Belarus Aims to Lure Industry Investors, Forge EU, Russia Ties

Belarus Foreign Minister Sergei Martynovis said the former Soviet state seeks to attract foreign investors to its energy and petrochemical industries and expand economic ties east and west, with the European Union and Russia.

“We are opening the economy to foreign investment,” Martynov said in an interview on Feb. 6 during an international security conference in Munich, Germany. “We would like to have more and we would welcome foreign investors to Belarus.”

Belarus wants better ties with the EU after President Alexander Lukashenko’s government was dubbed “Europe’s last dictatorship” in 2005 by the Bush administration. A 2009 World Bank survey of conditions for doing business ranked Belarus 13th among 27 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, ahead of Poland, Turkey, Russia and Croatia. The survey rates factors such as starting a business, registering property and protecting investments.full text

UDF Coalition is the Most Popular Brand of Belarusian Opposition

United Democratic Forces coalition is the most popular brand of the Belarusian opposition. This is evidenced by monitoring which was held by the international youth organization "Young Front" (Czech Republic) from September 1 to December 31, 2009.

According to the monitoring independent mass-media and independent websites published 316 news and articles about democratic coalitions. UDF coalition was mentioned 194 times (61.4%), coalition "Belarusian independent block" - 84 (26, 6%), the European Coalition - 23 (7, 3%), coalition "New generation" - 15 (4, 7%).full text

Ukrainians in Belarus Vote For Yanukovich

The majority of Ukrainians that live in Belarus has given votes to Victor Yanukovich, with the turnout nearing 10 percent at the two polling stations in our country.

444 people (63.51%) voted for Yanukovich at the polling station in the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk against 218 (31.18%) for Tymoshenko, reports Belapan.

Ukraine’s General Consulate in Brest reported that 349 voters turned out, with 230 (65.9%) voting for Yanukovich and 108 (30.9%) for Tymoshenko.full text

With 98% of Ballots Processed, Gap Between Yanukovych and Tymoshenko Totals 2.67%

With 98% of the ballots in the Ukrainian presidential run-off counted, leader of the Regions Party Victor Yanukovych has received 48.54% of the vote, while his opponent Yulia Tymoshenko had 45.87%, the Ukrainian Central Election Commission (CEC) reports.

A total of 4.39% supported neither of the candidates.

The gap between Yanukovych and Tymoshenko now stands at 2.67%.full text

25 UDF Representatives Joined District Electoral Commissions in Gomel Region

In Gomel region 10 out of 24 representatives of the United Civil Party were included in district electoral commissions.

For a total 25 representatives of the United Democratic Forces joined district electoral commissions in Gomel region. It should be reminded that Elections to local councils of deputies will take place on April 25, 2010.full text

As Many as 468 Nominees to Belarus` District Election Commissions Represent Political Parties

Belarus` political parties have nominated a total of 468 representatives for membership in district election commissions for the coming local elections scheduled to be held in the country in the latter half of April, Mikalay Lazavik, secretary of the central election commission, told BelaPAN on Monday.

As many as 180 nominees represent pro-democratic parties, with 104 the “Spravedlivy Mir” (Just World) Belarusian Party of the Left, 43 the United Civic Party, 22 the Belarusian Popular Front, 10 the Hramada Belarusian Social Democratic Party and one the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada.

The Communist Party of Belarus nominated 200 people, the Belarusian Agrarian Party 23, the Liberal Democratic Party 22, the Social Democratic Party of People`s Concord 14, the Republican Party of Labor and Justice 12, the Belarusian Patriotic Party seven, the Belarusian Party of Greens six and the Belarusian Social and Sports Party four.full text

UCP Representatives Included in Minsk District Election Commissions

Two representatives of the United Civil Party were included in district election commissions for the coming local elections.

Stanislav Bogdankevich, ex-chairman of the National Bank of Belarus and honorary chairman of the UCP was included in Frunzenskiy district election commission.

Zinaida Bondarenko, People’s Artist of Belarus and Member of the Political Council of the UCP was included in Octiabrskiy district election commission.full text

Belarusians Will Need Passports To Enter Internet Cafes

A Belarusian official says that people will only be allowed to enter Internet cafes with their passports beginning this summer, RFE/RL’s Belarus Service reports.

Belarusian Communication and Information Minister Mikalay Pantsyaley said at press conference in Minsk that according to a February 1 decree by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, all Belarusians wanting to enter Internet cafes must have a passport starting on July 1.

Pantsyaley said the decree — which has been criticized by human rights organizations and many Western countries — obliges Internet cafe owners to identify those who enter cafes.

