Belarus traditionally celebrates Victory Day on May 9th — Fearlessness a holiday to remember the and heroism hard-fought battle for the reflected in vibrant, freedom and independence of the Motherland 2 eloquent images 9

PUBLISHED SINCE FEBRUARY 2003 NO. 18 (784) THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019 WWW.SB.BY

Torchbearer of the 2nd European Games Flame of Peace torch relay — Flame Olympic champion Yulia Nesterenko of Peace solemnly marched across the country The 2nd European Games torch relay has arrived in Belarus. The meeting ceremony was held at the Belarusian-Polish border at the international Varshavsky Most checkpoint.

The torch relay procession arrived The Flame of Peace torch relay began in the Republic after completing its on May 3rd in Rome and will finish on foreign stage. A torch lighting ceremo- June 21st with the solemn lighting of ny was held on the border, to follow the Olympic flame bowl at the central the Flame of Peace across Belarus, arena of the 2nd European Games, the completed by the 100m race Olympic Dinamo National Olympic Stadium. champion, Yulia Nesterenko. In total, the flame will travel through In Brest, the 2nd European Games 55 towns in 8 countries (Italy, Slova- flame arrived on May 12th-13th. The kia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, the torch was carried through the central Czech Republic, Poland and Belarus) streets of the regional centre to high- and the route stretches for 7,700km. light the large-scale event to residents 450 torchbearers, 100 volunteers and and visitors. Among the torchbearers 10 keepers of the flame will take part were well-known Belarusians, in- in the relay. cluding natives of the Brest Region. European Games II will be held in Minsk from 21st to 30th June at 12 sports grounds. More than 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will compete for 200 sets of medals in 15 sports. A day smelling of gunpowder and tasting of the bitterness of losses Belarus traditionally celebrates Victory Day on May 9th — a holiday to remember the hard-fought battle for the freedom and independence of the Motherland FOCUS

roes of the Soviet Union. Belarus lost more than half of its national wealth in the war. 209 cities and district centres were destroyed and burned. The human losses were huge. According to modern researchers, during the Great Pa- triotic War, 2.5-3m people died in Belarus. The contribution of Belaru- sians to the Great Victory and the defeat of fascism has been rec- ognised all over the world. The international conference — con- vened on April 27th, 1945 in San Francisco to establish the UN — decided to include the BSSR on the list of the founding countries of this international organisation. In Belarus, the memory of the Great Patriotic War has been By Vladimir Velikhov Minsk and Mogilev stood firm. over 140 punitive operations preserved throughout the post- On July 14th, Soviet ‘Katyusha’ ACCENT in Belarus, during which 5,454 war years. Minsk, the capital of This is not a mere holi- rocket launchers were used for The memory of our villages were completely or par- Belarus, was awarded the honor- day for Belarusians but also a the first time against the ene- soldiers has not only tially destroyed. The village of ary title of Hero City, in addition day of memory, deep respect my near Orsha. Resistance to Khatyn is a tragic symbol of the to 11 other Soviet cities, for its and gratitude to all those who the enemy in battles in Belarus remained on monu- mass destruction of civilians: mass heroism and courage in the brought the Great Victory clos- made it possible to disrupt the ments, obelisks and 149 inhabitants were killed, and fight against the aggressors. The er. Belarus honours the heroism German’s plans for a rapid of- mass graves: it lives 28 homes were burned. 618 vil- Brest Fortress received the title and fearlessness of the Mother- fensive against Moscow. How- on in the hearts of all lages shared the fate of Khatyn of Hero-Fortress. Other cities of land’s defenders — those who ever, despite their courage and Belarusians. The best and 188 of them have never Belarus received awards. Nu- believed in victory and fought heroism, Belarus was occupied proof of this is the been restored. merous obelisks, monuments, courageously for their land. The by the Germans by early Sep- traditional Belarus Re- There were about 250 camps memorials, and burial sites — whole country greatly appre- tember 1941. members! campaign. for Soviet prisoners of war and which number almost 6,000 in ciates the dedication of home After the start of the oc- 350 places of detention operat- Belarus — testify to the vic- front workers and all those who, cupation in Belarus, unprece- trolled by partisans from March ing in Belarus. Among them was tims of the war and the nation’s in the post-war years, raised the dented resistance to the enemy 1942 and, by early 1944, occu- the fourth largest death camp achievement. destroyed cities and villages was seen, both in its extent and pied a territory of 3,000 sq.km in Europe — Trostenets, where In the annals of Belarus there from the ruins. tenacity. The partisan move- (over 70,000 civilians were un- more than 200,000 people were has never been any other battle On May 9th, 1945, the So- ment became the main form of der the protection of 18,000 par- killed. 34.4m Soviet servicemen crueller than the Great Patriotic viet people achieved their vic- the national struggle; during the tisans). The Polotsk-Lepel zone — including over 1.3m Belaru- War, nor has there been a feat tory in the Great Patriotic War, war, over 374,000 partisans were was created in the autumn of sians and natives of Belarus — more significant than that of the The Minsk Times which lasted 1,418 days and involved, and the anti-fascist un- 1942 and, by late 1943, covered participated in the hostilities dur- Soviet soldiers who defended the Thursday nights and began, for Belarus, derground numbered more than 1,220 settlements and involved ing the war. More than 300,000 Motherland from the enemy and May 16 on June 22nd, 1941. In the first 70,000 people. Representatives more than 73,5000 civilians. of them were awarded orders saved mankind from Nazism. 2019 days of the war, enemy aircraft of different Soviet nations, as The area was liberated, and So- and medals for courage and her- The memory of the terrible war bombed railway junctions, well as anti-fascists from the viet power restored, overseen by oism. 444 soldiers were award- and the Great Victory cannot airfields, Brest, Grodno, Volk- European countries, battled in 16 partisan brigades and remain- ed the honorary title of Hero of fade; it is forever inscribed in ovysk, Baranovichi and other guerrilla groups alongside Bela- ing under the control of guerril- the Soviet Union, including 88 the history of the Motherland Belarusian cities. The border rusians. las almost until the liberation of members of the underground for every Belarusian family. The guards were the first to meet During the war, there were Belarus. and partisan movement. In Be- past tragedy and subsequent vic- the enemy, but none of the posts about 30 guerrilla areas the fas- Belarusians are one of the larus, 70 people became Full tory are an eternal source of pain surrendered to the invaders. The cists failed to occupy. The Kli- nations most affected by the Cavaliers of the Order of Glory and bitterness, pride and glory of 2 defenders of the Brest Fortress, chev area, for example, was con- war. The fascists conducted and 4 Belarusians are twice He- the Belarusian people. Memory of those who died for freedom President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko laid a wreath at the Victory Monument in Minsk By Olga Korneeva Committee, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Bela- Flowers were also laid at the rusian Orthodox and the Roman monument by the sons of the Catholic churches. Head of State. The ceremony was A minute of silence was ob- Alexander Lukashenko supports Belarus Remembers! youth initiative

attended by leaders of national served in tribute to the memory performance in Pobedy Square. Youth Union showed the Pres- and towns around the country, FOCUS government bodies, the National of those killed during the Great After the event, Mr. ident the Belarus Remembers! where others will be able to add Assembly, the courts, the Securi- Patriotic War. The Guards of Lukashenko talked to veterans album featuring photos and photos of their family members. ty Council and the Armed Forc- Honour of the Minsk Military of the Great Patriotic War, rep- brief stories about their fami- The book will take its place in es, law enforcement agencies, Commandant’s Office marched resentatives of the diplomatic ly members who fought in the the Belarusian State Great Pa- youth organisations and public past the guests. The event con- corps and youth. Activists Great Patriotic War. This album triotic War History Museum by associations, the CIS Executive tinued with a festive theatrical of the Belarusian Republican will be taken to different cities Independence Day. Events and heroes Belarus will of the past should remember never be forgotten

