News on 20.05.2008

20.05.2008

Lukashenka meets with Russian billionaire Deripaska

18:19, — Politics

Alyaksandr Lukashenka on Monday met with Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska who owns Basic Element, the holding company for a rapidly expanding mining and manufacturing empire, said Belarusian state media.

New development in Zeltser's case

18:17, — Politics

The Tbilisi City Court in Georgia has recognized Joseph Kay as a legitimate executor of the assets of a late Georgian billionaire, a decision that may prove important for US lawyer Emanuel Zeltser kept in custody in Minsk.

Opposition politician calls for probe into report implicating Belarus in weapons deal with Colombian rebels

17:55, — Politics

Anatol Lyabedzka, leader of the United Civic Party, has urged Prosecutor General Ryhor Vasilevich to probe reports that Belarus planned to supply weapons to Colombian guerillas.

Syarhei Parsyukevich: “Main thing is to remain a human, when they want to turn you into a beast” 9

16:43, — Politics

A political prisoner Syarhei Parsyukevich, sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment in a colony for participation in a protest rally of market vendors has sent a letter.

Vatslau Areshka: “It’s hard to expect that we shall be winners in this ‘parliament’ and would be able to carry out radical reforms”

16:05, — Politics

Leaders of oppositional political parties have presented at a press-conference in Minsk today a text of an address of their candidates at the parliamentary “elections”. The main point of the address is in a necessity to establish a “people’s control over the authorities”.

People in Germany demand Belarusian authorities to release political prisoners (Photo)

15:59, — Politics

An action of solidarity with victims of repressions in Belarus was held in the German town Munster. Applicant for the picket Inha Avramava, activist of the “For Freedom” movement from Brest, informed about it.

100 TB sick people went on hunger strike again in Vitsebsk region 3

15:45, — Politics

The Bahusheusk region TB hospital (the Senitsa district, the Vitsebsk region) has burst into rebellion.

Minister puts $500 million price tag on BeST state GSM operator 5

14:10, — Connection

The Belarusian government wants to sell Belarusian Telecommunications Network (BeST), a state mobile phone network, for at least $500 million, Reuters reported with reference to Belarusian Economy Minister Mikalay Zaychanka.

Zmitser Dashkevich: “Real work in electoral districts is important for us” 1

13:45, — Politics

One of the leaders of “The Young Front” organization Zmitser Dashkevich has commented on the statements of the leader of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka.

Government to consider selling stakes in Palimir, Naftan industrial giants 5

13:34, — Economics

The Belarusian State Petrochemical Industry Concern (Belnaftakhim) plans to submit a proposal for selling stakes in the Palimir chemical company and the Naftan oil refinery to the cabinet before the end of this year, Mikhail Asipenka, deputy chairman of the state conglomerate, told reporters in Minsk on May 20, BelaPAN said.

Appeal against judgement to political prisoner Parsyukevich to be heard 30 May

13:15, — Politics

Appeal of political prisoner Sayrhei Parsyukevich is to be heard in the Maskouski district court of Minsk on 30 May.

Belarusians choose European Union (Photo)

13:14, — Politics

Actions “For European Belarus” were held all over Belarus. The actions were held in Brest, Vitsebsk, Vorsha, Baranavichy, Pinsk, Luninets and other towns.Activists of the civil campaign “European Belarus” hung out banners, spread information materials, collected votes for Belarus’ joining the EU.

Russian PM Putin to visit Minsk 23 May 8

12:36, — Politics

A meeting of Council of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) heads of governments is to be held in Minsk on 23 May. Former Russian president Vladimir Putin will take part in it as a prime minister.

Jonathan Moore: “Freedom in Belarus is not a bargaining thing” 6

9:59, — Politics

Diplomatic conflict between Minsk and Washington lasts for two months. Due to US economic sanctions against Belneftekhim company the states recalled theirs ambassadors for consultations and reduced embassies’ staff. The US Department of the Treasury has recently said the restrictions are expanded to the company-owned Belarusian Oil Trade House, Lakokraska and Steklovolokno enterprises.

US loses patience 8

8:29, — Politics

George Bush’s administration said that health of US citizen Emanuel Zeltser, imprisoned in Belarus, had deteriorated and urged to release him.