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Lukashenko: Belarus can do without Russian oil, although it will not be easy
MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – Belarus can do without Russian oil, although it will not be easy, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the meeting with the members of the public, representatives of the Belarusian and foreign mass media on 3 February, BelTA has learned.
“We can do without Russian oil. It is going to be difficult. But freedom and independence are not measured by money,” the Belarusian head of state said. The President stressed: “Independence on one side and Russian, Iranian, Azerbaijani or U.S. oil on the other are irreconcilable notions.”
“Independence, integrity, our historical past are worth much more than oil,” the Belarusian leader added.
Belarus will find a way out, Alexander Lukashenko stressed. “Unfortunately, Russia does not understand it,” he added.
The President called the possible reasons for the current stats of relations between Belarus and Russia. “Russia seems to be concerned that Belarus might pivot to the West,” the Belarusian leader said. Some Russian mass media criticize Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei and hold him responsible for this pivot. “Makei can hold no talks with Brussels, Berlin or Washington without the President’s consent. Russia should understand that this is a coordinated position which was once suggested by my friend President Vladimir Putin,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that, when Belarus was under sanctions, Vladimir Putin advised him to improve relations with the western countries. Now, with sanctions lifted, the relations have been actively developing, but this does not damage the cooperation with Russia.
No progress yet in Belarus-Russia talks on oil, gas
MINSK, 3 February (BelTA) – No progress has been reached yet in the talks with Russia on oil and gas deliveries to Belarus, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at the meeting with the members of the public, representatives of the Belarusian and foreign mass media on 3 February, BelTA has learned.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that the governments of Belarus and Russia are working in this direction. “We have not been able to reach an agreement yet. They are footdragging: one day they agree to work in the old way. The next day they change their mind saying that their bosses have not agreed,” the President stressed.
In his words, Belarus and Russia used the netback pricing method in the oil and gas sector. With world oil prices being high, gas was expensive too. “Belarus paid that price,” the head of state stressed. Then the prices for oil reduced. So did prices for gas. The earlier agreed price was $132.77 per 1000 cubic meters. Now, according to the formula, it should be $83-82 for Belarus. However, Russia does not want to sell gas at such a price, saying that the previous price was the lowest ever. Alexander Lukashenko views this position as illogic, since the parties have agreements which they should abide.
The head of state also stated that the oil and gas dispute can lead to escalation of tensions in many areas. “We see this happen already. For example, we now have border controls back,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
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