Can the Belarussian gas debt to Russia result in a new standoff?
Grant 3 August, 2007, 21:25
The issue has been resolved halfway, but till such time as a definite line in drawn on both regarding their relations, this troublesome issue can resurface in troubling ways.
The main problem is that Lukashenko, taking advantage of his geopolitical location wants to have his cake and eat it too.
The UNION STATE often cited by him has not implemented any original measures such common Currency etc.
Russia is not in business to be an endless benefactor except its OWN and Lukashenko has show that he's genuinely interested in this Union state and implement some measures in order to GET THOSE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS.
I think Belarus is totaly in the wrong over this issue Russia has been accused of using energy for political gain not so, It is Belarus who are the blackmailers they are using the EU fear over supply to try to force Russia to almost give them gas for nothing even now they are being charged less than half the amount the Eu Is paying if Russia cuts off their supply they will just steel EU gas traveling through their territory same as the Ukraine did last year. Russia is in a no win situation the only way out is to look at re-routing gas away from Belarus to remove this stick from there hand. Belarus wanted independance from Russia but have failed to develop a market economy the world can not invest in them while they are ruled by a Starlinist dictator when they elect a more open and democratic Government their fortune will change and this kind of problem will not happen.
