Café Babel in Minsk

Election Observation Project: Call for Applications

Orangell — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:37:00 +0200

United Centre of Initiatives for Belarus (JuBIC), Swedish International Liberal Centre (SILC), European Humanities University (EHU) and Belarusian Human Rights House in Vilnius (HRH) announce a new call for applications to participate in the election observation project in 2010.

Participants will complete a week-long intensive study course in Vilnius designed by the prominent Norwegian political scientists with previous experiences in numerous international observation missions. Upon the successful course completion participants will receive a special EHU certificate and a SILC certificate. In addition to the course, they will participate in an international observation mission in Ukraine on 17 January 2010 as accredited short-term international observers. Dedicated and active participants will be invited on at least one more observation mission in 2010.

Potential candidates shall:

fill out the online application form (compulsory);
be from 18 to 35 years of age (compulsory);
exhibit strong civic engagement, be active and up bit (compulsory);
be members or activists of NGO’s and/or civic initiatives (preferred);
provide a reference from a respected NGO, initiative or civic project (compulsory);
speak and understand English (preferred);
Be able to participate in the training and observation full-time (from 6 - 19 January 2010) (compulsory).

Previous experience in election observation both domestic and international is welcome but not necessary.

Application deadline: 8 November 2009. Applications sent after 24:00, 8 November will not be considered.

Online application form is available at http://eotp.info/application-form

All candidates will be informed of the results by 15 November 2009.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (telephone or skype).

Selection criteria:

Quality of motivation letter and results of interviews for selected applicants;
High level of civic engagement;
Recommendation by a recognized and respected NGO/HR defender/civic activist/politician
Proficiency in English language.

Cafe Babel explores the new bicycle lane in Minsk

Orangell — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:30:00 +0200

I don't know why, but I missed the information about Day of Minsk in 2009. So, when I walked in the Maxim Gorki park, I was very surprised with what I saw there. I saw there a splendid bicycle lane. This spring and summer I enjoyed bicycle lanes in Vilnius and suffered much in Minsk when I returned with my iron horse. Minsk Cafe Babel team rushed to explore the new route immediately.

Venom, Daiver, Orangell

Chilly sunny day, the 19th of September our expedition reached the lane. We decided to watch it's new built part.

In the Gorki park the lane is separated from the pedestrian area, it is comfortable. Disadvantages of this length: in front of K. Marks street there is no equipped descent to the lane and there is no markings under the bridge. The lane just suddenly ends and suddenly starts.

Prhotos: Denizion

Next length – after Pervomayskaya street. Here the cyclists are separated from pedestrians with the markings only. The bridges constructed here can't leave somebody indifferent. Flat for the pedestrians and arched for the cyclists.

Photo Denizion

Now I agree: they are very difficult to surmount and very dangerous.

The lane is constructed along the Svisloch river. Nearly everywhere far from roads, cars, other transport and exhaust. Picturesque views.

Infrastructure

Parking places are rather frequent. But often there is nothing but special sigh. I hope the infrastructure along the lane will be developed..

For comparison, pit stop in the city centre, not far from Stella.

The one disadvantage that the small bench is low. After tens of kilometres of treadling sit down-stand up can't be rest but additional exercise.

About 90% of dangerous areas (bank and are precipices) are enclosed. Unfortunately not everywhere.

People who lived is a quiet quarter with private houses far from civilization appeared one day near the busy highway.

The end

The lane has it's end. To my mind it's a disadvantage. When you arrive to the end, think about the traversed path, motivation and forces to go back decrease dramatically. I hope that in future there will be more new lanes, belt roads, diversity routes.

Summarizing impressions

This lane is a breakthrough for the Belarusian bicycle traffic. It is of high quality: good surface, markings, under big bridges – even nighttime illumination.

The lane gives opportunity to make a pleasant airing, it's is long and can't bore after the first trip. But it is isolated: after you get on it, you can come back only in the same way. The bridges are a very big disadvantage. Lack of pedestrian culture. But may be the lane itself will create this culture. I'm almost sure that in winter here will be ski lane. If only the climate makes it possible.

Jerzy Buzek congratulated EHU students and academics with the beginning of a new school year

Orangell — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:28:00 +0200

New President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek visited EHU on the 2nd of October 2009. The President met with academics and students of the University.

The first part of the meeting was devoted to the President's speech and also speeches of academician Mikhailov (EHU chancellor), doctor Naumova (Department of Political Science director), doctor Tereshkovich (Department of History director).

According to Mr. President, he had many reasons for meeting the EHU students. The EU is very interested in relations with Belarus, and at this University future free leaders are preparing. Special importance it has in connection with the Eastern partnership. It's quite a new idea. It's aim is to make the 27 EU countries and 6 Eastern partners as close as possible. Mr. President hoped that the situation in Belarus changes soon and he would meet Belarusian students in Minsk.

Academics told about University's tasks, “to create critical mass of independently thinking people” (A. Mikhailov), about the situation in the University and in Belarus.

During the second part everybody could ask Mr. President questions. Answering these questions, Mr. President stressed that all that Belarusians want they have to do themselves. That's why the EHU is so important: we have possibility to get information, adopt European practices, and students have to apply the knowledge aquired.

Recently the Minsk Cafe Babel team hold a discussion where were discussed questions as possibilities of the EU to influence Belarus. One of the questions was if the European politics towards Belarus changes with the new European Parliament President, Mr. Jerzy Buzek. I took the opportunity to ask Mr. Buzek to comment this. Mr. Buzek reply is optimistic. He told that before visiting EHU he had met Lithuanian Prime-minister Mr. Kubilius. Such meeting was also 9 years ago. And this day there were a lot of questions they discussed not solved for there 9 years. So we have to believe. All the problems will be solved. Some quickly, others slowly. But Mr. Buzek believes in good future. It must go on!

Ruslan Vashkevich: Point of View of the Artist.

Orangell — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:21:00 +0200

"Angel"

Nowadays the image of the country is mainly formed by politicians. In case of Belarus it is formed mainly in an inappropriate manner. That is why Belarusian men of culture and art, science and sports (classical representatives of a nation) bear additional responsibility for the promotion of the positive image of the country. This fact can encourage scientists and sportsmen but that is hardly a motivation for artists.

An artist is to embody his own ideas in creative works and to be determined to that no matter what he is expected to do. That is the opinion of Ruslan Vashkevich who is on of the most successful painters in Belarus. “Ideasness” in modern art becomes as important as aesthetics of the work and technically professional execution.

Ruslan Vashkevichhasfundamentalarteducation. The passion to draw revealed in early childhood so his school year were the beginning of his professional way in painting. First was art study group, than boarding school of artistic specialization named after Akhremchik. Next step was the Art Academy, the Department of Monumental Decorative Art. Studentship was quite complicated. Several times Ruslan was about being excluded but, finally, according to the graduation results he was suggested to have the internship in Hannover (Germany). That internship set up international career of the artist.

"Lady in Red, Red in Lady"

The works by Vashkevich are ironic and to large extent social in terms of the messages they deliver. The public reaction of both ordinary viewer and professional critics varies. Some of them admit that their world-view changes after they visit the exhibitions of Vashkevich; others claim that his works are “provocation and hazard for their inner peace”. His works have already been forbidden to be exhibited because of their risk content ("Lady in Red, Red in Lady" and “Contraband Violet” were taken out of “Biannual of modern art” after the exhibition was opened; “Angel” got refused because of its astraddle position; “Artificial Breath” was forbidden at the exhibition at the “Slavianskyi Bazar”). But Ruslan is still adherent to his main principle to follow the straight path of realization of his ideas. He doesn’t aim at shocking the audience or initiating scandal. He just reproduces what he sees and in the way he sees that. The way people react is their private matter; what is important is that the works by Vashkevich can hardly leave anybody indifferent. Ruslan understands the art, true art, as an elite phenomenon. Elitism does not presuppose the admiration of millions. What is special about the works by Vashkevich is that he tries to get beyond the bounds of classical forms. He does not split the art into genres. And his works being the painting in the form represent something more complex and versatile.

In spite of being highly welcomed abroad Belarusian artist Ruslan Vashkevich remains Belarusian artist. The exhibitions in Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Russia Ukraine, large international projects failed to entice him from his motherland. Ruslan Vashkevich and his family surprisingly still live in Belarus while Belarusian art school is of interest in Europe and that the West provides an artist with better opportunities to earn his living with painting. His opinion is that any Belarusian man of art risks to loose his national identity abroad and to be come “Italian (Dutch, German, etc.) artist of Belarusian origin”.

Another question is why there no proper conditions for flourishing of national art traditions. Vashkevich labels that sat of modern Belarusian art as absurdism. Belarusian art is represented by the personalities but there is no “big national project at the international arena at all”. Staking on sport Belarusian state provides the art sphere with minimum support. Moreover it puts the artists in certain boundaries. A state monopoly on art can be observed in Belarus. The absence of private galleries deprives the painters of alternative. For the note: Ukraine (the country similar to Belarus in many aspects) faces absolutely different situation. The art is if fashion there; this is the sphere for investments what creates favourable environment for the development of national art school. For an example I would refer to a large joint project “Empire Swamps” (Klinov, Vojchenko, Csler and Vashkevich) in Kiev Centre of Modern Arts.

Now Ruslan’s aim is to achieve the same in Belarus. He is more interested in supervision of projects than in possibilities to exhibit his works abroad. Probably, this will be Ruslan Vashkevich who will impart European attitude to the art and put it on the basis of Belarusian art what will mould together a big and spacious maternity hospital where the national art project will be born.

"Waterline"

"Crime at Paradise"

"Fire at the Water Tower"

"Dandy Crocodile"

"Window to Paradise"

"Left driving"

Svetlana Aleksiyevich

Orangell — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0200

Her works are the reaction of the person who does not stay indifferent, who sees the truth, know that the truth exists and who is determined to share his knowledge with others. “War doesn’t Have Woman’s Face”, “Boys in Zink”, “Voice of Chernobyl” and many other works of hers strike the consciousness of society. They astound, horrify, freeze, shock, and, obviously, provoke thinking not only about the past but also about the future. The name of the person who wanted us to think is Svetlana Aleksiyevich.

