Russia and Belarus Haven’t Closed Bargain :: Charter'97 :: News

Talks on Russian oil export through Belarus lasted the whole day yesterday in Moscow. Talks in Trade and Economic Development ministry lasted for 10 hours. The Russian side was represented by Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, ministers German Gref, Alexei Kudrin and Viktor Khristenko, the Belarusian by Prime Minister Syarhei Sidorski and vice Prime Minister Andrei Kabyakou. Opening the evening round of negotiations, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov admitted that Russian public image as a reliable energy supplier was damaged by disruption of Russian gas transit through Belarus.

Russian prime minister stated that “he is ready to suggest solutions which would suit both our states and business”. “We would like to find a balanced resolution understandable for all, which would ensure the interests of our countries. This decision would be transparent and really understandable. It should proceed from the necessity to continue cooperation considering development of economies of our countries,” Fradkov said.

As said by Russian Prime Minister, Russia is ready to continue talks on these topics and suggest concrete solutions. The topic of oil is very important, he said.

“Our colleagues had intensive talks for the last two days. I am ready to continue and to offer variants clear for the state and for business,” Fradkov said.

As said by him, because of problems with oil transit, Russia’s image as a reliable energy supplier has been damaged.

“Our negotiations have always been noted for a pragmatic approach and consideration of our countries’ interests. “Unfortunately, something has gone wrong of late. As a result the Russian image of a reliable supplier of energy resources was damaged,” Fradkov said.

He notes that the process of negotiations is not easy, but the talks should be finished.

“Today we have a complex mission, and it has been started at the level of experts. Presidents’ instructions were to finish the talks on oil deliveries to Belarus, and on guaranteeing oil transit in line with international agreements,” Russian prime minister said.

Talks of Russian and Belarusian prime ministers are to continue today. On Thursday evening the press-service of Russian Cabinet reported that no statements for the press are expected so far.

Belarus wants Russia to revoke export duty for Russian oil. Minsk imposed a duty for Russian oil transit through Belarus as a reaction to that. It resulted in disruption of oil deliveries to EU countries via Belarus.

Russia restarted the flow of oil through Druzhba trunk pipeline yesterday at 8 a.m., Transneft vice-president Sergei Grigoryev said. He added that Belarus had returned 79000 tons of oil and Transneft started to pump oil to Belarus shortly afterwards.

However, Transneft is set to seek nine million Russian rubles ($340,000) in damages from the Belarusian pipeline operator Homeltransneft Druzhba over disruptions in oil supplies to Europe, Transneft CEO Semyon Vainshtok said in an interview with Interfax. However, companies-exporters haven’t stated any claims yet.

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