Vol.1, No. 19 September, 1998

IN THIS ISSUE

• MORE ON DIPLOMATS ROW
• RUSSIA, BELARUS AND THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
• THE THREAT OF WINTER
• NEWS FROM SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

MORE ON DIPLOMATS ROW

U.S. WILL NOT COMPROMISE

The American Embassy in Belarus denied reports that the United States had reportedly consented to move its ambassador's residence from Drozdy. The U.S. Embassy is not looking for new diplomatic residences and has not considered any proposals made by Belarus in this respect, said a U.S. embassy spokesman. The U.S. has reiterated its demand that the Belarusian government respect the provisions of the Vienna Convention, which guarantee the inviolability of diplomatic residences. The U.S. wants to be granted unrestricted access to its ambassador's residence in Drozdy, and only then would it be ready to discuss other issues. (Minsk News, September 8-14)

RUSSIA, BELARUS AND THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

NEW RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER SUITS BELARUS PERFECTLY

An independent newspaper in Minsk, recalling the history of Lukashenko's relationship with Primakov, concludes that Minsk's warm welcome to Primakov's appointment should be expected. Belarus' current foreign policy of establishing close contacts with Iran, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, China, and India is quite in line with Primakov's own views. Belarusian Foreign Minister Ivan Antonovich also has warm personal relations with the new Russian premier. Belarus now has a staunch advocate in the international arena and may hope that the new Russian PM will apply his expanded powers to resolve problems of bilateral economic relations. Moreover, Primakovs appointment is an obvious triumph of the Russian Communists, who do not conceal their affection for the Belarusian president. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 15)

DESPITE CRISIS, BELARUS SEEKS UNION WITH RUSSIA

Mikhail Myasnikovich, Lukashenko's chief of staff, said on September 11 that Belarus' policy of unification with Russia had justified itself both economically and politically, Interfax reported on September 11. Myasnikovich added that the current crisis would not slow down unification but might even speed it up. In Myasnikovich's opinion, the main issues needing urgent consideration are dual citizenship for Belarus and Russia and a directly elected joint parliament. (RFE/RL, September 14)

ÖBUT YELTSIN POSTPONES RUSSIA-BELARUS SUMMIT

A summit scheduled for September 16 between Russian President Boris Yeltsin and President Lukashenko was postponed. Yeltsin and the Belarusian president have not met since last January, when the Belarusian president came to Moscow to discuss the possibility of forming a unified state with Russia. (Agence France Presse, September 14)

BELARUSIAN CURRENCY PLUMMETS

The Belarusian ruble nose-dived 30 percent on September 10 to 230,000-260,000 BRB/$1 on the non-resident interbank exchange, bringing its tt is necessary for him to meet with the Russian President or Prime Minister to discuss Russia's economic course. (RFE/RL, September 18)

BELARUS READY FOR DIALOGUE WITH FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS?

On September 3, Vladimir Shimov, Belarusian Minister of the Economy, said at a news conference that the Belarusian government realizes that domestic investments are insufficient to integrate the country into the world economy, and that the country needs substantial foreign loans. He added that the government would continue a dialogue with the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Valery Drozd, Deputy Minister of Economy, said that Belarus received $60.8 million in foreign loans in the first seven months of the year. This is only 18% of the sum projected for this year, he said. We are in a credit blockade on the part of international financial organizations, said Drozd. (Minsk News, September 8-14)

BELARUS GOODS BECOME LESS COMPETITIVE

Valery Sadokha, Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Affairs, warned that Belarusian goods were becoming less competitive in the world market. The volume of Belarusian exports to Canada has fallen 67.16% compared to the first half of 1997, to Israel by more than 58%, to Switzerland by 26%, to Iran by 52%, and to Poland by 33%. Sadokha claims that embassy officers should take efforts to promote Belarusian products and establish closer ties with international organizations such as the UN Conference on Trade and Development , the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the International Trade Center, and the World Trade Organization. (Minsk News, September 8-14)