One can complete a book about Svetlana Aleksiyevich using only her own quotes. Various interviews and, of cause, her works build up the image of the writer. “I’m afraid that history will be replaced by mythology”. This phrase said by Aleksiyevich in one of interviews can be a title to entire creative work of hers. A fear for the safety of truthful, real history inspired Svetlana and emboldened her to speak about those things all the others in that huge scaring country were afraid of voicing.

The writer confesses that her literature idol was Ales Adamovich, another famous Belarusian writer, whose works encouraged her to writing in this very style and genre. It was Adamovich who worked out the idea to employ the stories of real people in the works about real events. The writer is convinced that private experience of people is the only trustworthy and objective though individual source of learning history. Materialization of such experience in a piece of literature is the way to preserve history. The books having brought Svetlana Aleksiyevich world-wide fame represent the chronicle of people’s life told by the characters themselves. The real basis in combination with author’s personal attitude towards the events depicted what makes the works “I Left the Village”, “War doesn’t Have Woman’s Face”, “Boys in Zink”, “Spellbound by Death”, “Voice of Chernobyl”, etc. that impressive. Here history speaks by itself. Shouts. It shoots out and breaks its way to the minds of humans.

Book "War doesn’t Have Woman’s Face"

This naked and unadorned truth in the works by Aleksiyevich forced brave guards of morality to conceal it for years under the cover of dust in publishing houses. For example, the book “War doesn’t Have Woman’s Face” written in 1983 spent two years in the publisher without being printed and the author in her turn of accused of pacifism, naturalism and dethroning of the heroic image of soviet woman. “Boys in Zink” is the book about the criminal war in Afghanistan which had been held back for ten years; Svetlana Aleksiyevich went to Kabul to find out the truth about it. After the book had been brought out in 1989 a political trial of the author was organised in 1992 in Minsk. Civil and democratic activists in Belarus and abroad took up the cudgels for Svetlana.

Being a bur in the throat of authorities her books inspired other cultural figures to creative works in the given theme. The 40th anniversary of Victory Taganka Theatre celebrated with the performance “War doesn’t Have Woman’s Face” (the director of the performance s Anatoliy Efros). All in all Svetlana Aleksiyevich wrote 21 screen scripts and three plays. The shows based on her books were staged not only in USSR but also in France, Germany and Bulgaria.

The list of Svetlana’s awards is quite impressive: “Kurt Tucholski Preis” for “virtue and dignity in literature”, “Andrey Siniavsliy’s prize” “For nobleness in literature”, Russian independent award “Triumph”, “Leipzig Bucherpreis zur Europeischen Verstandigung – ‘98”, German award “For the Best Political Book”, Herder Preis, Alfred Toepfer Stiftung, and many other national and foreign prizes. Isn’t it the best evidence that the writer’s talent is recognized all over the world?

Unfortunately, Belarus failed to preserve one of its national heritages. Being an active member of Belarusian opposition Svetlana Aleksiyevich is out of government’s favour again. In the year 2000 she had to leave Belarus. At present she lives in Germany and works on two new books: “The Wonderful Deer of the Eternal Hunt” and “Second-hand Life (End of Red Man)”. These books are parts of initially intended cycle of books. One of them is about love, another about death. Today other themes and problems are in Svetlana Aleksiyevich’s concern. As admits the writer, this is due to the needs of modern society and time.

Are Belarusians Europeans?

Orangell — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:28:00 +0200

On July 17th, the Café Babel project in Belarus hosted a discussion on whether Belarusians are Europeans. Aleksei Bratochkin, a historian from the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU) and Tatyana Vodolazhskaya – a Ph.D in Sociology, representing the Agency for Humanitarian Technologies took part in the discussion.
The discussion topic turned out to be broad, multi-faceted and controversial. It was initially planned to solely refer to the cultural aspects of Belarus-Europe interrelations; however “culture” is tightly related to the many political aspects, which ultimately reveal a number of issues within the subject discussed. The discussion gave birth to informed and competent accentuation of the definite hardships emerging when discussing the subject of Belarus’ belonging to the European space.

The primary question dealt with a symbolic interconnection between Belarus and Europe. The existence of such interconnection could become a way to respond to the query in an affirmative. A lot has been said about the geographical factor, which, alone, is not a sufficient prerequisite for the kinship with Europe, yet the situation in the region allows for a leeway in geopolitical behaviour. As such interconnections do exist, despite being truly symbolic: the history of conflicts, commonality of processes taking place in Europe and spilling over into our region, subjective positive perception and understanding of the Western culture (literature, etc.), interconnectivity of policies.
Another answer to this is that the notion of “europeanship” necessitates certain attributes and can be appealing or revolting. Such attribute could be the division of the European values, which have institutionally been installed in the European political, economic and legal systems.

The next question receives opposite responds, or, sooner, differing approaches. What does it mean “to be a European”? On the one hand, it could be the notion, which does not possess a universal number of attributes to be conformed to. In my personal view, such stance can be agreed with only partially. The notion of “Europeanship” can be expanded insofar as one enriches it. For instance, the Turks can become European and offer a myriad of features into the notion. Americans are unlikely to become Europeans and one has to define what would be the difference between the Americans and the Europeans.
Другой вариант ответа — что понятие «европейскость» все же предполагает атрибуты, и может быть привлекательно либо непривлекательно. Таким атрибутом может стать разделение европейских ценностей, которые институционально закреплены в европейской политической, экономической и правовой системах.

The attributionality of the Europeanship revealed the issue of the European identity of the Belarusians as problem of the Belarusian identity of the Belarusians. Establishing relations with Europe without clearly understanding the own identity is hard. Belarusians do have a national identity, yet it has not been clearly articulated, which complicates relations with Russia, which strives to substitute our identity with hers. Just like with Russia, in relations with Europe Belarusian identity is important to be able to understand where the difference is and what can be accepted and rejected. Belarus seems to have a problem of the “Belarusian identity” validation, which nevertheless exists and seems to be strong.

Summing up one can say that with regard to Belarus, the articulated European identity will be constructed. Passing through the stages of de-sovietisation, such identity can be formulated. However, until we start perceive ourselves as Europeans, any speculation on the subject will be an attempt to conform to certain attributes, which are always arguable.

Discussion participants:

Aleksei Bratochkin (A.B.) – a historian, permanent contributor to the Internet Journal “New Europe”, instructure at BNTU
Tatyana Vodolazhskaya (T.V.) – sociologist, employee at the Agency for Humanitarian Technologies
Alena Zuikova ( A.Z.) – Editor-in-Chief, Café Babel.
Audience: O.Degteva, V. Khaitina, D.Galinovsky, V.Zuikov.

Belarus is meant to be in Europe

A.Z. Are there any symbolic links between Belarusians and the Europeans? For example, the dividing factor could be the attitude, 2nd World War discourse in Russia and Belarus and the attitude towards it in the West, where the day is labled as Europe’s Day or Peace Day. Or are there images that could unite Belarusians with the Europeans?
А.Б. This is a complicated question and I wouldn’t say I have a ready answer for that. I, indeed, try to be accurate unfolding the topic because I don’t find much sense in slogans of, for instance, returning Belarus into Europe to pay due respect to history or something. Because Europeans, as they say, as Michel Fouche says in his book “The European Republic”, they say about the development of the European states and employs the term “parallel trajectories”, which does not imply the unity of the forms, methods and results. The very term “European unity” has been introduced quite recently. This way, when I start talking about the history of Belarus in the European context, for me the question is – how trajectories of our development coincided with those processes of modernization in Western Europe. In other words, can these parallel trajectories explain the nowadays zest for finding commonality with the Europeans? Another issue I find important is how the European experience can be applied here. I believe it is better to talk about what positive experience there has been that can be regarded as attractive. It might be possible that some aspects of this experience can be transferred onto our soil, which could possibly deal with the Christian culture, formed during the times of Rzecz Pospolita or the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania, cultural or historical foundations.
The thing is that Europe is somewhat distanced from Belarus and things seem to us too far, which is not the case because certain processes taking place in the social, political or cultural spheres correlate with the European processes, though with a slight delay in time. For instance, modernization or urbanization, industrialism – these processes took place in Europe just as they happened here, though in substantively different way. What is important to understand is what was different that happened here and there and what is transferable.
To my mind, it would be interesting to ask what ordinary Belarusians mean by the phrase “to be European”. Do these people regard themselves as Europeans?. I never think of that. It might pop up as persisting if I was to make a choice. But I know for sure that I exist in the cultural environment, which is European per se. I read Proust, Renaissance ideas, humanism, secularization. In this regard, I do not ask myself whether I am European. Yet, I am curious whether the collective self perceives itself so.
T.V . If you don’t think about it, Alexei, do you really believe others are not concerned about it?
A.B. No, they are not, in fact. Whether I think about it or not, there are links with Europe that emerge, which I do not realize. I just want to say that there are things in the Belarusian society, which are European in substance, but people seem not to attribute any sense to it, while it would be something interesting to actualize. It would be interesting to look at what is happening in the nowadays Belarus that approximates us to Europe and the European Union (EU), what is the vector and the substance of change? Can the aim of becoming Europeans be realized on the political level? Processes that are taking place in Belarus in the political, economic, cultural spheres, their correlation with the processes taking place in Europe is what interests me and how these let avoid isolation.
T.V. Regional comparisons in economic, social issues, which have taken place, they show that in the globalised world, along with internally ordered tendencies, that are broad common tendencies. In this respect isolation is hardly possible for Belarus; being already dragged into the European space Belarus will be hard to resist the afore mentioned common tendencies. We are talking about the tendencies that impact regions. In this regard, explanations with regard to Belarus aim at tackling the common tendencies. Belarus cannot escape neither the introduction of the normal banking system- it will employ it gradually, painfully, nor enhancing customs conditions, nor establishing relations with other states due to the common bordeeers. In this sence, Belarus is meant to establish these relations- not necessarily will Belarus join the EU, but establishing relations with the EU is unavoidable.
A.B. I am saying that the question of the European culture in Belarus requires changes of values. The actualization I already mentioned, therefore, is of enlightening nature. It just seems it is important to start from school for students to be able to image that there is something that unites us with other cultures, which is not connected with the War experience or some other experience, that there are things of a broader level, more peaceful level, civilizing level. All of this can be actualized, but needs to work in favour of changing the mentality of people. Despite the speculative nature of my words, I still believe this should be discussed.

