News on 17.01.2008

17.01.2008

Price for Russian gas will only grow 3

18:37, — Politics

The official Minsk said it had allegedly disputed the proposed by Gazprom method of pricing, based on a principle of equal incomes.

Situation in Belarus Discussed in US Congress

18:05, — Politics

The head of the US Helsinki Commission, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings has condemned the situation in Belarus in his speech in the House of Representatives on January 15.

Is everything put up for sale?

17:35, — Economics

Since February Belarus plans to sell all the volume of oil produced in the country. This decision is connected with the necessity for Belneftekhim to fulfill the balance of foreign trade which had been proposed by the government.

In Bulgaria Putin was Told “Go Home!” Again (Photo) 6

16:23, — Politics

Russian president Vladimir Putin has arrived to Bulgaria on a state visit. On the day of Putin’s arrival leaflets “Putin, Go Home!” emerged in the streets of Sofia. Their pictures have been disseminated by Reuters today.

Our solidarity scares regime 19

15:44, — Politics

The detained on 16 January activists of youth organisations have trials in the court of the Central District today. They are getting 10-15 days of arrest for participation in the actions of solidarity.

Long live Belarus! (Photo)

15:03, — Politics

On January 16 a Russian movement “Oborona” held an action of solidarity with Belarusian people against Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s dictatorship.

Lukashenka: “Regime mustn’t remain hard and fast” 36

14:40, — Politics

“The authorities shouldn’t stay hard and fast, rotation should take place,” Alyaksandr Lukashenka stated, presenting Mikalay Damashkevich in the position of the head of the department of Presidential affairs.

Mikhail Lazavik: Two OSCE observers enough at election in Belarus 17

13:04, — Politics

Secretary of the Central Election Commission Mikhail Lazavik thinks Belarus should take a decision on limiting the number of international observers.

Daily examinations in prison on Akrestin Street 2

12:04, — Politics

The sentenced to administrative arrests participants of the protest action in Minsk on 10 January are daily examined in the special prison facility on Akrestin Street.

Supporting Prisoners of Conscience (Photo) 1

11:48, — Politics

Activist of the civil campaign “For Freedom” organised an action of solidarity with the people, sentenced to arrest for participation in the rally of entrepreneurs. Initially it was planned to hold the action near the special prison facility on Akrestin Street, but militiamen were waiting for youth activists there. The action was transferred to the bus stop “Prylukskaya”. People in civvies watched the action as usual.

Firework of Freedom near Walls of Prison (Video) 1

10:27, — Politics

The Day of Solidarity January 16 ended with colourful fireworks in a park near the walls of the detention center in Akrestsin Street, where about 30 activists of opposition are kept.

Has Lukashenka become dictator thanks to Gazporm? 1

9:53, — Politics

A presentation of a book “Gazprom. Deal with Regime” has taken place in Germany. Its authors, Russian journalists Valery Panyushkin and Mikhail Zygar, have dedicated a separate chapter to activities of Gazprom in Belarus.

Prayer near St. Josif Church in Minsk (Photo)

9:50, — Society

Traditional prayer for St. Josif Church took place in Minsk on 16 January. People came to pray for Belarusian political prisoners and for returning of the church to the Catholic congregation.

OSCE office to continue work in Belarus

9:31, — Politics

Gebhardt Weiss, Germany’s ambassador to Belarus said the Belarusian authorities agreed that the office should continue its work. According to the Germany’s ambassador, the office would soon be headed by a German diplomat. It will be Hans Johann Schmidt, who is to take the post in February.

Actions of solidariy in Minsk. 10 people arrested (Photo) 6

8:53, — Politics

Actions of solidarity with political prisoners took place in Minsk on 16 January. Activists of the civil campaign “Jeans for Freedom” came out to Independence Avenue, Nyamiga Street, Yubileinaya Square, and Sport Palace.