Vol.1, No. 18 September, 1998

IN THIS ISSUE

• Albright Calls On OSCE To Support Human Rights In Belarus
• Parliamentary Commission on Human Rights Holds Plenary Meeting
• Lukashenko Forgoes New York Visit
• Belarus and the Russian Economic Crisis
• Drozdy Developments (3)
• Opposition News (7)
• General and Related News (10)

ALBRIGHT CALLS ON OSCE TO SUPPORT HUMAN RIGHTS IN BELARUS

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

LUKASHENKO FORGOES NEW YORK VISIT

Belarus and the Russian Economic Crisis

BELARUSIAN RUBLE FALLS DRAMATICALLY

The Belarusian ruble sank to its lowest point on September 5 in response to Russia's financial and political crisis, while anxious customers bought everything they could lay their hands on, from TV sets to plastic buckets. With BelarusŐs unreformed economy highly dependent on Russia, MoscowŐs market collapse heavily affected its neighbor. One U.S. dollar could be sold Friday for 250,000 Belarusian rubles and bought for as much as 350,000 at the interbank currency exchange. The ruble plunged in value by around 50% since the start of the week. The official exchange rate used mainly by state enterprises, however, has remained largely unchanged at 50,400 rubles to the dollar. (Dow Jones International News, September 4)

ECONOMIC RESTRICTION ON STATE DAILY NEWSPAPAPERS

Starting September 7, Belarusian state daily newspapers will be cut back to two or three editions a week. "This measure is forced and temporary", Vladimir Zametalin, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister, stated. He said that it is caused by the price growth of polygraphyc paper imported from Russia. (Radio 101.2, September 8)

BELARUS EXPERIENCES FOOD SHORTAGES, PRICE HIKES

Belarus is witnessing a disappearance of foodstuffs and manufactured goods, as the Belarusian ruble continues to lose value against the dollar amid the ongoing financial crisis in Russia, Belapan reported on September 7. Many stores report shortages of food staples, such as sugar, flour, meat, and cooking oil. The prices of foodstuffs on the "street markets" increased by 10-20 percent compared with the previous week. RFE/RLŐs Belarusian Service reported on September 7 that there is also a run on banks in Belarus, as Belarusians rush to withdraw their savings. (RFE/RL, September 8)

LUKASHENKO STAKES HIS ALL

Alexander Lukashenko sent a letter to President Boris Yeltsin, in which he suggested calling an extraordinary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Russia-Belarus Union to consider a number of bills, including bills "On the Joint Citizenship of the Union," "On the Direct Elections to the Parliament of the Union," Izvestia reported. In its commentary, the newspaper asserts that the offer might be received favorably against the background of the current crisis in Russia and the dying out of the CIS. What these proposals actually mean is the re-unification of the two countries, something that the weakened Russian regime may seize on to avert its own collapse. If this happens, the immediate prospect is the emergence of a union Parliament, whose decisions will be binding on both countries. WhatŐs more, Alexander Lukashenko will get a legitimate opportunity to implement his dream of becoming one of the main players in the enlarged political field. (Russian Press Digest, September 8)

... VOWS AID TO RUSSIA

In a new sign of just how bad the economic crisis has become, on September 9, Russia received an offer of emergency aidÉ from Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko told reporters that his country would provide foodstuffs for its reeling master, Russian news agencies reported. All measures would be taken "to ensure that rogues do not earn a fortune [off the crisis]," he said. In Moscow, Russian Duma returned the favor by passing a resolution calling for closer ties. Russia and Belarus have already forged a "Union of Sovereign Republics," whose expansion, the Duma hopes, will eventually reunite the two countries. The DumaŐs dominant Communists and nationalists have made a goal of rebuilding this small part of the Soviet empire. Lukashenko makes no secret that he too wants political ties to strengthen. The Duma resolution said in part: "The comprehensive crisis in the Russian Federation threatens the very foundations of Russian statehood, and places under question the existence of the brotherly Union of Belarus and Russia." (Reuters, September 10)

..... BUT URGES MEASURES TO PREVENT ILLEGAL EXPORT AND TO TIGHTEN CONTROL OVER ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO MARKETS

