Natsot 2-3 secs Candle vigil demo
Every month – In the Belarusian capital - Minsk…people gather to mount a silent protest against the repression of the regime they live under.But such gatherings in Belarus are usually very short-lived and Less than a minute after the vigil begins, the police respond.
Upsot 1 – policeman on megafone(subtitled) – 13 secs
“Citizens, you are taking part in an illegal event. If you do not comply with the lawful demands of the police the relevant articles of the code will apply.”
In Belarus – any form of protest – including holding a candle in public - is an act of civil disobedience punishable by law.
Upsot 2 policeman on megafone(subtitled) - 14 secs
“Attention! I repeat.........Respected citizens, you're taking part in an unlicensed event. You will be treated according to the current code's prescriptions.”
Soon, special forces police surround the group - forcing them down the road.
Natsot – 1 sec
For the next half hour the protesters are pushed several kilometres around city streets,
<2 secs upsot yelling>
Then the police start to drag the protesters away to waiting buses.One group makes a final futile bid to stave off arrest.
(just natsot for a few secs)
In Belarus – political dissent is crushed quickly - and freedom of expression comes at a hefty price.
Upsot: Troops respond to command.(from HD archive 40.57-41.09) – Vivat, Vivat
Increasingly isolated from the rest of the world – Belarus has been described as the last outpost of tyranny in Europe.Natsot 1 sec of lukashenka speech(in uniform)
(HD archive 40.12-40.24) – NEEDS TO BE SUBTITLED
“This blatant interference in our internal affairs has once more confirmed how desperately our state needs to be capable of withstanding any threat.
”For more than a decade President Aleksandr Lukashena has maintained an authoritarian regime, which has kept most of its Soviet trappings.
(Upsot –music + goose step marching) 41.10 – 41.18)
In April he was sworn in as President for the third time – after elections that were reported as fraudulent.
Upsot of Lukashenka at inaugauration (38.04-38.20) – use as short as possible.“I solemnly swear to serve the people of Belarus loyally and to respect and uphold human and civil rights and freedoms.
”But in the West his words are seen as cynical and shallow…And the world’s global sheriff – the United States, has a message for the Belarussian leader.
LET’S SEE LUKASHENKA HEREGRAB OUT OF SYNCH
US State Department - Tease Grab: 24.13
you can no longer engage in business as usual….those days are up…we are now holding you to account for the abuses you have engaged in.
”24.21Pause >> 1 sec….24.33
This is a united effort – a global effort by democracies coming together, responding to the abuses of a dictatorial regime and holding to account those responsible for the abuses.”
24.44
USE SINISTER SHOTS – NOT PEOPLE SMILING Nick PTC : Tape 13 / 44.51“You don’t have to be here in Minsk for long to sense the fear and repression – it’s almost palpable….On the surface, the city is clean and modern, with few signs of poverty – but those attributes belie a very different side to life here. Free speech is stifled and opposition politicians are harassed….even waving the wrong flag, or wearing a peace badge can land you in prison. But Belarus harbours another dirty secret – as one of the most active and sinister participants in the global arms trade, and what’s worrying the west is that this place has become a black hole weapons bazaar in which just about anything can be bought and sold.” 45.36
Grab: Asst Sec. David Kramer27.02 “Belarus is a vibrant arms exporter, and when dictatorships are vibrant arms exporters, they are a threat to the entire international community (27.10)
Darfur, Iran & North Korea file – MAKE BETTER – GET DIFFERENT SUDAN FILE, LOSE MISSILE FIRING
V/O:
The United States began upping the ante on Belarus earlier this year with the release of a special White House report detailing the regime’s audacious arms dealing across the Globe.
(segueway-natsot 1 sec)
The report - much of which is classified – claims Belarus is providing arms in areas of ongoing conflict like Sudan - flouting UN embargos.The report also highlights weapons sales and military assistance Belarus has provided to other rogue states on the US hit-list like Iran, Syria and North Korea.
