President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko congratulated citizens of Belarus celebrating Christmas on December 25. 

“These days are full of special sense. The great mystery of Christmas signifies the victory of the ideals of the good and Christian love. The light of the Bethlehem star lets us hope for a miracle and for the spiritual revival”, the message says. “The joy of Christmas comes into every home making people more responsive and merciful. Celebrating the day together with our families and friends we forget about quarrels and resentments and become closer to each other. The feelings of affection, consolation and forgiveness are filling our hearts”. 

Alexander Lukashenko wished that the Christmas feelings stay with Belarusians the whole year round inspiring them for good deeds and fruitful beginnings in the name of the native Belarus; that the families live in peace and harmony. 

Alexander Lukashenko Expresses Condolences to Leaders of India, Sri-Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand 

On December 26 President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko expressed condolences to the leaders and peoples of India, Sri-Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand in connection with violent tsunami that resulted in numerous casualties.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Statement of the US Department of State on Mikhail Marinich Case a Pressure on Belarusian Judicial Bodies 

The statement of the US Department of State regarding the criminal case of Mikhail Marinich is a pressure on the Belarusian judicial bodies, spokesman of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrei Savinykh stated answering a Belarusian News Agency question. 

“The USA groundlessly attempts to interfere with the court procedures in an independent state. The Mikhail Marinich case is under the jurisdiction of the Belarusian courts only. The fact that the statement was made by the foreign office of the state promoting principles of court independence causes sincere surprise. In this context the statement of the American party can only be seen as pressure on judicial bodies of the Republic of Belarus,” Andrei Savinykh underlined. 

President of Belarus: Jewish Population Made Positive Impact on History and Culture of Belarusian People

“The Jewish population made a positive impact on the history and culture of the Belarusian people. We appreciate this and will do everything for the mission of the new ambassador of Israel to be successful, president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko stated when receiving the letters of credence of Ambassador of the State of Israel to Belarus Zeev Ben Arie.

The President stressed that “we express gratitude to the leadership of Israel that the embassy of Belarus has been preserved despite all the difficulties. It could not have been otherwise. We wish prosperity to your people and the main thing – stability and peace”. 

IFC, SIDA Launch Two-Year Project Worth $1.470 Mln in Belarus

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched in December a two-year technical assistance project on Improvement of Business Environment in Belarus to the amount of U.S. $1.470 million, which envisages the use of positive experience of the countries with transitional economy.

First it is planned to study the problems that firms face in Belarus and elaborate jointly with government agencies recommendations regarding the elimination of administrative obstacles hampering the development of business in Belarus.

It is expected to create an Internet-portal Belarus SME ToolKit containing information about changes in Belarusian laws, ways to increase operation effectiveness, and sources of financing of business expansion. Also, the portal will accumulate databases of the companies providing financial and advisory services, and other information necessary to carry out effective entrepreneurial activities.

On Parameters of Social and Economic Development

The Belarusian GDP in January-November increased by 11.1% as compared with the same period of 2003. It is expected, that in 2004 the GDP will increase by 110.5%. 

Industry made significant contribution in the economy development. Belarus managed to preserve the industrial potential. The industrial output growth over 11 months this year constituted 115%. 

Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov Says Single Currency Launch Depends on Equal Terms for Companies

The introduction of the single currency in the Union State of Belarus and Russia depends on terms of the creation of equal conditions for companies in both countries, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said.

“We have not settled several issues regarding the establishment of the single economic area of the two states, especially the establishment of equal economic conditions for companies. That is why it is too soon to fix an exact date of the single currency introduction,” Kobyakov noted. The launch of the single currency is to be discussed “on the basis of readiness of the states during a meeting of the Union State government in Minsk on December 21”.

Belarus to Work out Measures for Exporters to Switch to FOB, CIF Terms

The interdepartmental export development council headed by the First Deputy Prime Minister plans to work out measures to switch Belarusian exports to FOB and CIF terms.

The switch of exports to FOB and CIF terms will allow to increase currency revenues and to boost services exports due to the transportation of goods by Belarusian companies. CIF and FOB terms are used for cargo transportation by sea or domestic water transport. Besides, the council is to discuss the competitiveness of motor transportation services on the international market.

Central Christmas Tree Lights Turned On 

About three thousand children took part in the charity action “Our children”, which was held in Minsk with participation of President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. 

When welcoming the children the President noted that children from all over the country gathered in the Palace of the Republic. The President expressed gratitude to the children for their achievements and wished them new successes. 

Alexander Lukashenko Approves Decision of President’s Special Fund on Support of Talented Youth

The special Presidential fund to support talented students in Belarus was set up in Belarus.

The fund established the scholarships to 96 students. Money prizes were awarded to 36 school students, winners of the National student contest of scientific biological and economic research and also 27 prizewinners of the National contests of professional skills. 

Prizes worth 2.2mln Belarusian rubles will be also given to 12 prizewinners of the 2004 Belarusian professional skills contests among medical education establishments.

Four student scientific associations have been rendered financial support to the total amount of 12mln rubles.

Alexander Lukashenko Congratulates Cinematographers and All Cinematography Amateurs on 80th Anniversary of Belarusian Cinema 

Belarusian cinematographers celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Belarusian cinema.

The national cinematography has come a long and glorious creative way, having preserved true allegiance to high moral and esthetic ideals. Belarusian films are full of love to the Motherland, respect to the past and the present of the Belarusian people, sincerity and kindness. That is why they are so loved by Belarusian people, the Presidential congratulatory message says.

On Successful Performance of Ruslan Alekhno at Song’s Conquest

The 22-year old Ruslan Alekhno became the winner of the “People’s artist” project (analog of the US "American Idol" contest) held by the Russian TV channel “Rossiya”. The name of the winner was announced on December 20 at the final concert at the Kremlin Palace.

NBB Launches Memorable Coin “Carols” 

The National Bank of Belarus (NBB) put into circulation new silver and copper-nickel memorable coins “Carols” (Kalyady) of the series “Belarusian Holidays and Rites”.

The bank made 5,000 silver “Carols” coins and 5,000 copper-nickel “Carols” coins. The head of all coins pictures a raised impression of Belarus’ State Emblem circled by a geometrical ornament. In the middle is a solar sign consisting of an eight-pointed star and décor symbolizing sunbeams. The tail of the coin depicts a raised impression of the Christmas star with an embedded blue synthetic crystal. Silver coins will be available at U.S. $19 and copper-nickel coins, $3.3.

The coins are a legal tender of Belarus for all debts, public and private without restriction. (2,174 Belarusian rubles – U.S. $1).