STANISLAV BOGDANKEVICH: OUR CRISIS SUPERCEDES RUSSIAN WOES

Stanislav Bogdankevich, the chairman of the United Civic Party, said Belarus own economic crisis exceeds the Russian calamity, Belapan reported on September 14. Bogdankevich, the former head of the National Bank of Belarus, said he was surprised by a letter sent by the lower house of the Belarusian parliament to the Russian State Duma offering Moscow a helping hand. Bogdankevich said the publics lack of confidence in Belarusian government officials and their primitive monetary policy would inevitably worsen the situation. (RFE/RL, September 15)

BELARUS CONFIRMS ITS DESIRE TO HELP RUSSIA

Ivan Antonovich, Belarusian Foreign Minister, said on September 17 that Belarus has programs that may help Russia during the current crisis, Belapan reported. We have experience, we can share it, he was quoted as saying. Minister added that Belarus is taking measures to intensify integration processes and political consultations with Russia. In his opinion, the West is disseminating a powerful, destructive propaganda against Russia and attempting to isolate that country, as it has done with Belarus. And he commented that the Russian crisis culminated in a collapse of Russia's development based on Western models that were implemented by Chicago boys. He declined, however, to offer any names. (RFE/RL, September 18)

BELARUS REINSTATES CUSTOMS ON RUSSIAN BORDER

Until early September, Lukashenko exhorted his countrymen to come to the aid of their embattled kin on the other side of the border, where an economic crisis had emptied shops and made basic goods scarce as anxious citizens scooped up provisions to last them through an uncertain winter. But the crisis bred fears that Russias woes might spread to Belarus struggling economy, propelling Belarusians into the state shops to stock up on essentials -- only managing to clean them out even more, to Lukashenkos dismay. He responded by dispatching platoons of customs officers with orders to halt the flow of groceries across the Russian border. (Reuters, September 16)

EIGHT DAYS OF STATE HARASSMENT

During eight days in September, police forces and other law enforcement agencies of Belarus illegally searched Belarusian citizens and confiscated their property on the Russian border. The authorities reported the fact as a successful action aimed at the protection of the consumer market. However, what really happened was blatant robbery, in yet another violation of human rights in Belarus. Finally, on September 12, the authorities issued Decree No. 15 On Urgent Measures to Protect the Consumer Market, which was antedated September 4. Under the decree regional authorities may set sales limits and impose fines of up to 100 minimum wages (some $450) on retailers who violate the limits. The decree also provides for the confiscation of goods exported to Russia in violation of the established procedure. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 15)

BELARUS SHUNS BROTHERHOOD WITH RUSSIA IN CRISIS

The flow of shuttle traders has dried up -- but for reasons which any of the policemen and customs officers working the night train could confirm have little to do with Lukashenko. Because of the difference in prices and exchange rates the profits were very big. Now everything is nicely regulated: the (Russian) ruble has fallen and our prices have risen, said Anatoly Bokhan, the head of the Orsha railway police. Belarusian citizens, most of whom approved of closer ties with Russia when Lukashenko clinched the union agreement last year, are also beginning to doubt the wisdom of that arrangement now that Russia is showing its vulnerable side. (Reuters, September 16)

DEPOSITORS RUSH TO BANKS FOR MONEY

For the first time over several years, a serious outflow of households deposits happened in many Belarusian banks. The National Bank is keeping silent. It does not think that it is necessary to calm the people openly. In private discussions with bankers, the National Bank urges to pay back deposits without any delay. The managers of some banks have begun to experience cash shortages. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 15)

RUSSIAN CRISIS: CONSEQUENCES FOR BELARUSIAN INDUSTRIES

The financial and economic crisis in Russia has negatively impacted Belarusian industries. The settlement of payments has came to a halt, and the problem of raw materials and components from Russia has became extremely acute. Many Belarusian enterprises have suffered losses from the abrupt fall of the Russian ruble because they received payment for the supplied products calculated in old prices. Mutual deliveries have been suspended even with the most reliable Russian partners because bank transfers have been stopped. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 15)

