18:39 Did Lukashenka’s hopes for Venezuelan loan fail?

Ameriko Dias Nunes, Venezuela’s extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Belarus, promised at a press conference on 27 June that Venezuela would give a loan of USD 500 million to Belarus. The diplomat said “the documents are being prepared at the moment” and the Joint Development Fund of USD 500 million was “in working condition, operates and aimed at supporting of projects, provided by the signed agreements between Venezuela and Belarus”.

17:42 Chávez met by retired Sheiman in Minsk

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has arrived in Belarus with a one-day working visit. Former Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Viktar Sheiman, dismissed after 4 July blast in Minsk, met the Venezuelan President.

15:52 Independent publisher searched in Vitsebsk blasts case

Apartment of Zhanna Papova, director of “Vitsebski Kuryer” printing house, was searched today morning.

14:34 Tame opposition to seat in “house of representatives”

Minsk dwellers don’t expect any significant changes of the “parliamentary elections” to be held on 28 September.

13:30 Comrade Hugo is now “brother” for Lukashenka

Alyaksandr Lukashenka says he is ready to “brotherly” develop cooperation with Venezuela in various sector.

12:19 Hugo Chávez: “I’m not going to deal with any sorts of distortion”

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez refused to comment on spreading by media information about a 30-billion dollar contract on cooperation with Russia, signed in the course of the visit to Moscow.

10:53 Petrol prise raised for third time during summer

Belneftekhim concern has increased petrol and diesel fuel retail prices at the inner market by 5 per cent.

10:13 Regions ready for boycott: “There’s no sense to participate in farce”

A decision on non-participating in the “election” if the authorities ignore the requirements of the democratic forces was taken at a conference of the Homel Region United Civil Party by a unanimous vote.

8:46 Minsk in state of siege: Chávez visiting Lukashenka

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez arrives from Moscow in Minsk today. A key point of the oncoming visit is meeting between Chávez and Alyaksandr Lukashenka. It is the third visit of the Venezuelan president to Belarus, the country which has economic and military ties with Venezuela.