11/12 15:26-16:00 11/21 18:22-18:54 ========== 30.06.2014 Byalyatski's release cannot help Minsk unfreeze ties with EU Two women, three children injured as sheet of drywall falls on them in new superstore in Svetlahorsk In pictures: War history enthusiasts reenact Vitsyebsk liberation battle Over 20 Ukrainian berry pickers arrested for illegally entering Belarus Experts: Appointment of new information minister will hardly bring changes to information policy Top defense industry officials discuss preparations for international arms show Government may raise retirement age after presidential election Swedish authorities considering imprisoned Belarusian journalist's transfer to home country New US charge d'affaires arrives in Belarus Belarus' public debt said to have grown by 3.9 percent in first five months of 2014 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopts Belarusian-proposed resolution on protection of social and economic rights Investigators claim that jail inmate was not mistreated before his death Banks' profits reported down 9.3 percent in first five months of 2014 Swedish MP proposes amendments to OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's draft resolutions on Belarus Belarus would like to participate in Nicaragua Canal project, Foreign Minister Makey says In pictures: Market vendors hold conference in Minsk to discuss tough new rules == Video: Market vendors discuss tough new rules at conference in Minsk Head of Belarus' State Committee on Science and Technologies visiting China Belarusian Christian Democracy activists in Mahilyow region set to demonstrate against alcohol abuse Market vendors make last-minute plea to Lukashenka Belarus' partners in Ecuador are interested in comprehensive cooperation, Foreign Minister Makey says Independent union activists gathering 50-rubel bills to mark Lukashenka's 60th birthday and 20th anniversary of his rule Gala concert in Minsk to kick off festivities on occasion of liberation anniversary Independence Day celebrations in Minsk to be crowned by 10-minute fireworks show Memorial commemorating Jews killed in WWII unveiled in Shklow Lukashenka expresses hope that Ananich will bring something new to information ministry's work Kremlin confirms that Vladimir Putin will visit Minsk on Wednesday Five teens escape from correctional institution in Mahilyow Movement for Freedom attacks Belarusian government for inviting Russian troops to Independence Day parade in Minsk Rockers Lyapis Trubetskoi to begin farewell tour with show in Vilnius Retirement age will have to be raised in few years, expert warns Lukashenka makes government appointments Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Liliya Ananich appointed information minister Belarus belongs in European family but cannot join it for political reasons, says secretary general of Council of Europe "Tell the Truth!" movement expresses support for Ukrainian people "Tell the Truth!" movement expresses readiness to participate in nomination of single presidential contender Foreign minister says that release of "political prisoners" is unlikely to improve relations with West ========== 29.06.2014 Lida man accused of exploiting labor of 16 illegal migrants from Vietnam Armenian khachkar unveiled in Mahilyow Belarus has capabilities to develop and produce state-of-the-art missiles Belarusian opposition activist's trial in Russia postponed to July 3 UN Human Rights Council extends mandate of special rapporteur on Belarus New human rights organization attempts to obtain registration from justice ministry Lukashenka sends birthday greetings to president of Turkmenistan ========== 28.06.2014 Video: Civil society activists protest against participation of Russian troops in Independence Day parade in Minsk Committee for Solidarity with Ukraine sends letters to Lukashenka, Putin protesting against participation of Russian troops in Independence Day parade in Minsk Belarus bans pork imports from Latvia over African swine fever case OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Ad Hoc Working Group on Belarus to hold meeting in Baku on Monday Belarus to supply agricultural machinery to Cuba, to import Cuban-made medicines ========== 27.06.2014 Foreign ministries of Belarus, Russia hold consultations to discuss cooperation within international economic and financial organizations Minsk seeks to improve ties with West before presidential poll Makey tours South America to boost trade Eurasian Economic Union is very important to Belarus, Foreign Minister Makey says Opposition activists plant white-red-white flag on Minsk street Belarus is facing many global and regional challenges, foreign minister says Developments in Ukraine involve Belarus' national interests, Foreign Minister Makey says Lukashenka urges graduates of higher schools to stay in Belarus Belarusian foreign minister speaks out against strong-arm tactics by powerful states Former head of district hospital in Mahilyow region sentenced to six years in prison on charges of abuse of power More than 23,000 medals to be presented around the world on occasion of 70th anniversary of liberation of Belarus Man in Brest region sentenced to 15 years in prison for murdering drinking companion Belarusian ambassador to Russia meets with his Chilean counterpart HIV-positive women in Belarus very rarely give birth to HIV-positive children, doctor says --- There are HIV-infected children in each district in Belarus, doctor says Rights defender Sadowskaya calm over fresh criminal case Lukashenka sends birthday greetings to leader of Communist Party of Russia Ukrainian human rights defender denied entry to Belarus First meeting of Forum of Political Opposition and Civil Society held in Minsk Video: Kurapaty conservation activists set to appeal district judge's ruling Foreign Minister Makey meets with Cuban leader Delegation of Qatar's city of Al Rayyan arrives in Mahilyow Belarusian-German working group on trade and investment meets in Berlin Dollar reaches 10,200 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Fish farming companies required to nearly double their sales this year Judge rejects Kurapaty conservation activists' suit Minsk government bans Ivan Kupala Day march Man in Stolin sentenced to 16 years in prison for brutally murdering handicapped friend Belavia signs agreement on purchase of three Boeing aircraft Two alleged Belarusian slaves found at plant in Dagestan Man dies as wall of derelict building collapses on him Belarus' foreign-currency revenues reported to have increased by $411.1 million in May 2014 Development Bank of Belarus signs agreement on export loans with Russia's Novikombank Lukashenka greets participants of international conference on development and improvement of constitutional control VTB Bank's $2-billion loan arrives to replenish Belarus' gold and foreign exchange reserves Glen Hanlon named Belarus' best coach of 2013/14 hockey season Man-on-the-street interview: What weapons can Belarus start making? Belarusian Language Society marks 25th anniversary with concert Investors invited to build soccer arena, water park in Mahilyow Demand for consumer loan dwindles after banks start requiring proof of income from applicants Elderly woman facing criminal charge for allegedly insulting Lukashenka Minsk signs $2-billion loan deal with VTB Bank ========== 26.06.2014 Ancient woodland straddling Belarusian-Polish border designated as single UNESCO heritage site Belarus' unemployment rate said to be 0.5 percent as of end of May Upper parliamentary house approves Belarusian-Russian agreement on cooperation in fighting corruption Video: Judge starts hearing Kurapaty conservation activists' suit Israel woman illegally crosses Polish border while allegedly seeking to visit relatives' graves in Belarus Lukashenka orders agriculture ministry to work faster to establish support fund Belarus continues consistent development, says chairman of Council of Republic Seven companies to receive government compensation for repaying bank loans Government to compensate Belarusbank for losses resulting from loan for Belarusian Railroads Slavic