What does it mean “to be European”?

V.Z. I have a thought on Belarus and Turkey. Are Turks Europeans?
O.D. From my personal experience, the question of whether Turks are European or not – is not important for the Europeans themselves. I’ve discussed this matter with the guys from the College of Europe seem to accept the position that once Turkey enters the EU, the EU will become more diverse, Europeans will be able to somehow level out the problems that now exist in the EU. Following from here, once Turkey enters the EU, Turks become European. This is pretty much the way they (Europeans) look at it, not the way we do.
T.V. Strange enough, but we, in Belarus, talking about the Europeanship, start discussing attributes: reckoning history, geography, start proving ourselves or disproving that we, either historically or geographically or territory-wise relate to Europe. Generally speaking, Europeanship is derived from activity. The question put doesn’t seem to be correct. I mean identity should be the starting point for discussion, and not the conclusion.
A.B. Well, then we might need to re-formulate the question. Instead of the question asked initially, let us address the question: why do we want to receive someone else’s experience and transfer some models we find appealing? I see difference in the quality of living here in Belarus and in Europe and I want to know what this difference is based upon? These are very broad questions I am honestly afraid digging into. The question is basically why we choose Europe as a navigator?
V.Z. I still don’t understand. Why do we even out “feeling oneself European” and “European state structures”, political, societal, etc.? Why do I have to be European? My reply to that is that I share the culture. It is easier for me to talk with a European than Chinese.
A.B . On a subject level, the Chinese is the same as, say, you are.
V.Z No, no, I am drawing on my personal experience. When I choose between the two cultures, I opt for the European, I don’t look at the notions of democracy, this I am not interested in.
T.V. You say you opt for the European culture and disregard democracy. Do you believe democratic institutes are not part of the culture?
A.B. There is a certain institutional backing of ideas. The notion of “European” is employed in the VIII century, The “Poitiers struggle” as manifesting some sort of unity. Than we speak of Christian unity. However it was not institutionally organized, there was no European Union, there was nothing. In the pre-war times, the idea of unity gave birth to the creation of the European Union to be able to actualize this perception of unity, create some sort of base.
T.V. This is absolutely true. But perceptions and feelings served as justification, and not the basement of the task. And the task was – to avoid a war in Europe. It was therefore decided to create economic structures to unite the European states to avoid fighting over economic benefits.

Entering Europe without national identity?

A.B.. Further speculating on the stages of our development. Desovietisation, nation building. How likely, would you think, it is that Lukashenko or any other mythological prototype would develop nation building based on globablisation? Is Belarusian nationalism able to communicate with other nationalisms?
T.V. I don’t know what modality you are referring to, but, as far as I understand, relations with Europe can be initiated either individually on each Belarusian’s will, or as a nation. I don’t know what the way to complete nation building in Belarus is. I think this very issue is a challenge for both, Belarus and Europe, since we have to be handled somehow. Belarus is being formed, though without a normal project, without much sense. State project is being oriented towards the present. The current political stage requires planning and those, who adhere to this idea have a chance to substantively fill the vacuum and move further, otherwise we may simply disappear.
A.B. I may change the question. Will our nationalism be anti-European?.
Т.V. It cannot be anti-European. Nationalism is per se a European phenomenon.
А.B.The phenomenon is not an empty signifier, it can be filled.
Т.V. Nationalism is not a mushroom, it is created. Therefore what it will look like depends on who will create it. I feel nationalism stands little chances to be anti-European.
A.B. Durosel, a French historian, spoke of two levels of identity: national and European. To be able to understand whether we are Europeans, we have to understand who are Belarusians. Simple belonging to the Republic of Belarus is not sufficient. The secret is, what is “Belarusianship”? To my mind, the current rhetoric of “Belarusianship” is very descriptive. The post 1991 nation building has been rather painful. Polish Belarusists speak of the peripheral mentality of the Belarusians due to the fact that Belarus was a part of other states in the course of centuries. Marples speaks of us as of a “denationalized nation”. Speculative leeway is therefore rather broad and unclear.
Т.V. Belarusisation should pass and done with in a short term.
А.B. Our strive to be included into Europe is often related to the fact that we cannot answer the question of who we are. It seems to us, the entry would immediately resolve the issue..
Т.V. I want to be a European skipping the previous stage.
А.B. Yes, something like this. We have to find an internal needle, something that would structure our cultural or political aspirations.
Т.V. I totally agree what concerns filling Belarusian identity with substance. Such research was already carried out three years ago. Belarusian identity is largely built upon civil and political identities. Over 70% of respondent say they are “citizens” of Belarus, but when starting to dig deeper into the substance, the substance appears to be poor. It appears as if there is a surfice layer and nothing underneath.
V.Z. Coming back to the question of identity, is it that important for a European or is it more important for us?
D.G. Do you mean ethnic identity or national?
V.Z. National.
A.B. As Europe developed, there took place a unification of cultures. To be Europeans, however, we have to be Belarusians and need to understand what it means for us.
Т.V. When I spoke about the de-sovietisation, belarusisation, I spoke about the stages of nation building, how a country or a society develops. Belarus cannot enter the EU relying solely on the relations established, it needs to form itself as a nation.
V.Z. Why is the “Belarusian nation” necessarily important?
А.B. I can explain. Because there is a subjective collective interest. There are private individual interests and there are collective, which can be articulated through the national ideology.
А.Z. Let’s draw a conclusion. As far as I could understand there are no objective obstacles other than those, who want to become Europeans.
D.G.No, it seemed to me we talked more about the deepening of the Belarus identity. Absence of a fully-fledged, well-articulated identity is the obstacle to become European. А.Z. Since our identity is weak, not filled and not properly registered, we may speak that the idea of “belarusianship” is weak or absent. Thus speaking about the European aspirations is too early or impossible.
А.B. Not that it is impossible to speak about. It’s just before considering ourself a part of Europe, one has to correlate the own identity and interests with the European ones. The conversation is bus basically about whether there is interest and whether it has to be satisfied.

Venice in Minsk

Orangell — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:04:00 +0200

-Did you have summer?
- What a question, of course we had summer; it's just that day I was ill.

Photo Anton Motol'ko

This joke about the Belarusian climate (which is, by the way, very close to the truth), may be re-told with a slightly different ending: it's just that day it was raining. The start of June was cold and a bit unsure, despite the summer of 2009 gave promises; the start of July was boiling and unusually hot for Belarus. Rumours full of hope promised hot summer, which would be a lovely exception for our moderate continental climate. However on July 19, the heat was gone, rain started and the summer of 2009 became the aforementioned previously expected Belarusian summer-as-usual.

What happened on July 24 became a habitual phenomenon for Minsk life. Weathermen forecasted a storm across the whole country while the Auto inspection warned against the possible danger. On July 24, the city started floating.

"On July 24 from roughly 3 p.m. until 4:30, around 56.4 mm of rain fell making it a 60% of the monthly norm. 77 parts of various motorways, 64 administrative basements were flooded. There were no casualties registered. The nature phenomenon was regarded as abnormal. The last such case was registered 16 years ago (1993) but with 40 mm and one casualty. (source: tut.by)
Why do I call these events habitual? Because we've seen it in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004 and, possible, frequently before that, it's just I don't remember. It might be that the same awful rainfall was in 1999, but the Nemiga catastrophe, Minsk remembering the 10th anniversary this year, no one paid attention.

Flood: objective view and a subjective perception

In public conscience this flooding becomes special for two reasons. The first reason is objective: threatened becomes the capital, the largest city in the country while flooded are many parts of the city.

Photo Anton Motol'ko

The second reason is subjective. Our society is marginalized from the rest of the world. Actions of the governing authorities take place in one reality, opposition - in the other, while our society, the society of the lukewarm and avoiding contacts with both - authorities and the opposition - in, yet, another reality.

The third reality can hardly be attributed to a specific society: each member of this group of people creates his/her own "individual project "success", while altogether the projects do not deliver a body of society in political sense. The whole thing emerges as a " fruit sour milk". All of a sudden, this slow, amorphous routine is shattered by something, called flood. The flood comes up as a challenge to the division of people, yet it is more complicated than that. Attitude towards the flood may differ, which, in its turn, may create a new form of disunity.

On the one hand, there are people, who have been directed impacted by the flood: car, cafe, shop owners. These guys will reckon receiving insurance payments. On the other hand, there are less serious victims: the people who have been to ground zero, but did not suffer damange. For those, the flood is more of a routine breaker, some sort of extreme entertainment.

The third category of people turns an the event into a fest. These are the reporters, who get informed on the upcoming phenomenon (one just needs to watch out for news or weather forecasts to be abreast) and come to take exclusive pics to raise his/her blog's raiting. Others join not to shoot pics but to be shot.

So what?

In the parable about two frogs sitting in milk pitchers, one of them went desperate and drowned. People seem to resemble this drowned frog when sitting in flooded shuttles and autobuses and excitingly watching evening news. For them all this is unexpected, shattering, it is adrenaline they look for. On July 3 and 31 people are ready for these turbulences, while the flooding will soon be forgotten. Plus there are no guarantees that it will repeat. Hence, new victims, new reporters, new deeds and failures of the city authorities.

Coming back to the frogs story, the second frog kept on moving in the pitcher and splashing the milk, which made it butter, which, in its turn, allowed it to crawl out of the pitcher. Belarusian society needs to be consolidated, carry out commonly initiated acts. Creative approach to Minsk floods could be one of them. On July 3, the joy of life is provided by the State. The Day of Flood could well become the day of the own initiative, freedom and independence.

The Belarusian society needs to achieve such a level of consolidation to be able to organise an own flash-mob.Scenarios may differ. Festivity to praise the God Perun, for instance. Carrying out warter sport championships. Minsk - the capital of the world diving.

Photos Anton Motol'ko

Photo onliner.by

This is a snap thought of what could be invented. One has to hurry, though. The state authorities are currently looking into the opportunities of reconstructing the sewage system in Minsk. In 10 years time, we shan't have such an opportunity, but as of now, we could do so much. Yet, while the sewage system is being though through, we can create the Institute of our own Fest.

Swedish EU Council Presidency and Belarus: The Challenge has been taken.