At government meetings on September 9 - 10, Alexander Lukashenko demanded that "all criminal structures" be driven out of the countryŐs monopolized alcohol and tobacco market, Interfax reported. He revealed that up to 25 percent of the Belarusian tobacco market is controlled by criminal gangs. Lukashenko ordered the law enforcement agencies to tighten control over the production and sale of liquor and tobacco products. In view of the recent food shortages in Belarus, Lukashenko also demanded guarantees for the delivery of essential goods to retailers and to prevent the illegal exports of food from Belarus to Russia. (RFE/RL, September 10)

GAZPROM AGAIN REQUESTS PAYMENT FOR OLD DEBTS

A delegation from Gazprom arrived in Minsk on September 10. They met with representatives of Beltransgaz, the Ministry of Finance, and the Belarusian leadership to negotiate a draft agreement on restructuring the Belarus gas debt. According to local observers, the debt totals $238m. Gazprom once again requested that the Belarusian side pay for ongoing gas supplies 100% in cash only within the next two moths. (Radio 101.2, September10)

MIKHAIL MYASNIKOVICH APEALLS TO CITIZENS NOT TO PANIC

At an urgent meeting of the Minsk City Executive Committee on September 9, Mikhail Myasnikovich, head of the Presidential Administration, said that the "Belarusian nation should unite." He said that in the hour of a deep economic crisis in Russia "workers at all levels should stay organized and work carefully." He called for explanations to the public of "the nature of the situation which has emerged" in order to prevent panic. (Radio 101.2, September 11)

ZYANON PAZNYAK CALLS TO BREAK AWAY FROM RUSSIA

Zyanon Paznyak, exiled leader of the opposition Belarusian Popular Front, appealed to Belarusians to "cut themselves off from the dying Russian empire," Belapan reported on September 8. In a statement timed for the Day of Military Glory, Paznyak called the current economic crisis in Russia "the beginning of the collapse of the Russian empire." He warned Belarusians against the "Russian imperialists," who "desire to quickly annex Belarus" before their "total financial collapse." Paznyak denounced the Belarusian government for helping Russia. He appealed to Belarusians to defend their statehood and independence. (RFE/RL, September 9)

Drozdy Developments

DIPLOMATS DISCUSS THEIR MOVES TO NEW HOMES

Representatives of 12 diplomatic missions held a meeting on September 3 in the German Embassy to discuss the questions regarding the conflict around their eviction from the diplomatic compound in Drozdy. The variants and terms of ambassadorsŐ relocation to other homes, offered by the Belarusian side, do not satisfy envoys who do not hurry to return to Minsk. Those who agreed to move to an apartment building in Lodochnaya Street, face another problems: apartments and adjacent territory are not in a proper condition. Many diplomats admit that return to Drozdy is unlikely (construction activity is still going on there, and by unofficial information, an all-weather skating-rink may appear in the compound). (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 8)

POLICE ARRESTS SLOVAK TOURIST IN DROZDY

On August 21, Serge Koperdak, Slovakian citizen, took a picture of the front gates of the Drozdy compound from his car. Immediately an armed guard approached him and a Belarusian friend. The guard demanded KoperdakŐs camera, then asked the Slovak to step out of the car. He and his friend were then detained inside a guard booth near the gate. Mr. Koperdak, who is a lawyer, issued a statement saying the action of the guard was a violation of the rights of a foreign national under the Belarusian constitution (Art. 11 says that foreign citizens have the same rights as the Belarusian people). (Minsk News, September 1-7)

Opposition News

OPPOSITION MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORSHA BATTLE

Some 1,000 people took part in a rally organized by the Belarusian Popular Front in Minsk on September 8 to mark the anniversary of the Belarusian troops victory in the battle against Muscovites near Orsha in 1514, RFE/RLŐs Belarusian Service reported. Yury Khadyka, BNF Deputy Chairman addressed the rally, appealing to protesters to help Belarusians understand the true essence of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko, whom he called a "mental pensioner." For the first time in two years, the authorities allowed the opposition to march along MinskŐs main street. (RFE/RL, September 9)

