News on 13.02.2008

13.02.2008

US Secretary of State against censorship on Internet

18:37, — Politics

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke against attempts of some countries to control the internet.

Welcome to theatreland

18:01, Mark Ravenhill, The Guardian — Culture

Drive down the main prospect of Minsk and you experience all the grand, intimidating swagger of high Soviet architecture. Tiny figures make their way along vast pavements, dwarfed by buildings that look as if they were made for giants. But pull away from the awesome display of the central route, and the roads gradually break up and decay. Within 10 minutes, you are driving along poorly lit dirt track, the housing a mess of crumbling brickwork and metal shacks.

Belarusians cannot get money from cash machines

17:17, — Economics

Another failure in the computer bank system of Belarus happened yesterday. The network of automated teller machine of largest financial institutions of the country was down.

Lukashenka approved opening of European Commission local office in Belarus

15:37, — Politics

By his decree Alyaksandr Lukashenka has approved signing the Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Commission of the European Communities on instituting, privileges and immunity of representatives of the Commission of the European Communities in Belarus.

Swedish foreign minister repeats support for EU enlargement

14:59, — Politics

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on Wednesday repeated support for enlargement of the European Union and said the government was seeking a unified "European" stance on Kosovo.

Gazprom raises stake in Belarus pipeline operator to 25% 1

14:19, — Economics

Russian energy giant Gazprom [RTS: GAZP] said on Wednesday it had raised its stake in Belarus's natural gas pipeline operator Beltransgaz to 25%, in line with previously reached accords.

Uladzimir Arlou: “Freedom day must be main state holiday”

13:57, — Politics

The Belarusian society celebrate 90th anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic on 25 March. Famous Belarusian writer Uladzimir Arlou thinks such important for the country event must be celebrated on state level.

Lithuanian Ambassador: “Dialogue with Belarus’ authorities is hardly taking place”

13:37, — Politics

Edminas Bagdonas, Lithuanian Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus, believes that the dialogue between Minsk and Brussels on issues of normalization of relations remains at a low level still. “This direct dialogue doesn’t take place in fact. If there will be no desire from the both sides this dialogue won’t take place, and there will be only mutual accusations,” stated the Lithuanian Ambassador to journalists on Wednesday in Minsk.

Cadres Reshuffling Adopted Unanimously 2

11:56, — Politics

“The council of Republic” of the “national assembly” of Belarus at its special session on February 13 approved appointment of Pyotr Miklashevich to the position of the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, and Ryhor Vasilevich as Prosecutor General. On the order of Lukashenka officials changed their positions. Recently Vasilevich headed the Constitutional Court.

Pyotr Masherau: people remember, but authorities forgot 26

10:48, — Politics

13 February is the 90th anniversary of Pyotr Mironavich Masherau’s birth. He was an outstanding Belarusian politician, chairman of Central Committee of the Communist Party ob the Belarusian Soviet Socialistic Republic (BSSR), died tragically in a car accident in 1980.

Everyone kicked out of House of Literary Man due to “White Rus” 4

10:20, — Politics

Firms, having offices on the second floor in the House of Literary Man, were dispossessed with agreements not made. It has become known after Lyavon Barshcheuski, head of the Belarusian Popular Front party, received an answer to his letter, sent to head of “White Rus” Alyaksandr Radzkou.

Will authorities release Alyaksandr Kazulin? 9

9:18, — Politics

Daughters of Alyaksandr Kazulin are going to visit the Vitebsk colony Vitsba-3 to have a meeting their father.

Milinkevich meets people in Minsk Streets (Photo) 14

9:00, — Politics

On February 12 the leader of the movement “For Freedom” Alyaksandr Milinkevich held a meeting with citizens near the building of the executive committee of Pershamajski district of Minsk.