By Alexandra Potvorova complex — a monument to partisan glory — was unveiled Capsules containing soil on the site. from memorials and mass Soil from the grave of the graves of the Great Patri- Hero of the Soviet Union, sen- otic War laid in the crypt of ior officer of the medical service All Saints Church and medical instructor, Zinaida The event was organised Tusnolobova-Marchenko, was by the All Saints Church par- brought from Polotsk to the ish and the Belarusian Union crypt. In eight months of fight- of Officers. The laying of the ing on the Voronezh front, she capsules was timed to coincide helped 128 wounded to leave with the 75th anniversary of the battlefield. She was seri- May 9th celebrations in Brest the liberation of Belarus from ously injured and had her legs By Natalia Yemelyanova were killed, and they grew up in Victory, and it is not only the occupation. The ceremony was and hands amputated. After the the famine and cold of the first achievement of those people preceded by the annual divine war, she was active in public Future generations should post-war years. Just as much as who won (although they are, of liturgy in the church’s crypt, services in Polotsk, raising two know what price the nation the adults, they defended and course, the ones who brought us dedicated to the Great Victory children. paid for its independence built up our country,” the Presi- Victory), but it is our legacy,” he of 1945. The capsule now also Speaking at the wreath-lay- dent added. “The saddest pages said, adding that the idea of pre- The capsules contain soil contains soil from the Lidova ing ceremony on the 74th anni- in the sorrowful book of war serving the memory of the Great from the ‘Breakthrough’ me- Mound mass grave (Velizh in versary of the Great Victory, the are the children’s concentration Victory is not new — especial- morial to partisan glory (Ush- the Smolensk Region) where President of Belarus stressed that camps. Thousands were sent ly for politicians. “It is natural, achi) where 1,500 partisans lieutenant pilot, Alexander it was on Belarusian soil that So- there but few survived.” every year it will be more diffi- and civilians — killed by fas- Mamkin, along with other viet soldiers debunked the myth The Head of State believes cult as time is inexorable and the cists on May 4th and 5th, 1944 soldiers, saved a group of of the invincibility of the mili- that ‘anyone in Europe today human memory cannot remem- when breaking the blockade — children before losing his life. tary machine of the Third Reich. who promotes neo-Nazi rallies ber everything. We need to think were buried. The Polotsk-Lep- Together with three other pi- “They fought for the Motherland. and marches for the elderly sol- about how to preserve the key el guerrilla zone is one of the lots, he evacuated the children They defended to the death near diers of the SS battalions should principles which make us human largest resistance zones seen from Polotsk orphanage No.1, Minsk and Mogilev, on the banks come to Belarus and visit Krasny and focus on the future,” he said. during the Great Patriotic War; which was in the German oc- of the Dnieper and Berezina, and Bereg where there was a concen- Mr. Lukashenko stressed the called the Partisan Republic. It cupied garrison in Belchit- each line of defence for the en- tration camp — to hear a high- need to take measures at state covered an area of over 3,000 sy. A punitive operation emy was a Brest Fortress,” said pitched scream and see the me- level to pass on the knowledge, sq.km and included 1,220 set- was planned, and the pilots the Head of State. “Grief affected morial to unfulfilled childhood experience and memory of the tlements and about 80 thousand worked at night. During their almost every Belarusian family. dreams’. “The Great Victory is events of the Great Patriotic civilians. Ushachi was consid- last flight, on April 11th, 1944, Two-thirds of those killed during the unconditional triumph of War from the older generation ered the capital of the area. the lieutenant’s plane was shot the war years were civilians. The life over death. Our future gen- of young people. In his meet- From December 1943 — Feb- down. He managed to land the terrible genocide suffered by the erations should know what price ings with young people he said ruary 1944, the fascists made 5 plane with the children and The Minsk Times Belarusian people is well known, our people paid for their freedom he often asks them whether we unsuccessful attempts to clear wounded partisans but was Thursday in places such as Khatyn, Dalva, — for good, peace and justice, are capable of remembering. “In partisans in the Polotsk-Lepel seriously wounded himself May 16 Ozarichi, Shunevka, Trostenets. so that this will never happen the vast majority, I believe they zone. On April 11th, 1944, a and later died. In nine flights, 2019 There is no end to this tragic list.” again,” stressed Mr. Lukashenko. are.” he said. His confidence is large-scale punitive operation Alexander Mamkin saved 80 Mr. Lukashenko especial- The President believes that supported by events held in Be- began, and battles continued children. The main parts of the ly noted the fate of the children to preserve the memory of the larus with the participation and for 25 days. On the night of rescue operation were filmed of the war. Today, these elderly Victory, we must remember it on the initiative of young people May 4th-5th, the partisans by special groups of Moscow people are living testimonies and ourselves and teach our children. — in particular, the Belarus Re- made a breakthrough in the ring cameramen. Some of the films witnesses to the atrocities of the “Wherever possible, we should members! campaign, which was of fire and liberated 15,000 ci- have been preserved and are occupiers. “The witnessed recall show our children — even those devised here and spread to other vilians. In the summer of 1974, now kept at Moscow’s State how their relatives and friends who are small — that this is our countries, under other names. the ‘Breakthrough’ memorial History Museum. 3 Symbols of our Independence On the second Sunday of May, the country celebrates the Day of State Emblem and State Flag of Belarus. Traditionally, meetings and concerts dedicated to the celebration are held in all regions. Prague is the Czech capital brated with a concert by local artistic groups. In Vitebsk, a traditional meeting took place in Pobedy Avenue. A solemn Avenues for flag raising ceremony was organised near the Order of Victory memorial. The best sportsmen carried a flag and further bilateral a torch lit on Pobedy Square near the Eternal Flame. A Belarus & World solemn state flag raising cer- work outlined emony was also celebrated in Mogilev. Belarus and Czech Republic Meanwhile, lectures and plan to bolster industrial and movie screenings were organ- By Svetlana Yevgenieva public organisations and veter- ised in many schools, while scientific contacts ans of the Great Patriotic War. libraries hosted specialised ex- By Natalia Yemelianova discussed prospects for co-op- On State Flag Square in In Brest, the State Emblem hibitions devoted to the state eration and possible problems. Minsk, a red and green 98m² and State Flag Day was cele- symbols. The issues were high on They also held a plenary ses- ornamental flag was raised to the agenda at the 11th session sion of the commission to the height of 70 metres on the President Alexander Lukashenko congrat- of the Belarusian-Czech com- discuss liaisons in the area of flagpole. Here, the symbols of ulated Belarusians on the State Emblem and mission on economic, indus- power and mechanical engi- independence create a single ar- State Flag Day. His message read: ‘These are trial, scientific, and technical neering, agriculture, science chitectural ensemble: the coat of symbols of the country’s sovereignty, which co-operation in Prague. Ne- and technology, innovations, B&W arms and the text of the nation- embody the national idea, reflect our glorious gotiations between Belarus’ finance, co-operation between al anthem cast in bronze. The history and centuries-old traditions and em- Deputy Foreign Minister — the chambers of commerce Pride of Our Motherland event phasise our self-identity and independence in Yevgeny Shestakov — and the and industry and the develop- was organised on the square, choosing our path of development’. The Head Czech Deputy Industry and ment of the legal base. gathering the combined pioneer of State noted that, being a link between gen- Trade Minister, Eduard Mu- A protocol was signed as a squads of the Minsk City Pio- erations, they unite Belarusians in the pursuit ricky, took place. result of the session which will neer Organisation, representa- of justice, good neighbourliness and peace. The two sides evaluated become a road map to guide tives of public authorities and the state of bilateral relations, work for the next year. Prospects depend on New experience comes with time beneficial partnership Chinese specialists plan to share Made in Belarus their experiences of the development large-scale of digital transport corridors with exhibition of Belarus. The idea is contained in the Belarusian goods agreement the Belarusian side signed hosted by Atakent with LOGINK (the National Public International Exhibition Centre Information Platform for Transportation in Almaty and Logistics) in Beijing.

