Russia-Belarus talks on gas issues have difficulties :: Charter'97 :: News

The talks between Russia and Belarus on gas issues “are plodding ahead with difficulties”, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov told reporters on Friday, commenting on a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Sidorsky in an interval between talks.

The Russian premier specified that the talks are attended by economic entities – representatives from Russian gas company Gazprom and Belarusian companies, including Beltransgaz. Kasyanov explained that the sides discuss a possibility of setting up a joint venture on transporting gas. The sides are also engaged in talks on conditions of transporting Russian gas to Belarus and its transit across that country.

“There are so far no understandings on this question,” the premier continued, “but we are pushing for agreed decisions”. He expressed hope that “negotiators would succeed in moving ahead”. Both the Belarusian government which is “also involved in the process of establishing a corporation” as well as the Russian side are interested in the positive outcome of the talks.

“We are ready, as before, to help Belarus in settling some or other problems, connected also with financial issues and getting credits,” the premier underlined.

In any case, Kasyanov assured, “we do not give up aims, recorded in our former understandings and continue to strive for them with steadfastness”.

The Russian cabinet head also said that he would discuss questions on introducing the Russian rouble in that country as the only legal instrument of payment during his meeting with the Belarusian premier at the Friday meeting.