BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

08/08/2007

Belarus Repays Gas Debt To Russia

The Belarusian government has repaid its $456 million debt to Russian gas monopoly Gazprom for gas deliveries in the first half of 2007, Belapan reported on August 8, citing Gazprom's press service. Last week Gazprom threatened to cut gas supplies to Belarus by 45 percent over the unpaid debt. Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Uladzimir Syamashka told journalists on August 8 that Belarus is now going to pay for Russian gas deliveries in full and in a timely manner. "It will be difficult for us. But the honor, dignity, and reputation of our country should be above all," Syamashka noted. JM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/08/3-cee/cee-080807.asp