By Svetlana Yevgenieva to interact with the company within the framework of the Igor Mikhailovsky, the Eurasian Economic Union, Director of the Applied to develop our transit inter- Software Systems Institute ests and take advantage of sented mockup models of its mentation and classification of the Belarusian Ministry other opportunities,” he said. By Olga Korneeva 90-tonne dump trucks. Such of mineral resources, and of Communication and In- “We are at the centre of Eu- machines are used in Kazakh- new materials and products formatisation, said, “We’ve rope. The Chinese market is The exhibition present- stan’s quarries. Belshina JSC based on them that have ap- signed an agreement with currently of great interest to ed Belarusian mechanical showcased a new line-up of plications in multiple areas, China’s largest logistics op- other countries, particularly engineering and mining, passenger car tyres, while the including space and aviation, erator LOGINK with a view in the fields of transit, and the petrochemicals and trans- Brest Electrotechnical Plant construction, medicine, de- to creating digital transport possibilities of accelerating port, household appliances displayed automatic devices fence and security. corridors, logistics systems, these processes and removing and food products, consum- for railways, communications The Kazakhstan-Belarus and further consultations. As as many barriers as possible. The Minsk Times er goods, new solutions and and telecommunications. Business Forum took place an institute which develops It becomes feasible within the Thursday medical tourism. Overall, These solutions are already in the Atakent International information systems, we’ve framework of digital trans- May 16 more than 300 brands from in operation along the Al- Exhibition Centre. Its par- signed agreements with po- formation. Once the largest 2019 Belarus were on display. maty-Anrahai-Chu railway ticipants discussed the state tential partners from various logistics operators of differ- In particular, the Minsk section and at the stations of and prospects for trade and countries, including China.” ent countries have normalised Tractor Works presented its the Atyrau Refinery. economic co-operation, joint He explained that the data sharing relations, then all agricultural machinery adapt- The exhibition was an projects and mutual invest- Chinese company performs our digital corridors and fast ed for Kazakhstan. The BE- important showcase event ment, collaboration in the logistics functions over an transit will be implemented LARUS 921.3 tractor was for Belarusian solutions and manufacturing industry, fi- entire region and has signed as well as Belarus’ interests designed for gardening and knowhow. Visitors could see nancial support for exports agreements with foreign part- (since we are located between is much smaller than regu- Belarusian anti-tumour med- and liaisons in healthcare and ners. “They have a significant the West and the East),” Mr. 4 lar machinery. BelAZ pre- icines, equipment for frag- tourism. logistics network. We plan Mikhailovsky added. New plans in the light More payments of new oil situation to the treasury Belarus intends to start importing oil via By Oleg Bogomazov Wholesale trade is the Baltic or Ukrainian ports by the end of this most profitable sector of year as an alternative to Russian oil the Belarusian economy — as stated by Finance. Ac- counting. Audit magazine

In 2018, this branch of the B&W economy accounted for about tioned air, construction, bev- Br3.5bn, or 14 percent of total erage production, information payments controlled by tax au- and communications, tobacco thorities. At the same time, the production, mining, coke and inflow of funds from this sector petroleum products were also slowed: growth was about 10 among the top 10. percent, compared to 25 per- Among the agencies, the cent in 2017. largest volume of payments to The activities of land and the treasury, according to the pipeline transport are placed tax authorities, was provided second — over 1.5 times be- last year by enterprises of the hind the leader. The industry is Belgospishcheprom Concern: the second as far as the number their taxes rose by almost 30

