Belarusian Officials Refute Putin :: Charter'97 :: News

Statements of the Russian side that the result of the agreements between Russia and Belarus in the sphere of oil and gas Russia is to subsidise the Belarusian economy for about $5.8 billion, are be in contrary to fact. It was stated by a deputy prime minister Andrei Kabyakou.

"This estimate is at least inexact. Saying the truth, these calculations are not based on the legal basis currently in force. To give such calculations, one should proceed from the economy of agreements in force and from mutual obligations of partners," he said.

On Monday at consultations with the Russian government members Russian president said that Russia would continue direct or indirect aid to Belarusian economy for a long time, though considerably cut this year.

Putin specified that discounts on natural gas would come to $3.3 billion, while discounts on oil and oil products would total $2.5 billion. "The second figure is precise, and it has been agreed with the Belarusian side," V. Putin said

As a result, as said by Russian president, in 2007 Russia`s indirect aid to Belarus in the form of energy discounts is projected at U.S. $5.8 billion.

He said that this makes up about 41% of Belarus` 2007 budget, as Belarusian budget in 2007 is about $14 billion.

Russian president said it is "the price Russia is paying for a smooth and friendly switch to market-based relations and for its support of the fraternal Belarusian people".