Russian Ambassador took the frills out of Lukashenka

Russian ambassador to Belarus reminded the Belarusian authorities about energy dependence and stated that Russia can refuse to build the nuclear power plant, said at a press-conference in Minsk Russian Ambassador Alexandr Surikov.

"We are not going to buy anything," Surikov said, commenting on the yesterday's statement of Lukashenka about the threat to Belarus' independence.

"We are not going to buy anything, but we will continue to help Belarus. In case of a hard situation we will always support Belarus, and it includes loans and other actions," Surikov said.

As said by him, Lukashenka's approach to independence could be explained by a planned transition to "mutually beneficial market relations in the economy". "We are independent states, but we maintain continuation of the situation in energy deliveries which had been shaped in the Soviet Union," the ambassador said.

Commenting on the transition to market conditions in energy resources trade initiated by Russian in 2006, A. Surikov said: "We understand that it is a difficult issue". At the same time, the ambassador does not consider market conditions in energy resources delieveries Russia's imperial ambitions. "If it is understood as imperial ambitions, please excuse me: does Norway which sells energy resources in market environment, has imperial ambitions too?" "We are speaking about mutually beneficial market relations and agree upon a transition period," he added.

Surikov noted that "transition concerning gas trade started in 2007. However, its cost in Belarus would be lower than in Europe, minus 30% of export dues".

"I do not see any imperial attitude here," he said.

To his mind, "discussion is very emotional on the Belarusian side". "I understand that it is a new work, to reconsider the budget and to look for sources of financing. But it is to happen like this since now," Surikov said.

Energy cooperation on Russia's terms

Speaking about energy cooperation, Surikov stated that Russia is ready to sign the program of cooperation with Belarus in the eergy sphere only in case if this document would take into account principles of mutual benefit and equality of the sides.

"Now the work in done on the draft of this document. There are no contradictions in is as such. But there is a desire of Russia to do business on a mutually benefcial, equal and market basis. I think Belarus' desire is the same," Surikov said.

The diplomat noted that the principle of mutial benefit implies common and equal participation of the sides in energy resources processing, probably "by creation of joint ventures".

"Doing business should be mutually beneficial. It concerns oil, gas, nuclear power and all other energy resources," Surikov said.

He reminded that the project of cooperation of the three countries in fuel and energy complex was created long ago. The diplomat believes that Russia is not to blame for the fact that this program is being approved slowly. "We are not those who are trying to block Russia at the border of the EU, but the conflict situation calmed down after the oil duties dispute was settled. And now the work on te draft program has got off the ground," Surikov said.

Russia threatens to refuse to built NPP

At the press-conference the Russian Ambassador also made harsh comments about possible participantion of China in construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. Surikov stated that Russia can refuse to participate in the project in case Chinese investors would come.

"If there is some Chinese financing in the NPP project, I doubt the Russian side would participate," Surikov said.

The ambassador explained that this position is caused by Russia's disinclination to share technologies with Chinese firms.

"There is an impression that they (Chinese) are spying," Surikov underlined. A said by the diplomat, in case Chinese would take part in the project, "we would make objections and demand additional negotiations with the Belarusian side".

He also stated that "now we have only one disagreement with the Belarusian side: the cost of the NPP construction." Surikov explained that the contractor "started to introduce correcting coefficients, add hazard pay to the cost".

Commenting on the possible participation of American companies in the construction of the Belarusian NPP, Surikov said he is sure this would not happen. "The US won't take part in this project on political grounds, it is clear why," the ambassador said.