BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

10/11/2006

Moscow seeking universal market principles with Belarus - source

MOSCOW. Nov 10 (Interfax) - Russia would like to switch relations with Belarus to universal market principles, a Kremlin source told Interfax on Friday.

Integration has been slowed down by delays in the fulfillment of economic agreements, he said.

"The need to switch our relations to universal market principles to guarantee the promotion of integration has become acute," the source said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko will discuss a number of trade and economic problems, including the non-use of various re-export schemes under the guise of national products during Lukashenko's visit to Moscow on Friday, the source said.

"Belarus' restrictive measures on Russian goods and the end of the unification of customs duties" are also expected to be discussed at the meeting, he said.

Russia is in favor of gradually taking steps to conclude the formation of the Common Economic Space and the Customs Union, the source said, stressing that Russia aspires for deeper currency integration and the further unification of legislation in the economic area.

"The swiftest cancellation of restrictive barriers in bilateral trade, including non-tariff measures taken by Belarus also plays an important role" in bilateral relations, he said.

Source:

http://www.interfax.com/3/211535/news.aspx