Office for a Democratic Belarus International news on Belarus

teaser: 

Kazakhstan will support Belarus in getting the observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, over which Kazakhstan is presiding at the moment, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said after talks in Minsk on 14 May.
Nursultan Nazarbayev said: "Kazakhstan now presides over the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Belarus' desire to be an observer in this organisation will be fully supported".

body: 

Kazakhstan will support Belarus in getting the observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, over which Kazakhstan is presiding at the moment, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said after talks in Minsk on 14 May.
Nursultan Nazarbayev said: "Kazakhstan now presides over the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Belarus' desire to be an observer in this organisation will be fully supported".

The matter is also reflected in the joint statement signed by the presidents. The document underlines the affinity of views on key international and regional problems, confirms the adherence of the sides to joint actions to counteract slave trade, and expresses the desire of the sides to resolve global ecological problems, BelTA reports.

Belarus and Kazakhstan intend to vigorously cooperate within the framework of various integration associations and international organizations, including the United Nations Organisation, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Single Economic Space.

source name:  engnews.gazeta.kz source url:  http://engnews.gazeta.kz/art.asp?aid=362925

teaser: 

Kazakhstan will support Belarus in getting the observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, over which Kazakhstan is presiding at the moment, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said after talks in Minsk on 14 May.
Nursultan Nazarbayev said: "Kazakhstan now presides over the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Belarus' desire to be an observer in this organisation will be fully supported".

body: 

Kazakhstan will support Belarus in getting the observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, over which Kazakhstan is presiding at the moment, Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev said after talks in Minsk on 14 May.
Nursultan Nazarbayev said: "Kazakhstan now presides over the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Belarus' desire to be an observer in this organisation will be fully supported".

The matter is also reflected in the joint statement signed by the presidents. The document underlines the affinity of views on key international and regional problems, confirms the adherence of the sides to joint actions to counteract slave trade, and expresses the desire of the sides to resolve global ecological problems, BelTA reports.

Belarus and Kazakhstan intend to vigorously cooperate within the framework of various integration associations and international organizations, including the United Nations Organisation, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Single Economic Space.

source name:  engnews.gazeta.kz source url:  http://engnews.gazeta.kz/art.asp?aid=362925

teaser: 

The condition of rapprochement between the EU and Belarus is not only the fulfillment of the EU political requirements by Minsk, but the entry of Bealrus into the World Trade Organization. This is stated in the report on the priorities and orientations of the European Neighborhood Policy, submitted by the European Commission on May 15. "In addition to political obligations, the WTO accession is a necessary condition for improving trade relations between the EU and Belarus. Belarus applied for WTO membership in 1993, but progress in the negotiations has been limited and political commitment has turned out to be insufficient," reads the document, RIA "Novosti."

body: 

The condition of rapprochement between the EU and Belarus is not only the fulfillment of the EU political requirements by Minsk, but the entry of Bealrus into the World Trade Organization. This is stated in the report on the priorities and orientations of the European Neighborhood Policy, submitted by the European Commission on May 15.

"In addition to political obligations, the WTO accession is a necessary condition for improving trade relations between the EU and Belarus. Belarus applied for WTO membership in 1993, but progress in the negotiations has been limited and political commitment has turned out to be insufficient," reads the document, RIA "Novosti."

The report also says that Belarus stands for building a common economic space of Russia and Kazakhstan, and that the EU has suspended the regime of trade preferences with regard to Minsk.

In turn, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Fule, who presented the report, said that the EU would continue its policy of sanctions against the Belarusian authorities in response to the political repressions in the country, as he believes, and would also provide support to Belarusian civil society.

As Telegraf previously reported, May 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus held consultations with representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia on the accession to the World Trade Organization.

source name:  Telegraf source url:  http://telegraf.by/en/2012/05/es-vidvinul-esche-odno-uslovie-sblijeniya-s-belarusyu

teaser: 

The condition of rapprochement between the EU and Belarus is not only the fulfillment of the EU political requirements by Minsk, but the entry of Bealrus into the World Trade Organization. This is stated in the report on the priorities and orientations of the European Neighborhood Policy, submitted by the European Commission on May 15. "In addition to political obligations, the WTO accession is a necessary condition for improving trade relations between the EU and Belarus. Belarus applied for WTO membership in 1993, but progress in the negotiations has been limited and political commitment has turned out to be insufficient," reads the document, RIA "Novosti."

body: 

The condition of rapprochement between the EU and Belarus is not only the fulfillment of the EU political requirements by Minsk, but the entry of Bealrus into the World Trade Organization. This is stated in the report on the priorities and orientations of the European Neighborhood Policy, submitted by the European Commission on May 15.

