Belarus Is Ready to Annul “Union” With Russia :: Charter'97 :: News

Belarus can undo the so-called “union” with Russia in case Gazprom would deliver gas to the country at world prices. This warning in a veiled form is contained in a letter sent to the head of Russian government Mikhail Fradkov by Belarusian Prime Minister Syarhey Sidorski (Sergei Sidorsky), еру Russian daily Kommersant writes. As the newspaper was informed by sources close to the Russian ministers’ cabinet, a confidential letter was sent by Sidorski on May 15. The situation in economy of the country and forecast of its development in connection with expected prices rise is described there.

In the letter of Belarusian Prime Minister it is said in particular that in case the Kremlin would keep low gas prices for Belarus the country would be ready to “proceed with the decision on creation of joint gas transportation organization”. It is the only concession the Belarusian authorities are ready to make, judging from he letter of the prime minister.

Then Sidorski noted that conversion to European gas prices “contradict first of all the Treaty on creation of the “union state” of Russia and Belarus”. A gas conflict is characterized by Sidorski as a “ruining of the foundations of the union state”.

Thus, Kommersant writes, for the first time the possibility of Belarus’ withdrawing the “union” with Russia is discussed in an official document, though in a veiled manner.

The Belarusian authorities strongly oppose gas prices rise by Gazprom planned since January 1, 2007. The price would be USD 130-150 per cubic meter compared to today’s USD 47. A scheme of VAT implementation and excise taxes in oil exported to Belarus for refining are to be changed as well. In its turn, Gazprom maintains that resources are to be delivered to Belarus at market prices.