BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

09/01/2007

Russia accuses Belarus of tapping 900 tons of oil

The European Commission urged Russia and Belarus to settle quickly a dispute over an oil pipeline.

Reuters quoted Commission spokesman Ferran Tarradellas Espuny as saying that the two parties involved should rapidly find a mutually acceptable solution and to restore oil supplies to the European Union immediately.

According to Kommersant, Russia has accused Belarus of stealing oil from Druzhba pipeline carrying two fifths of its total exports. Transneft president Semen Vanishtok told Ekho Moskvy radio that Belarus has illegally tapped 900 tons of oil meant for delivery to Europe since January 6. Russia demand Belarusian authorities to stop illegally drawing off oil and to make compensation for the oil they have taken.

European Commission energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs said in an interview with Associated Press that the stoppage in oil supplies is not a direct threat to EU countries. He did, nonetheless, call for an explanation of the situation from Russia and Belarus.

Source:

http://www.tltnews.net/2007/01/09/russia-accuses-belarus-of-tapping-900-tons-of-oil