Unity festival to be held in Russia without Ukrainians in attendance Measles cases still reported in Belarus after the infection was imported during world hockey championship Fan group of soccer club Shakhtsyor Salihorsk protests police's "arbitrary actions" Committee for Solidarity with Ukraine urges people to speak out against participation of Russian troops in Independence Day parade in Minsk Belarus' Mahilyow and South Korea's Pocheon sign memorandum of cooperation Belarusian Christian Democracy set to stage nearly 100 demonstrations against alcohol abuse Janitor at Minsk factory gouges out worker's eye for littering Eurasian Economic Union treaty strengthens integration in post-Soviet region, says House of Representatives chairman Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Minsk denounces violent insurgency in Iraq Ukraine has right to sign economic deal with EU, foreign ministry's spokesman says CEO of Slutsk Cheese Plant under investigation Police trained to detect forged European documents at seminar in Minsk ========== 25.06.2014 Expert calls for finding new owners for run-down country houses Most of Belarus' historic country houses said to be dilapidated Belarusian delegation takes part in Shanghai Cooperation Organization's forum in Bishkek Cash-strapped Belarus could buy attack planes from Czech Republic Video: Border security chiefs of Belarus, Russia meet in Minsk Belarusian ambassador meets with Argentinean foreign ministry's official National Bank auctions off $151.3 million worth of short-term bonds Residents of village in Hrodna region slaughtering hogs over suspected outbreak of African swine fever One person dies, five others, including four-year-old child, injured in traffic accident near Homyel Belarus' trade with EU reported down 4.2 percent in January-April 2014 Official statisticians report 1.9-percent decrease in purchasing power of Belarus' exports in first four months of 2014 Border control chiefs of Belarus, Russia pledge to protect border with Ukraine Russia's "centers of science and culture" prepare Belarus for its annexation to Russia, says chairman of Belarusian Language Society Belarus' exports of services reported up 1.3 percent in first four months of 2014 Opposition activist in Mikashevichy briefly detained by police Industrial companies' earnings per employee reported to have been $24,500 in first four months of 2014 Average real pension reported down 1.8 percent in May Lukashenka greets presidents of Croatia, Slovenia and Mozambique on occasion of national holidays Belarusian Association of Journalists calls on international journalism organizations to monitor coverage of Russian-Ukrainian conflict Belarus draws Union State funding for demarcation of Ukrainian border UN rapporteur welcomes Byalyatski's release, demands freedom for remaining political prisoners in Belarus Belarusian Foreign Minister Makey visits Cuba Russia's planned ban on beer in plastic bottles expected to hit Belarusian breweries hard There is no formal requirement for stores in Minsk to increase share of Belarusian goods to 85 percent, prime minister's spokesperson says Babruysk-based manufacturer to export compact tractors to Peru Byalyatski: Free elections are key to Belarus' future Two women die in house fire near Babruysk Belarus has second highest inflation rate among post-Soviet nations in first five months of 2014 Dollar reaches 10,190 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Belarus intends to protect domestic market, foreign ministry says Video: Byalyatski undecided on opposition's participation in elections Video: Rights defender Byalyatski says he will use his influence for sake of democratic and independent Belarus Byalyatski refuses to blame governments of Lithuania, Poland for his imprisonment Belarus' gasoline exports to Ukraine down by 3.7 percent in first five months of this year Byalyatski set to focus on defending civil and political rights Russian business association concerned over Belarus' planned import restrictions UK minister for Europe welcomes Byalyatski's release German human rights commissioner hails Byalyatski's release ========== 24.06.2014 Draft edict that would have introduced broad import restrictions was not discussed with Enterprise Development Council UN Human Rights Committee to consider Belarus' record on civil and political rights next March Video: United States welcomes release of Byalyatski, calls for freedom for other political prisoners in Belarus, charge d'affaires says Belarusian authorities reluctant to advocate death penalty abolition Video: A consular officer will join US embassy staff in July, charge d'affaires says Video: Byalyatski says he was released thanks to international pressure Mahilyow City Prosecutor's Office rejects complaint by opposition activist who was beaten up by two men Belarusian ambassador meets with CEO of Black Business Council of South Africa Russia's aircraft to participate in Independence Day parade in Minsk Lukashenka grants government awards to military and police officers, industrial managers Belarus ready to provide housing and employment to migrants from Ukraine, Lukashenka says Hit-and-run taxi driver who allegedly fired at policeman sentenced to 13 and half years in prison Belarusian ambassador to Poland visits Bialystok Joint meeting of two parliamentary houses postponed to fall Supreme Court's Presidium orders new hearing of trademark infringement suit against Belsat TV House of Representatives approves Belarusian-Russian agreement on military-technical cooperation Belarus to propose resolution on protection of social and economic rights in OSCE participating states Prime Minister Myasnikovich has phone conversation with chairman of Russia's State Duma Putin to attend opening ceremony for new building for Great Patriotic War museum in Minsk Metropolitan Pavel consecrates monument to Russian Orthodox saint in Minsk Video: Outgoing charge d'affaires inaugurates new office of US embassy's Public Affairs Section Video: Founder recounts establishment of Belarusian Popular Front Average real pay reported up 1.1 percent in May Regular sellers of poppy seeds to be punished under Criminal Code First-ever field trial of transgenic potatoes set to start No plans to raise retirement age at present, Lukashenka says More than 1,000 drug-related offenses recorded in Minsk since beginning of 2014, official says Expert demands punishment for government officials behind draft edict that would have introduced broad import restrictions Government has caused irreparable damage to Belarus' business reputation by its controversial draft edict, expert says As many as 2,100 convicts of drug-related crimes are serving prison sentences in Belarus, official says Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Ukraine can solve its problems without outside interference, Belarusian MP says Lukashenka orders development of Belarusian surface-to-air missile system Iran's Kayson to fund construction of Supreme Court's new building Minsk Regional Court overturns fine imposed on opposition activist in Nyasvizh Banks may be required to report individuals' purchases of foreign cash to tax authorities Government to compensate three cement plants for repaying bank loans Belarus bans poultry imports from Sweden, cattle imports from Romania over infection outbreaks German MPs express relief at rights defender Byalyatski's release Foreign ministry expresses concern over violent insurgency in Iraq ========== 23.06.2014 Government has dropped plans for broad import restrictions for fear of negative consequences, economists say Head of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Working Group on Belarus expresses hope that Byalyatski's release is "sign of more to come" US embassy's Public Affairs Section moves to separate building Video: Byalyatski says he was released from prison by order of highest authorities Video: Byalyatski says he has no regrets about the three years that he spent in prison Video: Belarus deserves to be country without political prisoners, Byalyatski says Video: Rights defender Byalyatski says that he has no plans