"In addition to political obligations, the WTO accession is a necessary condition for improving trade relations between the EU and Belarus. Belarus applied for WTO membership in 1993, but progress in the negotiations has been limited and political commitment has turned out to be insufficient," reads the document, RIA "Novosti."

The report also says that Belarus stands for building a common economic space of Russia and Kazakhstan, and that the EU has suspended the regime of trade preferences with regard to Minsk.

In turn, the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Fule, who presented the report, said that the EU would continue its policy of sanctions against the Belarusian authorities in response to the political repressions in the country, as he believes, and would also provide support to Belarusian civil society.

As Telegraf previously reported, May 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus held consultations with representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia on the accession to the World Trade Organization.

source name:  Telegraf source url:  http://telegraf.by/en/2012/05/es-vidvinul-esche-odno-uslovie-sblijeniya-s-belarusyu

teaser: 

The State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine has lifted its ban on the import of dairy products made by nine Belarusian companies. Pursuant to an agreement concluded by a Ukrainian-Belarusian commission during a meeting on May 3, Rahachow Dairy Cannery, Shchuchyn Butter and Cheese Plant, Byaroza Cheese Plant, SVK Snow, Mazyr Dairy Products, Dairy Products, Savushkin Pradukt, Babulin Hladysh, and Bellakt are now allowed to supply their products to Ukraine.

body: 

The State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine has lifted its ban on the import of dairy products made by nine Belarusian companies.

Pursuant to an agreement concluded by a Ukrainian-Belarusian commission during a meeting on May 3, Rahachow Dairy Cannery, Shchuchyn Butter and Cheese Plant, Byaroza Cheese Plant, SVK Snow, Mazyr Dairy Products, Dairy Products, Savushkin Pradukt, Babulin Hladysh, and Bellakt are now allowed to supply their products to Ukraine.

On March 1, the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service imposed a temporary ban on Belarusian dairy products, citing excessive levels of antibiotics in them.

At the May 3 meeting in Minsk, the two delegations agreed that Ukraine would lift its restrictions on Belarusian exports of dairy products, as well as meat, while Belarus would remove its restrictions on Ukrainian beer.

source name:  naviny.by source url:  http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/05/15/ic_news_259_393109/

teaser: 

The State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine has lifted its ban on the import of dairy products made by nine Belarusian companies. Pursuant to an agreement concluded by a Ukrainian-Belarusian commission during a meeting on May 3, Rahachow Dairy Cannery, Shchuchyn Butter and Cheese Plant, Byaroza Cheese Plant, SVK Snow, Mazyr Dairy Products, Dairy Products, Savushkin Pradukt, Babulin Hladysh, and Bellakt are now allowed to supply their products to Ukraine.

body: 

The State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine has lifted its ban on the import of dairy products made by nine Belarusian companies.

Pursuant to an agreement concluded by a Ukrainian-Belarusian commission during a meeting on May 3, Rahachow Dairy Cannery, Shchuchyn Butter and Cheese Plant, Byaroza Cheese Plant, SVK Snow, Mazyr Dairy Products, Dairy Products, Savushkin Pradukt, Babulin Hladysh, and Bellakt are now allowed to supply their products to Ukraine.

On March 1, the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service imposed a temporary ban on Belarusian dairy products, citing excessive levels of antibiotics in them.

At the May 3 meeting in Minsk, the two delegations agreed that Ukraine would lift its restrictions on Belarusian exports of dairy products, as well as meat, while Belarus would remove its restrictions on Ukrainian beer.

source name:  naviny.by source url:  http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/05/15/ic_news_259_393109/

teaser: 

International rating agency Standard & Poor's improved the outlook on ratings of the Belarusian National Reinsurance Organisation ("Belarus Re"). As S&P reported to Telegraf on May 14, the forecast was changed from "negative" to "stable."
Simultaneously, the S&P affirmed a long-term counterparty credit rating and that of insurance company’s financial strength at "B-" level. Standard & Poor's explains that the improved outlook for "Belarus Re" ratings indicates that the Belarusian economy is showing signs of stabilization. According to the agency experts, they are caused by the liberalization of fx crisis, lower inflation and the return of deposits in the banking system.

body: 

International rating agency Standard & Poor's improved the outlook on ratings of the Belarusian National Reinsurance Organisation ("Belarus Re"). As S&P reported to Telegraf on May 14, the forecast was changed from "negative" to "stable."