of contributors is concerned. percent, to reach Br1.5bn. The & World Belarus Retail trade occupied third Energy Ministry is placed sec- At seminar-conference position last year, embrac- ond (Br1.4bn) and Belneft- By Alexey Fedosov tan is closer to Baltic Sea ports, matter is always on the agen- ing the greatest number of tax ekhim’s companies are in third respectively it would be logical da. Everything will depend payers. Its contributions to the place (Br1.3bn). The top five At a seminar-conference on to consider Baltic Sea ports,” he on what our partners from the treasury rose by 21.6 percent. also include the Ministry of exporting products of the Bel- explained. Baltic States will offer. We are Economic activities such Transport and Communications neftekhim Concern to the EU, Mr. Grib added that Belaru- talking about 200,000-300,000 as provision of electricity, gas, and the Ministry of Communi- the Deputy Director General sian oil refineries can process 18 tonnes per month,” Mr. Grib steam, hot water and condi- cation and Informatisation. for Commerce of Belarusian oil varieties. In particular, they added. Oil Company — Sergey Grib can process oil from Azerbai- Earlier, the Deputy Chair- — said, “We intend to start im- jan, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria. man of Belneftekhim Con- porting this year.” In his words, He did not specify what import cern’s Board — Vladimir Sizov Promising joint the final decision on the alter- options were being discussed. — noted that Belneftekhim has native oil import route will de- Previously, the official had been working on diversification projects outlined pend on the trans-shipment and said that while searching for of oil supply routes for a while. transportation terms Belarus’ terminals in the Baltic States, It has already had experience neighbours will offer. “These Belarus will bear in mind the of bringing oil from various re- will be either Baltic Sea ports ability to import oil by sea. gions, gained possible partners or Odessa or a combination [of Buying assets in ports is also a and worked out the logistics of both]. The Mozyr Oil Refinery good idea taking into account bringing alternative oil to the is closer to Ukraine. It is quite the search for alternative ways Belarusian refineries using the possible that alternative oil will to import oil after the Rus- capacities of seaports, pipelines be delivered via Ukraine. Naf- sia’s tax policy. “Actually, this and railway transport. Belarusian brands featured at Zimbabwe exhibition of the biggest annual shipments By Kristina Yurieva joint projects in mechanical sold to a non-CIS country. engineering and discussed Minsk Tractor Works Bangladesh likely to the possibility of using Be- demonstrated its BELARUS attract Belarusian spe- larusian specialists and tech- tractors for agricultural and mu- cialists and technology nology to develop the in- nicipal purposes. The company for infrastructure devel- frastructure in Bangladesh. has been actively co-operating opment Belarusian representatives with Africa, considering the The possibility of using confirmed their readiness for rapid development of the agri- Belarusian specialists and a considerable increase in cultural sector in the region. In technology for infrastructure supplies of road-construction, 2018, they signed a major con- development in Bangladesh farming and freight machin- tract with their Zimbabwean was discussed at the first ery to Bangladesh, including partners. meeting of the Belarus-Bang- after-sales maintenance,” Taking part in the exposi- ladesh joint commission held said the Ministry, noting also By Svetlana Savelieva BelAZ exhibited mining tion was also the Sohra group at the Belarusian Foreign that our Bangladeshi part- trucks that can transport heavy of companies — a maintenance Ministry, under the chair- ners have shown interest in Made in Belarus expo on rocks from deep mines and contractor and supplier of Be- manship of Belarus’ Depu- adopting Belarusian technol- show at Zimbabwe Interna- quarries and are capable of op- larusian mining machinery, ty Foreign Minister, Andrei ogy and training specialists in tional Trade Fair 2019, be- erating in different climatic con- trucks, tractors, special-purpose Dapkiunas, and Bangladesh’s agricultural mechanisation, ing held for the 60th time ditions: from -50°C to +50°C. It machinery and other products to Minister of Commerce, Tipu including potato growing and The Belarusian pavilion fea- presented trucks with a payload Africa. Munshi. the processing of agrarian tured companies such as BelAZ capacity of 55 tonnes and 130 Zimbabwe is now viewed as The parties discussed ways products, medical education and Minsk Tractor Works, as well tonnes, front-end loaders and an important partner for Belarus to increase mutual trade. They and research, nuclear security The Minsk Times as an information stand about the all-wheeled bulldozers intended in the South-African region. In also commented on the way and high-tech manufacturing. Thursday economic potential of Belarus. for the mechanisation of loading, line with agreements reached the economies of Belarus and The Bangladeshi del- May 16 The Minister of Industry and digging and excavation opera- between the presidents of Be- Bangladesh complement each egation also met with the 2019 Commerce of Zimbabwe, Man- tions in open quarries, and water larus and Zimbabwe, the two other, which creates great op- Chairman of the Council of galiso Ndlovu, attended the stand, sprinkling vehicles aimed at wa- countries plan to bolster ties portunities to build on mutual the Republic, Mikhail Myas- to be taken on a 3D tour of the tering open pits. in such areas as the mining in- supplies of industrial goods nikovich, to discuss the bilat- BelAZ plant using VR glasses. From 2014, Zimbabwe has dustry, agriculture and energy, and agricultural products, in- eral partnership, including a These allow the viewer to see the been one of the most promising including highways and rail- cluding food. new contract for the delivery manufacturing process of rock markets for BelAZ. In 2017, the roads, construction, transport “The bilateral commission of $100m of equipment to haulers from start to shipment. plant delivered 52 vehicles, one and logistics. outlined the most promising Bangladesh. 5 New bridges Diverse partnership spread it to other countries. These areas are examples of where Belarus can count on that unite the UN’s assistance.” Apart from projects de- In France, a monument to the female signed for the entire country, the United Nations Organi- partisan detachment, a third of whom sation works hard at the level of small towns. According to were Belarusians, will be unveiled the UN representative, the re- at the Embassy in district committee of the Com- gions are interested in getting Moscow on the munist Party of Belarus. Rosalia By Olga Korneeva involved in initiatives, in nam- 75th anniversa- Fridzon, from the guerrilla bri- ing their priorities and growth ry of the liberation of gade, was arrested at the safe Belarus can rely on UN points. “The European Union, Belarus and its subsequent erec- house in Minsk and sent to the assistance with health- the UN and the UNDP are busy tion in France, will contribute camp. Having fled and formed care and environmental implementing a major pro- to the strengthening of friend- an international partisan female protection gramme for the development of ly international relations, the squad, the Belarusians, along The UN Resident Co-or- small and medium businesses. preservation of historical truth with all the participants, made dinator in Belarus, Joanna New opportunities for self-re- about the joint fight against fas- an oath which became widely Kazana-Wisniowiecki, said, alisation are being made avail- cism, the participation of com- known in France after its lib- “In the future, we intend to able thanks to the project,” she patriots in the French guerrilla eration: ‘In fulfilling my duty take care of matters concern- noted. forces (called ‘maquis’), and to the Motherland, I pledge to ing gender equality and the Belarus is a founding mem- their exploits in the liberation selflessly serve the interests of counteraction of domestic ber of the organisation and the of Europe. the French people, on whose violence. We will also pay at- UN office in Belarus was estab- By agreement with the side I defend the interests of my tention to healthcare matters. lished in autumn 1992. Since leadership of the city of homeland. I will do my best to There are additional plans to then, UN agencies, foundations Thiel, the unveiling of the protect my French brothers in develop projects in the area and programmes have worked bronze monument will co- the struggle against the com- of climate and environmental in Belarus jointly to satisfy the incide with the date of the mon enemy’. protection. Belarus has man- needs of the nation’s develop- liberation of France. “We hope Nadezhda Lisovets and aged to preserve its swamps. It ment and improve the econom- that it will take place with the Rosalia Fridzon became lieu- is a unique experience on the ic and social conditions of Be- participation of the Belarusian tenants of the French army and worldwide scale. We will help larusians. and Russian diplomatic missions received awards; after the war, By Alexander Pimenov in this country. The monument, they returned to Belarus. In in the form of a three-metre tall 1966, at the request of French The presentation of the female figure with a carbine in its President Charles de Gaulle, Everything united ‘Motherland’ monument — hands, will be installed on the site while on a visit to the USSR, erected in the French city of Thiel where the concentration camp the Belarusian-French heroines in a single strategy on the anniversary of the libera- was situated (from which the were summoned to Moscow to tion of France from Nazi occupi- prisoners fled). In this camp, the meet him. There, the famous Ambassador Extraordinary and ers — was held in the Business Nazis developed an underground French General gave them their and Cultural Complex of the Em- plant producing FAU rockets, honours. Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to bassy of Belarus in Russia. which they then fired at the UK. The Motherland project Belarus, H.E. Mr. Igor Kizim, This is a project to the mem- For many, those mines became includes not only the creation ory of a unique and single female a mass grave... Today, when the and installation of a monument sees only positives in the guerrilla group of 37 women truth about the Great Victory is in France, but also the making from the USSR and Europe, who being revised and distorted, we of a documentary film directed advancement of Belarusian- fled from the Hérouville concen- need to work together, preserving by Mikhail Matrosov. It focus- Ukrainian tration camp in France. “A third the old and creating new bridges es on the search for the remains

Belarus & World of them were Belarusians,” says that bring peoples together,” said of soldiers of the Great Victory, relations – Senior Advisor and Head of the the creator of the monument, their burial and the creation of Business and Cultural Complex People’s Artiste of Russia, sculp- memorials to military glory, he stated to — Vasily Chernik. “A separate tor Vladimir Surovtsev. through the prism of Vladimir reporters after combat group of the female guer- Nadezhda Lisovets was sent Surovtsev’s creativity. Monu- rilla group, whose commanders to the Hérouville concentration ments by the sculptor are found meeting top were Belarusian girls, Nadezhda camp from Minsk, where she in sixteen countries around the Lisovets and Rosalia Fridzon, oversaw a safe house for un- world. His father took part in the officials of joined the European Resistance derground resistance members liberation of Belarus and was the Vitebsk Forces fighting France.” and partisans and liaised with awarded the Order of Glory for Mr. Chernik noted that the the ‘Avenger’ guerrilla group the breaching of the Zapadny Regional presentation of the monument and Logoisk’s underground Bug River near Brest. Executive

Committee Igor Kizim B&W Vacancies for the over-50s By Natalia Yemelyanova er the new Ukrainian Presi- By Svetlana Yevgenieva dent, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, According to Mr. Kizim, might visit this year’s Slavi- Minsk’s Centre of Active Ukraine has come up with a anski Bazaar in Vitebsk as the Longevity plans to im- precise strategy for advancing former Ukrainian leader, Le- plement a startup for the relations with many countries, onid Kuchma, had previously. employment of pensioners including Belarus, in recent Mr. Kizim stressed that, as an The idea is that the Centre will years. He said he saw no rea- ambassador, he is interested in act as a link between employers sons to change the strategy any contact between the two and their future employees — ex- after a new Head of State was countries at the top level, since perienced and active people over elected. “As an ambassador, they mobilise resources and in- 50 years old, on a regular basis. I’ve analysed all the possible crease the strength of munici- The Minsk Times Training and retraining to meet variants of the development pal authorities, usually having Thursday employers’ needs will also be of Ukrainian-Belarusian rela- a positive effect. “We are cer- May 16 conducted. tions and see only positives. tainly not opposed to the idea. 2019 The idea was prompted by Furthermore, I take pride in If an invitation is extended, we their experience when the institu- are active, then why not develop in this,” the Director of the Cen- the fact that, with our co-oper- will consider it,” said the Am- tion acted as a partner to the Sen- a detailed professional plan for tre says. “Employment projects ation, everything is falling into bassador. ior Specialist project — becom- yourself up to 65-75 years and in which we participate break place after a period of econom- Mr. Kizim met with the ing a platform for training future even beyond? Almost all our stereotypes that life stops after ic downturn. In 2018, Belaru- Vitebsk Regional Executive administrators for a network of customers want to develop and retirement and show people new sian-Ukrainian trade was close Committee’s Deputy Chair- pharmacies. learn something new, as they opportunities. Of course, it will to $5.5bn. We hope the growth man, Vladimir Penin, in “I believe that life is just be- plan to stay in demand as long as take time to overcome ageism, will continue.” Vitebsk, to discuss prospects 6 ginning at the age of 50. If you possible. Our task is to help them but we are ready to work on it.” The reporters asked wheth- for interregional co-operation. Skills of telling the truth about one’s contemporaries International Mass Media in Belarus Specialised Exhibition held for the 23rd year in a row bekistan, the Baltic States and By Vladimir Mikhailov others were represented. The mass media of the Belarusian The forum gathered more than 50 exhibitors representing the media of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States, Uz- bekistan and China. The success- ful development of journalism is one of the most important factors of information sovereignty. This was noted in the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashen- ko’s greeting to the participants of the Mass Media in Belarus exhibition: his address was read at the opening ceremony by the Deputy Head of the Presiden- tial Administration — Vladimir Zhevnyak. In turn, the Informa- tion Minister, Alexander Karly- ukevich, emphasised that each

