MINSK, 17 November (BelTA) – President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko doubts whether Belarus’ interests are well taken care of in Customs Union regulations. The Belarus President made the relevant statement at a cabinet session held on 17 November to discuss the Customs Union formation, BelTA has learned. “Speaking directly, I am concerned about whether Belarus’ economic and foreign policy interests are sufficiently protected and fully taken into account as Customs Union terms are agreed,” said the President. Minsk is expected to host a session of the EurAsEC Interstate Council in late November. The session will mark the beginning of the operation of the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia. “On the eve of the final decision I expect everyone, primarily, the government, to provide a full and comprehensive report about the results secured during the preparations. Will the Customs Union be able to handle the problems we faced in the Union State development?” wondered the President. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the Belarusian side expects the Customs Union to be a quality new integration institution based on equal rights and mutual benefits, free choice of goods and services, universal non-tariff regulations, equal business operation terms, removal of unjustified barriers from the mutual trade. “I know that both Kazakhstan and Russia have negotiated several provisos regarding the most vulnerable things,” remarked the President. In his words, Russia and Kazakhstan are alike in some things because they have hydrocarbon raw materials. According to the Belarusian head of state, it means that they will be consolidated in their actions. “Our economy is totally different. For instance, if the Customs Union involved Ukraine, it would be simpler because the two economies are similar. With our economy we can be left alone,” said the President. Alexander Lukashenko remarked that Belarusian negotiators are not sufficiently aggressive. “It seems that we have accepted things as they are (I may be wrong), yielding our positions and getting nothing substantial in return except for assurances and promises,” said the head of state. “I would like to warn you that I will not accept promises that you will deal with things later. Decisions must be made now. We know how these assurances are implemented”. “In the past we often failed to take care of our national interests in time and then later the heads of state would have to work them out. This is not how things should be done,” he added. The President remarked that he had several doubts regarding the unified customs tariff which is supposed to be enacted as from 1 January 2010. “The government reports that the document is agreed and prepared to be signed by the heads of state,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “Have pros and cons been calculated for every commodity? Have Belarusian organizations and companies been contacted regarding their interests and preparations for new business operation terms?” The President believes that all concessions should be mutual and balanced. Alexander Lukashenko said that at present it is unclear whether Russia will lift export duties on oil and whether the Customs Union will have common pricing regulations for natural gas and other energy resources. “I am not convinced by claims that these issues will be dealt with as part of the Common Economic Space. Assurances, oaths and promises are not acceptable. Decisions must be made now. We should see concrete decisions,” stressed the head of state. According to the President it is unclear how customs duties on imports from third countries will be distributed between the budgets of the three countries. It is unclear whether Belarus’ budget will incur losses because of this. “Will we be able to compensate for the lost profits from cooperation with third countries by participating in the Customs Union, which is formed primarily on Russian terms?” wondered the President. “It should be borne in mind that Belarus’ participation in the Customs Union has a deep geopolitical sense. As part of the Customs Union, Belarus loses part of its economic sovereignty in trade dealings with third countries and threatens interests of some domestic producers to some degree”. The Belarusian head of state is also interested whether Belarus will be able to secure better access to and presence in the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan. Alexander Lukashenko told government officials that their evaluations of negative consequences for the country’s economic and political security will be used as the foundation for making the final decision on Belarus’ accession to the Customs Union. “You must understand that any error, any misjudgment will cost dearly for the country and the nation. You can make conclusions yourselves,” said the President. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
