BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

18/05/2007

Russia, Belarus Postpone Gas Pipeline Deal

May 18, 2007 -- Belarus and Russia have postponed the signature of a key gas transit deal due to continuing disagreements.

Under the deal, which was due to be signed today, Russian energy giant Gazprom will acquire a 50 percent stake in Belarus's gas pipeline monopoly, Beltranshaz.

Belarus's government spokesman Alyaksandr Tsimashenka said negotiations are continuing.

Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov downplayed the last-minute delay, saying the deal would be signed by June 1.

(AFP, BelaPAN)

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/05/C667D741-B676-4A3F-8753-448B51805899.html