BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

02/08/2007

Gazprom's moves politically motivated - Belarusian senator

MINSK. Aug 2 (Interfax) - Gazprom (RTS: GAZP) is acting as a political structure in relations with Belarus, a Belarusian senator said.

"Unfortunately, Gazprom is becoming an increasingly powerful force not only in Russia's economy, but in politics, as well. It looks like Gazprom is dictating what Russia's policy towards other countries should be," Nikolai Cherginets, chairman of the Council of the Republic's international affairs and national security commission, told the press.

"Talks must be continued, results achieved and the agreements implemented," Cherginets said while commenting on a possible 45% reduction in Russian gas shipments to Belarus.

"Russia promised Belarus $1.5 billion in credits. All this was documented on December 31 2006, but now the foot-dragging has begun," the senator said.

Source:

http://www.interfax.com/3/298857/news.aspx