Not A Word About the Gas :: Charter'97 :: News

The official objective of the visit to Minsk of the head of the Russian FM Igor Ivanov, that started today, is participation in joint collegiums of the two Foreign ministries of the two countries. As it was said by the Belarusian FM, that the sides do not plan to discuss such vexed questions cooperation in gas and gas transportation industry. “It is outside the competence of the FM,” said press secretary of the Belarusian FM Andrej Savinykh to the “Vremya Novostej”. At the common collegium the program of coordinated actions of the two countries in the sphere of foreign policy for the years 2004-2005.

The program foresees cooperation within a wide range of issues. The cooperation within the framework of international organizations is meant. Belarus counts on Russia’s support in this sphere. Minsk strives for reinstatement of the status of special guest for its delegation in the PACE. Belarus lost it after its referendum in 1996, when the parliament’s authority was restricted. “The attitude of Russia towards Belarus in the European organizations is positive,” said Mr. Savinykh.

Representatives of the foreign ministries, added Mr. Savinykh, also intend to consider the “problems of the EU enlargement and consequences of this process for Belarus and Russia”. In connection with the enlargement of the EU the same problems, such as visas, trade problems, necessity of implementation of the new ecological standards, await the both countries.