to emigrate Lukashenka may make economic reform central pillar of his reelection campaign Head of Iwye district government arrested on charges of abuse of power Consumer imports increased by 3.8 percent in first four months of 2014, government statisticians say Belarusian ambassador visiting Iraqi Kurdistan "Revolutionary" amendments to anti-drug laws may be adopted by House of Representatives this week Russian Center of Science and Culture opened in Brest United States continues to call for freedom for all political prisoners in Belarus, charge d'affaires says Plan for creating navigable route between rivers in Belarus, Poland and Ukraine may be devised by fall of 2015 Structural reform seen as efficient tool against shadow businesses Pork prices rose by 50 percent in first five months of 2014, government statisticians say Minsk's industrial output reported down 9.4 percent in first five months of 2014 Belarusian ambassador meets with representatives of Paris Chamber of Commerce Civil society activists call for naming street in Minsk and Ushachy after Ryhor Baradulin No restrictions placed on Byalyatski's freedom Twenty years since first round of Belarus' first presidential election United Civic Party invalidates cooperation agreement with regional chapter of Liberal Democratic Party Science academy devising long-term economic development strategy Video: Milinkevich links Byalyatski's release to Minsk's efforts to improve ties with West Video: Nyaklyayew reacts to rights defender Byalyatski's release from prison Belarus can draw in more tourists, says US charge d'affaires It is important for remaining political prisoners in Belarus to be freed, says US charge d'affaires US embassy expected to expand visa services to Belarusian citizens Outgoing US charge d'affaires notes some progress in relations with Belarus Lukashenka greets Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg on occasion of national holiday Nazism is resurging in "brotherly" country, Russian parliamentary speaker says in Brest Ethan Goldrich finishes his work as US charge d'affaires in Minsk Official reports to Lukashenka on economic performance of Minsk region Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Byalyatski says that he has no plans to enter politics Statkevich's wife says that there are no formal grounds for remaining political prisoners to be amnestied Byalyatski says that he was offered to appeal for Lukashenka's pardon twice Byalyatski set to resume rights activities PACE president welcomes Byalyatski's release Foreign Minister Makey holds talks in Ecuador Following Byalyatski's release, Lukashenka may keep other dissidents in jail for horse trading Writers lay flowers at Vasil Bykaw's grave on death anniversary Government abandons plans for broad import restrictions ========== 22.06.2014 International Federation for Human Rights expresses joy at Byalyatski's release EU hails Byalyatski's release as "important step" United States welcomes Byalyatski's release Deputy CEO of Minsk winery arrested on suspicion of bribery Minsk government's measure may leave retailers bankrupt, expert warns Lukashenka calls for transforming paramilitary training society into "powerful alternative" to defense ministry ========== 21.06.2014 In pictures: Byalyatski back in Minsk after surprise release from prison == Video: Rights defender Byalyatski arrives in Minsk after surprise release from prison Byalyatski released under amnesty law Amnesty law comes into force Eastern Partnership is in crisis, civil society activist says Nyaklyayew describes Byalyatski's release as authorities' attempt to improve relations with EU Rights defender Byalyatski freed from prison ========== 20.06.2014 Two Brest men arrested for attempting to rob taxi driver Over 460 students to receive financial aid from special presidential fund One killed, another injured in separate train accidents in Luninets district in one day United Civic Party seeks permission to stage five demonstrations in Brest Belarus to establish diplomatic relations with East Timor National Enterprise Confederation issues warning over planned import restrictions There can be no cooperation between United Civic Party and Liberal Democratic Party, Lyabedzka says Civil society activist appeals fine to chairman of Minsk City Court Video: Leader of pro-government writers' union blames opposition for lack of Vasil Bykaw streets July 3 Independence Day parade to be held in evening Lukashenka: It is necessary to increase Chinese direct investment in Belarus Video: Sixty-five Ukrainians have applied for refugee status in Belarus this year, migration official says Development Bank raises authorized capital by 700 billion rubels Russia's VTB Bank to provide $1-billion bridge loan to Belarusian government Formal charge brought against Georgian man who allegedly attempted to hijack Minsk-bound plane Experts warn that strategy is key to success of city brand for Minsk Khotsimsk district prosecutor rejects former candidate's complains about police detention on main voting day Belarusian MPs to attend annual session of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Baku Belarusian-Russian Parliamentary Assembly to hold session in Brest on Saturday China's leading companies are ready to invest in Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park, businessman says Government to ban microfinance organizations from attracting individuals' deposits Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park should be established as soon as possible, Lukashenka says Foreign Minister Makey meets with president of Nicaragua Lukashenka approves draft program for cultural cooperation with Hungary Presidential Administration confirms receipt of independence recognition appeal from "Luhansk People's Republic" Experts forecast that Belarus will have GDP growth of 2.1 percent in 2014 Belarus pays $84.3 million toward repayment of IMF loan First Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhnevich meets with foreign minister of Azerbaijan Vasil Bykaw museum opened near Minsk Belarusian parliamentary delegation visits Riga Lukashenka meets with prime minister of Azerbaijan Lukashenka greets paramilitary training society's flying club on 80th founding anniversary Stores in Minsk ordered to increase share of Belarusian goods to 85 percent Dollar reaches 10,180 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Belarus' GDP reported up 1.5 percent in first five months of 2014 State-owned lottery company to pay one million rubels to each of Belarusians born on day of the country's liberation in World War II Deputy Foreign Minister Huryanaw meets with Bundestag member Investment in Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park expected to total between $5 billion and $6 billion during first stage of construction ========== 19.06.2014 Minsk could benefit from EU modernization assistance Belarus could team up with Ukraine to build APCs Belarusian ambassador to UK meets with director of London Academy of Diplomacy Belarusian ambassador presents his credentials to president of Peru Prime Minister Myasnikovich, Chinese ambassador attend groundbreaking ceremony for Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park Video: Ex-premier skeptical of planned import restrictions Planned import restrictions will not work, former prime minister says Belarus ready to supply Russia's Orenburg province with agricultural machinery, ambassador says Small, medium-sized businesses are welcome to join EU projects, official says Lukashenka: World's leading companies interested in cooperation with Belarus in potash sphere EU spends 5 million EUR on food safety project in Belarus Video: Vasil Bykaw museum opens at the late writer's summer house There will be no generous pay hikes before 2015 presidential election, experts predict Deputy director of state hunting services company arrested on suspicion of bribery Construction of Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park begins in Minsk region Belarusian delegation meets with acting governor of Russia's Orenburg province Rubel forecast to fall to 11,000 against