News on 10.03.2008

10.03.2008

Life through fence

18:55, — Society

Belarusian-Lithuanian village Pitskuny-Norvilishkes is a place where a border between the European Union and former USSR lies on people. Literary, no metaphors.

Tom Casey: “If the Belarusian Government wishes to shoot itself in the foot, they're welcome to do so”

15:42, — Politics

“We’re deeply disappointed that the government in Belarus would choose to put forward these kinds of ideas and accusations,” Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman of the US Department of State, said on the briefing in Washington. “But frankly, if the Belarusian Government wishes to shoot itself in the foot, they're welcome to do so,” Mr Casey concluded.

Minsk dwellers believe: “Moral Advantage belongs to US” 5

15:33, — Politics

Minsk has recalled its Ambassador to Washington after financial sanctions against Belneftekhim concern were imposed. What do Minsk dwellers thing about the conflict? Radio Svaboda addressed them with this question.

Has Lukashenka forgotten about EU 12 offers? 17

14:31, — Politics

Prospects of development in relations between Belarus and the EU depend on the degree of independence of its policy from the policy of the US towards Belarus, said Alyaksandr Lukashenka at the meeting with British investors in Minsk.

Belarusian youth chooses Europe 5

12:55, — Politics

Activists of the civil campaign “European Belarus” were holding an opinion poll of Minsk youth during two months. The people were asked whether they wanted Belarus to join the European Union.

Andrei Sannikov: “Judging by Minsk’s hysterical response, sanctions are severe” 21

12:24, — Politics

“In fact, we do not know all details, but judging by the response of Minsk, the sanctions are grave. Otherwise there wouldn’t be a hysteria we observe now. Undoubtedly, imposing sanctions has been connected with political prisoners still being behind bars in Belarus, and primarily Kazulin, and as we know, new cases against democratic activists of Belarus are being prepared,” stated the international coordinator of the Charter’97, a member of the organizing committee of the civil campaign “European Belarus” Andrei Sannikov, commenting imposing sanctions against Belneftekhim concern by the US.

Mahilou dweller died from starvation 17

11:59, — Society

When the sufferer was taken to the Mahilou city hospital, he looked like a dead man. He had yellow sharp-featured face. But he still was able to open his eyes.

Report on political repressions in Belarus published in Poland 6

11:42, — Politics

A report on results of political repressions research in Belarus was published in Warsaw. The research was carried out by the polish Freedom and Democracy foundation.

Russian service of Euronews hush up reason of imposing US sanctions 31

11:01, — Politics

The Russian service of pan-European TV channel Euronews informed about the reaction of the Belarusian population to the sanctions imposed by the US.

A Hunger Strike with a Demand to Release Political Prisoners Started in Belarus 5

10:41, — Politics

A former deputy of the “chamber of representatives” Syarhei Skrabets and his younger brother Alyaksandr have announced an indefinite hunger strike today. They demand Alyakasndr Lukashenka to release political prisoners Alyaksandr Kazulin, Andrei Kim and Syarhei Parsyukevich.

Belarus’ ambassador to US came back to Minsk 25

10:34, — Politics

Belarus’ ambassador to the US Mikhail Khvastou has come back to Minsk. Marya Vanshina, head of the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it to BelaPAN. The ambassador was recalled from the US due to additional sanctions imposed by the US against Belneftekhim concern.

Belarusians Ministry of Foreign Affairs surprised at US Department of State’s reaction 3

9:39, — Politics

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus said it was surprised at the US Department of State’s reaction to the suggestion to recall US ambassador from Belarus.

Struggle for Kazulin’s release continues (photo)

9:26, — Politics

Activists of the civil campaign “European Belarus” continue their struggle for release of political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin. Leaflets with his portrait appeared yesterday in the Minsk center. They could be seen on poster pillars.

BNR 90th anniversary to be celebrated in European Parliament 4

8:45, — Politics

Belarusian week is a programme of celebration the 90th anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic in the frames of plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 10 -13 March.

Israeli Business Won’t Invest to Belarus 1

8:31, — Economics

Israeli- Belarusian economic relations are not at a proper level. This opinion has been expressed by tFirst secretary of Israeli embassy to Belarus Igal Koyfman.