Volozhin Region
Executive Committee

The legendary rocket launcher Katyusha has been put on display at the Museum of Military Equipment by the Mound of Glory near Minsk, BelTA has learned.

Taking part in the solemn ceremony were veterans of the Great Patriotic War and labor veterans, government officials, senior members of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus. The guests of honor included Minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Karayev, Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, Minsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Turchin, Chairman of the Council of the Minsk city branch of the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans Anatoly Adonyev, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus Mikhail Orda, Chairman of the Smolevichi District Executive Committee Andrei Ratomsky.

“When you look at this clear sky, it is difficult to imagine that there was time when the sky brought threat and fear and took lives. During the long four years our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers fought to bring back peace to Belarus, they fought for the opportunity to study, raise children and enjoy every moment of life. The path to freedom was paved by the blood of soldiers, tears of mothers and wives. We cherish the memory of those who defended our right for a future 75 years ago and we are sincerely grateful to our veterans,” Aleksandr Turchin said.

In the year when Belarus marks the 75th anniversary of the Victory, Minsk Oblast keeps refurbishing Victory symbols, the governor said. “After all, each memorial celebrates the courage, tenacity and spirit of our people, this is the most valuable heritage for the generations to come. The Mound of Glory holds a special place in the hearts of Belarusians. It embodies the invincibility of the Motherland defenders. We should never forget the heroic past of Belarusian people, we should preserve and strengthen the sovereignty and independence for our future and in the name of those who gave their lives for the Motherland,” he said.

Mikhail Orda explained that the date and time of the ceremony were chosen for a reason. It was on 14 July 1941 at 15.15 that this legendary rocket launcher was first used in a battle near Orsha. Katyusha was developed within a very short period of time and was used in almost every major operation of the Great Patriotic War. It particularly did well during Operation Bagration. “Katyusha became a symbol of the victory, and we decided to mount it at the foot of the Mound of Glory, which is also a symbol of the victory and liberation of Belarus,” Mikhail Orda noted.

The project to search and restore a Katyusha rocket launcher took about a year. Some parts were made using the samples from the Military Artillery Museum in St. Petersburg. The fire control console, plating parts, wheels and discs were found by searchers in Leningrad Oblast of Russia and restored by Belarusian specialists. “This is probably the only such original replica of this combat vehicle in Belarus,” Mikhail Orda stressed.

The project was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the sectoral trade unions. The money earned during the nationwide voluntary cleanup day (aka subbotnik) was used for the project too.

The project to improve the Mound of Glory grounds is one of the biggest initiatives of the trade unions. A few years ago, the reconstruction of the complex was completed, the grass cover replaced, the lighting installed, information stands were mounted. Last year, the Museum of Military Equipment had a new exhibit – an Il-2 attack bomber.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has sent greetings to France President Emmanuel Macron as the country celebrates Bastille Day, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

The Belarusian head of state stressed that it is thanks to joint efforts that the Belarusian-French relations had become constructive and trust-based. This was boosted through the increased trade and the implementation of projects in various areas.

“I agree with you that the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two turns us once again to the origins of solidarity in modern Europe. Counteraction to new challenges, with the coronavirus pandemic among them, should lead to a wider consolidation of joint efforts on our continent,” the message of greetings runs.

A free online educational resource You Are Not Alone has been developed in Belarus for expecting mothers and fathers who want to be conscious parents, BelTA learned from the project developers.

The resource offers more than 340 hours of interviews with over 40 experts (healthcare professionals, psychologists and educators), documentaries and infographics. The content is grouped into eight blocks. After completing each block parents will take a test, and if this test is passed, they can move on to another block. The program of the course has a number of links and texts for those who prefer to read instead of watching.

“The educational online course You Are Not Alone is easy, user-friendly and positive. Together with the leading healthcare professionals from Minsk and Minsk Oblast, we managed to create brief and meaningful videos. They provide detailed answers to all questions about parenting. This course offers an opportunity to get ready for pregnancy and birth and to compare views of various experts who have a wealth of experience. Now parents-to-be have a manual that will be an alternative to using the Internet for medical advice,” Irina Ikonostasova, chief obstetrician-gynecologist at the healthcare committee of the Minsk City Council, said.

