appeared drunk, of the River Svisloch. He built Roman Catholic Church. Its shot at the ceiling, wounded a watermill with seven wheels official name is the Church of one of the deputies with a sabre and milled stones on it rather St. Simeon and St. Helen. The and... left. Once, when he saw a than grains. Menesk had a building was erected at the be- funeral procession, he took the beautiful daughter, Menka; ginning of the last century by the musicians and led them to the many soldiers fell in love philanthropist and public figure, guardhouse, to entertain a friend. with her and went to serve Edward Voinilovich, in memory Minsk residents were especially with her father. Menesk was of his dead children. The first to indignant when Volodkovich not just a miller, he had his die was fourteen year old Sim- disturbed a mass by the respect- own squad and travelled at eon and, a few years later, the ed priest, Oblachinsky, in the night to protect his land. Peo- hope of her parents became mor- cathedral, which now stands op- ple came under his protection tally ill — the talented, beauti- posite the Town Hall. To take re- and settled there. In this way ful and kind Helen. According venge on the priest, who’d criti- the city of Mensk originated, to legend, before her death, the cised him, the nobleman brought and the saying remained in of a knight and the rib of the black fat lizards with dense Virgin appeared to her, holding musicians, gypsies with bears Belarusian folklore: ‘I won’t defeated dragon. scales which were caught a model of the church in her and even camels, to the square, go to Mensk from Vilnya, but Not so long ago, the riv- in the local river, instead of hands. Helen drew it from mem- The Minsk Times and rolled out barrels with free I’ll go along the Vilnya road erbed was dredged, but the cats and dogs. Such tales are ory and told her father that when Thursday drinks... everyone stampeded out to Menesk’. remains of the dragon were not unique. In the office of he built this temple, he would be September 26 of the church. Volodkovich was not found. It’s said howev- Ivan Samoilo, director of the able to visit it to calm his grief. 2019 somehow elected to the admin- Svisloch dragons er that somewhere, perhaps, Minsk nonclassical second- Construction was difficult, as istration of the city; helped by Dragons, or ‘tsmoki’, of other small dragons live un- ary school, at the beginning there was not enough money, Panie Kochanku sending his sol- two kinds lived in Minsk. der the fabled Nemiga River. of the last century there was but Voinilovich did not want diers to the meeting of the magis- One is the classic, fire-breath- A 16th century traveller, Bar- a stuffed example of such a to compromise. On November trates. In the end, the townspeo- ing, requiring the sacrifice of on Siegmund (Sigismund) lizard. The director said that 21st, 1910, a special red brick ple conspired against him, seized beautiful girls type. It had its Herberstein, drove through the lizard was not alone: the church was consecrated. The Volodkovich and sentenced him cave on the Vysokaya Gora, Minsk on his way from Rome Tatar children brought them square behind the church build- to death. Michal refused to run, in the area of today’s Yu- to Moscow and made a note to him, catching them in the ing today still bears the name of 10 although he was warned about bileinaya Square. However, that the citizens kept large Nemiga River. Edward Voinilovich. Belarusians beautify Baku Dinamo’s third By Igor Svetlov