US dollar by year-end Construction of sports and cultural facilities in Belarus expected to be suspended Man-on-the-street interview: Should Yanukovych be given refuge in Belarus? Belarusian delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Syamashka visits Russia's Kaluga province Technical cooperation projects between Belarus and International Atomic Energy Agency discussed in Vienna Belarus offers EU to extend food safety project Lukashenka directs that Belarus should not flood market with cheap potash Belarusian Red Cross Society donates food and toiletries for Ukrainian refugees in Homyel Belarusian-German working group on trade and investment to meet in Berlin next week Foreign Minister Makey to visit Nicaragua, Cuba, Ecuador Lukashenka warns of possible government and management shake-up Housing construction reported up 7.8 percent in first five months of 2014 Asylum-seekers from Iraq may appear in Belarus in two or three months, official says Official statisticians report 6.5-percent decrease in fixed investment in first five months of 2014 Remains of Soviet army soldiers exhumed in Hrodna Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Sixty-five Ukrainians said to have applied for refugee status in Belarus this year Market vendors to hold conference in Minsk as tough new rules loom Minsk regional organizations of United Civic Party, Liberal Democratic Party sign cooperation agreement Belarus, USA hold consultations on international security issues Visa facilitation agreement with EU should not discriminate against Belarusians, says foreign ministry spokesman Belarus still does not recognize mandate of UN Human Rights Council's rapporteur, foreign ministry spokesman says Ninety years since Vasil Bykaw's birth ========== 18.06.2014 Video: Musicians campaigning against death penalty launch CD Video: Agreement with Russian bank on $2-billion loan will hopefully be signed before July 1, deputy finance minister says Video: Finance ministry ready for transition to medium-term budget planning, deputy minister says Finance ministry ready for transition to medium-term budget planning, deputy minister says Planned import restrictions run counter to Eurasian Economic Union ideology, expert says UN rapporteur accuses Belarusian government of systematic and gross violations of all human rights Video: Expert criticizes planned broad import restrictions First Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhnevich meets with Azerbaijani MPs Expert critical of planned import restrictions Minister: Slowing inflation should be government's priority in 2015 Belarusians' real money income reported up 6.7 percent year-on-year in first four months of 2014 Delegation of Belarusian manufacturers to visit Russia's Orenburg province Six Georgians apprehended up by Belarusian border guards at Lithuanian border Deputy housing minister defends summer practice of turning off hot water Prank seen as attempt to make Lukashenka change his position on Ukraine Man in Minsk gets suspended prison sentence for taking advantage of bank teller's error Minsk paying a price for suppressing trade unions Minsk's EU-directed diplomatic effort has not paid off Belarusian delegation attending session of Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals in New York Belarusian delegation participates in international hunting fair in France House of Representatives passes new martial law bill Imports should account for 15 percent of Belarusian market, prime minister says Belarusian Popular Front denounces planned import restrictions Minsk unlikely to benefit from gas row between Moscow, Kyiv Belgrade may align itself with EU's policy regarding Belarus Belarusian finance ministry expects to sign agreement with Russian bank on $2-billion loan before end of June Belarusian ambassador to Poland visits province of Podlaskie Head of foreign ministry's Asia, Australia and Oceania Directorate meets with departmental head of Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Government planning broad import restrictions Authorities may reestablish road funds Graffiti artists heavily fined for trying to paint image of Vasil Bykaw on utility building in downtown Minsk Finance ministry expects to draw up deficit-free national budget for 2015, deputy minister says Four people die in house fire near Mahilyow Three-year-old girl struck and killed by car in yard near her home in Minsk Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Nearly 15 Belarusian volunteers said to have joined pro-Ukrainian Donbass Battalion Russia will soon deploy Tu-160 strategic bombers in Belarus, report says Government does not consider raising retirement age at present, minister says Efforts to pro-up rubel cause economic misbalances, economist says ========== 17.06.2014 Belarus' agricultural output reported down 4.3 percent in first five months of 2014 Eurasian Economic Union will give Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia truly equal rights, Kazakh ambassador says Lukashenka directs that government should ensure significant economic growth and rise in living standards Belarusian manufacturer exports 48 elevators to Venezuela Foreign ministries of Belarus, Azerbaijan to hold consultations in Baku Italian company contracts to assist Belarus in building its exhibition pavilion at Expo 2015 Belarus may become monopolist exporter on kosher dairy products to Israel Belarusian delegation attending UN meeting on illicit trade in weapons in New York Russia's military equipment to be displayed during Independence Day parade in Minsk Official warns of "unsafe" level of banking sector's external debt Former Deputy Prosecutor General Arkhipaw sentenced to six years in prison Investigative Committee takes up plane hijacking inquiry Constitutional Court petitioned over discrimination against Belarusian language Businessman in Brest region gets six years in prison for fraud, tax evasion Interpol conference opens in Minsk Authorities to audit nearly 19,000 businesses in latter half of 2014 Outstanding payables reported to have amounted to $3.5 billion as of May 1 Russian prankster calm over Lukashenka's reaction to hoax call Belarus may pull out of visa facilitation and readmission talks if EU refuses to discuss visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports Monthly unemployment benefits in Minsk reported to have averaged $14 as of end of May Russian prankster confirms hoax call to Lukashenka Dollar reaches 10,170 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange OSCE media freedom representative expresses concern about increased persecution of Belarusian journalists who have no accreditation Shklow district government ignores civil society group's economic development proposals Belarusian, Israeli businesspeople take part in seminar in Minsk Security Council holds meeting Movement for Freedom calls for pro-Belarusian military training ========== 16.06.2014 In pictures: Belarus beat Montenegro to reach 2015 World Handball Championship In pictures: Foreign Minister Makey meets with Russian counterpart in Minsk Ukrainians accommodated by refugee center in Homyel In pictures: "Team Akrestsina" discuss results of 2014 World Ice Hockey Championship Ukrainian military expert demands dismissal of ambassador to Belarus Video: Eurasian Economic Union treaty is not what it was intended to be, Belarusian foreign minister says Video: Lavrov says that he wants nothing to do with Ukrainian foreign minister Video: It is difficult to comment on Kyiv's intention to shut down border with Russia, Lavrov says Video: Russia wants Ukraine bloodshed to come to end as soon as possible, Lavrov says Thirteen-year-old boy killed in hit-and-run accident in Vitsyebsk region Belarusian national men's handball team reaches 2015 world championship Eurasian Economic Union treaty is not what it was intended to be, Foreign Minister Makey says Online payments broker PayPal to expand services to Belarus Serbia equally interested in ties with Belarus and EU countries, President Nikolic says National Bank head visits Vienna Russia interested in seeing Ukraine bloodshed come to end