Belarus–Russia dispute over oil duties goes on

Belarus insists on adhering to the principles of free movement of goods in the Customs Union.

Interfax learnt this from the head of state’s press service after PM Syarhei Sidorski presented a report to Alyaksandr Lukashenka on Monday.

The head of government reported to Lukashenka about a session of the EurAsEC Interstate Council scheduled in St Petersburg for May 21.

“There are a number of issues where the Belarusian party will defend its principal position. This concerns non-enforcement or removal of restrictions from free movement of goods in the Customs Union, for example, customs duties on oil and oil products within the framework of the Customs Union,” the press service noted.

It was also reported that the Belarusian ruler gave instructions regarding the terms of import of cars by individuals to Belarus in conditions of the Customs Union. “Belarus’s position is to take into account most of your interests. Its essence is that the customs duties should be preserved or adjusted to suit all the three countries,” the press service quotes the head of the Belarusian government. “Kazakhstan supports Belarus’s proposal in negotiations on this matter,” Sidorski said.

Besides, the press service says the St Petersburg session is also to consider the issues on operating free economic zones. “Belarus, the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan have effective technological zones, in addition, Russia and Kazakhstan have free economic zones for primary goods. They parties should bring their views on the issues as close as possible,” the Belarusian president’s press service quotes head of government Sidorski.