Belarus to buy Russia’s S-400 from

Russia’s ambassador to Belarus Aleksandr Surikov said in the interview to Russian edition “Vremya Novostei” the military cooperation of the two countries “is in good progress” and mentioned as an example the fact that Belarus is going to buy Russia’s new anti-missile weapon system S-400, which Russia sells our country at inner prices.

The today’s issue of “Vremya Novostei” contains an interview with Alyksandr Surikov, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus.

– Is strengthening of military cooperation between the countries is necessary?

– The military cooperation is in good progress, both presidents confirmed it. Last year we delivered anti-missile systems S-300 in Belarus, which are already in service. Now the Belarusian side wants to buy new systems S-400. We stand ready to sell weapon to Belarus at inner prices of Russian market that, like gas prices, can be lower than world prices.

– What support does Moscow expect from Minsk regarding the US missile defense system deployment?

– The negotiations with the US, as well as with Czech Republic and Poland, on problem of deployment of missile defense system elements are not completed. We are thankful to Belarus for its political approval of our position concerning this issue and one of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). We are satisfied with what we have now.

– Can the question on reintroduction of nuclear weapon in Belarus be examined?

– As for today, it can’t be examined. In 1990ies Belarus signed the treaty on removing nuclear weapon form its territory, which was signed by Russia, the US and the UK. These three countries guaranteed inviolability of Belarusian borders and its independence. Moscow, Washington and London will stop being guarantors of Belarusian sovereignty. This situation is obviously dangerous for Belarus.

– What are the perspectives of economic cooperation?

– Vladimir Putin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka confirmed their adherence to the agreements reached a year ago. I mean agreement on shared duties on oil products, produced in Belarus of Russian oil. On the worked out formula, this year 70 per cent of taxes goes to Russia’s budget, and 30 per cent – to Belarus’ one. Next year the taxes are to be shared as 80 to 20. The parties confirmed their adherence to the contract, which defines a formula for gas price for the next three years. Gas price for Belarus is known for the first part of 2008, it will be established two or three times more during the year depending on international oil market.

– How can gas price vary?

– It’s difficult to forecast. One doesn’t know what international oil prices will change. If they fall, gas price will reduce, too.