Belarusian gymnasts

victory in a row SPORT win team bronze at 2019 Rhythmic Gymnastics Dinamo Minsk hockey World Championships and gain Olympic qualification players beat Finnish to Tokyo Jokerit in home match The 37th Rhythmic Gymnas- tics World Championships have of Continental Hockey completed in Baku. The world- League wide forum proved to be well represented, gathering about 300 By Arina Novikova Minsk team then consolidated gymnasts from 61 countries. their success with three more The participants competed The sportsmen played in goals. The match ended in fa- for 9 sets of medals, including round. To join the list of the national team of Belarus re- an equal struggle during the vour of Dinamo Minsk — 5:0. the team competition which also Games’ participants, the sports- mained without a medal. Arina first half. In the 27th min- This was the third victory of took into account the results of women needed to reach the top Tsitsilina, Anastasia Rybako- ute, the defender of our ‘bi- the Belarusian team in a row. the individual performance. In 16. The Belarusians managed va, Karina Yermolenko, Anna sons’, Kirill Gotovets, scored The Belarusians will play this category, Belarusian Yeka- the task admirably. Anastasia Shvaiba and Anna Gaidukevich to make it 1:0. His initiative the next match as part of the terina Galkina, Anastasia Salos was placed 14th (79,300 points) were close to winning in the fi- was supported by team for- Continental Hockey League and Alina Gornosko took bronze. and Yekaterina — 15th (79,000 nal event with clubs and hoop; ward Teemu Pulkkinen, with away, against Torpedo (Nizh- Belarus has waited for a medal in points) in the final standings. the judges awarded 29,100 the score turning to 2:0. The ny Novgorod). the team tournament for 4 years. On the next competitive day, points. The Italians (29,200) and The Belarusian team now boasts Yekaterina and Anastasia were Japanese (29,400) pushed the 168,550 points. Gold went to joined by our team in the group Belarusians to 4th position in the Russians, Dina Averina and Ari- exercises; the girls also won the final scores. Gold predictably na Averina, as well as Yekaterina right to go to Tokyo. Olympic went to the Russians (29,450). Selezneva: they earned 186,500 qualifications went to the top five In the competition with 5 points as a result of the qualifica- teams, without taking into ac- balls, the Belarusians earned tion in four individual events. Sil- count the results of the Russian, 25,800 points to occupy 7th ver was awarded to Israeli Linoy Bulgarian and Italian teams, place. Japan (29,550) won, Ashram, Yuliana Telegina, Nicol as they were already through followed by Bulgaria (29,350). Voronkov, and Nicol Zelikman to the Games. Arina Tsitsilina, The Russians were placed who earned 174,750 points. Anastasia Rybakova, Karina Ye- third, with 28,150 points. In the all-round competition, rmolenko, Anna Shvaiba, Anna The level of competition Yekaterina Galkina and Anasta- Gaidukevich and Arina Sush- at the 2019 Rhythmic Gym- sia Salos failed to win a medal chinskaya eventually took 4th nastics World Championships but qualified for the Olympic place out of 24 teams. In their in Baku was extremely high. Games 2020 in Tokyo. 24 of the first performance (with clubs and Against the increasing com- strongest gymnasts performed; hoops), the Belarusians received petition, the Belarusian gym- they won the right to participate 28 points. The event with 5 balls nasts now need to work on in the final of the all-round com- was judged at 28,400. their mistakes and prepare for petition following qualification In the group exercises, the a Tokyo rematch next year.

Vladislav Goncharov and Oleg Rubtsov Silver scored 52,070 points. Gold then went to Medal and Olympic qualification the American duo of Jeffrey Gluckstein At the World Wrestling jumps from and Alexi Shostak (52,540) and bronze Championships, held in was awarded to Japanese Daiki Kishi and Nur-Sultan, Irina Kurochki- trampoliners Ryosuke Sakai (50,790). na (57kg) won bronze and By Irina Sergeeva Olympic qualification In the battle for third place, Irina Ku- Belarusian athletes win two silver rochkina, who previously defeated Russian medals at the Trampoline Gymnas- Marina Simonyan (19: 8) in the play-off fight, tics World Cup in Khabarovsk, Russia left nothing to chance to the Polish athlete, Jovite Vladislav Goncharov won the first sil- Wrzeseni (4:0). That was the only medal earned by ver medal for the Belarusian national team the Belarusians at the World Wrestling Championships. with a score of 61,860 points in the men’s Having been defeated, Kristina Fedorashko individual competitions. Gold went to Chi- (62kg) and Maria Mamashuk (68kg) finished the na’s Gao Lei (61,895) and bronze was won tournament. Kristina Fedorashko lost to Henna by Russian Nikita Fedorenko (61,020). Katarina Johansson from Sweden (0:3), while Maria Another Belarusian silver was taken Mamashuk could not compete with German Anna in the synchronised trampolining, when Carmen Schell (6:8). ARENA  Olympic Channel ded- gery and become a multiple held in Beijing, from 4th-20th team competition. The Bela- icated a story to Belaru- world and European cham- February, 2022. rusian athletes also claimed sian gymnast Yekaterina pion, as well as a silver and bronze in the mixed relay with Galkina bronze medallist of the 2nd  Belarusian athletes took the duo of Anastasia Prokopen- European Games. first place in the team ko and Ilya Polozkov. event at the World Modern The 2020 World Modern  Organising Pentathlon Champion- Pentathlon Championships Committee of ship, hosted by Hungarian will be held in Xiamen, China. 2022 Winter Budapest In 2021, Minsk will host the team with great development Olympics in world forum for the first time. potential. We are starting the Beijing official- training process and are ready The Minsk Times  Darya Domracheva and ly presents the to share our many years of Thursday Belarusian gymnast Yeka- competition’s mascot her husband — Ole Einar experience with Chinese ath- September 26 terina Galkina became a char- It’s the Chinese’ favourite Bjoerndalen — sign con- letes,” the eight-time Olympic 2019 acter in the plot of a film on animal — a Panda named Bing tract with China’s National champion noted. the Olympic Channel. The Dwen Dwen. “With a suit of Olympic Committee to “We are glad that we have programme is dedicated ice, a heart of gold and love for Winning a total of three train its national team for every chance of success,” said to the return of Yekaterina all winter sports, this Panda is awards, Olga Silkina took gold 2022 Winter Olympics in the four-time Olympic cham- Galkina to the big sport after ready to share the true spirit of in the individual champion- Beijing pion. Darya Domracheva will heart surgery, which the titled the Olympics with the world,” ship. In addition, along with “We are pleased to an- train the women’s team, and gymnast suffered during ado- said the press service of the Anastasia Prokopenko and Iri- nounce the start of co-opera- Ole-Einar Bjoerndalen took lescence. The young girl was Organising Committee. The na Prosentsova, they became tion with the Chinese national the post of head coach of the able to recover from the sur- Olympics are scheduled to be champions in the women’s biathlon team. This is a young Chinese team. 11 The Minsk Times AGENDA Thursday, September 26, 2019 Fest of the week

