Yearly Archive: 2003

BULLETINS INFOFOCUS № 12

E-bulletin of IISEPS Center for Documentation, N 12, 2003 (only Russian) Content: Introduction Theme of the month: Alexander Lukashenko criticize KGB: who is guilty that belarusian secret service doesn’t meet the requarements or time? Person of the month: Alexander Buhvostov dismissal: “attempt to save the trade unions” or “reprisal according to president’s scenety”? Document of …

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BULLETINS “IISEPS NEWS” N 4 (30) DECEMBER

IISEPS News, N 4 (30), 2003 Content: Preface Strengthening Role of Independent Social Research and Experts’ Networks in Belarus: Results of the public opinion polls Belarus-2006: Ways of Changes (round table discussion of analysts) Open Forum: Vasily Leonov Russia’s Duma Election Is a Broad Hint for A. Lukashenko Bookshelf: Mikhail Plisko, Editor-in-Chief of the “Adkrytae …

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BELARUSIAN DEMOCRATS SHOULD MAKE BARGAINS WITH REALITY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Although discontent of the Belarusians with their living isn’t so far manifested openly, it continues to grow inside the socium. Only 27.3% of respondents say that in general A. Lukashenko well governs the country and should be re-elected while 60.4% claim “another candidate should take this post.” This is as well the opinion of those who voted for the current president in September 2001. If two candidates – V. Putin and A. Lukashenko – were nominated for the presidential election in Belarus, 45.8% of citizens would cast their votes for V. Putin and only 28.0% – for A. Lukashenko (for none – 16.7%).

WAS THE YEAR 2003 SO FAVORABLE FOR THE BELARUSIANS?

The mouthpiece of the presidential administration, newspaper Sovetskaya Belorussia has these days pompously praised social and economic results of the previous year. According to the state statistics, the growth of working efficiency in the real sector of economics has made 10-12%, profitability has increased by 10-12%, the number of non-profitable enterprises has decreased by a quarter and an average salary in the real sector has reached $150 in equivalent. The figures are impressive! Yet, what has really improved in the living of an average citizen who the authorities, as the official propaganda claims, take care about day and night?

BULLETINS INFOFOCUS № 11

E-bulletin of IISEPS Center for Documentation, N 11, 2003 (only Russian) Content: Introduction Theme of the month: Ordering of social privileges: preparation of liberal reforms or the way to fulfill the budget? Person of the month: Alexander Kozulin: “fired forever”? Organization of the month: Party of Freedom and Progress: project with no future or a …

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BULLETINS INFOFOCUS № 10

E-bulletin of IISEPS Center for Documentation, N 10, 2003 (only Russian) Content: Introduction Theme of the month: Informational war of Belarus and Russia: journalists’ stereotype or reality? Person of the month: Vladimir Parfenovich – struggle against corruption: attempt to solve to old problem or political conjuncture? Document of the month: Alternative budget project: what is …

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BULLETINS INFOFOCUS № 9

E-bulletin of IISEPS Center for Documentation, N 9, 2003 (only Russian) Content: Introduction Theme of the month: What is our future: integration on V. Putin’s or integration on A. Lukashenko’s view Person of the month 10 days of Alexander Yaroshuk imprisonment: punishment for disrespect to the court or a pressure on independent trade unions? Document …

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BULLETINS “IISEPS NEWS” N 3 (29) SEPTEMBER

IISEPS News, N 3 (29), 2003 Content: Preface Strengthening Role of Independent Social Research and Experts’ Networks in Belarus: Results of the public opinion polls Open Forum: Anatoly Lebedko “Five Plus” – Is There an Alternative? Bookshelf: Prof. Oleg Manaev, Ph. D., IISEPS “A Guide to Understanding Polls” Preface: Dear readers!   The next issue …

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REVERSE SIDE OF “INFORMATION SOVEREIGNTY”

In view of well-known reasons (single Russia-Belarus information space, strict control on the part of the authorities, poor quality of the Belarusian press in general, etc.), Russian electronic mass media were in the lead at the information market of Belarus when it gained independence. Yet in April of 2003 the Belarusians ranked Russia’s television the first among the sources providing information about this country and foreign countries (78.1%).

WHERE DOES A THREAT TO BELARUS’ INDEPENDENCE COME FROM?

A great part of the Belarusian elite still talks about the threat of losing independence as a real standing danger. The most probable scenario is said to be A. Lukashenko’s giving up sovereignty in exchange to his continuing the political career in Russia even at a lower post (e.g., governor of Severo-Zapadny Territory of Russia). The elite representing both the government and its opponents is unanimous in its aversion of such scenarios.