Grab: Asst Sec. David Kramer (27.41)
” The United States is not going to stand idly by while the Lukashenka regime engages in reckless and dangerous arms sales. (27.49)
It is clear also, that Lukashenka has benefited personally from the sale of arms that Belarus has engaged in. (27.58) He has created a slush fund that is not accountable to the state budget “ (28.01)
Upsot of Lukashenka being thanked by veterans from (08.54 to 09:08)
“Live to celebrate. - You're our only hope - We love you. - Thanks. - Accept our congratulations - Thanks, mates.
”V/O:The first public revelations that Lukashenka was siphoning off the profits from arms deals came in 1999 - when the former head of the Belarus National Bank –- fled the country – after falling out with the regime.Tamara Vinnikova provided first hand information about the operations of Lukashenka’s special presidential fund with its Billions of dollars in Cash and assets.Its Lukashanka’s very own – state sanctioned piggy bank.
Sync grab: Svetlana (39.07 “The economists claim it’s indeed a huge fund, comparable in size with the Belarus state budget. So in fact it’s a second budget (39.17)
Natsot – 1 secV/O:Svetlana Kalinkina is one of handful of journalists brave enough to investigate the Belarusian arms industry, and follow the money trail.
Grab: Svetlana(41.12) According to many accountants who used to work in his team a large proportion of money is kept in hard currency in cash – not in any bank accounts. (41.25)BUTT EDIT TO:Sync Grab – Svetlana(37.01). The state funds are lining private pockets. It’s nothing but theft – He’s embezzling state funds (37.07)
Although Svetlana - and the newspaper she works for - are regularly harassed by the authorities - she continues to investigate the murky weapons market, and its clientele.
Thought track: Svetlana(47.41) Prior to the war in Iraq we had many Iraqi delegations, now it's Iranian ones. ( 47.49 )PAUSE>> 1 sec & continue in sync
Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina(49.22) “There's evidence of intense negotiations. That our military experts often cross the borders of Syria, Jordan or Iran, Tehran. And their specialists visit us.” (49.39)
Natsot or upsot from Milex arms market
V/O:Every two years, at the Milex arms market in Minsk - Belarusian Arms dealers get the chance to show off their merchandise.(natsot 1-2 secs)By all accounts - business is booming – and while demand is high – Belarus is keen to cash in.
Thought Track : Svetlana Kalinkina(33.04)
“.President Lukashenko is quite open about it. Arms trading is a businessthe whole world is involved in. So Belarus is also going to take part, paying no attention to anybody's views or expert opinions.” (33.19)
(Natsot 1-2 secs)
V/O:
Belarus dominates the global market in second hand armaments – which are then repaired, updated, and sold.Because of its expertise in modernising – Dealers here can offer anything from MIG fighter Jets …..
<< Natsot >>….
to armoured battle tanks…Thought Track: Svetlana Kalinkina(21.19 ) “It's a very simple scheme. Belarus buys military equipment,claiming it's for their own forces. They buy new technologies from Russia and the rest from whoever's willing to sell.” (21.34)
MUSIC UPSOT START OF LORD OF WAR
V/O:
All major arms contracts must be approved by President Lukashenka. Most contracts are handled by just two companies… Beltechexport and Belvneshspetsteknika.Beltechexport is the better known of the two – what’s not so well known is that it owes its international success to the man this movie is based on - one of the world’s most notorious arms dealers – Ukrainian born Victor Bout.
Nicholas Cage upsot – how do we arm the other 11?
The recent film – Lord of War is loosely based on Bout’s exploits in the arms trade.
LORD OF WAR NARRATION: By the mid 80’s my weapons were represented in 8 of the top 10 war zones…
Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina(10.57) “He's the man who helped Beltechexport become a major player in the arms market. It was through him that Belarusmade many of its contracts. So,in fact... Some experts are of the opinion that there are only a few big players in the arms marketEspecially if you're talking about problem countries and contracts that presumebribes and so forth. One such player, who lobbied Belarus and worked through Belarus, was Victor Bout.” (11.39)
DISSOLVE INTO PHOTOS – HIGHLIGHT BOUT ON LEFT OF PHOTO BESIDE AIRCRAFT
UPSOT LORD OF WAR – The end of the cold war was beginning of hottest time in arms dealing – arms bazaar was open… guided missile systems etc
V/O
Victor Bout is wanted by Interpol for arms trafficking and he’s currently believed to be hiding in Russia. This rare photo of him was taken in 2002 for the New York Times.