as soon as possible, Foreign Minister Lavrov says National Bank projects rubel to weaken against US dollar by up to 13 percent this year National Bank expects average interest rate on individuals' rubel deposits to fall to 30 percent toward year-end Ten-year-old boy dies in landslide near Vitsyebsk Former driver for Iranian embassy in Minsk suspected of drug trafficking Yanukovych's son says that he did not call Lukashenka Schengen visa refusal rate is lowest for citizens of Belarus, European Commission says Opposition activist who was on hunger strike for 30 days while behind bars ordered to pay for jail meals Minsk to host Interpol conference on fight against illegal trade in cigarettes Two brothers die in house fire in Brest region Belarus' industrial output reported down 1.3 percent year-on-year in first five months of 2014 Companies' net losses reported up 120 percent year-on-year in January-April 2014 Belarus, EU expected to hold next round of visa facilitation and readmission talks in Brussels this fall Companies'f earnings per employee in January-April 2014 estimated at $20,400 Attack on Russian embassy in Kyiv deserves condemnation, Belarusian foreign minister says Ukrainian candy makers suspend exports to Belarus over fresh restrictions Putin said to have granted award to Belarusian militant in Crimea Recording alleges that Lukashenka agreed to give refuge to Ukraine's ex-president in hoax call Large family from flashpoint Ukrainian city arrives in Homyel EU commissioner expresses satisfaction with visa facilitation and readmission talks with Belarus Dollar reaches 10,160 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Lavrov says that he wants nothing to do with Ukrainian foreign minister There are no particular problems in relations between Belarus and Russia, Lukashenka says Yanukovych's family said to be seeking asylum in Belarus Foreign ministers of Belarus, Russia expected to discuss cooperation within international organizations National Bank not expected to reduce refinance rate significantly this year ========== 15.06.2014 Opposition activist subjected to thorough search while traveling home from Poland National Bank reports 4.3-percent year-on-year rise in personal transfers from abroad in Q1 Belarus had current account deficit equal to 10.9 percent of GDP in Q1, National Bank says Israeli business delegation to arrive in Minsk on Monday ========== 14.06.2014 Lukashenka extends greetings to Belarus' health workers Prime Minister Myasnikovich visits construction site for Garlyk potash project in Turkmenistan Presentation on opportunities for trade, economic and investment cooperation with Belarus held in Barcelona Belarusian compact tractors to be assembled in Serbia's Novi Sad Relations with EU, OSCE will be discussed during Lavrov's talks in Minsk, Russian foreign ministry says ========== 13.06.2014 In pictures: National Art Museum of Belarus and Palace Museum in Beijing sign cooperation agreement --- Belarusian deputy prime minister expresses hope for closer cooperation with Palace Museum in Beijing Contracts worth some 15 million EUR signed at Belarusian-Serbian business forum in Belgrade Deputy Foreign Minister Kupchyna meets with senior Finnish officials in Helsinki Foreign ministries of Belarus, Turkmenistan discuss implementation of cooperation program European Commission's delegation, interior ministry officials hold consultations on draft readmission agreement Video: Opposition politician Sevyarynets launches book written in correctional institution Eighty-year-old man sentenced to 16 years in prison for brutally murdering fellow villager of same age Polish-bound tanker truck rolls over in Homyel region Largest 2013 income reported to tax authorities totaled $6.2 million, official says Repair and maintenance center for MAZ vehicles to be established in Ashgabat before June 1, 2015 Belarusian Railroads resume selling tickets for Crimean-bound trains Belarusian ambassador meets with foreign minister of Ecuador Government to restructure cement plants' debts Lessons from Ukraine crisis: Belarus needs several security services with overlapping functions Belarusian ambassador takes part in seminar for Finnish businesspeople Belavia set to buy Czech aircraft for domestic passenger flights National Bank decides against changing refinance rate in June Baranavichy market vendors may stage protest in Minsk Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Minsk Automobile Plant set to export methane-fueled buses to Russia's Kemerovo province Belarus to increase exports of machinery to Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Myasnikovich says Anatol Khishchanka appointed campaign manager of Liberal Democratic Party's presidential contender Lukashenka congratulates Reuven Rivlin on his election as president of Israel Man-on-the-street interview: Where will you spend your summer vacation? Lukashenka sends birthday greetings to UN secretary general Flag desecration case against former political prisoner closed Three-year-old boy fatally injured in car-truck collision in Minsk region Myasnikovich calls for closer cooperation with Turkmenistan in developing biotechnologies, information and communications technologies Belarusian diplomat plays up importance of UN peacekeeping operations Volunteers in Homyel region set up camp for Ukrainian refugees UN body urged to give "urgent priority" to complaint filed on behalf of imprisoned rights activist Byalyatski Economy Minister Snapkow meets with Spanish foreign minister National Bank to limit interest on loans for legal entities to 37.3 percent Lukashenka back home after visit to Serbia ========== 12.06.2014 Belarusian ambassador has meeting with two Argentinean lawmakers Belarusian ambassador in Moscow meets with Jordanian ambassador to Belarus Belarusian ambassador meets with first vice premier of Kazakhstan Belarusian ambassador meets with Venezuela's housing and habitat minister Three Afghans apply for refugee status in Belarus Russian man sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempt to smuggle over nine kilograms of cannabis across Belarusian border Presidents of Belarus, Serbia issue joint statement China's Zhengzhou becomes Mahilyow's sister city Border control chiefs of Belarus, Poland discuss cooperation during world hockey championship Foreign ministries of Belarus, Finland hold consultations in Helsinki Foreign ministries of Belarus, Turkmenistan hold consultations in Ashgabat Homyel man crushed to death at work Video: Russian foreign minister will visit Belarus next week, foreign ministry's spokesman says Belarusbank to receive $12.5-million loan from Russian bank to buy subway cars Video: Foreign ministry says that it received no independence recognition appeal from "Luhansk People's Republic" --- "Luhansk People's Republic" to send independence recognition appeal to Belarus' Presidential Administration German businesspeople unhappy with pace of economic modernization in Belarus No tax will be imposed on non-workers any time soon, official says Lukashenka's statements on developments in Ukraine and Crimea are contradictory, says leader of Crimean Tatar National Movement German-Belarusian Economic Club marks 20th anniversary Foreign ministries of Belarus, Czech Republic to hold consultations next week Schengen visa facilitation talks held in Minsk Hrodna woman sentenced to corrective labor term of one year and half for second DUI offense within one year Drunken motorcyclist causes death of seven-year-old girl in Mahilyow region Belarusian deputy foreign minister to participate in session of Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals in New York US expert plays up importance of WTO entry for Belarus Lukashenka accuses West of having opposed his visit to Serbia Lukashenka greets Putin on occasion of Day of Russia Dollar reaches 10,150 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Foreign ministry says that it received no independence recognition appeal from "Luhansk People's Republic" Luhansk separatists appeal to Belarus for independence recognition Russian foreign minister to visit Belarus