The developers of the project are confident that users will appreciate not only the content, but also the positive message of the resource. Pregnancy and birth is teamwork where all the participants are interested in success.

“In addition to the medical part, the resource also focuses on the psychological and social aspects. Other important themes include the role of fathers and childbirth with a partner. Although the project team has done their utmost to make the resource as informative as possible, we still see room for growth,” the project developer and head of the Happy Baby social center at the SOS Children's Village (Borovlyany) Irina Shmak said.

Deputy chair of the labor, employment and social security committee of the Minsk City Council Irina Dudka emphasized the importance of the section about benefits and allowances for parents.

The educational online course is available at https://kursy.sos-notalone.by.

The project was implemented by the international public association SOS Children's Villages Belarus together with the labor, employment and social security committee of the Minsk City Council and the labor, employment and social security committee of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee with financial support of SOS Children's Villages Poland and the Embassy of Canada.

A new issue of BelTA's multimedia project “With Pride in Heart” is dedicated to Belarusian culture.

The culture of Belarus developed over the centuries. Belarus has inherited a truly rich heritage: original architecture, long traditions of art schools, unique musical and literary works. Over the years of independence, Belarus was able not only to preserve its cultural heritage, but also to multiply it. The constant and comprehensive support from the state played a huge role in this.

The issue dedicated to the Belarusian culture and traditions tells about the colossal work to preserve and develop the country's cultural traditions, support young talents and personalities known all over the world.

BelTA's project “With Pride in Heart” was launched on 16 June. It is dedicated to the achievements of the sovereign Belarus in various fields.

Since gaining independence, Belarus has come a long way, and the results of this development have benefited every Belarusian. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Belarus has managed not only to preserve the country, but also to expand its economic capacity, provide all citizens with the necessary social guarantees, and strengthen the national security. Belarus' voice is heard in respected international organizations, mostly thanks to peace initiatives of the country's authorities.

Every issue of the “With Pride in Heart” project tells about the country's achievements in many areas, from advanced technologies and national security to healthcare and national culture.

The project relies on the historical information, archival newspapers, photos, videos, and also BelTA's news materials and infographics.

The first four long-reads were dedicated to the manufacturing industry, the agricultural sector, national security and sport.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has sent greetings to Montenegro President Milo Dukanovic as the country celebrates National Day, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

Aleksandr Lukashenko reaffirmed Belarus' interest in the enhancement of friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

“I am convinced that the bilateral relations have a huge potential, and together we can use it to ensure a significant boost in Belarus-Montenegro partnership for the benefit of the two nations,” the message of greetings reads.

Health facilities in the central region, redesigned to provide medical care to patients with COVID-19 infection, are gradually returning to their usual routine.

Among the first are Kopyl, Stolbtsy, Kletsk region hospitals, MLYN.BY reports.

Patients with COVID-19 infection were admitted by most healthcare facilities in Minsk Oblast. More than three thousand beds were redeveloped to provide medical care. A third have already returned to normal operation.

- Cherven and Starye Dorogi central region hospitals provided assistance on the basis of infection departments. In the other CRHs and Zhodino Central City Hospital, the beds of therapeutic, surgical, obstetric and gynecological and other profiles were additionally redesigned,” said Olga Lazareva, head of the treatment and preventive care department of the main health department of the regional executive committee. - Since June 23, in most healthcare institutions in the region, a gradual reduction in infectious beds has begun. From July 10, Kletsk Central Region Hospital returned to normal operation; from July 13, the list will be replenished with Berezino, Vileyka and Kopyl.

Minsk Regional Center for Medical Rehabilitation "Zagorje" was one of the first to accept people assigned to first-level contacts, and subsequently patients with COVID-19 infection. From July 14, after the final disinfection, the rehabilitation departments of the center (cardiology, neurology, orthopedic and traumatology) will be ready to receive 180 patients in need of medical rehabilitation. Since July 6, after a break for a period of an unfavorable epidemic situation, the regional children's center for medical rehabilitation "Pukhovichi" has resumed work, which on July 10 accepted 140 children for rehabilitation.

