15:18 Belarus to pay cash for Russian loan

According to the agreement with “Gazprom”, Belarus will have to pay 55% of the cost of Russian gas in the first half of 2007.
The vice Prime Minister Uladzіmіr Syamashka informed about it. This agreement was signed last year and now it is included in the project of a new agreement which is being worked out.

Syamashka noted that “Gazprom” would have to pay cash (625 millions) for 12.5% of shares of “Beltransgaz”.

This money must get into our country’s budget. It does not concern the current loan where Belarus will have to pay 55% for Russian gas. Belarus will have to pay cash for it, claimed Syamashka.

According to the vice Prime Minister, Belarus will pay all debts that have appeared in connection with the increase of gas prices if the situation is stabilized in the second half of 2007. Thus, Belarus will start paying 100% and pay off debts starting from July, informs BelTA.