BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

23/05/2006

Energy, sanctions hurting Belarus

MINSK, Belarus, May 23 (UPI) -- Energy prices and Western sanctions are hindering Belarus' development, President Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday in his state-of-the-nation address.

"Two factors are having the most negative impact on the development of Belarus. First, unprecedented pressure from the West on our country, constant threats of imposing sanctions and other inadequate, I would even say, preposterous measures," he told parliament. "Second, the worsening price situation on global markets, mainly the growing prices of energy resources."

The comments on energy come amid a planned move by Russian gas giant Gazprom to increase nearly threefold -- from $50 to $150 per 1,000 cubic meters -- the price of gas to Belarus. Belarus is trying to fight the proposed move.

The former Soviet republic is also under a slew of sanctions because of what many regard as its poor human rights and democratic record.

On May 15, the United States barred Belarus government officials from visiting the country. In March, the European Union tightened traveled restrictions on officials from the country.

Source:

http://www.upi.com/Energy/view.php?StoryID=20060523-084207-8988r