Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MINSK149
2006-02-13 11:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Minsk
Cable title:
EMBASSY MINSK BIWEEKLY REPORT - February 10, 2006
how-toVZCZCXRO7559 RR RUEHCD RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHLA RUEHMRE RUEHSR DE RUEHSK #0149/01 0441100 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 131100Z FEB 06 ZDK DUE NUMEROUS SVCS FM AMEMBASSY MINSK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3755 INFO RUCNOSC/ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY COOPERATION IN EUROPE RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 MINSK 000149
SIPDIS
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM ECON BO
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MINSK BIWEEKLY REPORT - February 10, 2006
MINSK 00000149 001.4 OF 003
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 MINSK 000149
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM ECON BO
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MINSK BIWEEKLY REPORT - February 10, 2006
MINSK 00000149 001.4 OF 003
1. The following are brief items of interest compiled by
Embassy Minsk.
--------------
Human Rights
--------------
2. Officer Punished For Illegal Seizure
On February 9, the district prosecutor in Svetlagorsk disciplined a
police officer for illegally seizing equipment and print material
from local Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) activist and head of the
BLS Telman Maslyukov. The prosecutor decided that seven police
officers who were ordered to "visual inspect" Maslyukov's apartment
violated the Criminal Code when they seized a photocopier, computer
discs, books, booklets, and newspapers from Maslyukov's apartment
in December 2005. According to eyewitnesses, deputy chief of the
district police Petr Zikun was in charge of the operation and led
the six officers, but it was low-ranking officer Dmitry Rogolevich
who received the blame. Only the photocopier was returned to
Maslyukov.
3. BPF Receives Second Warning
On January 30, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) issued a second
warning to the Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) for failing to comply
with the Political Parties Law that requires all parties to have
chapters in at least four regions and in Minsk. BPF deputy
chairman Viktor Ivashkevich told reporters that landlords cancelled
the lease of the BPF chapters' offices in Grodno and Gomel, leaving
the chapters without a legal address. As a result, authorities
annulled the chapters' registrations. The MOJ gave the party until
March 1 to meet the requirement or face closure following the
presidential elections.
4. Authorities Refuse Office for Language Society
Svetlogorsk authorities on January 27 refused to provide office
space to the local chapter of the Francisak Skaryna Belarusian
Language Society (BLS) after being evicted from its office in a
state-owned building. Head of the BLS Telman Maslyukov told
independent online news source BelaPan that Svetlogorsk authorities
claimed to have no available premises to rent to the BLS.
5. Police Confiscate Papers, Question Journalist
Zhlobin police officers on January 31 confiscated hundreds of
copies of Tovarishch, the official newspaper of the opposition
Belarusian Communist Party, from Vladimir Katsora as he was
transporting the copies to Gomel. The edition featured information
about the campaign of 10+ Coalition presidential contender
Aleksandr Milinkevich. Tovarishch editor Sergey Voznyak called the
seizure illegal since the shipment complied with Belarus'
distribution requirements.
6. Another Paper Off State Distribution List
Post offices in Novopolotsk and Polotsk on February 3 refused to
deliver the local independent newspaper Khimik to subscribers. In
December, Khimik was counted among the dozens of independent
publications that would no longer be sold from state-run kiosks and
newsstands. Founded in 1967, Khimik sells 3,200 copies per issue.
--------------
Civil Society
--------------
7. Wage Increases: Pre-Election Gift from Lukashenko
President Lukashenko issued a presidential edict on January 28
raising the minimum monthly pay by 22 percent to USD 73. The
minimum hourly rate increased to USD 0.43. Lukashenko claimed that
the wage increase was aimed to strengthen worker's social security.
8. GOB Pardons Zhuravkova, Keeps Marinich In Jail For Same Crime
After months of speculation, Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin
Sukalo on February 8 confirmed that President Lukashenko in April
2005 pardoned the former head of the Presidential Administration's
property management department Galina Zhuravkova. In February
2005, Zhuravkova was convicted and sentenced to four years in
prison for embezzling USD 3 million, but disappeared before the
verdict and was never sent to prison. In March 2005, Interior
Minister Vladimir Naumov claimed Zhuravkova was ill at home and, in
May 2005, predicted that she would be pardoned under a new amnesty
law. Zhuravkova allegedly repaid the USD 3.4 million she stole and
did not serve one day in prison. Until Sukalo's announcement,
Zhuravkova's status had been unknown. The Supreme Court, however,
would consider pardoning opposition activist Mikhail Marinich, who,
MINSK 00000149 002.4 OF 003
ironically, is serving time in prison for allegedly embezzling USD
10,000 and stealing U.S. Embassy computers. [Note: Marinich has
since suffered from a stroke while in prison and reportedly has
serious health problems.] Sukalo told reporters that before the
Court can review his case, the prison authorities must first submit
the necessary paperwork.
