18:40 Hopes on Chinese Yuans foundered

The National Bank of Belarus was making a serious and detailed preparation for the visit of the Zhou Xiaochuan, the President of the People's Bank of China. Head of the National Bank Pyotr Prakapovich pit his hopes on a portion of intensive investment in banking sector of Belarus as a result of the visit.

16:19 Gaidukevich destroyed 100 EU flags

Democratic activist Zmiter Barodka received an answer from the Partizanski district internal affairs department to his complaint concerning seizure 100 flags of the European Union by police.

16:01 The Lower Depths

Photo-report of Andrei Lyankevich, correspoindent of “Nasha Niva”, from the valenki (felt boots) factory, which is situated in Smilavichy, near Minsk.

15:20 Riot Policemen Remain Unpunished

Zmitser Fedaruk, a Young Front activist, who had been cruelly beaten up by riot policemen during the protest rally “For independent Belarus!” held during Putin’s visit, has received an answer to the complaint to the prosecutor’s office.

14:36 Marker vendors from regions to arrive to Minsk for protest rally

Today more than 400 regional activists of the campaign “For Free Development of Entrepreneurship” have stated that they will take part in the protest rally I Minsk on January 10. Numerous former private market vendors from markets of Minsk, Vitsebsk, Brest regions, who have lost their job, hope to gather on the square as well.

13:45 Presidents of Poland and Czech Republic supported Belarusians

Former president of the Czech Republic and former presidents of Poland Lech Walesa and Alexander Kwasniewski called to reduce prices for Schengen visas for citizens of Belarus from 60 to 35 euro.

13:14 Opposition can take part only in free elections

A meeting of Alyaksandr Milinkevich with democratic activists of the region has been held in Hrodna. The strategy of Hrodna region participation in the political campaign-2008 has been discussed.

11:46 Have they have come to terms with their conscience in exchange for apartment?

In the run-up to the New Year Belarusian prime minister signed a decree of the Council of Ministers to give service flats to workers of the Belarusian state TV and radio company.

11:16 Russia can give cheap gas only in return for independence

Average gas price for Belarus will be USD 125 for 2008, weekly newspaper “Belorusski Rynok” (Belarusian Market) claims, referring to its sources in two specialised Belarusian ministries. Economist Yaraslau Ramanchuk thinks Russia is ready to concede a question of gas price in return for complete merger of financial system of Belarus, which will lead to loss of independence of the country.

10:09 State propaganda needs money

The budget 2008 provides more than BYR 158 billion, or USD 74 million in equivalent, for financing the state media.

9:54 Freedom for Finkevich, prison for perjurer (Photo)

Graffiti “Freedom for Finkevich!” and slogans “Finkevich should be released! Kuzkou – to prison!”

8:41 Viktar Garbachou: «It was an attempt to kill my wife»

According to Viktar Garbachou, leader of the campaign “For Free Development of Business”, the authorities want to isolate him before the meeting of entrepreneurs on 10 January. He said it in the interview to BelaPAN.

8:40 Lukashenka promised to make Belarus a buttress of China n Europe

Alyaksandr Lukashenka declared his readiness of creating the most favourable conditions of work for Chinese investors in the country, Interfax reports.