MCDONALD’S IN SIEGE

On August 2 the authorities halted operation of the biggest of all 6 Minsk McDonald’s fast food restaurants. Radio Ratsya reports that they erected a two-meter high fence around the restaurant, located near the central railway station. The Belarusian State University intends to build its new premises on the place. McDonald’s addressed the government of Belarus and the Minsk city hall for clarification. For now the visitors have no access to it, while for 150 staffers the access is limited. The construction works are currently underway there. McDonald’s corporation, operating in the country since 1996, invested into the economy $14 mln, paying in 2001 alone into the state budget $3,5mln in taxes.