Wojtek Kosc

This week the Belarusan cultural monthly Czasopis was accused of carrying anti-Polish messages. The stir was caused by an essay from the editor, Sokrat Janowicz, in which he unfavourably described the "Armia Krajowa" (one of the Polish resistance armies during the Second World War) as possessing fascist features. The accuser was MP Krzysztof Jurgiel of Electoral Action Solidarity (AWS). According to him, such texts are anti-Polish and should not appear in print. Janowicz claims that AWS authorities in the Bialystok region (where Czasopis appears) have targeted the Belarusan minority as being harmful.

An exhibition presenting works inspired by Greek and Roman mythology has opened in the National Museum in Warsaw. Objects ranging from ancient Greek vases to 19th century graphics, all with mythological motives, are on display. The exhibition is open to public until 7 November.

8 October was the 25th anniversary of Marian Falski's death. Falski's contribution to national culture cannot be underestimated as he was the author of Elementarz, a book for teaching children reading and writing. Elementarz has proved so universal that, for the ninetieth year, children beginning their education are using it. The book has had nearly 80 editions with the first edition appearing in 1910.

Grzegorz Linkowski's documentary, about a student at a catholic seminary who discovers he is a Jew saved from death by a Polish family, received the Grand Prix during 3rd International Festival of Ethnic Films and Programs in Kracow.

11 out of 13 priceless books (among them the 15th century Cosmography by Ptolemeius) that were to be auctioned in Konigstein (Germany) will be returned to Poland after allegations they had been stolen from the Jagiellonian University library, proved true.

The Polish and Lithuanian Governments have signed a protocol agreeing to co-operation for the protection of cultural heritage. The agreement will be signed in Warsaw during a meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries in early December. Co-operation will cover archives, museums and architectural monuments. Polish and Lithuanian experts will co-operate to regain cultural items which were moved to different countries during the last World War.

4th Composers' Festival took place in Bielsko Biala from 5 October until 10 October. The event was devoted to the music of Fryderyk Chopin.

5th International Contemporary Music Festival ends today in Szczecin. The Festival, named after Witold Lutoslawski, featured compositions from such well-known Polish composers as Wojciech Kilar, Karol Szymanowski and Andrzej Gorecki.

100th anniversary of Jorge Luis Borges' birth is being commemorated in Warsaw. The celebrations take the form of several events, including exhibitions and lectures about the writer. The event lasts until 9 November. Info: 0048 22 622 54 22.

19th and 20th century photographs of Kracow’s citizens are on display at an exhibition in the Museum of Photography in Kracow. The exhibition opened on 16 October 1999 and will last until 31 January 2000 . Info: 00 48 12 634 59 32 or 0048 12 634 16 87.

Wojtek Kosc, 16 October 1999