Belarus prepares retaliation against Gazprom's possible offensive
The government of Belarus is discussing the claims from the Russian gas monopoly Gazprom over the alleged arrears of $230 million and preparing answer options, a source close to the government told the Interfax news agency. Minsk's final stance over payments to Gazprom will be formulated only after Alexander Lukashenka returns from the gas-rich Turkmenistan where he is on an official visit.
According to Interfax, Belarus wants to appeal the agreements reached during the meeting of Belarus and Russia presidents Alexander Lukashenka and Dmitry Medvedev on March 19 in Zavidovo. Under the deal, Belarus had to pay $150 per 1000 cubic meters in the first half of 2009 and the final payments would be wired in the second half of the year. But, this deal was not legally binding, according to Interfax.
According to Interfax, Belarus wants to appeal the agreements reached during the meeting of Belarus and Russia presidents Alexander Lukashenka and Dmitry Medvedev on March 19 in Zavidovo. Under the deal, Belarus had to pay $150 per 1000 cubic meters in the first half of 2009 and the final payments would be wired in the second half of the year. But, this deal was not legally binding, according to Interfax.