journalist must realise INSIDE their great responsibility to society. “The funda- mentals of journalism remain unchanged: un- conditional commitment to the facts, objectivity, impartiality, profession- alism, a thirst for self-re- alisation and creativity,” he said. The exhibition reflect- ed the entire spectrum of the information space of the country. It was at- tended by both print and audio-visual national and regional media, Internet services, news agencies, operators and distributors of cable television, dis- tributors of printed prod- Bright kaleidoscope of exhibition ucts and publishers. It was of the woks petition of Print Media were diaspora contributed to creat- a good opportunity for presented named. Awards went to winners ing a noisy, lively festival — journalists to meet with their col- lishing House stand attracted were extremely successful in in 23 categories. In total, over bringing together thousands of leagues, while visitors could get great attention. It represented a this regard. The joint stand of the 330 applications were received different professionals. Visitors to know and communicate with wide range of print and electron- Confucius Chair of the Belaru- for the competition this year. could not only see the state of the stars of radio and television, ic media, as well as online publi- sian State University of Physical The Mass Media in Belarus modern journalism and forecast journalists of news agencies and cations, which have begun to be Culture and the Chinese Embas- exhibition is an event for the its development, but also learn the print media. seen since last year’s innovative sy in Belarus invited its guests whole journalistic community. about many different aspects of Each of the exhibitors tried legislation. The Traditions of to participate in a traditional Speaking about its principles, our country in a short time, open to draw attention to their stand. Sovereign Belarus project was Chinese tea ceremony and re- Mr. Karlyukevich stressed that new pages in its past, be inspired The Belarusian Telegraph Agen- also presented — clearly show- ceive a master class in one of the there are unshakable, fundamen- by the beauty of the Belarusian cy treated visitors to partisan ing the sovereign path of the Chinese martial arts. About 40 tal principles in the journalist’s nature and get acquainted with porridge, while BelTA’s stand country and the cultural heritage Chinese publications and books profession, “This is an uncon- the surprising heroes of publica- presented unique archive foot- Belarusians have not only pre- were presented. ditional commitment to facts, tions and TV programmes. The age from 1941-1944. The 75 served but multiplied, within a On the eve of the 75th anni- objectivity and impartiality, pro- theme of the Small Motherland Moments of War photo exhi- quarter of a century. versary of the liberation of Bela- fessionalism, a thirst for self-real- is worthy of becoming a leitmo- bition — dedicated to the 75th The Pages of Belarusian rus, Belpochta held a promotion- isation and creativity. However, a tif not only for this, but for all anniversary of the liberation of Sports multimedia project was al event — Send a Message to a journalist cannot be a journalist future Mass Media in Belarus Belarus from Nazi occupiers — also unveiled; it’s dedicated to Great Patriotic War Veteran — with their mind alone. It is also exhibitions. did not go unnoticed. Among the the upcoming 2nd European on the fringes of the forum. Vis- necessary to realise their respon- There are an increasing num- shots were aerial photography of Games. Visitors were also able itors to the exhibition could sign sible mission… While honestly ber of interesting regional publi- The Minsk Times a burning Minsk after the Luft- to get the autographs of famous postcards and thank those who representing the life of society in cations every year and everyone Thursday waffe raids of June 24th-25th, Belarusian athletes taking part in contributed to the long-awaited all its diversity, not hiding prob- is always keen to admire the May 16 1941, the ranks of Soviet prison- the Games. Victory and peace in our native lems, but still focusing more on beautiful Belarusian landscapes 2019 ers of war, German equipment Those coming to the Bela- land. Letters to veterans with promoting a positive agenda, not and faces of our people — seen on the streets of the capital, the rusian State University’s Jour- kind and warm wishes would be to destroy but to create.” in the photo exhibition My Na- victorious hoisting of the banner nalism Department stand could delivered free of charge through- Overall, about 500 print, tive Land, dedicated to the Year over the Brest Fortress, a joyful see the Unique Belarus photo out Belarus. audio-visual and electronic of the Small Motherland and tak- meeting of liberators and sorting project initiated by students. The main intrigue of the me- media, national and region- ing up a large part of the space debris in the ruined capital on the The essence of the project is that dia festival was resolved during al publications of newspapers at BelExpo. Guests of the forum present Nezavisimosti Avenue. beautiful pictures can be created the forum: the winners of the and magazines from Belarus, spent a considerable time in en- The Belarus Segodnya Pub- just using a mobile phone. Many Golden Letter National Com- Russia, Ukraine, China, Uz- joying the exhibition. 7 Fake news can cause ‘irreversible damage’ Fake news that generates headlines can push down a company’s stock price and set off a public relations nightmare that is, in many cases, irreversible Now, many companies are striking back, hiring third-party firms with an army of human monitors and the latest artificial intelligence to trawl social and traditional media in search of viral posts that could send shares into a downward spiral. “Containing the spread of disinformation, especially for a brand or public figure under at- tack, is a race against time,” said Jean-Claude Goldenstein, found- er of Creopoint, which tracks disinformation in social media. “It takes preparation to put out specific fires in their tracks, way before they grow into wildfire and cause irreversible damage.” WORLD EU leaders gather Social media has also been blamed for a dip in tourism in France, after ‘yellow jacket’ protests by social activists were for informal summit magnified in videos shared on EU plans for life after unpredictable,” asserted Donald will come in June, when we will EU. YouTube that gave the impres- Brexit and the tussle for Tusk, President of the European adopt the EU’s priorities for the At a press conference after sion the destruction was more top jobs at Sibiu summit in Council. next five years, also known as the sitting, EC President Jean- widespread than previously Romania EU leaders discussed the the strategic agenda,” added Mr. Claude Juncker conceded that it believed. “It already impacted EU leaders focused on stra- EU’s next strategic agenda for Tusk. was the easiest European Coun- potential customers who usual- tegic plans for the Union in the the period of 2019-2024. They The strategic agenda will cil he has ever attended. Praising ly come to France,” said Diego coming years. They also agreed exchanged views on the chal- be used to plan the work of the the Romanian Presidency and Diaz, the Head of SNCF Inter- to meet again on May 28th, 2019, lenges and priorities for the EU. European Council and form the especially the President of the national. “The violence and fires in Brussels to discuss the out- The discussions in Sibiu were basis for the work programmes country, Klaus Iohannis for the were exaggerated.” He also not- come of the European Parliament based on the leaders’ agenda note of the other EU institutions. As preparation of the event ‘in the ed that while the protests affected elections. “We talked both about prepared by President Tusk and the summit took place on Europe best possible way’, he referred tourism and train ticket cancella- internal affairs as well as global were divided in two parts: one on Day, the heads of state or govern- to another reason as well — that tions, the company was also neg- challenges, bearing in mind that the external dimensions and one ment adopted the Sibiu Declara- ‘there was no urgent decision to atively affected by false claims the world around us is becom- on the internal dimensions. tion as a sign of their unity and take’ and that this meeting was that train travel was free for ing increasingly changeable and “The result of this discussion confidence in the future of the a trial run for the June session. those wearing yellow jackets. Ford in criminal probe over emissions