BEREZOVSKY PROPOSES TO ADMIT IRAN TO CIS

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting of the Special Interstate Forum On CIS Reform, which took place on September 16 in Minsk, Boris Berezovsky, CIS Executive Secretary, proposed to expand the Commonwealth to include Iran, reports KOMMERSANT-DAILY. The current economic crisis in Russia calls into question the very existence of the Commonwealth. Russia lost its dominant role there, and new leaders and new groups of countries are coming to the forefront now. Berezovsky seems to be orienting himself primarily toward these new leaders and countries. (Russian Press Digest, September 17)

-- THE THREAT OF WINTER --

MINISTRY OF HOUSING TO RAISE UTILITY RATES

The Belarusian Ministry of Housing will soon raise utility prices, said Boris Batura, Minister of Housing, at a recent news conference. According to him, the Ministry was forced to take this step because people now pay for only 30-35% of the energy they consume. The ministry plans to raise consumers cost-covering share to 50%. (Minsk News, September 8-14)

GRAIN HARVEST DECLINES

Belarus expects its grain harvest to fall to 5.8 million tons this year from 7 million tons in 1997, Ivan Shakola, Belarus Minister of Agriculture, told the government newspaper Zvyazda on September 11. Heavy rains pounded the average yield to 2.35 tons of grain per hectare from 2.7 tons of grain per hectare in 1997. The minister said that the harvest was now 83 percent complete with 1.5 million tons less than at this time last year. (Reuters, September 12)

-- NEWS FROM SOCIAL MOVEMENTS --

LICENSE FOR CHARITY

Since September 1, all charitable foundations in Belarus must pay a tax in the sum of five minimum wages for a license on humanitarian activity. Gennady Grushevoy, President of the Foundation For Children of Chernobyl, said that the state would not receive a penny from charitable funds. If we start to buy the right to charity, we will have then to pay for conscience and decency, Grushevoy added. In his opinion, children should not fall victims to this absurd state policy. Social security and welfare are decisive factors in gaining the peoples' confidence. Because of its ineptness, the state is jealous of the successes of public organizations in these areas, Grushevoy said. He believes this is the main reason of the continuous pressure and persecution of the foundation during recent years. (Belaruskaya gazeta, September 15)

BELARUSIANS PROTEST USE OF RUSSIAN LANGUGE

About 200 parents and public activists rallied on September 16 in downtown Minsk to protest the increasing use of Russian as a primary language in public education. Only 30% of the countrys students can go to schools where the primary language is Belarusian, said Alexander Sidyaka, deputy chief of the Belarusian Language Association, which organized the rally. Two years ago, Lukashenko made Russian an official language, along with Belarusian, which is difficult for Russian speakers to understand. Demonstrators claimed that authorities harassed parents whose children went to Belarusian-language schools and forcefully transferred such schools to Russian-language education. Just six years ago, up to 70 percent of the nation's students went to schools where the primary language of teaching was Belarusian. (Associated Press, September 16)

BELARUSIAN OFFICIAL DELEGATION TO USA

From October 6 to 8, a Belarusian official delegation will take part in an annual meeting of directors of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, D.C. The meeting of the IMF Board of directors in July came to the conclusion that Belarus economic policy cannot be supported by the IMF. (Radio 101.2, September 17)

COMPETITION FOR THE BEST COVERAGE OF AIDS-RELATED ISSUES

The national AIDS Prevention Center registered 138 HIV patients in the summer of 1998. The total number of officially registered HIV-positive Belarusians reached 2,173. In view of the forthcoming World AIDS Day on December 1, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the National AIDS Prevention Center announced a competition among the media outlets in Belarus for the best coverage of AIDS-related issues. Prizes will be given to works prepared by young journalists for the youth. (Minsk News, September 8-14)

DELEGATION FROM UDMURTIA VISITS BELARUS On September 14, delegation visited Belarus from Izhevsk (Udmurtia), led by Alexander Volkov, Chairman of the State Council of Udmurtia, an autonomous republic of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen and expand commercial, economic and cultural relations. The guests from this part of Russia, which is well known for its defense enterprises, held talks with President Lukashenko, Prime Minister Sergei Ling, and heads of many government ministries. It is probably not without reason that the Russian delegation included the famous weapons designer, Mikhail Kalashnikov, who is Director-General of the Izhevsk Engineering Plant. (ITAR/TASS, September 15)

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.