In 2002 54% of Russians gave a positive evaluation of Vladimir Putin’s policy. Only 1% of Russians positively regard Alexander Lukashenko as politician. These are the outcomes of the opinion poll, conducted by the Russian “Public opinion foundation” on December 14-15. In total, they surveyed 1,500 respondents, living in a hundred populated areas of 44 regions and republics of Russia. 20% spoke well of Sergei Shoigu, 13% - of Gennady Zuganov and 10% - Mikhail Kasyanov.

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A postcard with the words of encouragement from one of the Chilean leaders was received these days by Pavel Mozheiko. “I hope that this letter will encourage you in your struggle for freedom,” – wrote the head of the province Valparaisa Visente Garcia Olave: “I wish you personal courage and hope that soon you will live in a free country”. The head of the Chilean province joined their action of solidarity. “Pavel, Mikola, we are waiting for you”, run by the site http://pahonia.promedia.by.

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Such a confirmation is contained in the statement of the executive committee of the International Federation of metalworkers, signed by the secretary general of this organization Marcello Malentakki. The organization unites over 200 trade unions in 125 countries of the world, which is around 23mln people.

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Alarming news about TV broadcasting in Belarus reached the editorial board of “7 Days”: starting from January 1, 2003 they will reportedly cease televising Russian channels “Russia” and “Culture” on the territory of the country and in March the same destiny will befall NTV. An indirect confirmation of that is active modernization of technical base in the Gomel regional television, which is allegedly readying to replace “Russia” and broadcast its programs on that frequency.

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The state bodies, responsible for migration of Belarusian nations seeking permanent residence abroad, have all different statistical data at their disposal. The Interior Minister reports of 440thsd officially registered applications on emigration. The monitoring center of the Institute of sociology of the National Academy of sciences claims that the figure could be even higher, for emigration, especially intellectual, took on veiled forms.

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Presidential counselor for economic issues Andrei Illarionov has recently presented within the project of the Foundation of complex research “Intensified economic growth” a report “Success formula. How can Russian economic miracle be achieved?” The Russian newspaper “Izvestia” of December 18, 2002 dedicated to this theme its article “Ordinary miracle of Andrei Illarionov”. Referring to the report of Putin’s counselor, the newspaper writes: “Here’s how Russia looks like on today’s map of the world. Its territorial shares amount to 11,5%, population – 2,32%, purchase capability – 1,79%, GDP and currency ratio – 1,1%. There can be derived one conclusion from here and it is quite harsh: “human history doesn’t know any precedents when such a huge gap between the “territorial might” and “economic misery” would exist over an extended period of time. According to Illarionov, either the GDP must start growing or… The presidential aide didn’t dare utter the words “country’s collapse” and “loss of independence”.

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