The decree requires all Internet providers in Belarus to store data on the Internet use of individuals for a full year and to hand that information over to law-enforcement agencies upon request.full text

Statement of the Political Council of the United Civil Party “Internet Censorship in Belarus”

On February, 4 the Political Council of the United Civil Party has adopted a statement concerning the Presidential decree No 60 “Measures to improve the usage of the national part of the Internet”. The decree was signed on February, 1.

Political Council of the UCP notes that Presidential decree No 60 “Measures to improve the usage of the national part of the Internet” violates the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, secrecy of correspondence and personal privacy.

The statement said decree No 60 will increase state monopoly on Internet services.full text

Belsat Journalist Sentenced to10 Days of Arrest

Sovetskiy District court of Minsk sentenced correspondent of independent TV channel Belsat Ivan Shulga to 10 days of administrative arrest.

It should be reminded that Ivan Shulga is charged under Article 17.1 of the Administrative Code "disorderly conduct" for having hit a militiaman, who tried to enter "Belsat" office. Ivan Shulga was arrested on February 3 and spent the night in a jail.

According to the lawyer Svetlana Gorbatok, Ivan’s guilty is not proven and he denies the conflict with the militiaman. full text

UDF, European Coalition Set to Cooperate During Local Elections Campaign

The United Democratic Forces (UDF) and the European Coalition plan to cooperate during the local elections campaign, Anatoly Lebedko, co-chairman of the UDF and chairman of the United Civil Party told.

Leaders of the European Coalition, Nikolay Statkevich and Sergei Skrebets, were present at Tuesday’s meeting of the UDF board, Mr. Lebedko said. A decision was made to recommend the regional organizations of the two coalitions to work together during the campaign, he said.

In particular, they could coordinate nominations of candidates and representatives to election commissions and cooperate in observing the vote, Mr. Lebedko said. full text

Belarusian Activist Released From Long Detention In Ukraine

Ukrainian officials have released a Belarusian opposition activist from a Crimean jail based on a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, RFE/RL’s Belarus Service reports.

Ihar Koktysh, 29, is wanted by Belarusian authorities for alleged involvement in a murder. He has been living in Ukraine since 2002.

In the summer of 2007, Koktysh was arrested by police in Simferopol on a request by Belarusian authorities. He spent two years and seven months in a detention center as officials considered whether to extradite him to Belarus.full text

Lukashenko to Visit Switzerland

On February 3 Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenka left for the Swiss Confederation "on a working visit," said the presidential press service.

During the visit, which will last a few days and be combined with "short-term recreation," Lukashenko will meet with businessmen and politicians of Switzerland.

In February and March last year, Mr. Lukashenka made similar working visits to Serbia, Armenia and Russia. full text

Belarusian Opposition Discussed Participation in the EU-Neighborhood East Parliamentary Assembly

On February, 3 in Minsk representatives of opposition political parties and public associations held consultations concerning participation in the EU-Neighborhood East Parliamentary Assembly (EURONEST PA).

We asked the chairman of the United Civil Party Anatoly Lebedko to comment on the results of the meeting:

It was a second round of consultations. The discussion was emotional, but everyone agreed that we need consolidated position. I proposed to discuss place and role of the EURONEST PA, it is important to understand how this body will influence on the situation in Belarus. full text

IMF Mission Arrives in Belarus

Today, on February 3, experts of the International Monetary Fund started working in Minsk. The mission will stay in Belarus till 16 February.

IMF Resident Representative in Belarus Natalia Kolyadina told that the mission will assess the fulfillment of the standby arrangement and the achievement of its goals as of late December 2009. It will also evaluate the macroeconomic forecast for 2010. “It is likely to be corrected taking into account economic changes inside Belarus as well as the foreign economic situation”, BelTA informs.full text

Eastern Partnership Program Creates Framework For Development of EU-Belarus Dialogue, Spanish Ambassador Says

The Eastern Partnership program creates a framework for the active development of a dialogue between Belarus and the EU, Juan Antonio March Pujol, the visiting Moscow-based ambassador of Spain, the current EU presidency, told reporters in Minsk on February.

Spain views cooperation with Eastern Europe as very important, the diplomat said. He noted that the EU was ready to expand relations with Belarus in all spheres but the latter should display the same degree of readiness.

Mr. Pujol welcomed the big number of Eastern Partnership projects proposed by Belarus, which he said are being studied. full text

No Release Request For Korean Arms Plane Crew: Thai state Prosecutor

Thailand’s Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) have received no request from Kazakhstan or Belarus to temporarily release the five-man crew facing charges of illegal possession of explosive devices after arms were impounded from a Georgian-registered aircraft from North Korea at Don Mueang airport in December, according to a senior OAG official.

Sirisak Tiyaphan, director-general of the office of Attorney-General’s international affairs department told reporters that the agency had not received any request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, he said, if there was such a request, it would depend on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ decision to report it to the government in order to let the agencies concerned to jointly consider how to respond.

