16:15 Karen Stewart: “Parliamentary” polls will be a key test for Lukashenka

The Belarusian authorities must free its last remaining political prisoners if it wants an easing of US sanctions and improved relations.

15:43 “For Freedom” movement denied registration again

Justice Ministry of Belarus denied registration to the human rights and educational association “For Freedom” movement.

14:22 Lukashenka: “Parliament” should write laws, not point finger at

The Belarusian head of state thinks only “hard-working people, who used to plough, build and teach” must be elected to the “parliament”. “If you see the people who didn’t even knock in a stake, keep away from them,” A. Lukasheka said speaking to students of the Minsk universities after the ceremony of opening construction of the Minsk Campus.

13:15 Be Free!

The “Belarusian Music Alternative” prepares another large rock-festival outside the country. It is called “Be Free!”. The festival is a kind of continuation of the event held last year in the Ukrainian Lutsk.

10:33 National Flag in Mikhaijlauski Park (Photo)

One of the sculptures in the Mikhajlauski Park in the centre of Minsk was decorated by the national flag by members of the Young Front.

9:30 Vice Prime Minister Kabyakou: Prices for Russian gas are to grow

Andrei Kabyakou, Prime Minister of Belarus, has stated that prices for Russian gas are to grow, as they are related to the cost of oil which constantly grows.

8:52 400 dollars for gas from next year

Gazprom declared new gas prices for Europe: the average price can exceed USD 400 per 1,000 cu m by the end of 2008. Experts don’t exclude Gazprom will offer the same prices to Belarus and Ukraine. Experts think Russia will demand Belarus to allow Russian investors to the economy of our country in return for favourable conditions of supplies. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev will probably discuss this in Brest.

8:41 Today is Vasil Bykau’s Birthday

He could have turned 84. The People’s writer died 5 years ago. Many secrets died with him with him, and one of them is the truth about “The Alpine Ballad”.