next week Plane hijacking suspect was "supposedly drunk," says United Airports of Georgia Opposition politician Sevyarynets launches book written in correctional institution ========== 11.06.2014 National Art Museum signs cooperation agreement with Palace Museum in Beijing Video: Acting information minister urges reporters to maintain "moral purity" Newspaper in Mahilyow launches heritage conservation campaign Video: Russia respects Belarus' stance on Ukraine crisis, ambassador says Video: Russia to provide $2-billion loan to Belarus in July or August, ambassador says MZKT chassis in demand among Russian weapons designers Belarusian authorities more concerned about independence foundations Belarus is interested in "normal and mutually beneficial" cooperation with EU, Foreign Minister May says Foreign ministries of Belarus, Poland hold political consultations in Warsaw Belarusian delegation participates in Eastern Partnership events in Brussels Prime Minister Myasnikovich visiting Turkmenistan Lukashenka leaves for Belgrade Belarusian ambassador meets with Czech foreign ministry's departmental head Two young fellow villagers found hanged Foreign ministry's departmental head meets with director general of office of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency in Minsk Ban on retail alcohol sales to be in place in Minsk on school graduation day Armenia may join Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia within next few months, Russian ambassador says Russian bank provides first $16.3 million for building nuclear power plant in Belarus If NATO increases military activity near border, Russia and Belarus will have to respond adequately, Russian ambassador says Former MP Valery Fralow set to run for President Video: Russian ambassador notes progress on planned industrial link-ups Belarusian society should become ripe for abolition of death penalty, Foreign Minister Makey says Video: Expert calls for encouraging unpaid blood donations --- Blood donations at all-time high in 2013 Makey accuses Western media and politicians of "demonizing" Belarus Belarusian ambassador visits Australia Belarus cannot yet reopen its embassy in Sweden, Foreign Minister Makey says Market value of three companies eyed by Russian investors to be estimated within next two months Former deputy head of Minsk district government sentenced to five years in prison on charges of abuse of power Belarusian economy minister visiting Spain Journalist in Brest given prosecutorial warning for cooperating with Radio Racyja Someone aims to split Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, Foreign Minister Makey says Extension of US sanctions hinders bilateral relations, foreign ministry says Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange No "big interest" from Russian companies in stake in Mazyr Oil Refinery Russia expected to provide $2-billion loan to Belarus in July or August Minsk does not know how many people are viewed by EU as political prisoners, foreign minister says Obama extends US sanctions against Lukashenka, nine other Belarusians Belarus may receive final tranche of EurAsEC loan this fall, Russian ambassador says Belarus, EU may sign visa facilitation agreement in 2015, foreign minister says Minsk "not euphoric" about Eurasian Economic Union treaty United Airports of Georgia denies plane hijacking report ========== 10.06.2014 Constitution must be respected to unite Belarusians, expert says Lukashenka reveals that he offered missile systems, warplanes to Milosevic Minsk waiting for Kremlin to dole out some money Lukashenka continues balancing act on Ukraine EAEU treaty does not significantly change legal framework for Belarus Lukashenka expected to visit Serbia this week Public opinion poll indicates reorientation towards Russia Homyel man crushed to death by two trucks Belarus invested $30 billion in modernization between 2011 and 2014, Lukashenka says Banks should not avoid lending to support agricultural sector, Lukashenka warns Lukashenka: It is unacceptable to revise history of World War II Lukashenka orders report on financial impact of agricultural policy edicts Attempt to hijack Minsk-bound plane bears hallmarks of terrorist act, KGB says All soccer World Cup games to be televised live in Belarus Lukashenka blames Ukraine crisis on domestic problems, first, outside interference, second Foreign Minister Makey meets with US charge d'affaires Belarus' foreign currency revenues decrease as government struggles to meet its financial obligations Hrodna man attempts to kill himself after being caught drunk driving US puts pressure on nations to make them vote on UN Security Council's resolutions the way it wants them to, says deputy secretary of Collective Security Treaty Organization District judge in Minsk to start hearing Kurapaty conservation activists' suit on June 26 Video: Ukrainian musicians will take part in this year's Slavyanski Bazar festival in Vitsyebsk, art director says Belarus' exports of petroleum products decreased by 300,000 tons in first four months of 2014, government statisticians say Police in Homyel reject complaint by opposition activist whose house was attacked over Ukrainian flag Physical volume of Belarus' potash exports reported up 47.2 percent in first four months of 2014 Lukashenka greets president of Portugal on occasion of national holiday Video: Deputy prime minister opens media forum in Minsk Consumer prices reported up 2.2 percent in May Lukashenka calls for more dynamic economic cooperation with Serbia Lukashenka: EU's policy regarding Belarus has been changing lately Congolese man leaves for his home country after nearly six months behind bars in Minsk Pay was delayed at 302 companies as of June 1, official statisticians say Dollar reaches 10,140 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Opposition activist begins serving five-day jail term more than two months after sentencing Lukashenka warns against writing off agricultural companies' debts Georgian man attempts to hijack Minsk-bound plane Rector of Institute of Belarusian Culture to be charged with at least two counts of bribery Acting information minister urges reporters to maintain "moral purity" --- Acting information minister sidesteps question about candidates for the job Uralkali CEO denies holding talks with Belaruskali Two policemen in Hrodna region arrested on suspicion of exceeding authority ========== 09.06.2014 Former opposition candidates in local elections launch campaign for higher living standards in Brest Belarus votes against UN resolution affirming right of Georgian refugees to return to Abkhazia, South Ossetia Three Georgians, five Russians rounded up by border guards at Latvian border Auditing agencies examining how Belarus distributed import duties among Customs Union countries last year Man in Brest region gets 12 years in prison for beating his elderly mother to death Sheet metal and tin plant to be built in Vitsyebsk region Lukashenka approves draft agreement on visa-free travel with Ecuador Lukashenka congratulates Bashar al-Assad on his reelection as president of Syria In pictures: Nazi death camp prisoners remembered at ceremony near Minsk --- Video: People remember Nazi death camp prisoners at ceremony near Minsk Supreme Court's judge rejects appeal by young man in Mahilyow whose kvass was poured out by police officer Two people die, one hurt in car-truck crash near Vawkavysk Prosecutor's office refuses to launch probe over African man's six-month stay in Minsk jail Holiday Inn hotel to be built in Minsk Thirteen-year-old boy drowns in river in Mahilyow Russian city's ex-mayor arrested in Belarus Five people drown in Homyel region in two days Belarus and China reiterate intention to establish joint venture fund Chairwoman of Russia's Federation Council uses hackneyed phrases to tout Eurasian Economic Union Liberal Democratic Youth Union expected to apply for registration Authorities reject proposal to allow companies to be registered at founder's address New oil deposit found in Homyel region CIS Executive Committee grants honorary certificate to Myasnikovich Lukashenka says