Gazprom wants money, threatens to cut gas supplies to Belarus
Gazprom says it will cut at 45 percent its gas supplies to Belarus, effective from August 3. Sergei Kupriyanov, Gazprom's spokesman tells the European Radio for Belarus what has been behind this unexpected decision. "This decision has been made in connection with the non-payment by Belarus for the supplied gas. The debt over the first half of the year has reached $456 million.
As you are well aware, Belarus was granted a payment deferment. But Belarus has missed the (July23) debt payment deadline. At the same time, we have received no guarantees that the debt would be paid off in the future.
Therefore, we are cutting gas supplies proportionally to the debt, according to the contract", Sergei Kupriyanov said in an interview with the European Radio for Belarus.
He also noted that the Belarusian government had all the chances to preserve the existing amount of supplies.
"Our condition is that Belarus should pay. But, no doubt, we are open to negotiations. As of now, we cannot see any constructive proposals from the Belarusian side", Kupriyanov said.
On July 30, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov refused to give a $1.5 billion loan to Belarus, this country wanted to use in order to cover the gas debt. Several days earlier, Belarus rejected an offer to obtain a 12-percent commercial loan from the Gazprombank to cover the debt.
Apparently, Lukashenka will now have to find the money for Gazprom.
The text of Gazprom's statement is at http://gazprom.ru
As you are well aware, Belarus was granted a payment deferment. But Belarus has missed the (July23) debt payment deadline. At the same time, we have received no guarantees that the debt would be paid off in the future.
Therefore, we are cutting gas supplies proportionally to the debt, according to the contract", Sergei Kupriyanov said in an interview with the European Radio for Belarus.
He also noted that the Belarusian government had all the chances to preserve the existing amount of supplies.
"Our condition is that Belarus should pay. But, no doubt, we are open to negotiations. As of now, we cannot see any constructive proposals from the Belarusian side", Kupriyanov said.
On July 30, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov refused to give a $1.5 billion loan to Belarus, this country wanted to use in order to cover the gas debt. Several days earlier, Belarus rejected an offer to obtain a 12-percent commercial loan from the Gazprombank to cover the debt.
Apparently, Lukashenka will now have to find the money for Gazprom.
The text of Gazprom's statement is at http://gazprom.ru
