Russia pressures hard on Lukashenko before november meeting of top officials :: Charter'97 :: News

Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Russia Sergej Lavrov declared that in near future Russia would set global rates for energy resources for all countries, including Russian allies. Minister of Foreign Affairs promised to increase prices for energy resources for all consumers, and he declared that privileges for allied should be made in different ways.

UCP chair-deputy Jaroslav Romanchuk comments statements of Russian officials:

”It is hard to believe that Russia would dare applying single price politics for all, and first of all for Belarus. Transfer to global rates would mean increase of prices for Belarus in 2,5 times. This would be a huge strike for Belarusian economy. In such situation prices for municipal services would fly up – and Belarusian “social miracle” would start falling apart really fast. Such “present” from Russia on the year of presidential elections in Belarus would mean public refuse from supporting Lukashenko. However, I have my grounds to believe that such politics is merely diplomatic tricks and lie. At least, on current stage of relations. Russia pressures hard on Lukashenko before November meeting of high officials. Failure to sign Constitutional Act would mean failure of current Russian politics towards Belarus.”