战略与国际研究中心-Belarus-Bi_3页_109kb

Summary of News from September 2005

Core Content

The month of September 2005 was marked by a series of political, economic, and social developments in Belarus and its relationship with Russia and international organizations. Key events included discussions on energy prices, economic cooperation, political opposition movements, human rights issues, and Belarus's participation in the United Nations.

Main Events and Views

1. Energy Subsidy and Contract Negotiations

• The Belarusian Ministry for Energy announced that the price of Russian gas in 2006 would remain at the 2005 level (46.68 per 1,000 cubic meters without VAT).
• Deputy Minister Eduard Tovpenets mentioned that the contract for natural gas deliveries would be finalized by October.
• However, there was a note of uncertainty due to Russia's lack of fixed tariffs and the possibility of price changes following its admission to the WTO.

2. Belarusian-Russian Economic Forum in Minsk

• The first Belarusian-Russian economic forum and a Russian national trade fair took place in Minsk from September 6 to 9.
• Over 1,500 people attended, including 400 Russian and 200 Belarusian officials.
• The event showcased the collaboration between Russian enterprises and Belarus, with more than 150 major Russian companies participating.

3. Council of Ministers of the Union State

• Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and Belarusian counterpart Sergei Sidorsky, along with President Alexander Lukashenko, met in Minsk.
• Russia was ready to provide a financial aid of $146 million to Belarus.
• The meeting also addressed the 2006 Union State budget.

4. Formation of a Democratic Coalition

• Three Belarusian opposition figures—Valery Frolov, Vasily Leonov, and Aleksandr Voitovich—formed a democratic coalition to unite non-party candidates.
• This coalition aimed to challenge the current political order and promote democratic reforms in the country.

5. Democratic Convention in Minsk

• A democratic convention was planned for October 1st–2nd, with 223 delegates nominated.
• The event was supported by the Minsk City Executive Committee, indicating some level of local political engagement.

6. European Commission's Support for Independent Media

• The European Commission initiated a €2 million project to support independent broadcasting in Belarus.
• This followed an earlier €138,000 grant to Deutsche Welle Radio, which would start broadcasting on November 1 via radio and internet.

7. Military Cooperation with Russia

• A contract was signed between Russia and Belarus for the delivery of air defense systems (ZRK S-300SP).
• This cooperation was framed as enhancing the effectiveness of both Belarusian and CIS air defense systems.

8. Terrorist Attack in Vitebsk

• An explosive device was detonated in Vitebsk, injuring two people.
• The bomb was filled with nails and metal, indicating a possible act of sabotage or protest.

9. UN Address by President Lukashenko

• President Lukashenko addressed the 60th UN General Assembly in New York, criticizing the United States and the UN for promoting a unipolar world order.
• He emphasized Belarus's right to choose its own path of development and called for a more balanced global system.
• Despite visa sanctions, he managed to attend the summit, highlighting his diplomatic engagement.

10. Protest Rally in Minsk

• A protest rally was organized in Minsk by Zubr activists, commemorating the disappearance of two politicians and one journalist in 1999–2000.
• The protest was violently dispersed by OMON officers, with the movement's coordinator hospitalized.
• This event reflected the ongoing tensions between the government and opposition groups.

11. PACE Statement on Human Rights Violations

• The PACE (Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights) issued a statement condemning the persecution of journalists and activists in Belarus.
• The committee specifically criticized the crackdown on the Union of Belarusian Poles and Polish-language media.
• The statement underscored the need for human rights improvements and the release of political prisoners.

Key Information

• Economic Cooperation: Belarus and Russia continued to strengthen their economic ties, with discussions on energy prices and a significant financial aid offer.
• Political Opposition: A new democratic coalition was formed, signaling growing political activism and opposition to the current regime.
• Human Rights Concerns: The European Commission and PACE expressed concern over the suppression of independent media and civil society.
• International Engagement: Despite visa restrictions, President Lukashenko participated in the UN summit, using the platform to voice his criticisms of Western policies.
• Authoritarian Response: The government's use of force against peaceful protests and its suppression of dissent highlighted the authoritarian nature of the regime.

Conclusion

The events of September 2005 illustrated a complex interplay of economic collaboration, political activism, and international criticism. While Belarus sought to maintain its ties with Russia and engage in global diplomacy, internal dissent and human rights issues remained significant concerns. The month underscored the challenges faced by Belarus in balancing its foreign relations with domestic political pressures.