ONE OF MALADY FRONT LEADERS BEGINS DRY HUNGER-STRIKE

On September 8, Evgeny Skochko, leader of Malady Front, stated in Zavodskoi District Court of Minsk after he had been sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention that he would start a dry hunger strike. Along with Timothy Dranchuk, another Malady Front activist, he was charged with minor hooliganism under Art. 156 of the Administrative Code of Belarus on the grounds that on September 7 they had written "Charter 97. Power to the People!" on the wall of a Minsk building. (Radio 101.2 , September 9)

ACTIVISTS OF CHARTER 97 FINED

Valery Shchukin, a member of Charter 97 and a deputy of the disbanded 13th Supreme Soviet, was fined 5 million rubles for staging an unsanctioned demonstration in support of political prisoners during the official celebration of Minsk Day on July 3. Two other members of Charter 97 were reprimanded for the same offense. (Minsk News, September 1-7)

BELARUSIAN POPULAR FRONT LOCAL LEADER PUNISHED

Anatoly Fyodorov, the leader of the Mogilev regional branch of the Belarusian Popular Front, was notified on July 28 that a Mogilev court had imposed a fine of 37.5 million rubles on him for organizing an unauthorized demonstration against the foreign ambassadorsŐ eviction from the Drozdy compound. The court found Fyodorov guilty of violating street demonstration regulations under Art. 167, Section 2, of the Civil Offenses Code. According to Fyodorov, the demonstration, which took place on July 15, was a necessary action, because Mogilev authorities groundlessly ban all opposition protests. (Minsk News, September 1-7)

BURGLARS BREAK INTO TRADE UNION LEADER'S APARTMENT

On August 27, burglars broke into the apartment of Victor Ivashkevich, editor of the bulletin "Rabochy" (The Worker) published by the Belarusian Independent Trade Union. Since they did not steal anything, Mr. Ivashkevich believes that they were looking for documents related to his political activities. He also regards the burglary as an act of intimidation before the forthcoming protests that trade unions intend to stage this fall. The police have launched an investigation into the burglary. (Minsk News, September 1-7)

OPPOSITION TEACHES ECONOMICS COURSE FOR YOUTH

Over 50 young Belarusians from all over the country finished a summer school course on economics at a tourist center in the Mogilev region. The school was established by the Grazhdansky [Civil] Forum youth organization with the assistance of the Eurasia Foundation. The school offered lectures on the economic situation in Belarus and the country's economic development by well-known Belarusian opposition politicians and economists including Stanislav Bogdankevich and Vasily Shlyndikov. (Minsk News, September 1-7)

General and Related News

OPPOSITION TEACHES ECONOMICS COURSE FOR YOUTH

The development of Belarusian-Chinese trade and economic relations was discussed during the visit of the Chinese delegation, headed by Lee Zsiben, Mayor of Shanjien, to Minsk on August 27-31. Under the present Chinese regulations, the goods imported from neighboring states, including Russia, are subject to a privileged tax of 50%. Taking into consideration that Belarus and Russia have a common economic area, the Belarusian side has put forward an initiative to extend the privileged taxes on its products. If an appropriate decision is adopted, it will allow for an increase both in the mutual trade volume of the two countries and for Belarusian exports to China, according to the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 8)

BELARUS PROMOTES TRADE AND ECONOMIC TIES WITH CHINA

The development of Belarusian-Chinese trade and economic relations was discussed during the visit of the Chinese delegation, headed by Lee Zsiben, Mayor of Shanjien, to Minsk on August 27-31. Under the present Chinese regulations, the goods imported from neighboring states, including Russia, are subject to a privileged tax of 50%. Taking into consideration that Belarus and Russia have a common economic area, the Belarusian side has put forward an initiative to extend the privileged taxes on its products. If an appropriate decision is adopted, it will allow for an increase both in the mutual trade volume of the two countries and for Belarusian exports to China, according to the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 8)

UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL VISITS BELARUS

From September 7 to 8, Federico Mayer, UNESCO Director General, visited Belarus. The program included a meeting with President Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus Prime Minister Sergei Ling, Foreign Minister Ivan Antonovich, Minister of Culture Alexander Sazonov, and Minister of Education Vasil Strazhev. Two agreements were signed: "On Further Cooperation between UNESCO and Belarus in the Field of Science, Culture and Communications" and "On a Scientific Exchange Program for Belarusian Scholars." Further, a protocol on supporting higher education in Belarus was negotiated. Federico Mayor presented Belarusian Education Minister Vasily Strazhev with an UNESCO Simon Bolivar honorary medal. (Radio 101.2, September 7)

LEGENDARY GYMNAST SCHERBO PLANTS DREAM IN NEVADA DESERT

Vitally Scherbo, 10-time Olympic medal-winning Belarusian gymnast, the most successful male gymnast in Olympic history, will open a gymnastics school in northwest Las Vegas on October 25. The school -- a $1 million collaboration with Gym Time, a recreational gymnastics center operated by Sheila Leech -- has been Scherbo's goal since he retired from competition following the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where, at age 24, he captured four bronze medals. (The Las Vegas Review Journal, September 1)

NUCLEAR FEARS HAUNT BELARUS

The number of adult thyroid cancer patients in Belarus is growing under the apparent effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, according to Dr. Sugenoya. The Japanese surgeon has been working at a thyroid cancer center in Minsk since 1996. He has written about this experience in his recent book, "Cherunobuiri Shinryo-ki" (A Record of Treating People in Chernobyl). (Japan Economic Newswire, September 4)

FIVE COUNTRIES' ENERGY SYSTEM LEADERS MEET IN ST. PETERSBURG

Leaders of energy systems of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus met on September 4 in St. Petersburg, Russia, for the first time after the Baltic states regained independence. According to Kaie Saar, Estonian Energy spokesperson, the purpose of the meeting is to strengthen cooperation in the energy field between the three Baltic republics and Russia and Belarus. (Baltic News Service, September 3)

BORDER EXERCISE FOR CIS

Air force and air defense force personnel from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia participated in exercise "Combat Commonwealth 98" in RussiaŐs Astrakhan region. Officials from the remaining CIS countries were invited to observe the border protection maneuvers. (JaneŐs Defense Weekly, September 9)

RUSSIA CLOSES RADAR STATION IN LATVIA TO BUILD ANEW IN BELARUS

Work to dismantle RussiaŐs last military facility in the Baltic states began on September 1. Demolition of the missile-attack warning radar station in Skrunda, Latvia, will be finished in February, 2000. The facility, which was opened in 1971, will be replaced by a station in Baranovichi, Belarus. (Jane's Defense Weekly, September 9)

UKRAINIAN POLICE BREAK UP MAFIA SUMMIT

Ukrainian police have arrested more than 100 crime kingpins who had gathered for an international criminal "summit" in the Ukrainian port of Odessa, said Ukrainian law-enforcement authorities saying on September 8, according to Interfax. They hailed from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. However, many of them were released soon after. "We couldnŐt keep any of those bosses without an indictment against them," said Alexander Skriptnik, security service spokesman. "Nevertheless, our goal was attained. We really just wanted to stop them from meeting in Odessa," said Yury Melnik, an officer of the SBU security services, formerly the Soviet KGB. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur, September 10)

UN RANKS COUNTRIES, BELARUS IS 68th

The United Nations Development Program has come out with its annual "human-development index" which ranks countries in terms of life expectancy, income and education. The top five countries were Canada, France, Norway, the United States, Iceland, and Finland. Belarus appeared took 68th place, Russia came in 72nd , and Ukraine took 102nd place. (Associated Press, September 10)

The Belarus project is a part of Human Rights Defenders' Project, originally launched in 1982 to defend individuals and groups who suffer reprisals for promoting human rights in their societies. Among those the League defended were Andrei Sakharov, Kim Dae Jung and Jaime Castillo Velasco.

The Belarus project was established to support Belarusian citizens in making their cases before the U.S. government and public and international fora and intergovernmental organizations regarding President Alexander Lukashenko's wholesale assault on human rights and the rule of law in Belarus.

For more information e-mail belarus@perfekt.net or call (212) 684-1221 or fax (212) 684-1696.