A criminal investigation opened into the way Ford tests the emissions of its vehicles The US Department of Justice took action after Ford alerted the US Environmental Protection Agency to potential problems in February. Ford said the issue did not involve the use of defeat devic- Artificial intelligence to kill es, which were at the centre of the emissions scandal involving Volkswagen in 2015. VW was developing world growth found to have used software that could cheat emissions tests. Artificial intelligence (AI) and leapfrog ahead. But many are rules-based and repetitive, Emissions testing in the US could displace millions of are becoming increasingly con- and which do not require great has two parts: testing on the cannot provide assurance that it jobs in the future, damag- cerned that AI will, in fact, block dexterity or empathy. road and computer modelling. will not have a material adverse ing growth in developing the traditional growth path by In developed economies, for The modelling generates mile- effect on us,” Ford said in a fil- regions such as Africa, says replacing low-wage jobs with instance, robots have replaced age and emissions data submit- ing with the Securities and Ex- Ian Goldin, Professor of robots. well over half of the jobs in the ted to regulators. change Commission. The Minsk Times Globalisation and Develop- As Kai-Fu Lee, a Bei- car and related industries in re- Ford employees raised con- Ford has commissioned Thursday ment at Oxford University jing-based venture capitalist cent decades. Automated sys- cerns about the computer mod- outside experts to investigate May 16 Perhaps the most important who invests in artificial intel- tems are already getting higher elling and, in particular, the its testing procedure, a process 2019 question a research group at ligence, says AI is potentially customer satisfaction ratings figures Ford engineers used for which is expected to last several Oxford University has looked at the most revolutionary technol- than people in call centres, road load, which involves the months. is whether AI will pose a threat ogy to emerge this century. It is threatening a key source of jobs weight of the vehicle and other Regulators have been pay- — or provide new opportunities also, along with the associated in many countries. data. ing closer attention to emis- — for developing regions such technologies of machine learn- Similarly, AI enabled sys- “We are fully co-operating sions testing since the scandal as Africa. ing and robotics, advancing at tems are leading to significant with all government agencies. involving Volkswagen emerged Optimists say that such plac- breakneck speed. job losses in back-office admin- Because this matter is still in in 2015. es could use rapidly advancing Already AI has the capacity istrative functions in banking, the preliminary stages, we can- Materials prepared with aid 8 AI systems to boost productivity to replace many work tasks that health, insurance, accounting. not predict the outcome, and we of information agencies At National Art Museum’s exhibition halls Fearlessness and heroism reflected in vibrant, eloquent images At the National Art Museum, significant space is given to works dedicated to the heroism of soldiers during the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War

the war. Among them are Le- onid Osedovsky’s Ballad of the A work by Leonid Shchemelev Mother, Vitaly Tsvirko’s Uncon- psychological, romantic or lyr- CULTURE quered, Yevgeny Zaitsev’s Stand ical. The war began to acquire to Death, Algerd Malishevsky’s a ‘human’ face. New artists not We Will Return, Natan Voronov’s only reflected real circumstanc- To the Memory of a Fellow Sol- es and actions of their charac- dier, Vitebsk Gates and Partisan ters but sought associations, Madonna, Viktor Gromyko’s conveyed emotions, yearned, 1941: Over Pripyat, Leonid rejoiced — expressing all these Shchemelev’s My Birth, Gavriil things on canvas. It naturally Vashchenko’s Breakthrough, opened an opportunity for artists Ivan Rei’s Thank You, Mother! to pass on their intimate thoughts and Vasily Sumarev’s Song of and feelings. Guerrillas. In the 21st century, the mil- kalov, Kon- These and other works about itary-patriotic genre is being stantin Zaslonov, Piotr the war became a requiem for further developed. However, the Kalinin, Piotr Kupriyanov, Ye- fearlessness and self-sacrifice, difference is that, earlier, the war Artist Svyatoslav lena Mazanik, Mikhail Silnit- heroism and tragedy. This is one was described from first-hand Fedorenko and exposition of his works sky and Grandfather Talash of the reasons why no-one who experience and artists purely (Vasil Talash). The deeds of sees the current exhibition leaves focused on their own memo- By Veniamin Mikheev Picture Gallery (the predecessor these heroes inspired the artists. untouched by its poignancy. ries. Now, they ‘read’ the topic of the National Art Museum of The exhibition also showcas- However, the theme of war, through associations — shifting The exhibition features Belarus) couldn’t be evacuated es works by Zair Azgur, Anatoly as a social but also a cultural it to historical issues, the courage paintings, drawings, sculptures in time and, as a result, most Anikeichik, Ivan Akhremchik, phenomenon, does not necessar- of people in the fight against the and decorative-and applied arts. pieces were looted or destroyed Andrey Bembel, Gavriil Vash- ily always require the pathos of enemy and depicting the joy of Most of them are from the mu- during the bombing and subse- chenko, Valentin Volkov, Alexey artistic language. It has always the Victory. seum’s collection, depicting the quent fires. Glebov, Viktor Gromyko, Alex- been close to the eternal prob- Nikolay Opiok, who heads events and victory in the Great Despite the harsh living ander Grube, Lev Gumilevsky, lems of good and evil, happiness a studio of military artists at the Patriotic War. On June 22nd, conditions, Belarusian artists Mai Dantsig, Yevgeny Zaitsev, and suffering, life and death, Defence Ministry, says, “Our 1941, Belarus became the cen- continued to work during the Arlen Kashkurevich, Raisa loyalty and betrayal — in short, task is not to lose the best that tre of military events and, in late war. They found other ways to Kudrevich, Pavel Maslenikov, everything that is a solid foun- was achieved by our predeces- August, the entire territory of the reflect reality in small sketches, Georgy Poplavsky, Mikhail dation for creativity of any kind. sors. We have no taboo topics, it Republic was occupied by the drawings from the front, posters, Savitsky, Sergey Selikhanov, An innovative interpretation of all depends on the abilities and Germans. However, in 1942, the cartoons and portraits. After the Vladimir Stelmashonok, Vitaly the topic in Belarusian art is seen courage of an artist. If someone Belarusian headquarters of the liberation of Belarus, many vis- Tsvirka and Leonid Shcheme- today as a result of the search for seeks to delve into history, they partisan movement was created ited the scenes of important mil- lev. In addition, the present the most relevant concepts, free should not search for exclusively at the Headquarters of Supreme itary events to create images of exhibition features works by creative rethinking of the tradi- spectacular moments. It is funda- Command in Moscow. No won- our war heroes. Belarusian artists who have not tional embodiments of the theme mental to show not only victories der Belarus was called a ‘par- The heyday of the military previously been represented of war. This will largely depend but also defeats, joy and pain, tisan state’. It was only in July theme in Belarusian art was the as part of the permanent show, on the professional skills and our strength, courage and brav- The Minsk Times 1944 that the country was lib- late 1940s-1960s. The museum’s but who also depicted an artistic intellectual experience of a new ery. It is necessary to be honest Thursday erated from the Nazi invaders. permanent exhibition includes chronicle of the war. generation of artists. with history and modernity.” May 16 This is a tragic chronology of paintings, drawings, sculptures The genres of the works at Undoubtedly, the war was a This is the modern creative 2019 that harsh and heroic time. and pieces of decorative-and-ap- the exhibition vary, including part of the biography of the old- view of that unforgettable time. The fate of Belarusian art plied arts dedicated to the pro- portraits, landscapes and the- er generation of artists. Many of True, an artist bears moral re- is closely connected with the tection of the Brest Fortress, the matic paintings. For several their works have become epic sponsibility primarily for them- course of military events. Some liberation of Minsk and images of decades, artists have been cre- stories — often built on the spe- selves and their own conscience artists went to the front, some soldiers who died during the war. ating allegorical and metaphor- cifics of real situations. Howev- for what they present to the pub- were evacuated, others joined Among them are Father Minay ical compositions, emotionally er, the farther away these events lic. The higher the bar of this the guerrilla movement. The (Minay Shmyrev), Nikolay Gas- and dramatically conveying the become, more often artists turn responsibility, the more truthful collection of the pre-war State tello, Lev Dovator, Alexey Danu- tragic and tense atmosphere of to imaginative interpretation: their work. 9 CULTURE

