Hand-made image of fate

Dear readers, I hope that when you receive this issue of the magazine, spring will be vividly demonstrating its full powers. I hesitate to assert that the weather will be warm, but spring will be in full swing. We’ve endured a harsh winter but, of course, each season has its turn; we seem to be over the worst!

Spring has a woman’s face, as International Women’s Day — celebrated on March 8th — traditionally reminds us. The holiday celebrates its 100th birthday this year; however, no special attention is being given to this fact in Belarus. March 8th is a holiday from the heart; few men bother to keep its ‘genealogy’ in mind. We have a long-standing, undoubted tradition of presenting bouquets on this day. Even if trends changed, with some feminist organisation from Germany (perhaps the homeland of this tradition) advocating its abolition, we’d preserve it. This holiday reflects our natural inclination and will continue to exist as long as we love and respect women.
Our winter was domi-nated by the Olympics, which brought much excitement from Canada’s Vancouver. Our athletes returned with three medals — the best result in the history of sovereign Belarus at the Winter Games. Olympic Medal’s Face tells us about these Belarusian Olympic prize winners.
We look at the world and see what is most important to us. Spain has taken over the EU Presidency — an important fact in the context of geopolitics. We consider this circumstance from Minsk’s viewpoint, analysing our bilateral relations with Spain — now entrusted to guide our entire European conglomerate — in Space for Partnership.
Of course, the world also scrutinises us, choosing when to form beneficial contacts. International economic ties primarily rely on mutual pragmatism, as proven by the Belarusian-Italian Economic Forum, held recently in Minsk. Italian Business in Belarus Brings Friendship and Co-operation looks at Belarus and Italy as trade partners, showing that today’s ties are characterised by business interests and great human warmth, trust and gratitude.
A sociological poll has revealed that Belarusians are noteworthy for their tolerance and calm nature. This probably influences those who choose Belarus as their place of residence. Ms. Sholeh Safavi, the Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in Belarus, describes the life of refugees in our country in No Aliens among Ours.
Refugees are obliged to flee leave their homeland due to war, persecution, intolerance and violence. They try to save their own lives and ensure safety for themselves and their children while acquiring freedom. Meanwhile, Japanese Masako Tatsumi arrived in Belarus to study and has remained for the past fifteen years. She has family, friends and a life here, as explored vividly in our Lucky Fate of Masako Tatsumi.
Undoubtedly, everyone has their own destiny; some are more fortunate than others. We’re glad if people find happiness in our hospitable land.
BY Viktor Kharkov,
magazine editor
Беларусь. Belarus