Orangell — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:52:00 +0200

It’s been eight years since Sweden’s last EU Presidency in 2001. Many things have happened over this time: EU eastwards enlargement, the Constitutional Treaty (Lisbon treaty) was rejected twice, EU plunged into a serious institutional crisis coping along with the ongoing financial crisis. These issues, among others, are the ones that are tackled by the Swedish Presidency from July 1 to December 31, 2009.

Ambitions of the Swedish EU Presidency largely reflect the ambitions of Sweden itself – to consolidate and enhance the role of Sweden as a European and global leader. No doubt, internal EU problems are far more important than external policy investment with, often, unpredictable result. It is therefore that the Swedish presidency places its attention on fighting unemployment, creating favourable conditions for small and medium enterprises, resolving the institutional stalemate, developing intellectual and effective approaches to climate and coping with other challenges of the nowadays Europe. It is because of these issues that the presidency’s slogan became “taking on the challenges”.

On the foreign policy field, however, the Swedish EU Presidency has clear ambitions. The way to fulfill these ambitions is starting discussion on the Baltic Sea Strategy, Eastern Partnership implementation process, future cooperation on the issues of EU justice and home affairs (such as immigration, border security, asylum, etc.) as well as further enlargement negotiations with candidate countries.

Defining foreign policy vectors

It is rather obvious that today, in time of institutional and economic turmoil, EU places more emphasis on sorting domestic policy priority zones. This is probably why the articulated priorities of the Swedish presidency are climate and employment.

Photo www.montgomerycrossing.com

However, global leadership ambitions of Sweden are related specifically to the management of foreign policy tasks and building relationship with Belarus gives Sweden a chanсe to strengthen its positions as a global and regional efficiency-oriented player.

A number of political scientists have claimed that Belarus should be approached directly, i.e. without Russia as a middleman. However, Swedes seem to be more pragmatic and state their readiness to work with both, the “unpredictable government of Belarus” and Russia, which looks at the initiative as an attempt to intervene into its sphere of influence. At the end of July, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Martynov upon his return from Brussels claimed that the main partners for Belarus in foreign policy remain the EU and Russia, confirming solidity of Belarus’ foreign policy and indicating at the employment of mediator opportunities of Belarus.

Foreign policy priorities of the Swedish presidency are in general strongly oriented eastwards and towards Russia specifically. The reason for that could be,- quoting Nicu Popescu of the European Council on Foreign Relations,- the fact that “many problems in EU-Russia relations are in Russia’s Neighbourhood states”. It could be the reason why the Swedish Presidency’s Working Programme looks at the relations with Russia through the prism of initiatives in its neighouring countries.

One of such initiatives envisages broad plans on expanding the energy community and energy cooperation, which includes, among others, Ukraine and Moldova in the framework for creating eco-effective EU economy – one of Presidency’s priorities. Belarus is not on the energy community list, but the country takes part in energy and transport projects of the Baltic-Black Sea region. According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the head of the Ministry, Mr. Ogryzko claimed readiness to transport electricity to Lithuania through Belarus (implementation of this project is envisaged by the Strategic Partnership Development between Ukraine and Lithuania for 2009-2010). As a result, consultations have already been carried out among the experts of the three states. Considering that one of the priorities of the Swedish EU presidency is aid in developing socio-economic potential and competitiveness of the Baltic region, Belarus is likely to be included into this EU macro-regional project as a partner. Other than that, Belarus has got the observer status at the Council of Baltic Sea States. This way it looks like the prospects of including Belarus into the European projects are real and predictable.

Is Belarus ready to accept the challenges?

These are, however, the prospects of EU-Belarus cooperation in economic issues that require a feedback from Belarus in normative issues,- as the place for Belarus in Europe is equally determined by its attitude towards norms and rights. The institute that fosters EU norms – the Council of Europe – may still to or may have already become the central organ regulating economic-normative EU-Belarus relations. According to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Information Office, June 29 2009 (that is, after the PACE’s request not to cancel the decision on the suspension of death penalty), yet another death sentence has been articulated to a young person in Belarus.

It is therefore likely that the Swedish Presidency will use PACE as a pressure instrument and to regularly remind of a number of normative conditions Belarus has to fulfill. Prosperity entourage might well result from the necessity to downplay negative ramifications of the financial and economic crisis in the country. However, the overall deterioration of socio-economic indicators should motivate the authorities to undertake concrete measure to liberalise its policy. The normative-rational dichotomy in EU-Belarus relations that was mentioned in one of the earlier articles may well be seen the best during the Swedish EU Presidency. The 2001 Swedish presidency experience shows as a serious position of Sweden in questions of democracy, human rights, the rule of law as well as strengthening the rights theme in the EU agenda.

Photo www.chas-daily.com

“Society is what is created by people, not what is given top down”, - said Prime Minister of Sweden and the Head of the Swedish EU Presidency Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt. The phrase, understood by any EU citizen, implies the genuine attitude towards the creative and, most importantly, initiating role of society in building democratic institutes. Belarus does not possess such experience and this could be what makes Belarus “unpredictable”. However, once the Belarusians and the Belarusian authorities have the necessary demand, EU could become a new ideological navigator for the country. Time should show whether Belarusians are ripe for the power of will.

Swedish EU Council Presidency as a tool for normative oversight

The Swedish EU presidency is not just fostering the Swedish vision of the European construction; it is about fostering the Swedish approach to Europe and the Union. Multilateral cooperation within the Eastern Partnership gives an opportunity for Swedes to lobby their (both Swedish and European) interests in the politico-economic spheres most sensitive for the post-Soviet states. The spheres are good governance, sustainable development, human rights and fundamental freedoms, market economy and international law, etc. As Belarus binds itself with the obligation to participate in the Eastern Partnership initiative, whose basic principles are the ones mentioned above, it inevitably becomes subjected to the economic and normative oversight on the part of the Swedish and the forthcoming presidencies of the EU. It is interesting to note that in the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit Declaration, stability, security and prosperity of the EU’s partners in this initiative are bound to commitments of the partner countries (including Belarus) to carry our political and socio-economic reforms. EU, in its turn, is willing to help.

Another ambitious EP initiative is the Parliamentary Assembly European Neighbourhood East (EURONEST) within the Eastern Partnership. The initiative aims at holding a summit of parliamentarians (60 MEPs and 10 representatives from each partner country) this autumn for discussing and analyzing the projects within the Eastern Partnership frame. Considering that the Belarusian Parliament has not been recognized by the EP or the EU, Belarus has been claimed to be represented by the democratic forces of the country. The fact that Belarus will be represented by human rights and non-governmental organization at the Summit for obvious reasons does not please Belarusian officials. EU’s attempt ‘to form Belarus agenda building on the opposition requirements’ already caused indignation of the Belarusian leader. The Belarusian President has warned the EU against “unlikely prospects’ of such cooperation. Yet, Swedish presidency’s priorities and interests in this initiative, the country’s authority as a normative power, and finally the power of co-decision may push Belarus towards a more compromise-based rhetoric.

Belarus opts out of Euroskeptics

Photo www.euroradio.fm

The result of the EU Troika – Belarus meeting on July 28, 2009 indicates at Belarus’ cautious commitment to the European way of navigation in economic and political issues. In particular, Belarus, as represented by Minister Martynov, articulated its wish for a “closer” and “result-oriented cooperation in a number of fields, of interest to Belarus. These are the visa regime, the change of the most favoured status regime for a “different regime. What is “closer” and “result-oriented” cooperation, and what “different regime” the Minister referred to, remains unknown. When answering the question of the Swedish News Agency whether the Minister thought Belarus could meet the expectations concerning reforms on human rights, freedom of expression and so on that Mr Bildt and Ms. Ferrero-Waldner have spoken about until November so that new steps could be taken in the relations between Belarus and the European Union, the Minister replied that Belarus reasonably expected that [Belarus] would be “in a position to provide the necessary grants for the European Union to take the decisions which are important[1].

Whether “providing the necessary grants” means creating conditions or guarantees for normative and legal reforms until November or resolving substantive political issues, is unknown. However, the fact of gradual, careful, yet conscious geopolitical U-turn is obvious.

Conclusions

The prospects of the normative oversight on the part of the European Union and the Swedish Presidency, to my mind, pushes Belarus to open compromise-based and blunt Euroatlantic rhetoric in relations with the EU. On July 22, Belarus’ MFA Deputy Alexander Lukashevich noted that entering South Osetia and Abkhazia from regions other than Zugdidi and Gori (Georgia) is forbidden. Besides that one has to have a special permission given by the Georgian officials. The statement basically foretells the position of Belarus on the recognition of South Osetia and Abkhazia regions. It is important to note that such a position helps to achieve the adequate level of understanding both with the EU and the United States through the Russia-themed maneuvering.

For the Swedish Presidency, however, such accomplishments of the Belarusian authorities in its foreign policy domain – are a big plus for the Sweden’s leadership aspirations and mediator capabilities justification in the Neighbourhood zone. Diplomatic capabilities also contribute to the feasibility of EU’s global actorness along with the US and China. Belarus, staunchly adhering to the idea of a unipolar world order does not, however, articulate, in which sphere and under which leverage it would be ready to realize the own interests. Therefore, the dialogue with Europe and possible liberalization of relations with the US may become critical points for image change and the change of ideological substance of Belarus. Whether Belarus would have to change the above stated normative principles of governance, revise relations with Russia, fight the own corruption and bureaucracy – is the question of responsibility and civil consciousness of the Belarusian authorities, flexibility of its foreign policy ambitions and, finally, adherences to the idea of Belarus as a “state for the people”, articulated in the official discourse.

[1] See www.mfa.gov.by July 28, 2009

The profile of VICTORY-a

Orangell — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:53:00 +0200

“You my… #8!” Sounds not that romantic, isn’t it? It depends. When it comes to the position in the world’s rating it gets quite attractive. Especially, when you are 19. This is all about Belarusian Victoria Azarenka who is at the present moment the 8th in WTA rating.

Twelve years ago tennis was just one of the options for Alla Azarenka, Victoria’s mother, among number of spheres where her daughter could apply her activity. Nobody knows who happens that certain mothers guess it right what will make their child famous and, as a rule, happy. Anyway, unlike the mothers who forced their children to go in for sport, Alla Azarenka had the problem to make her daughter leave tennis court.