Organ duet of Yuri Gabrus and Varvara Tsaryuk believe music beautifies Truly organic duet Elite art organists speak of their concerts and restless fans By Kristina Glushko yourself in the melody, you editor], which create a vast soon be restored in the Upper muscles and shaved temples. can imagine being at a major range of tone. I love this Town. At present, the duo re- He has thousands of fans, Piano, violin, saxophone, concert, with dozens of mu- variety. Importantly, the in- hearse on an electronic organ, filling stadiums, so we can cymbals… The list of popular sicians playing. No wonder strument can tackle all styles which differs from the usual hardly say organ playing is musical instruments is huge, Mozart called the organ ‘the and genres. The first pieces instrument in having speak- endangered. It’s not ‘pop art’ but what about the organ? king of instruments’: it can were composed for the organ ers rather than pipes. but it remains relevant.” Immense in size and shroud- eclipse everything with its in the 14th century and new Yuri tells us, “The organ is Unfortunately, there are ed in mystery, the instrument power. compositions continue to be capricious, being susceptible no organ makers in the coun- has the power to captivate, written.” to changes in temperature, so try and those wishing to buy exerting its own hypnotic Dreams come true It might seem amazing, as it needs to be adjusted often. an instrument need to order trance. Our MT reporter re- Varvara is 26 and her we tend to think of the piano It also needs a large room, from abroad. “The cost is so veals its secrets, chatting to partner Yuri is 38 — but they as having more status, but with good acoustics, without huge that I’m afraid to say it Belarus’ only organ duet mu- look a decade younger. The Yuri tells us, “Pianists tend carpets or soft chairs. Ideally, aloud. Meanwhile, an elec- sicians. couple joke, “Music makes to play works from the era of you play in a white, empty, tronic version is about 5,000 us younger.” Varvara adds, “I Beethoven to Shostakovich. rectangular room without car- Euros, excluding delivery,” Music sounds dreamed of playing the organ Do you know a popular mod- pets...” With a mischievous notes Yuri. No matter how much you from childhood, as soon as I ern piano composer? Mean- smile, he adds, “And with no love pop music or hip-hop, the heard it in St. Sophia’s Ca- while, the organ has always one wearing clothes, since Journalist changes pro- power of classical rhythms thedral. At the music school I been a focus for mainstream they also absorb sound.” fession cannot be denied. Popular attended, there was an organ musicians — from Bach and Most people think of the I can’t leave without hear- modern songs rarely arouse and I always thought I’d play Handel, to Ciurlionis and organ as being an accompa- ing the organ play something, goosebumps or move us to it one day. As I learnt later, Yanchenko.” niment for a choir at divine and they invite me to try for deep contemplation. Meet- it actually needed repair, and services, but Varvara empha- myself. “Just don’t step on ing Yuri Gabrus and Varvara didn’t work, so my dream re- Capricious giant sises that all their concerts the pedals,” Varvara urg- Tsaryuk, it’s clear that music mained unrealised. It wasn’t Yuri and Varvara play for are ‘sell-outs’. “Most often, es, and I look down to see a is their life. Their recent per- until I joined the Conservato- the Philharmonic but, since we play at the Red Roman whole keyboard for the feet. formance of Sviridov’s ro- ry that I began playing.” there is no official organist Catholic Church and gather These create low register mance, inspired by Pushkin’s Yuri’s path was thornier, position, they play only un- a full house of three hundred sounds by pressing with your novel Blizzard, was magical. as he first took a diploma til 2pm, when they transform people. Both the older gen- heel or toes. To ensure a light The haunting melody of the to become a chemist. He’s into a unique duet, rehearsing eration and those aged 18-20 touch, dance shoes are rec- organ enveloped audiences both an organist and a choral their concert programme un- come, including fashionable ommended. in a veil, stilling them like a singer but never originally til late in the evening. bearded hipsters and IT spe- I recall my piano lessons mother’s lullaby. I was fasci- planned to study music pro- They met in the chamber cialists. Organ music is even and press some keys. Fortu- nated to watch the musicians’ fessionally. choir at the Philharmonic viewed as rather an elite taste. nately, Yuri has lowered the hands moving over one an- “I fell in love with the or- and although there are only a Most fans like its power and volume, as my first notes are The Minsk Times other, like the stems of a vine, gan when my mother received handful of concert organists volume, and how the instru- rather awkward. It only takes Thursday while their backs had perfect a record for her birthday, of in the country, having two in ment looks. In fact, very reli- a few minutes to feel more May 16 posture, swaying to the beat Baroque arias, featuring the a single orchestra is unneces- gious people don’t tend to go comfortable though and I’m 2019 of the music. As the registers organ at the Dome Cathe- sary. Accordingly, it was log- to organ concerts, thinking suddenly a ‘queen’ of organ changed, gentle melodies be- dral. I listened to it every ical to create a duet. the instrument is suited only music, at least for the first came thrilling rhythms, like a day for a year and was full Minsk has three true or- to playing psalms.” five bars of Beethoven’s To true blizzard. of admiration. The instru- gans: one at the Philharmon- Yuri adds that top or- Eliza. I’m happy to have Sviridov wrote the com- ment bewitched me. All or- ic hall, one at the Roman ganists tour worldwide, like tried, anyway! position for a whole or- gans are different, depending Catholic Church of St. Roch, Cameron Carpenter. “If you I’m unlikely to gather full chestra, with violin, cello, on where and when they’re and another at the Cathedral see this American artist, houses like our organ duet, flute, and trumpet. If you made, and the number of sets of the Blessed Virgin Mary. you’ll be shocked. He looks but their devoted fans are al- 10 close your eyes and immerse and manuals [keyboards — A fourth instrument may like a rock star, with strong ways ready to attend. Athlete’s village Ready to show awaits its guests our kind hearts By Vladislav Sychevich Members of the Belarus must look its best during Republican Organ- ising Committee the 2nd European Games — noted meet to consider catering for the 2nd President Alexander Lukashenko on European Games participants visiting the Student Village, which The Student Vil- lage in Malinovka has will accommodate participants of the been turned into a true sporting complex, with forthcoming competition the final touches being add- age chambers and cupboards. SPORT ed to the buildings. Thanks to Furthermore, all the necessary the builders, the rooms at the communications and air condi- hostel resemble a three-star tioning systems have also been hotel. This area will be used installed. The logistics of food as the Athletes’ Village dur- delivery has been thought out to ing the 2nd European Games, the last detail, with a crossway accommodating members of connection linking the kitchen official delegations and the ath- to the food pavilion. letes who are taking part in the The menu for the Games event. After familiarising him- participants primarily consists self with the reconstruction of of Belarusian products. Import- the Student Village, the Prime ed ingredients will be used only Minister was full of praise for if similar products aren’t man- the builders’ work. ufactured in our country. The On September 1st, students Directorate used a thorough will also be able to evaluate a approach when choosing food new facility that has appeared suppliers. In organising nutri- in the Student Village — a tion for the athletes, the task is pavilion where catering for to meet international standards. the athletes’ will be based. Moreover, around 900 person- Student Village ready to welcome guests Two hundred and sixty people nel, who will be involved in By Olga Korneeva ple. The compound will be used such events. “Our Games worked without a day off, en- the catering, have already been as the Athletes’ Village during should be heartwarming. We abling a food court for 2,000 carefully selected. The Head of State was the 2nd European Games and want all people in Belarus to to appear in just a few months, Chatting to journalists, the shown the facility’s readiness will accommodate the official enjoy it and know that it was on an empty site. The façade PM commented that everything for the Games. He was ap- sporting delegations — a total them who won the right to is made of sandwich panels is ready to welcome the ath- praised of the conditions for the of about 6,000 people. host this tournament and with stained glass. For a letes, “In record time, a food accommodation of the partic- The Head of State believes who have done much full fortnight, the ath- court has been built. Within ipants and the organisation of that Belarus will hold a suc- to make it succeed. letes’ food hall will three and a half months two fa- catering services for athletes. cessful Games at a high stand- Warm-heartedness be working day and cilities have been created, ena- One of the President’s main re- ard and will soon be happy to is in the mentality night. The kitchen bling us to provide food for up quirements had been to use as host larger competitions such of our people, it’s in is in the ice rink of to 2,000 athletes daily. We’ve many domestic products in the as the UEFA European Football their genes. We will the Specialised Chil- visited several hostels where catering and accommodation as Championship (although we show this kindness to dren’s and Youth Fig- the sportsmen will be staying possible. need a spacious national stadi- all who come to our ure Skating School of and made sure that all the rooms Mr. Lukashenko had insist- um for this, which our Chinese Games,” he stressed. the Olympic Reserve, have been refurbished, with ed that all the facilities built partners have already promised As far as the prepa- situated near to the new furniture installed. For for the 2nd European Games to build, along with a world- ration of Minsk for the student campus. The those who are tall, extra-long must be used effectively when class swimming pool). upcoming sports event is site, at 2,000sq.m, was beds have been prepared and, the event is over. The Student Mr. Lukashenko believes concerned, the President said divided into working zones overall, the rooms follow all Village compound consists of the number of sports grounds that Minsk is the ideal city for with the help of partitions. the requirements for accommo- nine halls of residence, able to is not as important as the spir- living and this is what guests These are equipped with ovens dation for the European Games accommodate over 9,800 peo- it and mood of people during should see. for cooking food, cold-stor- participants.” Track and field athletes announced to struggle Uncompromising battle Yevgeny for ten sets of medals Tikhontsov ranked By Svetlana Savelieva The total number of athletes 1st in his category will be 504. in the updated Athletics teams partici- Athletics competitions pating in 2nd European at the 2nd European Games IWF ratings Games in Minsk named will be held in a new format By Natalya Yemelyanova Taking part in the com- — Dynamic New Athletics — petitions at the Dinamo Na- DNA. The European Athletic The International Weight- tional Olympic Stadium will Association has approved lifting Federation has updat- be teams from 24 countries: changes to the competition ed the Olympic ranking of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, programme to hold nine types athletes participating in the The Minsk Times Czech Republic, Denmark, of medal events (individual selection for the Games in To- Thursday Spain, Estonia, France, Ger- and relay). A 10th, additional, kyo 2020. Belarusian Yevgeny Yevgeny Tikhontsov (96kg), In the women’s competition, May 16 many, Greece, Hungary, set of medals will be awarded Tikhontsov heads the under Vadim Likhorad (73kg), Pi- Darya Naumova (76kg), Ly- 2019 Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithu- based on the overall result in 96kg weight category, having otr Asaenok (81kg), Andrey udmila Psyshchanitsa (55kg), ania, Poland, Portugal, Ro- the team competition. previously held second place. Aryamnov (109kg), Edu- Suzanna Volodko (64kg), An- mania, Russia (those athletes The DNA format envis- Andrey Aryamnov, from Be- ard Zezyulin (over 109kg), astasia Mikhalenko (71kg) and cleared to compete by the ages competitions between larus, ranks fifth in his weight Igor Lozko (81kg), Gen- Dina Sazanovets (76kg) are International Association mixed participating teams, category, losing two places. nady Laptev (61kg), Vadim hoping for an Olympic place. of Athletics Federations), where all teams will be divid- The data was updated after the Streltsov (96kg) and Maxim In total, 478 women and Slovenia, Switzerland, Slo- ed into groups, starting with completion of the continental Mudrevsky (89kg) will com- 564 men will compete for vakia, Turkey and Ukraine. the qualifying round. forums. Overall, Belarusian pete for a place at the Games. Olympic qualification. 11 The Minsk Times AGENDA Thursday, May 16, 2019 Competition of the week