9. Organized Crime and Drug Use On The Rise
Supreme Court Chairman Sukalo on February 8 announced that the
number of organized crime and drug-related offenses in 2005 sharply
increased compared to 2000 statistics. Belarus ranks 12 among
Central and East European countries in overall crime, but ranks
second in homicides and fourth in robberies and violent assaults.
Crimes committed by criminal groups increased three-fold and
organized crime offenses increased six-fold. Drug-related crimes
increased 30 percent and those involving minors doubled. Murders
and attempted murders increased 2.2 percent, battery increased 6.8
percent, rapes and attempted rapes 24.4 percent, thefts and
burglaries 26.6 percent and fraud 33.5 percent. Over one million
people in Belarus (10 percent of the total population) were charged
with administrative (minor) offenses in 2005, i.e. traffic
offenses, public intoxication, etc.
--------------
Economy
--------------
10. Iran Introduces Samand Cars
On February 6, the Iran Khodro Industrial Group and the Belarussian
Younison Company signed an agreement to assemble Iranian Samand
cars in Belarus. Annual production in Belarus will start at 6,000
cars, then, depending on demand, could increase to 60,000 cars.
Production in Belarus is scheduled to begin in April.
11. More Beer For Belarusians
The Belarusian Council of Ministers on February 6 approved a USD
125 million program to boost Belarus' beer production from 71.3
million to 158.5 million gallons by 2010. The five-year program
calls for building new and upgrading old breweries and changing
brewery specializations depending on market demand. In 2005, the
industry's expenditures totaled USD 43.6 million.
12. State Stock in 634 Companies
Independent online economic news source Prime-Tass reported on
February 7 that as of January 1, the GOB owned shares in 634 joint-
stock companies, a three percent increase on the year. The state
held over 75 percent of shares in 355 companies in January (up from
303 in January 2005),50 to 70 percent of shares in 80 companies
(up from 66),25 to 50 percent of shares in 166 companies (up from
166),and up to 25 percent of shares in 77 companies (down from
129). In 2005, the state received USD 100 million in dividends,
twice as much as in 2004. The GOB has no shares in 270 formerly
state-owned, but now joint stock companies.
13. Lukashenko the Land Baron
On January 30, Lukashenko issued an edict that awarded himself sole
power to seize land. Agricultural land, nature preserves,
recreation areas, historic and cultural sites, and forestland can
be seized irrespective of its location or development plans.
Private owners cannot sell undeveloped housing plots or farming
plots for purposes other than agriculture.
--------------
Bilateral Relations
--------------
14. Russia to Help With Power Plant?
Deputy Director General of the Belarusian State Energy Concern
(Belenergo) Pavel Yakubovich announced on January 31 plans to build
a 450-megawatt electrical power plant in Western Belarus with
Russian investment. Yakubovich would not comment whether the power
plant's output would be exported or used domestically.
15. Iran Wants Belarusian Nuclear Energy Experts
Iranian Ambassador to Belarus Abdolhamid Fekri told reporters in
Minsk on February 8 that his country welcomed Belarusian
scientists' involvement in Iran's nuclear research program.
According to Fekri, the Iranian President is appealing to foreign
researchers and companies to participate in its nuclear program,
but Iran would give priority to a "friendly" nation. [Comment:
Belarus has close bilateral ties with Iran.] Fekri repeated the
claim that Iran's nuclear research was aimed at satisfying economic
needs and that suspicions over Iran's program were unfounded.
MINSK 00000149 003.4 OF 003
--------------
Military
--------------
16. Belarus Beefing Up Air Force?
According to the February 3 edition of the Moscow financial daily
newspaper Vedomosti, Belarus plans to buy 18 Russian-made Sukhoi SU-
30k fighters from India for USD 300 million. The fighters,
reported to have limited capabilities, were sold by Russia to the
Indian Air Force in 1997-98 for USD 4.9 billion for the development
of multi-function SU-30MKI fighters. Belarus, with the help of
Russian Avionics (a subsidiary of the Irkut Corporation),plans to
upgrade the SU-30k jets to the SU-KN. According to Vedomosti,
sources in the aviation industry and Russian air force confirmed
Belarus' plans. Belarus' Ministry of Defense on February 6 denied
media reports that Belarus planned to purchase the fighters and Air
Force Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Mikhail Levitsky claimed
to have never heard of the deal. However, during a June 2005 visit
to the 927th Fighter Airbase in Beryoza, President Lukashenko
announced that Russian SU-30 multi-function fighter jets would be
added to Belarus' armed forces in the future to counter NATO's
encroachment towards its borders.