LOSE CAGE IN SHIPPING CONTAINER UPSOT – JUST USE FLIGHT TO AFRICA AND HANDING OUT GUNS
According to investigators – Bout’s ability to deliver just about any weapon to anywhere on the planet – has fuelled dozens of wars and violent civil conflicts.And within the Arms dealing Hierachy of Belarus – He remains a key figure.
Grab: Sergei Anisko38.17 “He's the most mysterious person in Belarusian foreign trade. The most mysterious and the most invincible. Why? He is indeed a very rich person. He certainly hasmassive connections within the Russian military industry. He's probably the only manin the country whom Lukashenko can't touch.” 38.50
Natsot: sergei walking to apartment from lift, etc
V/O
While there are few people willing to talk about the links between Victor Bout and Aleksandr Lukashenka - Sergei Anisko is able to provide an insiders view – In the mid-nineties he worked in counter-intelligence for the Belarusian KGB
Upsot: Sergei Anisko / Tape 1246.03 (upsot-sergei with shoulder badges)
This is my history. This is from the military schoolI graduated from. A cadet. And this is me as a KGB lieutenant-colonel..” 46.19
V/O
Shocked by the level of corruption he encountered –Sergei resigned and began work as an independent military analyst – His contacts within the regime give a valuable insight into Lukashenka’s obsessive control of the country’s weapons trade.Sync Grab: Sergei 52.28. “He knows every last thingabout every penny spent. He controls everything.And therefore... nothing can happenwithout his sanction. Without it, no officialwould dare sign a contract. How could he?He'd be as good as dead..”
52.47Sergei says Russia’s Federal Security Service – the FSB also plays a pivotal role in Belarus’s arms industry – and dictates its demands through President Lukashenka.Grab: Sergei Anisko(20.27)
“If he baulks, there'll be no Lukashenko in Belarus. So the FSB doesn't justhave complete control over the Belarusianmilitary industry, but it dictates both Russian and Belarusian policy.20.40)
SEE CLOSER SHOTS OF PUTIN
Upsot 2 secs / camera flashes as putin & lukashenka enter room.
V/O
There’s no doubt that the relationship between Belarus and Russia is close – and their activities in the arms trade are inextricably linked….. Belarus buys weapons from Russia, and also acts as a proxy sales agent for deals the Russians don’t want to be publicly linked with.Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina.(15.33)
“They exploit their alliancewith Russia and the fact there's a Belarusianlobby in the Russian army, and actively buy new weapons and equipment in Russia. And we have information that not all of it reaches the Belarusian army. The second issue is the contracts with problem countries, contracts Russia doesn't want to put its name to.V/O:According to Sergei Anisko , any so called “dirty deals” to conflicts like Darfur – are handled by the lesser known Belvneshspetsteknika company.…established by Lukashenka.
Sergei Anisko – ex.kgb guy(07.44) "The new company,Belvneshspetstechnika, enjoys top-level state support and now controls the largest contracts and deals involving information which can't be allowed to leak out." (07.59)
(04.59) “As I said, Beltechexport is a smokescreen. It's used for open deals. But there's the other one…..the main one,which few people know about. (05.11)
photos of sidorski’s visit to cuba
Upsot – 2 secs Cuban music or cuba natsot
V/O
It was one of those secret deals that brought a delegation from Belarus – to the Cuban capital, Havana, in April this year.Led by Prime Minister Sergei Sidorski – the cover story for the visit - was the sugar trade.But according to information obtained by Dateline – the boss of Belvneshspetsteknika – arms trader Anatoly Kolesnikov - was also there, to discuss updating cuba’s soviet era armaments.By the end of the visit he was dead.
Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina.(21.50 It was a strange death. Sort of shrouded in mystery. Officially nothing is said though the company confirmed that he had indeed died in Cuba. They claimed he'd died of a heart attack.According to our data, he fell from a fourth-floor balcony. (22.08)
V/O
No one has explained how the arms trader fell from his hotel balcony.Suspicions about his death – were further raised when journalists discovered he was buried less than 12 hours after the delegation returned home.
FIRST PART OF GRAB CUT Thought Track: Svetlana Kalinkina.
(25.34) So, you see... It's a complex situation. It's a business for wolves and that's the way it's run.. (25.43)
V/O
But the death of one of Lukashenka’s chief arms traders – is just the latest in a string of violent incidents connected to the regime and its weapons trade.
Photos of Veronika
Grab: Veronika father“A woman told us that Veronika wasn't at work. It was at that point that we started worrying.
V/O
2 years ago Vladimir went looking for his daughter – journalist Veronica Cherkassova.“Anton and I took a car and drove to her place. When we arrived there, we saw... that Veronika had been killed in her own flat.”
VO
Despite expert opinion that the killing was a professional hit – Belarusian authorities tried to link the murder to her teenage son, Anton.Disgusted with the police investigation – Veronika’s colleagues discovered that at the time of her death Veronika had been investigating a shadowy Belarusian bank linked to the arms trade – called Infobank.
Sergei Satsuk…. Tape 15…(04.34) “Infobank handles all operations,all financial transactions, between our government and Iran, Iraq and other countrieswhich Belarus sells arms to. (04.48)
V/O
Veronika believed that Infobank was the main conduit used by arms companies for the proceeds of weapons sales to Iraq.The bank was later named in the report into the oil for food scandal and placed on a US treasury black-list over money laundering concerns.According to her colleague – Sergei Satsuk - a senior contact from the bank asked Veronika to give him her research in return for more information.
FIRST HALF OF GRAB CUT Grab: Sergei Satsuk / Journalist (02.20)
“ We don't know why he asked her to do this but the attempt to enmesh Veronika in the arms trade and Infobank affairs suggests her death might have been related to these things.” (02.52)
Natsot – Jets blowing up target / ordinance exploding etc.
V/O
Although the United States is concerned about Belarus stoking the fires of war around the world - This is what most worries Washington - the latest Russian S- 300 Anti-aircraft Missile system.It’s about the only weapon on the market capable of fending off US or NATO aircraft Belarus is already installing the system along its western flanks and intelligence analysts fear that many of the s-300 units will also find their way to Iran.
Grab: Sergei Anisko Belarus resells them. So Russia is free of any stain,which is passed on to Belarus. What does Belarus get?If an S-300 costs $300 million, the Belarusian cut is US$30-45 million. For nothing. That's fine with Lukashenko.” (17.31)
Young Pioneers
V/O
And those easy profits – according to the US State Department – are ultimately what sustains Lukashenka’s Soviet-style regime.
Grab: Asst. Sec. David Kramer (32.05) “The arms sales contribute to corruption, the corruption contributes to the regime’s efforts to secure its hold over the country, and I think it’s fair to say that without that money that would come from these arms sales the regime would have a much more difficult time securing the support and backing that it needs from certain individuals in order to maintain power.” (32.28)
Young Pioneers upsot:
Subtitled
“I solemnly promise...to love my motherland... V/O:In tribute to their soviet heritage – a new generation of Belarusians proudly pledges allegiance to the Republic.
More upsot / natsotPioneers getting the red flags around them
V/O
While the world looks on – Lukashenka has rigged his re-election – silenced his critics and used carefully stage managed propaganda to brainwash his people.And thanks to an insatiable global demand for weapons, which are helping him grow richer by the day - Belarusians aren’t likely to be free of their tyrant any time soon.
THOUGHT TRACK LAST PART WITH LUKASHENKA
Grab / Sergei Anisko – Ex-kgb guy(34.16)
“It's scary because Lukashenkowon't give up power. His power is tainted with blood,so he won't surrender it. He understands that if he loses his position - in the best case scenario he'll end up in prison. In the worst case, he'll end up like Benito Mussolini, who was hanged upside down.” (34.37)
Every month – In the Belarusian capital - Minsk…people gather to mount a silent protest against the repression of the regime they live under.But such gatherings in Belarus are usually very short-lived and Less than a minute after the vigil begins, the police respond.
