BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

13/11/2006

Lukashenko against import duties on Russia's oil

MINSK, November 13 (Itar-Tass) -- President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is against charging import duties on Russia's oil " We have duty -free trade in oil, gas and other goods. I am categorically against charging any duties, in particular, oil duties," Lukashenko told a conference on Monday at which the results of his talks held in Moscow at a top level were discussed.

However, we cannot dictate to Russia on its exports. Nonetheless, we shall insist that whenever any decision is made two oil processing plants in Belarus and oil processing plants in Russia should be in identical conditions, Lukashenko said.

If an average oil price for Russian enterprises makes up 160 dollars, it should be the same for Belarusian enterprises, Lukashenko said. "Otherwise, Belarus needs no such oil," he stressed.

At present, oil processing in Belarus is at a higher level than in Russia, and Belarus has certain benefits from the exports of Belarusian products to other countries, Lukashenko admitted. In this connection, import duties were suggested, Lukashenko said.

Source:

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=10977608&PageNum=0