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Republic of Belarus: Selected Issues Paper

May 8, 2011 Comments off

Republic of Belarus: Selected Issues Paper (PDF)
Source: International Monetary Fund

Given Belarus’s strategic aim at inflation targeting as a successor of the current monetary framework build around the exchange rate peg, there is a question about what preparatory work needs to be done in order to implement such a regime. This note outlines the essential building blocks of a full-fledged inflation targeting regime, assesses Belarus’ preparedness along each dimension and suggests possible policy actions.

Categories: Belarus, business and economics, International Monetary Fund

Country Specific Information: Belarus

April 10, 2011 Comments off

Country Specific Information: Belarus
Source: U.S. Department of State

Belarus became an independent republic in 1991, after the breakup of the Soviet Union.  In 1996, a constitutional referendum, not recognized by the international community, centralized power in the executive branch (president), headed by Alexander Lukashenko.  Economic and political reform in Belarus has stalled and the Belarusian Government’s human rights record remains very poor. The March 2006 national election was judged to be seriously flawed by international observers.  Democratic nations, including the United States and the members of the European Union, condemned the subsequent governmental crackdown on peaceful protests in Minsk, and imposed visa restrictions and other sanctions on senior Belarusian officials.  As a result of the release of political prisoners in August 2008, the EU lifted its visa restrictions, but those of the United States remain in effect.  Both Belarusian and Russian are official languages, and Russian is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in the cities.  Tourist facilities are not highly developed, but food and lodging in the capital and some regional centers are adequate.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Belarus for additional information.

Categories: Belarus, international relations, transportation and travel, U.S. Department of State
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