Originally published at Belarus Digest. Please leave any comments there.

The outgoing year of 2012 has left a contradictory record in the modern history of Belarus.

It has seen numerous events that came as a real shock for Belarusians and foreign observers - primarily in the economy and politics. At the same time, 2012 gave the nation several ( Read more... )

Originally published at Belarus Digest. Please leave any comments there.

The release of Belarusian political prisoners Siarhiej Kavalienka and Paval Syramalotau in late September does not mean that everyone should expect a quick release of all other prisoners of conscience.

The authorities stepped up pressure on Ales Bialiacki, Zmicier Dashkievich ( Read more... )

Originally published at Belarus Digest. Please leave any comments there.

Despite the proclaimed common Russia-Belarus way to prosperity within the Customs Union, neither country is ready to sacrifice individual economic interests for this cooperation.  On 24 July Russia stopped railway deliveries of straight-run gasoline - the main raw material used ( Read more... )