Simultaneously, the S&P affirmed a long-term counterparty credit rating and that of insurance company’s financial strength at "B-" level.

Standard & Poor's explains that the improved outlook for "Belarus Re" ratings indicates that the Belarusian economy is showing signs of stabilization. According to the agency experts, they are caused by the liberalization of fx crisis, lower inflation and the return of deposits in the banking system.

However, the S&P note that the level of industry and country risks of Belarus is still high, while the credit quality of the investment portfolio "Belarus Re," by contrast, remains relatively low.

"These deficiencies are compensated by adequate capitalization of "Belarus Re," its competitive advantages arising from the monopoly position on the Belarusian market of reinsurance, significant regulatory functions, provided by the law, and reasonable operating results."

The international rating agency also believes that the recently made forecast will remain unchanged in the coming year, taking into account the current level of capitalization of "Belarus Re" and the positive results of the insurance business. Forecasts’ changing is possible only if increasing or decreasing long-term rating of Belarus on liabilities in national currency.

As Telegraf previously reported, April 18, international rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) informed about improving outlook of sovereign credit ratings of Belarus. Whereas previously the country's rating was a B-/ C "negative," now the rating agency gives a "stable" outlook, indicating stabilization of the economic situation in the country.

source name:  naviny.by source url:  http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/05/15/ic_news_259_393127/

teaser: 

International rating agency Standard & Poor's improved the outlook on ratings of the Belarusian National Reinsurance Organisation ("Belarus Re"). As S&P reported to Telegraf on May 14, the forecast was changed from "negative" to "stable."
Simultaneously, the S&P affirmed a long-term counterparty credit rating and that of insurance company’s financial strength at "B-" level. Standard & Poor's explains that the improved outlook for "Belarus Re" ratings indicates that the Belarusian economy is showing signs of stabilization. According to the agency experts, they are caused by the liberalization of fx crisis, lower inflation and the return of deposits in the banking system.

body: 

International rating agency Standard & Poor's improved the outlook on ratings of the Belarusian National Reinsurance Organisation ("Belarus Re"). As S&P reported to Telegraf on May 14, the forecast was changed from "negative" to "stable."

Simultaneously, the S&P affirmed a long-term counterparty credit rating and that of insurance company’s financial strength at "B-" level.

Standard & Poor's explains that the improved outlook for "Belarus Re" ratings indicates that the Belarusian economy is showing signs of stabilization. According to the agency experts, they are caused by the liberalization of fx crisis, lower inflation and the return of deposits in the banking system.

However, the S&P note that the level of industry and country risks of Belarus is still high, while the credit quality of the investment portfolio "Belarus Re," by contrast, remains relatively low.

"These deficiencies are compensated by adequate capitalization of "Belarus Re," its competitive advantages arising from the monopoly position on the Belarusian market of reinsurance, significant regulatory functions, provided by the law, and reasonable operating results."

The international rating agency also believes that the recently made forecast will remain unchanged in the coming year, taking into account the current level of capitalization of "Belarus Re" and the positive results of the insurance business. Forecasts’ changing is possible only if increasing or decreasing long-term rating of Belarus on liabilities in national currency.

As Telegraf previously reported, April 18, international rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) informed about improving outlook of sovereign credit ratings of Belarus. Whereas previously the country's rating was a B-/ C "negative," now the rating agency gives a "stable" outlook, indicating stabilization of the economic situation in the country.

source name:  naviny.by source url:  http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/05/15/ic_news_259_393127/

teaser: 

A delegation of NATO officials began a three-day visit to Belarus on May 14. The visit is taking place in the framework of the country's participation in the Planning and Review Process of NATO's Partnership for Peace program and in accordance with a 2012-2013 bilateral partnership and cooperation program, said the Belarusian defense ministry's press office.

body: 

A delegation of NATO officials began a three-day visit to Belarus on May 14.

The visit is taking place in the framework of the country's participation in the Planning and Review Process of NATO's Partnership for Peace program and in accordance with a 2012-2013 bilateral partnership and cooperation program, said the Belarusian defense ministry's press office.

The delegation includes representatives of NATO's secretariat, Allied Command Transformation and Allied Command Operations, as well as the military attaches of NATO member states who have been accredited with the Belarusian defense ministry

source name:  naviny.by source url:  http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/05/14/ic_news_259_393060/

teaser: 

A delegation of NATO officials began a three-day visit to Belarus on May 14. The visit is taking place in the framework of the country's participation in the Planning and Review Process of NATO's Partnership for Peace program and in accordance with a 2012-2013 bilateral partnership and cooperation program, said the Belarusian defense ministry's press office.

body: 

A delegation of NATO officials began a three-day visit to Belarus on May 14.

