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MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – There are no differences of opinion between Belarus and the IMF in negotiations on public utilities and the management of state-owned enterprises. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he met with representatives of the general public, Belarusian and foreign mass media on 3 February, BelTA has learned.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vasily Matyushevsky was present during the meeting. He told those present about progress in Belarus-IMF talks. “Two issues are left to be addressed. The solutions are nearly ready. We just have to make the relevant political decision and become part of the program. Cost recovery is what matters as far as utilities are concerned. As a matter of principle, we have found all the exits and have polished some part of the project. The strategy to improve the effectiveness of management of state-owned enterprises is the second issue. We have actually found all the exits here, too, this is why we see no problems in that regard either.”

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that there are absolutely no differences of opinion between Belarus and the IMF over the management of state enterprises and utilities. “There is one thing only. They wanted Belarusians to pay 100% of the utilities cost in 2017 or 2018. We will get there sooner or later. I wanted the IMF to be understanding about it. In our situation we cannot force the population to pay 100%. I wanted the transition to be stretched in time.”

“I think we will come to terms,” said the head of state. “Moreover, we are now working out a system of compensation and aid for those, who cannot and shouldn’t possibly pay 100% of the utilities cost. Particularly those who cannot. It will be done digitally, so to say.”

“A system of cashless housing subsidies has been in place since October 2016,” specified Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatoly Kalinin, who was also present during the meeting.

The President said: “Until I see that the system works and people will not be harmed, I will not authorize transition to 100% cost recovery in one go. We need to see whether the system suits people. Otherwise, we will offend people and will get payment arrears.”

“Earnings of the population are the most important thing. If people feel we are starting to add money via welfare benefits and salaries, I think people will support it. It will have to be done sooner or later. This is why there are virtually no problems in Belarus-IMF talks,” concluded the head of state.