--------------
The Absurd
--------------
17. Being Drunk Does Not Pay
The Ministry of Labor on February 1 reported that in 2005, 12,500
Belarusian workers were fired for being drunk on the job. Eighty-
five of those were prosecuted for their intoxication. In addition,
10,375 company administrators paid the government USD 225,000 in
fines for allowing intoxicated employees in the workplace.
18. Interior Minister Corrects President's Statement
In a January 27 interview with reporters, President Lukashenko
stated that if there was any "bodily movement" toward
destabilization in Belarus, the GOB would "twist the necks" of
those involved and those who would encourage and finance such a
movement. Interior Minister Vladimir Naumov on February 1 told
reporters that the GOB would not "twist necks," but would maintain
stability and order so that the population could continue to live
and work in peace.
19. To the South Pole!
On February 9, Belarus' first Antarctic team of researchers and one
MP began its expedition to the South Pole. During a send-off
ceremony at Parliament, House Chair Vladimir Konoplyov claimed the
expedition would contribute to Belarus' international status and
presented the team a Belarusian flag to be placed on the continent.
Director of the National Academy of Sciences' natural resources
management and environment department Vladimir Loginov noted the
economic importance of the trip, since Antarctica may become a
source of natural resources for the global economy. The expedition
is to end in April.
20. GOB Demands More Tourists To Lukashenko's Hometown
On February 9, Mogilev authorities, in coordination with their 2006-
2010 tourism development program, ordered the local tourism agency
to triple the number of incoming tourists in 2006. The Mogilev
region is Belarus' least attractive area for tourism and only
attracted USD 930,000 in revenues in 2005. Head of the regional
Physical Education, Sports, and Tourism Department Vladimir Yudko
expected the number of tourists to meet the countrywide average in
2006. The Mogilev authorities' development plan proposes 20 tour
routes throughout the region that include attractions like the
Mogilev Zoo, Belarusian ethnographic village, ancient monuments,
and Aleksandriya, the hometown village of President Lukashenko.
--------------
Quote of the Week
--------------
21. In a January 27 interview with reporters, President Lukashenko
stated that if there was any "bodily movement" toward
destabilization in Belarus, the GOB would "twist the necks" of
those involved and those who would encourage and finance such a
movement. Interior Minister Vladimir Naumov on February 1
retracted the statement.
"We are not going to "twist necks," but we will maintain stability
and order and control processes so that the population of the
republic will continue to live and work in peace."
PHLIPOT
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM ECON BO
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MINSK BIWEEKLY REPORT - February 10, 2006
MINSK 00000149 001.4 OF 003
1. The following are brief items of interest compiled by
Embassy Minsk.
--------------
Human Rights
--------------
2. Officer Punished For Illegal Seizure
On February 9, the district prosecutor in Svetlagorsk disciplined a
police officer for illegally seizing equipment and print material
from local Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) activist and head of the
BLS Telman Maslyukov. The prosecutor decided that seven police
officers who were ordered to "visual inspect" Maslyukov's apartment
violated the Criminal Code when they seized a photocopier, computer
discs, books, booklets, and newspapers from Maslyukov's apartment
in December 2005. According to eyewitnesses, deputy chief of the
district police Petr Zikun was in charge of the operation and led
the six officers, but it was low-ranking officer Dmitry Rogolevich
who received the blame. Only the photocopier was returned to
Maslyukov.
3. BPF Receives Second Warning
On January 30, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) issued a second
warning to the Belarusian Popular Front (BPF) for failing to comply
with the Political Parties Law that requires all parties to have
chapters in at least four regions and in Minsk. BPF deputy
chairman Viktor Ivashkevich told reporters that landlords cancelled
the lease of the BPF chapters' offices in Grodno and Gomel, leaving
the chapters without a legal address. As a result, authorities
annulled the chapters' registrations. The MOJ gave the party until
March 1 to meet the requirement or face closure following the
presidential elections.
4. Authorities Refuse Office for Language Society
Svetlogorsk authorities on January 27 refused to provide office
space to the local chapter of the Francisak Skaryna Belarusian
Language Society (BLS) after being evicted from its office in a
state-owned building. Head of the BLS Telman Maslyukov told
independent online news source BelaPan that Svetlogorsk authorities
claimed to have no available premises to rent to the BLS.
