U.S. Department of State Accuse Russia of Energy Blackmail :: Charter'97 :: News

“It is clear that Moscow is seeking to use Russian energy resources as a political lever, especially in relations with its neighbouring states,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack stated in Washington. He told that the same was observed last year with Ukraine and Georgia, and now such things are happening to Belarus. "It`s a lesson about the importance of maintaining and developing multiple sources of energy supply as well as multiple means to convey those energy supplies," he added.

As we have informed, McCormack critisized belarus’ position concerning oil export from Russia. . "So it`s just another example -- it`s the rotten core of this regime, which they are using these resources for the personal profit of those around the leadership of the Lukashenka regime." As said by him, previously Belarusian oil refiners made up to $4 billion a year by buying duty-free Russian crude and exporting finished products.

The contract for gas transit and deliveries from Russia to Belarus was signed in Moscow two minutes before the New Year. In 2007 Russian gas price for Belarus is $100 per 1,000 cubic metres.

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