In May, it became known that pregnant residents of the Minsk region with COVID-19 infection will give birth in Molodechno. For expectant mothers, departments of the maternity hospital of Molodechno Central Region Hospital were reassigned.

According to Olga Lazareva, from July 13, the hospital will begin to work as usual. There will be one isolated unit in the health care facility in case pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are identified in the future.

The festival in Alexandria has become a cultural brand of the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko made the statement during the solemn opening ceremony of the Kupala Night Festival (Alexandria Gathers Friends) on 11 July, BelTA has learned.

The official said: “Since its inception the festival in Alexandria has become a cultural brand of our country and we are proud of it. The festival features many national traditions, which our craftsmen demonstrate. They've inherited these traditions from their forefathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. I am pleased that young people have gathered here as well. Here they are imbued with the traditions and rites that make up our national culture, our spiritual treasure.”

Mogilev Oblast Governor Leonid Zayats also welcomed guests of the festival. “Welcome to the hospital Mogilev land. It is the 11th time we've gathered in this blessed land according to Slavonic rites. I am happy to see those, who remember and honor our rites, here today,” the governor said. “Guests from Russia and Ukraine have come to us today. We've gathered in a significant spot – on the bank of the Dnieper River that connects our three countries.”

The first ever demonstration of traditional national costumes took place as part of the festival's opening ceremony. Over 100 Belarusian costumes from all parts of the country were featured. Guests from Russia and Ukraine also joined in the demonstration.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko spoke about Belarus' economic development plans for the near future as he met with Atlant employees and members of the student work brigades - participants of the Atlant 2020 project on 10 July, BelTA informs.

“Our near future will depend on these plans. We should make up a list – a state program – which will include new productions. This will be a list of new enterprises,” the head of state said.

He stressed that he views reforms exactly as the development and improvement of those industries which already exist in the country and as the establishment of new high-tech production facilities on their basis. Important substitution is another priority for 2021-2025.

The modernization of the local road network in the Minsk region is proceeding at a faster pace.

This was stated by the head of Minskobldorstroy Denis Stepanov. As part of the four-year state program for the development and maintenance of roads in the capital region, more than 1,700 kilometers have been repaired from the planned nearly 2,000. Today, there are all prerequisites to assert that the plan will be implemented, Belarus 1 reports.

Denis Stepanov, general director of Minskobldorstroy CUE: “We have a clear and understandable, ranked list of repairs in the region. That is, all roads that are to be repaired in the near foreseeable future are fixed, named. They are all practically in use. Today there is no doubt that we will carry out this work."

As part of the program, stopping points, pedestrian and bicycle paths were built and modernized. This work is also ahead of the curve.

The Healthcare Ministry is working out orders to regulate the operation of healthcare institutions in case of the second wave of COVID-19, BelTA learned from Belarusian Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik.

The official noted that although the virus is now less active, it is still in the population. “This is why we are now moving onto the next stage: orders are being drafted on peculiarities of operation of healthcare institutions amid a coronavirus infection. There is no need to reserve such a large number of hospitals for this kind of patients, but we should be ready to provide medical aid if such a patient happens to turn up in any Belarusian medical institution,” Vladimir Karanik said.

Plans to respond and repurpose hospitals in anticipation of the second wave have been prepared. Hospitals are getting more breathing support equipment. Schedules for reconstruction and construction of new facilities have been adjusted. Spare means of individual protection are being stockpiled in order to satisfy feverish demand of the population among other things.

“For the last week we've been seeing steady positive dynamics, which applies to the number of detected infection cases and, which is more important, to the number of complicated disease forms, the patients, whose coronavirus infections are complicated by pneumonias. The number of infected patients and the number of pneumonias have been reduced by several times over the course of one month, which allows us to reversely repurpose hospital capacity in all parts of the country. Hospitals are reverting to normal operation,” the healthcare minister noted.

If Belarusians stay concerned and social distance remains in place, then thanks to antiepidemic measures and regular work to track contacts the country will be able to pass the second wave more easily or not notice it too much, Vladimir Karanik added.