Dozhinki — the holiday marking the end of harvesting and honouring best grain growers — held in the Krupitsa agro-town of the Minsk District

EXHIBITIONS THEATRES NATIONAL HISTORICAL NATIONAL CENTRE BOLSHOI OPERA AND BALLET YANKA KUPALA THEATRE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS THEATRE OF BELARUS 7 Engels Street 12 Karl Marks Street 47 Nezavisimosti Avenue 1 Parizhskoy Kommuny Square 26.09. Harvest / School of Taxpayers Until 29th September. City Dear to My Until 29th September. Polesie Elegy. Lost 26.09. Spartacus 27.09 and 03.10. Inspector Heart Land 27.09. Figaro’s Wedding 28.09. ART Until 15th October. Moisey Nappelbaum: Until 29th September. Collection by Irina 29.09. Little Prince / With Song in Life 29.09. Tolerance Portrait of the Epoch Shchastnaya 30.09. Tosca 30.09. Musical Night at Kupala Theatre: Until 6th November. Old and New: 18th 01.10. Artistic meeting with Tatiana Ales Kamotsky Century Russian Jewellery Art MUSEUM OF BELARUSIAN Shemetovets / Carmina Burana. Carmen 01.10. Hangdogs LITERATURE HISTORY Suita NATIONAL ART MUSEUM 13 M. Bogdanovich Street 02.10. La Traviata THEATRE-STUDIO OF CINEMA 03.10. Romeo and Juliet 20 Lenin Stree Until 24th October. Caucasus Works by Lev ACTORS Until 20th October. Space Pilgrim Tolstoy 33 Masherov Avenue MAXIM GORKY NATIONAL 26.09. Midnight Robbery MUSEUM OF BELARUSIAN YANKA KUPALA LITERARY ACADEMIC DRAMA THEATRE 27.09. Who Laughs Last CINEMA HISTORY MUSEUM 5 Volodarsky Street 28.09. Abduction of Yelena 26.09. Oscar and Pink Lady 30.09, 01.10 and 02.10. In Search of True 4 Sverdlov Street 4 Yanka Kupala Street 27.09. Edip Self Until 6th October. Exhibition of Sergey Until 12th October. Border Crossed Near 29.09. Twelfth Night 03.10. False Note Mikhalenko’s photos: Melancholy Minsk: 1921-1941 01.10. He and She 02.10. How to Become Rich MINSK CONCERT HALL NATIONAL LIBRARY ZAIR AZGUR MUSEUM- 03.10. Dangerous Ties 5 Oktyabrskaya Street OF BELARUS WORKSHOP 30.09. Sacred Family 116 Nezavisimosti Avenue 3 Zair Azgur Street BELARUSIAN DRAMA THEATRE 02.10. What Men Are Talking About th Until 5th October. City Contrasts Until 19 October. Exhibition 44 Kropotkin Street Until 17th October. City and Time of vernacular photography: Silk Velvet 27.09. A Crazy Woman MUSICAL THEATRE th th Until 7 November. September 17 1939: Season 01.10. Suffering from Common Sense 44 Myasnikov Street You Are From Western and I’m From 02.10. Doctor Raus’ Career 26.09. Ball at Savoy Eastern Belarus EXPIRIMENTUS 03.10. Grandfather 27.09. Jane Eire th Until 10 November. Doll Stories 9-517 Pobediteley Avenue 28.09. Wedding in Malinovka / Swan Lake Until 31st December. Organismus CONTEMPORARY ART THEATRE 29.09. Hello, I’m Charlie’s Aunt LIBRA 5 Oktyabrskaya Street 30.09. Dubrovsky 37 Nezavisimosti Avenue HOUSE OF NATURE 27.09. I Do Not Understand You! 01.10. A Stranger’s Letter Until 21st November. Not Only Banksy: 9A M.Bogdanovich Street 28.09. Dragon 02.10. Grooms street art from private collections Until 12th October. Best Toys from USSR 29.09. Memorial Prayer. Tevye and Golda 03.10. Kupala: Life Amidst Lightening

Marta Chvei 1,940, 1301 ISSN 1991-2978 1,940