The visit is taking place in the framework of the country's participation in the Planning and Review Process of NATO's Partnership for Peace program and in accordance with a 2012-2013 bilateral partnership and cooperation program, said the Belarusian defense ministry's press office.

The delegation includes representatives of NATO's secretariat, Allied Command Transformation and Allied Command Operations, as well as the military attaches of NATO member states who have been accredited with the Belarusian defense ministry

source name:  naviny.by source url:  http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2012/05/14/ic_news_259_393060/

teaser: 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Belarus for his first foreign trip since starting a new Kremlin term this month, Kommersant reported, without citing anyone. Putin, who decided not to attend the Group of Eight summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama this week, will visit China on June 5-7 after talks with the European Union in St. Petersburg on June 3-4, RIA Novosti reported May 11, citing an unidentified government official.

body: 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Belarus for his first foreign trip since starting a new Kremlin term this month, Kommersant reported, without citing anyone.

Putin, who decided not to attend the Group of Eight summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama this week, will visit China on June 5-7 after talks with the European Union in St. Petersburg on June 3-4, RIA Novosti reported May 11, citing an unidentified government official.

To contact the reporter on this story: Henry Meyer in Moscow at hmeyer4@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Balazs Penz at bpenz@bloomberg.net

source name:  bloomberg.com source url:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-14/putin-to-make-first-foreign-trip-to-belarus-kommersant-reports.html

teaser: 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Belarus for his first foreign trip since starting a new Kremlin term this month, Kommersant reported, without citing anyone. Putin, who decided not to attend the Group of Eight summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama this week, will visit China on June 5-7 after talks with the European Union in St. Petersburg on June 3-4, RIA Novosti reported May 11, citing an unidentified government official.

body: 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Belarus for his first foreign trip since starting a new Kremlin term this month, Kommersant reported, without citing anyone.

Putin, who decided not to attend the Group of Eight summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama this week, will visit China on June 5-7 after talks with the European Union in St. Petersburg on June 3-4, RIA Novosti reported May 11, citing an unidentified government official.

To contact the reporter on this story: Henry Meyer in Moscow at hmeyer4@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Balazs Penz at bpenz@bloomberg.net

source name:  bloomberg.com source url:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-14/putin-to-make-first-foreign-trip-to-belarus-kommersant-reports.html

teaser: 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says people in Ukraine are living under dictatorship and repression just like those in its authoritarian neighbor, Belarus. Merkel's comments, made to parliament Thursday, come as Germany continues to pressure Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to ensure that jailed opposition leader and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko receives proper medical treatment.

body: 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says people in Ukraine are living under dictatorship and repression just like those in its authoritarian neighbor, Belarus.

Merkel's comments, made to parliament Thursday, come as Germany continues to pressure Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to ensure that jailed opposition leader and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko receives proper medical treatment.

"Today, we in Germany and the European Union, live in peace and freedom," she said. "This is unfortunately not the case throughout Europe, because in Ukraine and Belarus people are still suffering under dictatorship and suppression. We must never forget, however large the issues we are dealing with and however tiring certain party political disagreements can be, we must never forget the gift that we in the European Union and the Transatlantic organization have been protecting for the last 67 years. A gift of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and human dignity."

Germany has been leading Europe's critical stance on her case.

Tymoshenko ended her nearly three-week hunger strike on Wednesday after being moved from prison to a local hospital for treatment of chronic back pain.

President Yanukovych is facing growing criticism about her conviction and his government's refusal to let her travel to Germany for treatment.

Tymoshenko is serving a seven-year jail sentence after being convicted of abuse of office in a 2009 gas deal with Russia. She denies the charges. Western nations say they were politically motivated.

Some European Union member states have threatened to boycott the Euro 2012 football (soccer) championship, which Ukraine is jointly co-hosting with Poland.

On Tuesday, Ukraine postponed a planned summit of Central and Eastern European leaders, after some pulled out to protest the treatment of Tymoshenko.

The summit was scheduled to take place in Yalta on Friday and Saturday.

About 10 EU leaders said they will not attend, including German President Joachim Gauck and Czech President Vaclav Klaus.