Upsot 1 – policeman on megafone(subtitled) – 13 secs
“Citizens, you are taking part in an illegal event. If you do not comply with the lawful demands of the police the relevant articles of the code will apply.”
In Belarus – any form of protest – including holding a candle in public - is an act of civil disobedience punishable by law.
Upsot 2 policeman on megafone(subtitled) - 14 secs
“Attention! I repeat.........Respected citizens, you're taking part in an unlicensed event. You will be treated according to the current code's prescriptions.”
Soon, special forces police surround the group - forcing them down the road.
Natsot – 1 sec
For the next half hour the protesters are pushed several kilometres around city streets,
<2 secs upsot yelling>
Then the police start to drag the protesters away to waiting buses.One group makes a final futile bid to stave off arrest.
(just natsot for a few secs)
In Belarus – political dissent is crushed quickly - and freedom of expression comes at a hefty price.
Upsot: Troops respond to command.(from HD archive 40.57-41.09) – Vivat, Vivat
Increasingly isolated from the rest of the world – Belarus has been described as the last outpost of tyranny in Europe.Natsot 1 sec of lukashenka speech(in uniform)
(HD archive 40.12-40.24) – NEEDS TO BE SUBTITLED
“This blatant interference in our internal affairs has once more confirmed how desperately our state needs to be capable of withstanding any threat.
”For more than a decade President Aleksandr Lukashena has maintained an authoritarian regime, which has kept most of its Soviet trappings.
(Upsot –music + goose step marching) 41.10 – 41.18)
In April he was sworn in as President for the third time – after elections that were reported as fraudulent.
Upsot of Lukashenka at inaugauration (38.04-38.20) – use as short as possible.“I solemnly swear to serve the people of Belarus loyally and to respect and uphold human and civil rights and freedoms.
”But in the West his words are seen as cynical and shallow…And the world’s global sheriff – the United States, has a message for the Belarussian leader.
LET’S SEE LUKASHENKA HEREGRAB OUT OF SYNCH
US State Department - Tease Grab: 24.13
you can no longer engage in business as usual….those days are up…we are now holding you to account for the abuses you have engaged in.
”24.21Pause >> 1 sec….24.33
This is a united effort – a global effort by democracies coming together, responding to the abuses of a dictatorial regime and holding to account those responsible for the abuses.”
24.44
USE SINISTER SHOTS – NOT PEOPLE SMILING Nick PTC : Tape 13 / 44.51“You don’t have to be here in Minsk for long to sense the fear and repression – it’s almost palpable….On the surface, the city is clean and modern, with few signs of poverty – but those attributes belie a very different side to life here. Free speech is stifled and opposition politicians are harassed….even waving the wrong flag, or wearing a peace badge can land you in prison. But Belarus harbours another dirty secret – as one of the most active and sinister participants in the global arms trade, and what’s worrying the west is that this place has become a black hole weapons bazaar in which just about anything can be bought and sold.” 45.36
Grab: Asst Sec. David Kramer27.02 “Belarus is a vibrant arms exporter, and when dictatorships are vibrant arms exporters, they are a threat to the entire international community (27.10)
Darfur, Iran & North Korea file – MAKE BETTER – GET DIFFERENT SUDAN FILE, LOSE MISSILE FIRING
V/O:
The United States began upping the ante on Belarus earlier this year with the release of a special White House report detailing the regime’s audacious arms dealing across the Globe.
(segueway-natsot 1 sec)
The report - much of which is classified – claims Belarus is providing arms in areas of ongoing conflict like Sudan - flouting UN embargos.The report also highlights weapons sales and military assistance Belarus has provided to other rogue states on the US hit-list like Iran, Syria and North Korea.
