MINSK, 23 January (BelTA) – Presentation of books by American authors will be held at the 26th Minsk International Book Fair, BelTA has learned from the website of the Information Ministry.
Due to the lapse in the U.S. government appropriations, financing of embassy activities has been suspended. The U.S. Embassy in Belarus had to curtail all public activities with exception of emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property, and activities essential to national security.
For this reason, and with regret, the U.S. Embassy informed that it is unable to participate as guest of honor in the 26th Minsk International Book Fair.
The embassy thanked the Belarusian government for the honor and expressed interest in discussing potential cultural partnerships once the lapse in appropriations ends.
The Information Ministry will nonetheless organize presentation of books by American authors who will take part in the 26th Minsk International Book Fair.
The 26th Minsk International Book Fair will be held under the slogan "More Than Books" in the administrative complex at 14 Pobediteley Avenue in Minsk from 6 to 10 February. The fair site of 3,000 m2 will exhibit more than 300 stands. Representatives of 35 countries applied for the event. Some 60,000 people are expected to visit the fair. The organizers of the Minsk International Book Fair are the Information Ministry, Minsk City Hall and the Belarusian Writers' Union. Co-organizers are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Education Ministry, the Culture Ministry, Belkniga and Makbel book selling companies.