Tymoshenko is now standing trial on tax evasion charges, which could extend her prison time to 12 years. She says the charges are part of a campaign by President Yanukovich to remove his strongest political rival.

source name:  voanews.com source url:  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Germanys-Merkel-Compares-Ukraine-Repression-with-Belarus--150979525.html

teaser: 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says people in Ukraine are living under dictatorship and repression just like those in its authoritarian neighbor, Belarus. Merkel's comments, made to parliament Thursday, come as Germany continues to pressure Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to ensure that jailed opposition leader and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko receives proper medical treatment.

body: 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says people in Ukraine are living under dictatorship and repression just like those in its authoritarian neighbor, Belarus.

Merkel's comments, made to parliament Thursday, come as Germany continues to pressure Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych to ensure that jailed opposition leader and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko receives proper medical treatment.

"Today, we in Germany and the European Union, live in peace and freedom," she said. "This is unfortunately not the case throughout Europe, because in Ukraine and Belarus people are still suffering under dictatorship and suppression. We must never forget, however large the issues we are dealing with and however tiring certain party political disagreements can be, we must never forget the gift that we in the European Union and the Transatlantic organization have been protecting for the last 67 years. A gift of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and human dignity."

Germany has been leading Europe's critical stance on her case.

Tymoshenko ended her nearly three-week hunger strike on Wednesday after being moved from prison to a local hospital for treatment of chronic back pain.

President Yanukovych is facing growing criticism about her conviction and his government's refusal to let her travel to Germany for treatment.

Tymoshenko is serving a seven-year jail sentence after being convicted of abuse of office in a 2009 gas deal with Russia. She denies the charges. Western nations say they were politically motivated.

Some European Union member states have threatened to boycott the Euro 2012 football (soccer) championship, which Ukraine is jointly co-hosting with Poland.

On Tuesday, Ukraine postponed a planned summit of Central and Eastern European leaders, after some pulled out to protest the treatment of Tymoshenko.

The summit was scheduled to take place in Yalta on Friday and Saturday.

About 10 EU leaders said they will not attend, including German President Joachim Gauck and Czech President Vaclav Klaus.

Tymoshenko is now standing trial on tax evasion charges, which could extend her prison time to 12 years. She says the charges are part of a campaign by President Yanukovich to remove his strongest political rival.

source name:  voanews.com source url:  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Germanys-Merkel-Compares-Ukraine-Repression-with-Belarus--150979525.html

teaser: 

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's speechwriter would be well-advised to start brushing up his resume -- if, that is, he was behind the gaffe committed by Lukashenka during his annual address to the nation on May 8. Alarm bells should have immediately gone off for the attentive listener when, in the middle of a rambling, two-hour speech, the man once dubbed "Europe's last dictator" made the unfortunate choice of quoting Russian literary giant Fyodor Dostoyevsky out of context.

body: 

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's speechwriter would be well-advised to start brushing up his resume -- if, that is, he was behind the gaffe committed by Lukashenka during his annual address to the nation on May 8.

Alarm bells should have immediately gone off for the attentive listener when, in the middle of a rambling, two-hour speech, the man once dubbed "Europe's last dictator" made the unfortunate choice of quoting Russian literary giant Fyodor Dostoyevsky out of context.

Dostoyevsky has been dead and buried for well over 100 years, but he may have shifted, if not rolled over, in his grave when the Belarusian leader quoted the line, "There is nothing more unbearable for a man than freedom."

The great novelist's words were being used, it seemed, to justify Minsk's crackdown on civil liberties.

Scholars of the famous writer are less than amused -- and if Lukashenka understood his error, they say, he would want to hide his head in the sand, too.

The line comes from "The Grand Inquisitor," the famous parable within Dostoyevsky's final novel, "The Brothers Karamazov."

"The genius writer was correct," Lukashenka added. "In obtaining freedom, man suddenly understands that he has shouldered a heavy burden, because freedom involves responsibility. A person must make decisions himself and himself answer for them."

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka delivers his annual address on May 8.
x
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka delivers his annual address on May 8.
??People, Lukashenka concluded, should therefore change their attitude toward the government and realize that freedom cannot occur overnight.

The West, too, he said, should remember the lesson, and understand that spurring Belarus toward that goal is pointless.

Lukashenka's Dostoyevsky quote is actually uttered by a character, the Grand Inquisitor, who has given himself up to Satan.

In the passage, the Grand Inquisitor says to Christ:

"You want to go into the world empty-handed, with your vague and undefined promise of freedom, which men, dull and unruly as they are by nature, are unable so much as to understand -- which they avoid and fear? For never was there anything more unbearable to the human race than personal freedom! Do you see these stones in the desolate and scorching wilderness? Command that these stones be made bread and mankind will run after you, obedient and grateful like a herd of cattle. But even then they will be ever diffident and trembling, lest you should take away your hand and they lose thereby their bread!"