Victoria grew up as a sportswoman looking at such stars of not just Belarusian but world tennis as Mirnyi and Zvereva. On her way from the girl who serves the tennis to the girl who earns hundreds of thousands dollars hitting these balls with the racquet Victoria Azarenka had the experience of playing in Spain but she was disappointed by the Spanish tennis school and the opportunities it afforded.

The crucial point of Victoria Azarenka’s career was the invitation by the family of Russian NHL goalie Khabibulin. The wife of Khabibulin, actually, her name is Victoria too, is from Belarus. That was she who saw the play of young Azarenka and understood that “promising” was not just a stock word that is applied to the majority of a young hopefuls. The performance of Azarenka at junior tournament Khabibulina and her daughter Sasha attended really let cherish hope. But in order to justify that hope certain conditions and opportunities were needed what Belarusian tennis school lacked. On other hand, everything that a young hopeful needs was in sufficiency in the USA where Victoria Azarenka was invited by Victoria Khabibulina. This “everything” includes well-equipped courts, experienced partners and trainers, competent coach and some that on favourable starting conditions help a sportsman to succeed.

The support young tennis player got from the Khabibulins was the inspiration and stimulus. Year by year improving her results and winning titles Victoria Azarenka made the tennis world treat her seriously when she was just a teenager.

“External sport career” that is about Azarenka. She is just 19 and she already has several “adult” titles and traumas which are natural stages of the life of sportsmen. Even now her play has almost no gaps and she becomes quite a complete player. Her professional grow which consists of not only improvement of techniques but also mastering of psychological aspect of the game. What is the most important is that Victoria believes she CAN. She can further improve her play, she can win important championships and titles advancing her status in the tennis world.

People may say that she is a lucky stiff. Indeed. She was lucky when her mother choose tennis. She was lucky when Victoria Khabibulina acquired confidence in her. She was lucky to make a fruitful duet with her American coach Antonio Van Grihen. Yes, good fortune smiles Victoria Azarenka. But luck as a clever granter doesn’t wan to be the only donor. Talent, diligence, strong will are the permanent partners of luck and guarantors of its investments what is proved by the example of Victoria Azarenka.

EU-Belarus-Russia: Mediating Maneuvers of Belarus

Orangell — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:29:00 +0200

Vitebsk

Belarusian town of Vitebsk is just 60 kilometers west of the Russian border and around 280 kilometers east of the nearest border with the European Union (EU) member state – Latvia. This, formerly, Russian municipal town has close historical ties with both, Russia, which it was a part of until 1924 (hence, Marc Chagall, who left the town in 1922 is normally attributed to as being either the Russian or the French painter) and the nowadays EU, whose western provinces used to belong to Poland and Latvia at the dawn of the last century. The territory of Vitebsk is larger than the size of Albania, Salvador, Moldova and Armenia. Just like for other large Belarusian cities such as Homel, Brest or Minsk, the economy of Vitebsk and the Vitebsk region is seriously dependent on the trade with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the EU, while the largest regional trade partners have traditionally been Russia, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Moldova. According to the official statistics, 75% of all production is exported to Russia, while only 21.4% is exported to the ‘far abroad’(1). Besides that, Vitebsk hosts important transport arteries linking Russia with Central ( Moscow- Minsk – Warsaw- Berlin) and Western Europe (Helsinki-Vitebsk-Kiev-Plovdiv). Historically determined linguo-cultural and trade connections with Russia as well as the present eurointegrationist realities of Belarus make us look at the mediator role and bargaining options for Belarus in the light of new strategic partnerships with the EU and Russia. In these integrationist realities it is Vitebsk that becomes the litmus paper for the Belarus- European and Belarus-Russian relations.

Belarusian oil refinerie

The current economic and financial crises make the ambitions of Minsk predictable: to stabilize the economy by means of financial resources found in the EU or Russia. According to Kommersant newspaper, “in Europe, there are financial resources, which is an important factor for Belarus”. Russia has willingly offered credits to Belarus hitherto and the latter 2 bln. dollar credit might have caused the latest dairy conflict with Russia. According to Newsweek, “Belarus, as a reciprocal gesture in exchange for the credit, promised the sell of 12 milk plants to the eager Russian investors”. This hypothesis was later denounced by the Belarusian leader, but the likelihood of Belarus’ offering a stake to the Russian or European businessman remains possible. As a sign of good will, the Belarusian President already declared readiness to discuss the issue of privatization of the Belarus’ oil refineries. (2). It is noteworthy, however, that EU credit conditions for Belarus are similar: for the European investors to be able to privatize some of the Belarus’ key industries with guarantees of their later purchase "Kommersant" (22.06.09) .

Thus, Belarus’ maneuvering in economic questions with the aim to maximize the own benefit is obvious; not immediately obvious is the end purpose of Belarus’ cooperation priorities. Nevertheless, Belarus makes a cautious hint that the European component of its multi-vector policy is becoming well-timed. According to the Press Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security Council, Belarus’ Poland’s and Ukrainian’s National Security Councils agreed on setting up the “Kiev Initiative”, envisaging deeping of cooperation between the states within the Eastern Partnership framework. This move of Belarus might cause a little unease on the Russian side and solidify the image of Belarus as an ‘unreliable partner’ of Russia. Simultaneously, playing the Europe card with Russia could be of advantage for Belarus: the more Belarus is facing Europe, the more privileges it may negotiate with Russia. The ‘brotherhood’ rhetoric in economic relations seems to be fading away. In this regard, Belarus may recall and propose the notorious principle of “flies and cutlets served separately” to articulate the spheres of interest. Regardless of the Belarus-Russia relations, however, the “Kiev Initiative” could be look upon as Ukrainian’s attempt to maximize its political capital in view of its clearer vision of Ukraine in the EU.

ODKB leaders

However, besides interests, Belarus has a number of binding obligations – something that is still missing with the EU, namely: obligations within the framework of the Organisation for Collective Security Agreement (ODKB), Belarus-Russian Union obligations, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) membership obligations and World Trade Organisation membership ambitions jointly with Russia and Kazakhstan. It seems, Belarus has a clear understanding of what sort of requirements will be put forward by the EU on the way of establishing relations. It also seems, on to way to resolve short-term problems Belarus may decline some of the long-term EU offers in favour of the more immediate aid from Russia. Yet, the wish of Belarus to resolve internal political issues (like legitimization of the present Belarusian political system, etc.) in the light of the upcoming 2011 elections may slightly drag political and economic bargaining with the EU.

These obligations entrap Minsk ambitions, but do not rid of an opportunity to carry on with the dialogue with Europe on investment and credits. Such a position, possibly, disciplines Russia and prepares ground for further close and up-to-the-point conversations with the Eastern neighbour. Belarus might still believe that Russia could sooner be forthcoming on a number of issues, the more intensive the Belarus-EU dialogue will be.

Systemic economic and political shortcomings in Belarus seem to be resolved through the targeted and strategic dialogue with both Russia and the EU concerning the added value of Belarus for either actor. Belarus, like a two-faced Janus, knows its strong points and sells itself to Russia and the EU for the price commensurate with its domestic and foreign policy ambitions. Locally, nevertheless, Belarus remains the country with raw system of values, tendency to adulate the rulers and adhere to the vertical political system. Rephrasing Strouvet, “if Belarus is not kept frozen, it starts dripping off the table.”

Being able to compare inside and outside Belarus, I, as an observer, am interested, how Vitebsk – this Russian-speaking town, which absorbed the culture and mentality of various European ethnos is gradually becoming a part of an all-European geopolitical mediation process between two mighty cultural and economic entities – EU and Russia.

Belarus is so delicate and egocentric in making decisions, it seems at times that Belarus as a whole and Vitebsk in particular are not prone to undergo metamorphoses of the civilized society, and therefore the litmus paper effect is sooner the question of the future than the present. However, where there is foreign investment there is always a place for the rules of the game established by the investment. Bordering on the EU and Russia, Vitebsk may become a test zone for such rules, the place, where bargaining with the EU and Russia means maneuvering between costs and benefits of being included into the European projects and attempts to model EU behaviour by navigating negotiations in the fashion familiar to the Belarusian authorities, i.e. narrowing down negotiation to trade issues.

The role of transitor, mediator and partner in exchange for financial aid, membership in the European structures and authority of Belarus in the EU and the world is a choice between the static of national interests and the evolution of national principles, where the former is based on material values, while the latter - on the ethical, normative categories. It seemed Belarus had long made its choice in favour of the former. Not long ago, Belarus’ evaluation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) strongly depended on the state of affairs with Russia. When relations with Russia corresponded to the Belarusian interests, Belarusian authorities where neither supportive of the ENP nor interested in any form of conditionality-based cooperation. When relations with Russia deteriorated, Belarus sought help from the EU and demonstrated readiness to follow its requirements(3, volume 6, November 2008, p.3). Belarus' maneuvering between Russia and the EU in political-economic issues, might testify to the identity crisis or frustration of the Belarusian elites. However, the principle of multi-vector foreign policy makes Belarus seek new ways for cooperation with formerly alien interests and methods, definitions and priorities of the formerly alien Europe.

Belarus and EU - mercenary marriage?

Orangell — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:15:00 +0200

Couple of years ago political scientists cautiously referred Belarus to the “undefined state in the middle of Europe” (Manaev 2006), explaining the external political “vacillation” by historical factors, idiosyncrasy of the leaders and problems of the Belarusians’ own identity.

In the article we shall attempt to answer the question: is Belarus’ movement towards the EU a rational, pragmatic choice or a normative approach, whose aim is to approximate Belarus to the European norms, values and legal traditions?

Rational and normative approaches

Both, external and internal policy navigation of Belarus has long been defined by the state rhetoric. For a long time, the European Union has been a marginalized, opposition-oriented actor with a policy, aimed at fostering European norms by plain normative tools, promoting them among the Belarusian population and was therefore considered alien to the Belarusian state interests. Belarus, in its turn, was cautious in accepting EU recommendations lest the country should be normatively dependent on the EU. The enlargement of the European Union to the East, NATO enlargement, the change of political elites in Russia and the ultimately emerged geopolitical problems (post 2008 Georgian conflict commitments on Osetia and Abkhazia, energy issues, etc.) made Belarus conduct a geopolitical U-turn towards the West. The substance of the U-turn, among others, is rational technical cooperation, financial and technical aid to reach and sustain economic stability, yet in exchange for normative progress in political and civil rights. We therefore speak of two approaches in articulating EU-Belarus cooperation instruments: rational and normative. Which of these has been chosen by Belarus and the EU is to be seen in the text.

