Belarusian Mass Media about Russian-Ukrainian “Gas” Conflict

Belarusian pressmen as well as the rest of the world didn’t keep out of covering Russian-Ukrainian contradictions in gas sphere. Quoting Russian and other world information resources, Belarusian mass media cited Russian authorities: V.Putin, D.Medvedev, I.Sechin; officials of the public corporation “Gazprom”: A.Miller, S.Kupriyanov concerning cessation of transit of Russian gas to Western Europe via Ukraine.

Belarusian pressmen as well as the rest of the world didn’t keep out of covering Russian-Ukrainian contradictions in gas sphere. Quoting Russian and other world information resources, Belarusian mass media cited Russian authorities: V.Putin, D.Medvedev, I.Sechin; officials of the public corporation “Gazprom”: A.Miller, S.Kupriyanov concerning cessation of transit of Russian gas to Western Europe via Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials were making much fewer statements. The most exhaustive explanation of Ukrainian attitude to the conflict was given by I.Likhovoy, Ambassador of Ukraine to Belarus, who insisted that “accusations of deranging the transit of Russian gas by Ukraine were completely unjust and fallacious” (“Interfax-Zapad”, “Solidarnost”, 10.01.2009).

“It is time we worked out clear-cut game rules that would take into account not only supplier’s and recipient’s interests but also the interests of transit countries, for instance, of Belarus and Ukraine,” believes Ukrainian diplomat. He noted that “he respects the decision of Belarusian party to increase gas transit” as far as “it is very important for us to prove to Europe that transit countries perform their duties with all diligence” that is why “there can be no reasons to complain about Belarusian stand” (“Narodnaya Gazeta”, 13.01.2009).

Belarusian mass media also reported that “Gazprom” was increasing gas deliveries to European consumers via Belarus. As was reported by the public corporation “Beltransgaz”, all in all gas transit via Belarus increased by 35 million cubic metres per day. “Gas transit through the gas pipeline “Yamal-Europe” was increased by 25.5 million cubic metres per day while through Beltransgaz system – by 9.6 million cubic metres per day,” reported the company (“Belorusskie Novosti”, 8.01.2009, “Interfax-Zapad”, 10.10.2009).

State press was stressing the sound policy of Belarusian authorities. For example, “SB. Belarus today” (14.01.2009) noted that “during “gas war” between its neighbours Belarus was behaving in an expressly properly manner and didn’t seek any momentary profits”. “We want to be a reliable partner first of all for “Gazprom” as well as a reputable partner for all the participants of the transit process,” emphasized the periodical.

It is obvious that under the heat of Russian-Ukrainian struggle Belarusian reasonable attitude was welcomed both by Russia and Europe. Besides that, EU representatives expressed readiness to develop gas-transit resources of our country. “Belarus has the potential to enlarge transit of gas via its territory and we are interested in further development of these projects,” said Head of OSCE office in Minsk H.I. Schmidt talking to journalists (“BelTA”, “Belorusskie Novosti”, 12.01.2009).