5. Police Confiscate Papers, Question Journalist
Zhlobin police officers on January 31 confiscated hundreds of
copies of Tovarishch, the official newspaper of the opposition
Belarusian Communist Party, from Vladimir Katsora as he was
transporting the copies to Gomel. The edition featured information
about the campaign of 10+ Coalition presidential contender
Aleksandr Milinkevich. Tovarishch editor Sergey Voznyak called the
seizure illegal since the shipment complied with Belarus'
distribution requirements.
6. Another Paper Off State Distribution List
Post offices in Novopolotsk and Polotsk on February 3 refused to
deliver the local independent newspaper Khimik to subscribers. In
December, Khimik was counted among the dozens of independent
publications that would no longer be sold from state-run kiosks and
newsstands. Founded in 1967, Khimik sells 3,200 copies per issue.
--------------
Civil Society
--------------
7. Wage Increases: Pre-Election Gift from Lukashenko
President Lukashenko issued a presidential edict on January 28
raising the minimum monthly pay by 22 percent to USD 73. The
minimum hourly rate increased to USD 0.43. Lukashenko claimed that
the wage increase was aimed to strengthen worker's social security.
8. GOB Pardons Zhuravkova, Keeps Marinich In Jail For Same Crime
After months of speculation, Chairman of the Supreme Court Valentin
Sukalo on February 8 confirmed that President Lukashenko in April
2005 pardoned the former head of the Presidential Administration's
property management department Galina Zhuravkova. In February
2005, Zhuravkova was convicted and sentenced to four years in
prison for embezzling USD 3 million, but disappeared before the
verdict and was never sent to prison. In March 2005, Interior
Minister Vladimir Naumov claimed Zhuravkova was ill at home and, in
May 2005, predicted that she would be pardoned under a new amnesty
law. Zhuravkova allegedly repaid the USD 3.4 million she stole and
did not serve one day in prison. Until Sukalo's announcement,
Zhuravkova's status had been unknown. The Supreme Court, however,
would consider pardoning opposition activist Mikhail Marinich, who,
MINSK 00000149 002.4 OF 003
ironically, is serving time in prison for allegedly embezzling USD
10,000 and stealing U.S. Embassy computers. [Note: Marinich has
since suffered from a stroke while in prison and reportedly has
serious health problems.] Sukalo told reporters that before the
Court can review his case, the prison authorities must first submit
the necessary paperwork.
9. Organized Crime and Drug Use On The Rise
Supreme Court Chairman Sukalo on February 8 announced that the
number of organized crime and drug-related offenses in 2005 sharply
increased compared to 2000 statistics. Belarus ranks 12 among
Central and East European countries in overall crime, but ranks
second in homicides and fourth in robberies and violent assaults.
Crimes committed by criminal groups increased three-fold and
organized crime offenses increased six-fold. Drug-related crimes
increased 30 percent and those involving minors doubled. Murders
and attempted murders increased 2.2 percent, battery increased 6.8
percent, rapes and attempted rapes 24.4 percent, thefts and
burglaries 26.6 percent and fraud 33.5 percent. Over one million
people in Belarus (10 percent of the total population) were charged
with administrative (minor) offenses in 2005, i.e. traffic
offenses, public intoxication, etc.
--------------
Economy
--------------
10. Iran Introduces Samand Cars
On February 6, the Iran Khodro Industrial Group and the Belarussian
Younison Company signed an agreement to assemble Iranian Samand
cars in Belarus. Annual production in Belarus will start at 6,000
cars, then, depending on demand, could increase to 60,000 cars.
Production in Belarus is scheduled to begin in April.
11. More Beer For Belarusians
The Belarusian Council of Ministers on February 6 approved a USD
125 million program to boost Belarus' beer production from 71.3
million to 158.5 million gallons by 2010. The five-year program
calls for building new and upgrading old breweries and changing
brewery specializations depending on market demand. In 2005, the
industry's expenditures totaled USD 43.6 million.
12. State Stock in 634 Companies
Independent online economic news source Prime-Tass reported on
February 7 that as of January 1, the GOB owned shares in 634 joint-
stock companies, a three percent increase on the year. The state
held over 75 percent of shares in 355 companies in January (up from
303 in January 2005),50 to 70 percent of shares in 80 companies
(up from 66),25 to 50 percent of shares in 166 companies (up from
166),and up to 25 percent of shares in 77 companies (down from
129). In 2005, the state received USD 100 million in dividends,
twice as much as in 2004. The GOB has no shares in 270 formerly
state-owned, but now joint stock companies.
13. Lukashenko the Land Baron
On January 30, Lukashenko issued an edict that awarded himself sole
power to seize land. Agricultural land, nature preserves,
recreation areas, historic and cultural sites, and forestland can
be seized irrespective of its location or development plans.