The European academic discourse looks at the behaviour of the actors on an international scene through the prism of rational choice and normative (constructivist) approaches. Rational Choice theory looks at the political process as activity conducted by rational professionals. They choose the options for action, which lead to the optimal result (maximizing utility) in terms of relation between capital invested and outcome gained. In this respect, such phenomena as democratic deficit, electorate sentiments or ideology are considered politically insignificant.

Normative approach in the EU policy – the term offered by Ian Manners (2001) and defined as “influence over ideas or opinion”- concurs with civilian and military approaches and in the context of EU-Belarus relations boils down to prioritizing European norms and ideas (such as freedom of speech, human rights, democracy, the rule of law, etc.) before political or economic benefit.

Belarus - EU relations

Present geopolitical orientation of Belarus is of interest due to the fact that after a long period of political isolation of Belarus, apathy of the Belarusian electorate and economic stagnation, there finally emerged a need to articulate state interest and make an own choice for the method to realize the interest. In my view, the method chosen by Belarus is better described as pragmatism. Facing a number of important geopolitical choices, such as accepting the status of South Osetia and Abkhazia, cooperation on energy and transport with the Baltic and Black Sea regions, Belarus demonstrates a coherent interest in returning to partnership with the EU, choosing for itself, referring to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the role of an “economic mediator between the EU and Russia”.

The presently emerged European theme and Belarus’ participation in the “Eastern Partnership initiative along with thorny Russia-Belarus relations, tests the multi-vector nature of the Belarusian foreign policy, simultaneously compelling Belarus choose the way to maximse the utility at the lowest possible cost. Doing “what is beneficial for the Belarusian people and what is beneficial for Europe”, according to Alexander Lukashenko, once again confirms the principle of rationality in formulating the method for satisfying state interests.

As such, the Eastern Partnership policy envisions signing association agreements with the EU, creation of a free trade zone and a gradual create of a common market, similar to the one already in place with Norway, Iceland and Luxembourg.( Melyantsov 2009). From the rationalist point of view, Eastern Partnership is seen as largely the instrument of financial aid. As of now, 600 million euro has been reserved for the EP needs until 2013.

It seems, however, that the normative component of the EU-Belarus relations is downplayed or absent. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Belarus, in the Eastern Partnership Declaration, taken in Prague, there is not a single line, which would bind the participating member states to “approximate their national legislation with the norms of the EU” (MFA of Belarus)

EU - Belarus relations

The change of the EU rhetoric towards Belarus for the past several months has been reasoned by a number of factors (such as the wish of the EU itself to occupy a more articulated position on the EU Neighbourhood policy, which hasn’t brought much result hitherto, demonstrate to the United States the competitiveness of the EU’s foreign policy, etc.). Among these factors is also willingness to define the own approaches of the EU as a normative or rational, or both.

For a long time the EU has positioned itself vis-à-vis Belarus as a normative power, able to include Belarus into the all-European discourse by means of explaining the importance of normative tools, such as democracy, rule of law or human rights for establishing truly European conscience. The distinctiveness of the Belarusian approach to these normative instruments hasn’t allowed the European principles to become dominant in the internal or external policy of Belarus. Further to this, plethora of conflicts of interest, possible victimization of the EU as a results of these conflicts, relative economic volatility in the entire post-Soviet region and an ever stronger actorness of Russia made the EU refer to the EU Neighbourhood policy through programmes, which would tackle short-term problems.

This is confirmed by an equally rational EU approach to Belarus, under which, quoting the German State Minister Hernot Erler, the “Eastern Partnership initiative envisions intensification of the existing neighbourhood policy based on the principles of differentiation, i.e. relations with individual participants will be developed differently, depending on the progress made in reforms.”

Relations with Belarus have until now developed along the trajectory, earlier established by the instruments of the EU external policy through technical aid, which testifies to the rational approach of Belarus in attracting concrete European structures into the concrete Belarusian problem zones. Based on the TACIS information provided, the main type of EU aid to Belarus is technical assistance, manifested in know-how, consultative services, expert knowledge, business plans and investment. From 1991 to 2006, technical assistance made up 216 million EURO, which is around 40% of all technical aid that has been provided to Belarus by all international donors.

Prospect

Yet, EU seems to explore two approaches in managing relations with Belarus- both, rational and normative. Involving Belarus in the “Eastern Partnership” initiative looks like an attempt to exert democratic oversight by means of placing Belarus into certain European structures, such as the Council of Europe. This makes Belarus fall under the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) jurisdiction, which may expedite the development of democracy, pursuit of the European norms and values as well as the rule of law. Belarus’ membership in the Council of Europe (CoE), nevertheless, has a number of ideologically conflicting conditions, which reveal a disagreement between the state and civil society and a possible trust deficit between these two institutions.
According to BelaPAN, if Belarus is in favour of entering the Council of Europe, it has to decide on the moratorium on the execution of the death penalty1. This has again been stressed by the Chief of the President’s Cabinet Vladimir Makey on June 17, 2009. If Belarus puts membership in the CoE on the agenda, Belarus will have to ratify the European Convention on Human Rights and Basic Freedoms. The document not only names the basic human rights, but also envisages mechanisms of their protection, in particular through the European Court of Human Rights. After the ratification of the Convention Belarusians will be eligible to make appeals to this institutions. This opportunity may challenge the legitimacy of Belarus’ official label as the “state for the people” and justify EU’s capabilities as a normative power able to transfer normative resources like democracy or the rule of law by rational means, where these are needed the most. The issue of whether Belarus needs the European norms, however, may be directly proportionate to the political or economic benefit received by Belarus from the EU.

It is quite clear that conflicts of interest will take place between Belarus and the EU in the spheres, where strategic normative interests of the EU will be counterbalanced against strategic rational interests of Belarus. On the one hand, ideological breaking in the relations with the EU is inevitable if Belarus refuses to adapt to the normative requirements of the EU. On the other hand, the ability of Belarus to mimicry the form and not necessarily the substance, may create visible ideational reform, although it’s hardly the case with Belarus’s rational approach.

In the course of the European Commissioner for External Affairs and Neighbourhood Policy visit to Minsk, Benita Ferrero-Waldner stated: “ If Belarusians choose Europe, they will be warmly welcomed. You have all the chances and I think you will utilize them” How rational this statement is remains to be seen.

Vladimir Fours passed away

Orangell — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:10:00 +0200

On the 4th of June Vladimir Fours dropped dead from heart attack. He was 45 years old.

Proffessor, Doctor of Philosophy. For a long time he headed the Philisophy department and master degree programm "Social theory and political philosophy" at European Humanities University, since recently he was head od Research Department at EHU

Person deserving admiration. Both those who had chance to know him personnally and those who only knew him by his books and articles admired him and aspired to attain to his level.

Belarusian opposition demonstration.

Orangell — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:29:00 +0200

Belarusian opposition has only two large demonstrations allowed a year. A bit prior to the day of Europe Belarusians decided to have a demonstration in favor of integration. Cristina Álvarez, told us about this event in an exclusive reportage with photographs.

Belarusian opposition has two large demonstrations allowed a year. One of them is held on the 26th of April to commemorate the Chernobyl catastrophe of 1986 in neighbouring Ukraine as Belarus was the country most affected with radiation. The direction of wind blew in such a way that the major part of contamination fell out in the southeast of the country, very close to the nuclear power plant that is situated a few kilometers away from the border between the two countries.

In the view of this, and from 1996, different groups of the opposition united to participate in so called “The march of Chernobyl” on Sunday, 26 of April at noon in Akademia Nauk, the center of Minsk. The demonstration was headed by various leaders of the opposition such as Andrei Sannikov, coordinator of the European Belarus campaign, leaders of Young Front and Young Belarus movements, and renowned scientists, and ex-professors among others.

Step by step marchers went carrying posters in commemoration of the tragedy and flags of the European Union. There were no Belarusian officials manifesting their opposition to the policy of the Government of Alexander Lukashenko. The construction of a nuclear power plant on the territory of Belarus itself was in the center of most discussions at the meetings of definite leaders. The consequences of Chernobyl are present in all parts and not only in the zone most affected. And cases of cancer, and diseases connected with large nuclear exposure are of the present day and will be for centuries a constant in the hospitals of the country. Due to this, the idea to construct the power plant in Belarus has caused indignation of a significant part of the society.

During various speeches in the square of Akademia Nauk everything was calm until some leaders exclaimed that the route of the march, that was going to start then, would not go the way permitted by the Government as it was to go along a street distant from the center hardly having any social repercussion. Decided to head towards the main avenue of the capital carrying flags in a peaceful march. In a few minutes special police squad came and closed the passage to the center to the demonstrators. During some minutes both parts stood in front of each other and did not know what would happen next. Finally, demonstrators conceded and the march went along the route permitted up to the church built in commemoration of Chernobyl.

Is it our victory?

Orangell — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:50:00 +0200

“This is our victory!” these are the words which were chosen by the Belarusian commentators of the Eurovision 2009 contest that took place in Moscow to accompany the scenes of Alexander Rybak’s victory, a Norwegian of Belarusian origin. This opinion is shared by many people from Belarusians where this contest is very popular. Now when ballyhoo about “our victory” slightly decreased we can try to give the answer to the question “Is it really ours?” Can Belarusians and Belarus be proud of long-awaiting first award at the Eurovision? It’s worth mentioning that even Russian commentator of the contest used the word “our” in relation to the win of the Norwegian of Belarusian origin. So whom does this victory belong to? Is it Belarusian, Russian, Norwegian or it nevertheless belongs to nomadic tribes of Mongolia?

Alexander Rybak whose name and surname sound so native represented Norway and won with a record break-aword break-away. That victory was predicted by the bookmakers long time before the contest. Is the Belarusian origin a reason of such success? Well, may be indirectly.

