MINSK, 17 January (BelTA) - President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has questioned the need for the development and adoption of certain programs and concepts, including the program “Youth of Belarus” for 2011-2015. The head of state made this statement at a meeting on the national program “Youth of Belarus” for 2011-2015, BelTA has learnt. The draft program “Youth of Belarus” for the next five years has been submitted for consideration, said the president. “I brought this...

A TEST FOR ‘EUROPEAN VALUES’ Some European Union politicians have recently resumed talks about sanctions against Belarus. It is surprising as they consider sanctions as a testimony of their adherence to European values although their approach in no way follows these values. Those in the European Union like to underline that relations between the European Union and its partners rely on common values – human rights, democracy and the supremacy of the law. This is why Brussels’...

MINSK, 13 January (BelTA) – Belarus’ draft law on amendments and additions to the Law on Cinematography secures a new approach to the national film production, Culture Minister Pavel Latushko said at a session of the House of Representatives’ permanent committee on culture, science and technology on 12 January. “The bill contains a competitive platform for distributing budgetary resources as well as envisages state-private partnership in the film production industry,” said Pavel...

MINSK, 12 January (BelTA) – For Belarus, the year of 2010 was challenging yet successful, Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Anatoly Rubinov told media on 12 January. According to the Speaker, 2010 became a watershed in the history of the country. Despite all the difficulties, the country came out of the crisis strong enough, with fewer losses as compared with the other states. The previous year was also the last in a regular five-year period of the...

MINSK, 11 January (BelTA) – There will be no extensive lay-offs and mass unemployment in Belarus, Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich said at a session of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers which considered the draft government employment assistance program for 2011. The head of government stressed that Belarus was able to preserve employment and provide social security of the population amid the global economic crisis. Thus, registered unemployment in Belarus was 0.7% of...

MINSK, 10 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko presented Spiritual Revival awards and special prizes for culture and art to 15 representatives of different professions. The awarding ceremony was held in the Palace of the Republic on 8 January, BelTA has learned. The head of state noted that among the prize-holders are physicians and priests, foster families and cultural figures. “They by right can be named true devotees of spirit, giving their strength and talent to...

MINSK, 6 January (BelTA) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has congratulated Belarusian Christians who celebrate Christmas on 7 January, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service. According to the President, over two thousand years this solemn holiday has brought us joy and hope, taught us to follow moral commandments, express our love towards our neighbors and do good deeds. “On Christmas days a simple truth reopens to us: where there is no consent, trust and mutual...

BREST, 5 January (BelTA) – Directive No 4 “On the Development of Entrepreneurship Initiative and Stimulating Business Activity in the Republic of Belarus” is aimed at developing more favorable conditions for business activity, director of the Brest Oblast Small Business Support Center Vladimir Mazalov told BelTA. “The directive is quite promising, it covers almost all the areas of activity: taxation, labor safety, banking and information relations. The directive contains nine...

Dear friends, During these minutes of the outgoing year I would like to address the absolute majority of the Belarusian people. Thanks to you I have this unique opportunity to enter the houses of Belarusians, your families with the congratulations and wishes of peace and good. I would like to address my warmest congratulations to the rest as well. You should know: I see you as an integral part of the majority, with your own goals, views and aspirations. You have your own viewpoint, a...

MINSK, 29 December (BelTA) – The Government and government agencies will be renewed by about 90%, Head of the Belarus President Administration Vladimir Makei said presenting new head of the Belarusian TV and Radio Company Gennady Davydko to the company’s employees on 29 December, BelTA has learnt. According to Vladimir Makei, the head of state is expected to make more personal decisions besides those announced on 28 December. “New appointments will extend to about 90% of the...