Grab: Asst Sec. David Kramer (27.41)
” The United States is not going to stand idly by while the Lukashenka regime engages in reckless and dangerous arms sales. (27.49)
It is clear also, that Lukashenka has benefited personally from the sale of arms that Belarus has engaged in. (27.58) He has created a slush fund that is not accountable to the state budget “ (28.01)
Upsot of Lukashenka being thanked by veterans from (08.54 to 09:08)
“Live to celebrate. - You're our only hope - We love you. - Thanks. - Accept our congratulations - Thanks, mates.
”V/O:The first public revelations that Lukashenka was siphoning off the profits from arms deals came in 1999 - when the former head of the Belarus National Bank –- fled the country – after falling out with the regime.Tamara Vinnikova provided first hand information about the operations of Lukashenka’s special presidential fund with its Billions of dollars in Cash and assets.Its Lukashanka’s very own – state sanctioned piggy bank.
Sync grab: Svetlana (39.07 “The economists claim it’s indeed a huge fund, comparable in size with the Belarus state budget. So in fact it’s a second budget (39.17)
Natsot – 1 secV/O:Svetlana Kalinkina is one of handful of journalists brave enough to investigate the Belarusian arms industry, and follow the money trail.
Grab: Svetlana(41.12) According to many accountants who used to work in his team a large proportion of money is kept in hard currency in cash – not in any bank accounts. (41.25)BUTT EDIT TO:Sync Grab – Svetlana(37.01). The state funds are lining private pockets. It’s nothing but theft – He’s embezzling state funds (37.07)
Although Svetlana - and the newspaper she works for - are regularly harassed by the authorities - she continues to investigate the murky weapons market, and its clientele.
Thought track: Svetlana(47.41) Prior to the war in Iraq we had many Iraqi delegations, now it's Iranian ones. ( 47.49 )PAUSE>> 1 sec & continue in sync
Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina(49.22) “There's evidence of intense negotiations. That our military experts often cross the borders of Syria, Jordan or Iran, Tehran. And their specialists visit us.” (49.39)
Natsot or upsot from Milex arms market
V/O:Every two years, at the Milex arms market in Minsk - Belarusian Arms dealers get the chance to show off their merchandise.(natsot 1-2 secs)By all accounts - business is booming – and while demand is high – Belarus is keen to cash in.
Thought Track : Svetlana Kalinkina(33.04)
“.President Lukashenko is quite open about it. Arms trading is a businessthe whole world is involved in. So Belarus is also going to take part, paying no attention to anybody's views or expert opinions.” (33.19)
(Natsot 1-2 secs)
V/O:
Belarus dominates the global market in second hand armaments – which are then repaired, updated, and sold.Because of its expertise in modernising – Dealers here can offer anything from MIG fighter Jets …..
<< Natsot >>….
to armoured battle tanks…Thought Track: Svetlana Kalinkina(21.19 ) “It's a very simple scheme. Belarus buys military equipment,claiming it's for their own forces. They buy new technologies from Russia and the rest from whoever's willing to sell.” (21.34)
MUSIC UPSOT START OF LORD OF WAR
V/O:
All major arms contracts must be approved by President Lukashenka. Most contracts are handled by just two companies… Beltechexport and Belvneshspetsteknika.Beltechexport is the better known of the two – what’s not so well known is that it owes its international success to the man this movie is based on - one of the world’s most notorious arms dealers – Ukrainian born Victor Bout.
Nicholas Cage upsot – how do we arm the other 11?
The recent film – Lord of War is loosely based on Bout’s exploits in the arms trade.
LORD OF WAR NARRATION: By the mid 80’s my weapons were represented in 8 of the top 10 war zones…
Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina(10.57) “He's the man who helped Beltechexport become a major player in the arms market. It was through him that Belarusmade many of its contracts. So,in fact... Some experts are of the opinion that there are only a few big players in the arms marketEspecially if you're talking about problem countries and contracts that presumebribes and so forth. One such player, who lobbied Belarus and worked through Belarus, was Victor Bout.” (11.39)
DISSOLVE INTO PHOTOS – HIGHLIGHT BOUT ON LEFT OF PHOTO BESIDE AIRCRAFT
UPSOT LORD OF WAR – The end of the cold war was beginning of hottest time in arms dealing – arms bazaar was open… guided missile systems etc
V/O
Victor Bout is wanted by Interpol for arms trafficking and he’s currently believed to be hiding in Russia. This rare photo of him was taken in 2002 for the New York Times.