Private owners cannot sell undeveloped housing plots or farming
plots for purposes other than agriculture.
--------------
Bilateral Relations
--------------
14. Russia to Help With Power Plant?
Deputy Director General of the Belarusian State Energy Concern
(Belenergo) Pavel Yakubovich announced on January 31 plans to build
a 450-megawatt electrical power plant in Western Belarus with
Russian investment. Yakubovich would not comment whether the power
plant's output would be exported or used domestically.
15. Iran Wants Belarusian Nuclear Energy Experts
Iranian Ambassador to Belarus Abdolhamid Fekri told reporters in
Minsk on February 8 that his country welcomed Belarusian
scientists' involvement in Iran's nuclear research program.
According to Fekri, the Iranian President is appealing to foreign
researchers and companies to participate in its nuclear program,
but Iran would give priority to a "friendly" nation. [Comment:
Belarus has close bilateral ties with Iran.] Fekri repeated the
claim that Iran's nuclear research was aimed at satisfying economic
needs and that suspicions over Iran's program were unfounded.
MINSK 00000149 003.4 OF 003
--------------
Military
--------------
16. Belarus Beefing Up Air Force?
According to the February 3 edition of the Moscow financial daily
newspaper Vedomosti, Belarus plans to buy 18 Russian-made Sukhoi SU-
30k fighters from India for USD 300 million. The fighters,
reported to have limited capabilities, were sold by Russia to the
Indian Air Force in 1997-98 for USD 4.9 billion for the development
of multi-function SU-30MKI fighters. Belarus, with the help of
Russian Avionics (a subsidiary of the Irkut Corporation),plans to
upgrade the SU-30k jets to the SU-KN. According to Vedomosti,
sources in the aviation industry and Russian air force confirmed
Belarus' plans. Belarus' Ministry of Defense on February 6 denied
media reports that Belarus planned to purchase the fighters and Air
Force Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Mikhail Levitsky claimed
to have never heard of the deal. However, during a June 2005 visit
to the 927th Fighter Airbase in Beryoza, President Lukashenko
announced that Russian SU-30 multi-function fighter jets would be
added to Belarus' armed forces in the future to counter NATO's
encroachment towards its borders.
--------------
The Absurd
--------------
17. Being Drunk Does Not Pay
The Ministry of Labor on February 1 reported that in 2005, 12,500
Belarusian workers were fired for being drunk on the job. Eighty-
five of those were prosecuted for their intoxication. In addition,
10,375 company administrators paid the government USD 225,000 in
fines for allowing intoxicated employees in the workplace.
18. Interior Minister Corrects President's Statement
In a January 27 interview with reporters, President Lukashenko
stated that if there was any "bodily movement" toward
destabilization in Belarus, the GOB would "twist the necks" of
those involved and those who would encourage and finance such a
movement. Interior Minister Vladimir Naumov on February 1 told
reporters that the GOB would not "twist necks," but would maintain
stability and order so that the population could continue to live
and work in peace.
19. To the South Pole!
On February 9, Belarus' first Antarctic team of researchers and one
MP began its expedition to the South Pole. During a send-off
ceremony at Parliament, House Chair Vladimir Konoplyov claimed the
expedition would contribute to Belarus' international status and
presented the team a Belarusian flag to be placed on the continent.
Director of the National Academy of Sciences' natural resources
management and environment department Vladimir Loginov noted the
economic importance of the trip, since Antarctica may become a
source of natural resources for the global economy. The expedition
is to end in April.
20. GOB Demands More Tourists To Lukashenko's Hometown
On February 9, Mogilev authorities, in coordination with their 2006-
2010 tourism development program, ordered the local tourism agency
to triple the number of incoming tourists in 2006. The Mogilev
region is Belarus' least attractive area for tourism and only
attracted USD 930,000 in revenues in 2005. Head of the regional
Physical Education, Sports, and Tourism Department Vladimir Yudko
expected the number of tourists to meet the countrywide average in
2006. The Mogilev authorities' development plan proposes 20 tour
routes throughout the region that include attractions like the
Mogilev Zoo, Belarusian ethnographic village, ancient monuments,
and Aleksandriya, the hometown village of President Lukashenko.
--------------
Quote of the Week
--------------
21. In a January 27 interview with reporters, President Lukashenko
stated that if there was any "bodily movement" toward
destabilization in Belarus, the GOB would "twist the necks" of
those involved and those who would encourage and finance such a
movement. Interior Minister Vladimir Naumov on February 1
retracted the statement.
"We are not going to "twist necks," but we will maintain stability
and order and control processes so that the population of the
republic will continue to live and work in peace."
PHLIPOT