he will never allow West to "run the show" in Belarus All necessary decisions have been made to restore hog numbers, premier says National Bank set to keep controlling stake in Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Zmitser and Anastasiya Dashkevich have their first child Government decides against allowing private clinics to issue sick notes Belarusian espionage suspect to go on trial in Poland on June 16 Lukashenka to give interview to Serbian journalists New NGO to push for implementation of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Many rich foreigners are moving to Belarus, Lukashenka says ========== 08.06.2014 Opposition activist Kyarol walks free after 25 days in jail Video: CIS state security chiefs meet in Minsk Lukashenka urged to allow market vendors to continue selling goods without accompanying documents Lukashenka warns against "exoneration of Nazis" Lukashenka orders border control aviation unit transferred under emergency management ministry's control Lukashenka says that trade with Ukraine can reach $15 billion soon ========== 07.06.2014 Rector of Institute of Belarusian Culture arrested on bribery suspicion Many markets, shopping centers will close down soon, expert says Former deputy head of Kobryn district government facing corruption charge Lukashenka urges Kyiv to allow Yanukovych to return without charges Lukashenka attends Poroshenko's inauguration In pictures: The History of Lithuania translated into Belarusian --- Video: Belarusian translation of The History of Lithuania launched in Minsk ========== 06.06.2014 Shushkevich critical of Kyiv's decision to invite Lukashenka to Poroshenko's inauguration Deputy prime minister discusses cooperation with Krasnodar Krai province with Russian lawmaker Development Bank of Belarus, Belarusian State University sign agreement on strategic cooperation Belarus said to have paid over $1.2 billion in export duties on petroleum products to Russia in first four months of 2014 Ton of wild poppy plants destroyed in Brest district Belarusian ambassador meets with permanent secretary of Nigerian foreign ministry Belarusian ambassador to Egypt meets with chairperson of board of directors of Tractors & Engineering Company Construction of Chinese-Belarusian Industrial Park to begin on June 19 Cooperation at level of provinces lays foundation for cooperation between Belarus and Russia, says final statement of First Forum of Belarusian and Russian Provinces in Minsk Belarusian translation of Lithuanian history launched in Minsk Authorities have dropped charges against Catholic priest Lazar, says Belarusian Christian Democracy President of Russia's Tatarstan calls for another truck maker to join MAZ-KamAZ link-up Belarus to receive 23 million tons of Russian oil next year Common opposigtion challenger can hardly defeat Lukashenka aided by establishment Driver sustains burns to 85 percent of his body after explosion and fire in his minibus Information minister's dismissal holds little promise for media Elderly woman dies after being pushed by her cow onto moving car Defense ministry denies that Russian warplanes left Belarus Lukashenka launches housing price experiment Belarus' gold and foreign exchange reserves said to have decreased by $84.5 million in May Foreign ministries of Belarus, Kazakhstan hold consular consultations in Astana Man-on-the-street interview: Are you wary of Russian invasion of Belarus? Collective Security Treaty Organization will become military component of Eurasian Economic Union, Lukashenka says Belarus has virtually no middle class, economist says US charge d'affaires to leave Belarus this month Leader of Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions elected member of ILO Governing Body again Border control officer sentenced to prison term for threatening to fire gun in village cafe State-owned company in Mahilyow region ordered to pay back 945,000 rubels in litigation costs to private newspaper Lukashenka greets participants of festival of national cultures in Hrodna Government to provide $3-million loan to Barysaw Cut Glass Factory Belarusbank to resume issuing housing loans on June 9 Lukashenka greets king of Sweden on national holiday Dollar reaches 10,130 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Record percentage of Russians view Belarus as Russia's best friend, poll finds Belarus suspends import of Ukrainian beer KGB reveals that caller in Poland threatened terrorist attack during world hockey championship ========== 05.06.2014 Market vendors in Baranavichy to suspend operation on July 1 in protest against Lukashenka's controversial edict Elderly civil society activist accused of smuggling humanitarian aid from Poland Top Catholic cleric: Belarusian Exarchate of Russian Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church in Belarus are both opposed to death penalty Minsk advocates reasonable joint policy regarding Belarusian-Russian industrial cooperation, Lukashenka says Video: Clothing company opens $4-million plant in Zaslawye Video: International conference on Belarus-EU relations kicks off in Minsk Video: Foreign ministry denies detention of Belarusian citizen Shabalin in Ukraine Man, 26, gets 19 years in prison for unprovoked murder Polish business school grants honorary degree to Stanislaw Shushkevich Video: Abolition of sanctions against Belarus remains Minsk's priority for relations with USA, says foreign ministry`s spokesman Lukashenka sends Anatol Afanasyew into retirement from his position as chairman of Higher Attestation Commission Regional court's judge rejects blogger's appeal against hefty fine "Updated" agreement on cooperation could become new basis for Belarus-EU relations, official says Lukashenka issues formal warning to head of Homyel regional government Orthodox, Catholic bishops emphasize role of Christianity for European culture, daily life Executive at electronics company Intehral facing criminal charge EU interested to study Belarus' experience of social and economic development, says head of EU Delegation to Belarus Deputy minister: Schoolchildren interested in summer work Judge prolongs police supervision period for Dashkevich Russia views Belarus as most important strategic partner, says speaker of Federation Council Cooperation with Russian provinces is economic basis for Belarusian-Russian integration, Lukashenka says Woman involved in methadone maintenance treatment program caught transporting poppy seeds Textile company Mogotex named Best Exporter of 2013 among light industry companies Hungarian cardinal insists that Belarus has religious freedom Man who spent 15 hours on lighting pole in Homyel charged with disorderly conduct Liliya Ananich appointed acting information minister Official plays up PR value of European Orthodox-Catholic Forum Market vendors in Vitsyebsk stage one-day walkout to protest Lukashenka's edict Eight teens caught in Russia after escape from correctional institution in Minsk region Salihorsk police question mother of Belarusian militant fighting in eastern Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Rybakow meets with president of Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Foreign ministry denies detention of Belarusian citizen Shabalin in Ukraine Foreign ministries of Belarus, Kazakhstan holding consular consultations in Astana Lukashenka calls for unity among CIS state security agencies Deputy Foreign Minister Kupchyna to visit Finland next week Foreign ministries of Belarus, Poland to hold consultations in Warsaw next week Dollar reaches 10,120 rubels at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange VTB Bank's $1-billion loan to arrive in Belarus in June Abolition of sanctions against Belarus remains Minsk's priority in relations with USA, says foreign ministry's spokesman Belarusian ambassador meets with vice president of France-Belarus friendship group in French National Assembly ========== 04.06.2014 In pictures: Man spends about 15 hours on lighting pole in Homyel Finance ministry reports national budget surplus of $200 million in first four months of 2014 Criminal proceedings instituted