Alexander Rybak’s parent being both Belarusians moved to Norway for permanent residence at the beginning of 90s. Alexander was six at that time. Both mother and father are the professional musicians pianist and violinist respectively. Alexander’s father was offered a job in Norway and the family moved to the suburb of Oslo. Alexander was back to Belarus for half a year after that and even went to the school under Belarusian State Academy of Music. But the major part of his life Alexander Rybak spent in Norway where he was educated as a musician and scored a success in this field: performance with the A-ha musicians and famous violinist Pinahas Zukerman; a victory in the Kjempesjansen show with the song "Foolin" composed by himself; a part in the Norwegian movie "Yohan - Child Wanderer" which will be released at the end of August, 2009; Anders Johres’ award in the field of culture. Currently Alexander works as concertmaster in Ung Symfoni, the largest youth symphonic orchestra in Norway.

Apparently, the choice of the career was much influenced by the parents who fulfilled themselves as musicians. And the choice was correct. The part Belarusian parents in the formation of the present Eurovision winner’s musical mastery based on the talent and abilities which were built in genetically is enormous. But this is the only contribution of Belarus in this victory. A young hopeful has grown to a mature talent on Norwegian land. Alexander’s parents didn’t try to come back to Belarus because they realizing that there were much more prospects for them and their son to make a career of musicians in Norway. Even mentioning the Belarusian folk songs in the interviews to Belarusian journalists Alexander Rybak tells that his idols are Mozart, the Beatles and Sting and calls his song Norwegian. He also identifies himself with Norwegian realizing that in spite of origin he is not Slavonic.

This victory belongs to Alexander Rybak, his parents, directors, managers and all of them have a Norwegian passport. Norway can impartially be proud of its victory and we are not eligible appropriate it. Belarusians can also be proud of their compatriot but not Belarus. And “our victory” or “our fortune” or “our misfortune” is that one, who showed his master in eloquence better than in singing.

Victory Day in Minsk

Orangell — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:04:00 +0200

View on the Great Patriotic War Museum, center Minsk, the slogan is "People's exploit does live in centuries"

Victory Day on May 9 is one of the biggest events in Belarus. While European Union celebrates the Day of Europe, when in 1950 Robert Schuman presented his proposal to create an organiced Europe after decades of wars and inestability in the old continent, in Belarus and Russia the date that the Soviet Army defeated the Fascist troops in 1945 is honoured with all majesty.

Preparing the city for the Victory day

Concert hall named "Republic Palace" in center of Minsk

The week before, they have been cleaning and decorating the city, puting USSR slogans everywhere, playing war films on tv to prepare citizens to the day of the “national pride”. War veterans, martial music, red flags with USSR symbols, portraits of Stalin and Lenin, and a lot of flowers to remember the Belarusian people who died during long years of battles.

The official events with Alexander Loukashenko participating

At Victory Square in Minsk (Ploshcha Peramogi in Belarusian and Ploshad Pobedy in Russian) it was celebrated one of the most important events, but across the capital many others took place too, with parades and concerts. There, different forces of the Belorusian Army were assembled to meet the President, Soviet war music sounded on the megaphones and national flags fluttered close to the large obelisk with the sickle and the hammer plaque, that still remembers the old times. Around 13.00 Belarusian President arrived in the square, received with all honours. He put flowers in the obelisk, made a speech about the importance of this victory and thanked veterans for their effort.

Obelisk in middle of Victory square

Eternal Flame

Veterans

Victory Day is a celebration that extremely praises the USSR and Soviet Army values: patriotism, courage, “We won”... are slogans easy to find everywhere during this day. But veterans are the most impressive, in the end, forgetting all the propaganda of this ceremony, it’s a date dedicated to whom fighted in the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945 and are still alive, to whom died then and to their families, who put flowers in the Eternal Flame to remember them.

Among the people, it’s possible to meet very different persons: a man who distributed copies with the photo of Stalin, or an old woman who spoke about the importance of God and the horrors of the war.

After the official event

After the official event, in all parks across the city different concerts took place, families went for a walk with their veterans, and some citizens gave them flowers. At 22.00, colourful fireworks closed a very intense day in Minsk.

Lithuanian Prime Minister A. Kubilius has visited European Humanities University

Orangell — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:32:00 +0100

In the course of the meeting, Minister stated that Lithuania is in favour of Belarus having its place in Europe and stressed the importance of dialogue between Belarus and the European Union. "Belarus needs changes and the EHU community needs to inact these changes", - said Kubilius.

Prime minister replied to a number of questions from students, attended a student contemporary art exhibition. Regarding the issue of whether Belarus is ready to host EHU in Minsk, minister said " in the title of your university there is a name "European", so far only Lithuania is a part of Europe. We'll not give it (EHU) away!"

Fragments of the Prime Minister's speech and some students' questions:

Kubilius: I can tell you that Lithuania has always been in favour of Belarus having its place in Europe. We long fought for our independence and have been for the dialogue between Belarus and the European Union. If we look at a long-term perspective, I am sure the territory of the whole of the former Grand Dutchy of Lithuania is in Europe. Belarus needs changes and the EHU community needs to inact these changes...
MIkhailov: I know that in the past there was a branch of the Minsk Military School in the building where the EHU is now situated. We are now taking part in the process of transformation of this place into a different space where something different is happening. I believe we should take this opportunity to hear the questions from our students.
Question: What's your stance on the Atomic Power plant? Do you believe LIthuania may use it to import electricity?
Kubilius: I think your guys are too naiive about this whole thing... this takes time.That's one thing. I am not sure how rapid a pace the project will take in your state...Economic exchange is important between us. We are happy your entrepreneurs are using our port. The concern of our businessmen is whether Belarus will follow the rules of the common open and liberal European market, if this happens, business investment will flow from Lithuania.
Question: For EHU students there are no chances for enrollment in the Master-level studies at the Lithuanian universities. How justified is it?
Kubilius: I cannot clearly picture the situation, but so far the "admission offer" is applied solely to the citizens of Lithuania, so try to become citizens of Lithuania. We see serious demographic problems and support young families.
Question: What's the stance of Lithuania on Belarus participation in the Eastern Partnership initiative and Belarus participation in the Prague Summit?
Kubilius: EHU can be one of the most effective recipients of this programme. When discussing this initiative, many stated that European and humanity values should be the basis for participation in the EP. There is a link between this initiative and the behavior of the countries -recipients. As for the Prague summit, I think Belarus will be represented in Prague, yet the level of participation remains unclear.

Watch the video (in Russian)

Living creatures and our friends are in danger!

Orangell — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:11:00 +0100

Recently my friends told me that they have been raising funds to buy a horse and I was really surprised. Why do people need a horse? Then they told me about a destiny of some horses from the Ratomka centre of equestrianism and horse-breeding which became “victims of the economic crisis.” A few people who train in the Ratomka centre decided to buy a horse and more over to provide it with billeting and care. We interviewed Irena, a girl that bought her horse with sympathizers’ support.

My name is Irena Berezovskaya. I am 17. I study in the 11th form of BSE lyceum. I have trained in the Ratomka centre of equestrianism and horse-breeding since 2005. I started to work with Ganga from the end of 2006. She was moved from a dam section to training one. She was not ridden for about year and a half. Egor from triathlon and I started to train the horse. By the summer we have solved most of the problems of Ganga. Soon I started to take her into competitions and children rides.

Irena with the bill confirming buying the horse

Because of my age I had to leave the centre in September, 2008. I often visited Ganga. I also kept in touch with Natalia Ivanovna Stec, my first trainer. In the middle of December Natalia Ivanovna told me that stables in the Ratomka centre were going to be pulled down and most horse will not have place to live so it was very likely that horses would be killed for meat. We phoned Kraevsky, the chief of the training section, and he said that 6 horses from the training section were put up for auction. Ganga was among them. I was shocked. I immediately tried to find money. Hoping that the price will be one million of Belarusian rubles as for meat, I started to ask for help my friends and acquaintances, placed ads on the Internet. I have never thought that there are so many concerned people. I thank them very much. There would be no result without them. They helped me to collect 1 million Belarusian rubles. (about €300).

In some time I was informed that the price was 4.5 million Belarusian rubles (about €1300). Where could I get such money?! I constantly tried to verify the exact information whether horses would be turned into meat. But nor the vet from Ratomka, nor trainers, no one could say for sure whether Ganga would go for meat. I waited, as I did not have such money.

Soon Stec told me that her former horse Kadilak that had been recently sent to sweat in the rent, went for meat. It was a hard blow to her. Hatalia Ivanovna has a lot of friends in the centre and she must have been told about the possible prospects and the pass of her horse to meat processing factory. I understood that I could not delay. It was necessary to find the rest sum of money.

Sponsors from Russia sent me a big sum of money but it was still not enough. My uncle gave me some part. My friend Valeria and her family helped me very much; they lent me the rest sum of money.

Another problem rose, that of billeting. Near Minsk everything was very expensive. I even did not know what to do. But I got lucky again. One of my friends from Ratomka offered billeting in a shed of her relatives. The host will feed and water the horse. The billeting cost appeared to be acceptable. I agreed.
An application is written, the horse is paid for. I could not believe in this!

Finally 29.01.2009 we took Ganga with us.

I worried about other horses. Many of them were bought out. From the rent every horse was bought out except for Kabilak. Many horses were bought from the training section. However defected dams and foals went to the meat processing factory.

I think that everyone in my situation would act in the same way. I did not do anything great that could astound the public. Now I work with Ganga by Pat Parelli’s technique, use rope halter in riding. I think everything will be OK with us. Well, I hope.)

Interview taken by Pastushenko Olga

Bandscan:Belarus musical contest finished. The winners – The Toobes from Minsk – visit Stockholm with concerts.

Orangell — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:52:00 +0100

The final of Bandscan:Belarus, Belarusian and Swedish musical project, took place in Fabrique club in Minsk on the 25th of January. Out of 36 bands that competed in selection concerts in Vitebsk and Baranovichy, as well as in the two quarterfinals and semifinal in Minsk, 6 better bands reached the final of the contest by audience polls. According to the spectators’ opinions of the final concert the winners are The Toobes from Minsk. The performances of the best 6 finalists were as follows.