LOSE CAGE IN SHIPPING CONTAINER UPSOT – JUST USE FLIGHT TO AFRICA AND HANDING OUT GUNS
According to investigators – Bout’s ability to deliver just about any weapon to anywhere on the planet – has fuelled dozens of wars and violent civil conflicts.And within the Arms dealing Hierachy of Belarus – He remains a key figure.
Grab: Sergei Anisko38.17 “He's the most mysterious person in Belarusian foreign trade. The most mysterious and the most invincible. Why? He is indeed a very rich person. He certainly hasmassive connections within the Russian military industry. He's probably the only manin the country whom Lukashenko can't touch.” 38.50
Natsot: sergei walking to apartment from lift, etc
V/O
While there are few people willing to talk about the links between Victor Bout and Aleksandr Lukashenka - Sergei Anisko is able to provide an insiders view – In the mid-nineties he worked in counter-intelligence for the Belarusian KGB
Upsot: Sergei Anisko / Tape 1246.03 (upsot-sergei with shoulder badges)
This is my history. This is from the military schoolI graduated from. A cadet. And this is me as a KGB lieutenant-colonel..” 46.19
V/O
Shocked by the level of corruption he encountered –Sergei resigned and began work as an independent military analyst – His contacts within the regime give a valuable insight into Lukashenka’s obsessive control of the country’s weapons trade.Sync Grab: Sergei 52.28. “He knows every last thingabout every penny spent. He controls everything.And therefore... nothing can happenwithout his sanction. Without it, no officialwould dare sign a contract. How could he?He'd be as good as dead..”
52.47Sergei says Russia’s Federal Security Service – the FSB also plays a pivotal role in Belarus’s arms industry – and dictates its demands through President Lukashenka.Grab: Sergei Anisko(20.27)
“If he baulks, there'll be no Lukashenko in Belarus. So the FSB doesn't justhave complete control over the Belarusianmilitary industry, but it dictates both Russian and Belarusian policy.20.40)
SEE CLOSER SHOTS OF PUTIN
Upsot 2 secs / camera flashes as putin & lukashenka enter room.
V/O
There’s no doubt that the relationship between Belarus and Russia is close – and their activities in the arms trade are inextricably linked….. Belarus buys weapons from Russia, and also acts as a proxy sales agent for deals the Russians don’t want to be publicly linked with.Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina.(15.33)
“They exploit their alliancewith Russia and the fact there's a Belarusianlobby in the Russian army, and actively buy new weapons and equipment in Russia. And we have information that not all of it reaches the Belarusian army. The second issue is the contracts with problem countries, contracts Russia doesn't want to put its name to.V/O:According to Sergei Anisko , any so called “dirty deals” to conflicts like Darfur – are handled by the lesser known Belvneshspetsteknika company.…established by Lukashenka.
Sergei Anisko – ex.kgb guy(07.44) "The new company,Belvneshspetstechnika, enjoys top-level state support and now controls the largest contracts and deals involving information which can't be allowed to leak out." (07.59)
(04.59) “As I said, Beltechexport is a smokescreen. It's used for open deals. But there's the other one…..the main one,which few people know about. (05.11)
photos of sidorski’s visit to cuba
Upsot – 2 secs Cuban music or cuba natsot
V/O
It was one of those secret deals that brought a delegation from Belarus – to the Cuban capital, Havana, in April this year.Led by Prime Minister Sergei Sidorski – the cover story for the visit - was the sugar trade.But according to information obtained by Dateline – the boss of Belvneshspetsteknika – arms trader Anatoly Kolesnikov - was also there, to discuss updating cuba’s soviet era armaments.By the end of the visit he was dead.