Yekaterina Poluyanova named Cycling Miss — 2019 at International Grand Prix Minsk Track Cycling Competition

EXHIBITIONS THEATRES NATIONAL ART MUSEUM VILNIUS GALLERY BOLSHOI OPERA AND BALLET YANKA KUPALA THEATRE OF BELARUS 55 Kalinovsky Street THEATRE 7 Engels Street 20 Lenin Street Until 27th May. Sacred Spring 1 Parizhskoy Kommuny Square 16.05. Love as Militarism / Seagull Until 21st June. Two Worlds of Russian Until 10th August. Yakub Kolas and Vilno 16.05. Festive Concert 17.05. Jeweller’s Jubilee Icon Painting: 17th century monuments 17.05. Aida 18.05. Tolerance from Russian Icon Museum (Moscow) MIKHAIL SAVITSKY ART 19.05. The Nutcracker 19.05. ART Until 30th June. Salvador Dali GALLERY 20.05. Bohemia 21.05. Harvest / School of Taxpayers Until 8th July. Travelling Along Rhine 15 Svobody Square 21.05. Orr and Ora / Masterpieces of 22.05. Night 23.05. Black Lady of Nesvizh Until 15th September. European Martial Russian Music NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM Arts. From Volcano’s Smithy to Mars’ Arts 22.05. Traviata 12 Karl Marx Street 23.05. Laurencia BELARUSIAN ARMY THEATRE 3 Krasnoarmeiskaya Street Until 30th May. Exhibition of party dresses: MUSEUM OF BELARUSIAN 22.05. Trouble of Tender Heart Invitation to the Ball MAXIM GORKY NATIONAL NATURE AND ECOLOGY 23.05. Last Ardent Lover 12 K. Marx Street ACADEMIC DRAMA THEATRE 5 Volodarsky Street PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY Until 1st September. Dangerous Beauty 18.05. Bridal Shower MUSICAL THEATRE OF BELARUS 44 Myasnikov Street 11 Sovetskaya Street FIRST RSDRP SESSION HOUSE- 19.05. Oscar and Pink Lady 21.05. Dangerous Ties 16.05. Life and Death of Yanka Kupala Until 2nd August. Killed Strongmen of MUSEUM 18.05. Wedding in Malinovka Belarusian Land 31a Nezavisimosti Avenue THEATRE-STUDIO OF CINEMA 19.05. Silva th 20.05. Casanova Until 7 July. Miraculous World Under ACTORS NATIONAL CENTRE Microscope 21.05. Stranger’s Letter OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS 13 Pobediteley Avenue 22.05. Gypsy Baron 16.05. Who Laughs Last 3 Nekrasov Street 23.05. A Thousand and One Night YAKUB KOLAS MUSEUM 17.05. Battlefield Until 2nd June. Disclaimer, or All 5 Akademicheskaya Street 18.05. Abduction of Yelena Characters Are Invented th CHAMBER DRAMA THEATRE Until 16 May. Divine Light Everywhere 19.05. Casting / The Same Place Next Year th 5 Frunze Street Until 5 June. Legends of Sun Stone 20 and 21.05. In Search on True Self NATIONAL CENTRE 16.05. Veronica Decides to Die 22 and 23.05. Mixed Feelings 22.05. Featherhead OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS TROITSKY SUBURBS 23.05. Corporate 47 Nezavisimosti Avenue 7A Bogdanovich Street YOUTH THEATRE Until 9th June. Knight’s Affair Until 2nd August. Live Singing Birds 17 Kozlov Street YOUNG SPECTATORS’ THEATRE 16.05. About Fedot — Archer 26 Engels Street CAT MUSEUM HIGH PLACE 17.05. Playing Happy Family / A Man from 16.05. Because of Dead Souls 23 Internatsionalnaya Street 2A Gertsen Street Podolsk 17.05. Savage Hunt of King Stakh Until 31st May. Cat and Spring Flowers Until 26th May. Interference 23.05. Sasha, Take Garbage Away 23.05. Belarusian Vaudevilles

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