Regions: regional media review

In March-April, information policy and agenda in the regions was formed by the state-owned media. Alternative media did not take the lead. Main issues concerned personnel shifts in nomenclature and President’s and members of the government visits to the regions.

Gomel and Mogilev regions covered visits of CIS Asian and Russian representatives. Reports reflect the overall political situation in the regions.

Anatoly Lis was appointed President’s Aide and Chief Inspector of the Gomel region (previously this position was occupied by Igor Prokopenko, who was dismissed due to a “housing scandal”).

Vladimir Tsumarev was appointed Chairman of the Mogilev city Executive Committee (former Head of Mogilev Leninsky District). On April 12^th Alexander Chadyuk was appointed Head of Mogilev Prosecutor’s Office and Alexander Neverovsky – Mogilev Oblast KGB Chief.

In Brest “Tell the Truth” movement held an action collecting signatures for collective appeal to the Brest City Executive Committee and the City Council with a proposal to oblige local authorities to publish the Draft City Budget in the media and to hold public discussions.

On April 2^nd, a public discussion of an urban project “Sino-Belarusian Industrial Park’s Master Plan” was launched in Smolevichi region. Public discussions take place in Smolevichi House of Culture and will last until April 17^th, when local community will meet the organizer and developer – BelNIIPgradostroitelstvo enterprise representatives. Master Plan is based on the concept, prepared by a Chinese company IPPR Engineering International Corporation. Plans to build the industrial park sparked protests from residents and vacationers who anticipate a sharp deterioration of the environmental situation and demolition of their houses.

All in all, regional press reports firstly about issues covered by the national media and secondly about regional developments.