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Reports on the victory of the incumbent Aleksandr Lukashenko in the 2001 Belarussian presidential election. Irregularities during the early voting; Calmness on the main voting day; Shutdown of Belarussian news resources on the Internet; Confusion in the opposition after the announcement of the defeat of their candidate, Vladimir Goncharik.

Reports the agreement between Russia and Belarus for standardizing of economic systems of the countries. Significance of the agreement on indirect taxes; Transfer of Russian budget to Belarussian budget monthly; Continuation of discussion for consensus of other provisions in the agreement.

Reports the economic liberalization in Belarus. Conversion of business enterprises into joint-stock companies; Adoption of a statutory act for confiscation of assets; Increase of budget revenues in the economic system.

Reports that Belarus President Aleksandr Lushenko's long-promised campaign against corruption has begun in the country. Arrest of Leonid Kalugin, general director of the Atlant Plant; Criminal proceedings initiated against Viktor Rakhmanko, head of the Belarussian Railroad.

Reports the trial of the case involving the disappearance of Russian Public Television cameraman Dmitry Zavadsky in Belarus. Reactions of President Lukashenko towards unnecessary witnesses; Implications of the case for the political activity in the region; Highlights of the trial.

Focuses on the candidacy of trade union leader Vladimir Goncharik for presidency in Belarus. Decision made by alternative contenders; Support from other opposition candidates; Disappearances of other presidential candidates.

Reports the criticisms of Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Mission of OSCE to Belarus; Restriction of election monitors from entering Belarus; Allegations of the Kremlin's intervention in Belarussian relations with the West.

Reports that Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko's failure to break out of international isolation. Objective in holding elections in October, 2000; Reactions to Western allegations of vote rigging; Voters' turnout.

Highlights the issues discussed during the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in June 2000. Lukashenko's analysis of the implementation of the Union Treaty; Agreement between the two countries to united their troops in the event of a threat to the Union's security.

Reports that Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has rescinded a decree providing for the possibility of extrajudicial confiscation of the property of citizens and legal entities. Opposition to the adoption of the decree; Author of the decree.

Reports the pardon granted to Cristoph Lez, a German citizen sentenced to seven years imprisonment on espionage charges by the President of Belarus. Reasons of conviction; Appeal to President Alexandr Lukashenko of Belarus; Effort of the president to poster goodwill.

Reports on the decline in the number of candidates participating in the 2001 presidential election in Belarus. Excerpt from an article published in the August 23, 2001 issue of 'Vremya novostei'; Incumbent Aleksandr Lukashenko's rivalry for head of state with Sergei Gaidukevich and Vladimir Goncharik; Unification of the Belarussian opposition; Candidate Semyon Domash's decision to withdraw from the race.

Reports that Natalya Masherova, daughter of a popular Belarussian leader in the 1970s, have withdrawn her presidential candidacy in Belarus. Masherova's political career; Masherova's poll ratings prior to her withdrawal.

Reports on Belarussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko's opinion about the proposed common currency with Russia. Belarus' review of the draft agreement on common currency; Lukashenko's opposition against the plan to make the Bank of Russia the sole emission center.

Reports the implementation of Russian oil export duties in Belarus. Impact on oil traders; Compensation agreement for oil exports; Concern over the reduction of oil deliveries.

Reports the standardization of the customs legislation of Russia and Belarus. Signing of the 'On a Common Union Customs and Tariff Policy' resolution at a Union Council of Ministers session; Aim of the resolution; Impact of an absence of oil export duties on the federal budget.

Reports on the claims of the Byelorussian opposition that friction arose in the relations between Russia and Belarus. Speculation on the reasons behind Byelorussian President Aleksandr Lukashenko's sudden departure from Russia during a visit; Possible causes of the tension between the two states.

Reports on the Belarusian Supreme Court's ruling in favor of an appeal filed by former Prime Minister Mikhail Chigir. Basis of the court ruling; Verdict of a lower court against Chigir for alleged involvement in economic crimes.

Reports on Belarus' reinstatement of customs control along its border with Russia. Impact of the move on the customs union existing since 1995; Plans for the introduction of a statistical customs declaration.