Belarus stops gas transit to Europe
By IANSTuesday, June 22, 2010
Minsk, June 22 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Belarus has put on hold gas transit to Europe through its territory until the Russian energy giant Gazprom pays for the use of its pipelines.
“Until we are paid for the last six months, gas transit will not continue,” Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Tuesday.
“Gazprom owes us $260 million, which includes transit in May,” Lukashenko said.
He added that Gazprom knows about its debt and admits it.
“We owe them $190 million, and they (Gazprom) owe us $260 million. It is absurd that we are not paying off this debt,” the president said.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
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