VZCZCXRO0851
PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN
RUEHLZ RUEHNP RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHSK #0261 3541343
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 191343Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY MINSK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0027
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHSK/AMEMBASSY MINSK 0028

UNCLAS MINSK 000261 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KPAO BO
SUBJECT: BELARUS: TWO INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS REGISTERED AND 
DISTRIBUTED, BUT STILL OBSTRUCTED BY REGIME 
 
Summary 
------- 
 
¶1.  (SBU) PAO met with Editor-in-Chief of Narodnaya Volya (NV) 
Yosif Seredich December 11 to discuss the independent 
newspaper's experience since receiving permission November 27 to 
be distributed via the state-owned distribution network, 
Belsayuzdruk.  According to Seredich and other evidence, both NV 
and Nasha Niva (NN) seem to be distributed quite widely, and 
demand appears to far exceed current supply.  While this step by 
the GOB is certainly progress, Seredich raised a host of serious 
remaining problems for the paper, including capped distribution, 
financial difficulties imposed by state-imposed institutions, 
and harrassment by tax inspectors.  Although the GOB trumpets 
the registration of the papers as a major step forward, the 
reality is more ambiguous.  End summary. 
 
¶2.  (SBU) Since their registration on November 27, Seredich 
reported that NV and NN have been circulated throughout Belarus 
via the state-owned distribution kiosks, Belsayuzdruk 
("Belsoyuzpechat" in Russian).  According to an informal survey 
of Minsk and its adjoining regions, copies of both papers have 
been either available or sold out at all kiosks.  Further 
anecdotal evidence reports that at least in Minsk, because most 
kiosks only receive five to six copies and the papers are in 
high demand, it is difficult to purchase both papers.  Only four 
out of fifteen major national and university libraries contacted 
reported availability of the papers to their readers. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Seredich said that a principal remaining obstacle for 
wider distribution of the papers is that each city 
administration must grant permission for the number of papers 
distributed each month. Since bringing the paper's print 
production back from Smolensk, Russia to Minsk, as of December 1 
NV has increased its overall circulation from 11,000 to 16,000 
but Seredich would like to double that in the coming months. NV 
is requesting to double most of its current distribution 
numbers.  As examples, Minsk city currently permits 2,500 copies 
to circulate while Brest permits 1,500; NV is attempting to gain 
permission to circulate 5,000 and 3,000 respectively, but 
permission for this increase has not yet been granted.  In order 
to manage the increased circulation, NV is continuing operation 
of its former independent distribution system, which Seredich 
called "very costly." 
 
¶4.  (SBU) Seredich also described NV's financial problems 
related to the state-run printing house's demand for advance 
payment for printing the newspaper. The problem is compounded by 
Belsayuzdruk's decision to return sales proceeds to Narodnaya 
Volya only in early February 2009, causing the paper to 
accumulate costs for two months before receiving any income.  To 
alleviate these financial burdens, NV has been seeking outside 
advertisements.  Thus far, its inquiries to companies which 
previously advertised with the paper have hit dead ends; initial 
interest has consistently and quickly been extinguished, and the 
editor believes this is due to outside pressure. 
 
¶5.  (SBU) Seredich detailed increasing attention on the 
newspaper from tax inspection authorities over the past six 
months. Tax authorities told Seredich on December 10 that due to 
accounting system technicalities, NV will be fined approximately 
USD 50,000 in back taxes.  They will be fined a further USD 
10,000 plus interest for the accounting irregularity.  Seredich 
explained that since moving production facilities from Minsk to 
Smolensk three years ago, NV has been following tax guidance 
issued by the state at that time.  The same authorities now 
claim that the paper has been using an incorrect accounting 
system, while Seredich insists that the paper has been paying 
taxes in the prescribed way. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
¶6.  (SBU) Anecdotally, many people in Belarus see the 
registration and distribution of two independent newspapers as a 
positive step and a clear concession by the GOB to U.S. and EU 
pressure.  However, the constraints described above indicate 
that we are still far from a situation where the regime respects 
true freedom of the press.  Even if conditions are made easier 
for Nasha Niva and Narodnaya Volya, and if other independent 
papers are allowed to be circulated, there are no indications at 
this time that permission for any independent domestic 
television or radio broadcasters is in the offing. 
 
MOORE