Putin ordered to build pipeline bypassing Belarus

On December 1 Russian Prime Minister signed an order finalizing the construction of the second stage of the Baltic Pipeline System-2 (BPS-2). It is stated by RIA Novosti with a reference to the press-service of Russian government.

The order number 1754-p signed by the Russian prime minister defines the framework for the design and construction of the Baltic Pipeline System 2 from Unecha (Bryansk region) to Ust-Luga (Leningrad oblast). It is expected that right after the construction is finished, the oil pipeline is to connect Unecha and Primorsk port. It is to become an alternative to Druzhba pipeline for oil transit to the EU via Belarus and Poland. The total length of BTS-2 to reach 1,300 km.

The construction of the BPS-2 had been offered by Transneft in the beginning of January 2007, after discord between Belarus and Russia about oil deliveries. The Belarusian side imposed transit fees for raw materials, and in response Russia blocked Druzhba pipeline, however later resumed oil deliveries. In May 2007 the project was approved by the Russian government.

Transneft transports 93% of Russian oil. 78.1% of the company belongs to the state.

As we have informed, Russian newspaper “Kommersant” has informed today that the session of the supreme council planned for December 1 won’t take place.

The parties didn’t agree on development of the common state and postponed the meeting sine die. Scheduled for today Russian-Belarusian agreement on common air defence system was also delayed.

As Lukashenka stated on October 30, at the session of the Supreme state council of the “union state” of Belarus and Russia in the end of November the most important and key issues of the bilateral relations should be considered. “In the end of November we have to hold the Supreme state council, it will be a special State council. Being Chairman of the Supreme State Council I will do my best to put the issues most essential for our relations with Russia on the agenda. If not, we will not hold the session of the Supreme State Council at all,” A. Lukashenka stated. He underlined that all petty issues could be considered on a regular basis. “A great attention should be paid to those issues that play a most significant role in the relations between our states. There are many issues of this kind”, Lukashenka said.