His remarks were in response to a report that Kazakhstan had request theThai government to temporarily release the five suspects.full text

Belarusian Conscientious Objector Jailed

Amnesty International has called on the Belarusian authorities to release a conscientious objector, found guilty by the Minsk District Court of "draft evasion" and sentenced to three months in prison on Monday.

Ivan Mikhailau had refused military service because bearing arms contradicts his religious beliefs as an active member of the Messianic Jewish community. He was arrested in the town of Salihorsk, south of the capital, Minsk, on 15 December 2009.

Amnesty International considers Ivan Mikhailau to be a prisoner of conscience, detained for the peaceful expression of his beliefs.full text

Human Rights Activists Demand to Release Ivan Mikhailov

On February 2, well-known Belarusians human rights activists signed a petition to the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Supreme Court, President of the Constitutional Court, and Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus with the demand to release Ivan Mikhailov and free him from a charge “draft evasion” (Article 435.1 of the Criminal Code); to ensure the right to alternative civilian service to all persons who refuse to serve in the army for the reasons of conscience and other beliefs on the basis of Art. 57 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus.full text

89% of UDF Representatives Were Not Included in Territorial Electoral Commissions

13 out of 58 representatives of the United Democratic Forces were included in territorial electoral commissions. “89% of UDF representatives were not included in territorial electoral commissions. I believe it is political decision”- co-chairman of the United Democratic Forces Anatoly Levkovich said at today’s press conference.

“The authorities did not pass a test on liberalization. Obviously, the government is not going to abandon the usual practice of appointing deputies. It is a clear message to civil society,voters and international community”- co- chairman of the United Democratic Forces Anatoly Lebedko said.full text

Lukashenko Abolished National Bank's Board of Directors

The president of Belarus has signed a decree abolishing the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Belarus in order to “improve the management of the National Bank”. The Board’s functions are now taken over by.

Former chairman of the National Bank Stanislav Bogdankevich called this decision correct in form, but wrong in effect, and explained why.

"Formally National Bank’s management and the Board of Directors of the National Bank have the same functions. But National Bank’s management includes representatives of the government, commercial banks and representatives of other fields. full text

SA National Sentenced to 13 Years of Imprisonment in Belarus

Baranovichi district court sentenced South African national Dirk Prinsloo to 13 years of imprisonment on charges of theft, assault and attempted bank robbery.

Judge Vasily Petriv sentenced Prinsloo to nine months’ imprisonment for the theft, 12 years for the robbery and another three years for hooliganism. Prinsloo also should pay the legal costs of the case and an amount of money to the victims for "morale and material damage.

Prinsloo was accused of the theft of a R14 700 diamond necklace from one of his several girlfriends and the abuse and "torture" of another girlfriend.

Prosecutors alleged that he slapped her in the face and "delivered blows" to her body. Prinsloo would then take pictures of her injuries with which he would taunt her. full text

New Lithuanian Foreign Minister Will Cooperate With Opposition and Official Minsk

Lithuania’s proposed new foreign minister Audronius Azubalis sees bilateral relations with Belarus as a road, which has two parallel lanes: support of the democratic opposition and contacts with the official Minsk, in future these lanes should merge into one.

It should be reminded that on January 29, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite has signed a decree appointing Audronius Azubalis as foreign minister.

Azubalis is a member of the Homeland Union/Lithuanian Christian Democrats Party of Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius and head of parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

He will replace Vygaudas Usackas, who resigned last week over differences with the president.full text

Blast on Russia Railway Injures Engineer

An explosion hit a technician’s engine on a railway in St. Petersburg on Feb. 2, lightly injuring its operator, Russia’s railway monopoly said.

Russian Railways did not say what caused the pre-dawn blast near St. Petersburg’s Baltic Station on a line leading to Belarus. It said the operator suffered a leg injury and that his engine was not connected to passenger carriages.

In November, a bomb exploded on the tracks between St. Petersburg and Moscow, ripping through a passenger train and killing 26 people. Islamic militants from Russia’s North Caucasus claimed responsibility and vowed further "acts of sabotage," but no major attacks have followed so far.full text

Russia to Supply About 3 Bln Kw/h of Electricity to Baltics Via Belarus in 2010

Russia’s electricity transit to the Baltic states via Belarus will amount to about 3 billion kilowatt-hours in 2010, an official at the Russian electricity export-import operator Inter RAO UES said on Monday.

“The transit agreement with Belenergo envisions planned capacities and quantitative indicators for Inter RAO UES’s electricity transit through the Belarusian national power grid,” the official said.

“In the conditions of Lithuania’s Ignalina NPP shutdown and the need to guarantee stable electricity supplies to the member countries of the BRELL [Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania] Electrical Ring, roughly 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity can be transited through the Belarusian power grid,” the official said. full text