The final of Belarusian and Swedish musical project stands out with its great popularity and emotional excitement even if compared to the Minsk part of the contest that also took place in Fabrique club. The absence of big queues and possibility to come very close to the stage and see what is happening there was of nice surprise. Diversified public, that can’t be met at concerts in the capital, also delighted. Computerization of the contest and performers’ appeals to download their songs in the internet, particularly in the Livejournal and Vkontakte, is worth mentioning.

“We don’t want to be like another”

After the official opening of the final by Swedish and Belarusian representatives, the first performer who went to stage was Jenowa from Vitebsk. By the way, this was the only participant who performed some songs in Belarusian over the contest night.

“We came to you with very honest music” — vocalist presented her repertoire about “a lot of pain and sex”. And addressed to the audience: “You came here not to relax, but to learn thinking and feeling”. And then a song started like a confession: “We don’t want to be like another, but while playing, we lose everything alive inside”.

“All my thoughts are below the belt”

The vocalist of RU.ST band from Babruysk admitted that the atmosphere of Fabrique reminded him “Moulin Rouge” and he felt he was Madame JuJu, and shouted out a song name “Metrosexual”. Main ideas of the next songs also were around sex or simply about it. Names and lyrics are corresponding: “Who will have sex with you?!”, “I’m neither a hero nor a soldier, I just remember that I’m a lecher”, “All my thoughts are below the belt – I’m in state of hunt”. Under the influence of his own goals the vocalist began to strip. He took off his shirt on stage and then unzipped his fly.

His show was finished with the song called “Otstoy”… Meaning “Sucks”…

The audience’s temperature and mood heated with each hour of the continuous concert.

«Metal till death»

Minas Morgul band from Vitebsk together with their fans got off under hard metal music. Then vocalist in “Metal till death” shirt thanked from the stage: “Excellent work, Minsk! Well done!” “Friends from Sweden” were grated with a song which English lyrics were hardly understood.

“Spasibo so much"

Hair Peace Salon from Minsk performed alternative Brit Rock. As true gentlemen guys remembered about Tatiana’s Day and devoted to all Tatianas a song “Ice Age”, and “Gipsy” to all gipsy men and women, and bears. The band soloist politely greeted all fans of bands from other towns and remembered to advertise their next concert. Guys from Hair Peace Salon in an intelligent way, as no one else, thanked in English Swedish part and Belarusian part – Sasha Bogdanov to whom the soloist said in worry: “Spasibo so much!”

“I don’t want sovdep anymore!”

“Voronin Band” from Baranovichy went on the stage in shirts with the band’s name on their backs. During their show musicians repeatedly turned their backs – “not bottoms” – upon the audience calling people to recall the band’s name while voting. The first song was “No! No! I don’t want sovdep anymore! I don’t want barn! I better chose paradise!” And if she “knew how many spots on the sun”, she “would love him much stronger than before!” They also sang “I love you, baby” – a song that reminded a Swedish band of the same name who was a guest at the semifinal.

Poll, winners, guests

By the number of the fans presented The Toobes were total leaders. Many of those who came to support their favorite band, patiently waited for four hours to finally get off at full. Almost all people in the audience danced, almost everyone who stayed to the end. There were people who came to the final just to hear The Toobes as they have heard a lot of good reviews about the band. Philip Chmyr – the leader of Drum Ecstasy band was among those interested people.

Guests – Swedish Pluxus – made a laser show on the stage turning it into dark stone forest. Electronic music made calm the hottest ones and fall into an easy trance.

While the guest performed, voting bulletins were counted and the poll was declared. The second was Hair Peace Salon, third RU.ST, fourth «Voronin Band» and fifth Minas Morgul. All the bands received some piece of musical equipment: guitar, microphone, drums, bass combo or guitar combo. The happy winners – The Toobes – will go to Sweden with a number of concerts according to Sasha Bogdanov’s estimations “in a couple of months”.

“It is not worth participating in a contest, if you don’t recon on victory”

The guys form The Toobes didn’t conceal their happiness: they tossed up each other, embraced and posed for photographs. At the Generation.bY request they commented this victory: “certainly, we recon on it”, because “It is not worth participating in a contest, if you don’t recon on victory”, “from the first step ahead and with the proof of fans’ love”. “We are self-confident and only do what we can do”.

So, the Belarusian and Swedish project that lasted for three months is finished. Sasha Bogdanov the art director of Bo Promo Group, independent producer company, considers it being successful and “results are satisfying”. And in the interview with Generation.bY he added that “in general, everything went as it was planed” and said about plans to develop a project in the future but in the reverse format: “Sweden bands will compete in Sweden and Belarusian ones will be invited as quests”. However this is only plans, “Europe is unstable now” – added Aleksandr.

Erasmus Mundus: Belarus

Orangell — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:09:00 +0100

What does Erasmus Mundus mean for Belarus? At best a common Belarusian can answer the question in the following way: ‘Erasmus Mundus is an educational programme in Oslo for graduates of Belarusian Universities. In order to enroll there, one needs to “pass exams” via the internet. The most successful students can be granted with scholarships.‘ Such stereotypical definition can be heard from a mother whose daughter left for Oslo to study at Erasmus Mundus programme.

It is a programme under the auspices of European Commission which annually allocates money in the form of full scholarship for the best students in the world to afford studying in Europe. The list of qualifications under the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is very broad and practically does not change from year to year. The list is the first step on the way of applying to the programme. Then each link of the list will lead you to some descriptions and requirements which you should fulfill to be enrolled into the University.

Certainly, it is students – active and speaking foreign languages – who are mostly aware of the programme. Hundreds or possibly thousands of Belarusians apply to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. Some of them are lucky enough to plunge into the life of students who have possibility to study at least in two European Universities. Over five previous years the biggest number of Belarusian students (9 persons) enrolled into Erasmus Mundus Programme was in 2008. It is quite many as in 2006 only 2 persons were accepted. We hope this number would grow in the future. And there is a reason for this: the programme budget for the nest five years was quadrupled and now it accounts for more than 950 million euro.

As it is well-known Cafebabel Magazine was founded by former Erasmus Mundus students. It can be explained in the following way. One of so-called exams which “is passed via the internet” is an essay, mini work where a student tells why s/he needs this or that qualification. Simultaneously, a student can apply to three different qualifications so s/he writes essay for each of them gleaning each word, perfecting each thought, tailoring the idea of each essay to a particular qualification. Isn’t it this experience which helps to develop journalist qualities among Erasmus Mundus students whose articles can be read at Cafebabel? Besides students have something to say. During their studies they study languages, get to know other cultures, exchange with new ideas, in a word, they get valuable experience which allows to work through boarders. However, as they return home, it appears sometimes that the only way to share new ideas and thoughts that inspire them is via the internet that’s why some of the Erasmus Mundus students become journalists.

SHEEP and WOLVES

Orangell — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0100

When there are sheep – there will be wolves. Both, those called the victims of the Holocaust and those called the executioners, could not exist without one another. This, perhaps, was the key tragedy of the pre-war Europe, where masses were consciously and gradually preparing to play victims. One has to admit, the role was played well…

When you face those who went through the hell of ghettos and concentration camps, you can easily identify those by tattoos on the left hand wrist. Surprisingly no one has tried to get rid of it still, even though this is not too difficult a job. Yet, former inmates decided to carry this mark across their lives, as if saying – we are special.

In the everyday life they are no different than the rest of us. To be able to understand why these peope are victims, one has to observe them in one place. First that truly surprises is how inexorably persistent and ready they are to tell over and over the same episodes of their lives..

Two years I talked with a woman, who had gone through three concentration camps, including Oswentzym. She could never tell her story until the end as if it was a nightmare, whose episodes cannot be linked however you try. Therefore the truly important in her memories always got mixed up with trifles: half an hour waiting in the gas cell awaiting death seemed to her less scary than the night pathway through the bridge.

In Ravensbrücke prisoners didn’t get fed and were used as objects for experiments. There was little place in barracks and due to high density there, there was lots of people dying especially in the last days. Bodies were too many to cremate so they got stored in a special premises on the territory of the camp. At nights, barracks were gun-fired by the guards.

The woman encountered release in one of the camps in the West Germany. It came at night as an ally tank, on top of which there was the Superintendent of the camp in underwear pointing the British, who took him in captivity, where his authority extended to. This way, according to some strange law, tragedy turned into farse…

Each and every one of the former prisoners has his/her piece of truth that he cautiously preserves. Yet, meeting together they, for some reason, don’t even try to collect all these pieces into a single piece of truth, which would explain what had happened to them back then. It seems a person still experiences what had happened with such power as if it happened yesterday, so the person simply doesn’t have energy for to utter it out.

In their stories there has always been this morbid yet astute clarity and sharpness of perceptions. These elderly people still remember the positioning of barracks, the voice of the camp supervisor or the taste of the apple, thrown over the prison fence. When you realize that, it becomes clear that life for these people is divided onto two uneven parts. During the war, sufferings let the people to acutely feel themselves alive.

The freed prisoners had different fates awaiting them: those, who fled westwards, got a chance to come back to normal life; those who headed east encountered lies and distrust. Back at home they got into filtration camps, some heading further up the prison inmate hierarchy, some - being let home.

Now, they had to learn the science of mimicry – and having been double victims they did it so well, some are keeping silence up until now. This could be the key to their incredible “match” with the social landscape…

Those who were older, tried to forget everything as if it was an accident, and start a new life, (just like learning to live with an artificial limb instead of a normal leg). But many of those kids, who turned into grown-ups so fast and so miserably, could not forget. The grey realities made what had been experienced something grievous, yet real. Nowadays, when the own kids became grown-ups while grandchildren don’t care about them much, the Holocaust victims are getting deeper into reminiscences that became far more important than today’s reality. They seem to drift to the banks where they were taken away from…

Talking to those, who had gone through this hell, one often gets surprised: no one of them shares loath to the Germans. Moreover, almost everyone may reckon something good. The staunchly opposing turn out to be those, who was furtherst from the front line or didn’t see war. People who have the right not to forgive seem to have done that. This might be because of the concentration camp wires they managed to see something that others are never likely to understand.

It might be so that former prisoners, subconsciously, understood that their executioners turned into victims and this silent knowledge overweighed hunger, illnesses and unbelievable work. I see hope in it….no, not for the humanity, but at least for the new Europe, the image of which is impossible to get rid of, as we all know.

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