That's fodder for reflection on human nature, to be sure, and according to scholars, part of Dostoyevsky's critique of the Catholic Church.

But it is the Grand Inquisitor speaking here and not the author himself, stresses Deborah Martinsen, a professor at Columbia University and the president of the International Dostoyevsky Society.

"Dostoyevsky uses his characters to voice sentiments, ideas, beliefs -- some of which he agrees with, but many of which he does not agree with. And he's definitely polemicizing with the Grand Inquisitor," Martinsen says.

"Dostoyevsky does not hold the Grand Inquisitor's point of view. The Christ figure does not speak once when the Grand Inquisitor speaks, but at the end, he kisses [him]. That's his response. His response, in theological terms, is that he, Christ, can forgive all, including the Grand Inquisitor."

Martinsen adds, "I'm not a political commentator, [but] what I can do is tell you that [Lukashenka's] misquotation says that he's on the side of those who want earthly power and are willing to compromise their souls for it."

'Pathological Thirst For Power'

Vera Biron, the deputy director of the Fyodor Dostoyevsky Literary-Memorial Museum in St. Petersburg, agrees.

"The Belarusian dictator has apparently never read Dostoyevsky. It is known that Dostoyevsky disagreed with [this message] and that 'The Grand Inquisitor' was written against such treatment of people and their freedom," she says.

"My commentary is simple: In Dostoyevsky's terms, Lukashenka would not even be the Grand Inquisitor, but one of the 'demons' who is obsessed, it seems, with one idea -- a pathological thirst for power. He thinks of his own people as a herd of cattle whose obedience is not even bought, but coerced."

In Belarus, where opposition to Lukashenka's hard-line rule continues to simmer, some have suggested that the president's speechwriter wanted to purposely embarrass him. RFE/RL reported that Lukashenka postponed the delivery of his annual address for several weeks amid displeasure with a draft.

If that's not the case, or if Lukashenka inserted the quote himself, someone was apparently not reading carefully enough. But they are now. The Dostoyevsky quote does not appear in the transcript of Lukashenka's address that is posted on his official website.

"It is useless to recommend Lukashenka to read Dostoyevsky. He's incapable of comprehending," says the Dostoyevsky Museum's Biron. "We can only feel for the people who have to exist under that maniac."

source name:  Radio Free Europe source url:  http://www.rferl.org/content/dostoyevsky_dostoevsky_lukashenko_belarus_quote/24577033.html

teaser: 

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's speechwriter would be well-advised to start brushing up his resume -- if, that is, he was behind the gaffe committed by Lukashenka during his annual address to the nation on May 8. Alarm bells should have immediately gone off for the attentive listener when, in the middle of a rambling, two-hour speech, the man once dubbed "Europe's last dictator" made the unfortunate choice of quoting Russian literary giant Fyodor Dostoyevsky out of context.

body: 

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's speechwriter would be well-advised to start brushing up his resume -- if, that is, he was behind the gaffe committed by Lukashenka during his annual address to the nation on May 8.

Alarm bells should have immediately gone off for the attentive listener when, in the middle of a rambling, two-hour speech, the man once dubbed "Europe's last dictator" made the unfortunate choice of quoting Russian literary giant Fyodor Dostoyevsky out of context.

Dostoyevsky has been dead and buried for well over 100 years, but he may have shifted, if not rolled over, in his grave when the Belarusian leader quoted the line, "There is nothing more unbearable for a man than freedom."

The great novelist's words were being used, it seemed, to justify Minsk's crackdown on civil liberties.

Scholars of the famous writer are less than amused -- and if Lukashenka understood his error, they say, he would want to hide his head in the sand, too.

The line comes from "The Grand Inquisitor," the famous parable within Dostoyevsky's final novel, "The Brothers Karamazov."

"The genius writer was correct," Lukashenka added. "In obtaining freedom, man suddenly understands that he has shouldered a heavy burden, because freedom involves responsibility. A person must make decisions himself and himself answer for them."

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka delivers his annual address on May 8.
x
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka delivers his annual address on May 8.
??People, Lukashenka concluded, should therefore change their attitude toward the government and realize that freedom cannot occur overnight.

The West, too, he said, should remember the lesson, and understand that spurring Belarus toward that goal is pointless.

Lukashenka's Dostoyevsky quote is actually uttered by a character, the Grand Inquisitor, who has given himself up to Satan.