against driver who injured three school graduates walking along street after graduation ball Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation's coach council recognizes Team Belarus' performance at home world championship as successful Video: International exhibition of agricultural equipment opens near Minsk Belarusian museum taking part in exhibition at UNESCO headquarters in Paris Illegal migrant from Ecuador apprehended at Polish border Video: Belarusian-German maker shows off amphibious off-road vehicle Weaker Russia can give Belarus a chance, analyst says Belarus between Moscow and Kyiv: Regime not nearing end of its lifetime Smokers make up 25.1 percent of Belarus' adult population, says National Statistical Committee EBRD helps clothing company pay for consultancy services Moscow may use Belarus as "strategic balcony" against NATO Journalist links Pralyaskowski's dismissal to lack of popular pro-government website Experts complete official testing of Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant's new chassis prototype UAE police officers to receive human trafficking prevention training in Minsk Deputy Minister Kupchyna attends annual meeting of Central European Initiative's foreign ministers in Vienna UN-organized seminar for border guards opens in Brest Ukraine's success would be hugely inspiring for Belarusians, Lyabedzka says Belarusian ambassador to Russia meets with his Kuwaiti counterpart Belarusian rhythmic gymnasts asked not to use Armenian composer's music at European Championships in Azerbaijan Obama mentions Minsk while speaking in Warsaw about US commitment to protecting democracy in Eastern Europe One person dies, four others suffer injuries in two-car collision near Brest Lyabedzka plays up United Civic Party's prospects in 2015 presidential election Biathlon star Domrachava named UNDP goodwill ambassador Lukashenka sends greetings to candy maker Spartak on occasion of the company's 90th anniversary Large amount of cash stolen from Catholic church in Minsk region World hockey championship attracted 5.2 million TV viewers in Belarus Conditions in Belarus' free economic zones inconsistent with WTO rules, government economists say Man spends about 15 hours on lighting pole in Homyel Brest-based brewery files for bankruptcy Media situation got worse under Information Minister Pralyaskowski, says chairperson of Belarusian Association of Journalists --- Lukashenka dismisses Information Minister Pralyaskowski Official plays down possible limits on agricultural subsidies in Eurasian Economic Union Rubel's rate against US dollar unchanged at Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange Charge against former Deputy Prosecutor General Arkhipaw expected to be changed US State Department envoy visits Belarus ILO ranks Belarus among countries that grossly violate trade union rights First forum of Belarusian, Russian provinces to be held in Minsk this week ========== 03.06.2014 In pictures: Clothing company opens $4-million plant near Minsk Three groups of illegal migrants rounded up at EU borders Dead newborn baby found in backpack floating in river in Minsk Many people left without water in Smilavichy after tower collapse Two Ghanaians who entered Belarus as hockey fans attempt to seek asylum in Lithuania Man in Mahilyow region sets house on fire during quarrel with his ex-wife Belarus to participate in Expo 2015 in Milan Clothing company Mark Formelle opens $4-million plant in Zaslawye Homyel Fat Plant hoping to sell 75.9 billion rubels worth of shares in IPO Belarus' wisent population said to have grown 3.3 times in past two decades Former CEO of state utility company in Mazyr suspected of power abuse Deputy Foreign Minister Kupchyna meets with Austrian foreign ministry official in Vienna In pictures: New subway station opens in Minsk Some 2,000 foreigners penalized during four-day police operation Prime minister denies that anything was built in Minsk specifically for world hockey championship Myasnikovich emphasizes importance of modernizing industrial companies Over 150 guns handed to police for registration during weapon amnesty Officers of Minsk district tax office get prison sentences CIS state security chiefs to meet in Minsk on Thursday Environmentalists campaigning for restoration of protected status for oak forests along River Prypyats Light industry companies report fall in demand for their goods in Ukraine Think tank describes wide current account gap, possible recession as biggest threats to Belarusian economy --- Think tank warns over mounting external debt Lukashenka invited to attend Poroshenko's inauguration as Ukrainian president Security Council begins inspection of border control service Belarusian Christian Democracy campaigning for general access to quality medicine Report on agricultural sector's major problems to land on Lukashenka's desk soon Agriculture ministry promises to restore hog numbers by year-end Lukashenka expresses concern about "moral deformation of society" Ihar Babkow wins Jerzy Giedroyc Award literary contest Inter-bank Currency Council of Belarus, Russia holds meeting in Brest In pictures: Catholics celebrate coming Feast of Corpus Christi with procession in Minsk ========== 02.06.2014 Opposition activists clean up monuments to anti-Russian insurgents in Baranavichy district As many as 120 organizations said to have confirmed participation in international arms show in Minsk Five-day campaign against death penalty begins in Minsk Finance, agriculture ministries of Belarus, Slovakia to sign memorandums of understanding this week Minsk, Moscow reach compromise to establish EAEU Belarus had $391.4-million deficit in foreign trade in goods in January-April 2014, says National Statistical Committee Government raises rates of export duty on oil, petroleum products Serbia and Belarus do not use potential for investment cooperation in full, ambassador says Over 350 prostitutes arrested in Minsk during world hockey championship One man killed, another injured in motorcycle crash in Minsk region Rights defenders in Brest region appeal ban on protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine Fewer people register for "centralized tests" for admission to universities this year Two people die in house fire in Brest district New subway station to be opened in Minsk on Tuesday Government guarantees repayment of Belarusbank's loan for Meat and Milk Company Opposition challenger to be selected at congress Opposition activists in Brest demonstrate on International Day for Protection of Children Economist raises concerns over Eurasian Economic Union Finance ministry: Development Bank reported highest profits in 2013 Manufacturers saw output, demand for their goods fall in May, survey suggests Russian loans discourage Minsk from economic reforms, economist says Lukashenka meets with border control chief Woman kills her elderly grandmother with piece of wood Judge refuses to return Ukrainian flag to civil society activist in Baranavichy Belarus, Slovakia consider possibility of joint projects to sell goods in third countries Poultry companies suspected of price fixing Andrey Papow becomes new head of presidential press office Opposition activist fined over protest against Eurasian Economic Union Lukashenka greets participants of European Orthodox-Catholic Forum in Minsk --- Lukashenka greets Italian president on national holiday Moscow to watch closely relations between Minsk, Kyiv Arrested human rights defender Andrey Bandarenka studying his case file Heavy rain disrupts traffic in southwestern Minsk Membership of EAEU to conserve Belarus' economic model, experts say ========== 01.06.2014 Lukashenka congratulates former military chief on election as Egypt's president Man in Minsk kills wife, commits suicide Reforms are vital to Belarus' independence, Russian politician says Belarus' public debt said to have grown by 2.5 percent in first four months of 2014 Lukashenka cannot trust top security officials, expert says Video: People comment on the establishment of Eurasian Economic Union In pictures: Mourners bid farewell to poet Henadz Burawkin