Belarus’ losses from Russia’s tax maneuver may exceed $1 billion, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said as he heard out a report from Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich.

 (Record)

     “Last year we agreed in principle what Belarus will get from the concessions in the economic union. As is known, Russia is undertaking some tax maneuver that might render null everything we agreed on with the Russian Federation last year. This pertains to the transfer to the Russian budget of duties on oil products levied on the border. As far as I know, talks are underway to sort it out, and this matter has to be sorted out.
     It is not okay: the agreements that have just been enacted are being annulled. As a result Belarus may lose a tremendous amount of money, over $1 billion. How are things on this front?
     We have agreed that on 1 October the budget should be set and the budget bill should be submitted to the parliament for discussion.”