In the passage, the Grand Inquisitor says to Christ:

"You want to go into the world empty-handed, with your vague and undefined promise of freedom, which men, dull and unruly as they are by nature, are unable so much as to understand -- which they avoid and fear? For never was there anything more unbearable to the human race than personal freedom! Do you see these stones in the desolate and scorching wilderness? Command that these stones be made bread and mankind will run after you, obedient and grateful like a herd of cattle. But even then they will be ever diffident and trembling, lest you should take away your hand and they lose thereby their bread!"

That's fodder for reflection on human nature, to be sure, and according to scholars, part of Dostoyevsky's critique of the Catholic Church.

But it is the Grand Inquisitor speaking here and not the author himself, stresses Deborah Martinsen, a professor at Columbia University and the president of the International Dostoyevsky Society.

"Dostoyevsky uses his characters to voice sentiments, ideas, beliefs -- some of which he agrees with, but many of which he does not agree with. And he's definitely polemicizing with the Grand Inquisitor," Martinsen says.

"Dostoyevsky does not hold the Grand Inquisitor's point of view. The Christ figure does not speak once when the Grand Inquisitor speaks, but at the end, he kisses [him]. That's his response. His response, in theological terms, is that he, Christ, can forgive all, including the Grand Inquisitor."

Martinsen adds, "I'm not a political commentator, [but] what I can do is tell you that [Lukashenka's] misquotation says that he's on the side of those who want earthly power and are willing to compromise their souls for it."

'Pathological Thirst For Power'

Vera Biron, the deputy director of the Fyodor Dostoyevsky Literary-Memorial Museum in St. Petersburg, agrees.

"The Belarusian dictator has apparently never read Dostoyevsky. It is known that Dostoyevsky disagreed with [this message] and that 'The Grand Inquisitor' was written against such treatment of people and their freedom," she says.

"My commentary is simple: In Dostoyevsky's terms, Lukashenka would not even be the Grand Inquisitor, but one of the 'demons' who is obsessed, it seems, with one idea -- a pathological thirst for power. He thinks of his own people as a herd of cattle whose obedience is not even bought, but coerced."

In Belarus, where opposition to Lukashenka's hard-line rule continues to simmer, some have suggested that the president's speechwriter wanted to purposely embarrass him. RFE/RL reported that Lukashenka postponed the delivery of his annual address for several weeks amid displeasure with a draft.

If that's not the case, or if Lukashenka inserted the quote himself, someone was apparently not reading carefully enough. But they are now. The Dostoyevsky quote does not appear in the transcript of Lukashenka's address that is posted on his official website.

"It is useless to recommend Lukashenka to read Dostoyevsky. He's incapable of comprehending," says the Dostoyevsky Museum's Biron. "We can only feel for the people who have to exist under that maniac."

source name:  Radio Free Europe source url:  http://www.rferl.org/content/dostoyevsky_dostoevsky_lukashenko_belarus_quote/24577033.html

teaser: 

VIENNA, 10 May 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today appealed to Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to stop persecuting media. “President Lukashenka should cease Belarus’s extremely harsh policy toward media. There is an urgent need for media freedom in Belarus and this freedom can only be achieved if, as a start, all  convictions and pending charges against journalists are annulled,” said Mijatovic, reiterating the message of her letter to Lukashenka of 8 May.

body: 

VIENNA, 10 May 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today appealed to Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to stop persecuting media.

“President Lukashenka should cease Belarus’s extremely harsh policy toward media. There is an urgent need for media freedom in Belarus and this freedom can only be achieved if, as a start, all  convictions and pending charges against journalists are annulled,” said Mijatovic, reiterating the message of her letter to Lukashenka of 8 May.

In her letter Mijatovic referred to the cases of journalists Irina Khalip of Novaya Gazeta and Andrzej Poczobut of Gazeta Wyborcza, sentenced to suspended prison sentences for their criticism of the authorities as well as Natalia Radina of Charter97.org, who had to leave Belarus to avoid prosecution and imprisonment.

“These sentences and charges should be immediately revoked, as they send a clear signal to all media in Belarus that critical voices toward authorities and state policies will not be tolerated by the government. Journalists expressing views different from the government’s live in fear for their safety and that of their families,” she added.