Grab: Svetlana Kalinkina.(21.50 It was a strange death. Sort of shrouded in mystery. Officially nothing is said though the company confirmed that he had indeed died in Cuba. They claimed he'd died of a heart attack.According to our data, he fell from a fourth-floor balcony. (22.08)
V/O
No one has explained how the arms trader fell from his hotel balcony.Suspicions about his death – were further raised when journalists discovered he was buried less than 12 hours after the delegation returned home.
FIRST PART OF GRAB CUT Thought Track: Svetlana Kalinkina.
(25.34) So, you see... It's a complex situation. It's a business for wolves and that's the way it's run.. (25.43)
V/O
But the death of one of Lukashenka’s chief arms traders – is just the latest in a string of violent incidents connected to the regime and its weapons trade.
Photos of Veronika
Grab: Veronika father“A woman told us that Veronika wasn't at work. It was at that point that we started worrying.
V/O
2 years ago Vladimir went looking for his daughter – journalist Veronica Cherkassova.“Anton and I took a car and drove to her place. When we arrived there, we saw... that Veronika had been killed in her own flat.”
VO
Despite expert opinion that the killing was a professional hit – Belarusian authorities tried to link the murder to her teenage son, Anton.Disgusted with the police investigation – Veronika’s colleagues discovered that at the time of her death Veronika had been investigating a shadowy Belarusian bank linked to the arms trade – called Infobank.
Sergei Satsuk…. Tape 15…(04.34) “Infobank handles all operations,all financial transactions, between our government and Iran, Iraq and other countrieswhich Belarus sells arms to. (04.48)
V/O
Veronika believed that Infobank was the main conduit used by arms companies for the proceeds of weapons sales to Iraq.The bank was later named in the report into the oil for food scandal and placed on a US treasury black-list over money laundering concerns.According to her colleague – Sergei Satsuk - a senior contact from the bank asked Veronika to give him her research in return for more information.
FIRST HALF OF GRAB CUT Grab: Sergei Satsuk / Journalist (02.20)
“ We don't know why he asked her to do this but the attempt to enmesh Veronika in the arms trade and Infobank affairs suggests her death might have been related to these things.” (02.52)
Natsot – Jets blowing up target / ordinance exploding etc.
V/O
Although the United States is concerned about Belarus stoking the fires of war around the world - This is what most worries Washington - the latest Russian S- 300 Anti-aircraft Missile system.It’s about the only weapon on the market capable of fending off US or NATO aircraft Belarus is already installing the system along its western flanks and intelligence analysts fear that many of the s-300 units will also find their way to Iran.
Grab: Sergei Anisko Belarus resells them. So Russia is free of any stain,which is passed on to Belarus. What does Belarus get?If an S-300 costs $300 million, the Belarusian cut is US$30-45 million. For nothing. That's fine with Lukashenko.” (17.31)
Young Pioneers
V/O
And those easy profits – according to the US State Department – are ultimately what sustains Lukashenka’s Soviet-style regime.
Grab: Asst. Sec. David Kramer (32.05) “The arms sales contribute to corruption, the corruption contributes to the regime’s efforts to secure its hold over the country, and I think it’s fair to say that without that money that would come from these arms sales the regime would have a much more difficult time securing the support and backing that it needs from certain individuals in order to maintain power.” (32.28)
Young Pioneers upsot:
Subtitled
“I solemnly promise...to love my motherland... V/O:In tribute to their soviet heritage – a new generation of Belarusians proudly pledges allegiance to the Republic.
More upsot / natsotPioneers getting the red flags around them
V/O
While the world looks on – Lukashenka has rigged his re-election – silenced his critics and used carefully stage managed propaganda to brainwash his people.And thanks to an insatiable global demand for weapons, which are helping him grow richer by the day - Belarusians aren’t likely to be free of their tyrant any time soon.
THOUGHT TRACK LAST PART WITH LUKASHENKA
Grab / Sergei Anisko – Ex-kgb guy(34.16)
“It's scary because Lukashenkowon't give up power. His power is tainted with blood,so he won't surrender it. He understands that if he loses his position - in the best case scenario he'll end up in prison. In the worst case, he'll end up like Benito Mussolini, who was hanged upside down.” (34.37)