“Public officials should tolerate a higher degree of media criticism than ordinary citizens and allow for free debate on issues of public interest in Belarus and beyond. Otherwise we would only be moving backwards towards more repression and a closed society,” said Mijatovic.

source name:  osce.org source url:  http://www.osce.org/fom/90394 toppost-image: 

toppost-text: 

VIENNA, 10 May 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today appealed to Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to stop persecuting media. “President Lukashenka should cease Belarus’s extremely harsh policy toward media. There is an urgent need for media freedom in Belarus and this freedom can only be achieved if, as a start, all  convictions and pending charges against journalists are annulled,” said Mijatovic, reiterating the message of her letter to Lukashenka of 8 May.

teaser: 

VIENNA, 10 May 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today appealed to Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to stop persecuting media. “President Lukashenka should cease Belarus’s extremely harsh policy toward media. There is an urgent need for media freedom in Belarus and this freedom can only be achieved if, as a start, all  convictions and pending charges against journalists are annulled,” said Mijatovic, reiterating the message of her letter to Lukashenka of 8 May.

body: 

VIENNA, 10 May 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today appealed to Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to stop persecuting media.

“President Lukashenka should cease Belarus’s extremely harsh policy toward media. There is an urgent need for media freedom in Belarus and this freedom can only be achieved if, as a start, all  convictions and pending charges against journalists are annulled,” said Mijatovic, reiterating the message of her letter to Lukashenka of 8 May.

In her letter Mijatovic referred to the cases of journalists Irina Khalip of Novaya Gazeta and Andrzej Poczobut of Gazeta Wyborcza, sentenced to suspended prison sentences for their criticism of the authorities as well as Natalia Radina of Charter97.org, who had to leave Belarus to avoid prosecution and imprisonment.

“These sentences and charges should be immediately revoked, as they send a clear signal to all media in Belarus that critical voices toward authorities and state policies will not be tolerated by the government. Journalists expressing views different from the government’s live in fear for their safety and that of their families,” she added.

“Public officials should tolerate a higher degree of media criticism than ordinary citizens and allow for free debate on issues of public interest in Belarus and beyond. Otherwise we would only be moving backwards towards more repression and a closed society,” said Mijatovic.

source name:  osce.org source url:  http://www.osce.org/fom/90394 toppost-image: 

toppost-text: 

VIENNA, 10 May 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today appealed to Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka to stop persecuting media. “President Lukashenka should cease Belarus’s extremely harsh policy toward media. There is an urgent need for media freedom in Belarus and this freedom can only be achieved if, as a start, all  convictions and pending charges against journalists are annulled,” said Mijatovic, reiterating the message of her letter to Lukashenka of 8 May.

teaser: 

The European Union dropped a threat to impose tariffs on steel pipes from Belarus after EU producers withdrew a complaint alleging price undercutting. The EU closed an investigation into whether Belarusian exporters of iron or steel seamless pipes and tubes sell them in the 27-nation bloc below cost, a practice known as dumping. The inquiry excluded stainless-steel pipes and tubes.

body: 

The European Union dropped a threat to impose tariffs on steel pipes from Belarus after EU producers withdrew a complaint alleging price undercutting.

The EU closed an investigation into whether Belarusian exporters of iron or steel seamless pipes and tubes sell them in the 27-nation bloc below cost, a practice known as dumping. The inquiry excluded stainless-steel pipes and tubes.

A producer group called the Defence Committee of the Seamless Steel Tubes Industry of the European Union withdrew its dumping complaint on Jan. 26, the European Commission, the EU’s trade authority in Brussels, said today in the Official Journal.

The commission opened the probe in June 2011. Such investigations can last as long as 15 months and can lead the EU to impose anti-dumping duties for five years.

source name:  bloomberg.com source url:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-08/eu-ends-threat-to-impose-tariffs-on-steel-pipes-from-belarus.html

teaser: 

The European Union dropped a threat to impose tariffs on steel pipes from Belarus after EU producers withdrew a complaint alleging price undercutting. The EU closed an investigation into whether Belarusian exporters of iron or steel seamless pipes and tubes sell them in the 27-nation bloc below cost, a practice known as dumping. The inquiry excluded stainless-steel pipes and tubes.

body: 

The European Union dropped a threat to impose tariffs on steel pipes from Belarus after EU producers withdrew a complaint alleging price undercutting.

The EU closed an investigation into whether Belarusian exporters of iron or steel seamless pipes and tubes sell them in the 27-nation bloc below cost, a practice known as dumping. The inquiry excluded stainless-steel pipes and tubes.

A producer group called the Defence Committee of the Seamless Steel Tubes Industry of the European Union withdrew its dumping complaint on Jan. 26, the European Commission, the EU’s trade authority in Brussels, said today in the Official Journal.

The commission opened the probe in June 2011. Such investigations can last as long as 15 months and can lead the EU to impose anti-dumping duties for five years.

source name:  bloomberg.com source url:  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-08/eu-ends-threat-to-impose-tariffs-on-steel-pipes-from-belarus.html